The trio of young recruits recovered rather quickly from their brush with the Goblin. From that point on they trained in a tighter group and they always kept their eyes open for aggressive monsters. They quickly became stronger and even passed their first real mission as recruits, retrieving an Orc axe. The temple night stationed at the guard house was not impressed so he gave them another mission, investigate King Ranperre's tome and report back the findings.

This mission turned out to be a bit more difficult because the tome was build like a maze so that grave robbers could not easily steal the royal family's treasure. On top of the maze there were Goblins lurking around every corner but the group of friends no longer feared them. They had taken a few days to discovery the mystery in the tome.

They made their way back to Sandoria after having spent nearly a month training at Ghelsba, the Orc outpost. One day while killing off Orc War-machines the group discovered a cavern hidden deep within the compound. The cavern gave them shelter against the elements and no monster ventured there so it was a wonderful spot for recovery. The cavern was nice, but after resting in a sleeping bag on the hard ground for a number of days they were ready for their own warm comfy bed. Supplies were getting low so this gave the friends the perfect excuse to head back home.

"I wonder how close it is to the summer festival" Posh wondered out loud.

"Dunno but I hope I didn't miss my own birthday. That would be bad." Waveren readjusted his pack so to make it more comfortable.

"Ekk how could I have forgotten our birthdays were close at hand. Mind you Waveren's is nine days apart from mine but how could I forget. We already forgot Posh's and hers was three days after our coronation."

"Let's blame it on fighting for our lives and training hard for the last couple of months." Waveren playfully pulled on the Mithra's packs making them rush behind him. "Sandoria is in sight last one there is a rotten crawler egg!" Having gained momentum from pulling the two back he raced ahead of them.

"Cheater!" Evalyne yelled.

"Wait 'til I get a hold of you Wave I'm gunna 'Hundred Fist' you ass" Posh threatened as she struggled to catch up.

"You have to catch me first Posh" Waveren laughed harder when he heard his friend's frustrated growl.

Sandoria was just over the next hill and the trio raced at full speed so of course they didn't see Prince Trion and his small envoy of Royal Knights marching into Sandoria's gates. Waveren turned his head and saw the envoy too late as he had slammed hard into one of the knights. Evalyne saw Waveren fall but as she tried to stop she lost her footing and fell atop the prince himself. Posh somehow managed to keep her footing on the wet grass and slid to a full stop.

"Now see here, what's the meaning of this attack on the Prince's envoy, I should arrest you all for trying an assassination attempt." Tiberion, one of Trion's instructors, shouted angrily.

"They didn't hit you on purpose, and they ran into them not try to kill them" Posh said angrily.

"You watch your mouth recruit! And you other knights, help that Elvaan boy up and get that filthy creature off the prince this moment!"

"Filthy creature, why I outta…" Evalyne growled but surprisingly the young Prince Trion cut her off.

"That's enough, Tiberion, clearly this was an accident and no harm came out of it other than a few soiled clothes." He gathered Evalyne in his arms and got up. Then he placed the now blushing Evalyne on her feet. "And if I ever hear you call a Sandorian adventurer a vulgar name like that again I shall put you in the dungeons myself! There is no excuse for such behavior."

"But your majesty…she was"

"I don't want to here it. Keep up this attitude and I'll have a very long talk with father about it." Trion turned towards the group. "I'm sorry you had to witness that exchange. Are you all unhurt?"

"Yes, your majesty, we're fine." Waveren said respectfully.

"Nothing Evey couldn't handle" Posh smiled as she patted Evalyne on the back.

"Hmmm…I thought I had recognized you three from the coronation a few months ago. I'm pleased to know that you have all grown in strength. You'll have to excuse me though I have to meet with my father." Prince Trion's eyes suddenly look much older than fifteen as the pressure of his princely duties overtook his urge to act like a normal boy his age. His moment of normalcy was fleeting and they were rare. Prince Trion watched the three of them bow respectfully as he was escorted back into the castle walls.

OoOoOo

After their encounter with Prince Trion the group forgot about restocking their supplies or getting a good night sleep. They headed back towards Waveren's house that had become a sort of head quarters for their adventures.

Waveren opened the door and dropped his pack on the floor. "Hey Nere we're back. Nerevaw you home?" He then noticed a note stuck to the kitchen pantry door.

