Araminta did not escape dreams, nor were they even close to sweet, but he’d not been wrong that his bitter tea and supportive presence was enough to deter away the worse of it. There was no flailing or flopping, turning or twisting. No kicking of legs and limbs or quiet nightmare filled sobbing.
She did awake once in the middle of the night, some terrifying vision that her groggy head couldn’t even remember the second she’d sucked in that sudden breath and opened her eyes. Finding Theon still there and not escaped off to the corner with her wrapped up in a blanket cocoon was enough to have her immediately snuggling back in again with an inaudible sigh. Drifting back to sleep this time without an issue at all knowing she was perfectly safe. From then on she slept deep and peacefully, if her dreams were troubling, they weren’t enough to have her wriggling or thrashing about.
Despite it being the one time she truly could’ve used sleeping well into noon, as soon as the sun was peeking rays through the window and birds were awakening with a chirp, so too was Araminta slightly stirring. Honestly not wanting to move, even despite her brain brightening up to full awareness. Her stomach wasn’t helping either as thoughts of cold leftover stew with buttered bread coming to mind. Only doubting they had any bread and butter, to then wonder if Theon had reclaimed her staff or if she’d have to find her a new stick. She didn’t need it for walking anymore, but she’d grown so used to having it…
This amongst a dozen other things were flittering about her head as she lay there listening to the morning birds and plotting out their day. As it turned out, Araminta was a morning person when she wasn’t being slowly poisoned to death!
Being dreamless was always a pleasant reward for himself. The depth it took him and the means of barely even seemingly to wake even when there was obvious movement may have suggested that his record of light sleeping had taken a favour to do the opposite for once. Sucking mental hold down into a pitch that simply allowed one to recuperate without having the back and forth winding nonsense that dreams could provide. If they were there, he was unlikely to remember. A thing that would be nice as dreams for him were often no more than plaguing twisted memories that did nothing besides hound him into discomfort.
It was more the light changing in the hut that was enough to start spurring him to become gradually alert. And the means that there was another person who was not so pressed for sleep as he had known her prior. Where the mornings were typically his to have while she slept till something awoke her.
Who knew such an infection of demonic energy could do so much to one person. And the sheer will power she had to push through it all.
He’d been somewhere between the means of rousing thoughts to properly pull back the eyelids that were shuttering away as much of the light as possible, and debating the first task that would need to be done. Exhaling softly to express he was awake at this point, and like he knew the routine of a proper morning, “If you are hungry, then we will go to the village.” Husky and gravely from sleep, a singular eye had pulled to be a sliver to where lids were opening. “There is little besides what was last night.” Theon moved his grasp from her as to be polite, stretching some but not about to go flocking from the bed in case she started to get all fussy at him in some way. Not sure how she would but had an inkling she would.
Immediately and without warning a desire rose to throw her arm around him and stop him from moving at all. Prompting a flush of red to her cheeks and for Araminta, very much against her will, to rise up to sitting. Combing her fingers through her dark hair as a means to keep her hands off him.
Simply because he let her touch him all of the time, didn’t mean she should be so inappropriately handsy!
Wondering if her growling stomach had actually been audible enough to prompt his statement, or if it were simply so rumbly that he could feel it!
“It’ll be nice to visit again,” she responded with ease, actually quite looking forward to seeing people living perfectly normal village life again. To have that reminder of human life!
And for a split second moment remembering those who didn’t anymore. That was going to linger with her for a long time, yet.
She finally deemed to turn to peer at him – finding herself miserably sore in every place imaginable, but thankfully no longer broken into pieces. With proper food and a night of sleep that didn’t come with rats trying to scurry over her or someone stabbing her with sharp little torture devices, Araminta did physically feel worlds better already even despite the soreness. She didn’t feel like a pale and wispy damsel about to faint in the slightest of breezes.
Theon seemed to look better too. Rested and without those deep creases of worry. Unable to curb the impulse she reached to give his own hair a soft brushing with her fingers to straighten out.
“Sleeping isn’t so bad, is it.” she remarked, brightening into a wide grin. Knowing damn well it had been she who kicked up the fuss this time, and not having the slightest bit of shame about it.
As she rose with an unusual hue of red coming to her features – colour him confused on that one-, he sought to replicate her actions. Perhaps without the red blush painting his cheeks for there was nothing that he was aware of to be modest or bashful about. Nor was he intending to stay idle anyways when there was likely much to do. Knowing her, she’d probably wish to get back to the trails and that would entitle a fast travel back to the other village. Unsure if they should pop into it or just avoid it to allow those within not to be forced with their presence.
Leaning highly to the latter than the former. Though she did want to go to that village that Matilda has suggested for the means of trade. So that was likely the first thing they would need to do anyways.
“There will be items for you to have that would suit your tastes more so than what was made last night.” Encouraging her to not worry herself about having to be stuck eating wild game and uncultivated vegetables and herbs from the surrounding nook of birch forest. Of course there was surely a few more things she would do well to have at the village. More interaction with those of human variety and of course, the comfort of slowly returning to her own personality that was warm and infectious with sweetness.
Straightening himself and nonplused about the motion of her hands reaching over to try and sort the red locks, he instead was giving her a bit of a monitoring look over. Especially towards that of her commentary about sleeping not being so bad. There was nothing to say back to that as they both knew who was the one last night that was resistant to it. Switching roles but he seemed to be internally amused by her bold commentary.
Funnily enough stooping in a new fashion that would bunt the side of his crown to her own in a gentle affectionate motion before retracting and nodding. “I will heal you a bit further as well, if you wish. Then we can go to the town and let you return to those of your friendly sorts.”
“I happen to enjoy simple humble meals. You shouldn’t do yourself a disservice,” she chided gently. After having eaten a whole manner of things, Araminta knew the different between a terrible meal and a good one. …at least when it came to tasting it! One could never go wrong with ingredients fresh out of the forest and a little bit of herbal seasoning. It was a far cry better than eating bugs or bread so stale it could chip a tooth.
Then he’d caught her off guard with the soft press, and he may as well have just kissed her cheek for the way it made her stomach turn upside down and caused her to softly giggle. While he’d brushed away her tears before and occasionally fussed her hair out of her face, this might’ve been the first time he’d given her a friendly affection that wasn’t just a response to something she’d assaulted him with first.
All she could do in the moment was nod her affirmation to allow his dealing. Having to keep her delighted thoughts to herself so she wouldn’t embarrass him… or herself!
“Do I need to hunt myself a new stick? I’m walking fine now, but I rather liked having a staff. It turned out to be useful for so many other things, and I think it suits me?”
He wasn’t bothered by offering out affection. Honestly, he had just always insanely cautious of it and distrusting of people that attempted to be sweet. Always doubting their intentions when in actuality, he knew he was fully capable of it. Often as a youth, wanted it. At this point with Araminta, there was a security knowing that he was likely able to do so without her getting offended or aggressive with him. By all means and measures, he wasn’t cruel and thought about as a younger person he may have enjoyed reaching out and being gentle with someone else.
The affirmation yesterday that what he felt was likely a sort of love for Araminta, he wasn’t so uneasy about trying to be a little more towards her.
Though the way she giggled, he may have given her a bit of a look that was undetermined to what it meant. Just that he was nodding to her former suggestion that he shouldn’t discredit his ability to make something humble.
Only then did he start to gather up so he might get out of this all to soft arrangement. Stretching a little more thoroughly while she asked him a question that took a moment to recall. “Yes.” He had not brought the stick, honestly it hadn’t looked like it was even there with the poor woman. It could have been but he was a little preoccupied handling the other means. “I can look for a new one as I did not bring the one you liked. That was my failure to be attentive.”
“You can’t be expected to carry around a big stick and me during extraneous circumstances,” she relayed easily. Araminta had grown fond of that one in particular as it had managed to last so much longer than all of her others, likely because it’d come out of the fae wood. Thankfully, though, it was simply a stick and didn’t have the same sort of sentimentality attached to it. She’d be alright to do without it, regardless now that she could walk properly on her own.
…not that it seemed that way when she herself made the stiff attempt to get up to her feet. Stooping to start gathering up quilts and linens to fold and put away. The princess was in far better spirits, though. Even with unpleasant thoughts still hanging around in the back of her mind, not that she was safe – again safe – it was a lot easier for Araminta to breath and recognize the good around her. Whatever inner spark she had that kept her going was back to flaring bright.
And boy was she plotting.
The Imperial Queen was likely several steps ahead of them in terms of wicked plans, but Araminta could bet that she’d not expect one of her most dangerous and deadly minions to have been removed from the board. Hopefully that would buy them some time to catch up, and for Araminta to hatch some sort of scheme that was going to keep them out of the line of fire long enough to discover exactly what sort of hold the woman had over Theon. Ordering those greater plans in her head, as well as the simple thoughts of how the day would go.
With blankets folded up quickly she stashed them away in their little cedar chest and wicker baskets then dusted off her hands for a job well done.
“We out to see if someone in the village might make us some furniture. A bed frame and a cozy chair. Unless you want to try your hand at a new skill?”
Still he could feel bad for not thinking about the walking stick that had been her fishing pole and various other things as well. She had found it in the fae woods and in turn it had been reliable. Only to be forgotten about. What it didn’t mean was that he couldn’t find a new one for her. After all, there was plenty of chances to do so. But that little tidbit was kept close and neat to his chest as not to reveal anything that she might cluck at him not to do. Much in the same vein that he wasn’t about to start chiding her for the bedrolls and such. To leave them for him to get too and that she shouldn’t worry about it.
Leaving her to her means of tidying whilst that of large frame migrated over to attend to the means of other bits of clean up. For him to pause no sooner after she stashed everything away to mentioned furniture.
A bed frame and a chair. With a turn to look at her at first then around the limited space, he naturally had a few thoughts. “Not enough space.” Was the first one, it would mean he would have to work on trying to make this place larger for what she wanted. Which wasn’t a thing they could give time too currently. “If you wish for a bed frame for yourself, then yes. Talk to whom you wish to have those items made for you.” And finally shaking his head, “I do not think such a skill would be beneficial to learn for myself. There are others who have honed the craft to ensure you have the best possible comfort. It would be frivolous to waste that effort in myself doing it.”
Without a second thought he turned back to the means of likely picking up the leather armour over the metal once more to use. Seeing as they would be moving out in the open, it was unwise to be foolish to be unguarded now.
“Hmn,” Araminta followed his gaze at examining the room of the small hut. Not so sure if she agreed that a bed couldn’t be fit inside. Even shifting to hold her arms out stretched wide to use her body as the measurement. Stepping close to the wall to get an idea of length. Making a few strides to the other side of the hut. Coming back to the one blank wall to press her back against it… making a soft of hinging motion with her arm as she puzzled it out while he made use of the time putting his leathered armor on.
“…a hinged bed, then. Length wise like this,” she stretched out her arms again to show which direction it would lay. “Bolted to the wall and folding open only when it’s time to sleep. …or sit! It could be bed and chair? Granted, no one could get the door open while it is folded down, but that wouldn’t be such a problem, I think…”
Araminta wasn’t sure if she were explaining the idea properly, but if a door could hinge inwards and outwards, there was no reason why something couldn’t be hinged up and down. It would only need added legs to be sure they didn’t go tumbling to the door. Already tapping her fingers to her chin debating what sorts of pieces needed for such a thing. …then where would she put a chair!
Watching her do… whatever it was she was doing was something new. Making the effort of putting his own gear piece by piece back on, whatever Araminta was thinking it was clear it involved a lot of physical activity. Presenting a thoughtful look she had when it came to reasoning out something.
Currently she was no more than a bit of entertainment till the statement of a hinged bed was made. Causing fingers to stop and eyes to follow what she was doing. Blinking a few times and guessing that if someone could do it for her and her bed, then he had no reason to contest it. He could always sleep outside anyways when she got it made to her specifications.
“If you wish.” A simple answer that didn’t seem like he had much to add. Maybe pondering how she came to decide on such a piece of potential furniture but likely knew the story to that would come out when she found the right people to do her request.
It was pretty clear to Araminta that he was completely unimpressed with her idea, resting her hands on her hips for a moment to look him over with that way she did when it felt like she was trying to read his mind. She was trying to read his mind, really, taking a few educated guesses that because it was a bed he intended to not have anything to do with it. Which was both frustrating and amusing all at once. Making her features soften as she gave a gentle sigh and a smile.
“I really did miss you,” she announced with ease. Leaving that declaration as it was to seek out her boots and see about straightening herself up a bit for going into the village. Tying her hair up and out of her face in a messy twist. Think it was good that they were here and home, as it meant they could purchase any means of things they needed now without having to worry too much about how to carry it all back.
For now, though, she was plotting out bare minimums. Fresh undergarments a new priority and perhaps a cloak. Araminta wasn’t quite sure how many days or weeks she’d spent in Gusteau’s grizzly dungeons, but winter was right around the corner for certain and she wouldn’t be able to get around without proper protection from the cold. Already knowing Theon would give her bombastic side-eye if she dared to tell him that she was well used to the frigid weather!
That caught him off guard. Stopping all together his means of dressing his attire back to the state of protective follower. Blinking after her whilst trying to grasp what she had meant by that. Outside the obviousness that the statement was made at all. But if there was some other meaning to it, he wasn’t aware or able to sniff it out.
Having to settle with a clueless understanding and a low humming acceptance that whatever she had meant was going to be hers to have.
A few additional minutes and he seemed to be mostly ready. Just brushing off the cloak that had been used the day prior and moved with the heft of himself to approach her. “Ara.” Bidding softly as he waited till she turned enough for him to flip out the grayish coloured item up and over shoulders. Pulling it taunt to rise with a tucking of its front to hold with fingers. Motioning that he would want her cloak pin to put it into place. By all means had he known what she was thinking, he probably would have made more of an effort to give her a few more items to stay warm. He had his gear on and it would be fine enough to keep him warm for now.
It would get chillier here yes, but he hadn’t seen it snow really before so he wasn’t thinking it was going to be likely. Otherwise in their past conversations he probably never would have asked if she had seen snow before. “I will follow your lead to town. If you need coin, please tell me. There is still some available for you to use.”
Araminta was quite liking this shortened form of her name, finding it very curious that he had started doing it at all… but still liked it all the same. Having the chance to watch Theon go from the silent Ghost to this was enough to have that smile plain across her features. Handing over her pin and waiting patiently for him to finish the clasping. Reminding her that he had the coin should she need it
“There will be no doing village tasks and chores for me today, I understand,” she nodded along with the statement. Assuming he was going to practically be on her heels and peering over her should until she was fully mended once again. The least she could do was take it easy for a few days so Theon himself had the time to recover from the fright of not just almost losing her once, but thrice in such a short period of time.
Araminta as well would rather spend the time with him before she had to return to her quest.
It seemed he still intended to BE the Ghost, however, so at his bidding Araminta was the one leading the way out the door. Waiting a few paces before she was grasping his hand to walk. Not because she needed to for ease of walking or anything else, but because she plain and simple wanted to. Clearly having a much easier stride of walking even if she were stiff in muscle.
“Good.” Aligning the clasp to fold itself through the cloth whilst she expressed clearly that she was not about to start advertising herself for work so soon. Instead that this woman under his grasp was going to behave herself. To understand that coin could be earned with him as well and right now her priority was to simply do the means of talking, haggling and her general bubbly infectious personality that had so many warming up to her like flies to honey. In turn he would be able to keep an eye on things without having to be included or even acknowledged.
As it should be.
Of course he had intended to stay back as not to impeded or impose himself upon her. To act the part of dutiful protector but guard no less. Silent, watchful and nearby but not so close that she’d feel suffocated. Sure that she had enough of that recently. Nor would he really want her to be weighed down by the idea of being in the presence of the Imperial Prince either. Though thus far, he was certain no one in the village here was even aware he was. Likely if they did, they probably would have made their concessions about his existence all the louder.
However, Araminta was up to her own guises. They had barely left the abode when he found her grasping at his hand. Intertwining with his own making his chest warm and his belly do that fluttering motion once more. Still trying to figure that one out but able to identify that it was a pleasant sensation. Enjoyed, nothing terrible. Nor did he guess she needed his assistance since it looked like since Reeves pulled the chunk of horn from her leg, her gait was far better. Lively even and he was sure if she had a chance, she just might run around too to express that she was fine.
Still, he was a bit bashful that she was wasting her time with staying close with him. “People will get the wrong idea,” Theon mumbled just loud enough, “I do not wish for you to be judged or anything, so you may let go when it best suits you.” With no way he could even possible be offended that she would.
The princess blinked in surprise, shooting him the verdant stare before it devolved into that sweet, clever fox smile she always seemed to have right before she said something incredibly cheeky or terribly alarming.
“I am not going to be offended if they think I’ve married you after all,” she stated with a little much of a delighted inner joy about it and not quite sure the idea both made her want to laugh but also feel as if she’d swallowed caterpillars. Of course she knew he was just worried he’d somehow sully her reputation if anyone thought she was friends with the very infamous Imperial Prince.
“I’m not worried about what anyone thinks. I can be sharp if I need to if someone is rude to me. Or to you.” she told him plainly. Much like that Lady Thebe in Essurn, Araminta hadn’t forgotten how to be Princess Araminta when necessary.
Whatever she was looking for towards him nothing could have prepared him for the sweet but dangerous smile. Only aware that it would likely be do to something she found worthwhile to remark upon. Or point out. Even with that knowledge, the fact that she would even playfully suggest that she would not be offended if someone misconstrued them as a couple. A married couple.
The words had to buzz around for a long moment. Snacking figuratively into every solid surface in his mind before truly connecting. Inviting a proper blush to stain cheeks to a crimson all the while some foreign delight flooding his being. Mover at her suggestion even if it was more of a lie to make him less worried of his impact to her reputation. “You deserve far better than that even if it was a nice thing to hear.” He’d care too much to subject her to such a terrible fate.
Just why had the jesting moved him so much. He would not ever wish to see Araminta settle for such a miserable fate after all. Caring too much and truly knowing the phrase of leagues to that of people.
She was tender with a solid personality and a beautiful face all in one. Exactly outside the league of his lesser stature and he would be hard pressed to see settle for anyone who didn’t or wasn’t ten times better than any fable Prince Charming.
“You may not worry but I still do. But I know you are entirely capable of handling whatever you feel best. That I do not doubt.”
The man actually blushed crimson, which forced Araminta to have to stamp down that silly thrilled feeling and all her urges to tease him about it. He seemed to think he was not worth even the most simple thing as a loving marriage, which of course was absolutely ridiculous. Had she known what she knew now, she would have accepted that offer of marriage in a heartbeat and braved the terrors of the Imperial Castle. That would’ve spared him all of the suffering they’d encountered on their journey so far.
Just as quickly she realized where that line of thinking was taking her and now Araminta was flushing and needing to change the subject of thoughts in her own brain! The audacity she had to even make these sorts of assumptions, to even imagine the idea of trapping this poor man into a marriage! He’d been forced into enough things!
Wisely Araminta left the rest of their short walk down to the village to a companionable silence. Not about to release his hand now and let him think he could get away with thinking she wouldn’t proudly display she supported him and value his friendship. Especially as he’d revealed how much it did truly bother him that people had so many ill assumptions about who he was. If Araminta could help ease their fears and change that perception through her actions, she would do so easily.
Once they’d reached the village there was a palatable air of… pensiveness that even Araminta could sense just by glancing at the faces and milling frames of the villages as they worked on their daily jobs and tasks. Something had surely happened to shift the place from it’s quaint sense of peace.
“You foolish girl!” came a hissing decree, along with a mess of words in a language she didn’t know, coming from the large pot belly man with the big bushy beard and his fuzzy caterpillar eyebrows. Bruno scuttled over so quickly, out of instinct Araminta had released Theon’s hand to press against his chest and give him and gentle step backwards behind her. Not concerned at all that Bruno was a danger, or Theon for that matter, but a little worried that anyone that approached them too quickly might trigger Theon’s already frayed nerves about her safety and end up flipped onto their rear end!
Bruno was there quick, tugging the hood of her cloak up over her dark hair to hide her face and then without warning grasping both their arms to guide them over his his little stall of goods.
“Walking around as plain as day while the Queen’s Mad Mercenary is out hunting green-eyed damosels. Foolish market fox, you need to be more careful!”
O-oh. News of that vicious murder spree had truly spread everywhere. Araminta shouldn’t have been surprised, gossip and news was the bread and butter for any village. With the way Gusteau had bragged about the many woman he’d murdered before he’d finally found Araminta, then of course every village in the twelve kingdoms must’ve been in a state of waiting horror. And it was far too soon for anyone to know the villain had met a deserving end.
“He’s- He’s dead now.” she quickly said to soothe his fears, looking a bit grim in features even as she announced it.
The village man was now taking a deeper second look at Araminta, seeming only now to recognize some alarming signs. Then turning his eyes to Theon in a questioning stare, before he softened and gave the girl a gentle pat on the shoulders.
“World is better for it, then.” he declared with all sincerity.
The lull into comfortable silence was both appreciated and gradually relaxing. Needing not to be forced into conversation even after Araminta had clearly gotten the upper hand on him. Although that was hardly new, she typically did have the upper hand. Doubtful there would ever be a large switch in that regard nor was he bothered by it either. It only just made him obviously embarrassed when she as boldly saying nonsense that would likely get her into trouble at some point. While knowing the princess was entirely capable of defending herself in numerous ways, he worried that her attachment to him was severely going to ruin many prospects for her future.
By no means was he blind, he seen how the male sex and some females turned to oogle her with clear intentions. He would wish not to be that hook that made it impossible for her to keep her forward monument in this life. The trials would even, hopefully the Imperial Queen would be handled and she would need to return to her own kingdom with a desire to rebuild it. Where she would be Queen then.
As his thoughts wandered their own familiar paths of mental aisles, nothing really could have prepared him for their step into the village. While it might have felt a little off, it was the gruff hissing and words uttered in a dialect unfamiliar that steeled him quickly. Turning attention surely swift to land upon the man that he recalled due to those outrageously hairy eyebrows, but found Araminta had released him only to give him an indicating press of palm to tell him where to stand. Following the instruction but wasn’t dropping his honed focus now. Debating what would need to happen if this man tried to harm the woman before him. Running quick scenarios through his thoughts of what action would be required, lethal or non.
Just that in a manner of seconds the elder man was tugging the cowl up over Araminta’s face. Dulling the protective edge to just be plain baffled by the action. Till the man had no bars to reach out. Grabbing them each to insist that they come along as though they had been child-like menaces chasing around the local chicken population! Leading them to the stall side before declaring exactly what he was up in arms about.
Gusteau. And his murdering ways that had harmed far too many. Making sure his deeds had reached far and wide. Ensuring that the rumours were swift in reaching all sorts of ears. Which included Bruno. Acting out the part of concerned fellow instead of potential danger.
Of course the information was bleak and surely didn’t do Araminta any justice of mending her heart, but the truth was given. The Mad Mercenary was dead –hopefully- and that also surely meant less bloodshed in that regard. Not perfectly mind you, but still something. Especially when Bruno expressed that the world was better for the loss of such a cruel malicious bastard. The sentiment could be agreed with easily, though he sort of leaned a little away when Bruno gave him a questioning stare. Not about to just admit that it was him that did it or that Araminta had been captured at all. Not sure how that would all go down.
Instead looking to Araminta with a sort of lingering wonder to what she wished to do now. Evidently the village was just as nervous about it all. It would be her choice if the news here spread about the man’s death, likely knowing that the rumour mill would assure it reached further very quickly.
Araminta wasn’t quite sure herself what she was apt to do – finding herself foolishly surprised that the consequences of her actions would be confronted today. Not sure why she was so silly to think that she’d be able to walk into the village and things would be blissfully untouched and unchanged.
Bruno was quick to pick up on that haunted pale expression of hers, and too the fact Araminta hadn’t immediately launched into her usual cheerful morning greetings. So the rotund man with his bushy beard took it upon himself to launch into conversational theatrics.
