Tae

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: 12 AM
Location: Execution at the Athletic Arena
Attire: Outfit
Interaction: @Helo Leo @Conscripts John
Mentions:

Mina could feel her heart still racing and whispers still plagued her, but she wasn’t sure if it was from the crowd or in her head. A small part of her wanted to scream, to tell them all to shut up, but now wasn’t the time. No, she couldn’t risk looking any crazier than she already did. Last thing she needed was people creating rumors about her mental health.

Her eyes met Leo’s once more as he spoke and it took her a moment to register exactly what he’d said, but not long enough to be concerning. ”Yes, that sounds like it’s much needed. Thank you.” She said as she took his arm and allowed him to lead her out. She could do with being away from the crowd and she hoped that it could help with the splitting headache she was starting to feel. He also mentioned how he’d sent for John, something she wasn’t surprised about. If she’d witnessed someone do what she just had she likely would have done the same. She would allow John to look her over, even go to the infirmary if needed if only to not raise any more suspicion.

It was Leo’s last words that had her pausing a bit. Yes, perhaps someone had slipped her something. Or, at least, she could use that to her advantage. With all that had already occurred here in Caesonia it wouldn’t be hard to convince others that was the case. So she let her eyes widen in surprise, pressing her free hand against her chest to add to the appearance. ”No, would someone be so nefarious? I suppose it could be possible, given what else you’ve informed me of.” She whispered back to Leo just before her eyes spotted John heading their way.

John had bowed and Mina attempted a curtsy, but not dipping too low as she realized she still felt a bit unsteady. ”I’m still a little dizzy and my head feels like it wants to split open, but other than that I feel better than I did earlier.” Mina responded to his question as she gave a small smile to her friend. She’d known John for quite some time now and she always enjoyed his company. Besides, he was a wonderful doctor and she’d only ever truly trust her health with him. ”Heading back to the guest house sounds ideal, if only to make sure I don’t have any other episodes.” She said before turning to Leo after giving him adequate time to answer John’s question.

”Thank you for taking care of me, Lord Smithwood. Please don’t let me hold you up any longer. Go on and enjoy the rest of your day and rest assured that I’m in the very capable hands of Dr. Williamson.” She said, truly appreciative of her friend and rather happy he was the one this episode happened near.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: 12 am
Location: Festival in the Park
Attire: Outfit. Hair, and Makeup
Interactions: @Ojo chan 42 Dali
Mentions:

---

The blush that graced Saiya's cheeks was deep as she slowly realized she was in Yosri…no…Dali's arms. The strength of his arms, the warmth of his embrace, and the comforting scent that reminded her of home all had her heart skipping a beat and breath catching. She found herself glancing up at him now, having to agree that he seemed taller than the last time she'd seen him. That wasn't entirely unusual for her, however, as many ended up taller than her petite frame. Her eyes did narrow at him when he teased her about falling for him and she instinctively smacked his chest. "Perhaps the gods are just simply trying to tell us something." She ended up teasing back with a small smirk.

He steadied her and she smoothed out her skirt and hair, forgetting she'd left the thick locks loose today. "It's been some time, I think we were only teenagers last time we saw each other. I'm absolutely delighted to see you though. I had no idea you were coming! I'm sure Farim will be happy to see you too." She briefly wondered what Farim was up to and whether or not he knew his brother had come as well. Did Hafiz even know? She certainly wasn't about to run off and find out. The less she had to tolerate that man, the better.

She noticed then that Dali still had her hand and the blush returned once more, but she didn't pull away. Instead she focused in on answering his questions, grin still on her face. "It has been kinder than I've expected and I am grateful for that. It's been rather…eventful since we arrived here. We had quite the entrance at the ball last night." She said with a small laugh, but there was a twinge of embarrassment hidden behind her eyes as she remembered the scene. She wanted to cringe all over again, but managed to refrain. "And how about you? How has your life been serving the gods?" She was genuinely curious, having always been one to believe heavily in the gods.

