⊱ ─ 𝕱𝖔𝖊𝖘 тσ 𝕱𝖑𝖆𝖒𝖊𝖘 ─ ⊰ [ ᴘᴏɴᴛɪғғ x ᴋɪᴛᴛᴇɴ ]

[Pontiff]

“Some hot chocolate sounds like it could hit the spot in this cold weather, thank you.” Wrynn was playing along with it as they were offered a warm spot inside the guard post as well as a hot beverage. Lumi tagged along and headed inside as the pair took some offered seats. Wrynn let his bag slump to the floor while resting back in his chair. Lumi had begun to look into her bag, speaking of some ham sandwiches she had prepared for the journey ahead. She thought about eating one but decided that perhaps hot chocolate with ham and bread may not be the best combo.

“Mmm, I think I will pass on the sandwich for right now.” He acted cordial with Lumi as they were in front of strangers, and not just strangers but people he expected to recognize Lumi, but as he sat down and listened to them and how calm they were. Offering the hot beverages, it was beginning to dawn on him that they didn’t even know what their Princess looked like. It was a strange thing to see unfolding before his eyes from his own home in Nilheim; even nobility like himself would be recognized instantly – his father was Warden of the Northern Provinces; however, they were treated like Royalty, and to see Royalty not even recognized weighed on him with questions.

Instead of outing Lumi about her identity with the question of why they were here, he put down the mug after taking a small sip of the beverage. Lumi answered but in a uniquely standoffish way that made him almost think she was talking to him with how curt she could be.

“What my traveling partner here meant to say is that we are on Ministry business, heading to the capital. Details on what we have been tasked with are confidential and only to be disclosed to the royal family.” He responded with a more political tone and approach. It wasn’t a lie either as to why they were here, and Lumi hadn’t lied either, but the Ministry tasked them on official business, and trying to dig into what the mages were up to was a task in of itself.

“I see then; well, we don’t want to keep you two waiting on your important business. I know how important the Ministry of Magick is to the realms; they help broker the piece between us all from being at each other's throats, but be careful out there, you two.” The male guard had backed off on questioning what the pair was doing traveling.

With a final thank you for the short rest and beverage. Wrynn gathered his pack once more and brought it to his back. “We really should get going before it starts to get dark; we don’t want to camp out in this,” Wrynn advised Lumi before departing from the guard shack and going back onto the main road.

 

[Kitten]

The sharp tone in Wrynn's voice made her turn her head sharply, fixing him with a stern stare. She believed she had answered the guards' question adequately and didn't need his additional explanation. Nevertheless, she redirected her attention to the two figures before them, forcing a fake smile to conceal her annoyance. "We're grateful for your last-minute hospitality. Thank you," she said, her voice polite but strained. Lumi too stood up, collecting her things, while Wrynn, appearing impatient, left on his own without waiting for her.

Hurriedly closing the door behind her, she hastened to catch up with him without questioning his abrupt departure. Opting for silence rather than asking why he was in such a rush, she chose not to expend any more energy on his evident moodiness. His demeanor was inscrutable, his emotions veiled, leaving her puzzled and feeling like she would never truly understand him. Fortunately, the brief respite revitalized her energy and mana, leaving her feeling stronger and less fatigued than before. After nearly two hours of travel, they encountered challenging obstacles, with several more hours of journeying still ahead of them.

The quiet enveloping them during their walk prompted a whirlwind of thoughts in her mind, pondering what thoughts were occupying Wrynn's inner world. She mused on whether he harbored curiosity about how the guard failed to recognize royalty on sight, realizing she had never shared her past with him. "Do you recall when I mentioned that it's been ages since I last visited home?" Lumi asked, disrupting the silence that had persisted since their stay at the post. It was a spontaneous remark, yet it served as a tentative opening for conversation. "It's been a decade, at least, since I last set foot in my homeland," she confessed, uncertain if he would show any interest in her tale. "I aimed to demonstrate that my value transcends mere lineage. It was when I stumbled upon a book on magic by chance that I grasped its significance in safeguarding oneself and others." Their footsteps echoed softly against the snowy ground, her breath forming a mist in the cold air. "I am the pioneer in our family to delve into magic; even my younger sister and brother have shown keen interest in it."

As their journey continued, her body gradually acclimated to the environment she had been separated from for so long. "I used to have white hair, but mastering cosmic magic changed it to blue," she explained. "The celestial energies altered the pigmentation, perhaps reflecting the vastness of the cosmos and symbolizing my growth as a mage," she mused, her fingers lightly weaving through her hair as she reminisced about its transformation over time. "Since my family members all have white hair, my sudden change to blue may have helped the guards overlook my true identity."

 

[Pontiff]

She could be upset at him for interrupting to let them know they were part of the Ministry and, currently, on a job that was meant to be secret; of course, she was always upset with him, so her glaring at him caused no discomfort or reaction to leave him. It was just the default state he had found Lumi to be in with him constantly, or so he always convinced himself about her attitude towards him. Having stepped outside and waited for her to finish up inside, she came out the door seemingly flustered and annoyed with him for his comment and then the decision to leave, but they needed to move. They couldn’t be caught up in questioning with the local guard, not unless they wanted to camp in the cold and darkness.

Nothing was said between the two of them once more as they continued on their path. They seemed to be slipping back into the groove of not wanting to acknowledge the other’s existence, and finally, the silence was broken. She spoke up and shattered the silence by speaking about her homeland and how long it had been since she had visited. She talked about how she was the first to delve into magic for her family and learned magic from a book. Her siblings were also beginning to show interest in the arcane arts. “Where I come from, magic is based on your blood and lineage, and it is also power back home.” He opened up to her, though she should already have some preliminary knowledge of Nilheim as a nation and how political and warlike it could be. The stories and rumors that came from the nation that always looked to expand and take territory.

“Perhaps they didn’t recognize you because of that, and you say you haven’t been home in a decade. Surely, the guards would only remember a little girl and not an adult now.” He commented, not knowing how well her people knew of the royal family or if they even knew what Lumi would look like if given a description.

It fell silent again once more, continuing on as the night was beginning to arrive. The sun was setting over the edge and they would arrive at the inn shortly in just a few more minutes before they lost all sunlight.

Finally, he spoke and was the one to initiate a conversation with her or the attempt at one. “Why have you not returned home until now? Students of the Ministry are allowed to go home whenever needed or during the end of the semester.” Wrynn had gone home a few times over the course of his stay at the Ministry, many times for his Father and for duties that he needed to uphold for his house.

“Are you not the eldest of your siblings?” He didn’t know the royal family too well, nor did he even know Lumi, whom he spoke to. He was under the guise and impression she was the eldest, and being the eldest, she must have responsibilities. She was also grown now, an adult woman; surely a political marriage would be in play just like it happened in Nilheim with the houses, great houses, and even the imperial family.

He came to a halt, seeing the inn in the distance and not pushing forward. If they were to talk about her lineage and responsibilities, she had already kept her identity hidden from the guards at the outpost. Surely, she wouldn’t want to speak openly in front of civilians and guards about who she was.