“Eh, eh! Perk up you wily little fox, it’s a good day to be alive! My son is back to making leather craft again and business is well. Maisle’s got a fresh new litter of piglets iffen you want to go claim yerself one. Been a bit grim as a late with all the recent news and all, but eh! That drink of water treating you well then? You are doing well?”
There was something in that question, especially when he turned his caterpillar brows at Theon again with that questioning, longer second glance. Unlike their prior encounter, where he’d not seemed to notice or care about Theon’s lingering presence nearby, this time he was very attentive. As if trying to decide what he might need to do.
“Oh, I don’t think I could take any piglets right now.” The mention of baby piglets seemed to perk her interest back up immediately. “We’re not home enough for me to care for any animals. But I’m glad your son has returned to working! He is sure to surpass your crafting skills by leagues if he keeps it up.”
“Such insult! Wickedness!” exclaimed Bruno, slapping his hand against the wood of his stand. “Disrespectful as always! Get along thing, you wretched little fox. Find yourself a nice meal before tanners come out and gobble everything in sight.”
Araminta wrinkled up her nose, but it was very clear she didn’t take any offense to these insults, nor did Bruno truly mean them at all. Bidding him a simple good morning before she was claiming Theon’s hand again to resume their stroll into town. Though now she did seem to be mulling over something in that head of hers.
“I forgot how long it’s been since I’ve visited here,” she said thoughtfully.
In a manner of seconds Bruno was launching into the efforts of breaking the lingering stretching silence. If he wasn’t watching the man, he might have been startled to the sudden blurting. Only for dutiful observation went perfectly quizzical at the nonsense of something about water. Even looking around as if there was a glass of water strangely left on the ground by their feet. Finding absolutely nothing in that regard besides looking back up and finding the man’s gaze on him again. This time inciting a bit of widening eyes as though he were trying to truly figure out this puzzle that had been verbally given.
Sure he could do without that level of looking and the movement of overly thick brows.
Shortly turning features aside seeing as he wasn’t really getting what was being uttered even remotely. Nor really appreciating the awareness this time either!
Grateful that the man seemed to launch back into a new bit of information that was likely intended to shake Araminta out of her thoughts, so they could in turn know what recent happenings had occurred within the little homely place. Watching Ara as she perked up about baby piggies but mentioning there was no one around right now to really care for such things. Even twisting it to jest at Bruno no sooner where they were beginning this confusion means of interactions that were outside his scope.
Once more looking to where the man slapped his hand down and trying to gauge the severity of tongue with a slow comprehension that it was harmless. But they were being shooed out after a moment and he was once more gripped by hand to be pulled along. Looking down to their linked grasp and wondered if he ought to not do this. But was making no effort to escape rather, “Yes. Some time. You seem perplexed however. Is all alright?”
“I had this silly, naive thought that things would be untouched here. I supposed I expected it to be like returning home and finding everything just as you left it.” This admittance came with the dark knowledge that one day she was going to return back to her mountain kingdom, and unlike here where she could’ve at least pretended all would be the same, Araminta knew she’d not find the same kingdom she remembered.
The last time Araminta had to process through an immense trauma, she’d been all alone. Those that had escaped the mountains with her, the princess had found a refuge for in a village so much like this one. While she could’ve stayed with them and perhaps started a new sort of life or at the very least worked through the terrible events that’d sent them fleeing, Araminta left the very second she knew they’d be okay. With the grand ambition of speaking with this infamous, powerful Imperial Queen to help them find their way back.
Letting herself grieve never seemed that important in the wake of things.
Now she was not alone and Theon was getting a front row seat to Araminta struggling. Leaving her squeezing his gently as she glanced up at him… this wasn’t such a bad thing. If anything, having him there made the weight of the world not feel so suffocating.
“I’ll be alright, as you said. You’re here and I’m safe. As long as we’re not set upon by a flock of geese I’m certain to keep my wits about me.”
Scrolling his attention outwards to the village that seemed so unassuming, so unbothered and very much out of the way of most people’s wanderings; he considered her verbalized thoughts. How she had hoped nothing would have changed but instead everything had. Which he supposed he could understand a little bit. Just he was a lot more disassociated from these types of things. People, communities. They were the items that he didn’t really deal with because the lack of desire to do so after so long. Now being present in the moment with Araminta, things were changing and he was noting these subtle differences.
Feeling her hands tense in a soft squeeze that made him drop his focus back to her. “It is okay to feel unsettled however, no matter if it is something large or small.” Seemingly not about to just let her dance away from the topic as she may have before. “We will work together to be safe and alert certainly, but not to allow yourself to feel those opposite emotions… I don’t believe is a good thing either. I may have history with that.” Theon suggested with his own sagely way.
“Where do you wish to eat then?” Continuing on as not to pressure anything further. Leaving it to Ara’s own decision to what she wanted to think or feel.
Araminta did not look so certain about this means of feeling all of her feelings, as she well knew she’d be liable to burst into tears again if she weren’t careful. But the way she smile was genuine enough to convey that she was listening, and the soft nod spoke for her that she’d at least try.
Tilting her head to gesture the direction, she led him by hand to a row of buildings until she’d found the one that looked more like a stone walled garden than any sort of place to eat. There were simple wooden tables, some tucked nicely under trees for the shade. Several people were there having meager meals or a drink – mostly parents with young children that were getting dragged out for a day of errands. An elderly couple was playing a puzzle game while drinking steaming cups of tea.
A pebbled path led to the back of the garden to a cozy cottage styled hut with an open serving window. Where the most delightful smell of baked bread, sweet pies, and honey were filling the garden with cozy scents. Inside, the girl that made all of the chicken pies to sell by the market stalls from her basket shouted out she’d there a second. Needing to first handle several things before she was serving burned bread to the whole village.
“Ah! You’re not dead after all!” croaked out that ancient old woman, so scrunched up and wrinkled she seemed to have dried up like a raisin in the sun. She had herself a hefty mug of something she likely ought not to have had first thing in the morning.
“…you also seem to still be alive,” responded Araminta without missing a beat. To which the old crone promptly cackled and wagged her cane at her.
Then she was wagging it at Theon, full of spice for such an ancient lady. “And you! Thought I wouldn’t figure it out, did ya? I shoulda known by that stupid look on your face. Get yourself a plate, girl, and come have a sit with me. I’m tired of getting my gossip from that halfwit postman, ’bout time I got it direct from the horse’s mouth.”
There was no reason to say much further. A peace uttered and noted by how Araminta offered him a sincere beam. Knowing that as of now, she knew his thoughts and that was enough. Easily following after her lead seeing as she knew the way. Allowing him the chance to be a studious observer.
Noting the path along to a quaint looking venue that was more natural than artificial. Spurring new intrigue that any other time he might Have been interested in looking at the overgrown state of the place. To appreciate the mesh of organic green to human population. Save that he was able to pick up the smell of food and found quickly that this must have been a place she had visited previously. Making it easy to find once more.
There were others of course. Yet the sound of a wrinkled old woman had him turning attention to the elder being. Declaring in her way that Ara hadn’t perished. A very good thing though the princess had no reservation to return the blunt return. Leaving him gingerly in awe.
That dissipated quickly.
Making a glaring discomfort to himself that to be called so blatantly stupid. Tensing and turning then to retrieve his hand from Araminta without wanting to be stopped. “I will be aside when you require.” Making a point to where he would be when she was done her meal and visiting. Wishing not to be included even remotely.
Araminta was instantly reaching to reclaim his hand, not about to let him escape just yet — only the elder woman held up her cane block her from doing so. Shooing her off towards the cottage window.
“Fetch that plate, dearie, I want to have a chat with your gingered guardian. He’s not about to disrespect his elders, don’t you worry.”
The princess was certain that Theon wasn’t going to be an issue, but rather that this wrinkled old woman might be too much for him to handle on his own. Going a bit wide-eyed and alarmed at the very idea of him having to suffer the brunt of what was likely going to be a lot of teasing and prodding at his expense… A gentle soul that’d already been battered by genuinely cruel words could not always tell the difference from well-meaning mischief.
“Don’t be mean to him Tillie, I’ve not hit an old woman but I might do so today!” she warned. Earning a cackle from the old crone and a sort of look that didn’t fill her with any ease whatsoever. Still, with another shaking of that cane, Araminta took a few steps backwards and then went on to get her food. Still warily spying over her shoulder just in case she needed to make a run to tackle either of them.
The wrinkled crone waited until Araminta was out of earshot before she spoke directly to Theon. Having no issues with making a hobbled chase if he tried to escape her. Looking at him so seriously as if she’d not just casually insulted him straight to his face.
“I ain’t about to ask these questions in front of that girl – have you seen the Mad Mercenary?” she asked directly. “Are you aware of what he has done and who he is looking for?”
He didn’t want to partake in a means where people were able to continue insulting him left right and center. Having had more than enough in his lifetime to where the put downs. There was next to no reason why he ought to have to stay put and listen to it. Elder or not, it was cruel to even expect him to do so. Yet in a manner of seconds, there was a cane held up stopping Araminta from potentially reaching out. And he found himself giving this older woman a look that could be dangerous if provoked.
She had insulted him when they first came to the village unknowingly, but now she was stated she knew who he was simply because his features were stupid. While he usually wouldn’t disagree and still wouldn’t, the difference was he wouldn’t stay close by to let someone keep pinging rude commentary off himself because he was simply supposed to take it.
Nor did he want to talk to her even remotely.
Watching the elder woman then Araminta suggest in her own way that there would be hell to pay, she did only earn a cackle from the older sort. Shuffling away with a few looks back only that he was unfortunately made to stay here and side eyeing the woman with obvious caution. Finding that she was asking questions that seemed to be the same sort of worries that Bruno had, yet… something about this didn’t feel right. Glazing over the first, “Yes, I am aware of whom he was looking for.” Keeping it short and succinct. Not about to say much else. Choosing not to depart but he didn’t have to speak to her either.
The fact that he was glaring at her didn’t phase the crone in the slightest, in fact it seemed to perk her up all the more to have such a response, and for him to be so curt and unyielding made it better.
“Was, being the key word, then,” she responded, not missing that that very specific way of phrasing. Almost looking proud of it in her own preening way.
“I have lived longer than most,” confided the old woman. Keeping a quick eye in Araminta’s direction to be sure the girl didn’t wander into their conversation. “Long enough to have seen Bloody Heirra rise to conquer twelve entire kingdoms in this land. Strange, innit? That I am here so old, so wrinkled, yet she still retains that matronly beauty.”
Looking him up and down again, not hiding the way she was doing so, up came her cane to poke him gently in the chest.
“Kind-hearted. Soft inside. Those are good traits for a future king to have. You made a choice in protecting that girl and people have noticed. …but so has Heirra. The Mad Mercenary is not the worst thing she will send, Prince Theon. We root for you as much as we pray that girl makes it through in one piece. We need you both to succeed.”
“I’d like to see that bitch dead before I’M dead if you would so be obliged.” she added on, not even having an ounce of shame that she’d just told the Imperial Prince himself she’d like to see his mother dead!
She was only affirming why he didn’t like interacting with people. The sort of crude bluntness wasn’t unusual to him but the way she carried herself in a suggestion that her own fecal matter didn’t stink, was the part that stood out to him. Nor the way she was using that cane even if he was still just giving her the look that spoke about how he wasn’t a fan of her.
Keeping tongue still as this one was not about to be swayed by anything anyways. She was due to do whatever she wanted, however she wanted regardless of what someone else thought.
Tillie as Araminta called her, made him uncomfortable. Just a glaring personification of what most wouldn’t say to his face but she had no problem with it. Seemingly enjoying it more than ever. Although she was prattling about how the Imperial Queen was still so young appearing when this wrinkled up prune was not. Not about to say much that he already suspected his egg donor had a hand in something that was highly traced in the dark arts. Leaning on that want to rule forever.
As a cane’s end was put into his chest, he did step back from it. Practically prickling in his own way. He would not be a king. Absolutely refusing it and if his mother did croak that someone else could rise up, then so be it! Being soft inside or kind hearted had no business ruling and he was pretty adamant about that. Simply letting her prattle as she wanted even going so far to call him a prince once more before making a bold claim of hoping the queen died before she did. There was no telling and he just gave a bare bones nod. Certainly in no mood to converse with her.
“I like you, boy. You have that ginger fire inside,” she chortled with delight.
Araminta returned with one of those chicken meat pies wrapped in brown paper with a dark narrow eyed expression to find Tillie just a cackling like some mean old witch until she started coughing and hacking. Normally Araminta would’ve given her a gentle pat on the pack to help her breathing again, but Theon looked as if he’d swallowed an entire bag of lemons.
“What did you say to him, Tillie.” she very nearly hissed under her breath.
“Not my fault he’s a sensitive lad and can’t handle a crass old woman!” shot back the crone with another cackle.
“Just because you’re older than the sun and earth doesn’t mean you get to say anything you please!” Araminta nearly shouted, now insinuating herself between Theon and the elder, pointing a finger for her to go on about her business elsewhere if she was going to be out here causing problems first thing in the morning.
Naturally this pleased the woman even more. Just a cackling as she started shuffling off.
“Be safe, dears. There’s meaner things out there than little old me.”
Araminta watched and waited until the old woman had made her way well out of the gardens before she turned to Theon with a sigh.
“…I suppose I am sorry on her behalf. She’s really not so awful, but sometimes she does think she can say whatever she wishes just because she’s old enough to have birthed the old gods.”
The feeling was entirely not mutual. Not so to the point of despising her but highly disliking her. Finding that even if she had some insight, she was not a pleasant person to be around. Just strengthening his own resolve not to really interact with people when there was more than enough irritation in his mind that could come from old wounds and bloody words. If he weren’t for just wanting to be nearby for Araminta, he’d just have returned to the hut to wait for the princess to finish what it was she needed to.
Still highly considering distancing regardless as the dark haired beauty returned and took the means of speaking up promptly. Merely missing the balled hands on her hips as she chided Tillie with no luck of winning.
Seeing as the old crone was gathering up to go dawdling out to probably torture some young child in her own way –he’d hope she never had children, otherwise he’d be worried she treated them just as terribly.
A heavy breath drew his line of sight to the dame. To where she was saying an apology when it wasn’t hers to give while attempting to abate his disliking of Tillie in the same breath. Not sure that was how it worked but he hummed some. Evidently having lost his more cheerful mood and preferring to remain hushed at this point.
Damn that Tillie! Theon was one who needed a gentle touch and Tillie was more like a big rampaging bull in the middle of a pottery shop. Treating even those she had a liking to with sarcasm and a wicked sense of humor. Araminta was imagining all sorts of things the woman was likely hassling him for, from his hair, his armor… just as likely told him he didn’t talk enough, or that he needed to speak up louder.
Or worse tried to educate him on how to be a proper man, Tillie did love talking about men!
Araminta never did find out what ginger men were known for.
Sighing deeply, she merely acquired Theon’s hand again, not tugging or dragging this time. Merely a soft beckoning for him to step along with her. Leading him over to an old wooden bench swing situated on a low branch of a willow. The princess made sure he sat first, a little worried he was going to abandon this entire outing simply because of one cackling old witch.
When she sat next to him her feet could barely even reach the ground.
Knowing that words never quite worked with Theon – he never tended to believe anything she said until he saw it for himself – Araminta chose silence instead. Sitting close enough to link her arm with his so that she could simply be present while he decided whether or not he’d like to rant about the altercation and having a few bites of her breakfast while it was till warm enough to be at it’s best.
It was a very easy way to get him sucked into his own mind. Never mind the fact that he had been one of those few hands that were summoned and dismissed with deadly orders; but the means that he took quickly to negativity like a moth to a flame. Preferring the means of reclusing in an act of privately trying to protect the only good parts of himself like priceless relics. Even as Araminta took charge literally by taking him by the hand, he wasn’t that willing to say anything.
Akin to a pot boiling up all the nastiest things within that of one’s mind. Picking apart things of himself while also juggling the information that was probably only giving him a stronger inkling that the Queen was certainly doing something that was of ill omen. There was no obvious way to know of course besides seeing it for one’s self, but there was evidence of demonic influence. The town of Nieve being a glaringly large one. Having not made the connection or was refusing to acknowledge Big Bessie Spider being influenced with dark energies.
Sitting and keeping quiet as Araminta seemed to be doing the same, he could at least appreciate the willow tree. Considering its branches and leaves as he would take peeks as sneakily as he could to be sure that Araminta was in fact eating. Doing a mental hurdle or three to avoid thinking about how it was made too.
Folding hands over his lap while she had them linked. At least for a moment. A short lived one before he was just looking outwards at the tree but lightly let his hand move to touch her own looped over. A silent sort of way that expressed while he wasn’t in much of a mood to talk, he wasn’t shut off either.
Patience was a virtue Araminta had in spades as well as her ability to handle long silences. Knowing he was frustrated, or mad, or some manner of insulted and needing the time to simmer himself down without some fussy princess trying to force him to feel better when he wasn’t ready or willing.
Finding that she’d made the right choice by means of his hand covering hers. Finally prompting her to tilt her head back and give him one of those soft smiles before gently bumping her shoulder against him.
Araminta continued to keep any further comments to herself, instead curiously watching the gardens as people came and sat to eat and went again. While sometimes they’d get curious glances, often even recognizing ones, there wasn’t anything frightened or full of distrust there. In fact some even seemed to be relieved and offered a wave or a look that they’d like to chat, only for Araminta to give a gentle shake of her head that now wasn’t a good time.
A shame Theon wasn’t interested in chicken pies, though. Araminta quite liked them… enough she might’ve wanted to try her hand at making one. But that sort of thing involved killing a chicken and figuring out the crust. …and no doubt needed an oven of some sort too. Too many ways for it to go wrong and she certainly wasn’t going to subject Theon to some blackened dish of ash.
After a few moments she tapped Theon’s knee, gesturing with a show of her booted feet that she’d like the swing to actually swing and his long legs were the only ones at present that could do it.
Taking time to level off whatever thoughts were thundering through his mindscape at the speed of wild beasts, his attention would start to watch those wandering by. Some staying and others seemingly recognizing Araminta in such a way that indicated they wished to speak to her. Finding it so unsurprising at this point that she was this welcomed in another small place. Proving his thought that she was akin to the ball in the sky.
Sun shiny and people warming up to her easily.
The tap to his kneed pulled him out of wherever thoughts were walking to. Following the line of sight to where she was making a motion that he wasn’t at all understanding. Unless it was pointing out that she had little legs compared to him that weren’t touching the ground while his were. Not sure there was anything he could do in that regard. She wasn’t a flower that could be watered to grow after all.
Raising attention to show his confusion to what she was doing. Was this some sort of game he hadn’t heard of before?
“Theon…” she’d said, a bit incredulous that he didn’t appear to know how swings worked. Yet by that impassively confused face of his…
Araminta immediately erupted into joyous laughter. What a delightfully silly thing – a SAD thing too but she was choosing to focus on the good parts – that she was now blessed to show him the simple joys of bench swings.
“Push back with your feet and then lift them up. It’s meant to gently swing back and forth. It’s nice,” she instructed easily, hugging onto his arm in the process.
…then briefly hoping Theon wasn’t one prone to motion sickness, else they were about to discover something new that went on the Not For Theon list.
Brows lifted somewhat at the tone of voice and name being uttered. Suddenly chasing new thoughts as if he had forgotten something. Or wasn’t doing something immediately. Making a mad dash through the internal columns of categorized knowledge for anything that fit in this situation. Just nothing was coming to mind, parting lips and just mumbled an apology in softened haste. Even as she seemed to be amused by his antics, that missing piece was still just that.
Missing.
There was little he could do about their heights!
After a moment it seemed that she was about to play educator once more. Looking to that of feet when it was suggested that he was to push back with feet and then lift them up. So that the seat they were upon would be able to move to and fro from the motion he had started. Putting the strings of thought together before he did as she requested.
Push back with his feet and lifted them upwards to let the motion of the backward fluidity come forward.
Repeated it a few times after the swing slowed that he would have to do it again, not aware there was a pumping action that would actually keep them moving without stopping and starting again. “This is fun?” He asked a bit uncertain as he readied to do the push back and release once more. Not so sure he understood what purpose this served.
“This is fun for me, at the very least!” she cheerfully responded, pulling her legs up onto the bench so she was effectively leaning against him now without her feet dangling. Content to let him figure out how swinging was supposed to work on his own while she polished off the last of her chicken pie in a few quick bites.
“What did she say? And should I go yell at her further?” Araminta finally felt it safe to ask. Wrapping both her arms around his now that her hands were free and taking the opportunity to twine her fingers through his too.
It might not have been worth the risk of their quiet and very silly moment of swinging, but Araminta felt it was worth knowing what awful things he was telling himself in his head so that she might ponder the best way to get him out of it. Especially since he’d been doing the same for her since he’d brought her back. It could have easily been done while on their feet and running the rest of their errands. Only Araminta was sure being lazy about their time today would do them just fine.
Must be an acquired thing he deduced about fun. The young woman that was munching and sorting herself to be looped around his arm declared it was for her. Lacking the appreciation of what this was meant for or how it was supposed to ignite any sort of wee factor. Deciding that it was likely something Araminta had history with and just something else he wasn’t going to ever understand. Settling that so long as she enjoyed it then that was enough. No sense in delving himself to try when it didn’t feel important or necessary. Just keeping the flow going till she said she wished to stop.
Of course came the query of just what Tillie had uttered and he was staying silent a bit longer. Stewing over it some further trying to determine if it was worth mentioning at all.
It probably wasn’t. An thing that was his own mind being its normal vocal self at being well gifted by pointing out glaring inadequacies that he truly didn’t wish to share with her. “No.” Having no reason to watch Araminta trudge off to tell an old woman off that didn’t give two hoots about much of what anyone had to say. At her age, she wasn’t about to change nor did he think it worth the effort of Araminta wasting her breath really.
“Pointing out that the Imperial Queen is younger than she ought to be. Hinting at something that expands her life expectancy.” Things he had voiced to her before anyways, “About Gusteau and his mission. Worried about you I suspect.” Giving a basic summary, he let the swing do its rocking motion once more. Watching the earth beneath feet sway, “People root for you and such.” He didn’t much trust Tillie when it came to including him on any of that so it was removed from being repeated. “Nonsense for the rest.” Theon shrugged then seemingly not about to give up much more for his own reasons.
“Hmn… I see.” It didn’t take a genius to know that nonsense for the rest was likely direct comments to or about Theon himself. Whether it was compliments or insults, Araminta couldn’t be sure knowing how Tillie liked to rattle and tease people. She was a pesky old woman and certainly an acquired taste. There was no reason to try and force Theon to like her either. With so many people in the world, you were bound to not like some of them for perfectly personal reasons.
Even Araminta had ones she didn’t much like. Theon probably thought she could charm a snake out of the grass.
“…It’s not important to dwell on then. What things do you want me to get here, and what do you think is better left for when we visit Matilda’s friend? There are some things I’ll get here regardless, but you are better at knowing what sort of supplies are necessary. …in this instance we will need to be prepared for a lich and I know so little about those.”
It was too much trouble and certainly not worth the effort to complain about his own thoughts. Knowing Ara had plenty of her own! Requiring nothing more from her besides just her presence. That was enough.
With a low hum to agree that it wasn’t worth wasting extra energy upon, she added more to her query. About what she may need from here and elsewhere. Once more repeating the swinging motion with due internal deliberation. “New bits of armour for you could be gathered here. Better here with you present to be sized. Attire could be at the place Matilda suggested. Then whatever food items you wish to have on hand rather than foraging as well could come from here. You have the rapport with people. As well as many are notably worried for your absence. It may do well for you to talk with them too.”