Hunter's Game (Small Private Group)

Adelaide Varo

Nikolai was either ridiculously brave or ridiculously stupid to stick his finger in the barrel of Alice’s gun. Knowing her sister, Adelaide had no doubt that if the right mood struck her Alice would have blown his finger off right there in the throne room. It seemed, however, that Alice was in a forgiving mood. Or perhaps she was more intrigued by this little creature thing that Latrell fellow had. Either way, Adelaide blew a kiss at Nikolai as he winked at the two of them.

It was then that she heard the big man respond to her and Adelaide met his stare, her own dark grin appearing as she looked at him. Something almost sinister flashed in her eyes for a brief moment, but before she could even respond she heard the Queen's voice. She turned to give her full attention to the woman now, silently scoffing as Maeve seemed to chastise them for not showing her proper respect. If she wished for respect then she should have been paying more attention to her people and the troubles they’ve had with these monsters sooner. Perhaps then far less would be taken in the middle of the night and left to fates that were unspeakable.

Adelaide did take note of the task at hand, mind trying to work out just what exactly this reptilian monster would be. She had a few ideas in her head, but perhaps she’d discuss it with Alice and see what she thought would be the most likely option. It was the last tidbit of information that sent a moment of panic and irritation through her. They were to work in a team. It wouldn’t just be her and Alice, they’d have to work with others. So far she doubted anyone here was going to be thrilled about this nor did she think any of them knew how to play nice.

Alice took a slip of paper and Adelaide took one right after. She glanced over at her sister’s number first before looking at her own. No…no fucking way…yeah this isn’t happening… She thought to herself as she saw the number two on her slip while Alice had one. No, this wouldn’t do at all. She half ignored Nikolai as he called for all number ones to meet him over in a direction, but then she realized she could kiss him for doing that as she watched people start heading in his direction. All she needed to do was convince one of these fuckers to switch her numbers.

She spotted her prey, a man she’d seen that morning at the same inn her and Alice were staying at. They ate breakfast near each other, hopefully he wouldn’t give any issues to swapping numbers. ”Hey I see you got group one, so did my sister yet I unfortunately got group one. Switch?” She would at least try and be civil at first. That method was going quickly out the window, however, as she watched the man look her over quite blatantly and smirk. ”Depends, what am I getting in return?” A quick assessment of this brute and Adelaide had formulated a plan.

”Well I suppose I can give you the antidote to the slow acting poison I placed in your eggs this morning. I was planning on using you as an experiment to see if I got my formulation right or not, but I suppose I could use that on someone else.” She said with a sigh and watched as confusion spread across his face for a moment. He opened his mouth, but she continued to speak. ”By the way, how was that pale ale you had with breakfast this morning? Hopefully it was a worthy last meal?” She watched his eyes widen as he realized it wasn’t a lucky guess and began to question the validity of what she said. She began walking in the direction of group two, but he quickly called out for her to stop. She smirked to herself before turning to look at him again.

”Fine, here. Give me that antidote as well.” He said as he practically threw the paper at her. She handed him her paper as she thanked him before turning to walk towards her sister. ”Hey! Wait! What about the cure?!” He shouted after her and she shrugged at him. ”I’m sorry, but I’m afraid there’s no cure for gullibleness and idiocy.” The dumbfounded look on his face was one she would cherish for a while as she now joined the number one group.

She approached as the brute seemed to be saying something about not enough muscle to open a locked door. ”Of course you wouldn’t be intelligent enough to realize you don’t always need muscle to open a locked door.” She sighed before turning her attention to the redhead. His words had her smirking and letting out a small giggle. At least he seemed to be willing to try and work with them and make a plan.

”While team lizard fuck would be the easier option for me, my sister and I have dealt with our fair share of bruja in our life. I do well working from the shadows and remaining undetected so I can be on team witch bitch. I at least kinda know what to expect there while this guardian lizard is a potential wildcard.” She offered up, at least trying to work with these people.

