From my breast the cold heart taking,
Give it to Belerma's care

Ivar is King now. I see this as favourable, though his interest in me stemmed from a piteous happenstance. At the gathering he’d not asked much of us - “volunteers to spread the word” had been his first official decree, followed shortly after by, “I’d also like to appoint a General and an Ambassador” - for this I’m glad; I’ve yet to develop a sense of camaraderie with Loess and her inhabitants (the ones who don’t seem to matter, anyways) and it seems beneficial that I should watch and learn, rather than intrude with offers help.

Children have very little to offer in the way of interest, especially when it comes to Kingdom activity.

I keep my peace, after we’ve dispersed. Already a plan is formulating but I’d like not to get attached to the idea before I’ve confirmed its reality, so instead I set out to cement the first step by trailing behind a pocked grey stallion; Edonis, I think. There’s nothing that makes him more special than the others, no reason as to why I would stake my chances on him rather than someone more outspoken, but he seems a fair bet with the notions I’ve got in my head and proximity-wise, he’s nearest. “Winner winner.” I chime inwardly, the slip of an unassuming grin coloring my lips with youthful candor.

“Excuse me,” I call timidly from behind, not so loud that it would seem impertinent yet also not soft enough he won’t hear it. A gentle balance, one someone could expect from a growing lady. “Edonis, is it? My name is Rey.” I begin, flush with excitement as I move to position myself nearer to him.

“I heard Ivar mention something about ‘spreading the word’ back there,” I murmur, low enough that he might be inclined to lean a slender, gray ear in my direction. “are you thinking of going out?” I ask, tipping the effeminate curve of my head up to where he towers above me.

Rey