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Neutral
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Ana tipped his head, listening intently to her words. His expression remained composed, but a flicker of curiosity crossed his gaze when he noticed her complexion pale. What had unsettled her so? The question formed in his mind, but he decided against voicing it. There were always unspoken things people chose to keep buried, and he wasn’t about to pry. - "Thank you," he said at last, his voice steady and calm. "It isn't often you find someone willing to listen to my rants." - He paused, letting his gaze drop to the floor as though the act of admitting such a thing brought him a sliver of discomfort. "Though, to be fair, it isn’t often that I rant." A dry chuckle escaped him, more at himself than anything else. - Anastasia shifted his stance, straightening as though to ground himself before continuing. His voice softened as he answered her question, his words bearing the weight of truth. "Compared to anyone else in this town, I’m the second man you can trust the most." - His gaze shifted briefly to Quartz, who remained seated a few feet away. The light-haired man ran his fingers absentmindedly through Vincent’s dark curls, his movements soothing as he tried to console the other man slumped over the table. Vincent muttered incoherently, his words a drunken mix of complaints and curses. Anastasia nodded toward them. "He’s the first," he said simply. - Quartz looked up as if on cue, catching Anastasia’s gaze. He offered a small wave, an unspoken acknowledgment, before turning his attention back to Vincent. - Anastasia shifted his focus back to Josephine. "So, I’ll tell him we’re taking you back. We’ve always got room for company." His tone was reassuring, though his words carried an undertone of something heavier—responsibility, perhaps, or resolve. - With that, Ana pushed himself off the wall, brushing the creases from his jacket as he did. He stood tall, exuding a quiet confidence that seemed innate. "Q," he called out, his voice firm but not harsh. "Grab Vince. We’re going back to the den." - Quartz didn’t hesitate. He stood and carefully adjusted Vincent’s position, lifting the darker-skinned man into a bridal carry with practiced ease. This wasn’t the first time he’d had to haul Vincent around, but tonight, slinging him over his shoulder like usual wasn’t an option. He had no desire to end up with vomit running down his back. - Quartz’s movements were efficient. He carried Vincent to the bar, where Anastasia met him, pulling a small pouch from his pocket. Without a word, Ana handed it to Quartz, who extended it to the bartender—a man busy pouring ale into an oversized glass. The exchange was brief, barely noticed by the other patrons. Quartz returned to Ana’s side, Vincent still cradled in his arms. - Anastasia turned back to Josephine, his expression unreadable. "We’ll walk out of here one by one," he instructed, his voice low but firm. "But once we’re on the street, walk between us." - He paused, his gaze lingering on her for a moment as though weighing something in his mind. Then, without another word, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it around her shoulders. The garment hung loose and heavy, its warmth a sharp contrast to the chill that lingered in the air. "You’re conspicuous enough as it is," he added, his tone matter-of-fact. "Perhaps this will help." - With that, Anastasia gave a slight nod to Quartz, who adjusted his hold on Vincent and began making his way toward the exit. Ana lingered for a moment, glancing back over his shoulder at Josephine. His expression held an unspoken expectation, a silent beckon for her to follow. |
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Neutral
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Josephine smiled knowingly. Who ever wished to listen to the rants of a supposed spoiled royal? No one ever thought that the most gifted people in the world could possibly have problems in their lives. "Of course. For as long as we find ourselves together, feel free to speak your mind. I may not be able to offer good advice, but I can always offer an ear." She told him, dipping her head for a moment. Being a solid listener was something she had always prided herself on. Josephine's gaze held firm on Anastasia as she waited for his answer, the muscles in her shoulders seeming to relax once she had it. Her steel orbs followed his to Quartz once more and and one expression crept across her pretty face. If she could trust Anastasia like she thought she could, she knew she would come to view Quartz in the same regard.