Hunter's Game (Small Private Group)

Queen Maeve

---

Maeve watched as the group of monster hunters and her guards entered the room. Immediately she began regretting her decisions as the group started bickering. My god, I’m surrounded by idiots… She thought to herself with a sigh, but she kept her regal appearance as she glanced over them. Nikolai, a noble and monster hunter she’d grown fond of, greeted her and showed her the proper respect a queen deserved while the others seemed less apt to do such a thing. While this enraged her a little, she simply ignored it as there were more important matters at hand.

The one with the…whatever that little creature was, seemed to deem it necessary to introduce himself and prattle on about this and that. She stared at him, simply giving him a warning look before her eyes now fell on the creature who came from the rafters. ”Ah I see you finally decided to join us. I was wondering how long you would keep yourself hidden up there.” She said to Izu, her own Cheshire grin appearing for a brief moment and then she moved on to the matter at hand.

”If you all are quite finished with needless introductions, blatantly disrespecting me, and having a pissing contest right here in my court, perhaps we can move on to the matter at hand.” She said, calling each of them out and giving them a stern look before continuing on. ”As you all clearly know, the monster problem has been on the rise once more. After some research, the council and I have discovered what we think may be the cause of such issues. In the mountains north of Jale, there is a cave where many have noticed these monsters coming and going from. We believe there is a bruja living within this cave, using her magic to create many of these creatures and setting them loose on the people of the land. We have decided to call in the best monster hunter to hunt her down and stop her nefarious deeds.” She paused for a moment, letting the information sink in, before continuing.

”With how many of you have answered our call and with how competitive you all seem to be, perhaps we split you into teams of two and make this a little competition. Whichever team can bring back proof of the bruja’s death will be granted land and riches beyond imagination. Be warned, however, as this bruja seems to have some large creature protecting her. We have yet to be able to lay eyes on the monster, but we know it is reptilian in nature. Take her guardian out and then take her out, bring back proof, and the reward is yours.” Maeve then motioned for some servants to start passing out slips of paper. ”On these pieces of paper is either the number one or the number two, find your corresponding numbers and that is who your team will be. Good luck and may the gods be on your side.” With that, Maeve dismissed them all and left the guards in charge of escorting them all out while she went on to leave the throne room to attend to other business.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: 12 am
Location: Outside Sorian Castle—->Festival in the Park
Attire: Outfit. Hair, and Makeup
Interactions: @Apex Sunburn Sjan-dehk, @Ojo chan 42 Yosri
Mentions:

---

As Sjan-dehk went on to tell her all about his ship and Saiya listened with genuine interest. The thought of the freedom he had, the adventures he’d been on, Saiya found herself longing for the same thing. Her mind wandered as she walked arm in arm with him towards the town. She was a little surprised, however, when he began apologizing for talking so much. A small giggle escaped her as she shook her head, looking up at him. ”Please don’t apologize for talking about something you love. I enjoyed hearing you speak about your ship and it makes me even more eager to come visit.” She said with a grin, letting go of his arm and dipping into a curtsy.

”The pleasure was all mine, Captain. Enjoy your stay here and don’t hesitate to call on me if you need anything or just need a friend to talk with. I’ll also be sure to come to the docks here soon to visit.” She bid him farewell before continuing her walk towards the festival.

---

The park was bustling with all sorts of people and Saiya couldn’t keep from grinning some as she wandered through the crowds. In an odd way it reminded her of the bazaars back in Alidasht, with all the people and stalls with shop owners yelling out their goods. Not long ago, she was dreaming of adventure and freedom, now she was longing for home and the familiar scents. She thought it was interesting how one could long to be away from their home yet miss it at the same time.

She found herself making her way up to the Nutty Delights stall, buying a bag of the mixed nuts as she realized she was rather hungry. Her stomach thanked her for finally putting some sort of sustenance in it. As she began to walk away, Saiya noticed a little girl looking longingly at the candy floss being sold at sugary delights. The little girl looked to her older sister, but the older girl shook her head sadly. ”I’m sorry Addy, we don’t have the money for that.” She told her little sister and the look of sadness yet acceptance that crossed the little girl's face made Saiya’s heart ache. Before she knew it, she was approaching the girls and kneeling down next to them.

