Arthur Lovens's Story

A slick hoverconvertible zoomed up to the white gates of the Castle of Freeport. They didn't bother to check her identification- the Princess waved at the guards as they let her on through. A couple of them shook their heads. Where was her security?

She zipped into the underground garage, handed off her car to the valet with another one of her winning smiles, and began her ascent towards the throne room. She was excited to give her dad a big hug on his return from their neighboring city of Vien! Everyone she passed had a smile for Geniti-and the princess had questions for many in return. How was the little one, and was the hen laying eggs again? Little Krintin was doing fine, and Hen Lorie had fully recovered and had resumed her spot as the most aggressive in the yard.

The great doors to the throne room glided open and Geniti strode through. She marched past the court. Men took a knee and women curtsied gently. She smiled at them in return, noting the crowd was larger than usual. Her father didn't seem too happy, either. What could be going on?

Geniti swept into a deep bow as she approached the throne, where her father rubbed the spot between his eyes. The court grew silent at this. Her long white coat splayed out behind her, heavily pleated white tunic falling gracefully over her lower half as well. She looked to be rising from a white matrix, what with all of the pleats and cuts and folds in her royal garment.

"Geniti, rise," The King of Freeport sounded tired. Geniti looked up at her father, concerned, and rose to her feet. She stood at attention.

"We've received word from the mainland, and it's not good. That is what we were about to discuss," Edvaron Biritige gestured to Arthur Lovens to continue and settled into his throne.

"The Rogue," Arthur began, and then cleared his throat. Geniti took a half of a step forward. She had heard of The Rogue. It was wreaking havoc on the mainland. Rumor had it one of the newly created forests of light had suffered destruction.

"A party assembles in Vien. We are to meet tomorrow at dawn to hunt The Rogue. So far I am the only one who is confirmed in attendance from Freeport."

"You are forbid! This is a very sensitive, very dangerous operation. You are to stay in Freeport, and every guard has been alerted of this order. Do not attempt to disobey, Geniti!" The King spoke up before The Princess could even inquire on whether or not she could attend.

Geniti scowled, but quickly wiped the look off of her face and nodded. She could watch via drone, if she really wanted to- and she was going to. The court slowly began to chatter as they finished with their official business. Geniti filled The King in on the vibe of the city, and she was likewise briefed on important upcoming engagements that required her presence. Three dinners, two dances, an opera, and how many Hunt matches?

"But I thought I was to stay in Freeport?" Geniti teased when The King mentioned she was to attend The Hunt in Vien. He scoffed and waved her giggling self away.

"After The Rogue is apprehended, of course. You're not setting foot on mainland so far as there is a threat," The King pointed at Geniti and she rounded in her step, "Are we clear?"

"Crystal!" Geniti called back and flounced through the door, a group of ladies in waiting flurrying after her. The King shook his head and Arthur's eyes glittered. Now wasn't the time, but someday he would win her hand.

Charles Gomez finished off his broadcast and took a brief break for water. Lots of water. This place was so dry compared to everywhere else he had been thus far. This was a hot story-literally. After a few minutes there was some movement by the other side of the gates, which of course he had been babysitting. Anything was better than mingling with the locals -or being schmoozed to on set.

He caused a ruckus for the cameras to get rolling again. One of the Free Knights was headed down the path inside, heading out towards them! Charles dashed back a hair so he wouldn't get hit by the gate, or trampled by any crowd that dare threaten the news line.

"ROLL IT NOW!"

The gates opened before the Knight, who wasn't on a steed but humbly on foot. He stood tall-very tall- and removed his helmet with the demeanor of a satisfied cat.

Ramuki just watches for now

Arthur Lovens kept his gaze level on Charles Gomez as the INN reporter asked him the golden question. He took a slow and deep breath, scanning the crowd behind the INN tents and barricades. The volume of the street had lowered to a din. Anticipation hung heavy in the air.

Atani Berentes whispered to Ramuki, "The Royal Family, representational in whole, but very importa-oh!" The hush of the crowd had reached the two of them. Atani clung closer to Ramuki, finding odd comfort in the strange texture of his, er, arm.

Ramuki has a furry arm indeed, and neatly groomed

Ramuki munches more of his aber-o's

(testing the write command)

"The Free Knights are going over to Vien?!"

Atani's free hand flew up to twirl around her hair some more. Vien was where Ryan was, and if there was a threat to Vien and the freedom of the citizens...!


"Ramuki," Atani looked into the face of her new fuzzy friend, glanced down at the box of Aber-Os, but put her growing hunger out of her mind fast.
"There is trouble across the sea, where my husband is. I-" She winced and clutched her belly as the baby inside moved about. It seemed to sense her heightened stress.

"I'm beginning to fear the worst. If the Free Knights are getting invo-" Atani winced again but pushed through with a huff, "Involved in the catching of this Rogue Gargantua. I've seen mention of it once or twice, but this must be very unusual. Every year they are able to capture one, maybe two special types for The Hunt. Ryan, he's in the Society, he's most certainly involved! I am most certain, and if this is as dire as to attract the attention of the Free Knights of the White Flame!"

She moved her other hand towards Ramuki, meaning to grab his free paw, "I am in no state to travel."

Ramuki allows atani to grasp his hand...which was furry on the back and skinned on the palm side, then uses his othe rhand to grasp her grabbing hand's arm in a gesture of reassurance, his eyes still gazing at the scene

Arthur Lovens elected to not comment on any further questions, making his way back through the gates and towards the White Flame Chateau. The gates remained open, the crowd beginning to dare to push beyond the press to get through.

"A prayer?!" Atani wailed, her laments lost in the crowd as everyone voiced opinion and fought their way in one direction or another.

What was that to do at a time like this? She had never prayed to any Gods to save her! But one had saved Ramuki, hadn't they. She clung to Ramuki in the building fervor. Her eyes glanced around towards where they parked her vehicle, worried for her health and safety. She never did like crowds when she was inside of them.

"A prayer," She said again with a bit more frankness, looking again back to Ramuki.

Arthur Lovens walked briskly from the gates to the Chateau.