A Prince and His Knight

[Tinker Bell]

((I love that idea!))


Devan knew that he couldn't stop for every child he saw that looked scared and upset. However, he hadn't expected to see something like that so soon. It broke his heart that his people were suffering in such a way. He didn't stop after that. Instead he smiled kindly at the people who caught his eye, a silent message of hope. He was going to do this and everything would be okay. There was no way he was going to give up until he saved his people.


If he died, it wouldn't be until after he won. He would also make sure that Kai was safe too. He wasn't going to let Kai die. He was his closest friend. Devan could easily see the hidden messages behind the rough exterior and he didn't want to lose him. Finally they were in the town where they would be staying the night. But he soon realized that no place had any open rooms. Despite various people's attempts at convincing him they would give up their room for the night, Devan was having none of it.


They were there for a night. He wasn't going to make someone leave the room they called their temporary home just for them. Devan could handle a night somewhere that wasn't a fancy hotel. Or any hotel. He just hadn't figured out where yet.

 

[Quatre Winner]

(Plus, it would give the excuse that they'd have to cuddle xD Kai will not be pleased xD )


Kai was grateful that the prince showed some self-restraint and stayed on his horse. It wasn't that the knight thought Devan was wrong to try and personally comfort his people, but that there were so many of them. There would be plenty of time for visiting individuals later. Kai refused to think of any possibility but that his prince would return. The knight wasn't so sure about himself, but that was neither here nor there. If one of them had to die, the knight was the most practical choice.


Once in town, Kai's worst suspicions were confirmed. No room at any inn or lodging house or private home could be offered. They went to every building in the small town, but every room was packed with people. Even front rooms of houses, where people were sleeping on the floor, leaving no rom to walk. The townsfolk were beside themselves when they learned that the prince would not take any of their places, no matter how much they said they didn't mind. It was amazing to see such gentle yet firm denials from the prince, so sweetly put that no one could possibly be upset with him. It did not surprise Kai at all that his prince would not let anyone give up their space for his sake. Kai would have thought less of him if he had.


As they led their horses back to the edge of town, with many people watching them pityingly from windows and doors, the two travelers came across a farmer leading his cows out into a small pen beside his barn. That was unusual, to say the least. In speaking with the farmer, they discovered that he was emptying his barn to take in refugees, as his home was now full. So far, the barn was empty, but sometimes more villagers from the outskirts came at night, running with terror in their eyes and not caring where they were, so long as they were safe. So far, the magic of the kingdom was protecting these homes, but who knew how long it would last?


The knight's request that they stay in the barn was eagerly accepted, especially when the prince made it clear he would not allow anyone to sleep there in his place. For himself, Kai had spent rougher nights than Devan, so he wasn't that concerned. It was just something that had to be accepted. In the end, the farmer had to accept, though he brought out his own blankets, without telling the prince or knight, and insisted on them having his trusty guard dog with them, just in case. They were given food and a lantern, and the farmer more or less made them promise to call him if they needed anything, no matter how small.


Kai thanked him, but was glad when it was just himself and the prince again (including the dog, who lay near teh door of the barn, his tongue lolling out). Devan looked ragged around the edges, and Kai wrapped a blanket around his shoulders, sitting near him with their night's meal on his knees so the prince could eat more easily. Bread and cheese and a little milk. Nothing much, but it would do. At least their horses had plenty of hay. The noble beasts stood nearby in their own stalls, happily munching on oats provided by the farmer.

 

[Tinker Bell]

Devan was grateful to the farmer. He even figured out something about whatever was attacking his people. It, or they, seemed stronger at night. Otherwise people wouldn't come running at night instead of during the day. Perhaps that was the key. Attack during the day when it, or they, was weak. Unless it only showed itself during the night. Devan started to feel like he was in over his head.


Finally they were alone and Devan's confident facade started to crumble. He held the blanket around himself, glad for the comfort it seemed to symbolize. Then he looked up at Kai. "We need to talk to some of the refugees." He said. "They're the only ones who know about whatever this is. The more information we can get the better." He didn't want to go in blind. That would be reckless and stupid. Not to mention dangerous and a death wish.