”Those sure do look yummy, don’t they? I’m thinking of getting one, but I’m just unsure which flavor I want. Which one do you think I should get?” Her soft voice and kind smile helped keep the girl at ease and soon little Addy was smiling shyly back at Saiya. ”Um I think you get the ‘atermelon.” She said, struggling to say watermelon which only made Saiya smile more. Saiya began to nod as she looked at the woman running the stall who’s attention was on them now. ”Could I get one of the watermelon ones please?” She asked and the woman nodded with a smile. A few moments later, Saiya had paid for the sweet treat and was now handing it over to the little girl. ”You enjoy that now and don’t forget to share with your sister, okay?” The little girl nodded and both girls thanked her before running off.

Saiya watched them for a moment longer before she heard the sound of music and began heading in that direction. She came upon a small group of musicians coming to the end of the current song that they were playing. She stood in the small crowd, smiling as she listened happily. ”Now, journey with us across the sea as we explore a few exotic songs in honor of our guests from Alidasht. Perhaps we can transport you to those mystical lands through our music.” One of them said before beginning a song that Saiya was actually rather familiar with. She found herself swaying to the song and softly singing the absent words when she met the eyes of the man who had originally spoken. He grinned at her and she politely smiled back, appreciating their willingness to play different songs.

As the song came to an end, he began to motion for Saiya to come over. She blinked at him for a moment, but then stepped forward with a quizzical look. ”Fret not, my lady, I merely saw you singing to our song and was curious if you were skilled with your voice?” He asked her quietly, keeping a friendly tone to try and put her at ease. Saiya laughed a little and shrugged before she spoke. ”I do enjoy singing and dancing, though my voice is certainly not the best out there. I can hold a tune, however.” The man’s smile grew even more, almost in excitement. ”Would you be willing to sing a song with us then? Perhaps you know this one?” He plucked out a few notes and she immediately knew it. ”Are you sure? You haven’t even heard me sing, you may regret asking.” She said and he simply laughed before addressing the crowd once more.

”Ladies and gentlemen, we have been blessed to have a songstress from the very sands of Alidasht here today. Let’s show our support and encouragement as she lends her voice to our next song!” Saiya turned to watch people giving her applause with wide grins and she knew she wouldn’t be able to get out of this easily. It wasn’t like she was unused to performing, anyways, so she took a deep breath as the musicians started the song.

”Oh, imagine a land, it's a faraway place where the caravan camels roam. Where you wander among every culture and tongue. It's chaotic, but, hey, it's home…” Saiya began, not just singing, but adding a bit of flair to the performance. The crowd quieted once more, becoming entranced in her words as she continued on. ”When the wind's from the East and the sun's from the West and the sand in the glass is right. Come on down, stop on by. Hop a carpet and fly to another Alidashtian night.”

Before she knew it, she was entranced in her own performance as she danced and sang. Her voice traveled over the crowds of people, drawing in more and more. She was coming to the end of the song and that’s when her eyes met those of someone she realized she was familiar with. ”A fool off his guard could fall and fall hard out there on the dunes.” She finished, her eyes never leaving Yosri as she grinned at him excitedly. The crowd began to cheer and shout and she faintly heard the man thanking her, but she was distracted now. She did manage a bow to the crowd before moving towards the man she had spotted. ”Yosri, is that really you?” In her distraction, however, she didn’t notice two teenagers laughing and running through the crowd before it was too late. They collided into her, sending her careening towards Yosri with a gasp.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: 11 AM
Location: Execution at the Athletic Arena
Attire: Outfit
Interaction: @Helo Leo @PapaOso Cassius
Mentions:

Whispers. There were so many whispers in the darkness. The sound was overwhelming and Mina almost wanted to scream, but she found she couldn’t. She was suddenly being shaken awake and a child's voice reached her ears. ”Mina! Wake up! You’re having a nightmare again!” The familiar voice said and Mina’s eyes flew open as she gasped for air. Glancing around the room, she realized she was back in her room..no, not her room, or at least not the one she’d been familiar with for a long time. She was in her old bedroom in her mother’s house.