A moment later Josephine turned back to Ana, her voice taking a softer tone this time. "In that case, I have the most bizarre story to tell you later," she finally relaxed into her normal aloof state, giving the tall man more of his space back as he pushed off of the wall. "Thank you again. I couldn't ask for more," she told him, turning her attention to Quartz and the rather incapacitated Vince. She looked forward to getting to know those two, that was for sure. She watched the exchange, almost impressed with how naturally it occurred. It was as though this was a common occurrence, and she wouldn't be surprised to hear that it was in all honesty. Josephine payed attention as Anastasia spoke, her expression nearly matching his in some manner. "Understood," she confirmed, gathering her map in a nonchalant manner before sticking it into her satchel once more.
When he continued to watch her, Josie's brows arched in curiosity, waiting to hear whatever it was that was on his mind. Only instead, the warmth of his jacket enveloped her, wrapping her in his scent as the fabric engulfed her narrow shoulders, weighing them down in the process. She blinked in surprise, using one hand to secure it, ensuring that his jacket wouldn't fall easily from her shoulders. "I'm sure that it will serve me well," she answered, the shock slowly easing off her face. If anything it would fend off the cold during their journey to the place he'd called the den. The tavern had been cool enough for her, which told her the air outside had only turned even more frigid.
As they began their departure, Josephine waited for her time to leave. That time came soon, as when she met Anastasia's expectant gaze, the woman understood its meaning. A moment passed and she had began heading towards the exit, never minding the wandering gazes of those still within the tavern. Once outside on the street, Josephine heeded Anastasia's instructions and situated herself between the men. She kept her head down and her gait steady, doing her best to not attract any unwanted attention. |
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Neutral
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The walk to the den didn’t take long, though it stretched just long enough for the cold to creep into the bones. The path led out of Razaviv and southward, away from the tightly packed homes and into the embrace of the dense forest. The transition was almost abrupt; the small homes disappeared, replaced by towering trees that seemed to consume the stars above. What little light filtered through the canopy was faint, teasing glimpses of the heavens beyond. - The chill in the air was sharper than usual, biting and relentless. The lack of clouds overhead allowed the cold to seep in unhindered, making the clear night feel colder than it should have been. Anastasia and Quartz moved with purpose, undeterred by the darkness. The path ahead was uneven, the kind that would trip up any unfamiliar traveler, but they didn’t falter. Each step was deliberate and sure, as if the way had been carved into their minds long ago. - The silence of the forest was broken only by the occasional rustle of branches and the soft sound of their footsteps. Vincent’s muffled groans added a note of human frailty to the stillness, but even those faded as Quartz’s steady pace carried him along. - At last, they arrived at a seemingly unremarkable tree. Its trunk was thick and gnarled, its branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. To Josephine, it likely looked no different from the countless others they had passed, but Anastasia stopped before it, his movements deliberate. He placed one booted foot on a small rock nestled at the base of the tree, and with practiced ease, he hoisted himself upward, disappearing momentarily into the branches. - There was a muffled sound as his feet landed on the ground just beside the rock, followed by a sharp crack. The forest floor shifted and gave way, revealing a hidden tunnel. The opening was smooth, lined with polished stones that gleamed faintly in the starlight. It sloped downward steeply, just large enough for both Ana and Quartz—broad-shouldered men—to fit side by side if needed. - Ana stepped aside, gesturing for Quartz to approach. Without hesitation, Quartz adjusted his grip on Vincent, holding the unconscious man close as he reached up and grabbed a low-hanging branch. With one swift motion, he lowered himself into the tunnel, disappearing into the darkness below. His movements were as fluid as they were practiced, evidence of having done this countless times before. - Anastasia turned to Josephine, his features calm but his eyes searching hers for hesitation. "It’s not far," he said, his voice steady and reassuring. "A bit over a meter, I’d say. Easy enough to manage if you take it slow." - He paused, his head tilting slightly as he regarded her. "But if you’re unsure, I can go down first and catch you on your way down. No harm in being cautious." - He extended a hand slightly, not a demand but an offer, the kind that left the choice entirely hers. |
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Neutral
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Had it not been for the warmth of Ana's jacket, her teeth would have long been chattering. The cold snapped at her face, bringing a rosy red to the tip of her nose the longer that they were outside. The length of the walk didn't bother her, though navigating the unknown in the dark was harder for her. She used the small streams of moonlight to watch her step combined with following Ana and Quartz's movements carefully. Even then, she still managed to stumble here and there, releasing whispered swears carried on the wind like ghostly voices.