 

[Kitten]

"Your Kingdom's embrace of magic is commendable; unfortunately, my family doesn't share the same sentiment," she remarked, her tone tinged with envy at Wrynn's effortless access to magical education as part of his everyday life. Lumi pondered how her life might have unfolded differently with parents already immersed in magic. Would choosing that path have been simpler? Undoubtedly. Yet, the specter of 'what ifs' persisted in her thoughts, weaving a tantalizing fantasy of alternate possibilities. "Of course, that's why they failed to recognize me," Lumi stated matter-of-factly, understanding her enigmatic nature to those unfamiliar with her. "I avoided returning home simply to prove my independence and resilience." She shrugged casually, downplaying the significance, yet beneath her nonchalant demeanor lay a yearning for home. Reflecting on her past actions, she acknowledged the immaturity of her youthful decisions, driven by reasons that once seemed valid but now appeared petty. However, with age came wisdom, enabling her to navigate the emotional turmoil caused by her parents' disinterest in magic.

“Are you not the eldest of your siblings?”​

"'I’m the eldest, so I can already guess what's on your mind," she sighed, her breath forming wisps in the chilly air as she gazed up at the overcast skies, her eyes seeking something elusiv

e. "You probably see me as a terrible sibling and daughter for leaving home and my responsibilities behind... but I do keep in touch with my siblings and share updates with them. I haven't completely cut them off. They did nothing wrong." She felt the need to clarify, even though she sensed his opinion of her was likely already negative—no matter what she said or explained, it seemed.

As the inn came into view and Wrynn paused, Lumi pieced things together and decided to conclude their conversation. "Well then, thank you for letting me share a bit. It was good to get that off my chest," she said, a genuine smile curving her lips as she stretched her arms upwards into a much needed stretch before heading towards the inn. Inside, she kicked the remaining snow off her boots and approached the front desk, presenting her Academy badge to the female innkeeper with a smile. "We're here on Ministry business," she stated, gesturing towards Wrynn over her shoulder.

"Sure, let me grab your keys real quick," she said, stepping away briefly to retrieve two keys before returning to the front. "You're both on the main floor," she announced, placing the keys in Lumi's opened hand. "The restaurant is open for a few more hours if you need something to eat or drink, and breakfast is served early in the morning before checkout. Have a good night, I'll be here all night if you need anything else!" With that, she excused herself and headed back to tidy up.

Handing Wrynn his key, she noticed that she had key 108 and he had 109. "How about we grab a bite together after settling into our rooms? I thought I'd ask since we didn't want to disturb each other last night," she suggested with a playful grin, intending no offense.

 

[Pontiff]

Wrynn gave a small shake of his head when she spoke of his Kingdom's acceptance of magic as commendable, but he could see where she was coming from. “My Kingdom views magic as nothing more than a tool to gain power and expand, to crush those that stand in their way and use it as a spearhead in war.” It was the truth, what Wrynn had been raised on himself, and how he viewed the world and magic. The danger it could bring to the masses and why those with lofty goals back at the Ministry annoyed him. Their lofty ideals would lead them down a slippery path of misery and hatred, seeking power beyond their understanding and means. She spoke about being the eldest and shirking her duty due to her wish to be resilient and defiant from her parents and their views of their daughter.

It sounded like she had matured and changed her mind over time, staying in touch with her family through her siblings but not returning home until now. “You wish to push yourself away from your heritage…” He spoke softly under his breath, to where she couldn’t hear it entirely as he moved with her towards the inn.

It was nice and warm inside as they entered, the whipping wind soon dying down behind them as the door shut behind them. The hearth of the inn was in full roar as Lumi moved in front to the desk and asked for some rooms on Ministry business and as they were handed over, they were given rooms right across from one another again.

“Dinner?” He asked her, repeating the question she had posed for him. Asking him to grab a bite with her instead of eating separately and doing their own thing. Perhaps Lumi was coming around to making their time together as civil as possible now, especially after a fight for their life just hours ago in the woods on the road. Wrynn could be civil if she was wanting to give it a chance; now that he knew more about her, it still didn’t fully change his mind about the situation and past remarks on her capability or dreams.

“Sure. We can get something to eat once we settle in our rooms.” He answered her and picked up the key to the room he was given. Taking the key, he moved to the room and unlocked it with his pack on his back; he stepped in and began to unload the minimum he would need for the night.

It only took a few minutes before he was finished out of his room and walking across the hall towards her room right across from him. Curling his hand into a fist, he racked his knuckles on the door to Lumi’s room. “Are you ready yet?” He called out to her first, having half a mind to go down to the kitchen already and take a seat and order but she was the one that had invited him to eat together after all.

 

[Kitten]

“Sure. We can get something to eat once we settle in our rooms.”​

With a smile at his agreeable demeanor, she gave a single nod. “Consider it a date!” Her playful tone hinted at jest, though she was curious about his reaction to the statement. Waving casually as she moved ahead, she veered off in her own direction, knowing they would reunite soon. Her stomach rumbled, craving a meal more satisfying than the sandwich she had carried with them. Perhaps they could enjoy it during their journey tomorrow; it would keep well in the cold for another day or two. Closing her bedroom door, echoes of Wrynn’s words lingered in her thoughts, causing her to ponder in thought as she sat her luggage down.

“My Kingdom views magic as nothing more than a tool to gain power and expand, to crush those that stand in their way and use it as a spearhead in war.”​

Her expression soured as she pondered whether his skepticism about magic stemmed from the selfishness of his Kingdom to keep it going for the sake of power. Lumi also speculated if he felt perturbed by her interest in magic, given that her lineage didn't heavily emphasize it - almost as if he implied magic wasn't the solution and he would have- if he could have - avoided involvement at all costs, despite enrolling in the academy. Did he join willingly or under duress? A cascade of questions swirled in her mind, driven by her insatiable curiosity, certain she would broach the subject with him in due time.

KNOCK
KNOCK
KNOCK

“Are you ready yet?”​

Interrupting her train of thought, she spun on her boot heels and strode toward the door, which swung open to reveal Wrynn standing on the opposite side.. "Yup!" Her reply was casual, masking the curiosity that she had earlier. He remained an enigmatic figure, someone she was increasingly eager to unravel. “I don’t think it’s going to be as busy as the other night. Let’s go, I’m starving.” Instead of trailing behind or forging ahead, she matched his pace, both entering the kitchen together. Walking side by side felt slightly awkward, the contrast in their heights becoming more pronounced now that she had a clear view of their differences in stride. A single comment from their earlier conversation had shifted her perception of him slightly, casting him in a new light, yet she refused to let that notion burden her until she gathered more information.

Taking a seat, she picked up the menu, her eyes quickly drawn to the shepherd's pie and a tempting honey mead. "If you’re still cold, the mead will definitely warm you up." she offered as they waited for the barmaid's formal greeting. Feeling a bit hesitant to delve into personal inquiries, she opted for a bit of liquid courage to ease her nerves.

 

[Pontiff]

Perhaps this journey would help both of them grow into new people who are more mature in how they come across to one another. Wrynn’s intentions were not to be an enemy of Lumi but also to be honest with her and how he felt. The door opened after a third knock, and she was standing before him, seemingly in a better mood now than she had been in recent days since finding out about how she would be traveling with him and how they would be working together. She was still a mystery to him, even more so now that he had learned some of her backstory and what drove her to want to join the Ministry. They were selfish reasons to Wrynn, reasons he couldn’t fully grasp or understand but her parents seemingly allowed her to live the life she chose and that was something he didn’t have.