The man gave another shrug. Still thinking, “A lich is a undead creature. It would be good to have holy water at minimal for it. If not some blessed incense and a silver carrier to bring with while burning it. I can prepare some elixirs that heightened resistance to necrotic damage however, it would typically be better to find yourself a church grim. And befriend it for protection. Although that would require finding a graveyard that houses one. I do not know if that is possible.”
The switch in topic did exactly what Araminta had hoped – putting Theon in a position where he had full confidence in what he was talking about and had some means of control over. Something Araminta knew was useful when your brain is whirling and swirling and you found yourself at a loss of what to think or do.
The princess also just plain liked it. Hearing Theon speak with authority, or instructing her on some new bit of knowledge she didn’t know. While she was perfectly fine with him being the silent Ghost as was unbothered by companionable quiet… being about to sit and listen to that soft timber of his voice was comforting and enjoyable in ways she couldn’t really explain.
Most of the things he brought up made perfect sense, or were at least intuitive enough that Araminta could understand quickly why they’d be useful. Yet one had her curious enough to blink those wide-eyes, full of all sorts of curiosity.
“What in the heavens is a church grim?” she asked, picturing all manner of terrible scary things! Especially if it was supposed to live in graveyards!
There came a pause when she was looking at him all bright eyed with rings of emerald green looking like they were just trying to engulf every bit of information possible. To use for her own devising of incredibly plans but requiring that added bit of knowledge so she could do so. Knowing he had been rambling about the means of what could be counteractive and wise to carry alongside if one wanted to go and meet with a lich. Well aware that the sixth trial was often the one that ended anyone’s attempts that hadn’t run off sooner.
It was incredibly dangerous, which wasn’t saying much. All the trials were in their own rights. Just going against a master of the undead, that was something else entirely. And he wondered somewhere in the back of his mind if this lich was as servant of the Imperial Queen, or a prisoner to her.
“A protective creature that usually appears as a large black dog with red in the churchyard, to protect the dead from evil. People tend to think when they see them, they are of ill omen when they are not. They are just protective. From vandals and such. Even believed to protect from the Devil themselves.” Theon paused and considered another bit of length, “They are said to also determine whether a soul is to go to heaven or hell. They are present day or night but usually seen more with stormy weather. How to befriend one, that I do not know. But I have no doubt that you’d be able to figure it out. Seeing as they are animal specters.”
“A ghost dog…!” she exclaimed, finding this a curious bit of knew knowledge. Araminta was not keen on dealing with undead things. Ghosts and spirits and those incorporeal types seemed a little bit too spooky and far too much for someone like Araminta to handle. What could you even do about spirits and ghosts!
However, the fact Theon seemed to believe she could easily charm such a creature simply because it had an animal form tickled her amusement. To be fair, knowing the specter was animal shaped did give the princess a little more ease about attempting such a strange thing.
Although… she wasn’t so sure about trusting dogs now. If a ghost dog tried to bite you, there was no where to run!
“The holy relics and items should be simple enough to get, especially if we have a chance to visit the paladin order one more before going to the trial. There is an heirloom graveyard near the trial itself – if it is a place of spirits, then there surly must be a grim there too. …Do you think it would be tired of bones by now and prefer a piece of cheese?”
The raise of tone at the reveal that a church grim was that of a ghostly hound, he was expecting her to be thrilled at the idea. Sure that with her obvious love for that in which was fluffy and cute was enough to make the princess squeal at the prospect of finding a new mythical creature. But it seemed like she was a lot more thoughtful about it than he would have ever guessed. Leaving him to let the swinging motion come to a gentle stop as to be an attentive listener and avid studier of her features.
Noting that perhaps the grim wasn’t a good idea.
Waiting and shortly rewarded with the bit of info that Araminta wanted to hand out. Suggesting that the relics and items themselves ought to be relatively simple to procure. Which was likely true, especially if the temple was willing to aid in such things. Seeing as there was a reason they ought to return, to check if he was under some sort of long tether of a spell or something akin to it. Still a little leery about that but at this point, what did he have to lose?
“I do not know, but if it is an animal, a dog in particular then I think it would be intrigued. As you come often with genuine intentions that can be sensed. I would not find reason to fear the choice to try.”
“Do you really think so?” she asked, not because she didn’t believe his own confidence in her, but rather just seeking the reassurance. Theon seemed to think she was quite fearless about everything and anything, but truthfully the creatures within the trials did scare her. Having to dig up the courage to find ways to deal with them was simply something she needed to do.
Now that the gentle motion of the swing had stopped, Araminta slipped off of her perch to stand, reaching to take Theon’s hand so they could continue their day of errands and proper restful activities. Already considering which of the supplies Theon suggested for her trial might be found here in this village, along with the rest of his suggestions. Deciding one more night at the hut would do them both well for a proper amount of resting, and they could set out to Matilda’s contact in the morning.
“Well, I will try anything that might be advantageous for us. We could use all the help we can get, ghostly hounds or not. All that I’ve heard about the sixth trial is mysteriously dangerous, and it must be incredibly tricky if most people never make it past.”
A few blinks and a self reflection of a thought before he was easily nodding to agree, that he did really think so. If she needed examples, he would easily start to list them out for her. As there was plenty to give to express that she had a very obvious way of befriending those who were seemingly the sort who couldn’t be. Himself was a glaring example if she needed just one of those.
But the motion of the swing stopping had her stepping up and taking hand into her own to indicate they were back to doing what needed to be done thus far. All the while thoughts brooded swiftly at the mention of the sixth trial and its notorious rumours. “As is to be expected. Dealing with the undead is not a easy task even for the walking sort, but one that is of higher caliber such as a lich,” Theon purposefully trailed off. Needing not to really detail much of the reasoning.
“However, I wonder if the lich is one who is willing there or not. The thought crossed over briefly, or is the being a prisoner of its soil. Bound by someone else.” Another glaringly obvious statement that wasn’t openly dropping names.
“We shall see. Though should you be tempting me with the possibility of solving ancient mysteries?” she asked, lightly teasing. If there was one thing known about Araminta is that she did indeed love to explore, discover and learn. Were these trials not filled with no many dangers, with a timeline she needed to heed if she ever wanted to make her way back home, the princess would have loved spending the time in some of those places to repair what had been broken, or to learn more about what they used to be back in their days of glory.
Maybe not the harpies and hags. Araminta was fine leaving them well enough alone!
Hand in hand she led him out of the comfortable garden, very lazily choosing a direction towards a few of the shops and stalls that might likely have something useful for them. Deliberately making sure to avoid Tillie’s little stall so that Theon might avoid being further vexed by the wily old woman.
Coming standing in front of a tailor’s shop that had all manner of simple garments on display in their windows. Not the gorgeous frilly sorts one might find in the larger cities, simply a variety of options perfect for those living country life. Whether it be the day to day, or for more special occasions. Really, all Araminta needed was undergarments for now.
“You may not want to join me for this errand,” she instructed, unable to prevent herself from that faint flush of pink to her cheeks. Araminta wasn’t embarrassed by such things, per se, but it… it also felt like something Theon didn’t to be worried about!
“Maybe you could go and fetch other items, so you don’t have to stand here waiting? It won’t take me long and I can find you?”
Perhaps he shouldn’t encourage her but, “I like seeing you getting invested and working out the ways on how to overcome the trials with your own touch.” Theon admitted easily without the sort of hook that might imply he was trying to win brownie points. Telling her more the truth to his range of consideration instead of internalize it like some private trinket.
Liable to tell her more even as they walked along the means of finding the next place in which Ara wished to stop into. Migrating to that of a clothing store. At first seemed entirely normal till she was pointing out that he might not wish to join her for this errand. Complimented by gentle pinks of cheeks in which, “Do I make you uncomfortable when the idea of clothing is to be purchased?” Not quite picking up what she was trying to suggest politely.
To hear such a lovely compliment on her thinking skills would’ve been grand to hear, but it was lost in moments to Theon being painfully clueless on just what Araminta was attempting to be delicate about. Leaving the princess even more flushed in the face before she rest her hands on her hips and took in a deep breath.
“You do not make me uncomfortable in the slightest, Theon, but unless you wish to see me undressed as I attempt to find some undergarments that might fit me properly, you may want to be elsewhere.”
Perhaps it wasn’t necessary to so boldly state it. Sometimes it was just faster this way!
Body language altered and she was looking the part of exasperated traveler that may have wanted to throw that of a book in the figurative sense to the means of cluelessness on his part. Stealing a peek at the window of the shop in case it was missing something clearly obvious that he ought to have taken into account. Finding that it was merely the garments suitable for attire of a bit varied fashion. Nothing too alarming or bothersome though he supposed the last time clothing was purchased, he had bought it without her.
Wondering if she was trying to imply that the stuff formally purchased was not her preferred items and she wanted to spare feelings.
However, the reality appeared and Araminta was stating something so plainly that it got a few dull blinks at it. “I’ve seen you undressed before, it was not unpleasant.” Well only to her undergarments while they were escaping Gusteau’s hellhole. And he gave her a look over then and there that could have been near suggestive if it wasn’t him. “If you wish then I will go procure other items then I can do so.”
Not unpleasant! Said with that impassive, stoic face, as if undressed women were just walking around all the time every day and had become so dull that he didn’t even give it a second thought. Theon likely would walk right in there with her without even blinking an eye. Likely to scandalize the poor tailor as the cherry on top.
Araminta burst into such a loud laughter that it drew curious stares.
“That is good to know, I suppose. For the tailor’s sake then, as not to crowd her workspace.” she reached out to squeeze his arm, still a bit flushed in the face, possibly more so with her soft continued giggling. “I’ll come join you soon.”
The burst of laughter was enough to tell him that she wasn’t upset with him. Thankfully, though he wasn’t sure the best way of remarking about the state of undergarments and fittings anyways. Sure there could have been something said that might have been far better suited to this moment but he was drawing a lapse to it. Left to merely wait and dully blink at Araminta when she came out of her fitful amusement.
“Alright.” Not about to impede someone’s work if possible, he would not follow or escort her any further into the shop. Once more giving it a look over before drawing that slow circle of gaze away to consider what may be best to deal with firstly. Almost disliking the idea as unlike the city of the sea, this place was far more cozy. People knew everyone and he didn’t really want to deal with more souls knowing whom he was or what misfortune Araminta had been part of against her will.
Alas, there was no way to divert that so unless he was about to become a statue, he had tasks to do. Observing her leaving and having to brace himself for the sort of brutal interactions that would make him properly uncomfortable.
Despite the fact it had been Araminta’s idea to send him off on his own to do those errands, a tiny bit of separation anxiety reared it’s ugly head. A natural feeling anyone would have for certain! Just she couldn’t be so afraid that the two of them could no longer function independently. Theon needed to feel confident she’d be alright doing normal things without him present, just as much as Araminta needed to.
Still, that little voice in the back of her head chirped that it wouldn’t have been so bad if he simply sat outside the shop.
The air inside the place had a lovely smell of fresh linens and dried lavender. The tailor here being a family of tailors that had lived in this village for several generations. Currently working was the elder, Ester, a woman with silvery hair and a plump body. Working diligently away on sewing some fabric with a treadle powered sewing machine. With the little bell jingle of her door she murmured a welcome, yet looking upwards to see who crossed through her threshold she was stunned.
“Well there you are! Goodness, the entire village honestly thought you were strung up in a tree after he-” she cut off immediately at the cringing look Araminta made without meaning to. Quickly Ester was up from her seat and apologizing.
“Oh, sweetheart… you’ve been through something dreadful have you. Well, lets forgot all about that then. Did you come in for work or goods?”
“I need new undergarments, anything you might have on hand that can fit well now is good. And an order for additional sets I can pick up later?” Araminta paused there, watching as Ester immediately started searching around the pre-made stock of clothing and linens to see what she might have on hand. The princess twisting up her mouth before her own curiosity was more than she could bear. “Everyone here knows about me, I suppose.”
“You know how the gossip is. Those unfortunate murders, though… Truly, as soon as they news started to spread, there was no doubt we knew. ” Ester explained, attempting to at least try to be delicate about it, but it was clear all over her face she was DYING to ask a million questions and was simply trying to be considerate. On picking up handful of items she passed them over to Araminta and pointed her over to the small little changing screen to try them on.
“…so is he really the Imperial Prince? That young man with the dark red hair?” Ester couldn’t resist asking.
Araminta was a little concerned about sharing, but knowing the way the trail of gossip went, trying to deny it would only make things worse. There was value too in spreading the sort of information that Araminta wanted to get out into the world. The truth of Theon and the wicked deeds of his mother.
“He is the Imperial Prince. You don’t think he’ll have any trouble here in the village, do you? Now that everyone knows?”
Ester stood there, giving it some thought for a moment as Araminta shuffled out of her current clothing to try on some of the selected items.
“To be blunt, he’s always been an ill omen before, you know? Like a legend and mythical creature! If anyone claimed to see him, that generally meant someone nearby was soon to be dead. It’s all anyone ever knew about him.”
Araminta could understand this. Especially now she knew Theon well enough to know how he lived and traveled before they met. How his mother only ever summoned him to send him out on evil deeds. If someone dared tell Theon to his face that he was an ill omen, he’d be devastated, Araminta thought. Maybe she shouldn’t have left him on his own to run errands without her.
Once she’d found aset of garments that seemed to fit as best they could, she stepped out from the screen to allow Ester to do a little bit of hand sewn adjutments to fit the sizing just right.
“Don’t look so worried, sweetheart,” exclaimed Ester, already taking her needle to a spot that needed adjustment. “Actions speak louder than gossip, you know? Breaking away from the Queen is such a brave thing to do. You’re both going to die for certain, but brave! If he’s chosen our village as a hideaway, there’s not a person in town that won’t keep the secret just to stick it to that old hateful witch. You as well too. Royals of your sort… well, they just don’t exist very often!”
While Araminta wasn’t keen on hearing that everyone was certain she and Theon were going to die, it did give her a small sense of relief to know that this village seemed to think well enough of him to want to protect and hide him from his mother. That was an amazing thing. Life changing.
The princess just hoped he didn’t run into too many Tillie’s to hurt his feelings!
There was certainly a list to be had in the mental capacity of what could be gathered without her presence. Shirking aside the efforts of leather armour as he thought it better this time that she be fitted correctly. To avoid any gaps or tightness that simply came from guessing rather than knowing. Instead making his movement to drift along the pathways of streets towards what was better to be known as a general store. Something that was nothing niche to one specific item or so far spread that it would be a needle in a haystack search for an something exact. Feeling certainly the means of gazes upon him that had to be selectively ignored.
Keeping his head down and avoiding the efforts of small talk seeing as a lot of that was just plenty unnecessary. If not entirely burdensome.
His lucky at least came from the willowy skeleton of a wrinkled man behind the counter of the general store. Eyeing him behind that of thick glasses perched upon nose but extruded a sense that he simply preferred people to get their items and leave. Happily adhered too as well. Collecting a few items that he thought would be best to keep in hand such as basic things. A bit of dried items in the food department with some leaning towards that of the fruit variety but selected a few grains that would be easy to carry along with their smaller density. Bits and bobs and eventually a means to acquire a few larger items that could be collected and left at the hut so if they needed to return between excursions, things would be ready.
The man didn’t press him and vice versa. Accepting the means of payment after a tally was offered and soundlessly making his own assumptions to the very limited communicative interaction.
Leaving was to be that of a pleasant departure. Relieving him of a means of bother as there would need to be some time before the larger items were put together to take to the abode. Suitable for him truly. And had intended to move his way from the place of services only to pause momentarily. Taking a moment to consider what had caught his eye before indicating a desire to purchase and take with himself. Feeling the man’s beady eyes narrowing at him soundlessly but made no indication that there was about to be any sort of unnecessary back and forth. Simply nodding and the two made the final exchange that had gone on longer than necessary.
With his new little thing in hand, he come to move aside of the shop. Staying mostly out of the way but not seeking a bench as he knew there was a lot of people’s attention around here that he would sooner just avoid like the plague. Plus staying put as he didn’t want to give Araminta a reason to have to go hoofing it around the entire village looking for him. Plus, it could offer him a chance to silently people watch in waiting.
Preferring that truly.
Araminta’s exchange with Ester didn’t take long at all. Once she’d found garments she could wear now right out of the shop, all Ester needed to do was a few stiches to make sure they fit proper. The princess had felt too bare underneath to be trudging around the village, finding that she just simply wasn’t one of those women that enjoyed having such a salacious secret! Saucy secrets were for women that were voluptuously beautiful and sensually charismatic. Things that Araminta very much was not.
Aside from that, she had Ester take her measurements to have a few additional garments made. Extra underthings so she could swap them out when they needed a good washing. A cozy winter nightgown she could wear when they spent nights at the hut and it was too cold for the blue silk. A ridiculous amount of socks. Things she could pick up in a few days, or a few weeks… whenever it was they returned here to resupply and rest.
There was something nice about having a place she could consider home. With familiar people, familiar things, and things that belonged to her.
Of course, Araminta had one fatal flaw and that was being of service. Enable to refuse Ester’s request of a chore, if only because it was as simple and carrying a basket of fabric to the business next door. Having no idea Theon was out there waiting and could likely see her scurry from the tailor’s shop with a basket and armload linens. At least it was the only chore! And when it was done she did spy him there waiting, all by himself. Brightening into that light smile and seeming to have the energy to even have a bounce to her step.
“My one errand is finished. Did you find many useful things? Where shall we go next?”
The movement of watching the woman that had said she wasn’t about to do any errands previously go zipping out of the tailor shop to the next, he found himself mentally chuckling. Unsurprised that she could not resisted doing just one thing. Certainly it was her personality to be polite and helpful even if she did say otherwise. If it helped her mental state, he was hardly about to start waggling a finger in shaming methods to her. What he could do was watch and muse privately.
Tucking it away like another little memory that was precious to hold before she was coming out to seemingly notice him there. Waiting like that formerly mentioned loyal hound that warmed inwardly when she came to approach. Looking like there was certainly more of pep to her overall being.
Laying his attention to her with the direct focus as she influenced a noticeable change in chest before he was looking aside to debate the means of next. “Armour.” He offered, “So you may pick and select what would be useful for your frame.” Theon stated but indicated a moment of pause so she didn’t just snag his arm or hand. Rustling a bit in the collection of some things he got knowing he hadn’t answered her to what he had gotten for them either but instead, turned and offered her something in particular. Holding it for expectant hands to take.
Just he didn’t say any reason as to why, “For you.” Was about it as he then looked to her once more with the expectation of her to lead the charge. Hopefully the leather hairpin would be suitable for her.
“More measurements to be taken then. It would have been easier for everyone had I grown a few inches taller,” she responded. Curiously watching as he shuffled his procured items around, wondering what was so special that it required her to immediately see it. Being very amused that there was something he found worthwhile to show off at all, as usually it was Araminta herself that did all the excited displaying of treasures.
This particular treasure was not one she was expecting at all!
“Oh!” she chirped taking it from his hands to examine in her own. “Oh, it’s so beautifully autumnal.” Already taking her hair down from it’s current twist so she could redo it now, half up and half down with the leather hairpin doing a mountain of working keeping ebony hair from escaping.
Beckoning Theon to bend down with that wiggle of a finger to give him a brief, grinning kiss to the cheek. There was that warm and fuzzy butterfly feeling again that needed to be shooed away, but… for the moment it was nice to linger there. Before broadening into her usual warm smile.
“Thank you. It’s going to be helpful.” Even beyond that, a simple gift was such a thoughtful thing. Especially from Theon who rarely expressed himself through words, but rather through little actions.
“No. You are perfect the way you are.” Seemingly the idea of her being any taller was some sort of personal offense to slight herself when he felt she was plenty on par with exactly as she ought to be. Appreciating that she didn’t need to be tall or wide or anything more defining that what she was already. Sure that maybe being a bit different could be useful but it also had plenty of problems.
Perhaps it was all the more reason he wanted to give her the little thing that had caught his eye. Something that made him think of her and decided that it was best to procure it as an gift in general. Needing no other reason than simply when seen, it made him think of her. Knowing it has utility in the form of being used on her person instead of something that might just die all over again, as the flower had when they were in Essurn. This would at least be useable in numerous situations and well, he had never really had a reason prior to think of someone close to him. Giving or buying something merely on a whim for that particular person was new. Yet reserved thus far for her and only her.
Shortly left to bare witness to her considering the leather shaped leaf as she unbound her hair to rearrange the deep locks to be held in place by the purchase. Leaving him to find the action tingled something particularly in his chest only that when she instructed him to bend, it bloomed like a excited flower. Exposing petals to the greedy warmth that was the sun’s rays. Turning cheeks positively pink once more and sought to straighten less he look foolish for being so easily emotive to something that probably wasn’t even that important or personal. Unable to locate a reply in the verbal sense as she thanked him, bashfully looking at her from the corner of eye a few times before seemingly making a bare hand motion that they could walk along when she was ready.
Never mind that he seemed to be appreciating the fact she took his gift at all and made use of it immediately.
This means of being friends as certainly more expressive than he knew about, leaving his mind plenty fuzzy and jovial. A far better means than what it had been after the crotchety old crone.
It was impossible to miss that faint hint of red in his cheeks, which somehow just made that fuzzy butterfly feeling and her giggling all the worse. Finding pure delighted joy in Theon being able to do these simple, normal things. Errands, and shopping, and gifts, and just time spent with someone that was comfortingly benign. It was exactly what she needed to soothe the hurt in her spirit and remember all of those reasons why she fight so hard to keep going forward.
Araminta claimed his arm this time since he had a manner of items to juggle, taking that casual stroll through the winding village street. Since new armor was the next objective, it took a bit of a longer walk to reach a big wooden building, incidentally one that Bruno lived in and owned. Where he and his son created their leather crafts for sale in Bruno’s shop stall at the market square or within the building itself for those that needed custom work.
While Araminta could’ve easily conducted a conversation on her own, being already family with the young man, Theon knew what she actually needed. With a squeeze to his arm and a quick look she gestured that this was his turn to take over.
The toddling to the place that would work best for creating proper items that ought to fit her frame without the means of awkward hindering, at least allowed him time to cool his features. Allowing the heat to dim but not the pressure that was moving in that of chest cavity giving it all sorts of new sensations. Fluttering like a insects wings while encouraging the means of pleasant heat to reach all the way to fingertips.
It wasn’t till they were sliding into the very abode that seemed to house a man that looked expressively much like Bruno that his realization kicked in. Putting together previous commentary from said bushy brow man till he was left sort of just standing there. And well, the clarity of the moment dawned in a almost refusing sort of light. Not sure he was thrilled to have to be the one interacting once more when he was rather comfortable being that ghostly follower. Yet she was giving him a look and a motion paired with the squeezing of arm that had him nearly sighing. Nearly.
Instead just giving a nod and laying attention forward that he sort of delved into that no nonsense means of direct communication. “Requiring chest piece, vambrace, singular spaulder on the left side with enough length to cover over heart and potentially gloves as well.” Theon gave the man a look then that wasn’t overly clear if he was being friendly or not. “Would need each of these items to be customized to that of Araminta’s frame to avoid any unwanted snags or curls. Is this possible within a tight window?”
Unlike Bruno’s boisterous and loud personality, Bruno Junior – Brunie – was a more quiet, shy sort of man. He had those bushy eyebrows, big scraggly beard, and hair long and wild much like his father’s, but a body that was young and strong. If he cleaned himself up from the grease and sweat, combed or shaved, he might’ve been one of the most handsome men in the little village. As he was now, Brunie just seamed to go under the radar, in favor of the more extrovert and ambitious of the menfolk in town.
There was surprise in his features to see Araminta, but with Theon’s quick instructions he didn’t hesitate to put down his current project to bustle about looking for the tools he’d need.
“She is slight even for a lady,” he explained softly, approaching the pair with long measuring tape in hand. Gesturing with it towards Araminta in a silent request for permission to measure. Waiting for her nod of affirmation before shifting to begin his measurements.
Almost with trembling hands and a flush to his features to even be having to measure a young lady at all!