Whatever information they could get from the refugees - without pushing them into madness - was needed. He ate the small meal slowly. When he was done, he suddenly felt totally tired. As if he could sleep for a year. A small yawn escaped his lips and he leaned against the knight. He didn't care if Kai wasn't expecting it, he liked feeling him right next to him.

 

[Quatre Winner]

Kai wasn't expecting it, and couldn't help a little flinch at the contact. As he would rather not think about how physical contact truly made him feel, he tended to push it away whenever it was offered. However, given the circumstances, he could tolerate Devan's leaning against him. The prince was tired and cold, and there wasn't much to lie on but straw. More than that, Kai had detected the slight tremor in his high voice and knew what it meant. Devan was scared and unsure, and the knight didn't blame him for either emotion. If it helped at all, he could swallow his pride and let the prince use him as a pillow. If he secretly wanted that head to stay against his shoulder, he wouldn't admit it, even to himself.


"We'll talk to some of them tomorrow." the knight nodded. He wasn't yet able to reciprocate with physical contact, choosing to just kind of pat the prince's shoulder awkwardly. "It'll be better in the light of day, after they've slept…and we've slept. Speaking of which, you should get some sleep, your highness."


Kai was surprised at the hint of reluctance in his voice. Sleeping meant the prince would stop leaning on him. So what? Inwardly, he growled at himself. Kai handed the last chunk of cheese to the prince, encouraging him to eat. They might not be able to find anything fresh in the borderlands, and he needed all the strength he could get. Kai was worried about Devan's nerves, even if the prince was stronger than he seemed. Right now, he needed to keep warm, and get rest. With one hand, Kai managed to remove his cloak and drape it over the prince's shoulders.

 

[Tinker Bell]

Devan noticed the flinch, but he honestly he had been expecting it. Then he said they would talk to them tomorrow. Devan was glad that he agreed with the idea. Although he would have spoken to some anyway. They needed to know what they were getting sent to fight. He frowned a little when Kai said 'your highness'. "Devan." He mumbled. He was certain he'd told him to just call him Devan. He saw them as friends and friends used each other's names.


Then Kai held out the cheese to him. He knew he was going to have to eat it because he felt as if Kai wouldn't. He didn't want to waste the food either, so he ate it. The cloak was around his shoulders and he felt warm, but it wasn't just because of the fabric covering him. "You should sleep too." Devan said, stifling a yawn. He was extremely tired, but that was because he hadn't been able to sleep the night before either. After a moment he closed his eyes and relaxed.


Without laying down, he was asleep. He felt comfortable leaning against Kai and he didn't want to stop. Being next to the knight made him feel safer. He was glad that Kai was with him. There was honestly no knight he trusted more. With any other he would have to seem confident all the time. Not with Kai, he saw through it anyway.

 

[Quatre Winner]

Kai hoped Devan never took it personally that he didn't seem comfortable with physical contact. It wasn't Devan, but himself. Kai never knew what to do when people tried to hug him or anything of that nature. If they were male, usually they got a quick shove backward. Devan was special, though. Kai was even trying not to be so stiff about it, especially when the prince mumbled his own name, indicating that he wanted the knight to use it. Kai wasn't sure he could in public, but at least in private he would humor his prince.


Kai watched him eat the cheese, thinking of what they would have to do in the morning. Not just then, but for the near future. As the attacks tended to happen at night, they couldn't afford to sleep at the same time. They would have to keep watch and take turns doing so. Even Kai was not so inhuman as to think he could go for days without sleeping, just to spare the prince the effort. They would have to share duty. It looked like he'd have to take first watch, anyway.


As the prince drifted quickly off to sleep, Kai couldn't suppress a small smile. Devan always looked youthful anyway, but in sleep, he was almost cherubic. The way his soft hair framed his face, and pink lips opened slightly, drawing in breath. The long, dark lashes fluttered slightly, brushing his skin. Kai had been noticing little things like this a lot lately, but in that moment, with nothing around them but barn walls, the horses, and the farmer's old dog (which had crawled back to them and was lying beside Devan), Kai almost felt like they were removed from the daily hubbub of the castle and the world. If only they could have more of these moments.