“Let’s go then.” He responded and moved towards the kitchen, taking note that Lumi was walking next to him and not trying to push in front of him like she had always done in the past. These were small things that he noticed, perceptive in his gaze as he watched her actions as they entered the room and took a seat.

“I wasn’t cold, but thank you. With my magic in blood manipulation and blood magic, I’m able to keep myself warm in these temperatures.” In fact, he didn’t have to bundle up as much as the next person. He did so as to keep himself compliant with what was expected of those in freezing weather like this.

“So yes…” He answered before she could even ask him. Figuring she would ask if that meant he was using magic the entire time they were outside walking. “I have been using my magic on our journey for hours without stopping. Keeping myself warm and circulated only takes a small fraction of concentration and from my reserves… it was one of the first things I had taught myself on how to control.”

When the barmaid had approached he took the menu, ordering himself a shepherds pie and some mead to wash it down and waited for Lumi’s order before leaving to let the kitchen know.

“This is the first time you have been open with me; one could even call it being nice. So what is it you want to ask me.” He asked her first before she could build up the courage unless she planned to divert and fake a question. Her exterior disposition towards him had begun to shift and he was taking notice of it throughout their journey so far.

 

[Kitten]

With her right index finger tapping rhythmically against the wooden table, she rested her left hand casually on her cheek, listening intently as he explained how he managed to stay warm in the frigid temperatures. He confessed to maintaining a continuous flow of mana to achieve it, making her grow more curious to the extent of his abilities.

“So, what is it you want to ask me?”​

Just as her lips were parting to answer, the barmaid ventured up towards the table, interrupting their conversation in an attempt to fetch their orders. Taking the paper that was provided to her, Lumi handed it back to the woman once she stated what she wanted for the evening. After taking Wrynn’s order, the barmaid departed, allowing them to resume their conversation.

She removed her hand from her cheek and adjusted her posture, letting out a sigh as she crossed her arms on the table - a stance far from the formal demeanor expected at home. "Why do you think my recent attitude change means I want to ask you something or want something from you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow to gauge his reaction before leaning back slightly.

"Honestly? I'm tired of our quarrels. They’re exhausting, and to be frank... I don’t even know how we got this way. Do you remember? If so, enlighten me." As the words left her mouth, she genuinely wondered how their animosity had developed. Was it because he was so bland and hard to read? He always seemed displeased or like something wasn't in his favor. Maybe it all stemmed from a simple assumption about his character without truly getting to know him.

"This journey could last for weeks, months, or who knows, maybe even a year?" It wasn’t set in stone just how long their quest would take, but she suspected it would be a significant amount of time, certainly not something that could be accomplished in a few days. "We might as well become acquainted and get to know each other. I know nothing about you. Absolutely nothing." She lowered her gaze to the table, her eyes tracing the natural patterns of the wooden texture as she collected her thoughts. "Don't you think so too? It's not ideal to travel with someone like this. I really want us to be friends." A hint of amusement played on her lips, accompanied by a soft giggle. "I mean, if you had asked me a few days ago, I might have scoffed. But now I'm stuck with you, and our lives depend on each other, don't they?"

Raising her gaze once more, her ice-blue eyes met his with unwavering sincerity, devoid of any hidden agendas. She meant every single word she had spoken.

​

 

[Pontiff]

Wrynn didn’t doubt the sincerity in her words about how she wasn’t seeking anything from him, and perhaps the recent fight in the woods had brought her to change her mind about him as a person and his views on magic. Regardless she was acting differently towards him; whether she wanted to admit it or not it was rather noticeable and now she had brought to him the question of how they became this way. What caused all of this in the first place was that Wrynn leaned back in his seat at the table and folded his arms casually over his chest while placing his order for the night.

“You don’t even remember yet you hold a grudge and distaste for me without a reason you can remember.” He responded to it at first but wasn’t going to withhold it from her.

“Years ago during one of the training sessions after a seminar on control, you were showing off to several new arrivals rather flashy-looking abilities. I made a remark that it was foolish and that your time was better suited to actually learning how to control your mana and magic, not being a display for others.” Of course, Wrynn even knew back then her lineage and where she had come from – secrets didn’t last long within the walls of the Ministry and all its students and mages but royalty was always well received and acknowledged upon arrival. His own arrival was no different as he came from a Great House in his homeland and many were ‘happy’ to see him. Still, making such a remark to a Princess was always going to cause a stir of emotion and dislike towards the one who made it especially him. The one that remarked on many aspiring mages and criticized their choices.

That was their first interaction and since then it has been nothing short of hostilities from Lumi and her camp. He did not seek to insult her that day but to tell her the honest truth and even to this day in the forest she looked ready to pass out from exhausting so much into one attack. Her ability to conserve and be efficient with her mana was still noticeable to his eyes and it was something he had drilled into himself as a child. His constant control of mana through his bloodstream with his magic infused to keep him perfectly warm in such freezing temperatures without breaking a sweat or seeming to have issues during his fight.

“You are right though. We are to travel together for an untold amount of time on this journey and being friendly with one another will make things easier.” He agreed with her on that front.

“Tell me then. What do you want to know about me, I’ve already learned about you today on our travels about your reason for leaving home and wanting to learn magic. I’ve also known about you and your family even before then as it is important for my family to know about the ruling family whose border is along ours.” Wrynn unfolded his arms and leaned forward, propping one of his elbows onto the table and resting his chin into his open palm with his eyes focused on hers, matching her gaze.

 

[Kitten]

"And could you really blame me for wanting to be so flamboyant back then?" Lumi clenched her teeth, locking eyes with him as she delivered her response. "I entered this world with virtually no knowledge except what I taught myself. Naturally, I believed I was achieving remarkable feats." She couldn't believe she had genuinely forgotten that conversation from long ago. Was it a deliberate attempt to suppress and move beyond it, especially as she gained renown? Memories of her emotions during that period surged back, clarifying why she was driven to excel now more than ever.

She drummed her fingers lightly on the table, shifting her gaze away from him as she relaxed her jaw and released the tension from her muscles. It wasn't productive to get worked up so quickly, and she knew she needed to redirect her frustration. "Well, I suppose now is as good a time as any to thank you for helping me realize that I needed to channel my abilities more effectively rather than putting on a spectacle," she remarked, her tone softening. "Just look at how far I've come, thanks to the guidance of the professors and my own determination." She didn't mean to come across as arrogant; it was simply a statement of fact. Considering her initial lack of magical knowledge, her transformation into the person she is today felt nothing short of miraculous.

"Unlike me, you had a consistent interaction with magic right from the start. It must have felt like second nature to you," Lumi remarked, her gaze dropping to the table. "Not everyone embraces magic so readily, despite its immense benefits." She reflected on her own journey, acknowledging that while her family eventually embraced her passion for magic, the initial steps were far from easy.