“I could eat more, if that would help. Give me a fair excuse to have every sort of pie I find,” suggested Araminta in a soft tease.
“N-no… That isn’t necessary. It just… takes a little longer to size down a piece. …How tight is this window?” Brunie asked, glancing over to Theon to pose the question. “There’s pieces I can adjust tonight that will be close enough to do in a pinch. For something hers alone it will take several days. More if you wish for embellishments that are distinctly… Araminta.”
Brunie didn’t seem to know how to explain the sense of style or artistry that went into his craft. It only took a quite look around the place to know the man was a fully fledged artist on his way to being a master. One who cared not just about the function of his pieces but also that they were interesting and looked fantastic.
There was a bit of a look that came with the mention of Araminta being slight. Firstly at Bruno Jr for pointing it out and then a stronger consideration over Araminta. Giving her the same sort of up and down like he was attempting to puzzle a great mystery together. Focused and intent with a hum that the man was right. She was slight but it was likely due to their excessive traveling and the means that she was under-eating a lot. Which she mentioned that it would be a perfect chance to find herself any type of pie she wanted. Taking him another moment to clue in that she was likely referencing meat pies and sweet pies.
Suppose he had better start attempting to hunt and avoid Araminta eating little more than dried fruits, nuts and salted meats. It would also do her well to have some weight for those adventures that required more stamina he supposed.
Of course Bruno seemed to be flustered in ways that warranted a soft confusion. Listening as the man spoke till between selected phrases to, “Entirely up to Araminta. For both decisions.” How long they would stay seeing as this was her trials and what she wanted the leather pieces to look like, “I have no opinion.”
With Theon not having an opinion Brunie glanced at Araminta for the answer, seeming to not be as shy when it came to talking directly to her. Only having those flushing moments when it came to the risk of physical touch.
“I need something now, but it will do me well to have an additional set to switch out with the more dangerous our travels become. Is that alright, Brunie?” she asked. “You’re not going to have any trouble with your arm?”
Brunie gestured with a hand for Araminta to follow him to one of his work benches, stepping away for a brief moment to seek out a chest piece that was as close to Araminta’s small size as possible, along with a bit of padding that went with the cut and would provide that extra layer of security. Going red in the face all over again at having to actually help her put it on. Speaking as he did up the lacing.
“The bone is healed. It… I had assistance from Leila. She is the new tailoring apprentice with Ester’s family. I li- …she is incomparable.” This line of conversation seemed to be just the thing Brunie needed to focus on the task at hand without that embarrassment and hesitation to be working with a female customer. Apparently having a high regard for this Leila, while he quickly tugged and pulled at the test armor on Araminta then turned to jot down a few notes about the fit.
Once he had the information and measurements he needed for adjustment, he helped peel her back out of it again.
“…the style you wish for? Would you like-” he held out his hands, having a loss for words on how to explain this delicately, gesturing awkwardly about his chest and body, going so crimson the poor man looked ready to swallow his own tongue. “…Vanity? Do you want a vanity design?”
That statement forced Araminta to use every ounce of willpower in her tiny body not to burst into laughter. He was attempting, in the most innocent way possible, to ask if she wanted her armor to be conformed for feminine curves for the sake of being pretty.
“Function, please. Though if you wish to embellish, I do like this?” she turned her head to show him her lovely new leaf hairpin. Thinking it would be a fitting motif to match.
Brunie nodded quickly. “I can have the adjusted set finish by late tonight if you wish to come fetch it. The custom will be ready by your next visit.”
It was curious to watch the two of them interact. Entertaining his curious mind to see just how something as simple to him as armour apparently was so much more involved. Finding the way that Bruno Jr approached Araminta and how they spoke to another was certainly different. She wasn’t as devious as she had been with the man’s father. However they clearly had some former interactions that made the means of conversation easy. Though the man when asked about his former injury, seemed to warm up. Focusing on that more so while going about the work of getting a visual representation of what would best suit Araminta’s slight frame.
Removing her after a moments with the required information before something seemed to draw him into a stumbling pause. Making motions that expressed a sense of discomfort that eventually had gaze rounding about to consider Araminta’s bosom area. Where the man was trying to figure out if she wanted it cut to figure or if it was to lay for functionality rather than decorative.
It seemed silly to even ask, to him. Or to be so bothered or flustered by the prospect of having to talk about the anatomy of a woman at all. Although he supposed it might be suitable to have the armour shaped properly, “The custom one. Should fit all curves on you Araminta. For ease of movement without potential of catching. You are shapely and to go against that shape would cause resistance.” He made a statement then without even seeming to realize that it was a little bold.
Though his attention moved to rest on Bruno when he mentioned that the adjustment could be done and that Araminta had stated she wanted the armour to replicate the leather hairpin she had gotten. Leaving him feeling rather pleasant about that. “We can return later. What will be the cost.”
Theon being as practical as ever was no surprise to her, though how easy it was to remark on her form without a second thought, compared to Brunie’s stammering shyness was incredibly funny. Plenty worth the efforts of teasing either one of them, but choosing not to. Theon often did not catch why his statements were so hilarious, so that means of amusement was private just for her. As for Brunie, the man was such a gentle, quiet soul that she had no wish to make him feel uncomfortable. As he improved in his craft, he would have to get used to women at some point!
To Theon’s statement Brunie did nod his emphatic affirmation. “He is correct. I’ll be sure to make the custom pliable with some breaking in to start the process for you. The more you wear it, the better is is going to fit. Like a second skin.”
On that he shifted to down down quickly a list of the items requested, materials that would be use, the amount of hours in labor it would take to adjust the pre-made pieces and the cost for the custom pieces. With an additional note of how much it would cost if they needed it sooner. Brunie was fair and clear about the resources and work that’d go into it. He handed that little receipt off to Theon.
“Have you met Leila, yet?” Brunie asked Araminta.
“No, she was not there when I visited Ester earlier,” she answered curiously.
“If you– if you do meet her, tell her I- I said hello,” he requested.
“That’ll be my pleasure, Brunie.” chirped Araminta with her wide smile.
Please as it were that there was reason to his statement, it seemed to him that this had gone far better than previously. With someone that was clearly good at their selected craft. Taking due care and time to make sure every piece was given proper attention to painstaking detail. Such dedication was worth admiring. And in turn when the receipt was offered over to him, there was no bother to be found. Accepting it exactly as it was before tilting head curiously to the statement of Leila and how Bruno Jr asked for Araminta to tell her hello in the man’s stead.
Seemed entirely counterproductive, if he was about to say anything.
Instead waiting a moment before eventually, “Do you require to see this Leila as well, Ara?” Posing the query to her as if he wasn’t picking up that her errand from the tailor shop wasn’t to this girl that apparently Bruno Jr wanted to rely messages through.
“I don’t need to see her, but if we run into her we’ll most certainly have a chat,” she relayed to Theon, but was giving Brunie that encouraging smile of hers. In turn the man had gone hushed and shy again, shuffling back over to his work bench to start the process of preparing their commission for them. Araminta gave him a very cheery goodbye before she was collecting Theon’s hand to go back about their business.
In the broad light of what was turning out to be a lovely day, despite the very despicable things that had occurred in the days prior, she was feeling worlds better. Physically to be sure, as walking was no longer a lingering ever present pain in the back of her mind. With another quiet evening Araminta was sure to be better than she had been in months. And while it was going to be a struggle dealing with the backlash of terrible things, at least in that moment she was content.
“Is there much else for us to hunt down?” she asked Theon curiously. “Should we return to the hut to be domestic until we need to pick up finished things? I might try a little fishing at the stream and you could have a catnap.”
Then he was all the more lost to why Bruno Jr wished for Araminta to hand off a mention of hello to a woman that she didn’t need to go see currently. Letting his confusion be plainly open with a few straying looks between the pair. Baring witness to the way the princess grew in a grin to that of the man. As if her sunshiny self was strong enough to eradicate any potential mistakes or flustered bothers. Though he wondered a bit if she was grinning as such because she found Bruno Jr to be pleasant company.
Not sure what that all really mattered to but wasn’t about to linger any longer to hinder the man’s work either. Likely he was busy with a myriad of things anyways. So he was good about responding to the catching lady’s grasp in his own. Taking themselves out of the building back into the beaming day and where the most unusual things fell from the princess’ mouth.
“Domestic?” She might as well have told him something impossible because the word itself had no reference in understanding outside its description. Knowing what it was but hardly getting what she meant about it being used here. “If you wish to fish perhaps then I will stay in the hut as not to hinder.” Maybe he could do something that required a bit for work, though hardly about to catnap. “I have things I can repair further on my gear if this is what you wish to do then.”
“Repairing your gear would count as something domestic,” she answered, glancing up at him with a grin. “I mean it as a day at home, not as lazy as a vacation trip might be, but restful chores. A chance to have a quiet day. We could both certainly use a quiet day.”
On that note, though, she gave him an equally as curious up and down glance, squeezing his hand in the process.
“You could keep me company if you wanted to? There’s no reason why you couldn’t do your repairs by the stream while I’m fishing. I don’t have any need to be alone, and I do like when you’re close by. Even if we’re not talking. It’s just… very nice when you’re around.”
A simple truth that wasn’t born out of fear, nor out of loneliness. Theon had always been good, comfortable company for Araminta and even as things shifted and evolved, that was one constant she was glad still continued.
About to give her a rather Theon reply to the mention of his gear being something in the form of domestic with the way she went about explaining that it was to relax without it being that of a vacation feel. Not sure there was much of a difference yet in his mind but she was shortly giving him a look that seemed like he ought to be at attention. Ready for whatever new plot had found its way to crawl up into a brilliant mind. Ready to be told that instead they were about to go hiking across the land in search of some sweet dessert he had never heard of because she was excited about the prospect.
Never mind the means that she was suggestion that he was welcomed to keep her company. The idea rewarding and strange all at once. Hearing that his presence was liked when thus far he hadn’t expected or believed that such a thing could even occur. Properly leaving him temporarily speechless.
He knew she enjoyed being around him but it was always so odd to hear it stated. Affirming a restless cruel mind even if he was carefully giving her offer a strong thought. As if looking for the hole in the plan that might prove to be more of a pest than not. “I like being with you in any possible way. If it is okay, then I would enjoy doing so.”
Any possible way? Araminta laughed! Once again his unintentional turn of phrase was delightfully amusing. Were he someone else she might have given him a sly teasing joke just to see if it’d send him into another crimson blush. Luckily for Theon, she was already riding that tingly pleased feeling of being light on her feet to have heard him say the statement at all. Knowing that he did actually enjoy spending the time with her, even just for doing a whole lot of nothing had her heart warmed.
With little else to do before the late evening when they’d have to return and pick up items, Araminta led them home to deposit the few supplies they’d already acquired. Helping Theon put them away in the hut or into the travel packs, where ever they needed to be.
Then it was just a matter of putting together her fishing gear. Just the pole and line, a hook or three, and a lure that looked tempting enough for a freshwater stream. Though she made a muttering under her breath about trying to catch a cricket or two, or digging up some worms. Neither of which she really liked the idea of, but knowing those were far more tempting to hungry fish. Determined that she was going to catch a fish this time so they could actually cook and eat it for dinner.
Once gathered, she waited patiently for Theon to get whatever he wanted to take so that he could lead her to a ideal spot for her fishing.
There was little for him to comment on after she seemed to accept his reply about enjoying just being with her regardless of what. Certainly no earth-shattering remark but it was a genuine statement that he was sure she understood. Needing nothing beyond that. Seeing as how they returned to the slowly filling hut to put items away in their respective places.
Allowing him the chance to remove the material that was used to keep his vitals well protected to once more be no more than the tunic and trousers. Hearing Araminta mumbling to herself nearby as she gathered up the things for that of her newest fishing excursion. Seemingly determined to wrangle up something that would give her a boost to the brightening confidence that was already there.
Although his inspection of the armour had been made, there was surprisingly little for him to fix still. Baffling as it was, it seemed their time in Essurn had proven fruitful for just that. So it was on to the next piece of gear that could severely use attention. That of the sword that had been laced with a deadly poison that had managed to get to Gusteau. Surely after the entire day and night soaking in the water, he could give it a proper cleanse. A sharpen and oiling while re-dressing the leathers about that of the hilt. Making a suitable choice that prompted him to locate a whetstone, cloth and the bare needs that would allow him to do what he sought to do.
Shortly finding the woman waiting for him –urging a hastening to his step- as he knew what she was waiting for. Indicating with no more than a fleeting glance and items carried to motion the way towards the water. Being dutiful to take them a way with the least amount of humps and bumps so no ankles were suddenly bent into a twist. Following the sound of burbling that eventually brought them. Stopping a moment to look back at her, “Watch your step. The river bank is slick under the grass.” Wanting her not to suddenly go falling in, he moved a bit aside to where he could find a placement to sit without being likely in her way. “There are animals that frequent here as well. You may see some wildlife.”
His care in being a bit over protective for something as simple as walking down to a stream did not go unnoticed, prompting a small smile in the princess. Running wild outside had been something Araminta always did, even when she wore fine gowns and got the hemlines covered in mud – a habit that always sent her mother into a sighing huff. Were there not such a chill in the air, Araminta might’ve opted to wander the bank without her boots.
She liked this spot. There were a fair amount of evergreens that gave ample shade even in the autumn and still had that fresh emerald hue. There were gaps where the deciduous varieties like maples and oaks had already shed away most of their foliage, giving open views of the blue sky above. Useful the stream was so close to the hut too… Araminta couldn’t help her usual planning and plotting. Thinking about those days she and Theon could be having a nice break in between the trials to recover somewhere safe and comfortable.
It wasn’t a very royal life, but Araminta had never quite been the storybook princess either.
“I am very good at spotting wildlife,” she affirmed. That was no lie either. If it were cute and fuzzy, Araminta was liable to see it from a mile away. While Theon found himself a nice spot to roost, Araminta set her fishing rod down to toe around in the dirt and find a decent spot to kick up crickets or uncover some worms. Shifting over fallen leaves and rock for whatever might be easy to grab.
There came a bit of a slow surveying look after he had managed to find a spot that wasn’t so steep that he’d go sliding into the cool water. Not that it would have been so terrible, but when one wasn’t expecting it; well it could take one’s breath away.
“I know.” Confidence that if there was any wildlife that came wandering by, Araminta was about to beat any hunter in noticing them first. Merely imagining her head popping out of the bank-side looking an enthusiastic prairie dog needing to eye down the potential woodland creatures. Liable to try figuring out ways she could pet them.
The idea was tinkling at his thoughts just enough that a bare tiny little chuckle escaped him. Settling down the items so he could easily find them, “Between the trees roots, you may find the grubs you wish to use.” Theon paused, “If there was cheese, you could use that as well.” His gaze was up again looking softly at her with those polished rings, “Or minnows in the water if you can catch them,”
The barest potential of what might’ve been an actual laugh out of Theon had Araminta surreptitiously peering over her shoulder at him as if she could catch him in the act.
…only for him to immediately suggest grubs for her to try her hand at, causing to shrug up her shoulders and wince at the very thought. It was hard enough hooking worms, the mere thought of hooking a fat, plump grub was enough to give her the shivers. It seemed there were still plenty of things Araminta could not stomach, despite her willingness to fling furry spiders like they were rotten apples.
“I might remember cheese for next time,” she said instead. Glancing back at the water to ponder the attempt at catching minnows. She’d need something beside her hands if she wanted a fair chance at getting once of those. For certain would have to take off her boots to go wading in the cold water. Not out of Araminta’s willingness to do, but not something easily done today.
Crickets and worms and her shiny lure it was. A wriggly worm meeting it’s unfortunate fate first for her hook. Even now she was still grimacing at having to stick it on there. Frowning and scrunching up her nose the whole time, until she was ready to step over to the stream itself and look for a safe place to go casting. Now that she knew fish liked spots that had hidey holes under the water, she looked for some fallen branches and rocks and sent her line flying to land with a plop.
A thoughtful hum and he was watching her dipping back down to return to her search to dredge out some unfortunate slimy creature out of its home so it could be a tantalizing bait for the fish that made the waterside their home. It wouldn’t seem too long before she appeared to be successful with her task. Leaving him to begin the means of working to cleanse his sword proper with careful cloth. Allowing the ambience of the moment to become their background.
Like that of a fond cocoon that extruded a comfort that felt as though it was fleeting thing so many times before. Now seemingly coming into grasp that finally there could be a sense of relief and calm.
Something he would be grateful for certainly. Appreciating it as he stopped shortly after to just look around their surroundings. Taking it in with less of a surveying eye but more of the style that merely wanted to leave a imprint upon thoughts. Funny how not even a day prior they were belly deep within a terrible bloody place and now this was the direct opposite.
Hours apart rather than what seemed like weeks.
Though that wandering look began to make its way to the woman that was attempting her hand at wrangling up a fish once more. Leaving him quietly to observe her like so many times before just something else lingering at the base of his thoughts that warmed and flushed through every artery within his being. Something certainly different and no matter which way he considered it, it was never unpleasant.
There was something about it that seemed like he ought to be stressing more time dissecting it. Something new. Something entirely different and—
It stopped in a manner of seconds as a sharpness rushed from the base of his chest to jolt across as though heart itself was being pressed between two cold iron rods. Flinching involuntarily to wilt and droop with a stifled pucker of a twisted hiss, promptly stifling whatever it was he might have thought of considering.
If there was ever anyone who was quick and level headed in an emergency, it was Araminta. Who only needed to hear that pained hiss of breath to yank her worm up out of the stream and set her pole aside. To quickly, and yet somehow still calmly approach to drop to her knees in front of Theon. Bracing one hand against the side of his neck to guide him into sitting back and pressing the other palm flat against his chest over his heart.
Had he had not told her about these pains before, and them suspecting the Queen’s hand in it, Araminta surely might’ve been consumed by a jolt of terror herself. Though that wasn’t to say she wasn’t still alarmed – with her own heart beating a mile a minute! Only, she had one confident belief and that was in the Queen’s dark intentions. A woman like her wouldn’t want to have Theon drop dead somewhere she didn’t get the pleasure of watching.
All that really meant was that she knew this wouldn’t kill him. It certainly didn’t help the pain!
“Take deep breaths, I have you,” she assured him softly. Keeping her hands right where they were to feel the rhythm of his heartbeat. Knowing that while she couldn’t do anything about the pain itself, she could at least lend a supportive strength to help steer him away from having a panic along with it.
There was a bit of acknowledgement that suddenly Araminta had abandoned her own little task. Shocked between that filtering rising tension that twisted and pulled and threatened with a clear intention that it would be so easy to simply make it all end here. Now. Where any chance of survival was no more than a laughing joke that only one would find amusing. It was clear the message was here and it was abundantly saying that there was no escape. If this was the Imperial Queen, she wanted him to know that all it would take was one. Tight. S q u e e z e. Then that was it. However, there was no doubt in his struggling thoughts that the woman would much rather witness his demise. If this was her, then she was simply making it clear he was still ruled by her whims.
That while he might think there was no leash, it existed.
Yet even through all this, embarrassment flushed just behind pain. He’d been used to Hector getting all fussy and cursing him for it as if he had a choice, but this might have been worse. That she was present and was being forced to have to be level-headed.
Uttering gentle assurances.
Lending thoughts to whisper darkly the minor of inconveniences to the great welting weights that issued all types of ugly words.
Even as it seemed the pain was to start retracting, Theon shifted a little bit. “F… fine… I’m fine.” Trying to put weight behind them, stealing embarrassed peeks till the ground and dying grass seemed that much more interesting. “Y… your fish are waiting to be caught. It’s o-okay.”
It seemed Theon did not handle his own vulnerabilities well… not that it was a surprise at all to Araminta. He’d spent his entire life having to bottle up all of his feelings and fears to create a perfect impassable wall to protect himself. To appear weak meant risking death. To acknowledge there were things outside of his control, would also acknowledge that there were things that could still hurt him.
How was he supposed to know how to lean on someone else for support if he’d never had someone to trust before!
“Oh, are you now?” she asked with that dark humor in her voice. Not moving an inch despite what he said, to instead be sure there was that gentle brush of her thumb against the side of his neck. Feeling for that heartbeat under her palms and only accepting that as her signal of when he was alright. If he ended up flustered, he would have to deal with it!
“You give everything to me, Theon. Just shush and let me take care of you now. Fish will have to come flying onto the bank if they want my attention now.”
Immediately the want to just say yes was there. Sitting on the tip of his tongue. Mere inch away from passing over lips to express that he would be just fine. That whatever these intensities were –be it something unknown or the Queen herself- it would pass. It always did. Eventually. Nor did he want to impose on her former stated desire of being domestic. Truly loathing the idea that he had been present at all to where she had gotten the glimpse of what happened. Wondering if his choice to agree to her invite was perhaps a test that had been failed. And yet, that hint of edging amusement was enough to keep him from saying a peep.
Straying gray peepers away in case he had a moment of rebellion that thought to tell her directly otherwise that he was fine once more.
Growing indeed flustered. Raising blood to turn the tops of ears a vibrant pink and flutter into cheeks whilst the every so many helpful voices within skull acted the part of Pandora’s box. Avoiding the positive replies but favouring the negative ones that assured he was not about to forget much of his own vast insecurities or discomforts for being weak.
“You’re… my favourite person… of course I give everything to you.” Lowly he mumbled, maybe a bit defiant though he did as she asked no sooner about shushing. Not sure what they would do if the fish decided to start leaping out in great heights onto the bank because they were being neglected! Surely that would be a whole other phenomena that would need a lot of studying to even begin scratching the surface of fathom.
“Thank goodness I am your only favorite person, else you might be stretched thin across the whole world,” she was quick to shoot back. Only after the fact realizing what he actually said, finding that it gave her all sorts of flips in her stomach that were ill-timed at the moment. Having to remind herself too that she was the only one he wanted to admit was his friend as well, so the compliment wasn’t near as spectacular as her thumping little heart wanted to think.
It was unclear if the pain in his chest was what created that heated warmth to his skin or if it was his sudden flustered state, Araminta still didn’t relent keeping steady hands on him. Though, she did have to shift to get off her knees. Scooting close enough so she could sit facing him without having to crawl directly onto his lap. At least then sliding hand from neck to give his shoulder a gentle squeeze of encouragement.
“It’s still beating too fast,” she murmured with concern. Not quite clueing in that she might’ve been part the cause of a thundering heartbeat. Araminta had all the time in the world to wait, though. For of all of the things Theon had done for her already, it was nothing at all for her to sit there and be a steady force. To just be there.
“What?” Blinking quickly at the quick retort to his mutterings. Unable to place the reasoning for potentially such a cryptic feeling observation. By all means he vastly aware of the incredible lack of ever being able to find another person who might be kind enough to deal with his… length quirks and general atrocious existence, but he was startled to learn in mere seconds that she was thinking similar. Not aware that what he heard and thought weren’t what Araminta meant.
Her intention was far sweeter but thoughts and pained emotions did well to muddle and twist the kindness.
Elevating wicked voices to remark darkly. As if there was influence rightfully sinful manipulating little things to seem as though it was him doing so instead of anything else.
Almost disgusted that the gentle touches and moved to become squeezing encouragement as vocals came in a quiet hum. “It… will settle. It always had before.” Politely clearing his throat, he nodded as if telling her he’d be fine after a moment or two. Giving rein to mental hold to consider that perhaps his ability of expressing thoughts previously had mad her uncomfortable. That telling her such things as preference to favoritism was not what she wished to hear and in turn this was the means if coming on strong.
He’d have to do better then. Putting such unnecessary things away as not to be too much in the future. “Fish… your fishing rod. Y… you do not wish to lose it in the water. Do not waste a b… breath further upon me. I am well. And will continue to do so.”
