To say that she was lost was a bit of an understatement. Castielle knew global maps and major cities… but it makes it a lot harder when she's never really set foot outside of the castle walls, let alone go transcontinental.
It had been nine suns ever since she left Caelum and Castielle was nearly running out of the few bits of rations that she had managed to sneak out. At least Meg could live without barley and oats, grazing on grass when she feels unlike Castielle. Even with the dagger, she wasn't well-versed in hunting game nor had she had sufficient training as a wolf to hunt successfully (which renders things a tad bit difficult.)
The painful gurgle and growl of her stomach made her grimace as she kept straight down the trail; she was going to have to stop by a town nearby and soon if she wanted to go any further. The thought of a warm bed with a fireplace blazing nearby with insufferable heat along with a nice bowl of homemade stew at an inn sounded quite deserving if she would say so herself.
The growling persisted, keeping Castielle from her thoughts; so with a sigh, she kicked her heels lightly as she veered off the trail to the sound of running water.
"Come along, Meg" Castielle muttered. Blowing, Meg found her way to the stream where she bowed her neck low to quench her thirst. The Princess hopped off of her horse, removing the water skin from the saddle pouch crouching along the side of the stream to fill it up. She raised a couple of handfuls to the mouth to settle her stomach as well and to stave off the painful pangs of hunger if only temporarily. All she could do was sigh, the water bitter but refreshing as the cold nipped at her finger tips. She unfocused her line of sight as she stared at the cloud of condensation every time she blew out of her mouth.
A chill ran up the Omega's spine as a breeze blew from behind in between the endless maze of trees. Her waist-long hair swept up with the wind, tangling up into knots as strands whipped around as if she was stuck right at the heart of a squall on a midsummer's afternoon. Wisps of hair landed in her mouth and she flicked pieces away, tucking strands behind her ear.
Castielle ran her hands through her scalp, fingering through and haphazardly collecting the mound of silky hair into some semblance of a pony tail before pulling down the length of it. She then realized, her hair made her more elegant and mistress-like, and she needed more of a disguise if she was going to go through her journey unnoticed. With a flick of her arm, Castielle's blade fell through her sleeve and she gripped tightly on the hilt as she bent herself in half, flipping her hair forward. Before she could change her mind, the Princess began grabbing at whatever locks she could grab onto and began cutting erratically through the tresses, inches from her roots.
The job was far from perfect and it definitely wasn't the best of haircuts given the uneven locks and messy style, but Castielle knew in her mind that it was for the best. Righting herself up again, she slipped the blade back into her sleeve before running her fingers through her hair once more. Her head felt loads lighter and another breeze exposed her neck to the elements, causing goose bumps to run up her arms. It felt weird, different; but she remembered an incident similar to this when she was younger, when Gabriel had thought it to be funny to take a pair of shears and call her a pretty little lamb as he chopped off her hair. Giggling to herself, she brushed off any strands of hair from her cloak and her tunic, bending over to brush any dirt from her trousers.
Snap.
Castielle shot up and looked around. It was the beginning of the New Year, and the trees were bare of foliage…. But despite that, Castielle still could not see past the trees. Meg let out a loud snort, nudging at Castielle's shoulder—her ears pricked up and forwards in awareness of her surroundings. She seemed to have noticed the noise too and soon became restless.
Her heart rate was picking up. The hairs on the back of the Omega's newly revealed neck were rising as she felt a pair—no… it was more than just a pair of eyes on her. Castielle stood and packed away her water skin before mounting Meg. Taking one last look around, she tugged on the mare's reins and headed back towards the main road to begin her trek towards the first town she will happen to come across.
Castielle couldn't shake the eerie feeling that she felt. It was almost as if someone had been following her; multiple times had she turned to see if there was someone there, only to come up short.
"Hmm… You'll protect me if someone was there, won't you Meghan?" The only response she got was a quiet nicker. All Castielle could do was huff in amusement as she pouted, patting Meg alongside her long neck before she look towards the horizon.
