#ablxzemonarch

There had been word that a travelling party of nobles were trying to pass through the the Ember Woods. A brave move, or a stupid one. All Gastfolde nobles were too afraid to cross the threshold of the woods, having been told stories of its ‘curse’ since infancy. Stories that Sicarius made sure were maintained. 

Landing into a nearby tree, his Hawk eyes focused on the passing carriage. The sides were decorated with a banner he’d never seen before. That would explain their ignorance. Waiting for the perfect moment, he swooped down and dug his talons into the horse, flapping wildly to try and veer it off course.

"This is NOT where I wanted to go.” An irritated sigh left the witch’s lips as she stomped through the forest. “Might as well see what’s here.”

Icy walked through the trees, shoving anything that got in her way out of her way. It was oddly quiet in her opinion, even at this time (which she placed to be around 10 p.m. or so given how dark it was). Too quiet. Blue eyes searched the area as she walked, her palm opening to summon a glowing ball of ice energy that helped illuminate the surrounding area.

The witch frowned, sensing other magic nearby. Great. It didn’t FEEL like those loser fairies magic though, so that was a plus. Her attention was caught when she noticed several creatures lurking in the areas the light didn’t reach, although none of them came forward towards her. Perhaps it was the powerful and negative energy she emitted, or perhaps it was another reason.

Either way, they provided enough of a distraction that she nearly walked into someone else. The only reason she didn’t was because the energy suddenly flared to let her know and she stopped, and icy wind swirling around her despite it feeling like it was summer in this place. Blue eyes eyed up the female, a frown on her features.

“Just doing my job,” the Captain replied, tipping his helmet to her. Around him, his men were rounding up the thugs. Well, most of them. One of them - the leader, the Captain suspected - had fought back, and got an arrow in the heart for his trouble. The Captain moved slightly, blocking his body from view. 

--

“Monarch? Monarch?” A man in a well-dressed suit and bowtie hurries up to her. “I understand you are trying to get to know me better and learning about what I can do but this is honestly the worst time possible and -” he pauses to look over his shoulder, “I suggest we run.” Of course, the man had not considered actually saying who he was. He forgot he was in disguise.

Scruff could do nothing but roam, always walking around in circles, alone with his thoughts and the maddening voices. Yet, he knew there was someone else with him the moment he saw a flash of orange in his peripheral vision. This was no illusion. “Fiesty girl?” he called out, remembering the auburn haired woman he’d met when out for a walk just like this. “I know you’re there.”