As he posed his question, she lifted her gaze to meet his, contemplating what she could inquire about to deepen her understanding of him. The irony was comical; she knew nothing about him, yet conjuring questions seemed unexpectedly challenging. "I didn’t expect you to be so willing to talk about yourself. I feel a bit ill prepared," she admitted with a light laugh, though a pressing question lingered in her mind. "Tell me, why do you carry such a grouchy attitude? Sometimes it feels like you harbor a deep hatred for the world. Unless, of course, I'm being too rude and it's not even like that." Even in this moment, he appeared to display minimal emotion, almost as if he were merely existing. "Do you have any close friends back at the academy? Hell, maybe even a lover?" She'd inquire on his personal life, but the second question perhaps wasn't necessary, more so it was asked to sate her curiosity.

 

[Pontiff]

Wrynn could understand perhaps where they were coming from, having never had magic before and starting to understand it. She was most likely trying to impress others on that day, but he saw it as nothing more than a waste of time. Magic was meant to be used for war and survival, but it was ultimately dangerous. It wasn’t meant to be a toy or something to be used to impress others even though it held properties and abilities that could be used for fun if the proper steps were taken. Still, she held some distaste for his comment by defending her decision to just enter the world of magic and want to learn more, but she had come around to admit that she needed to become more efficient with her magic and channeling.

“I did grow up around magic, being taught it from a young age with my family’s legacy in mind. I know how dangerous magic can be, and what havoc it can cause. The responsibilities a mage should have so yes I hold myself to higher standards and I expect it from others as well.” He admitted to her. He had never once intentionally singled her out in any of his comments. She should already know through her own remarks towards him that he was critical of anyone and everyone within their classes.

She of course was caught off guard telling her to ask him questions, ask him what was on her mind and what he wanted to learn about him. She thought only for a moment before deciding to address the elephant in the room about how callous and rough he could be around others and his views. “I don’t hold hatred for you, or anyone back at the Academy but I know the dangers of magic and what power can do to someone. How it can change someone, and there are many who take this lightly or are hungry for more. Perhaps you view me as grouchy because you and many others become combative instantly upon criticism.” He shrugged lightly, speaking his mind on the matter but happy to discuss for once if she was willing to listen and talk things out instead of arguing.

“I’ve always been willing to talk and explain my side, but no one wants to hear that when they believe they are being attacked by someone.” Her next question however caught him a little off guard. Friends he had a few that he could say were a friend, perhaps not close but a friend still. The latter half of the question is what took him off the conversation of magic and now to personal matters.

“Why are you curious about my love life, Princess?” he asked her, calling her by her title now in this Kingdom but keeping his tone low enough that no other patron would hear him. "Are you looking for a royal marriage and trying to look into my pedigree?” Of course, he was joking with her. Knowing already that Lumi could respond with emotion over logic, he was sure to catch her off guard now with his comment and insuation.

“I am currently not with someone if you want a serious answer.”

 

[Kitten]

Lumi reclined in her seat, her fingers delicately grasping the bench for support as she fixed her gaze on Wrynn. Her intent was clear - she was fully engaged, ready to both inquire and listen attentively. A subtle nod of comprehension followed when he spoke of the perilous nature of magic, acknowledging the potential for chaos if mishandled. She had to give him credit for his critical stance on the matter and understood why he was initially displeased with her careless display of abilities. "Yeah, I get it. Your concerns are valid," she affirmed, leaning forward and resting her cheeks on the palms of her hands, reinforcing her approval with a verbal acknowledgment.

"Well, it's good to know you don't hate me or anything. I realize it's immature to jump to that conclusion, but I couldn't help but wonder," she admitted with a shrug. "I guess some of us, myself included, can get prideful and resist hearing the truth. Sometimes, it's hard to face the criticism." She let out a small fizzle of laughter, trying to lighten the mood, sensing that she had instigated much of the unnecessary drama between them. "Yeah, you bring up a good point there..." she admitted, her head drooping briefly before perking up when he asked why she was curious about his love life.

"I mean, you can't blame me. Us girls usually talk about that amongst each other, so why can't we talk about it too?" She chuckled, amused by his surprise at the question. "C'mon, it's not about checking your pedigree. I'm not worried about any of that. I just want to know, really, friend to friend." She leaned her upper body closer, practically leaning over the table to get nearer to him, her arms crossing on the table. "Tell me!" she exclaimed excitedly, but her expression turned into a frown once he admitted to being alone. "Aw, man, I was hoping to hear some details about her." Lumi leaned back into her normal position just in time for the food and drinks to arrive.

"Why did you ask about marriage, by the way, Prince?" She mimicked the mentioning of his title, but kept her voice low enough for only him to hear so no one else could eavesdrop. Grabbing her utensils, she began to dig into her food, giving him a prying glance as she raised a curious eyebrow. "You looking to put a ring on this finger?" Lumi giggle, knowing his intentions were far from that far-fetched idea, but she couldn't resist teasing him anyway.

 

[Pontiff]

So this is what Lumi was like when she wasn’t holding disdain for someone because of pride about magical capabilities? Wrynn was honestly surprised just how much Lumi was letting her shields down around him as if she was genuinely trying to become his friend now – they were stuck together after all for this journey with no end date in sight. It was the smart thing to do, but was it genuine or just her trying to make this go as smoothly as possible? Either way, Wrynn didn’t really care which option it was, but motives were always important to him. They helped him understand people and what decisions they may make in a time of need.

A soft chortle left him as she had called him Prince, turning around to question if he was inquiring about putting a ring on her finger. “Well, you are putting me above my station. I am not a Prince. My Family may be one of the Great Houses of Nilheim, but we are not from the Emperor’s line. So if I was to put a ring on your finger, it would be an upgrade of my position.” He continued up the charade that he perhaps was thinking of doing such a thing.

“Becoming a Prince and possibly the future King of another nation is better than the option I’m currently presented with.” He had become loose with his words by mistake, becoming comfortable for a moment, but he didn’t need Lumi to catch on to what he meant by the better option. Hoping she would just believe it was an upgrade in the station and that was all, and he would not raise an alarm to his own words.

“But enough joking about marriage. Is there anything else you want to know about me?” He didn’t completely take the conversation off-topic, instead focusing it back to what started this whole game. Her questions about him, and who he was since she knew so little of him to begin with while he knew more about her because of her status and his own ability to perceive others back at the Ministry.

 

[Kitten]

"And? Would you like to rise in the ranks, then? If so, what would you do?" Lumi's interest in the conversation was growing, as she indulged in hypothetical scenarios that seemed far-fetched. She didn't see him as the romantic type and doubted if he even knew how to properly court a woman when the time came. However, she was already learning a lot about him that surprised her - surely, more surprises were in store, and her perception of him was bound to change.

"Becoming a Prince and possibly the future King of another nation is better than the option I'm currently presented with. But enough joking about marriage. Is there anything else you want to know about me?" ​

"Wait, wait, wait... hold on a second." She leaned back slightly, raising a very curious eyebrow as her interest was piqued. What on earth did he mean by the words that had just flown out of his mouth? It must have slipped out, judging by the way he immediately tried to change the subject. But with this open invitation to learn more about him, she wasn't about to let it go. She was going to latch onto his statement like a fish onto bait.

"What position are you presented with? Please tell me it won't be life threatening at least?" The food steaming in front of her grew almost unappealing now that she was faced with something far more enticing: the chance to uncover a deeper part of him she thought she'd never know. Her excitement might have made him suspect she had wicked intentions with this newfound knowledge, but that was far from the truth. In reality, she was eager to learn more about the enigmatic man she secretly admired for his commendable magical abilities.

