Growing Sideways

It seems this kingdom has finally fallen into a comfortable rhythm. Normalcy, perhaps. It harkens to a time when the only changes were the seasons and there was no constant threat of death, or worse, poisoning. To some degree it feels unnatural, though he's not one to linger for any extended period of why. Because I've been running. Because nothing has been easy. Because there may still be danger lurking around the corner.

That isn't to say that the surprises have ceased. No, now Lord Taran has begun to offer his advice. Almost as though he thought his nephew may indeed survive longer than expected in his new role.

THE REALM HAD GROWN RATHER BORING. with the thread of his sister squashed and the other realms currently posing as no true threat. taran was bored. sure, he could make pretend battles and schemes in his mind but even those quickly grew tiresome. nothing quenched him like the real threat of battle. sadly his nephew had proven to be rather adept at the thrown, so he found himself unable to do much to make his life more interesting and keep his oath to the thrown. there was no one else more worthy as king and queen.

A WARM SMILE FALLS ON RED LIPS. it would appear that whoever flynn had taken up with had at least some sort of brain capacity. she debates for a moment using her real name. she had no idea how long the pair have been traveling together. or if they’re even traveling together at all. though she had noticed the familiarity between the two almost instantly. the way flynn’s hand lingered at the other’s lower back as he walked away. the multiple glances over his shoulder to make sure she was okay and unbothered. the look in his brown eyes. stalyan had known him long enough to know he had fallen for the beauty currently sitting next to her.

Zoya is clearly irritated by his presence, yet Wendell is finding it entertaining to simply pretend he hasn't noticed her watching him like a hawk since, well, he arrived in Os Alta, really. She's been staring at him, brow furrowed and eyes narrowed, as though he's a puzzle waiting to be solved. He himself is keen on ignoring her, this morning especially. He has a warm cup of coffee and a spread of delicious pastries to enjoy before he gets around to whatever it is he'll say he's researching.

ZOYA PRESSES HER LIPS TOGETHER into a hard line. she takes a moment for a quick intake of air before pressing it back out her nose again. the guest had a point. they did have plenty of food and it was hardly something zoya could fault him for. but his presence didn’t seem to irate her any less. she debates for a moment putting on a sarcastically sweet smile before replying to the other. but instead she looks at the blonde absolutely deadpan. ❝  of course not. you’re a guest. wouldn’t imagine asking you to be of use. ❞ the sarcasm drips from her tone as he expression remains neutral.

      “Now where did you get this?” she asks with a soft chuckle, amused as she tugs lightly on the handle of the knife still in his mouth. Though she is curious where he managed to find it. “And do you mind if I see it for a moment?” Will she give it back? Maybe, but she isn’t going to make any promises.

HIS TAIL THUDS LOUDLY against the ground as the princess pet his belly. this was the bright side about the visit. even though the dog was still fuming from being denied entry to the room at least he was getting emotional compensation in the form of pets. his tail continued to wag despite the growl that leave his mouth as amelia gives a tug on the knife. he didn’t want to give up his newest possession! if she took the knife away from him then he would have to go and find another one. though now that chopper had a moment to take the princess in, it didn’t seem like she had a knife. maybe he would be kind and let her have his. he would find another.

at the second tug he allows her to take the knife. he barks in pride at his find. he hopes that she likes the knife even if she doesn’t give it to him back. it is a very sharp knife that would do great damage to anyone who might try to do the princess harm. his paw nudges the princess again as he pleads for more pets.

MAYBE SHE SHOULD FEEL PHASED BY THE GROWL. if she was a lesser woman she probably would be scared. even in her unsightly state Odette was was a powerful and scary ( in her own rights ) woman. of course she was. Odette was one of her closest friends. and zoya didn’t waste her time with weak people. nonetheless, zoya was on someone else’s property. Odette had her right to have zoya removed and never speak to her again. she had the right to call the cops thought she doubted she would actually press charges. plus odette’s father wouldn’t allow such a thing to happen since he technically blessed this whole encounter. as he friend flails in her bed, zoya continues on her mission. she starts to separate things into neat piles. one for trash. another for things that need to be clean. and lastly a pile of things that just need to be organized. she is on a mission and tries to not think too deeply about the mess. that wouldn’t help clean the disaster.

she is surprised when the other sits up. mentally that checked off a box on the ever expanding list of things she needs to do. though she is painfully aware of how easily her friends might melt back into the mattress again. ❝ yes. I have talked to your father recently. he says you’re basically not going to any of your appointments. made it sound like you haven’t left the bed since you returned from the hospital. and based on how nasty this place is. i believe him now. ❞ she places the dirty cup in its rightful category. she turns toward her friend ( maybe soon ex friend ) and places her hands on her hips. ❝ you’re right. I’m not your mother. so i'm not going to spare your feelings. but is this really what you want? waste your life in a bed feeling sorry for yourself and getting bed sores like you’re an elderly woman on hospice? at least they probably didn't waste their youth feeling sorry for themselves. ❞

SHE RAISES A PERFECTLY MANICURED EYEBROW RIGHT BACK AT HIM. the smile on her lips has pure amusement on it as if she were watching a child. not that she ever wanted to be around children. but vasily’s words almost make her laugh. ❝ oh please, sweetie, we both know dear ol’ daddy doesn’t approve of your little boyfriend. he’s made it clear enough in our circle that he wants any and all of his friends to throw their daughters at you. maybe you aren’t a complete disappointment yet like your little brother. but you’re getting there. especially if you stay with your little boy toy. ❞

the amusement doesn’t falter from her expression as he moves closer. in her heels she is taller than the other. plus while she knew full well vasily could get away with murder he wouldn’t hurt her here. ❝ oh that’s adorable that you think I care about you. now remember, you were the one who decided to approach me and have your little hissy fit. is there anything of substance you wanted to say to me or are you done, my dear? ❞