♱ℱཇ ♱

[CrimsonMoon]

Eventually the raucous laughter seemed to grow too much for Ariella and she stood, bowing her head faintly before slipping away from the crowd, trembling indistinctly as she disappears into the shadows... A Stark guard peeling away to follow

[~echo~]

Valgar watched Ariella leave, his eyes predatory. He didn't make a move to follow, but instead focused on eating and talking. He would need his strength if he was to win the tournament tomorrow.

[CrimsonMoon]

Rori soon disappears from the crowds, last seen moving into the woods toward where the princess had disappeared, his silken greyish blue cloak flowing behind him like raven wings

[~echo~]

Valgar excused himself and followed the two into the forest, quiet despite his bulk.

[CrimsonMoon]

As he entered the forest, a slight mist rolled over his feet, in the trees, there was a slight break in the trees... The stark guard lay dead, a dagger sticking hilt deep in his throat... Beyond that, Rori had his hands on Ariella's shoulder and was speaking to the girl quietly

[~echo~]

Valgar's eyes narrowed and he crouched down behind a tree. Was Rori helping the girl escape? That was something Valgar would not allow.

[CrimsonMoon]

Rori took the princess's hand in his and kisses it lightly, murmuring something. She replies back and closes her eyes... Pulling away from him and smiling faintly... The first smile that had graced her features in days

[~echo~]

Valgar continued to watch in silence, his eyes narrowed.

[CrimsonMoon]

They suddenly embraced, kissing before Rori took her hand, they began making their way back toward Valgar. Ariella hugged his arm

[~echo~]

Valgar stepped out in front of them right before they arrived to his hiding spot. "So," he said angrily. "You are a murderer and a disobedient bastard. How dare you cavort with this.... Lannister sl*t."

[CrimsonMoon]

Rori's eyes flash briefly before hissing," If you mean saving her from rape at the hands of a common soldier, rather then 'cavort'. Lannister 'victim' rather then 'sl*t'.... The rest of that statement is rather true-" he places himself protectively in front of Ariella who had cast her eyes downward, though her blue eyes blazed at his accusation

[~echo~]

Valgar glared at Rori. "That is none of your concern," he said lowly, dangerously. "You would do well to keep your nose clean, out of other people's business and where you aren't wanted."

[~echo~]

bump

[CrimsonMoon]

Rori merely glares back at him and bares his teeth," I'll see you at the tournament, old man," and stalks away, his fists clenching.

-T I M E . S K I P-

The next morning, he was woken by the sweet smell of roasting boar and honey- an odd smell compared to that of the sea salt and scent of wet stone

[CrimsonMoon]

Bump

[~echo~]

Valgar, however, was already waking and he was practicing by sparring with a servant. He was easily beating the servant down, so he took three more servants and had them attack him at the same time.

[CrimsonMoon]

" Are you really sparring with Them?" A soft voice asks, an oddly lilting accent following the words

[~echo~]

Valgar held up his hand to stop and looked around, eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Who is that?"

[CrimsonMoon]

" Prince Enzio of Dorne-" the handsom young heir bows in theatrical flourish, the huge spear upon his back wavering slightly," Or has the salt from the oceans rendered you blind as well?"

[~echo~]

"Only enough to momentarily think you we're actually noble. My mistake," Valfar said with a mocking curtsy.