Waveren,

I've gone to the summer festival. If you're home don't eat up all the food and I'll see you later after the festival. Oh and by the way happy early birthday to both you and Evalyne cause the way you three are going it will be fall before I see you again.

Nerevaw

PS We'll celebrate your and Eva's fourteenth birthday tonight . . . if you're at home.

"That sounds like fun" Posh stretched out her stiff back.

"Yeah wonder if Prince Trion is allowed to go to festivals." Evalyne happily relaxed on Waveren's couch. Waveren had given Evalyne a strange look but she didn't see the look.

"Why so interested in Trion all of a sudden, Eva?" Waveren questioned as he turned his back and began to put a pot of tea on the stove.

"No reason. I just wondered if the Princes and Princesses were allowed to have a social life and be allowed to play or if they had to deal with politics and nobles all day. Be pretty boring if they had to sit in meetings and lectures all day." Evalyne pondered.

Waveren sighed loudly. "I'm sure nobles and royalty have fun in their own ways Eva. Don't worry your pretty red head about it."

OoOoOo

Trion stalked out the audience chambers. He was irritated that his father had refused to allow him to attend the summer festival this evening; instead he was to report to the Windurst embassy and study up on relics. Trion's eyes dashed to the adventures and townsfolk that darted the street. How we wished he could join them in their celebration. His eyes narrowed as he came upon his younger brother Pieuje & one of the priestess from the temple wrapped around his arm.

Trion angrily walked up to his brother. "Are you not supposed to be studying at the temple instead of departing for the festival, brother?"

Pieuje looked stunned at first then a most devilish charming smile grazed his features. "Can you not see that I am with a priestess of the Temple of Athena? So I am in fact having my lessons, my dear brother, unlike you who if I'm not mistaken are supposed to be at the Windurstian embassy."

There was a fire sparked in Trion's eyes and he gave Pieuje a murderous look. He wanted desperately to strike his brother for his impudence, but his sword training had taught him patience and patience was always needed when dealing with Pieuje. He took deep breaths and finally calmed down long enough to speak clearly to his younger brother.

"Technicalities cover up your disobedience this time. Enjoy your festival brother." Trion turned and walked away from the two before Pieuje got a chance to retaliate. He briskly walked to the embassy of Windurst only to find the door closed and a note tacked to it.

Embassy of Windurst is closed for the festivities. We will reopen on the morrow at the hour of 5:00. Emergencies may be handled by any Temple or Royal Knight.

The ambassador of Windurst,

Trion was shocked. Why has his father sent him here and he had known they would not be open. Realization dawned on him. Father must have known Pieuje would weasel his way into going to the festival so in turn he sent me here so I would be able to go unescorted just as Pieuje has. Trion quickly purchased a disguise of a simple tunic, cloak and white slacks.

OoOoOo

The three friends walked around the festivities looking for their comrade and friend, Nerevaw. It wasn't hard to find a short Hume boy among the much taller Elvaan that inhabited their beloved city.

"Nere…Nerevaw over here!" Waveren yelled over the crows to catch his step brother's attention. Nere finally caught on and weaved his way over to them.

"Hey I didn't expect you to make it. I figured you would be in La Theine Plateau doing your adventure thing…killing monsters and such."

"Well we weren't even sure we'd make it. You kind of lose track of time when you're out in the wilderness and almost mindlessly slaughtering beastmen." Waveren smiled and ruffled his younger brother's hair.

"Hey watch the hair!" Nere yelled trying to ruin the taller boy's hair.

Evalyne backed away from Nerevaw and Waveren as they roughhoused. Her eyes were trained on the front in order not to hit by a thrashing limb she failed to notice the cloaked figure behind her.

"Oof" went the stranger.

Evalyne quickly apologized. "I'm so sorry I wasn't watching where I was going and…" The hood fell back slightly from the stranger's face enough to see his face. "Prince Trion" Evalyne whispered

Prince Trion quickly pulled the hood back up and covered her mouth with his hand before she made a ruckus. He motioned for her to stay quiet and he removed his hand. "I do not wish for the guards to know I'm unescorted among this crowd. Please you and your comrades must meet me in the back ally near the Leatherworking Guild" Prince Trion then disappeared among the crowd.

Evalyne went back to where her friends were gathered.

"Here she is guys" Waveren motioned over to the others. "We were wondering where you have scampered off to."