Gradually, it became clear to the knight that his mind was wandering down paths it shouldn't. The knight had reached up to brush a lock of hair from the prince's cheek, only to stop halfway when he realized what he was doing. With a deep frown, he took the prince gently in his arms for a moment, only to lay him down on a nearby pile of straw. Tucking his cloak around the prince, he drew a few feet apart from the sleeping form on teh floor, settling down on a low milking stool. It wouldn't do them any good for him to get too distracted. He forced his mind to other things and settled in for the long hours ahead, ready to defend his prince if need be.


(Kai will wake the prince up in four hours for his turn, and so on. We can cut to morning if you want.)

 

[Tinker Bell]

Devan felt himself being moved away from Kai. He curled in on himself a bit, as if that could mimic the warmth of being near Kai. Although he didn't wake up. He was too tired to even attempt to open his eyes. His dreams were filled with the possibilities of what could happen. The good ones anyway. Like it being really easy and them being home in a week. He liked that one. Not that he was naive enough to believe it would be that easy.


The morning came around, but Devan was already awake. The shifts were a bit annoying, but he also knew they were necessary. They would be utterly defenseless if they slept at the same time. This just meant he got to see a side of Kai. The side that was totally relaxed. It seemed weird that they had been friends for so long, yet Devan never really saw him relaxed before.

 

[Quatre Winner]

This was the only time Kai ever stopped being tense and on-guard. In sleep, Kai looked closer to his actual age, rather than the old soul in a young body that he tended to be while awake. He slumbered peacefully, dark hair falling in his closed eyes, his chest rising and falling slowly. If he had dreams of any kind, only slight twitches of his face gave them away.


It was saying something that the knight felt he could sleep with the prince on duty. He usually had a hard time trusting others to do their job properly, which caused friction with some of the other knights as times. But he was practical, too, and not out to make himself look better. He simply held everyone to the same high standards he had set for himself. Kai had to trust his prince now not to fall asleep on watch, and to keep his eyes peeled for trouble.


Thankfully, nothing had happened that night, and as the morning dawned quietly under heavy clouds, his eyes blinked open to greet the new day. Seeing the prince in his place a few feet apart from him, Kai felt an inexplicable pang of loneliness. It was brief, but startling, as he hadn't really felt the need for anyone else lying next to him before that moment. He blinked again, shook his head, and sat up, cracking his neck loudly. A very bad habit, but he liked to stay loose.


"Devan." he greeted, voice still rough from sleeping. Unlike in sleep, that quintessential sharpness was back in his expression and eyes. But they were assessing, too, and looked at the prince with concern. Devan looked tired. Kai had to remind himself that the prince hadn't gone on war campaigns before, and even though the kingdom had no quarrel with its neighbors, they often helped with small skirmishes along borders. He'd been on a few of those, which meant kipping in the open and short sleep.

 

[Tinker Bell]

Devan looked over at Kai when he started to wake up. He flinched at the sound of Kai cracking his neck. It was not a nice sound. The usual sharpness was back, but he had used Devan's name. The simple greeting made the young prince smile. He liked hearing Kai use his actual name. He wished everyone would use it instead of 'your highness' or putting 'prince' in front of it. Not that he could really control what people did.


Well, technically he could. He just didn't want to order people to do it. He wanted people to use his name because he'd just asked and they wanted to. Few people did that though. So the ones who did were even more special to Devan. "Good morning, Kai." He said with a smile.


He was still nervous about talking to refugees today and he was definitely tired. He wasn't going to let either in the way though. They had a job to do. He had a job to do and he was going to do it.