 

[Pontiff]

"It seems I misspoke my own words. My life is not in danger, nor am I threatened by anything. I just meant to say that moving from being a member of a Great House to a King would be quite the rise is all." He shrugged and leaned back into the seat as if he now wanted to disengage from this conversation. The truth was that he was the oldest son of one of the great Noble Houses of Nilheim and yet he was not the one to inherit the title of his Father. That would be going to his younger brother as Wrynn had inherited the family magic it was his 'duty' as his Father would say to become the next Archmage of Nilheim to represent the family within the inner circle of the Emperor's Advisors. It was unheard of, even if Wrynn was the only of the three to inherit the bloodline magic to not inherit the Great House and armies, the land and everything that came with it. He was being forced out for unknown reasons that his Father simply told him was for the best.

Luckily for Wrynn the food would serve as a distraction. "I'm starving." He would say, acting aloof and focused on the food now instead of the conversation. It wasn't her business that he was only working so hard to become an Archmage because he had nothing back home.

Focusing on the meal in front of him he hoped Lumi would just drop the conversation for right now and either eat or ask more harmless questions now as he didn't have a good excuse or lie if she pressed him on the matter. Currently no one ever asked him about his inheritance and plans for when he takes over his Father's role as that wasn't the case -- and he has always said that he was only at the Ministry to hone his magic before returning home. A half-truth as the plan was to become an Archmage and serve under the Emperor of Nilheim.

"We know so little about each other, and perhaps our questions are too big and focused on other things -- why don't you tell me a hobby of yours. Surely learning magic and defying your parents isn't the only thing you are interested in?" He shifted the topic of conversation once more but now took away asking him questions and now back to her.

 

[Kitten]

It didn't take a psychology degree to recognize that he no longer wanted to discuss this sensitive topic. His body language gave it all away - the way he occasionally avoided eye contact, the tension in his shoulders, and his attempts to steer the conversation elsewhere. Lumi sighed, acknowledging her failure to learn more about Wrynn, but she also showed that she could respect his reluctance to delve deeper into such a delicate matter.

"Dig in before it gets cold." She quickly shifted the conversation, choosing not to dwell on the topic any further. It was better to let it be without adding a closing remark. She took a hearty sip of her drink before picking up her utensils to start her meal. As she began eating in silence, she wondered if she should say anything, worried she had dampened the mood, until he broke the silence with a question of his own.

"You're not wrong in that assumption. We are practically strangers." She let out a small laugh and took a bite of her meal, contemplating how to respond to such a simple question. It was amusing how personal questions always caught her off guard, making her feel like she knew nothing about herself. "Let's see… I enjoy reading and painting. I'm not the best painter, but I've created a few pieces I'm proud of." A smile slowly spread across her lips as she felt the urge to paint right then and there. "Maybe one day I can show you some of my work, or even create a piece for you. Free of charge, of course."

It still surprised her that Wrynn had asked such a personal question. She had expected him to lose interest and retreat into silence, but it made her happy to see him making an effort. "You can't ask a question without me returning the favor. So, what about you? What do you enjoy doing?" Genuine interest lit up her face as she took another bite and a sip of her drink, feeling the warmth of the mead spreading through her, tinting her cheeks with a rosy hue.

 

[Pontiff]

"Sounds like all highborn are forced into the same thing, or perhaps you found a passion for painting." Wrynn spoke while setting the utensil down, having his fill already of the food brought to him by the inn. Eyes flicking to the group that entered into the dining portion speaking loudly before finding themselves a place to sit and his attention turned directly back to Lumi who was now returning the question back to him in what his hobbies were. That was the thing about him however, growing up doing everything that has been told of him by his Father and what is expected of him that he didn't know if he enjoyed doing any of the things he had been taught or if they had just become part of him now in repetition that he forced himself to enjoy them.

"Well I have painted a few times but when not reading or practicing my magic I would be learning how to play piano. Really there isn't anything interesting about me. I didn't have the freedom like you did to rebel against your parents in what you desired." Nilheim was a strict Empire. It leaned heavily upon its use of Magic and Military might that it was engrained into the every day lives of the citizens and nobility as if they were also part of the military.

"I can't really say if I enjoy playing piano or painting but when I'm not reading or out on a job like this, it is something that I do in my free time. Habit I suppose." He didn't paint from inspiration or create anything that would come from the soul and his music was just from sheets of paper, played again and again. Yet he still practiced and worked at it, hoping one day a spark would ignite in him where he would love it and have a passion for it. Perhaps he would learn of something that would grip his interests but he continued to push that can down the road in hopes that when he was finished with his study at the Ministry and became a sanctioned mage, as well as an Archmage of the Court then he would finally have the time to pursue goals that interested him and not his family.

Their conversation was going well tonight, opening up to Lumi wasn't easy when they had hostile interactions in the past but traveling together on an important task could bond the two. Being attacked on the road also would inadvertently bring them together through teamwork as well.

It would seem though that they eventful yet short journey alone would be coming to an end. With a heavy gust of winter wind bursting through the door a tall man dressed in fine blue clothes with silver armor weaved through the outfit. A pair of antlers resting atop his head and a sword brandished at his side -- he was a member of the Royal Guard. Varre would look around the dining hall before his light blue eyes would fall upon Lumi and Wrynn sitting down at their table before the click of metal thudded towards them. "It has been many years since I last saw you Princess Lumi Valsatra but even with your maturity you are still the little girl I swore to protect all those years ago when I took my oath." Varre stopped just feet away from Lumi before dropping down to one knee in sign of respect and bowing his head to her before standing once more.

"We received word from a nearby outpost about a young woman sanctioned by the Ministry traveling with a man who clearly hails from Nilheim." Varre would give Wrynn a glaring look before casting his gaze back to his Princess. They had received word through snow fox that Lumi had sent when they first left the Ministry that she would be arriving in a few days. Naturally her Father had outposts on the lookout and foxes constantly bringing in reports looking for his daughter and after the troll incident as well as the sanctioned mark of a Ministry Magi. There was only one person that would fit that description and Varre was sent out to confirm if it really was Princess Lumi or perhaps someone else.

The tavern had gone quiet incidentally with Varre's brazen and boastful tone as the citizens now realized who they were in the presence of. Small murmurs and whispers began to break out quietly.

"I know you must be tired and have already paid for a room yes? You will need your sleep and tomorrow morning we will ride for the Palace." Varre's mission was to bring Lumi to safety and home to see her family before she would have to leave once more for her own duty.

"If she wanted to make a spectacle of her return, then she would have sent word when we stopped at the first inn yesterday." Wrynn spoke up, out of turn and speaking for Lumi. He spoke out of some sort of annoyed instinct, surprising even himself as he shouldn't care about Lumi being found out by her family and now they were going to be escorting the both of them.

"I don't need some Nilheim warmonger telling me what our Princess needs, you are only allowed to travel further into our lands and to meet with our King because of your status as a Ministry agent. You and your dogs of war at our borders, don't think we don't know what your Empire is trying to do by goading us to attack."