"Sorry to make you all worry. Look I'll explain it all on the way follow me"

OoOoOo

Evalyne had explained her encounter with Prince Trion and his unusual request. They were now causally walking down the deserted street. The majority of the festival goers had moved to North Sandoria where the majority of the festivities were.

"Over here" Trion shouted then ducked back down the alleyway.

The group looked around for any stragglers then slipped into the cover of the alley.

"I apologize for deceiving you all, but it was necessary. This is the first time I have ever been out of the palace without an escort and I didn't want to bring out any rationalists by walking around with no guard. I have an overwhelming sense that can trust you three…" He looked a Nerevaw and paused.

"This is my younger step-brother Nerevaw, your majesty. I assure you that even though he is not yet a recruit he has indeed proven himself trustworthy." Waveren secretly stepped on his brother's foot to keep him from disproving what he just stated.

"I trust your judgment Waveren. As I was saying I trust you…four and I would like your help."

"If we're capable of doing it, we are at your service."

"I'm glad to hear that, Evalyne. I just need you assistance in disguising myself as an adventurer so that I may enjoy the festivities."

The group looked at one another and laughed. They had thought something dire was amiss, but instead the Prince just wanted to have fun at the festival like a normal person. The stopped laughing because Trion had a cross look plastered on his face.

"We're sorry for laughing your liege but we thought it was something completely different" Posh said still grabbing her sides slightly.

"First off" Evalyne said taking control of the situation. "We can't go around call you Prince Trion or your majesty or even your liege. We'll have to speak to you just as if you were one of us, nothing more than a lowly adventurer. Do you have a nice name or something we can call you?"

Trion thought about this hard. "No but what about instead just calling me Trion."

"Your name is too famous around Sandoria to use. We would draw attention to ourselves if we called you that." Nere added.

"Right so we'll just have to come up with an alas for you. Any suggestions?" Waveren and Nerevaw were working on making Prince Trion look a little less like a royal and more like a common adventurer.

"How about just calling you Tri or Tye something along those lines? Waveren stashed his regular clothes in this cupboard over here." Evalyne instructed.

"Tri hmm now that's a name I believe I can stand to be called."

"Oh no no no Trion you can't talk like that either." Posh exclaimed. "You've gotta not be all prim and proper. No worrying about how to act in front of someone and just be yourself."

"Way to show him how to speak properly Ms. Ebonics." Nere teased

"You wanna be beat to a bloody pulp Nere? Cause if you do I need something to sharpen my metal claws on."

"Alright you two knock it off." Waveren examined his handy work. "Well Trion or should I say Tri you look like your run of the mill Recruit if I ever saw one. What do you think guys?"

"He looks like one of us alright." Evalyne smiled as she took in Trion's appearance. He now had a black cloak on with the hood up. The white slacks had been replaced by Waveren's spare black ones. Trion's own sword was attached to a sword belt Waveren bought because Trion's own was too fancy for an adventurer to wear. Waveren had suggested maybe lending him a less fancy sword, but Trion refused to part with it. "Family Heirloom" he said and the others didn't push.

The group looked over Trion's appearance and was satisfied that he resembled more or less now like a Red Mage than the eldest Prince of Sandoria. The group, not consisting of Trion, dashed out of the alleyway and made their way towards the festivities in North Sandoria.

OoOoOo

Trion now felt the happiest her had ever felt in his entire life. Evalyne, Nerevaw, Posh and Waveren had treated him like a real person and in return they saw what the real Trion was like and not the public one. He was with people his own age doing things he people his own age were suppose to do. Laugh, run around and have fun, I could have never done those things with Tiberion around.

"Ok Eva, Wave, since your birthdays are coming up and you'll probably be far away from here when it happens I want to give your party now." Nere announced went the group has settled down with the festive food.

"So does that mean you're paying for this food Nere?" Posh joked

"No it means this is the cheapest way he could think of to celebrate it" Waveren laughed at the priceless look of astonishment. "What you didn't think I'd figure that part out."

Trion seemed to drift off into his own thoughts as the two brothers bickered. Evalyne and Posh exchanged looks and went to sit on either side of him.

"You'll have to forgive those two, Tri, they always seem to find something to fight over, but they really don't mean it." Evalyne patted the Prince's shoulder softy.