I am currently occupying my iPod~

 

[Quatre Winner]

Kai used the prince's name here because that was what Devan had asked him to do. The knight's duty was to obey his prince, after all. However, with any others around, he would slip back to honorifics because that was how things had to be. Kai realized that he liked the way 'Devan' rolled off his tongue, so maybe it wouldn't be so awkward after all. The way Devan said his name was a bit like music…he had always liked how that soft, high voice sounded when speaking, but especially when it was his name.


Standing up, the knight shook his cloak out, scattering dust and straw away from the prince. "Did you sleep well?" he asked, clasping the cloak around his neck. The prince seemed to be tired, but otherwise fine. Kai would have to see about breakfast for him, as they had a grim job ahead of them. Judging by the faces yesterday, getting information out of any refugees was not going to be an easy task. It would have to be mostly Devan doing the asking anyway. Though Kai never sought for popularity, and didn't much care what others thought about him, in this case he was very aware of his own shortcomings. Kai had a natural solemnity of countenance that, when added to the intensity of his gaze, and his rather straight posture, made him seem unapproachable. Usually, he was, not liking to deal with trivialities, but the refugees needed someone comforting and gentle, which he never could manage. Kai would do his best not to interfere with the proceedings, or to look too threatening as he stayed in the background near the prince.

 

[Tinker Bell]

Devan stood up and stretched a little bit. He straightened his clothes, knowing he needed to look as if he hadn't slept on a bed of hay. Even though he did, he still needed to be the image of a perfect prince. Sometimes it was rather difficult, but now more than ever he needed to be just that. "Yes. Did you sleep well?" He asked. He was mentally preparing for the day, knowing he'd do most of the talking.


The people would most definitely respond better to Devan. It wasn't that Devan didn't think Kai didn't care about the people. It was just that Devan was more open and he looked more inviting. The best chance they had at answers was for the people to want to tell them. He guessed there would be a lot of crying and a lot of resurfaced fear depending on how long the refugees had been away from the border towns. He would have to be ready for the breakdowns. Or the horror stories. Whatever was going to happen. He was just glad that Kai would be with him. There was no way he could do this alone.

 

[Quatre Winner]

"Well enough." came the answer. Kai moved over to the prince, smoothing out his tunic and dusting his hair and shoulders. There were just little bits that Devan couldn't see, and the knight knew, just as the prince did, that he needed to look his best.


At that moment, the farmer's dog suddenly sat up, tail wagging, and went to the closed barn door, scratching the wooden surface with a loud whine. Though Kai could tell the dog was excited because someone he knew was outside the door, the knight still placed a hand o the hilt of his sword. Overprotective, maybe, but the hand didn't fall back to his side again until the farmer pushed in with a basket under one arm.


"Ai, get down, fang." he nudged the dog out of his way, but scratched it behind the ears briefly. Then, making as deep a now as he could with the basket in the way, he addressed the prince. "My apologies for these unsuitable accommodations, your highness. I hope you enjoy your breakfast better. It's not much, but the best we have in our humble home."


Kai stepped forward to take the basket, peering in and seeing muffins and cheese, plus some sausages wrapped in a cloth. Simple food after the usual castle fare, but substantial nonetheless.


The farmer bowed again, nervously, eager to please and fearing what he had wasn't good enough. "I'll have some fresh milk for your highness once I have tended to my cows."

 

[Tinker Bell]

Devan didn't fight the adjustments from Kai. Without a mirror, he could only see the major problems with his appearance from the neck down. Just the front of course. So help was welcomed. Then the dog was up and at the door. Not knowing who it could be, Devan took a step back so he was just a bit behind Kai.


Not that he didn't trust his people, they just couldn't take any careless risks so soon. When he saw it was just the farmer, he moved out from behind the taller male. He easily picked up on the farmer's nervousness and he didn't want him to feel bad. "They are more than suitable." He told him with a kind smile. "Thank you for allowing us to stay for the night, sir." He even bowed a bit back at the farmer. They were going to need whatever help and hospitality they could get while they could get it.


While the accommodations were not what he was used to, he wasn't such a snob that he was going to complain about them. They had sought shelter for the night and that was what they had gotten. So in his mind, there was nothing to complain about and no reason to make the farmer feel guilty for not being able to give more than what he had.

