Bird Furious

Hey that's good!

"Why you happened to arrive the same day as the princess, who's been far away, and also why you know nothing of our world. You know her, don't you?"

She inclined her head. "Ah, Wynn. Wonderful to see you're not dead." "You're not a noble. Probably not Basilican either. Tell me about yourself." She wasn't malicious. Just curious.

"What's the kingdom on the other side of Nolikar?"

Amused, the woman broke a chunk off a roll, buttered it, and popped it into her mouth. "So what brings you to the castle, if you're not from the east?"

She laughed. "Let me guess. Evander Carstile, appointed Watcher of Redeline? That's a good name, if you need one."

Can we kill them and take off their beaks and use those as knives? No idea what's going on here but it looks fun

"Yes... but the princess barely got back... funny, I've never met you before. I assume you have a name?" Her eyes twinkled with interest.

Thank you. 1456

She smirked. "Nope, it would seem you don't have any theories. Seems to me like you know something."

"You have a theory too," she guessed. "Please, spill."

With narrowed eyes, she gauged his sincerity, then sat back. "Their family has always seemed... special. My theory is that Evalyn manifested some ability and went west to train it, or discover more, or... something. You know the west has some... interesting characters. Perhaps her family thought they could tell her more."

"That's just the thing. They're not. Unless you make them so."

"Funny enough... yes." The woman cocked her head and examined Haly pensively. "Ah, but rumors are nasty things... don't you have theories?"

“They’re gloating. That’s what Nolikans do. Their king just likes to see us squirm.” Sykel gave him a glance that said quite clearly, Watch your step, little man. Or else.

“Nope. Not even his name. He looks nice enough, but of course, he’s a Nolikan…” she eyed the man suspiciously. “Not even a prince. Some sort of cousin.” Sykel reentered the room and settled at the opposite end of the table near her sister. Upon seeing TAAron, her jaw clenched and she stared warning daggers at him, then turned and chatted with a Nolikan general.

“Second youngest of the Basili girls, at least the blood ones. Her real name is Leiance Saeri—she prefers to go by Saeri, but accepts the title of Evalyn. She’s bright, hates shoes—be surprised if she had them, even now—and she spent some time away from Basilica for some reason. Only her family knows why.”

She nodded eagerly, enjoying the scenery.

Suppressing laughter, she nodded. “There’s not a Basilican who doesn’t. Or a Nolikan who isn’t amused by it.” Her demeanor turned more serious. “Too much pressure to put on such a young girl, even if she is Evalyn. They should have transferred the title to the oldest… though I guess she’s a bit sulky, and that wouldn’t be fair either… this turn of events is tragic. She’s the one paying the price for something that’s not her fault, or anyone’s really. Besides those Nolikans. Sharks, they are.”

“Hackney. I like that. What’s your place like?”

“Warlike, rough, boisterous. We had a lucky few years there where we could sleep easy.” She heaved a sigh. “Those days are over, until those two wear matching rings.”

“Mmm, poor thing,” the woman muttered, following his gaze. “So much pressure! It’ll be hard even if he’s a nice guy. Which, judging by standard of Nolikar…” Haly didn’t look at him, but she noticed and her mouth turned up a little as she answered a question.

“Orteo? Right? Or are we getting the wagon to go to Orteo?”

She nodded. “You’re from the eastern border, I’m guessing? Too important to lose?”

She glanced at him once, then avoided his eyes and gave the smallest of shrugs. ”Who might you be?” An older woman to his right asked. “Don’t think I’ve seen you before.”