The only noise out there was the sound of the wind, leaves rustling in its wake and the echo of Meg's hooves clopping against the dirt trail. The birds were chirping and it was as if nature was singing in harmony. The only thing Castielle could see fields and fields of white; ice crystals clinging to the browned glass, all of her stress and worries melting away slowly with every deep breath of the crisp air.
Looking up in the sky, she saw that the sun was to set soon, so with the click of her heels, Meg quickened her pace as she fought against time to find shelter.
It took a little longer than she anticipated, but eventually Castielle road up to a small village—North Hamlet. The buildings were all monotonous in both colour and structures making the town appear dreary and uninviting. It was cold and muggy outside, a light drizzle that had started on the ride there gradually turned into what was beginning to look like a lightning storm. Castielle found a well lit tavern and what appeared to be an inn, so she dismounted her horse and proceeded to tie her up in the neighboring stable to prevent her from being pelted by the freezing rain.
Castielle slung her bag from across the saddle to over her shoulder and stepped into the warm and loud room. Men were sitting around the tables drinking beer by the pint, all rosy-cheeked and eyes glazed over from intoxication. Clearing her throat, she stepped up to try and get the attention of the inn owner, currently stumbling around and refilling mugs and bowls with beer and stews.
"Excuse me?" Castielle deepened her voice as much as possible to emulate that of a boy's. The man looked towards her, all teeth and smiles.
"Hello, how are you today? Cold out, isn't it?" Castielle could only nod mutely; trying her best to understand past the thick accent of the villagers. The people were beginning to quiet down, causing her to look behind to see that she had drawn a bit of attention. "How can I help you today, Young Master?" The man asked, ignoring his other patrons.
"Food… and a room for the night, please" she added quickly.
"Sure thing. That will be three pence."
Shit, Castielle thought. She wasn't extremely familiar with the use of currency nor was she well adept with the terminology in these regions. Unsure of the amount, she pulled out a gold coin from her pouch and slid it across the bar.
"Thank you…?"
"A-A-Anderson. Anderson G-Gallagher," he stuttered out, eyes still set on the coin. Castielle could feel the crease of her eyebrows as they furrowed in confusion, continuing to stare at the inn keeper.
"Yes… Well, thank you… Anderson Gallagher. Will this suffice?" He nodded without looking at her, removing the coin from the countertop and placing it within his pocket.
"F-Food. I'll get that to you as soon as possible," he turned in a hurry. Huffing, Castielle turned to see many eyes peering out at her. Nodding at the men, she made her way to the empty table in the corner, removing her sack and placing it in the spot next to her seat. She pulled off her hood and turned slightly to look outside, the rain only getting harder and the thunder getting louder.
Anderson came moments later with a giant, steaming, wooden bowl; filled to the brim with beef stew, riddled with giant chunks of potatoes and carrots, along with a basket filled with fresh biscuits.
"Thank you, Anderson." He smiled and walked back to the bar to resume his previous actions.
Castielle prayed silently, thanking Oiad for her first real meal in so many suns and moons. Taking the first bite, she sighed in content. The assortment of flavors exploded inside her mouth, and she swore that she died and had risen again. She had never eaten such delicious food in the castle, let alone from the villages of her Kingdom, and in a way she really regrets it. It was amazing to say the least, beginning to eat fervently, lapping soup up with biscuits; she was warmed from the inside, the soup seeping warmth into her bones.
Too engulfed in her meal, she hadn't realized when her table was surrounded by a dozen men, all growling low in their throats. Startled, she dropped her spoon and bread, backing herself up to the wall as much as she could.
Sniff. Sniff.
Alphas, she realized… and all of them looking at her with red bleeding into their eyes.
"Now, tell me… what's a Beta pup like yourself doing all alone" the first one jeers?
"You seem to be carrying a lot of money there. What did you do, steal and run from your Alpha?" They step forward, all of them looking the same. They were all looming with large bellies, carrying the stench of a pig rolling in its own waste. Their beards were stained with crumbs and dripping with beer, only accentuating their large, rotting teeth.