 

[Quatre Winner]

It was well that Devan didn't mind Kai's fussing- the knight seemed unaware that he had a bad habit of doing it, and even if he knew, he may not have seen the need to correct himself. It was just as much his duty to make sure the prince was well turned-out on such occasions as it was to protect him from danger. After all, the prince had brought no retinue on this mission; no servants, no valets. All he had was Kai, and the knight didn't mind taking on both jobs.


At the moment, he was playing butler, setting out the food on his own cloak like a picnic. If he smelled like a barn later, it was just part of the job. Kai was glad his prince chose to make the best of thing and not bemoan his hard luck. It made things easier for all involved.


The farmer, with much genuflecting, begged that they would not hesitate to ask for anything they needed. He would bring them their fresh milk and take care of their horses for them. Before he could leave to tend to his cows, Kai turned to him and asked about the other people filling up in his home. At least the farmer was not too intimidated to talk to him.


"There's a good lot in there, sir." the man responded, turning his wide-brimmed hat in his hand. "Most of 'em came in night before last, and we expected more after you and his highness came to stay."


"But no one else turned up?"


The farmer shook his head. "Not as we know of. It's a job feeding the ones we've got already, so I can't say as I'm glad it didn't happen."

 

[Tinker Bell]

Devan simply nodded at the request that they ask for anything they needed. He didn't want to strain the farmer by asking too much. That's how Devan was, so he usually asked for very little at all. He'd rather have the farmer put his energy into helping the refugees in his house than them. Kai asked about said refugees and Devan became aware of everything. He was more determined than ever to beat whatever this was.


Not only was it terrorizing the people from the border towns but it put a burden on those who didn't by helping the refugees out. Although the tiniest bit of him was glad they had arrived rather a short time ago. It would mean their memories would be vivid. As would their reactions.


"Sir?" Devan knew most of the common people didn't expect the prince to call them sir or ma'am. That was why he did it. On top of showing them he respected them as much as they did him. "Do you think it might be possible for us to speak with them?" He asked. He wouldn't ask them anything if they couldn't handle it. "We need to know as much as we can about what we're up against."


I am currently occupying my iPod~

 

[Quatre Winner]

The farmer did seem a bit startled to be addressed as 'sir', but it only served to make him more grateful and helpful. The anxious expression on his face shifted to something like eagerness, and he nodded to the prince.


"Of course, your highness! I will send those in as can best help you once you've had a chance to eat." With that, he bowed himself out of the barn, taking his dog with him.


Kai had to admit that he was glad when they were alone again. he never knew quite what to do about all the bowing and scraping that went on in Devan's presence. It was a prince's due, but sometimes there was far too much of that, and not enough efficiency of speech. Kai knew he was being nitpicky, so he shifted focus onto their breakfast, touching the prince's shoulder to get his attention.


"Come on- the food will get cold." he gestured to his cape, and the spread laid on it, settling down only when the prince had done so. Kai's thoughts were clearly wandering as he ate; he said less than usual, even for him. However, he was mindful of the prince, constantly looking over to him to see if he needed anything.

 

[Tinker Bell]

Devan smiled a little bit. "Thank you." All the bowing got tiring after awhile, but Devan grew used to it. Then the farmer was gone. They would get their answers and Devan would try to figure out the best way to defeat whatever this was. He needed to know anything.


Devan suddenly felt Kai's hand on his shoulder. He managed not to flinch as he looked up at his knight. Then he nodded a little and sat down next to the food.


Occasionally he looked up at Kai and noticed the change in him. He seemed distracted even though he did look at Devan often. "Are you alright?" He asked softly after a moment. He also took note of the unusual silence. Well, unusual for Kai. He hoped nothing was bothering him.


I am currently occupying my iPod~

 

[Quatre Winner]

Kai was bothered by a number of things, but then, they both had good reason for it. However, he seemed to shake himself at Devan's question, trying to visibly relax to put his prince at ease. Something small and warm leaped in his heart to hear those words of care. Kai tried not to pay too much attention to that, and focused on their breakfast instead.