Josephine was putting a great deal of trust in these men, as if they truly pleased, they could take her for what she was worth and leave her stranded in that very forest. They didn't, however, only further strengthening the trust she devoted to them. Thankfully she was not a skittish woman. Most women would be whining and complaining about the dark and harsh conditions where as Josie reveled in the nature setting. The silence of the forest was eerie in a way that captivated her, tempting her to stay a while and discover all that was to behold. She'd have to do that another time, however, considering how they had halted in their journey.
Every thing looked the same, but it was more than that as she watched Ana disappear into the tree he'd stopped at. The curiosity chewed at her, making her wonder what it was that he was doing until she heard the cracking and groaning of earth shifting. The newly revealed tunnel excited her, though that was an emotion she kept to herself. The outside world was so full of surprises leaving her wishing she had left home sooner to discover the unknown beauties.
The captivating beauty was quick to fade as she watched Quartz descend into the tunnel's darkness. She knew he wouldn't have went down if it was unsafe, but she didn't know for herself that it was safe. It didn't help that the idea of falling scared her. The fear of falling was why she never practiced in climbing. The height and feeling of uncertainty always made her back out before doing anything of the sort and this time was likely to be no different.
In meeting Anastasia's eyes Josephine could already feel her heart racing. She considered his words before looking down at the awaiting tunnel. A meter wasn't so bad, but... She didn't like not knowing what waited for her at the bottom. She didn't like feeling that meek, though, so she took his outstretched hand before stepping up to the edge.
All it took was one closer look at the darkness before she froze up, backing up with a shake of her head. Her voice had hitched in her throat as she looked up at Ana, her hesitation and fear peaking through in her expression. "I-I can't.. I'd rather know you were down there waiting to catch me," she admitted, swallowing lightly. The fear over something so simple was embarrassing, but she couldn't go without him being there already. Not when she was so nervous. |
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Neutral
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Anastasia nodded, a quiet understanding in his eyes. He didn’t press further; he wasn’t one to push when someone wasn’t ready to speak. He remembered how unsettling it had been for him, too, those first few times descending into the den. Despite knowing exactly what awaited below—the security, the refuge—the darkness always seemed to creep up on him before the descent. It was the uncertainty of it, perhaps, that unsettled him, the vast unknown until his feet hit the solid floor of the den. - He glanced at Josephine one last time, offering her an encouraging nod before turning his attention to the tunnel. "Are you away from the tunnel, Q?" he called softly into the dark. A faint, muffled "mhm" came back as the only response. The brief exchange confirmed Quartz was already settled below, waiting. - Anastasia released Josephine’s hand gently, his touch light, and then reached up to grasp one of the branches of the pine. He paused, adjusting his grip, before slowly crouching down. His movements were deliberate and practiced as he lowered himself into the darkness. His body shifted, and with a final downward motion, he vanished from sight. - "Light the lanterns, will you?" His voice echoed up from below, soft but clear. "I don’t want the poor girl coming down into complete nothingness." - There was a brief silence before a faint flicker of light appeared from the tunnel below. The glow cast long shadows, giving the space a warmer, more welcoming feel. Anastasia’s form reappeared just below the tunnel’s edge, one hand bracing against the underside of the stone. His eyes met Josephine’s, offering a soft, reassuring look. "We really need to make this less of a drop," he remarked, the words a mix of practicality and concern. - He shifted slightly, straightening up a little. "Whenever you’re ready," he added, his voice gentle and patient. - If she descended, Josephine would notice the den took on the feel of a man-crafted cave. The floor and walls were made of the same smooth stones that lined the tunnel, forming a solid, compact structure. The ceiling was low but sturdy, creating an almost intimate atmosphere. There were small pieces of furniture scattered around—modest, functional, and carefully chosen to fit within the limited space. A table sat against one of the walls, with a lantern resting on it, its soft glow flickering against the stone. - Near the corner, a pile of blankets lay heaped together, a makeshift bed that seemed inviting against the cool air. The blankets were thick, warm, their softness contrasting with the rough stone beneath them. Another lantern hung from a hook in the ceiling, casting a steady glow over the room, while a third lantern sat nearby, its light soft but enough to create a gentle, comforting ambiance. It didn't light the tunnel that stretched beyond it, though, which seemed to lead somewhere else. - Quartz sat on the blankets, his posture relaxed, though there was a hint of exhaustion in the way he leaned against the wall. Vincent was stretched out beside him, unconscious and still, the remnants of his earlier drunkenness visible in the way he lay slumped across the soft fabric. He was passed out, oblivious to the warmth and the safety that the den offered. |
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Neutral
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In truth, Josephine had been sheltered and taught her whole life to act like a lady, not like some boy climbing all over the place and getting dirty. She was to read and sew, to remain silent and pretty. It never sat well with her, but there wasn't much her father had been able to say to convince her mother to let her live on the wild side now and again.