Mina quickly glanced over at the mirror and saw her four year old self staring back at her. Sitting on the bed beside her was a little boy dressed in an old suit that seemed to be falling apart a bit. Her head now turned to look at the figure next to her. Elijah?” Her small voice sounded weak and tired and she rubbed her eyes some as if she didn’t believe her eyes. ”Of course, silly! Who else would it be?” He said with a small giggle and then she was throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. He hugged her back, giggling again, but then his face became sad. ”Mina, was it a bad nightmare?” He asked her and she thought about it for a minute, but shook her head some.

”It wasn’t bad, but maybe we go climb in bed with Mommy anyways.” She said as she slowly pulled herself out of her bed and grabbed her stuffed rabbit. Bare feet padded on the floor as the small girl in a white nightgown walked down the moonlit halls. Before long, the pair were standing at the foot of her mother’s bed. ”Mommy?” She said as she poked her mother, waiting for Selina’s eyes to open. ”Mommy, can Eli and I sleep with you tonight? I had a bad dream.” She said as her mother sleepily looked at her, a moment of irritation crossing her features.

”Mina, baby, we’ve been over this. You know Eli isn’t-” Selina began saying, but now Mina was irritated as she interrupted her mother. ”Yes he is, Mommy! He’s right here! Why do you keep saying he isn’t real?!” She stomped her foot angrily, endlessly frustrated with her mother. ”Mina…” She started again with a sigh, but this only escalated things more. ”No Mommy! Stop it! Stop saying he isn’t-” ”Mina stop! This needs to stop!” Mina jumped as her mother snapped at her and tears brimmed in her eyes. Immediately Selina regretted her outburst and her eyes softened as she looked at her daughter.

”Oh Mina, I’m sorry baby. Come here, of course you can sleep with me.” She said as she reached for the little girl, picking her up, but Mina now noticed something. Her mother looked right at Elijah and that was fear in her eyes…

---

Mina began to convulse in Leo’s arms for a moment and those around them began to gasp in panic while watching the scene. People began asking if they should call someone to help, but then Mina stilled. Almost as quickly as it happened it ended, but Mina was no longer breathing.

Darkness had once again consumed Mina’s consciousness and the whispers returned once more. She wanted it to stop…no, she NEEDED it to stop. Her head was pounding, but then she heard something within the whispers. Her name, someone was calling her name! She grabbed onto that sound, focusing on it and tried moving towards it. Slowly it got more and more clear, almost sounding like her mother calling to her. ”It’s time to wake up darling. You can’t give in yet, you’re stronger than I was. Come on Mina. Wake up. Mina.” Slowly the sound morphed into a different voice, that of a male.

“Mina?” Leo had said, but for a very long and concerning moment there was no response. Mina didn’t take a breath and people were beginning to ask if she were dead. Suddenly, Mina sucked in a gasp and her eyes flew open as she looked around wildly in a panic. Her eyes then found Leo’s and she felt tears sting her eyes as she began to realize she was back. ”Leo…” She choked out before throwing her arms around him in a hug as she trembled. ”I’m okay. I’m sorry. I’m okay.” She wasn’t sure if she was saying it to reassure him or herself, but she kept repeating it for a moment before she let go of the man. She slowly got herself up, brushing herself off as she glanced around.

”Apologies for worrying anyone. I suppose the heat got to me or something.” Mina said with a small laugh, but she was still so pale. Her eyes fell on a man who seemed to be looking at the burning dead man now, finding him a little curious looking, but then her gaze moved on. There seemed to be more people around now, but something seemed off. Did that man have multiple stab wounds? And who would bring their newborn baby to something like this? Why were they still staring at her? Wait, was that…Elijah?