"I'm just thinking." he said quietly, truthfully. Kai divided their breakfast, eating the smaller portion himself and keeping what they didn't eat to pack in their saddle bags for later. His blue eyes still turned to the prince, but the knight didn't seem to be able to help himself. His expression was calm enough, but under the mask, he felt worried.


As the first refugees were ushered in by the farmer's wife, he felt his worries increase. Hastily finishing his breakfast, he stood up, moving behind the prince. Kai tried not to look too menacing, even though he was also there to protect Devan from harm. The three refugees seemed to have worse fears on their minds, and barely looked at the knight, which suited him.


"You sent for us, your highness?" the foremost refugee asked, bowing shakily. Fear seemed to run through the haggard-looking man, as well as the two girls who stood behind him, holding onto one another. Probably his daughters, by their similar looks and young ages. Though their clothes looked like they'd recently been cleaned, and their bodies didn't show any signs of starvation, the three refugees nevertheless almost looked like ghosts. Their wide, staring eyes and taut muscles indicated they would bolt if a movement was too sudden, or a noise too loud.

 

[Tinker Bell]

Devan nodded a little bit when Kai told him he was thinking. He figured it was about what they were up against and Devan watched as Kai seemed to relax. Part of him said it was just because he didn't want to worry Devan. He ate the food, knowing it wasn't what he was used to. Despite that, it wasn't bad. It was what they needed, simple and healthy. The simpler the better for this trip. He couldn't waste time with little things like the way the food was presented, as that was one of the main differences.


Then three refugees were brought in by who must have been the farmer's wife. Devan stood up slowly, as if not to scare the three. They looked as if they'd seen the devil and were afraid he would come back. "Yes, sir." He said, smiling kindly. He knew that Kai was likely trying not to look terrifying (and Devan means that in the kindest way possible), but he knew showing them right from the start that he was definitely on their side was the key.


"We are going to the border towns to defeat whatever it is that is plaguing all of the people." He sounded formal, as a prince should, but concerned on a personal level, which he was. "I was wondering if you three might be able to provide us with any information on what it is. Any you'd be willing to share as I know it might be difficult." He then looked at the younger girls. "It can't get you while you're here and I plan on stopping it before it has any chance to make it this far." He assured them. It might be a good way to see how much they'll tell without questions first.

 

[Quatre Winner]

Kai stood behind the prince, whom he had given the milking stool, as though they were back at the castle and Devan was meeting someone in state. It was a weird juxtaposition to be having this meeting in a barn, with the horses in the background nickering and the smell of straw permeating the air. The whole situation was odd, but luckily, being in such a place made the presence of the prince and his knight less overwhelming than they would be in a mighty fortress.


The girls remained mute, standing behind their father, who spoke to Devan in a quiet, strained voice. Every so often, he would look up at the prince, but mostly, his wide eyes were directed at the floor, as though he was seeing the past there.


"It happened so fast… My wife, she…she was alright a day ago. Things around us started to get dark that night, though, like there was a new moon. It was supposed to be half… And she was next to me in our bed, and suddenly…. " Unable to properly describe what he had seen, he made a vague gesture with his hands, then dropped them to his sides. "I only just got out. Grabbed the girls and our horses and ran. Had to sell the first one. No time for us to go back and get food or supplies. Other horse…. i think one of the creatures got her."


Behind him, one of the girls let out a quiet sob and buried her face in the taller one's shoulder. Kai showed nothing of what he felt about this, though his sharp blue eyes narrowed slightly. Hearing about these hardships brought out the pity in his heart, though there was no object at which to target his righteous anger. It took some presence of mind not to just blurt out questions right there; he had far too many, and they would have come out very harsh.

 

[Tinker Bell]

Devan listened patiently. The story scared him. Mainly because it wasn't just a story. He knew that once they stopped this thing and the refugees were home, they would need help getting back on their feet. Devan would do whatever it took to ensure that they all got the help they needed.