The largest one leaped forward, suddenly grabbing the Omega by the collar. He began to pull her up off the floor with his bare strength; like a ragdoll, her feet dangling above the ground. She scrambled around for purchase, trying her best but failing to release his iron-like grip. Castielle watched, wide-eyed at the Alpha bearing his teeth and let out a whimper before a loud crash of an upturned chair interrupted the two's staring match.
"Hey! Let go of my mate!" Castielle snapped her head to look over the Alpha. Green. Green eyes started back with bore teeth beginning to shift into sharp fangs. The Alpha gripping Castielle dropped her midair, Castielle letting out a quiet "oof" as she hit her head against the table.
"Your mate" the Alpha snickered? In a blink of an eye, the Alpha's whole demeanor changed from sheer amusement to that of disgust. "This… whelp is yours," the Alpha sneered as Green let out a guttural growl?
"You'll back up from him… if you know what's good for you." Moments of silence passed, but then again, that could just be due to the rush of blood flowing through her ears. Eventually she heard the Alphas suck their teeth in defeat and annoyance. All she heard were the burly men walking away grumbling under their breath, "keep your breeder on a leash."
Castielle sat up, wincing as she touched a tender lump on her crown. Her hands were shaking and her heart was pounding as tears formed in her eyes.
"Hey, baby. You okay?" Castielle jumped from the man's voice only causing her to hit her head, yet again on the table above. She let out a whine as she clutched at her head with both hands, curling in on herself. She saw two hands hesitantly reach out for her, causing her to scoot back and whimper. Suddenly she felt her body being lifted off the ground bridal style, hard muscles rippling underneath her with every move as the man reached behind the bench and grabbed her knap sack before carrying them up the stairs and into an empty bedroom.
The Princess felt the soft down under her as the stranger sat her up against the bed, and even though it was nothing like the bed in what used to be home, it was still a comfort well received. Green walked out, the sound of running water before coming back with a bowl and a rag in hand. Wetting the towel, he gently placed the cool rag on her head, apologizing as she winced and pulled back.
It was silent, only the sound of water dripping before she cleared her throat and spoke to the stranger.
"You need not have done that," she murmured. The man scoffed as he pushed around her hair to check the damage.
"Is that how you thank someone," the man huffed? Castielle shrugged lightly. "Cause I gotta tell you, your appreciation needs a little polishing." She winced again as he pressed against a sore spot. "Whatever. You shouldn't be carrying around sacks full of gold in areas like this in the first place, Kid." She kept silent as she stared down at her lap, not knowing what to do. "They would eat you alive, not before slitting your throat in your sleep and running off with their loot…"
"Here," he grabbed at her chin and guided her head up to face forward. "Look at me. I need to see if you hit your head hard enough," his eyes flickering between the two of hers. All thoughts left her head, only registering the green in his eyes. She saw them before, but not to this extent. His eyes mimicked the plants in the greenhouse, bright all year long; the brown and gold specks riddled within only added such depth and beauty.
Castielle blinked and focused back at the man's face. He truly was beautiful… with pink, full lips, but not like hers. He had freckles scattered across his face, blatantly noticeable from up close, and a strong, chiseled jaw—all characteristics of a good Alpha. She didn't realize that she had been staring until she heard the tail end of his voice.
"—be fine… You just need a little rest," said with a slight pinched expression. Castielle could feel her ears heating up from being caught staring. Willing away the blush, she nodded and began to get up, only to be pushed back down again by a gentle hand on the shoulder.
"Stay. After that stunt you pulled? You definitely need someone to watch over you until you leave this godforsaken place." Again she nodded silently, turning around and removed her shoes before climbing under the covers. She wasn't expecting the worst, but if the Alpha had tried to attack her, she had her dagger hidden in her sleeve.
Castielle watched from under the covers as the Alpha sat in a corner chair, legs sprawled out and arms crossed. She watched with a sense of curiosity before her eyes slowly began to shut, encasing her in a state of darkness.
ωΩω
It was early in the morning when Castielle startled awake. She wasn't sure, but she was beginning to feel that weird sensation again that made her skin itch with worry. It was as if someone was watching her, hiding away from her eyes and acute senses.