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: 11 am
Location: Vikena Estate
Interactions: @princess Charlotte, @JJ Doe △△△
Mentions:
Outfit: Dress, Stockings, Boots

---

Thea’s brows knit together as the Count introduced himself in a rather odd manner. She didn’t think long on it, however, as he complimented her on her eyes and she felt a slight blush cross her cheeks as she began to grin at him. ”Oh, well thank you. I actually don’t often get compliments on it. My father always said it was unsightly and an unfortunate imperfection.” She said, a small and nervous laugh escaping her. She wasn’t sure why she shared such a detail as it only made her upset internally and wishing for a drink, but here she was. She barely heard the other ramblings he went off on as she worked to keep ahold of herself.

It wasn’t until he addressed the kitten that she was pulled back to reality and she let out a gasp. ”Lottie, I didn’t realize you had a kitten! Oh my goodness, he is so cute!” She squealed excitedly, feeling a little silly that she was just now realizing the little darling was there. She quickly stood and moved over to the little thing, slowing as she approached him and growing real quiet as she knelt down beside Champion. ”Hello, you sweet little thing.” She began giving him scratches under his chin and just loving on the sweet baby for a moment. She then sat down beside him, allowing him to climb all over her if he so wished.

She then glanced over as Fritz mentioned sweets, another smile lighting up her face. ”You spoil us, Count Fritz. I do hope you all know, though, that when it comes to chocolate I won’t fight fair.” She said with a small giggle.

Hunter's Game (Small Private Group)

Adelaide Varo

A curly blonde walked beside another pretty blonde, glancing around at those walking through the hall with them. Adelaide was dressed in her favorite go to monster hunting outfit, hood currently pulled down. She found herself intrigued by some in the group and while others completely bored her merely off of their looks. Were these really the best monster hunters in the land? How disappointing. She did spot a familiar face, however, and found herself smirking as they entered before the queen and he was quick to address Queen Maeve herself. She watched as Nikolai kneeled and then was glancing around to see if anyone else would do the same, not planning on doing so herself. She, unfortunately, had very little respect for anyone in an authoritative position as they never really seemed to be worthy of her regard.

She watched as Nikolai approached her and her sister, smirking at his words as she crossed her arms over her chest. Of course he would tease them, this certainly didn’t surprise her and she was sure it wouldn’t surprise him how she would respond. ”Oh darling, please underestimate me. That’ll be fun.” She blew him a kiss, but then another voice caught her attention. She turned to see the giant of a man, blinking at him for a moment.

”Pray tell, why the fuck would we want to lift an ox? Are we going to be throwing it at the monsters? Is this a new discovery of how to kill vampires or something?” The sarcasm dripped from her words, but the sweetest of smiles graced her face as she looked up at the man.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: 11 am
Location: Outside Sorian Castle
Attire: Outfit. Hair, and Makeup
Interactions: @Apex Sunburn Sjan-dehk
Mentions:

---

His embarrassment wasn’t lost on Saiya, however she chose not to acknowledge it in hopes to keep from adding to any embarrassment. ”Well you are a good man, Captain. One of the best I’ve met since coming to Caesonia and you aren’t even from here.” She gave a dip of her head in appreciation again. He reminded her some of her brothers, how they would do what they could to protect her from her father because it was the right thing to do. Or perhaps he reminded her more of Kahrem and his kindness. A twinge of sadness gripped at her heart as she thought of the lost Kadir sibling. She needed to move her thoughts elsewhere so as not to be lost in the grief of old wounds.

She latched onto the mention of her ‘father’ and a small sigh escaped her as she realized how bitter those words had tasted on her tongue as she called Hafiz her father earlier. ”Well he certainly likes to think he’s strong and powerful.” She mumbled, but then let another giggle escape her as she was reminded of the sight of the women. It had been rather satisfying to see their fear. ”It was rather funny, wasn’t it? Quite fun knocking people off their high horse.” For a moment, Saiya found herself glancing out towards the town and debating on what she should do with the rest of her day. She was unsure of what the Kadir children had decided to do and so she couldn’t say where they were.