Araminta couldn’t remember him being this resistant before… she’d fell on him and he’d allowed her to stitch that wound. Why now be so stubborn? Suspecting it was some combination of not wanting to burden her, or perhaps the fear of it being an impossible problem to big to solve. Neither of which Araminta was going to accept as an excuse to not let her take care of him.
“My pole isn’t going anywhere, and you are not a waste of my breath. I’d give you the very lungs from my chest if I thought that would help,” she insisted. It might be a lifelong effort of convincing Theon he was worth every single ounce of her care!
Watching him with those evergreen eyes of hers, Araminta wishing she could read his so she could chase away whatever wicked little things he was telling himself. Having no luck with that, she simply had to resort to the only means of helping she had. Without a wound to stitch, without magic to heal, and without words that would be believed, all she had was herself.
Finally pulling her hands away to simply slide her arms up around his neck in a squeezing hug. Fully expecting him to not know what to do with it, but certain that a man that lived his life without being given comfort surely needed it now more than ever.
Even he could tell somewhere amongst the mass of swirling thoughts and pressurizing emotions that there was something not quite right. He’d lived with these ugly whispers of himself for years and they’d eventually had just become another part of his being. Accustomed to the cruelty but this felt particularly more venomous. Truly playing up everything wrong with him. Twisting every word uttered from Araminta into something prickly.
Whatever the hell had been before when he was just appreciating the calm and the company in new ways, was gone. Replaced with a strong apprehension. A glaring sensation that promptly squished the tenderness to assure that he was fretting more about seeing her go back to the task she had been happy to do.
Frustration lingered, particularly at himself. Not sure why or what was going on. Just that as she pulled back, the mood sat between relieved and bothered that she had at all. Save it was apparently clear that Araminta was still her typical self. Slipping close enough to do that embracing motion. Leaving him once more on the border of growing confusion.
Why… why, why?
This was mystifying. Clearly there was something to all this and it was budding that frustration up alongside a quiet sort of embarrassing neediness. The latter to be swiftly stomped on as he had no business with that at all! Though there was a strong want to actually properly reciprocate the hug but felt like that was probably far too weird as well, settling for a sort of wilting shoulders and a gentle reaching to pat at that of a curled arm. “I’m okay now.” Trying to assure her that he was. Even if he wasn’t, he would be. Not even sure he could label this sort of dissatisfaction that was rolling around in his being like an iron ball.
“I am certain you have told me before that it is okay to not be,” murmured with the softest of laugh. Even with that dipping of shoulders, she knew he was no where near being okay. For who would be, knowing some venomous snake of a witch was out there pulling strings and casting magic, ready to rip away even the most simple and innocent moments of peace. There was a part of her that wished they could go directly to the Imperial Castle, face the woman directly and–
…and, well. Araminta wasn’t sure from there what to do. Pick her up and throw her off a mountain felt like the most appropriate. That plan would likely end with the pair of them getting roasted and toasted by the Queen’s fearsome magic. Leaving Araminta back and square one again, biding her time in doing the trials until they came across the help they needed.
“How scared of you she must be to not allow one simple moment of quiet,” she grumbled, giving another squeeze of her arms. “She can’t take our day from us, though. You can still relax with me and if she wants to ruin it, she’ll have to hop on her broomstick and fly her crotchety old wrinkled arse to stop us.”
Moments like these there was an undeniable wish that he knew what to say. Or how to describe even a fraction of what was rolling through that of mind and body. Alas, that was not in the cards. Sure that it was liable to just remain as such till he either developed an immunity to or simply stopped caring. Either were very potential to happen.
Offering a lighter hum to her telling him in her own jovial way of his former commentary, it was funny that he could think that such a remark was not meant to ever be aimed at himself. Knowing wisely not to say that because that would open a world of conversation that was too deep, too broad and too raw right now. Perhaps forever.
“Doubtful.” Theon found himself stating at the idea that the Imperial Queen was scared. They both had to know at this point that the woman was likely fearless but since her formerly compliant child had decided to run away from what he was supposed to, she was not about to let that go. How dare he do something against her will. That was enough reason to assure that if this was linked to her, she was going to make sure he understood that mother knew best.
“I think… I will go back to the hut.” Granted that was a terrible thing to imagine. The Imperial Queen on a broomstick flying at them, liable to fling lightning bolts and roll the earth beneath their feet. “You… know the way back, yes?”
He sounded better… barely. Araminta was still hesitant to let him go at all. Feeling that he needed this contact to know he wasn’t alone and things might be difficult but they weren’t hopeless. Yet Araminta couldn’t hold him hostage against his will, either. He already lived a life of someone forcing him to bend and break at their petty whims. Even if her intentions were nothing but the best for him, she couldn’t ad shouldn’t make him accept her comfort.
Burying that disappointment that he wouldn’t stay, the princess did pull back giving him one last squeeze to the shoulders and a quick examining look. Inevitably acquiescing to his need for time alone, whether she liked it or not.
“It’s not far, I’ll be alright. I’ll stay until I’ve caught something suitable for dinner, so you can have that time alone. You can come back to join me too if you wish, okay?”
Add this odd sense of wanting to be distant now into the mix of confusion potion and he was due to have a cocktail of nonsense soon. Not sure why he was suddenly wishing to be away from her but it seemed like something in his mind was rather irritated at the general myriad of perplexity. Knowing it wasn’t Araminta’s fault. It never would be, at least that wasn’t switching gears all the sudden.
Looking to her and feel a pulling ache that really was left to no description. Nodding no sooner when she expressed she would be alright and would return when she caught something. Likely determine to be the victor this time unlike her previous fishing trip. “Okay.” Knowing that she had given him a chance to choose what was to happen at his leisure but found himself wanting to just keep that means of departing for some reason or another. Guessing it was tied to the fact she had unfortunately witnessed him lapsing into pain. A thing he didn’t want her to see.
Once capable he started to regather up everything he had brought. Pausing shortly a moment to assure that she knew he was returning and nodded yet again before turning to leave.
Knowing the pathway to the hut intimately now as the river had been a resource of survival. Come winter, it would still move enough that the water wouldn’t freeze thankfully. Though he wasn’t sure if they would be returning that much when the land began to chill enough that the world went into hibernation. Of course the trials were the pressing matter and he would be diligent in following her lead as per usual. Just he didn’t think they ought to wait too much longer seeing as the next trial would need some preparation to see it finished. To ensure that Araminta was able to keep pushing forward over the hurdles that rarely anyone made it too.
His thoughts sought this ease of concentration with the movement back to the tiny place.
Only that focus became frighteningly alert at the sound of… snuffing?
Stalling that of steps, attention promptly began the lookout of what was moving in the brush. Hearing it rustling and shivering till well… well he wasn’t sure what he was expecting but surely not this pig plump looking pig that came waddling out with a bell jingling around its throat! “Princess, don’t go wandering way without me!” A woman’s voice came calling after though the sow didn’t seem to really care. Nor about him, just pausing long enough to give him a look with beady eyes, snorted and put its snout back to the ground. Searching for something obviously, “Princess! O-Oh!” Shifting his weight to turn and lay gaze upon the stumbling woman, she gasped with a panicked pull at her heavy cloak. “I… hello!” Lips pulled back bearing a full mouth of teeth in a winsome grin as pinked cheeks seemed to radiant that of her beam all the more. “I.. I didn’t know there was anyone else in these woods!”
Neither did he and that was suspicious.
As soon as Theon was out of her line of sight, Araminta was brooding. Getting back to her feet and going to fetch her fishing pole to resume her fishing, not pleased to now be spending this time on her own. Though none of that blame was laid at Theon’s feet. All of that ire was aimed directly at his foul mother who continuously found new ways to torment a man that didn’t deserve all this.
She could have followed him back to the hut, yet that wasn’t really a healthy thing to do for them both. His sense of independence was vital – having Araminta forcefully cling to him when he needed his space to process would cause more damage than it helped. He at least knew she was there, ready and available for him when he needed her. …she truly hoped he did.
Didn’t help prevent her sulking, though. Casting her line out and patiently waiting for those little nibbles and tugs. Running ideas through her head on ways to stop an evil queen. Most being pure fantasy nonsense, though some might have merit if Araminta ever found the means to make the attempts. The trouble was that one needed to think like a villain if there was any chance of ending her, and even with Araminta’s broad imagination, it was difficult to stretch her ideas to such depraved limits.
If only she could unleash a flock of geese on the old witch.
“And that’s why we are out here!” Hands flapped in an animated sort of yay gesture, unsure of how this woman had come to start following him back to the hut. Just that she did and was clearly unbothered by the fact that he had made not one single attempt to say a word to her. Simply cast a look and walked along. Making that a soundless invite, “You’d be surprised how many people really like mushrooms but the nobility, let me tell yah. Truffles are mad business.” Giggling at her own turn of phrase, the grayish blue eyes looked about realizing that where they came to was a little tiny abode that was truly barely able to be called that.
Giving sword a kind enough dip back into the rain barrel as there was no intention now to keep at his busy work. “Nice place you got here,” Leaning forward with little awareness to the plodding along pig that appeared to be diligent enough to stay close while scruffing at the ground, “So you live out here then?” Even he knew the question was entirely rhetoric, “It’s quaint, would be a great place to set up if you ever want to try your hand a truffle scouting, hmm? Quiet, calm. Out of the way but still close enough to a little village. Have you been there, the people there seem nice but wow some of them are you know,” peering over his shoulder at her, full lips made a drag across her face to silently suggest that she didn’t much care for a select few.
A thought he could agree with.
Not that it lingered long. She was turning then making skirt and cloak tails flare out. Knotting fists to her hips with a deep breath. Exhaling just as swiftly as blond head tilted back, “I’m Iris by the way!” Lowly he nodded in his own way of acknowledgement. Again she spun back around and got close, “Are you mute. You got those scars along your throat, so… yeah?”
Eyes flickered to stare at her a steady moment but gave no reply that he was about give her much. She didn’t seem to mind, “You know, mute or not, you’re pretty cute for a guy in the woods.” Theon felt his features shift, stirring her to giggling. “And apparently embarrass easily too, how precious!” Iris smiled again that sort of pretty smile that was almost too much, “Do you wanna help me and Princess find some truffles. They made a great sauce you know. Especially the white ones, it could be fun! I never get to run into people in the woods.”
The stream had a bounty of fish and Araminta found herself having good luck when it came to catching them, only most were far too small to actually make for a good meal. There was no need for her to rush or hurry herself back, so she had plenty enough time to toss the little things back, occasionally hunt herself a fresh new worm, and repeat the process all over again.
With the crisp autumn and the occasional breeze in the trees it was a quiet and peaceful treat, even if her mind was busy mulling over plots upon plots. She quite liked fishing, finding that it was a simple thing that lend itself to easy learning and giving one space to think. Theon hadn’t fibbed about the appearance of woodland animals. Because Araminta herself was still and quiet, they’d timidly come up to the edge of the stream bank to bend down for a drink. She watched a young doe and a pair of rabbits. Birds were everywhere too, singing their cheerful songs.
This would have been so good for Theon. Araminta hoped he was at least finding a similar means of quiet rest at the hut.
As for herself, she’d come up with a grand scheme of charming every woodland animal she met into a critter army to storm the Imperial Queen’s castle. The woman would expect soldiers and mages… instead she would get geese and furry spiders. Perhaps Araminta could tie some ropes to harpies or fish out some of those fishmen.
Bloody Heirra would regret sending Araminta on these trials, for the princess might just come back with every manner of beast she met.
With a due shake of his head it was the decline to partaking in this woman’s idea of hunting. It should be alarming that she stumbled upon him at all and yet, she was taking it as some sort of boon. Warming up quickly to him and thinking nothing about the standoffish aura that was surrounding him. And yet, he found himself growing curious. Not sure the woman was liable to find truffles in this forest but it didn’t seem to faze her. She had given him a playful grin to his refusal but skipped away when the pig had seemed to start digging at the ground.
“Not quite what we are looking for,” Iris patted Princess on the head a few adoring times but took what had been dug up anyways. Moving it through her fingers. For a moment seemingly involved with it but came trotting back excitedly to unfold hands towards him. “Look, it’s a type of mushroom.” She held it up in case he wasn’t paying attention. Easing out a merry breath till she spun and trotted back after said pig.
Leaving him a moment to blink but turned to open the door to the hut. Intending to put everything else away in its rightful place.
“Wow, you live here?” her voice crept up behind him warranting a start and a look that had her suddenly holding out her hands. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.” She said but walked past him in a manner of seconds to help herself indoors. Rotating gaze up and around and finally, “Kinda cramped isn’t it? For a big guy like yourself it seems like this place is…” Gaze shifted left then right once more. “Not sure, doesn’t seem like it’s your place does it? To busy.” How would she know though he did look around and sort of understand what she meant. The place wasn’t as it had been. Fitted with things that Araminta had liked and he had been perfectly okay with it. Just now, was he?
He was.
“Do… you want some help cleaning up? Princess will squeal if she finds something, I like being around you. You have such a gentle aura, and I think you could use a friend. Or you know,” Something in her gaze glinted and he wasn’t even sure what it was! But she didn’t continue, just grinned and began to undo the clasp of her cloak.
When one was brooding so, it was easy to lose track of time, though Araminta would occasionally glance up at the sky to gauge where the sun was presently beaming. She could have easily stayed there until the evening, but found herself growing hungry before too long. Bringing a picnic with her would’ve been a good idea, yet with her just on her own and without Theon’s company it seemed it wouldn’t have been necessary anyway.
Determined to get that fish before starting back, she ignored that rumbling in her stomach until finally she managed to hook something with weight to it. A fine fish – not foul in the slightest! Big enough that it might feed her and Theon both if he were brave enough try something freshly caught by her hands instead of his own.
Pleased with her prize, she gathered her pole and her fish on a string to make her way back to the hut. Only stopping here and here along the way to gather up a couple wild onions and a carrot or two, as they would make a nice little addition.
Even before he could have properly declined that of Iris offer, she was already getting her hands involved. Reaching out to grasp upon that of various bits that she would study one moment and then begin to move it into place that may have been better or worse. Humming a merry little tune that had him temporarily considering before simply letting it go. Knowing that it was highly strange that a woman had just come along, found him in the woods and was now putting herself to work with cleaning the place. Sure he ought to protest this. Loudly.
Yet… it was pleasant. Welcoming even.
Encouraging him to go about his own pace with starting to straighten things up. Seemingly going into his own trance of working… noticing that Iris would sometimes grab something and take it outside. Putting things out of the way, “Just so it’s easier to sweep.” Sing songing the action in case he wasn’t sure, “All this stuff laying all over the place won’t make cleaning up any better. So its best if it just all goes outside.”
Lightly he shrugged, accepting it for what it was. It would be easier to sweep if things were outside for now. Uncaring as she migrated bits and pieces to the outdoors before she would hop back in and continued the effort.
Leaving him to be unaware that there was in fact, something going on. “I’m just going to shut the door in a few minutes, okay?” Once more he shrugged as he heard the door shut behind himself. Leaving Iris to glance down at the items she had collected and scoff. Who knew prey like this would be so easy to catch. And in their own abode after all.
Araminta’s mood was shifty, full of such a hodge podge of emotions that it was hard to truly relax when she still had concerns rattling around in the back of her mind. Not making a rush of returning to the hut so Theon had as much time to himself as she could give, but inevitably needing to return to see about a meal.
On getting closer to the hut there was a snuffling… a familiar sort of snuggling, as Araminta had plenty enough experience with pigs to know the snort of one. Being rewarded with the sight of the plump, pot bellied thing within a few short moments. A bell around it’s neck to show that it was no wild sow rooting around in the woods, but someone’s companion.
“Aren’t you a sassy little beauty,” she commented at the big, blinking a bit in confusion. “What are you doing all the way out here, though? You’re not one of Maisle’s.”
Seemed Araminta might have one job to do today in the form of returning someone’s loose pig. Frowning as she stepped around the critter to approach the hut and at least be sure Theon hadn’t decided a porcine friend was going to be better company for her. She wouldn’t put it past him to attempt a curious exchange.
Stooping to grab the various collected bits that were evidently a female’s, Iris lifted her head to look around. She didn’t think she would get lucky enough to find herself a tasty little morsel honestly, she knew that pig would be useful. Leading along with the story that she was a truffle finder –though not particularly a full lie either- it kept the stomach fed when it wasn’t in the cards for something a little more… fleshy.
This one had been just a prime dinner being served up on a silver platter. Not talkative nor swift to shoo her away. He almost seemed pathetically sad, man she hoped that didn’t ruin the flavor of meat. The sad ones always tasted so… eh.
For now, at least he was preoccupied indoors. Sealed all nice and neat away with the barest of efforts. Of course she had found the hut a bit earlier and determined that it wasn’t abandoned. Able to smell that it was a male and female, but it was only the male that had been here. If the crap she was holding was a woman’s, well, her loss.
“Princess… where are you?” She called looking for her pig. Honestly she didn’t want to lose her, as it would take a little bit to make the itty bitty hut cross over into her little pocket space. So she had better get the piggy and get rid of this shit. “Ugh… smells like a prissy bitch of a woman.”
Imagine Araminta’s surprise in wandering back to the little hut with a sweet potbelly pig jingling along at her side, to find a pretty flaxen haired woman shuffling around outside. With an arm full of things that most certainly did not belong to her and no Theon in sight. She’d thought she heard the call out of Princess, of which… well, Araminta guessed she meant the pig, as she certainly didn’t recognize the girl from the village. Nor would anyone of them address her as anything besides Araminta.
This was… unusual.
“Good afternoon!” Araminta called out cheerfully, loud enough for Theon to hear as well if he were inside the hut. Not a hint of suspicion in her features, only that bright friendly smile. “I suppose this little one is yours?”
Shifting over to the empty fire pit where Theon tended to do his cooking, Araminta set down her fishing pole against the wooden spits and strung her caught fish there as well. Effectively leaving her hands free to dust off her palms at her hips.
“You’re not from the village,” she pointed out casually, then lifting a hand to point at what the girl was hopefully not planning on stealing, cause Araminta wasn’t about to let that happen. “What have you there?”
God’s damnit.
Pivoting upon her heel did she brighten cheeks with a sincere smile. Holding the armload of crap that honestly was probably clearly this woman’s. So the meat piece did have a female wandering around but in a manner of a few seconds there was obviously not a single care in the world. So maybe they were just both souls who used the hut to their convenience. Did it really matter? Not one damn bit. “Hello! Well look at that, you found her. I was just calling for my widdle piggy and hoped she hadn’t gotten too nosy that she forgot all about me.” Adjusting the items in hand to give a slight wave, “Yup. That’s Princess. Real cute isn’t she and smart like a whip. Best truffle finder in these parts I would confidently say.”
Keeping gaze gentle and polite, curiously spawned on a practiced play. Observing the girl settling down her items that apparently carried the stink of fish. Gross.
Shortly giving head a shake, “No ma’am, but I did come from there on the direction of a few folks. Pointing me and Princess to come into these woods in hopes of scrounging up some mushrooms and that. Hasn’t been very easy.” Giggling sweetly knowing that thus far, it had a good effect of making her seem oh so docile. Finding that Princess was promptly going about once more to start snuffling at the ground. Making her way this time towards the hut and potentially buried treasure there too.
“Hmm? Oh a man was here a bit ago when I stumbled in. Silent as the dead but I offered to help him clean up the hut cause boy was that thing crowded. He went off to go and well… I don’t know what he went to go do. As I said, man is super cute but so quiet.” Leaning some over, “Me might be mute if those scars say anything,” The quiet ones were always the best ones to nibble, truly. “So I was just going to lay out the stuff over there and pop back in to do some sweeping. Do you know him?” Only for gaze to sharpen a little, “You aren’t like the spouse are you, cause hmmm that would be a shame.”
“Oh, that’s lovely. You can’t go wrong with a truffle pig in autumn,” Araminta replied conversationally. Not finding any fault with the story itself, as the people in the village were always kind and helpful to strangers, at least in her own experience.
The problem came in her explanation of Theon’s absence. While he might’ve gone out to do some hunting, Araminta sincerely doubted he’d have left the woman here alone to do as she pleased, even by means of tidying up. …or at least she’d thought so? Now she wasn’t so sure, considering he had done just that thing with herself. Allowing her to take over his very home without so much as a peep of complaint. His gentle heart wouldn’t turn someone away if they needed help or rest…
This one didn’t seem to need help, though. More like a clever little thief.
“He is my very dear friend, actually. It’s kind of you to offer to do chores, but it isn’t necessary at all. If you’re needing a moment to rest, I’d be happy to try and brew up some tea here with a fire. Perhaps give princess a carrot I collected from the woods. We can set those things back inside and I’ll fetch the kettle.”
Okay this woman could go find a nice hole to fall into already. Like wasn’t she getting the hint here, go away. Man the lives of predators were so hard, couldn’t even get a good meal in because one nosy ass person had to come rummaging along like they were the very centre of the world. Pah!
Still she gave a smile and agreed easily with the statement of nothing wrong with a truffle pig in autumn. “I was just saying a bit ago to the fellow that some truffles can make a really delicious sauce.” Adding onto the means of conversation before it seemed this nosy twat was about to just keep lingering on like an unwanted dingleberry.
Offering her best explanation about why she was holding this crap. “Oh thank god,” Iris sighed dramatically, “Here I was worried for a second that you were of someone important. I mean in the sense of you know,” Laying it on thickly then about the mood, “It’s not every day you run into someone in the woods that isn’t a crazed axe murderer. But the fact that he was so nice to let me stay around, it’s only fair that I offer to help too. The place was so clustered and didn’t even seem like he lived there. Unless… you say dear friend but,” Eyes went up and down Araminta, “Wait, he isn’t your slave is he? Is this all your place and I just stumbled into some weird master and possession thing?”
The sounds of Princess snorting around was enough to draw attention, “Oh, looks like she found something.” With the unceremonious opening of hands, letting it all drop to the ground to go trotting over to where the pig was digging up the more recently planted acorn, “What did you find this time Princess?”
“I can assure you, there’s no axe murdering or slavery nonsense here. We’re simply… in a process of making this a home.”
It seemed this one had an eye for Theon… something that usually would have Araminta into giggles, but she wasn’t appreciating this passive aggressive dig towards herself. A sort of behavior that wasn’t befit any young lady to be dismissive or rude to another woman simply because one was interested in a man. Worse yet, treating someone else’s property as if it didn’t mean a damn thing.
This girl was most definitely a thief of some sort. Caught right in the act of her mischief.
Now her pig was up to mischief too!
“Oh, no no!” called Araminta softly, not about to be rude to an innocent animal, even if she was quick as a whip to bounce over and promptly put her booted foot down safely over the buried seed where the piglet could do not more digging or snuffling.
“That’s our new garden bed where we’ve just planted a lovely tree. I honestly don’t mind if the pair of you wish to search around the forest near here, but I’d rather not have her digging up the things I’ve taken care to plant. If you mean to stay as company, perhaps leash your Princess and have a seat over near the firepit.”
“A home?” head turned to look at the hut as if trying to even fathom such a dingy little hole being much of anything. Slowly letting sockets pull the rest of her skull back to consider this dark haired woman silently for a moment. Bunching brows with a brightening grin, “Well sure, maybe for one. It’s a bit weird to be friends with someone and then claiming building a home. I mean each their own of course but still sounds weird. Like someone is a slave.” Muttering the last bit before Princess’ digging had pulled all focus.
Good, then she didn’t have to hold this armload of crap any further! Uncaring a second after it left and wandered happily over to find that Princess had found something. “Oh, what is that?” It felt… well it had a little ebbing of magic but what was it?!
Not that she was about to get a look seeing as this god damn ogre of a pest came stomping over to put her boot over. Startling the precious pig back and then suggesting something rather… dumb. “A… what.” Iris straightened as she gave Princess a few pats on the head to soothe that of her precious little sow, letting gaze finally settle on this other women with all the bared annoyance possible. “Okay look, whatever you think you got here, ain’t here. I’m already company and not yours. The guy let me hang around so I’ve made my stake. Maybe you could get a slight bit of a clue and you know… vamoose.” Shooing her hands out at the other. “You aren’t wanted, if you were, he’d probably have shooed me away, hmm?”