She had wanted to believe she could have went down on her own, but the thought of falling indefinitely crossed her mind, siking her out. At his nod, she managed a weak smile that barely reached her eye. At least he seemed to understand and didn't ridicule her... Her hand fell back to her side once it was released, her body moving away to give him room to lower himself down.
Josephine studied the technique he used and took a deep breath as she started convincing herself he wouldn't let harm befall her. As he disappeared from sight, she held her breath, waiting for anything to come next. It felt like an eternity, but as she finally heard the soft echo of Ana's voice she breathed quietly again. It wasn't an endless cavern, Jo. Nothing will happen.. She could hear Nuala saying those very words to her, pushing the Princess to face her fears. She missed her already. Nuala always pushed for Josephine to be the strongest version of herself and had even been the one to teach her how to present herself around those who didn't expect her to appear as royalty. The flickering of light lapping at the stone offered some comfort, shaking her from her thoughts. Now not only would she have the safety of arms to catch her, she would be dropping into light instead of darkness. Her eyes met his, her face visibly relaxing as she waited for his ready. She even managed a light hearted smile at the mention of lessening the drop. How could some stranger ever make her feel so comfortable? Ana caused her rational mind to short circuit, his presence making her melt and loosen in ways she had never expected before. She wasn't sure why he affected her so much, but she was determined to find out. Perhaps it was the fact that he didn't let her own actions and attitude scare him away. He was much braver and more confident than most of the men he'd met and he'd even managed to make her laugh.. His voice caught her attention once more, her eyes focused on the warm glow below. There was no backing out now. "Alright," she called back, stepping up and grabbing that low branch just as the other two had. She fixed her grip and slowly lowered down. Her heart assaulted her chest, begging her to retreat to safety. "Here I come.." she warned, her voice carrying the smallest tremble as she let go of the branch. A sound of unease escaped her lips as she descended into the tunnel, her gaze set firmly on Anastasia as though his face would distract her from her fears. It was over before she knew it, so it must have done the trick. |
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Neutral
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Anastasia caught her effortlessly, his hands firm but gentle as he supported her descent. One hand steadied her by the back of her knees, while the other guided her by her back, ensuring she wouldn’t stumble or lose her balance. As her feet touched the cool, solid stone floor of the den, he lingered for a moment, watching her to ensure she was steady before releasing her. - Without a word, he turned back to the tunnel and, with a practiced motion, hauled himself up to the opening. His hands deftly worked to re-tangle the pine roots, camouflaging the entrance once more. When he stepped back down, he brushed the dirt from his hands and cracked his neck, his exhaustion momentarily visible. - It had been a long day, the kind that gnawed at his energy reserves and made him long for the warmth of the blankets piled in the corner. Curling up next to Quartz and Vincent sounded like heaven, but there was a curiosity stirring in him—a need to understand Josephine’s story. He knew it wouldn’t come easily, and he’d have to wait until the others fell asleep to unravel it. - "You can sleep, you know," Anastasia said, his voice calm as he walked over to the third lantern and picked it up. The soft glow of its flame reflected in his eyes as he glanced at Quartz. "You don’t have to sit there like a watchdog. We’re not going anywhere tonight." - Quartz studied him, his brow furrowed with concern. "You sure you’ll be alright?" he asked, his voice quiet but firm. "I know how you get. I want to wake up in the middle of the night and still find you here, alright? Especially with your dad’s insistence... I don’t know where you go, or what you do, but I know it’s not healthy. Don’t make me find you perched in a tree, carving a snake out of wood just before the sun rises, looking like you haven’t slept in years. Right? Sefi?" - Anastasia chuckled softly, a genuine sound that lightened