It was the truth that Wrynn had been avoiding telling Lumi. His Father, Duke Hartmour, on orders of the Emperor was to continue their gaining of territory even if it meant potentially causing disorder within the Realms and causing a war. Many smaller countries and kingdoms have been absorbed into the Empire and their growth wasn't sated but they were becoming a concern for the other great Kingdoms and the Ministry was becoming involved with negotiations as well as threats of war. Wrynn's family controlled the Northern Province of Nilheim, one of the Great Houses and rulers of Eirithmourn. Their border was shared by Lumi's people of Urreala.

"You may even be an agent for them, trying to get behind our ranks and learn our numbers. Do you know or trust this one Princess?" Varre was already beginning to talk himself out of his duty of escorting the both of them and instead was letting his hatred for Nilheim shine through and directed towards Wrynn. Though he was not completely innocent as he knew what his Father had been doing.

"I am here on Ministry business. The Empire, let alone the Emperor, doesn't know of our task or my whereabouts. I have no part to play in their raids on your lands."

Hexcode

Wrynn - #B8312F
Varre - #ADD8E6

 

[Kitten]

"To be honest, I picked up the habit on my own," Lumi confessed, her thoughts drifting back to the first time she held a paintbrush. She had been just a little girl then, mesmerized by a local artist capturing the lively grandeur of a ball on canvas. As each stroke brought more life and detail to the once blank surface, Lumi’s eyes sparkled with admiration. In that moment, she knew she wanted to do the same - bring beauty into the world, one brushstroke at a time. A part of her even wished she had become a painter instead of a mage.

"I never would’ve guessed you enjoyed painting too… but honestly, I’m even more surprised that you can play the piano." Finishing the last bite of her meal, she lifted her honey mead for another sip, her cheeks deepening to a soft, rosy pink. "Would you play something for me one day, Wrynn?" she asked sincerely, her curiosity piqued. She imagined how enchanting his touch must be as his fingers danced over the keys, coaxing out melodies that could stir both heart and soul.

Her frown deepened as he revealed the reason behind his fascination with those hobbies. They likely served as a distraction, filling the long hours he spent confined at home, unable to take the bold steps she could. A surge of empathy welled up within her, aching to understand how he had endured all those years in a life he hadn’t chosen. The thought of his silent suffering stirred a pain in her heart she hadn’t expected to feel for him. She parted her lips, ready to speak, to delve deeper into his past, when a familiar yet distinct voice cut through the air. Her words faltered, and she turned, her gaze drawn over her shoulder to catch sight of the man behind the voice.

"It has been many years since I last saw you Princess Lumi Valsatra but even with your maturity you are still the little girl I swore to protect all those years ago when I took my oath."​

“Varre!” she exclaimed, her usual composure melting away as she sprang to her feet, embracing him tightly despite his attempt to maintain a knightly demeanor. “Please, don’t call me Princess here,” she whispered softly into his ear before pulling back, her smile bright with joy at reuniting with someone from her past. The warmth in her expression made it clear how much this moment meant to her. Lumi shifted uneasily as the eyes of the tavern turned toward them, the weight of their stares settling heavily on the trio. Inwardly, she hoped Varre now understood why she was so intent on keeping a low profile. The last thing she wanted was attention, and the curious gazes made it clear they’d already drawn too much.

Receiving orders so soon after reuniting with Varre reminded her of why she had grown to resent life at the palace. She understood he was only doing his duty, carrying out the King’s commands to protect her, but the weight of it all felt suffocating. Her discomfort must have been palpable because Wrynn spoke up on her behalf, cutting through the tension. Was it because she’d had a bit too much to drink, and he feared she couldn’t stand up for herself? Normally, being spoken for would have irritated her to no end, but for some reason, she didn’t mind that Wrynn had stepped in this time. It brought her a sense of ease she hadn’t expected.

“I don't need some Nilheim warmonger telling me what our Princess needs,” ​

"Hey! Watch your tongue, Var—" Lumi tried to cut in, but Varre paid her no mind. He kept speaking, his focus completely on Wrynn as if her words hadn’t even registered. His tone was sharp, almost relentless, as if determined to tear away the veil of comfort surrounding the duo. The truth he was driving at felt inevitable, as though he were preparing her for the harsh reality lurking just out of sight, one she hadn’t yet fully faced.

“you are only allowed to travel further into our lands and to meet with our King because of your status as a Ministry agent. You and your dogs of war at our borders, don't think we don't know what your Empire is trying to do by goading us to attack."​

“…What?” Lumi’s face filled with surprise, uncertainty clouding her thoughts as she glanced between Wrynn and Varre. She was at a loss, unsure whom to trust or how to respond. Her eyes settled on Wrynn, hoping for some sort of reassurance, but the look on his face told her all she needed to know. He didn’t argue, didn’t deny a word. His jaw tightened, as if he were trying to hold back the truth, but his response back unclouded her doubt, realizing the truth.

"I am here on Ministry business. The Empire, let alone the Emperor, doesn't know of our task or my whereabouts. I have no part to play in their raids on your lands."​

“We’ll talk in the morning, Varre. Right now, I need a word with Wrynn privately.” Lumi’s voice was firm as she tossed more coin onto the table than necessary to cover their tab. Without waiting for a response, she reached for Wrynn’s hand and pulled him along, her footsteps sharp and deliberate as they echoed through the tavern. The intensity of her movements mirrored the emotions she couldn’t quite name.

In silence, they weaved through the crowd, and soon enough, she led him back to her room. “I need you to tell me everything, Wrynn,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper as her fingers fumbled to unlock the door. Her composure faltered, but she fought to keep her emotions in check, swallowing hard. Finally, the door gave way, and they stepped inside.

Once inside, Lumi shut the door firmly, ensuring their only refuge from prying ears was secure. “What was Varre talking about? Why am I in the dark about this?” Her voice trembled as she struggled to keep her emotions in check, her eyes reddening with the effort to stave off tears. “He wouldn’t lie for no reason.” The thought that their budding friendship might be built on deceit pierced her heart, making the uncertainty all the more painful. She looked at Wrynn, hoping for answers that could restore her trust and clarify the truth.

 

[Pontiff]

The room was becoming tense with the uneasy aura that surrounded the trio as all eyes were on them. The information that was being given to all of them was hard to digest that the Princess who had been gone from the Kingdom for years has finally returned, a member of the Royal Guard had made their way out to such a small roadside tavern and then the news that a person from Nilheim was here in the tavern as well and traveling with the Princess. They were just citizens, far removed from the world of politics and what the King's plans were or what the border looked like from the raiding parties that were reported.

It seemed as if Lumi was left in the dark on this and Varre had been the one to tell her before realizing his mistake. He was not to bring up that to the Princess on orders of the King but he had forgotten himself when he saw a member of the very Empire that was trying to continue their expansion through any means necessary. Lumi decided she wanted to hear it from Wrynn and not Varre as she had excused herself from him and grabbed onto Wrynn to pull him from his seat and take him upstairs to her room.

"Princess, wait--" He was cut off when Lumi had left with the Nilheim man and the Royal Guard was left standing there for just a moment before following after her. Just to ascend the stairs and see both of them walking into her room and the door shutting behind her. Deciding not to knock or pester her, but to do his duty and listen as best he could he approached the door and stood guard beside it, leaning nearby.