Her attention was caught once more by Sjan-dehk. ”While I appreciate the offer, I do not wish to keep you if you need to return. I’m truly unsure of where to go next, perhaps I shall find some food and maybe go to the festival in town.” She said, thinking out loud some and plotting her next steps. She had yet to really eat yet today and knew that was something quite important to do. Hopefully the festival would have some interesting and yummy things to eat. She had yet to be really impressed by Caesonian food, deciding much of it was far too bland for her. She was missing the curries and spices from home.

”Will you be in Caesonia for long? I would very much like to come see your Sada Kurau at some point if you will be here for a little while. I’m sure she is absolutely beautiful.” Perhaps it appealed to her free spirited and adventurous heart, but Saiya had always found ships rather interesting. They could take you so many places and on so many adventures, it was a way one could truly be free. Deep down, Saiya wished for that freedom and longed to one day see the world, but the likeliness of that happening was slim. She was likely destined to spend the rest of her days watching over the Kadir children and serving them in whatever way they needed. It didn’t keep her from daydreaming, however.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: 11 am
Location: Entrance Hall of Sorian Castle
Attire: Outfit. Hair, and Makeup
Interactions: @Apex Sunburn Sjan-dehk
Mentions:

---

Viserjanta? Jafi? Saiya wracked her brain trying to remember if she’d ever heard of these places, but was having trouble remembering anything. Several clues pointed her towards the conclusion that he was quite a ways away from home, one of said clues was his accent and stumbling over a word. She noted his face deepened and she wanted to reassure him that it was okay, that he need not fret over mispronouncing anything. Before she could say anything, however, he excused himself and turned on the vicious tongued women.

He spoke to them, calling them out for their cruelty, and at first Saiya was shocked. Eyes wide, she found herself peeking around Sjan-dehk to see how the women would respond. The look of horror and shock on their faces was more than satisfying and she had to quickly cover her mouth in order to suppress a giggle from escaping her. Despite this not being his first language, he certainly had a way of stringing words together and Saiya was rather impressed. Nevertheless, she did worry what repercussions this would have for him and felt the need to step in so he wouldn’t be the only one to blame.

Stepping up beside him, she slowly reached up and linked her arm with his as she grinned at the women. ”Such wonderful advice the Captain has, wouldn’t you agree? I think everything he said was well spoken and agreeable. Perhaps next time you decide to open your mouth, you’ll think about it first. Now if you’ll excuse us, we were just leaving.” Before she could turn, however, one of the women grew bold. It was the same woman who had earlier claimed she wasn’t that pretty as she’d been waiting to enter and speak with the princes.

”How dare you speak to us in such a manner! Do you not know who I am? I am the daughter of a duke! I will be making sure my father hears-” The cold glare she received from Saiya stopped her in her tracks and that courage began to falter.

”Do you not know who I am? I am the daughter of the Grand Vizier, brother of the Sultan of Alidasht. You were there last night, I remember your face. I know you saw what happens when my family is offended. The Sultan was merciful last night, how do you think he’d react if there was a second slight to one of his family members? Perhaps you would lose more than just your tongue or your eyes.” The woman gulped and shrank back, as did the rest of the crowd while looking at the pair now in fear. Saiya, of course, knew she likely didn’t have that much power to ensure any of that, but they certainly didn’t know that. She would wield whatever weapon she was handed and that daughter of a duke made it incredibly easy. ”Excuse us.” She said once more before walking outside with Sjan-dehk.

Once outside, Saiya couldn’t hold in her laugh any longer and began giggling as she looked up at the man she still had her arm linked with. ”Thank you for that. I truly appreciate you standing up for me like that without even knowing me and, in turn, giving me the courage to speak up as well. If I can repay you in any way, please let me know and I would be happy to do what I can.” A genuine smile lit up her face now, a grateful look in her eyes.