paradisabeyond | Who wants to go home?

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!terre haute

Who wants to go home?

[It's been a long and busy past few days, and the giraffes of Terre Haute can sense the uneasiness among the weary travelers. Though some may not quite grasp why, others have a better sense of what's going on.

The three most vocal giraffes approach the group, who seems eager to depart. It seems they have a parting gift for the group, as well as a rather generous offer.]

[RAFFLE'S GIFT | BARRY'S OFFER | RAFFY'S SEND OFF | THE RIDE HOME]

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[ This is beyond fast to Anne, at least keeping at a constant pace, and with her right arm she can't handle this strong of a ride by herself.

So anyone she knows who wants a queen riding with them, here you go! ]

Edited 2013-04-29 19:56 (UTC)

[For the most part, Vereesa has kept to herself and her own thoughts throughout the ride. She's glancing out at the passing scenery, none of which is terribly familiar to her, though she still holds onto the hope of spotting her sisters.

Every so often she'll cast a glance at the others riding with them, and her eyes fall upon the "Queen" she met previously. She seems to be nursing a wounded arm, and Vereesa straightens a bit as she addresses her.]

Were you injured in the attack?

[ Anne stiffens, offended by such a bold question, since if a queen wants her injuries noticed, she makes them noticed. But the woman is probably only asking out of concern, and not mockery like any man might. It's the main reason Anne didn't insist to ride alone.

She still doesn't respond for awhile, to let it be known she's unhappy that she was asked. ]

No. Before...in the earthquake. It is minor compared to the tragedy others have suffered as a result of such destruction.

[Windrunners are used to being forward. It's just how they roll. Vereesa takes note of her reaction, though she acts no differently. This woman is not her queen, after all.]

But it still troubles you.

[ Deflects! ]

Did you receive no injury in the battle?

Nothing serious, thankfully. These creatures are similar to Mantids, who I've fought before.

[But we're not talking about Vereesa here.]

How deep is your wound?

There is nothing you can do that has not already been done.

[ LEAVE IT BEEEE... ]

I would hear tell of these Mantids. Or perhaps other interesting foes you have come across.

[SHE IS A MOTHER LET HER BE NURTURING DAMMIT]

I will tell you of the Mantids if you allow me to at least see to it that you're given a sling for that arm.

[ SHE IS A MOTHER TOO SHUT UP. ]

It is no longer in such a dire state, you worry overmuch. At most it aches, and that is the worst of it. We do not have the time to stop now, and I have much to do upon arriving at the castle.

[ Vereesa you're going to her party RIGHT??? Maybe you could help Spike guard... ]

If you've much to do, then this should help.

[Who's talking about stopping the giraffes? Vereesa takes the end of her cloak and rather unceremoniously rips a shred of it off the end. She holds up the fabric in front of her.]

It will heal faster, and you will get far more done.

[ She shifts to glare over her shoulder, gaze flared with anger now as she raises her voice. ]

Leave it be!

[ ...Okay lowering her voice, when she catches herself, hissing. ]

It is not public knowledge, and it never need be. That is all.

[What a stubborn human. Vereesa is suddenly reminded of another extremely stubborn human, and there's a sharp pang of pain in her chest.

She lowers the piece of war-worn cloak and sets it in her lap.]

As you wish.

[After a brief moment of silence, she speaks up again.]

People admire a majesty who is willing to take up arms as opposed to one who is too proud to show a simple wound. [Because Windrunner's can't just end it there.]

You fault me for not being a warrior? You know nothing of my realm, of what qualities kings and queens must possess to rule fiercely and honorably. You speak of taking up arms, but I am not lax in my part, General, and I show no fear.

[ She looks back ahead. GLARING AT GIRAFFE NECK. ]

I do not expect you to understand any of this, but I expect you to show respect for mine own decisions or I will find elsewhere to ride.

[Sorry, there's a muffled laugh at that. Way to take her words the totally wrong way.]

I am far from chiding you for not being a warrior, your highness. I was making a humorous comment. If you care about what others think, perhaps it would be better to play the part of a wounded hero than to hide your battle wounds. Forgive me if it's out of place to try to lighten the situation.

[ NO SHE DOESN'T WANT TO FORGIVE...

Saying she cares what they think...like that...makes it sound embarrassing, like she should care as if they're her peers. But a queen is supposed to want their love, isn't she? She never got the people's love back home. ]

There are none who would think I received injury in battle when I was nowhere near the battle.

Did every single person watch your actions so closely? Even I believed it was from the battle before you told me.

[ Now she's giving her a curious look over her shoulder. Trying not to sound amused. ]

You are suggesting I lie...to better my position among the people.

[Why not? She wants to be queen so badly, why not go all the way on this.]

I would never suggest such a thing. However, is it not possible that your arm was aggravated by the commotion? Perhaps worsened?

[ Well, Vereesa has succeeded in making her chuckle despite her earlier irritation as she looks back ahead. The little stunt where she nearly fell to her death at the cliffside would have worsened it if anything...but fortunately, as far as Anne is aware, nobody else knows about that. ]

It could be conceivable... But I think that in this venture, I was at my most careful, you see, and our warriors did such a fine job in dispatching our foes.

[ Meaning really, the prime opportunity for milking it has passed, as she doesn't want to make a big deal about it right before her masquerade, since then people would expect her to still act injured during. ]

But your concern and generosity is taken note of. I would be certain to make use of it in the future...

[Oh well. Can't blame her for trying! At least she got a chuckle out of her, so it wasn't a terrible loss.

She shrugs and simply sits back, folding the fabric in her lap.]

You mentioned you had much to do upon our return?

I must find what state the city is yet in, and how the people fare. There are also quite a few newly finished shirts to deliver to the survivors.

[ Proud of that, she made so many during the trip! ]

And, of course, there is scarcely enough time to have the entire masquerade ready, but it will be done.

[Oh, right. She received an invitation to that. Perhaps it will keep everyone in better spirits. With the ability to wish for things, she doesn't see it taking very long to put it all together. Then again, Vereesa was not around for the consequences of wishing for too much.]

You're very generous for holding such an event. It will allow the travel weary to forget their troubles.

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ensorceler - 2013-04-29 22:48 (UTC) - Expand

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sworn - 2013-04-30 16:23 (UTC) - Expand

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ensorceler - 2013-05-03 00:34 (UTC) - Expand

[James had, of course, offered to stay with the queen during their ride back to the castle. Even if she hadn't taken him up on the offer he would be lingering nearby, keeping an eye on her during their journey]

[ The pretty elf general seems to have won her for a riding partner ~~or is it losing~~, but Anne misses having a retinue so she'll be insulted if James doesn't stay in eyesight!

LOOK SHE'LL EVEN WAVE since it's not like she has to worry about falling off now. ]

[He's just happy she's not about to fall off of the speeding... giraffe... really this is just absurd. He stays close, giving her a nod back.]

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