"You're wife..." His voice was soft. Trying to find out how to word it. "Was it as if she had been possessed? What about her changed exactly?" Possessed might be the only word to describe it. He kept glancing up at the girls, ready to have Kai lead them out if they couldn't handle it. "Have you seen one of the creatures?" Now he knew there were more than one. More than one of whatever they were. He was definitely treading on careful water right now. One wrong question could break these people.


Using tapatalk

 

[Quatre Winner]

Oddly enough, Kai was thinking on the same lines as the prince, partly because he knew that was where Devan's brain would go. What was to happen when all this was finished? How could the people scrape themselves back together? He didn't know, except that the king and queen, and their son, would do everything in their power to help. Kai and the knights of the realm would, too.


From behind the prince, he watched as the man's lip trembled, though that little detail didn't make him seem weak at all. Thinking of his wife was obviously a terrible wrench, but they needed to know what they were up against.


"She….she got bigger, somehow… I couldn't see in the dark, but the shadow of her grew. And she gave me this." Carefully, he lifted his tunic, revealing a freshly-bandaged wound on his left side. "It was like claws…and her eyes burned red. But I couldn't see. Everything was so dark…" For a moment, he covered his mouth, as though trying to retain his composure.


Standing behind and to one side of the prince, Kai nevertheless saw and understood those brief looks in his direction. Slowly, so as not to startle the girls, he made his way over to them, trying very hard to be as unthreatening as possible. They still shrank away from him, and when he softly asked if they wanted to go back to the farmhouse while their father spoke with the prince, both shook their heads violently.


"Not leaving Father," the older one whispered. "Never leaving."


Kai frowned, but nodded. Clearly, they felt safer that way; he couldn't blame them. As he went back to his post behind the prince, he heard the father continue to speak, having regained control of himself once more.


"We only ever saw shadows…big ones. More than a dozen of them, I think. I can't be sure, but they weren't shaped like anything I've seen before."

 

[Tinker Bell]

Devan slowly put his hand out, gently touching the man's arm. A small gesture to let him know it was going to be alright. Now they knew there were still people in the villages. They were going to have to save them too. Then the girls said that they weren't going to leave. He could understand that. After what happened, he would likely feel the same way.


Devan bit his lip, unsure how to continue phrasing the questions. "Do you think these creatures have bodies?" He asked. Perhaps avoiding personal ones was best right now. "Or could they just be shadows?" He was ready to tell them what they had given was fine. He didn't want to make them say more than they wanted to. Especially when it seemed to hard to do.


Using tapatalk

 

[Quatre Winner]

At the prince's touch, the man stiffened for a moment as though he would pull back, not having expected it. Only after that initial reaction did he seem to ease a bit, and even sent an apologetic look to the prince. He hadn't meant to be so jumpy.


"If the creatures are shadows, they are remarkable ones." the man shook his head, drawing in a shaky breath. "I have never known a shadow to wound. There is little more I can tell your highness about these creatures. They are very fast, and they…they seem to want to…eat-"


A wail from the smaller girl behind him derailed the conversation for a moment. He turned to comfort her, shushing her tenderly.


Kai watched this with a grim frown, and touched the prince's shoulder, as if to signal that it might be best to end the conversation. Once more, without knowing it, his thoughts and Devan's were right on the same track.


(We can have other interviews, or I can just summarize what they learned in narration. They won't be learning too much more.)

 

[Tinker Bell]

Devan knew it would have likely been too much for them to continue any more than they already had. "It's alright." He told the smaller girl softly. "That's all I wanted to ask." No, it really wasn't. He had wanted to ask so much more, but they didn't need to know that. They needed to be able to feel safe.


He looked to the man again. "Thank you, it truly has helped us." He figured the man should at least know that it was helpful. "And we will stop these things, no matter what." Meaning even if he died he would make sure they were stopped first.


"You have my word." And his word was the best thing he could give them right now. After seeing the effects, he knew he had no choice.


((Let's just summarize.))