"I can't answer for why you are in the dark on this, that is a question best for your Father. If he was concerned about it then he would have written to you surely." Wrynn stated but he was not posing so in a defensive manner as he walked towards the chair in the room. It was for the desk, meant for someone to write or read a journal in but he took the seat and shifted the chair to face her.

"But I can tell from your bubbling anger you mean why did I not tell you of this when we began traveling. I had an idea of what was happening but it isn't my place and I'm not associated with the Emperor's demands and orders at the moment." Wrynn would start. Yes he had knowledge that the Emperor was wanting to get her homeland to break the treaty that was signed years ago, forced by the Ministry.

"When the major kingdoms and ministry banded together to threaten the Emperor that he would have to fight a several front war unless he stood down and signed a peace treaty. He has been looking for ways to break it ever since. If Nilheim was to declare war or attack another nation then the treaty would be broken and a massive war would break out to try and stop them." Wrynn assumed Lumi knew about the pact that was made but he was just covering the situation and what was happening.

"The treaty makes no mention if another nation was to break the pact and declare war on the Empire, then they would be justified in the fight and it would hold the Ministry and other nations back -- or that is what the Emperor believes." Wrynn hadn't talked about the actual raids yet and how they weren't breaking the treaty, besides that no war was declared by other side yet and Varre had mentioned that the Empire was goading them into being the ones to attack and declare.

"I'm sure the Emperor is using convicts and felons from our prisons and bringing them to the border with no food or water, barely any clothing too I imagine and told to cross the border or die. Being scum that were imprisoned, the Empire doesn't value their lives and will use them as fodder to cause discourse and raids on the border villages of your Kingdom in hopes that something comes of it but the Empire will of course play no part in accountability. Saying they were just getting rid of unwanted prisoners and what those prisoners do after they are no longer a Nilheim citizen and part of their land, they are 'free'" Wrynn would gesture that word, free, with air quotes even.

"I'm sure your Father recognizes this and understands that he just needs to reinforce the border and keep a level head about it, and didn't want to involve you." Wrynn kept his voice calm throughout the explanation but was expecting a more emotional reaction from Lumi.

"I am sure the Emperor is doing this with at least another Nation, hoping to bait one into war if not two." The Empires resources were vast and they were seen as a threat or else so many nations and the Ministry of Magick wouldn't have banded together to put an end to their warring.

 

[Kitten]

"I can't answer for why you are in the dark on this, that is a question best for your Father. If he was concerned about it then he would have written to you surely."​

"I don’t care why my father didn’t tell me!" Her voice rose in frustration, her head shaking in disappointment. Her teeth bit down hard on her lower lip, and her shoulders trembled as she struggled to contain her tears. The situation shouldn’t have brought her to tears, but the mead coursing through her veins made her emotions more raw and volatile than usual, causing her to react in ways she wouldn’t have otherwise.She felt a deep frustration that Wrynn hadn’t told her, especially since they had embarked on this journey together and were heading to her home realm first. Why had he kept this from her? The silence about such crucial matters stung, leaving her questioning his motives and the trust she had placed in him.

"But I can tell from your bubbling anger you mean why did I not tell you of this when we began traveling.”​

"I’m more hurt than angry, Wrynn. I thought we were finally overcoming our obstacles, but now I’m left wondering if becoming friends was just part of the plan too?" She took a few steps back and sat on the edge of her bed, her hands quickly rising to dab away the tears streaming from her azure eyes. She couldn’t help but question what his true feelings about their journey together really were now that the truth was pouring out.

Lumi tried to stifle her tears, determined not to give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry any more. Instead, she focused on his words, listening intently to his explanation, unsure if he was being entirely truthful or if there was any deceit. Her eyes widened as he discussed the fate of the prisoners and felons, expressing the Emperor's indifference to what happened to them once they crossed the border. While he was right that once they left Nilheim, they were no longer bound by its laws and could act as they wished, his callousness towards his own people made her question what Wrynn had endured at the hands of his father.

“No… It’s my fault for being so ignorant about what’s happening in my own kingdom. After I left home, I wanted nothing to do with political affairs. After all, the throne would pass to my brother, not me, despite being the eldest.” She knew this was no excuse for her ignorance, and she regretted not staying more informed. “And yet, you still chose to partner with me, even though you knew you’d face ridicule… Why?” As the realization began to dawn on her, she asked, “I don’t understand. I’m just so confused, Wrynn. I don’t know if getting close to me was part of your plan, and if you’re truly working for the Emperor…” Her head hung low as small, glistening tears fell from her lashes, soaking into the fabric of her lap.

 

[Pontiff]

While it was understandable, she was frustrated to hear the news from someone who wasn’t Wrynn. He viewed it as not his place to tell her something, especially if her own Father was keeping her out of the political side because that is what she had wished. Keeping a level head and staying seated in the chair, he would lean back in the wooden seat as the front legs would lift slightly up off the ground, leaving him pushing up and balancing the back feet. Her distrust of him still existed, and she would throw it in his face, but he wanted to get one thing clear about this mission and why they were even together on it.

“Look, you can be upset with me. I understand why you feel that way and betrayed, but let me set one thing straight. I didn’t choose you as a partner, and I didn’t decide to go on this mission. We were both called upon by the Magistrates of the School and selected individually, even asked in the room together if we would accept this task.” He threw back in her face. She had already forgotten the disdain she had for him when he was brought into that room on that day, and asked to join her on this important task that neither of them could refuse because it was important to the Ministry. It was important to their possible ascension up the ranks of the school and potentially becoming a full-fledged Archmage.

“Also, unless you think I’ve been sending out secret messages back home. Before we left, I refused to send a message home, did I not?” He referenced when they had stopped by Ms. Hellitar’s.

“If you want to dislike me because of my homeland, then go ahead, but don’t question me again if I’m trying to undermine your family and spy on you. I am currently here on Ministry business, not Nilheim, and they don’t even know I’m here. They still think I’m studying at the Ministry.” She could continue to distrust him but if she wanted a reason to, then it could be for the reason that her own people distrusted him. Her guard, who arrived to escort her, had already shown his disdain for Wrynn just because of where he was from.

“For why I didn’t tell you. It still isn’t my place to tell you. I don’t even know the scope and plans that are in place or what the Emperor is trying to pull. If it were serious, then I would like to think your father would inform you.” He still stuck by his guns of not telling her because it wasn’t his place. While he understood the frustration and why she would want him to tell her, if he was wrong about any of it or what was happening on the border then that would just cause issues for their travels at the very start and could just be wrong.

 

[Kitten]

It felt as though all the progress they'd made over the past few days was slipping away. She had started to believe they could truly become friends, that they could finally move past the strange hostility that had settled between them, though neither had meant for it to be there. He made some valid points, and she had to set aside her own hurt feelings to hear him out. She realized that he, too, was a victim of the situation. He was right - he hadn't chosen to be part of this mission, they had been forced to work together. And he was justified in refusing to send a telegram to his homeland. These were all subtle signs she had overlooked, never piecing them together into a larger picture. Why would she? Now, all she could do was stand there, arms crossed over her chest, her eyes swollen with unshed tears, as she sniffled and swallowed her frustration.