Looking to the side, the window by the bed showed that it was still dark out; there was still quite some time before sunrise. Her eyes began to adjust in the lack of light within the room, looking around and narrowing down to the Alpha currently slumped in the chair. She could hear the deep, leveled breathing that indicated he was fast asleep.
Castielle began to climb out of the bed as quiet as possible to try and not disturb the sleeping Alpha. Quickly, she toed on her boots and laced them up before looking around the room for her bag. Her knapsack was sitting in the corner of the room, thankfully looking untouched.
Tip-toeing her way across the room, she was steps away before a floorboard creaked underneath her weight. Instantly, the Omega froze in her spot as she turned her head slightly and quickly eyed the Alpha who just smacked his lips and readjusted his position, continuing to sleep undisturbed. Quietly, Castielle let out a breath that she hadn't known she was holding before she grabbed the bag and walked around the loose spot, not before muttering her thanks at the man as she exited the room.
Down in the bar, Anderson was cleaning the table top with a dirty, old rag. Apparently it was normal for people to be working this early in the morning. She was never up this early back at the castle; she never really knew the life of her subjects and she was beginning to regret it… they all really worked hard lives. Taking the last step down the stairs, her boots thumped against the wooden floor, alarming the host's attention of her presence.
"Oh! Good morning, Young Master. Did you sleep well?" He smiled boyishly wide. Even with the lack of light, Castielle could see the dark circles under his eyes with red seeping into the whites of his eyes, and it was not like the red of an Alpha's. Nodding, she walked up to the bar, her head barely passing the edge of the bench.
"Could you not sleep at all, Anderson" she inquired quietly? Shaking his head with a wry smile, he chuckled under his breath.
"No, but that's normal. Bad nightmares and terrible headaches, you know?" Wiping the table down one last time, he wiped his hands on his trousers. "Breakfast?" Castielle looked up to his height behind the barrier and nodded hesitantly.
"Just a little bit for the road, please… and a cloth of rations if you could possibly spare some." He grinned in acceptance of her request.
"I'll get that for you. Must be traveling quite far if you're leaving this early." Castielle kept silent, not wanting to be rude. She would respond, but she couldn't give anybody directions just in case Michael followed her tracks to this establishment. She couldn't put Anderson in that position even if she hardly knew the man.
"Ah, not my place to ask. Sorry," Anderson came back with two wrapped clothes, both of which appeared to close to spilling over with how much of its content there were. Pushing one across the bar, he looked at her pointedly. "Breakfast. For the ride." The second he had in his hand was also pushed over. "Rations for the long journey," he pursed his lips together, patiently waiting for her to grab them.
Castielle began to open her mouth in protest but he waved his hand in dismissal.
"You paid more than enough for this." Castielle dipped her head in thanks, unsure of what to say. He smiled kindly at her before making a strange noise in what seemed like remembrance. "I also tended to your horse last night. Beautiful one she is… I left a bag full of fruits and grains in the saddle pouch for her and I also took the liberty of refilling your water skin." Castielle's eyes went wide in shock and her heart melted at his selflessness. Reasons like this is why she loved her subjects so; they had so much to give even though she had so much more than what they owned. But, she had to remind herself that she was not in the Kingdom of Caelum anymore.
"Thank you, Anderson. You are very kind."Anderson scratched at his jaw, a blush creeping up his neck. "I will not forget this," she promised with conviction. Anderson could only duck his head and laugh embarrassed. Castielle picked up both bags as he looked up. She nodded at him once before turning to leave.
"Good luck and have a safe journey." Castielle walked out into the cold air, wind nipping at her collar. The ground under her feet was muddy as she walked over to Meg who was rousing awake, whinnying softly at the sight of her master. The Omega rubbed at Meg's nose before throwing her knapsack across Meg's rump, stuffing the two bags of food in a pouch.
Mounting Meg, Castielle shuffled to readjust her seat and made sure she had everything. She even saw that Anderson had in fact packed a cloth filled with grains and other snacks for Meg. Smiling, Castielle pulled up her hood and clicked her heels together, steering Meg away to begin her trip in the direction of the Rising Sun.