"No" Trion said sadly "Their bickering doesn't bother me. Pieuje and I do it all the time, but we never laugh or roughhouse while doing it. Those took are having fun pestering one another, Pieuje does it just to spite me, the coward." He gritted his teeth.

"No offense to your brother or anything…" Posh said

"No please offend him all you want." This made the two girls laugh.

"Ok your brother seems like a wuss" Posh stated plainly

"Wuss?" Trion looked at them confused.

"It's what Nere is" Waveren yelled while he had his brother in a headlock.

"No way you're the wussy Black Mage. Oh look at me I'm a tree hugging mage…no wait that's white ma..ahhh!" Evalyne had launched herself at her friend. Waveren having seen the murderous look in her eye dropped his brother and caught Evalyne.

"Ok no more cat nip for you!" Waveren said tickling his friend relentlessly.

"Oh free tickle licks on Eva" Posh grinned and helped Waveren in his assault.

"Posh you traitor!" Evalyne screamed.

Trion couldn't help but laugh at them as the scene unfolded before him. He happened to look off to the side and see guards coming in their direction because of the commotion.

"Guards are coming this way." He warned.

Waveren and Posh quickly stopped their tickling assault and helped their friend up off the ground as the guards neared them.

"Is their something we can help knights with?" Nere said to the now apparent Temple Knights.

"We heard a girl's scream come from this direction." One Knight stated

"Oh that was me a umm" Evalyne looked a Posh "a spider jumped on me is all. I did not mean to make that loud of a scream. I am sorry you came all this way for a silly spider."

The Temple nights exchanged words softly then looked at Evalyne a bit suspiciously. "Just a spider you say." The second knight asked Evalyne. He gave Evalyne a funny look that made her blood run cold.

"Yes sir"

"Alright we'll leave you be. Enjoy the rest of the festival." The first knight stated. "Come on let's go." The Knights then turned away and began their patrol again.

"Whew" Posh let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. "Nice save there Evey"

Evalyne shuttered and rubbed her arms. "God I hated the way that second knight looked at me. It gave me Akbaba bumps. (Goose bumps)"

Trion's eyes still followed the Temple Knights as the wandered further and further away. He recognized that kind of look but he wouldn't say anything to his friends because they were a bit too young to understand.

"Tri…Tri!" The sound of his own nickname stunned him out of his thoughts.

"I'm sorry what?"

Waveren shook his head at the Prince, but a smile graced his face. "I just suggested that maybe we should head back and get your things. It's getting late and the patrols are getting larger. Your best bet to sneak back into the palace would be now while there are still people about and you could blend in more."

Trion shook his head. "No I would have to walk back in the palace in my regular clothes. They would stop me at the gates dressed in this and then they would surly know I attended the festival."

"Alright we'll bring to back to the alleyway then." Nere said

OoOoOo

It was getting very late in the evening before Trion was dressed back in his regular attire.

"I should hurry if I stay any longer they will send Knights to the embassy and find it closed." Trion smiled almost sadly at them. "I'm sorry we have to part so soon but…"

"We know Trion it can't be helped" Waveren shook the prince's hand.

"You'll see us again being trouble making adventurers and all" Posh winked at him.

"I'll look forward to bumping into you again" Evalyne laughed.

"Um well I'll see you at the coronation next year" Nere grumbled forgetting he wasn't allowed to go run about like his older friends.

Trion smiled a truly happy smile this time. "I know our paths will cross again in the near future until then I will keep you all in my hearts" He then turned and saluted them in which they heartfully returned and then took his leave.

I kind of wanted to establish a bit more of the royal family's personalities since you get to see so little of it in the game.

Trion to me seemed as if his youth was taken away from him with the responsibilities of being the first born and heir, and in the game he seems a bit warmer than his brother. You also get to see later in the game (don't worry I won't spoil it for you) the real Trion underneath the Trion we see on missions.

Pieuje is a cowardly manipulative little brat and we all know it. He never wants to get his hands dirty and he always seems to be plotting something with the older priest. (I forget his name) I really detested any missions or quests that I had received from him because he's always like "I'll let you handle that since you are an adventurer." rings the ugly blond Prince's neck He also seem to really like to meddle in Trion's affairs and ridicule him on his actions.

All in all I wanted to make them a little bit more alive because they play a big part in both my story and the game.