"Wrynn, why would I dislike you simply because you were born in a place that happens to hate mine, or because my people have a history of disliking yours?" Her voice quickened, and her hand pressed against her chest, as if drawing the words from deep within her heart. "What hurts is that I was left completely in the dark. But maybe that's just a result of miscommunication. How could you have known? And how could I?" She tried to reason with herself, pushing logic above the emotional weight she felt, determined not to fall back into old patterns of reacting without thought. The last thing she wanted was to create the very hostile environment she had been working so hard to escape.

"I want us to stay partners on good terms. I really thought we were finally becoming friends, but your answer to my question makes me feel like nothing's changed - that we're still stuck in the same place." She sniffled, clenching her hand into a fist to wipe away the tears blurring her vision. "I get it - you didn't think it was your place to tell me. And maybe I should've heard this from my father. But outside the castle walls, I'm practically an outsider." She admitted this quietly, feeling the sting of irony in her own words. She had never been skilled in political matters, yet it hurt deeply that he knew something she didn't.

"So, Wrynn, I'm giving you my permission - tell me things from now on. I just wanted some transparency. Is that really too much to ask?" She sat back down, trying to steady herself with deep breaths, regretting ever drinking the honey mead that had stirred up emotions she'd worked so hard to bury.

 

[Pontiff]

Wrynn wasn’t going to criticize her for her emotional stance on the matter or how she was feeling betrayed by him. He could only tell her the truth and from his perspective if she didn’t want to take him for that and hold this against him. Then, that was her choice as he silently sat in the chair and listened to the sniffle that held back tears as she soaked it all in and took a moment to catch herself and think about what she was to say to him. Though he had to raise a brow when she asked him why she would dislike him just because of his heritage and he almost wanted to call her naive in response because how else was he supposed to take that?

“Do you not see how your own guard reacted upon seeing me? He had no idea of my lineage; he just knew where I was from, and that was enough. I know how the world views my homeland and how my homeland views the world.” He didn’t care that she had a more open mind than many others but because they were always off on the wrong foot upon meeting first and her disgust for him back at the ministry, how else was he supposed to explain that to himself, other than it was because of where he came from.

She wanted him to be transparent with her. It felt like they weren’t progressing from the place they had been but almost to him. Why did it matter? Why did she now want to get closer to him even if they had been on this journey together for a while? They could easily just be partners who worked together; they didn’t need to be friends, but perhaps it was Wrynn who was looking at this the wrong way and made him think about it silently.

“I can understand where you are coming from, and I will take it into consideration on what to discuss in the future but I had no way of knowing this was going on. Even if I heard a rumor without it being confirmed, there would be no reason to tell you and only cause worry when there may be none.” He approached things more rationally, and to him, that was the only proper course of action. Still, it may be a little too coarse, as he wasn’t one to gossip and spread rumors, even if they sometimes had a basis to stand on.

He had taken it with a small sigh and stood up from the seat. “It wasn’t my intention to mislead you or make you feel I was withholding something from you. I simply view things like this differently. There was no ill intent behind my actions or lack of action.” He didn’t know what else to say or really do in this situation.

He wasn’t the kind of guy that hugged someone either. So he reached out with his hand, open for her to take and shake.

“I think your friend is going to become rather impatient if we take any longer.” He referred to the member of her guard that arrived, Varre.

 

[Kitten]

Wrynn spoke with genuine sincerity, and though his views were vastly different from hers, she knew his intentions were good. She nodded, grateful that he was willing to make an effort to communicate with her, even if they didn’t always see eye to eye on how best to solve the problem or approach the situation. The fact that they considered each other’s perspectives was, in itself, a significant step. Despite Lumi’s earlier observation that they seemed far from friendship, she realized she’d been too quick to judge. They both had changed, if only a little, during this journey together.

"Like I said before, since we're stuck together on this journey, what harm could come from being friends, or at least getting to know each other?" She rose to her feet and extended her hand, offering a firm shake - a gesture of acceptance and acknowledgment as they reached a mutual understanding and put their dispute behind them.

"Pft, Varre will be fine," she said with a dismissive wave, a small laugh escaping her. "I put him through plenty when I was growing up; he’s used to it. But you're right, we shouldn't keep him waiting." She strode to the door, opening it and gesturing for him to step out first before locking it behind her. Just down the hall, Varre paced patiently, his stance immediately straightening the moment he spotted her, as if awaiting her command.

"I thought you’d never show your face after that," he admitted, closing the distance between them. Lumi, however, quickly cleared her throat, planting her feet firmly on the ground and meeting his gaze head-on, undeterred by the difference in their height.

"Please refrain from disrespecting my classmate again," Lumi commanded, her voice ringing with an authority she rarely used in public. "I understand his homeland is causing difficulties, but he’s not following those orders; he’s simply upholding the academy’s principles. Show him the respect you’d give me. That is an order." Varre blinked, momentarily taken aback by her firm tone after his confession earlier, but after a brief pause, he nodded and bowed respectfully, acknowledging her command.

"Yes, Prin - I mean, Lumi," Varre corrected himself, catching his slip and recalling her request to keep things low-key. "I apologize for my behavior earlier. Please allow me to make it right from here on out." Turning to Wrynn, he offered a respectful bow, determined to follow Lumi's instructions despite his own reservations.

 

[Pontiff]

“The harm could be that I’m lying to you.” He said though he was trying to lighten the mood with a bit of a joke, and maybe it missed the mark since he wasn’t a jokester very often, and perhaps the sarcastic tone that dripped from his voice didn’t match the tone of the situation. “That was a joke, by the way.” He had just to reconfirm to make sure she didn’t get angry with him or think that maybe he was lying to her now. Perhaps it wouldn’t go over her head as he wouldn’t just outright tell her something like that to begin with since this whole conversation began because she thought he was withholding information from her to start with.

“I’m sure he is dying to leave and get you back home where he will feel you are safe, and I’m sure your parents as well.” With the small misunderstanding now put aside, they left the bedroom in which Lumi had dragged him into where she would meet with Varre, who was frantically pacing back and forth as she approached him and demanded that he show respect to Wrynn while traveling together as he was part of the Ministry and here on Ministry business, not for his homeland.

“Well, with that all settled, we should probably get our rest for the night and prepare to leave in the morning now that you have your royal entourage to escort you.” They wouldn’t be traveling on foot anymore and would arrive at the Palace quickly now with the expedited method of travel.

“Yes, we will be moving in the morning once you have plenty of rest, Lumi. I will have everything ready by morning. It will be a long journey, but we should arrive at the Palace by sunset tomorrow.” Varre bowed to Lumi once more before taking his leave to secure the horses in the inn’s stable for the night while also getting a room for himself tonight, leaving just Wrynn and Lumi alone in the hallway once more.

“Sleep well, Princess,” Wrynn called her by the title once more and turned his back to her as he opened up his own door and entered to close it, shutting himself in for the night. It was uneventful for the rest of the night as Wrynn had gotten himself to bed for the night and got a good night's rest.

The following day, he was up and gathering his belongings in his travel pack. Stepping out of the room and locking it behind him, he would see Lumi also leaving at the same time, and Varre was already waiting for them. “Let us get going. I already had an easy breakfast for you, and it is waiting for you. We will leave as soon as possible if we want to arrive while the sun is still up.”