East should take her to where she needed to go, Providence. Only once has Castielle ever gone to Providence where King Carver ruled peacefully and justly. Carver was her father's cousin and best friend from what she understood and was told as a child. Michael had taken her to Providence to visit Carver and discuss policies between his country and Caelum when she was around 5 years old, but she couldn't recall how long it took to get there. Castielle knew that there was peace and equality there, a place where Michael would think twice about checking for her, and she knew; it was at Providence where Castielle will take asylum.
"If anything happens, Puppy… head east" were the last words that Gabriel had said to her before he left. Michael had come to her later to ask if he had said anything to her prior to his disappearance, but the child kept quiet unsure of whether or not to tell the eldest that she was in fact told something. Maybe Gabriel knew something like this was going to happen. Maybe it was a warning, she mused.
The Omega missed her Alpha brother with all of her heart, and she didn't know where he was. In the back of her mind, she hoped that she would meet him again on the journey.
It was a few hours before Castielle slowed Meg from a gallop down to a slow trot. The sun had risen, but it was yet to reach its highest point. Castielle turned in her seat carefully and pulled out the pouch filled with breakfast. It was completely filled with a few buttermilk biscuits and pieces of smoked bacon that just made her mouth water thinking about it. She began to nibble on a biscuit before Meg started huffing.
"Oh, Meg… I apologize." Wrapping up her breakfast and carefully storing it away, Castielle grasped at Meg's reins and turned their trajectory towards large woodland on their left. There was bound to be a stream or some sort there, even if one was so small.
The leaves crunched under the weight of both horse and rider and more than once did Castielle have to duck her head forwards in order to prevent herself from getting hit in the face by low hanging branches. Eventually a clear passing became visible donned with a large body of water in the middle. Although it was sunny, the towering trees made everything shine in tints of silvers and shades of grey—it was magical, almost as if the land was frozen in a moment of time.
Stopping Meg completely, Castielle dismounted her horse and took in all around her in astonishment.
Petrified. This must have been the Petrified Forest of Fargt ol Loncho, or as the Gaeans had called it; Where the Fallen Dwell.
People had superstition that these grounds were haunted, with what kind of entity, they are unsure of. Whether the spirit was that of Old Gaean gods or of every soul of those who died an unfulfilling death, they all gathered within these trees, and for that people were afraid of these woods.
The lands could only grow further out for people around these parts avoid this place like a plague. It was beautiful, even Castielle wasn't blind to it. The forest seemed very otherworldly… almost ethereal in aura and likeness.
Shaking herself out of thought, Castielle turned and grabbed her breakfast out of her bag along with the sack of grains out of the saddle. Sitting along the trunk of a tree, Castielle resumed eating her breakfast, keeping an ear out for any sounds. It wasn't until she started to listen that she noticed to the strange silence of the woods. There were no noises, not those of birds or tiny, furry creatures alike… just silence.
Meg finished drinking from the pond and stepped back, curling up next to her Master who began feeding the mare grains from her palm, petting her down the nose every once in awhile. Castielle looked out and watched the disturbance against the water, silver ripples traveling across the surface of the lake in what seems to be the first time in ages.
The Omega looked back to the beast—Meg, her first and only filly—what other professional horse trainers called an untamable, wild horse. Her onyx tufts of hairs and mane were muted in their setting, but Castielle knew it was what first drew her in, until she saw the sadness and spark of flame in Meg's eyes that sold the Princess against any other Equus. No one could tame the creature, but somehow a little 5 year old Castielle broke that barrier for the first time and it was just the two of them ever since.
Once Meg stopped eating, the Omega packed away the still-full pouch. When she went to sit back against the tree, the mare had already put her head down in what appeared to be the first stages of a nap, making her realize exactly how tired she was all of a sudden. Castielle reached over and placed a hand on Meg's nose while leaning her head back against the trunk of the tree. She wrapped her cloak tight around her body to stave off the cold and closed her eyes.