There it was, the girl showing her true colors. Though, goodness, worse than just a simple thief! Apparently the girl thought she was just going to walk into a man’s home to claim it and him in the process! It’d be impressive if it weren’t so stupidly ill-behaved.
Araminta started rolling up her sleeves, slowly and casually, though that sweet friendly smile of hers had faded off to a much more serious expression.
“If I were unwanted, he would have told me so himself, direct to my face. As for you… do not mistake his kindness, nor mine, as something that can be trampled over. Therefore, if you would like hospitality, by all means go have a seat by the fire. Otherwise, take your plump friend and leave.”
This as not a request Araminta would make more than once, already glancing around for the means of something useful to scare off a trespasser with. Sadly, that poor little pig might have to also suffering the consequences. Araminta just wasn’t going to let some wicked girl come taking advantage of Theon’s space after he was already struggling.
Eyes rolled. Thickly within her own skull. Giving way to a laborious groaning sigh before she straightened. “You know, humans really are the worst. Can’t even let someone have a gods damn moment of piece before they think they own the damn place.” Where the blue eyes were supposed to rest, a third opened between them both. Settled just above brows before she gave a snap to fingers.
And with an animated pop, the hut appeared to have vanished. Into thin air. Leaving only a groove in the dirt where it had been. In turn she seemingly summoned Princess off the ground by levitation before she too was hovering backwards across the ground. Zipping quickly with a snickering giggle.
“The only good thing about humans is, they are stupid. You’re little game of house is over and I, will happily take my snack elsewhere since clearly you aren’t about to get a clue.” Baring teeth in sharpened beam, “Ta ta, human.” Popping out herself, though fairly there was no actually disappearance.
Just a shifting of plains to be ever present where they had been but using her own little pocket space. With her being allowed inside without being shooed out, she had ensured by every little thing she touched, she was laying a little bit of magic to it. Temporal, useful for getting a meal but not very long lasting. Maybe an hour but surely the girl would go running off in frantic search, allowing her and princess to have a human snack!
That- What-
The hut vanishing into thin air was an entire problem Araminta was not expecting, yet she was still a quick thinker. Sprinting ready to tackle whatever means of beast this girl was — only to land splat onto the dirt when the girl also vanished!
“…what manner of bullshit is this…!” shouted the princess, hitting the ground with a fist before scrabbling up to her feet.
Easy to infer by the wicked little thief’s comments that Theon must’ve been inside the hut the entire time. Stolen away with the snap of fingers! What a terrible time for the man to end up kidnapped when he was already having such a hard day already! A hard few days even…
Araminta stalked around the perimeter of the hut, using hands to wave and see if maybe it were all invisible or if it had indeed vanished into the ether. What manner of magic could snatch away an entire building? Faerie magic could easily bend space and time to hideaway things, even then it’d take one incredibly talented to take the hut somewhere else entirely… Yet she and her third eye didn’t seem fae at all to Araminta. Havin to be tricksy with a pig, she likely wasn’t very strong at all. So it could not be too far.
If this was a spell, she’d have to break it. Leaving Araminta standing there with her hands on her hips pondering exactly how she might try.
…and hoping that Theon could take care of himself in the meantime.
Poor Princess, having to be whisked away before she even had a chance to find something half decent. Well, hopefully the redhead instead the hut was enough to make up for the rotund piggy’s reward. While she personally wasn’t a fae, she wasn’t entirely a demon either. More of a halfbreed that took a great deal of effort having to expend magic and little tricks to assure that she could do what she wanted. And apparently this dumb twat of a girl, thought she could just roll up her sleeves and have at it. “Humans. Truly they are the worst.”
Said one who was more similar to one than not. At least half of her, sharing more in common with the man inside besides the fae blood.
Settling feet on the ground, the world itself was that of a monochromatic bore. Gray and white. Sometimes close to black but it was just a bland unimpressive state of being. Moving slower than the mundane realm had been, leaving her the chance to still observe the dark haired pain in the ass without having to interact with her. “Go on now, and shoo.” Iris huffed making the gesture like it was going to help. Balling them up moments next to mock the other. “Go wah wah elsewhere. Finder’s keepers, dontcha know girly. I found him and now he is mind.” Pleased with herself of course, she turned to wander back towards the hut. Hopefully by now the lunch menu item would have been put into a trance.
She hated when food fought back after all.
Having little to worry about in the means that the girl would be smart enough to find the pin in this very magic. After all, it all had to root somewhere. Like a fungus.
Araminta paced. Circled. Pondered. Running over scenarios in her head, old stories she knew, little tidbits of information she’d not think anything of but was still rattling around in that brain of hers somewhere. Chucking a pebble into the empty space to see what that would do.
She sure as hell wasn’t about to go running off until she had all the information she could.
Leaning down to sort through the items that had been so rudely removed from the hut, she did notice they mostly appeared to be all hers. An attempt to erase the traces of another woman, Araminta supposed. The minx had definitely gone through the entire hut, every corner wall to wall. A useful thing to know… maybe her magic required mapping out the space to pop away something so large.
That pig of hers may not have just been an innocent little truffling pig either, now that Araminta thought about it. Straightening up and now taking a renewed interest in the area. Taking small steps as she eyed the ground looking for places that might’ve been disturbed by a snuffling huffling piglet. Still unsure of what to look for, but knowing she’d recognize something out of place if she spotted it.
If there ever was a hunger killer, it was the fact that when she passed through the hut of the door; there was a weapon at her throat. And a rather pissed off looking man that didn’t nearly look as human as he did prior. Eyes of mercury in a state of near felid stance, as jaw worked in such a way that it seemed like something had nearly become undone in him. There wasn’t that placid sort of acceptance or disregarding there had been previously. Instead there was something else. Something feral. “I have no problem cutting the tongue out of a imp, like yourself.” Words flushed over his lips and she found her brows raising in shock.
So he could talk.
“Imp?” She dared to try tilting her head cutely only that he seemed to raise that knife all the more closer to her neck. A quick looked proved that he wasn’t likely to be taken off guard. Stance ready and merely needing one wrong move to provoke it to leap. “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about, cutie pie.”
“Chimera if you want to be technical. Not quite human, not quite fae, and certainly not a demon. Typically a discard of a familiar that is usually employed by high mages in lands that are not of the Imperial Kingdom. If I were to guess by your attempt to veer my attention and sway my thoughts, you might be a rejected attempt of a succubi. Your pig is the reason you have magic. Potentially the previous mage that you were meant to be contracted too. Spell gone awry and why you can’t be separate from her and vice versa.” He sneered a little, “Yes, imp.“
“Wow… you’re good.”
His gaze never wavered, “Remove the spell. Or you’ll both die.”
Hands lifted then as she gave a weak nervous chuckle. “W… what makes you think I can’t just—” She truly wished she had the chance to be a little bit cheeky but it seemed he was truly that of business. Barking out a shriek as feet leapt back all the while Princess happily moseyed indoors. None the wiser. Gripping at her throat as he twisted the… was that just a bloody kitchen knife! “You… what the hell! You cut me with a damn kitchen knife!”
“Remove. The. Spell. Or I will.”
“No can.. .can do! That’s not how the spell works. I can only um,” Iris wilted as he came to approach her through the doorway of the hut. Adjusting the hold on the stabbing utensil, “Can… can only enact it. Not… not remove it. That’s not how the spell works. Unless someone finds the pin that I used to cast the first marker of the spell.”
Brows tensed but still refused to look way. “Then I guess we have time to make you s q u e a l.”
“Wh… what!”
This was one of those moments where being nothing more than a normal human was just a whole bucket of uselessness. Araminta was useless. Not nearly as clever as Theon seemed to think she was! Because here she was, circling the empty ground for the thirtieth time trying to work her way through the puzzle.
Maybe she was working too close to the hut itself and needed to picture it a different way.
So Araminta walked out into the woods until the hut was longer within her line of sight. Spying the ground to see where a pig might’ve been snuffling… where a person’s footprints walk. Too far out and the magic would be too weak, so she didn’t stray far. Araminta attempted a pantomime of what the wicked little thief might’ve done.
Approaching Theon somewhere about… there. A song and dance of poor little her. The truffle story. If she’d had the sugar sweet facade when she met Theon, then he wouldn’t have been rude to her or told her to leave. He might have tried to stonewall her with silence. Otherwise… she followed the steps and the disturbed snufflings.
Back to the hut. The pig was off loose to do it’s snooping then. The girl talking her way into Theon’s home, possibly even charming him to make it that much easier. She was quite pretty and might’ve had an allure to her. If Theon stayed inside, that meant the girl cast her spellwork on the outside. Somewhere he could not see it nor stop it.
…She’d been very attentive about what the pig snuffled up. With another thoughtful sweep, Araminta looked for all of the dugged in areas. Finally knealing to pick up a discarded mushroom. Mushrooms were interesting little fungi. There were even old legends of fairy rings – circles of mushrooms that led poor travelers astray into little pocket prisons. That seemed similar enough to this.
…now how does one open something they cannot see?
He wasn’t the same. Whatever had flicked out like a candle wick with him, it was obvious. And damn it all to hell if she wasn’t dropping more curse words than she could have ever imagined. Who the hell knew that a piece of human meat wasn’t so human and clearly didn’t do well with trying to be entranced and gobbled. Nor the fact that he was frighteningly quicker than his size made him seem. Gaining advantage on her often till she was left scrambling on hands and knees.
If Princess had been human, then she would be able to use more of that magic she had. But she wasn’t. She was a stupid dumb pig that didn’t much care for the commotion. Happily having made herself a bed inside the abode while she ran like a damn chicken with her head cut off. Pleading between dropped expletives about how she should have saved the levitation spell for now! Needing to recharge because she was not that magically inclined.
A startled shriek jumped from throat when she narrowly missed the flinging of kitchen knife at her. Cradling head with hands and flopping over with a mantra of please don’t.
Finding that if he knew what mercy was, it was clearly out to lunch. Being unpleasantly booted over to lay on her back looking up as a fiery ball of concentrated heat was twiddling around in his fingers. Seemingly both of them not watching the path of the girl outside of this spatial difference, but aware of her. How far the tables have turned for her to wish the stupid human would just figure out that destroying the right mushroom would end the spell. Why were humans so useless!
“P…please…. I-I… I-I-I’m s… sorry! D.. Don’t… Don’t hurt me! I.. I won’t ev… ever try.. Try to…” He shifted to drop down to where the heat of the fireball was searing against her belly. The wave of warmth without burning her with it, “H..Ah! Please!”
Trying to squirm away only being gifted with a rather hard grapple about through with the unused hand. Squeezing fingertips into skin. “You’re apologetic now only because you are being dominated. If the tables were turned and this was the person you trapped, would you give them mercy?” He asked but it was clearly not a question. “Doubtful. If you had, then you wouldn’t have known how to do any of this. How to trap someone. How to bat your lashes or pry on people’s sympathy or compassion. You’re only apologetic now because this time, it is not in your favour.”
The attempt to swallow was almost impossible. Reaching to dig her nails as hard as she could into that of hand. Scratching and scraping till skin was turning slick with the crimson drips and yet, he didn’t seem to notice. “So no… there is no mercy to be had.”
“I… I’l… d-d-do… a..ny—t—thing…”
Araminta was on to something good by now having tracked down every spot of snuffled digging to find several mushrooms. If it were a true fairy ring, they’d have grown out into a perfect circle and – according to legends – one would step inside them to travel to a pocket of the faerie realm.
The princess was pretty confident this interloping thief wasn’t a faerie, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t have figured out how to use that same sort of magic. Like the elven tree whose roots connected deep under the earth to reach each other, fungi also often had the same sort of connection.
It was just a theory, of course. The best one Araminta had in the moment. Truffle pigs and magic mushrooms… it made sense!
The trouble was that if one destroyed a normal fairy ring, there were often consequences. Whisked away to the faerie realm never to be returned. Yet if this wasn’t fae bound, then surely it would be alright? Getting Theon returned was a risk worth taking, so Araminta steeled her nerves and got to work. Plucking up every suspicious mushroom she found to dump in the cauldron and mash them up.
She was either going to get Theon back or make a mushroom stew.
The sounds of the screams were at least seemingly confined to whatever this realm was. Whatever this spell was, it appeared to have a sound barrier attached. Working well to shelter that of the woman’s agonizing shrills to this very plain.
Begging. Pleading. Screaming. Even as her voice gave out and body began to smell of grease hitting a hot griddle pan. Hair and clothing melding into the mix that even as the flame spluttered off the fat, encouraging its rise and flare; there was no relenting. No looking past the fact that Iris had intended harm. And had done who knows how much damage to others. Those who had been lured and trapped by whatever plot she had. Feeding herself in whatever manner that he could only speculate was related to human parts. Unclear if it was skin, meat or organs themselves. Not that it mattered and if there was to be shame to any of this, such things were missing.
She was not born the same way most were. To be fair, she wasn’t really even classified as a living being due to the creation of Mage and familiar. Chimera’s from his knowledge were made from parts of other things. Particularly dead things. If she was in fact meant to house similar behaviours as that of a succubi, then her former master had something of a succubi to use.
It didn’t really matter in the end. Only that this cycle of murder ended here. Now.
Once her arms went limp and her face ignited like a oiled wick, he retracted. Stepping back. Two steps. Three… four. Till he was far enough back to turn and re-enter that of the hut to find that Princess had made herself rather comfy on the floor. Beady eyes looking heavy as a snooze was to take place. If he was right, then the two of them had a soul link. If one died, the other did. Perhaps a good thing too, who would take care of a pig like Princess anyways. If she as in fact that of the mage that had been the master and had a spell backfire that this was its result.
It was clear though that with Iris slain, the spell didn’t drop. So she was truthful about that but it surely had a limitation of use. Unless one was innately a magic user, those who wished to use it had to have methods of doing so. Typically with reagents, tomes and words and very specific actions that had to be done to enact it. Though it always a had a high chance of failing. Doing absolutely nothing.
Not that any of it mattered.
Admittedly he was more than fed-up with how this day had transpired. Old hag women that were mouthy. Being attacked from however far away and then an attempt of being trapped and killed. Pair that with how active his most bitter of thoughts were and he was liable to just want to wander into the depth of the woods and entirely disappear. Only stopping because he didn’t wish to depart again from Araminta seeing as they still had tasks to do to help her reclaim what was hers. So he’d have to wait for either this spell to stop or something else. Leaving him the time to reclaim bandages to work on cleansing the dig marks of Iris’s nails to the back of hand.
Nails were dirty in general, he didn’t need to get an infection and worse because of it to add to the crapcake that was the day.
It wasn’t really clear to him what had triggered the spell to end. Just that from outside the hut; it seemed to have crackled and popped back into space. With a exhaling whoosh that ended in an animated pop! Replaced back with the smell of charred flesh ever present.
Araminta’s triumphant hah ended with a sudden startled yelp.
The hut’s popping back into existence came with the charred nauseating smell of burned greasy flesh, and it was Araminta’s first thought that she was too late and Theon had met a terrible fate at the hands of that wicked little woman. She’d spirited him away to cook him up as a big tasty meal. The princess was almost too terrified to take a better look at the grotesque remains. In the end, glad she did for it wasn’t Theon.
She ought not be surprised. His instinct for survival was as strong as hers.
Stepping around the body Araminta rushed into the hut with a frenzied swing of the door, finding Theon sitting calmly as error tending to some fresh wound. Princess the Pig was dozing off in a corner. While she had a sense of relief that he was okay… Araminta had a strong suspicion that was only in the physical terms.
There was only so much trouble a man could take, over and over and over.
She crossed the small hut in a heartbeat, coming to kneel down on her knees next to Theon and rest a gentle hand on his arm.
“I’m sorry it took me so long to bring the spell down. If you want to stay here I can take care of the rest.”
Tilting that of the polished glints towards to the rushing appearance of a comely woman; quiet relief touched his mind. She hadn’t been hurt but was clearly in distress. Hastily coming forward to rest upon knees. Hand of one reaching out to find itself lightly upon him.
Asking no sooner a query that only helped his gaze stay upon her, “How would you have known for the spell. Your need to apologize for a lack of knowledge is fruitless. Wasted.” Naturally he held no anger towards her. Just clear facts that he thought were wasteful. “And, you will not. You’ve seen too much bloodshed and massacred frames, I would not be that cruel. Or that pathetic to have you clean what I’ve begun.”
The man nodded and indicated towards Princess. “Do what you do well, comfort the animal as it dies.” A cryptic tone that had been. “It’s tether to the girl has been severed and an animal does not deserve to feel frightened by passing. Even in slumber.”
“There is nothing pathetic in letting me help you, Theon,” she stressed, because she could see it in his face and within the tone of his voice. That cool and controlled retreat back into himself where he felt safe and comfortable. Something she couldn’t very well blame him for… He’d dared to open himself up for a few briefs moments here and there, only to having it reaffirmed how dangerously cruel the world could be. The world could not allow the man a single day to breathe easy, and here it was taking it’s toll.
Following his line of sight over to the porcine creature attempting to take it’s nap, it was a gut wrenching feeling to realize the poor thing was meeting it’s end for no good reason at all. Because it’s caretaker had a taste for eating people and tried her luck with the wrong person. It was no more fair for this pig than it was for Theon.
Getting back to her feet to shift over to the animal, Araminta roosted herself next to the pig on the floor. Giving it a few soft pats and swallowing what was becoming a terribly painful lump in her throat. Murmuring gentle soothing words to the pitiful thing and wishing something better could’ve been done.
It may be the first time that after her gentle reply, that he gave her a sharp look. The suggestion of letting her help wasn’t lost on him, but his mind was determined not to allow her to. Not to give a chance for her to put her hands on a body that had been charred and cooked alive because she wanted to help him. Absolutely not. Between everything that had happened, he knew she was the softer, sweeter option for the pig to have. Someone present while the life ebbed away and wasn’t alone. While he wanted time to deal with the fact that there was clearly never going to be a chance for him ever to relax.
It wasn’t in his cards and to fool himself with thinking it, was exactly that. Foolish.
If this day was anything to go by, there was no chance in hell – fiery or frozen over- that he was going to ever have a calm life. This was reality. This sort of everlasting torture and glaring knowledge that to think, to hope and to believe somewhere that he of all people was going to be able to exist like anyone else? Well it wasn’t meant for him.
To be normal or at least part of society in some way; was not for him.
Thankfully Araminta didn’t seem like she was about to start challenging his decision. Moving over to the truffle searching pig as he in turn gathered up. With hand managed to add to the bandaged motif of wrists, feet promptly led him outside. Wandering to the body to simply stare at it a long moment. Hating it and everything profusely around it. As if it was the omen for everything terrible, and honestly he needed the time to be absolutely frustrated.
No… to be angry.
Unkindly grabbing the burned crown of once lovely sallow coloured blond and drug the body away. To deal with it away from the hut as not to burden or leave Araminta with the thought that a thing had been buried nearby. And he wasn’t even sure he was going to bury it. Let the damn wood animals of predator variety, eat the damn carcass for all he cared.
Araminta had witnessed many people murdered in front of her, some even tortured before that murder, and some that slowly drifted away. She’d even been hunting and had a hand in killing an animal herself. Never did it get any easier. No hardened wall, no desensitizing… Oh how she wished it would, sometimes. That she could somehow turn off that little part of her heart that made her feel it so deeply.
She sang a soft lullaby for the little pig, stroking it’s ears and scritching it’s head for so long that she lost track of time. Until there was no sound of breath or movement of breathing, and sat there even longer still. Letting a steady stream of tears fall as they willed, with the occasional accompanying sniffle.
Though there was plenty of reason to cry for herself, and more still for this poor pig that didn’t deserve such a fate, Araminta mostly cried for Theon who couldn’t cry for himself. At least before they could pretend this hut was in a bubble of safety away from the rest of the world. Where they would be unreachable. Yet now thanks to the Queen’s reaching hand and some wicked moment of chance, it was doubly proven there was no place to hide and escape.
Araminta knew he was out there cursing the world and believing that this would be his life forever, and she knew it because she herself felt it too. She’d even made it worse for him as she’d given him a taste of what life could’ve been like if they weren’t who they were… a sample of peace for something they’d never have.
Somehow that felt so much more cruel than anything the Imperial Queen could’ve cooked up.
Life had been so much worse without him, though. So while those second-guessing thoughts tried to wiggle their way back in, whispering that they should’ve stay separated, Araminta had to hold firm that those fleeting moments of good were still worth it. Those precious moments of peace couldn’t be taken away from them, and there would be more.
Covering the pig up with a blanket, Araminta got back to her feet to set the hut back to it’s proper state again. To replace what had been so callously dumped outside back to where it belonged.
He had ensured that the corpse was taken far enough away that if any actual predators appeared, they wouldn’t be so near to the hut that they might decided to be rather bold. To chance their fate. Surely at this point, he was in no mood to even think about what or what he wouldn’t respond as. Though even as the body was disposed of as much as he cared too, he took time to just stand there. Trying to sort chaotic thoughts with a surprisingly lack of success.
At least he wasn’t beset by another grappling in his chest.
By the time he had come back to the hut, he had found her trying to arrange the items that had been taken out. Leaving him a moment to simply stare. Finding feet no sooner to trudge up and mean to assist with the replacing of items as well.
While Araminta didn’t say a word, there was plenty of acknowledgement to his return in the means of her looking him over to be sure that was no new cause for alarm, as well as a reach to gently squeeze his elbow. She left it at that, resuming her means of collecting items and replacing them where they belonged.
Inwardly, the pull to somehow fix it all for him was so strong it almost hurt. Araminta knew there was no fixing it. She couldn’t defeat all the evils in the world, nor could she piece his shattered heart back together. There was no amount of cheerful words or hopeful promises she could give him that would suddenly make it all okay. At the very least she could’ve hold and hugged him, soothed him until those broad shoulders were no longer scrunched up. But even that was not going to work if he were not willing to reach for her.
So a companionable silence it was, without her trying to fuss or force. No pitying looks or frustrated sighing. Only occasionally a touch here and there so he’d know when she was behind him or need to step around him. Once everything was back inside and arranged again, Araminta did go out and circle the hut once more to pluck up a few fall blossoms, bundling them into a neat little arrangement to place back in her vase at the window.
There was also a whole mash of mushrooms in the cauldron, one of which was likely laced with magic. This she took over to her planted acorn to create a little fungal mulch and protective covering. Surely such a thing would do the planting well, and if the tree itself never bloomed, at least the mushrooms might create a little fairy ring in it’s stead.
It was funny how while his own mind was a turbulent mess of absolutely everything, he still noticed how Araminta was affected. Unsure if that added a weight to his chest or not. Feeling like it had though he wasn’t even sure how to start opening up that line of something!
Settling into a pace that would help where they needed but did finally reach to take care of Princess when it was obvious the mage turned pig had passed. At least it was warm, comfortable and with someone that had so much care in the world that he was certain the animal did not feel frightened. Although his mind could only imagine just what sort of mage they were to have created a chimera but failed a spell that it bounced back as it had. Guessing it likely was something they shouldn’t have been messing with. All magic had a give and take after all. If you didn’t give exactly what it needed well…
He would take the animal out a ways and this time spend the time digging a decent grave. To bury and hopefully avoid anything digging the piggy out for snack time.
Grateful for the distraction but by the time he returned, the hut was back to order. And Araminta was pouring something over the spot where the acorn had been planted. Leaving him a decent sense of awkwardness, “Is…. There anything else you need help with?” Asking in hopes that this might just be enough to start that line of communication.
Araminta did her best not let that deep breath she took reveal just how relieved she was to hear him speaking. As long as he hadn’t reverted back to that silent Ghost, everything could be okay with time.
Glancing up from her mixing of mashed mushrooms into the loose soul, she gestured softly with her head towards that of the firepit where she’d left her pole and catch.
“I did manage to catch one good sized fish? I found a couple carrots and onion too and thought that might make for a nice dinner. There also should be some mulled wine left in the jug.” While Araminta doubted Theon would trust the stuff as he didn’t have a hand in making it, the princess certainly could use something to help sooth all those frazzled nerves and raw feelings.
To where she gestured did he linger a considering eye. Thinking about it a moment before he knew it would be best that the fish was de-scaled and deboned. Something he didn’t think Araminta would like doing seeing as it involved a lot of hands on and guts. “I’ll need to remove the scales and things to assure the fish is ready for consumption.” He stated gingerly not about to tell her either that he was going to have to make sure the thing wasn’t carrying worms or any parasites that would cause them problems.
“If you can slice the carrots and onion, there is a few potatoes left as well, we can put them all together in the fire when it is ready to be cooked. Alongside some other things.” Theon paused then seemingly thinking about the wine, “There is a few cups inside if you wish. Though there may not be many herbs left that are ready for eating either.”
Attention drifted to his hands. One good, one tender and squeezed a moment. “The largest knife is no longer useable.” Keeping the tidbit of him using it as his weapon against Iris plenty to himself. “Do you want to learn how to do the fish descaling and deboning or leave it to me?”
Giving her garden bed one last pat of encouragement, Araminta dusted off her hands at her sides and climbed up to her feet. Diligently listening as he vocally planned out how dinner would be arranged.
As expected, the look on her face spoke volumes on how she felt about descaling and boning the fish. Shaking her head quickly on that front, happy to leave the task solely to Theon.
A little curious about the knife but was able to gather up quickly the why he preferred not to use it.
“I’ll look around and see if there’s any herbs nearby, there’s usually a little bit of this or that…” Not knowing what he might want for the fish or the vegetables didn’t matter, as whatever they didn’t use could always be hung up in the window to dry and be used later.
Before she wandered off to begin her own task, Araminta stole the opportunity to hug him. Not with full squeezing hands as she might’ve usually, since her palms were now covered in mushroom mash and dirt. But just enough of a quick squeeze to convey things she couldn’t say out loud.
Unsurprising it was to see her pretty features scrunch up in obvious distaste to the idea of helping do much of the cleaning of the fish. Knowing it was not a job that was either easy or pleasant. So there was no insult to be found when she was clear that it was a task for him alone. However, he wasn’t sure what he was sensing –or if he was- that there was obvious distance now. Guessing that everything had just made her properly uncomfortable. Wishing for that means of them being apart in which he could understand.
The offer of finding herbs to be her job. Not about to confront or disagree with such an option, but simply found her creeping in quick and squeezing hardly the same as it had been prior. Not sure when she started to care about being potentially dirty or getting him either.
This was not going to go well was it. Things had spastically changed and there was no room for going back to how it was. At least to where items felt like they had a flow and an open path even if it was frought with problems or troubles.
He had no idea how to even go about mending any of this. It didn’t seem like it was even possible of doing so. And well, he knew there was no reason or purpose to even attempt to push it together. That if this was the breaking of whatever relationship or rather kinship they had; it was fractured by his own behaviours. Finding that was probably fitting.
It would be in his best interest not to linger. To push such things down into the pit of whatever the hole was in his thoughts and go about the means of attending to tasks. Sure that she would enjoy the fish and her wine when it was ready to have.
If Araminta could read his actual thoughts she might’ve thrown her head back and screamed! Alas, no matter how much she wished she could, all she could pick up was that his sense of defeat lingered and hung over his shoulders like a yoke of stone. Still certain that any of her attempts to soothe him would be met with that immovable wall. The act of making dinner would be a good mindless activity for them both, however. So she tried to keep her mind on the task at hand and not fretting over what could be done for Theon.
First she rinsed out the cauldron so he could use it if he needed, as well as her filthy hands. Then going inside to fetch a small basket – with momentary heartbroken moment at the empty spot where the pig had it’s final lumber – and took that basket out with her to survey the surrounded area of the hut. Araminta didn’t stray too far, keeping herself close enough to hear Theon while he was working with the fish and the fire but not close enough where she had to witness guts pulled and head chopped.
Foraging was something she enjoyed doing, at least. Checking through patches of tall grass or bushy bushes. Avoiding the poison oak lest Theon would have to nurse her back to health all over again. She found a few things that smelled beautifully tasty, only taking a sprig or two to add to her basket. A blueberry bush as well that had just enough of a handful for a little treat.
All of which she returned to the hut with to collect her carrots and onions, along with the few potatoes Theon pointed out. Settling at the small table and using her bone knife to do the cutting. Again, not what the thing was likely intended for, but it was clean and Araminta felt she ought to use it for something if she was never going to stab someone with it!
Pondering to herself if she’d stabbed that girl instead of trying to be clever and polite, if maybe Theon could’ve been spared the altercation himself.
Once she had the veggies prepared and felt confident that Theon was finished cleaning up the fish, she brought out her basket of goodies. …wondering too with a frown if maybe she should’ve let him show her how to clean the fish after all. Perhaps her being too soft even with animals and leaving it all on Theon was a problem.
Silence.
Something he had been so familiar with for so long now felt as though it was practically suffocating. Compressed with the means of his own self doubts, anger, guilt and misery taking a dip with that growing tempest that was confusion in most forms; well he wasn’t even sure where to start. Even if there was a start. Trying hard to throw the majority of his concentration into that of de-scaling the hefty fish before doing the gruesome work of removing bones, innards and head with tail. Being doubly cautious as to where he threw the remains in the means of a head and tail but dumping the insides to the reborn fire.
Letting the smell act as a pleasant one instead of particularly foul.
Finding that this means of silence was only worsening his thoughts in ways that were practically cannibalistic! Feeding on himself till there was liable to only be bones left.
What did he do? By no means was he good at an icebreaker for conversation, nor did he know exactly how one would even begin such things. Pairing off with the reality that he felt truly awful and holding blame upon blame upon blame because of things that kept happening. He didn’t know what friendship was really but he was pretty sure none of this counted. He ought to be smart and keep his mouth shut, and his actions loyal to whatever she needed from him.
He wasn’t sure.
Seemed to be his everlasting theme.
Eventually when the thing was properly prepared, he had to go and collect the stashed away portable clay oven. A thing that sat on the coals and low flame to bake everything. Being careful as not to add to his growing list of new injuries, before letting the heat cool some when she appeared back. With new bits of everything that had him considering and approving in his own way. A bare nod and a need to go and grab a small flat pan that they could line with the vegetables and fish and herbs. Wishing they had a bit of oil and perhaps lemon to really zest this up but they would have to make do.
Once the pan was prepared and he had pulled the little doors open on the oven, he motioned to Araminta that she should use the protective cloth to pick the pan up and slide it in.
This was a curious new device that Araminta was unfamiliar with, managing to erase that thoughtful frown from her face in favor of that piqued interest. Carefully with the cloth she took the pan to tuck inside, figuring out pretty quickly the little doors were meant to trap the heat inside. …a tiny fire oven! Would weight far too much to take along on travels, yet it could make all sorts of things here at the hut that she’d never considered might be possible before. With a cauldron, pan, and tiny oven they could cook up just about anything.
After setting cloth aside and straightening again, she stepped quietly to Theon to thread her fingers with his. Tugging him gently back to have a seat with her on one of the logs nearby. She’d given him just about as much personal space as she could stand, it was back to her being foolishly selfish again and forcing her way back into his bubble.
Once seated Araminta rest her head against his arm and that long sigh finally escape. Maybe he preferred to self sooth all on his own, but she very much couldn’t stand it. Luckily for them both she wasn’t afraid of the silence. It was that lingering fear that she should’ve let him be that kept creeping up.
“I’m going to start killing,” she announced darkly. …realizing far too late that the statement sounded absolutely insane blurted out when he’d not known the trail of her thoughts. Sitting up straight and staring at him wide eyed with that tinge of embarrassment in her face.
“I meant hunting properly! It’s- I think it would help me be less sensitive, so you don’t have to be the only one to swing a blade.”
He had seen the oven in another place when he was working for the lunatic queen. Instantly finding it incredibly curious and worthwhile to the point that it was one of those few things he had not paused or doubled back on about buying. Using it to the point that he was comfortable with it and ensured that he knew how to cook with it. Finding that it had provided him many delicious meals while giving him more to cook with. While he didn’t eat others food, he was not starved. As his own body would highly express. Just he was selected and easily lacked the means of body fat that was probably slightly needed.
Right now, with the fish tucked into the doors, Araminta reached out and took that means of charging.
Funny how quick that one itty bitty voice had been to express relief. Grateful that she had done so and found himself softening once more like warm butter under a hot sun when they sat and she was near. Not enough to dull every voice of doubt in his mind but to at least brighten the few that were more hopeful. Still needing plenty of encouragement from himself to grow in strength. Less he just be forever stuck being a miserable piece of poop.
It took a few minutes but he eventually moved to squeeze that of hand.
Just in time for Araminta to say something so out of character that his mind blanked. Blinking dumbly then turning sharply at the neck region to look at her in case she had just sprouted horns, a tail and was about to evil tap dance on the log with fingers steepling in devilish glee. With a lot of relief to see that she clearly realized her choice of wording was highly questionable. Making her look embarrassed and he felt some very new and strange pull that had him putting a mental question mark on it.
So strong that he knew it was not friendship related nor a cold shoulder.
“You’re sensitivity is one thing of many that makes you sweet and approachable, Ara.” Theon murmured, “I do not mind hunting. Most days it is relaxing.” Which could be just as dark to say, “Less talkative here,” Tapping that of temple to state it was a concentrative effort to made his mind shut the hell up. “I enjoy your sensitivity. It… helps to know that you are not cold and distant and aloof.”
There was still that hint of red in her face. Thank goodness they had progressed far enough into their friendship that he didn’t think she was about to launch into a spree of murder with such a statement. Leaving her leaning to hide her face against his arm for a moment to take a breath and get that awkward feeling under control.
“Even so…” she started, shifting to give him that serious frown. “I knew that woman was trouble and I could have stopped her sooner, but I was being polite. Being too kind put you in a position you didn’t need to be in.”
Araminta squeezed his hand again practically pulling it onto her lap now that she finally had him still and talking to her again. Not wanting to dare let go.
“I don’t need to be cold or cruel, but I ought to be… I should be more aggressive. In a more obvious and threatening sort of way? At least enough so I can protect you when you need me to.”
“No.” it wasn’t clear what he was giving the big N O to but it was there. Strong willed as she finished it all. Appreciating the movement of her taking his hand and holding it hostage. A willing one at that, before he sort of just stared at her. Thinking.
The cogs were turning even after his single reply and sort of just lingered. Before eventually drooping enough to lightly nudge that of redhead crown onto her own. Still holding any further explanation at bay. Letting himself be forward a little bit. Quietly affectionate in ways that he wasn’t at all familiar with but wanted to be. Liable to become a sticky mess with her dark hair attaching itself to beard but that would be find.
“I was already in a position long before you came back. Sometimes, things happen. As much as I hate them, they happen. And it’s frustrating. It is no offense but if I did not react when I should have, how would you have?” Theon kept his placement there but was actually frowning, looking at the clay oven. “You don’t get it. You don’t need to be my hero in a physical sense. I don’t want you to be. I need you as you are and allowing me to learn albeit slowly, on the mental things. The emotional things. I am aggressive enough when necessary and you are the balance to that.” Lids tensed some, “I don’t want you to be something else because you are fearful, but if you want to learn what I said I would teach you before about defense, then it has to be because you want to learn for learning. Not to be something else.”
The man frowned, “I don’t think I could live with the thought that the person I love, looses more of herself inch by inch unknowingly. It may be unreasonable, but we do not need two of us to be merciless and aggressive in threatening means.”
Theon rarely refused her anything, so those moments he’d give her a firm no were ones she had to close her mouth and listen to. At least finding with a great deal of relief that this new step they’d reached of Theon being comfortable enough to initiate touch hadn’t been ruined by one very long day. Prompting her to hug his arm and relish the moment for the soft means of affection that it was.
Araminta wasn’t sure she agreed that there was nothing better she could have done – things were only going to get more dangerous, somehow she was going to have to rise to the occasion. Didn’t that mean that she too needed to be more dangerous? At some point she was going to have to defend herself or Theon in a way that drew blood or potentially killed someone… this was a harsh truth he wasn’t going to be able to shield her from forever.
But to hear him speak of her as his balance was enough to soften and crush any form of argument she might’ve put up. He’d lived his life with someone cruel and vicious. Maybe there was something valuable after all in Araminta’s sensitive nature. If that was something so powerful to him that he couldn’t stand the thought of it changing, then surely it was worth holding on to.
As for love…! That was such a weighted word that it almost made her heart stop beating right then and there! He’d only just recently recognized the feeling, one she knew was that friendship they shared. A bond formed from all sorts of shared trauma and these quiet moments of building an actual relationship. Araminta absolutely loved him with every ounce of her pounding heart and that was plainly obvious. But she also knew she couldn’t let herself get carried away with silly ideas that simply weren’t true.
“You’re my favorite person too,” she answered, repeating the hissed statement he’d given her earlier in the day. “I’ve worried about you all day. I don’t like seeing someone I love suffering when there’s surely more I could be doing. …but for you I will refrain from a killing spree. I’ll be your usual Araminta.”
There was a strong difference to him between being an aggressive foreboding threat and knowing how to defend one’s self. Which he would be willing to teach her only if it was as stated, something she wanted to learn merely to learn. It would help her this he knew. But if she wanted to know only so she could potentially have herself kill another person when he didn’t think that was supposed to be, then he wouldn’t open that means of mentoring. There was self defense and then there was just murder. And he had practice in both. In abundance.
There was no need or desire currently either to withdraw away from her.
Affection was already a rarity that was only starting to feel normal when she offered it to him. But it was unheard of for him to show in reply that he could very well be just as gentle and physical. Feeling safe enough to do so without some sort of commentary of cruelty attached to it. Actually preferring the chance to express and show such things. It did something that soothed a part of his more savage parts. Also hoping that it gave an open peek that while he certainly felt very akin to a murderous, wild beast; he wasn’t so malicious. Just… a bit messed up. Or a lot.
It seemed for a time that the commentary had been taking and was likely being thought about heavily. Till he felt her speaking up, to express he was her favourite person as well. Nevermind the stupid way his head practically beamed at that but gave her head a short nuzzle. Knowing that would be enough to show he appreciated hearing that. It softened some of his perturbed bristles.
“Time. Patience. Understanding.” Theon hesitated, “Affection. Those things are all I ask. Wish for. Enjoy from you Ara. I know what it feels like to want to do more, but those four things do more for me than acting the part of valiant knight. Those things are items I did not have prior and they leave a bigger impact on my thoughts than I can articulate. It may not seem like much to you, but to me… they mean the world.” The man loosened some, “I don’t think I would be comfortable with you being someone who could kill so easily. It’s not something that is enjoyable and if that feeling does become pleasant then…” he trailed off needing not to speak the fact that one turned into souls like Gusteau.
Neither of them needed that.
“Just you is more than enough.”
For a man that didn’t believe her was articulate or good with words, he certainly knew how to express himself well when he truly wanted to. All of her trust and hope that things would be okay was rewarded in those words, tempering down those fears that coming back together could’ve been a mistake. Having the affirmation that he really did value and want those genuine peaceful moments made every single struggle worth it’s weight in gold.
Araminta squeezed his arm again in a hug, still with his hand capture when she finally tilted her head back enough to peer at him with those evergreen eyes. Finally free to give him that soft gentle smile that’d been buried under a day’s worth of frustration and worry.
“I have all the affection and time in the world to give to you. All you ever have to do is reach for me, you won’t even have to say a word.”
“Suppose that is something I still need to learn. The means of reaching out is something that isn’t exactly common knowledge to myself.” Surely needing no reason to explain. Without the positive or support roles in his life, there was not that thought process to do so. It was expected that he had better figure it out on his own or perish for whatever mistake made. There was no mercy in the Imperial Queen’s eyes. As he knew well and had been told previously.
Unlearning terror habits and mental practices took time. A lot of backsliding and a will power to keep pushing forward. Knowing it would get better so long as he kept trying. And hopefully didn’t wear on Araminta’s saintly patience.
However, if reaching out meant being able to be comfortable enough to show her this side of himself that had been neglected over nurtured then he was sure he could do it. “Once… we have figured out what this curse or spell is upon me, I will teach you proper defense and offense on how to handle someone attacking. For you to know, but not for you to kill. If it happens, it happens. But it should never be your first thought. It’s not a good path to walk.”
It seemed that Theon had a fear of her somehow getting the taste for blood and becoming a tiny little princess sized murder machine. Araminta had to use all of her willpower not to laugh about this. Such a fear was rooted in experience around nothing but heartless people, so even though it was not ever to be likely for one such as Araminta, at least she understood where that worry came from.
“I honestly don’t ever want to have to hurt someone.” she admitted easily, truthfully! The only time she ever straight up plotted to murder someone was Gusteau, and well… Theon had done the deed in her stead when she failed to do it herself.
“Being kind has done me well so far and I haven’t had any regrets. If being kind gave me you, then I am never going to want for anything else.”
It would have been nice if this was their entire day, because it seemed Theon needed these soft moments so much. Thankfully they had it now, with dinner smelling roasty toasty and wonderful already. Necessary chores completed aside from a pickup of items before sunset. Araminta sincerely wished it could be like this always, of sitting close and just being content with each other’s company. It didn’t even matter where in the world they were, she just loved these moments with Theon.
That was all the confirmation he needed. To know that her desire to hurt hadn’t just reared its head and now was looking for a way to let itself out. If he taught her how to defend or stay on the offense, she wouldn’t be charmed by the adrenaline rush. Looking for a stronger sensation till there was nothing left by murderous madness. Perhaps it was a bit crazy for him to think of such things but it was there. Present in his mind.
Slowly been worn down with their chance to just sit and rest. Something they both needed highly.
Till he seemed to be the first to pull away and gave a slight lift of his chin. “It should be ready shortly, you stated you wished to have your wine as well.” Giving her a silent chance to go about it without having to worry that he might just go trotting off to the woods in a never return motif.
Araminta did not want to get up. Luckily for her, there was still the rest of the evening to look forward to. It didn’t make any sense for her to cling onto him like some barnacle on the bottom of a ship.
So the princess pulled away herself to rise, only letting go his hand when she’d stepped far enough away to be forced to. Stretching her sores muscles a little then with another deep breath, trying to signal to her own body that things were once again in a state of calm and everything would be fine.
“A cup will do me well with dinner, I think,” she explained. “To help me sleep so that you won’t have to make me another bitter mix.”
As much as that herbal potion had worked well, it truly did taste absolutely vile. She might rather run circles around the hut until she was exhausted than swallow it again. Thus into the hut she went to pour herself a humble portion. Not enough to make her tipsy in the slightest, just enough to soothe any remaining frayed nerves.
As she began the effort of extracting herself and himself being wise not to impeded that motion, he gave her a rather clarifying look. Determining she was being amusing at the idea of not needing to have another cup of the draught that was intended to help her rest as comfortably. And how she would use the wine to do the same potential thing with less of a bitterness to it.
There was no reason for him to suggestion anything different. Nodding and adjusting to poke carefully at the hot fire kissed coals. Provoking puffs of flame to keep burning whilst checking on the meal inside. Peeking through the doors to find the telling sound of sizzling and aromatic smells that did well to at least even turn his stomach excitedly. Having worried that he may have been fussy about eating if the means of a meal had to be served. Not wishing Araminta’s hard work to only go to half the party.
It would need a few more minutes as to make sure nothing inside was raw before closing it and getting up properly. To stretch that of back and muscles long protesting the sort of effort that had come with being tense, irritable and dragging around bodies that might only make one half decent mulch for the woods. With winter approaching, he truly hoped the woman’s body would just be devoured. Rather than frozen for someone else to discover in a means of horror.
He’d wait till Araminta returned and, “Tomorrow. We will pick up your new armor pieces. But,” Turning his upper half to face her then, Theon looked questioning. “Where do you wish to go next. To the trial, to the graveyard or back to the temple?”
Having already a warming sip from her cup, she gave him a curious blink at the question, quickly turning to a thoughtful consideration.
“I am unsure how long I was… gone.” she admitted carefully. Knowing Gusteau’s name and everything he was didn’t make it any easier to actually say it out loud. It almost felt if she dared he might come crawling up out of the grave like an undead specter ready to take her back. While she knew how long it took her to travel to that small town, after that was a blur of time. Unsure if it were days or weeks. There was never any sunlight to know the difference, nor did she feel like she ever slept even if there were plenty of times she was completely unconscious.
“The Paladins were going to Neive to see what they could do there. My original intention was for us to see Matilda’s friend to bide some time for their return and confuse anyone that might be tracking us. But if your pains are growing more frequent… It’s best we head there first. If they haven’t returned the temple we can always meet them in Neive.”
“I could not say.” Honestly he knew at least they had been departed for a bit of time but how long was really a question mark on his part. Time itself had really no relevance either to him. It existed in this construct around them but focusing on it was limited. And previously very inconsequential. Nor did he think they needed to sit here and figure out exactly not long she had been stuck in such a horrid place with an equally deranged being. Preferring if they actually avoided that all together.
With a roll of shoulders and a slight shift did that of spine crack with a means of relief. Properly turning to face her then as she reminded him of the detail he had forgotten. Wanting to go and see the friend of Matilda’s that had been suggested previously. Something he had entirely glossed over and did in fact, forget. “The fast travel of my form should make it easy to do any of them. The pains are pains. But if the paladins are busy with Neive, it seems very important that they focus directly on that issue. No need for distraction as I do not know the level of detail required for their work.” Now came a grim thought, “If this is linked to the Imperial Queen, she won’t kill me. Not without being able to witness it face to face, I believe it will be fine to leave it be a while longer.”
Araminta agreed that the Imperial Queen was not likey to kill Theon without being there to witness it. She herself meant nothing, simply left to the trials themselves to kill her, or a skilled assassin if she could find a new one to replace the monsterous bastard that had attempted to finish what was tasked to Theon. Although… now it was clear she would be a weapon to use against Theon too. So maybe the target on Araminta was going to be larger than before.
“I don’t think it would be fine to leave it,” she confessed, that wrinkle in her nose and twist of her mouth being clear enough even without the words. As she stepped back out into the yard proper and approach, she reached out a hesitant hand before commiting fully to placing her palm flat against his chest over his heart. Just for a moment need to be sure it was still in there beating like it should.
“I evaded and put it off for myself and that was a mistake. So we will see the paladins first to at least know what it might be?”
Even had she just wrinkled up her nose in that way, he would’ve been able to tell she was not a fan of his means of just pointing out it could be left until later. At this point there was no obvious way to tell when it would happen, and if it would. All he had to go on today was there seemed to be a particular trigger that occurred when he appeared to be at content rest. Emotive in a way that was alien in comparison to his former behaviours. Beyond that, it had no rhyme or reason for how the pains were activated.
Yet she was showing concern. Stepping up and reaching up to lay the heart of palm over chest. As if the action was supposed to be a symbolism. The action encouraged him to give further undivided attention. Listening as she expressed what had happened when she had ignored the means of her demonic wound and the next bits that had resulted in quite the frightening search of the temple at all. The pain she had to deal with and the efforts of even being threatened with death because if she was possessed, they would take no chance in allow a second moment.
He had no reason to argue.
Laying hand over where hers had come to be, “Alright. And if they are busy, we mustn’t insist. I would rather see a place removed of a demonic influence and undead laid to peace than insist that aid has to be given then and there.”
“We could always help the freeing of Neive,” she offered, along with a teasing smile. Knowing he’d give her one of those world weary looks on her relentless need to solve all the world’s problems. Araminta did want to help, but at least now she’d come to understand that there were some problems that were too big for her. There was plenty enough of her own problems she needed to resolve without adding more and more to it.
“I will behave. If they’re not yet available we will move on and return when we can.” With this she curled her hand into his tunic to give a light, taptap as a firm reminder. “And you will tell me every time you have a pain. And you will tell me if you need me to sit with you or if you need me to leave you alone.”
That part was vitally important, as Araminta would be happy to do anything that he asked or needed, as long as he could tell her what that need actually was. Otherwise, she was likely to be just as bad as Theon when it came to pondering up the worst of scenarios.
Finally she held up her cup with a gentle offer.
“Do you want to test your mettle with a tasting a scary thing, or have you had enough of scary things today?”
She was right. Features went from their general passiveness into that stoic weary sort of watch. That she would want to fix everything if possible. A noble thing surely but not at all reasonable. “Neither of us have experience mending what they can.” Theon stated even if he doubted he had too. Araminta’s nature thus far had been the one who wanted to sew, patch or mend anything she could. Knowing it was truly a heartfelt gesture, even if she was cursing about it potentially later on because something was worse than she thought. And he didn’t need her attempting to dismantle a demonic altar again with the idea of destroying the bench and things.
Thankfully she uttered she would behave and relent that if the paladin’s could not afford time at that particular moment, they would move on. Returning later when the holy souls were available to look into things that were truly not as they seemed to be.
This wasn’t the end however. Feeling her fingers curl and motion with a declaration that his voice was to be put to use. In pointing out when he was swarmed with that intense agony and whether he needed her present or wished to be left alone. Momentarily finding this statement interesting. Likely because he knew the care behind it without it being made for him. It was an easy acquiesce in that regard. “Just note when it happens, my mind is very… loud. I may be unpleasant.” Knowing that he could be very cold when his thoughts were overwhelming.
With a light squeeze and gaze falling to that of the cup, he stared into its hold. “I don’t drink though.” Or he hadn’t ever before and didn’t think it was a good idea.
Araminta hadn’t found him unpleasant, terrified maybe. He’d very angrily said she was his favorite person and then escaped just as quickly away from her as he could. At least now she understood it was from being overwhelmed not just by the pain itself but everything that came with it.
Still, she doubted he would unpleasant.
“Good maybe that you don’t. People love to ply princes and princesses with libations until they’re stupidly wandering themselves into all sorts of trouble,” she nodded sagely, as if she had seen this very thing on multiple occasions. …in truth she had indeed! For both of her silly brothers and her sister included.
And herself once or twice. Araminta wasn’t about to admit that to Theon though, or he’d think she was some sort of wine drinking lush, instead of someone who simply liked a nice warming drink now and then to calm her ever going flurry of thoughts.
“I am at least not so afraid to go to bed tonight, if you are still willing to sleep with me?”
“I’ve seen. Much of my former work often had me in taverns. Observing and… disapproving.” Features tilted enough to suggest recollection of things he had witnessed to those having more than a few drinks. Turning rowdy, rude. Sloppy before either toddling themselves out or just passing out on the floor with more bodily fluids leaving them than before their fall. He found the idea of drinking practically useless after that. Paired with his somniphobia and high risk of being poisoned, he had never found a use for doing any of it. Merely mirroring the actions by using key words that told the tender to give him water while paying full price for whatever it was they were supposed to give.
Lips had intended to form with the reply about it being good that she did not feel so scared to sleep come the night but paused.
Giving her an expressive –as much as his face could do- sort of one over and, “Perhaps better phrasing is necessary. Had another been present, they have believed that you wished for me to do something more uncouth to you.” So it seemed he did know some things! Enough to pick out the choice of her words was implying more of a tumble around in the sheets rather than sleeping. “If it makes you comfortable, we can rest once more as we had.” The man nodded but motioned now he ought to work on retrieving the meal from the little clay oven. It was surely ready, “May I please have a clean knife for your catch to be served?”
It took Araminta a confused frowning second to consider how what she’d said could even be remotely uncouth – then realizing very quickly where the blunder had been and making to softest of mrrphing sounds when her face flushed crimson red. While she did not always pick up on some colloquialisms, at least in most cases tone and context would tip her off quick enough to know when someone was attempting to be filthy.
This was– Well she certainly hadn’t meant to do a play on words! Apparently she had picked up Theon’s habit of saying the most silly and wrong sounding of things!
“I didn’t– …well it wouldn’t have been uncouth if it was invited, anyway!” she blurted out, not in the most elegant of ways, but that WAS truth! “I will… I will fetch a knife!”
As quick as that she spun on her heel to go scurrying back inside to fetch a clean knife, perhaps a plate or two as well for the actual serving. Hoping that deep heated flush in her face would be long gone by the time she stepped outside, as now there was a little seed of a thought in her head that didn’t belong there at all.
There was a quiet little smirk in his mind when her face went red. Cluing into the context of her chosen commentary about their sleeping arrangements. He missed a lot of things, a lot of obvious signs and the likes, but he was more than acutely aware of bedroom matters. That was still a basic instinct even to people who weren’t really that adjusted to society. And once more, he had spent many times in seedy places. Watching as some woman with her bosom half hanging out of her shirt and a hand up her skirt with a person of her selecting, were very visually bold.
Still, as quickly as Ara was embarrassed, she was blurting out something that had his eyebrows popping up. Merely lingering his gaze upon her before she turned and trotted away to go and get the item he had requested.
Waiting barely seconds after she was gone, before a little curl in his lip was made. Subtle alongside the low hum that was a chuckle as he bent to start attending to the meal. Carefully retrieving the pan that had been plenty cooked with the steaming variety of vegetables that Araminta had cut up. It would be plenty suitable for a good meal and when she returned to offer him the necessary items for it to be slices into sections, he plated up a hearty portion for the princess. Still needing to get some weight back on her slight frame. “A good fish that you caught.” He offered her to try and mollify her embarrassment.
They both knew she was hardly about to invite such things anyways but her mortification when it actually happened, was difficult to ignore. Mostly because well, she always seemed to be ready for any sort of reply.
“I am glad you think so, I was proud of it,” she answered easily. Still with that tinge of pink, but she would survive the moment of embarrassment. The fact that he felt comfortable enough to give her a gentle tease meant the world, and it honestly shouldn’t have phased her in the slightest. Such things never had before! By the lords, she’d heard all sorts of comments directed at her and some weren’t even the slightest bit subtle! Always brushed off and ignored with ease, or snapped back at with some clever turn of phrase.
Perhaps it was because her over active imagination seemed to find this particular suggestion all too easy to start daydreaming up mental images that were so incredibly inappropriate about someone who was a treasured friend.
At least when she sat down with her plate and waved away enough steam to take a few bites it was easier to replace those thoughts with a pleased sort of pride that she’d helped make this dinner. Theon still did the brunt of the work, but this was Araminta’s own fish and they’d made something tasty together. She was even trying her best not to spy at him to see what he thought of it, in case her staring made him too uncomfortable to actually eat it.
“As you should.” Complimenting that her pride for catching the lunker was founded. Not sure he had seen a fish this large for some time but he didn’t exactly go fishing. The water was never the easiest to hunt from when it was simply bow and arrow, even if it would out in some cases. Now there was no need seeing as the young woman had her own fishing pole and was willing to go rooting around in the dirt for the particular bait she wanted to use. Leaving him to the task of hunting any game on land which suited him just fine.
Assuring that she had her portion and was seated once more, he helped himself. Smaller but that wasn’t because he thought it was less important, just less of a need to gobble down. If he felt still hungry, there was still some there for either of them. Moving to sit soon in echoed fashion of herself to shortly tuck in. Finding that the fish was good but he still mentally stood by his point that an herb oil or lemon would have enhanced the flavor a bit more.
Herb oil was easy enough to make once canola was in season but lemons weren’t exactly common in the Imperial lands. That would have to be something found at a port town or large market place typically in one of the larger kingdoms because of the commerce. The meal was passable and not suddenly about to turn his guts into a knotted refusal.
Humming soon in his way to compliment that it was a job well done on both their parts.
Araminta’s appetite was as good as ever, made all the more pleased by the success of a well cooked meal. Surprising too that a girl so small could gobble up so much food in a quick amount of time. That could’ve been due to her body desperately trying to heal after suffering the effects of poison and abuse for so long… or it could’ve just been the natural metabolism of a young woman who was energetically active. Either way, no food was going to go to waste when Araminta was happy to eat it.
She did at least know when to stop, however, finding the single plate more than enough to be satisying. Suspecting Theon snuck her more than was really necessary, yet certainly not going to complain about it. The mulled wine was a bit too sweet to really pair well with the meal. Not that she found a problem with that either, seeing as it was just meant as a means to help her sleep a little easier.
Once their meal was finish Araminta took up the chore of cleaning up what dishware they used, and left Theon the task of tucking away leftovers as he willed. She always liked the idea of leftovers for breakfast, but was just as delighted at the thought of feeding woodland scavengers a cooked little treat. Even chirping to Theon that they might charm returning furry guests.
And because Theon had said they could pick up their ordered items in the morning, Araminta then set about preparing their bedtime nest. Doing everything in her power to not let any intrusive thoughts sneak their way in. Bed was for sleeping. Or at least this bedroll was! What other people did in their beds was none of Araminta’s business!
It was an easy task to put away the remains of items that may be properly devoured later by a particularly hungry belly. Unbothered but rather encouraging that the princess from the mountains make use of making the former meal disappear when she wished too. The fish had good protein and would compliment well at keeping her strong and healing amongst it all. So there was an ease to know that come morning, the prepared food ought to be handled in whatever way Araminta preferred. Whilst she was certainly making use of the hut to prepare it to her whim, he took the chance to roll out the cauldron once more. Waiting for the clay oven to cool enough that he could take it off the coals without severely burning that of hands.
Using the time of trekking with bucket to and fro from the river to fill the cauldron a good way to be put on the burning red hot coals. To boil hot water that could be use for a variety of things.
Certainly appearing when the water was brought to a good level of heat to scoop a bucketful and brought it indoors. To set down. Eyeing the woman arranging the bedding once more to the overfluffed softness that had no business being so in his overt opinion. “If you wish to wash down,” Theon indicated to the bucket, “And the rest of the water can be used to put clothing into if you wish. To give it a wash and then hung out to dry overnight so it is clean. I will leave that to your discretion as I go and wash and cleanse out the burns and scratches obtained at the waterside.” Indicating he was going to give her space to whatever she wanted to do, “There is some dried lavender, purple flower, in the cupboard to the right. If you wish to cleanse that of clothing, that would be a scent that may be pleasant to you.”
Theon considered the back of his hand then before humming, “Do you need anything else before I go down to the bankside?”
“This will be just fine,” Araminta replied, giving him a curious once over and a wonderment why he didn’t make use of the hot water himself. It was easy to guess, though, that he was trying to give her the space for her own privacy. Something she decided not to dwell on at all, for her over active imagination as already up to no good already.
At least it was a good thing, Araminta supposed. They were at a level of comfort with each other that there were new things to learn and get used to. Eventually it would be just as natural as everything else, as it always fell into place with Theon.
Once he was gone, Araminta did indeed make good use of cleaning herself up proper again. After a day of fishing and digging around in the dirt, it was good to get rid of all that fishy earthy smell from her skin and clothes. A good bath was something she’d always taken for granted, so it was nice being somewhere she could wash up properly even if it wasn’t as lovely as a big porcelain tub full of bubbles.
Nearly all of her clothes needed a good scrubbing now, aside from the new undergarments she’d purchased that day. And she was intrigued at the idea of using the lavender to help scent it! So everything was dumped in the bucket for a good soak and scrub and then taken outside for hanging to dry.
But not in her underwear. She’d had to put on her blue silky nightgown which did not feel any better, though. It hadn’t been a problem for her before, and Araminta felt very silly suddenly finding it embarrassing now. As if Theon already hadn’t seen plenty of bare skin! The man wasn’t scandalized by anything, she was just being foolish over nothing.
It was the appropriate behaviour in his mind not to be present when Araminta could make use of the hot water. Maybe a bit internally bias in knowing while she may not behave like a typical princess, she still was one. That had been raised far differently and far more proper than himself. Washing up away in the cold stream wasn’t a bother to him and he was hardly about to start getting fussy about it. Preferring that she had the comfort of something hot while giving a chance a plenty for her to clean up that of clothing. He’d do the same later when he returned to wash up the only other bits of clothing he had so it could hang and come morning he could switch back to the set. Then wash the ones he was wearing and hang them out before they left this place.
By the time he actually returned, it had been at least a good forty five minutes. Having done a bit of searching to find a few things that would help alleviate any pain that was lurking in the injuries and being sure they had been properly doused to cleanliness.
Before washing up himself and air drying some in the means of red locks before returning. With things noticeably hung up to dry, he was polite to knock on the door in case she may have been indecent by any means. Not about to go barging in even if the place had been his originally.
Araminta opened the door for Theon in an instant, though once he stepped inside she had a small pondering that for now on she ought to be more careful about doing so. If their little home could be intruded upon – even if this moment had been by chance – then it could always happened again in the future. Araminta was going to have to be more mindful about potentials dangers and searching assassins for herself and for Theon…
Regardless, he was greeted with a smile and Araminta resumed her means of preparing their bedding and nest for the evening. Bed roll, blankets, tiniest little fire to keep them toasty warm.
Only pausing then with a blanket in her arms unable to ignore one of those mean little things that woman had said, glancing around the place filled with so many things she’d brought into it when previously it had barely been nothing more than four walls and a table set.
“…do you actually not mind about everything I’ve brought into the hut? It’s not really all necessities…”
Once the door was opened and there appeared to be everything in its various states of steady and arrangement, palm assured the doorway was closed. Letting the lever drop to keep it locked in this case –not feeling too loosey goosey about what could happen after all that has happened- and thought best to at least tidy up the little spot that was where the table was. Putting things aside and tucking any stray bits of disorder that wasn’t needed right now away.
Leaving Araminta to her means of nesting till she seemed to pause and ask a question that pulled focus to rest upon her. Then around to the items that had all been collected thus far with no obvious indication that he was annoyed or not about them. Simply giving the articles a one-two look until the probing gray irises fell back to her. “If it brings you comfort, then it does not matter, does it?”
That was certainly not the answer Araminta wanted to hear, but she did her best not to allow that sudden concerning look to cross her features too much.. by means of turning away to resume what she was doing.
“It does matter, quite a bit,” she started slowly as a means to explain. “I’m glad you’ve allowed me to make myself at home and I know before you said this wasn’t anything more than a place you just bided your time in. …but now it’s our home? It ought to be arranged in a way you like as well, not just… me taking over everything.”
She huffed softly peering at him from over her shoulder.
“I don’t think I even remember what your favorite color is. Or if you prefer big fur rugs or woven rugs. I like things cozy and colorful, but maybe you prefer benches and brown!”
A hum came to the means that she thought it did matter. Expressing that there was a importance to it. Once more allowing him to consider the space and the things she brought in. Knowing they were comfort items most of them and suspecting others were just for pleasing aesthetic. Besides that, the purpose of it was limited to entirely visual and it may not even be more than one person’s visual either. It was similar to the palace he supposed. There was plenty of things that were placed and had no other meaning besides resting in the spot it was put into. Showing wealth and the means.
Yet he could tell something about this topic was making Araminta not entirely upset, but it wasn’t what she was wishing for. Something with a slight twist to it. As she expressed the meaning of our home again. Adding on means of arrangement that merely prompted a slight tilt of his head watching those eyes peep over at him.
“I have no preference. At all.” Theon paused and slightly narrowed his eyes, “Favourite colour?” Exposing that he wasn’t sure what that meant.
No preferences what so ever. Araminta shouldn’t have been surprised, but she also felt that wasn’t entirely true. She did know he had a fondness for plants and gardens, so the one thing she knew was well received were the bunches of wildflowers she’d replace fresh every time they were there.
“Favorite color. A color that you think is so pretty that you like to see it everywhere and it makes you happy to see it.”
The way he squinted his eyes at her made it seem like she was doing something suspicious. Somehow easing a little bit of her worry to suddenly break into a smile.
“I guess it’s not really that big of a deal. All I really care about is making sure you know it’s still your space too. That you’re important to me and that I’m not making you feel pushed out, or taken over, or neglected.”
He didn’t need this further amount of fussing from her, really. It just felt more important now than ever to be sure that her means of showing affection through trying to make them a nice space wasn’t trampling right over him and what he might actually want for himself. Finally with their bed prepared she settled down into her chosen spot to sit cross legged, leaning to reach over and grab her lyre that she’d brought out tonight for some soothing plucking.
Thoughtfully taking in this little bit of information to scroll it around in the annals of one’s thoughts, he didn’t really find it very useful. “To have a colour everywhere seems fruitless. A waste of use.” In a utilitarian sort of way. And promptly making the very thing disappear from his thoughts. Labelled as unimportant information for him to dedicate any real focus into.
“This space is just a space. If you enjoy making it comfortable for yourself, then there is no reason or purpose for me to warrant a complaint. It has walls and a roof, so that is sufficient enough to myself. But I am not opposed either to leaving it for you and you alone. Being outside is of no bother to me.” His tone was clearly in the mindset that he didn’t really have much in the way of home feelings so the hut was nothing more than a place. A place that he had sat in while waiting for new missions and that was it. Now that Araminta had begun to make it her comfortable spot, he didn’t find any reason to be bothered by it. If anything, it was hers now over his. And he would contently just build a small shelter elsewhere for when the place was properly fitted to her specifications.
“I will find a different spot for the items used for apothecary means when it is necessary. Or allow you to throw them away when they are in your way.”
It was a good thing that Araminta had patience by the buckets full and that it was one of the things he’d requested of her. Because to explain to him that she wanted this space to also be his and then have him immediately make the ridiculous suggestion of throwing out his apothecary if it were in her way was exactly the sort of behavior she was concerned about. Enough so that she took in that deep breath for a slow sigh, followed by her attempting to ponder up the best way to help him understand.
“You’ve not had a true home before, and it does likely seem a waste of space and effort to have something more than a few bare walls,” she started off. Hugging her lyre to her chest when she tilted her head and thought up a new way to shed some light on it.
“A home is somewhere you’re meant to feel comfortable and safe. Not necessarily just from danger but… to be surrounded by things that bring you joy and comfort? To help rejuvenate your spirit and bring you back to life again? I like to have vases of flowers to bring the outdoors inside. My seashell so I can see it and remember how lovely it was in Essurn. It all makes life more meaningful and rich, rather than just… surviving.”
Her patience might be tested on this topic as of now for even as she went into the duty of explaining what it was meant to be and how it could feel, he was still giving it that means of a question mark. “There is no place in such that can be comfortable or safe that I am aware of.” Theon wasn’t attempting to be bleak but the fact of the matter was, this was not one of those places either. It had already been infringed upon this evening by a chimera beast of a woman.
Even in the palace, in a room that had been ‘his’ in every term that was loose, it was nothing more than four walls and a roof. There had been a closet and a bed of course but they were used for himself to hide under. Or in. before he just stopped living in the room all together because surviving was all he could do! Comfort and being safe was not in the playing cards.
“Suppose then I am dead by the description of what you’ve stated.” Which was probably fitting, till he was looking around the space once more. “Things I perchance like, are kept with me. The seashell and the hankerchief that was given to me by yourself. Otherwise, I don’t think I understand your reasoning for why this has to be a home for us. I am content and appreciative that you’ve allowed me the means of being allowed to remain at your behest. But I do not ask for more or need more than that. When you wish for this place to be altered, I will help to do so but I will not impose or believe it to be my own. Such things are alien and I do not think they are needed.”
There it was. The crux of the issue! Theon still felt he didn’t deserve anything more than just the barest means of survival. To be fair, such beliefs that no where could be safe had been reinforced, time and time again. Even multiple times in a single day. And of course, Araminta and her need to fix things couldn’t stand that she was unable to snatch these fears out of him and make it all okay.
Though, there was hope in knowing he did keep treasured things close to him. Giving her a pleased warm feeling that they were things he wanted to have with him. That there was a small step and perhaps if she continued to build a home around him, he might one day see the value in that too.
“Well… it is yours too, and you don’t need to understand why. As long as you know I built it with you, not inspite of you.”
She did a small bit of plucking to her lyre and adjusting the strings to make sure they were in tune, before casting him a quick once over.
“Come to bed when you’re ready?”
It was very much the means of agree to disagree. Where logic of thought met with comfort of belief. Two worlds that were colliding in slow descent to a point that when they hit another, it was just a show of their vast differences once more. Disregard royalty and the means, they could be very much two continents apart. Wondering a bit to himself why it was so important at all.
Shelter was shelter. Should that just be the win at the end of all this.
Home felt so… uncomfortable.
The plucking of strings seemed almost to be her musical version of putting a strong pin in the whole topic. Turning instead to mention coming to bed when he was ready. Which was now, as he just sort of combed fingers through the damp locks to keep them back before pulling footwear off. Assuring there were no rogue foliage attached to him so he could migrate over to where he mimicked that of her sitting on the bed. Seemingly not so ready yet to go climbing in when he was curious to the melody of plucked sounds. Wondering if that was something he had begun to like or was this part of his Fae blood just being entranced as the others had been to her playing.
Araminta too was pondering their vast differences, though finding more of a comfort in it even when it was occasionally frustrating. He’d said that he liked the balance that she brought to him and she took that to mean that he appreciated her approach of teaching him things, even if there were moments she needed the reassurance.
The princess made sure there was plenty space for him to roost, while also taking full advantage of close proximity even if it were just a knee or the ability to gently lean against his arm. Once she was satisfied the lyre was properly tuned, Araminta started the soft melody she’d written for the faerie wood. A pretty little tune that felt like an appropriate lullaby to wind their evening down into a sleepy, cozy cadence.
Curious herself as she peered at Theon if he actually liked the melody or if she really did have a magic touch for charming even half faeries with strings and song! Playing out her entire aria, with practiced skill, until all of those frenzied thoughts in her own mind had finally found a way to go back to rest. Playing until she could feel herself yawning and being a little droopy, signaling that it was time to set it aside an actually attempt sleep.
Finally not being so afraid to do so and even welcoming the thought.
There was no obvious eureka moment when it just came to listening to the sound of her playing. Whether it was him who liked it or was it influencing the fae blood that seemed to be more of a hearsay element to him than actually there. Recognizing the melody had been the same as she played for the fae in the forest. It was a pretty sound, he did not deny that. But as for any strong reactions, it was unclear.
He was truly starting to wonder if he even was fae or if his travel form was just a very peculiar mage ability he had. Shapeshifting or polymorphing was a thing after all.
It seemed that she was doing well to put herself into that dream ready sort of state that was shortly expressed further when the putting lyre aside. Taking that as the means that he was to follow and settle down into this damnable fluff with the same sort of uncertainty. Pushing thoughts instead to grab blankets to push more onto herself so she would and could be a cocoon in that of the warmth. Needing not the means himself for it seemed a waste currently. Lightly patting the motion then shifting to use his own arm as the pillow for skull.
Leaving his thoughts to play the game of organizing what would need to be done first and second come morning.
Araminta settled in, scooting close, as it was now her expectation for a good night’s sleep and she planned to take advantage of it for as long as Theon was willing. Even going as far as slipping an around him for a nice cozy hug. Though eventually she’d have to let go and allow him to roll over as he pleased, this was a nice way to fall asleep.
Her own thoughts didn’t move towards planning for the next day as they usually did, this time focused on trying to process what was a very confusing, surprisingly active day. Even with that wicked imp of a woman intruding on their day, and the dark reminder of the Queen’s reach… so much good had come from the day too. Things that were wonderfully sweet and made the world feel so much brighter and less grim to live in.
To feel loved was a very nice thing indeed.
Araminta muttered a very soft Goodnight Theon somewhere amidst her dozing off.