the tension in the room. "Sefi," he echoed, the nickname carrying a warmth only shared between brothers. "I won’t run off on you. I promise. Sleep." - Quartz hesitated for a moment longer, then sighed, shifting his focus to Vincent. With care, he pulled a blanket over the unconscious man and then curled up beside him, tugging his own blanket over his shoulders. He reached out and extinguished the lantern near their corner, plunging that part of the den into darkness. - Anastasia turned back to Josephine, his expression calm but curious. The lantern in his hand cast flickering shadows across his face, giving him a look that was both soft and intense. "We can stay in here and talk after they fall asleep," he murmured, his voice low to avoid disturbing the others. "Or, if you’d prefer more privacy, we can go in there." He nodded toward another entrance in the den, leading to a smaller adjoining cave. "But I’ll warn you—it’s not exactly cozy. That room’s more for me, and it’s full of knives. Might not be the most comforting backdrop for a conversation." - He gave her a faint smile, waiting for her to decide. |
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Neutral
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The feeling of falling stole her breath just as she thought it would, but it was the reassuring touch of gentle but firm hands that brought it back. It was over as soon as it had began, her feet planted firmly on the ground with his help. Once she was steady, she looked at him and gave a small nod. "Thank you," she said softly, stepping back to watch as he scurried up to hide away the den once more.
For a moment she turned away, taking in the sights the den had to bear. It was a cozy and inviting, the nature of it all intimate and personal. She still could hardly believe he trusted her with coming to that place, but at the same time, she'd never be able to find it again on her own. Not without having only been there once. Then again, after tonight she'd be leaving without any intention in coming back so close to home.
Josephine glanced back to Ana upon hearing his feet hit the ground again, goosebumps rising to her skin at the sound of his neck cracking. There was always something about bones popping.. His exhaustion was not a secret to her. She could see it plainly in his face, but she knew him as if his curiosity was her own. Just as she was itching to tell him everything she knew he wanted to know everything just as bad. Knowing who he was made her secrets suffocating. It was like she had a boulder sitting on her chest, weighing on her and preventing her from thinking of much else. Her only question was would he understand and trust that she wasn't lying?
Walking deeper into the den, her steps trailing through that of Ana's, she paused a small distance from his side. The exchange caused a flicker of warmth in her cold eyes, their fondness for each other flowing through out that cave. With the words spoken, Josephine wondered if Ana had intended on running away himself given his father's wishes, but at the same time she felt like leaving his two friends wasn't something he'd do lightly. If at all. Still, the bonds of trust were present, the darkness taking that side of the cave.
Josephine outwardly appeared just as calm, but on the inside she was eager to speak. As he presented two options, she didn't need much time to think. "I think this would be a conversation best taken with more privacy," she told him, her gaze flicking to the adjoining cave before returning to Anastasia. The light of the lantern gave her hair a fiery glow, the warmth cascading over parts of the length, reflecting its heat onto her. "Cozy or not, itll be best," she spoke softly, not wanting to disturb the others either. The presence of knives and a chilling atmosphere wouldn't be enough to bother her, thankfully.
Josephine looked to the cave before pausing, seeming to think of something. Turning back to Ana, she spoke once more. "Your jacket. Surely you'd like it back now?" She stated more than asked, beginning to shrug the piece from her shoulders. It was cold in the cave to her even with the added warmth, so she knew he must have been feeling the chill. |
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Neutral
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Anastasia turned toward the smaller cave, his steps quiet but deliberate. The lantern cast long shadows as he led the way, its warm light flickering against the walls. "Follow me," he said softly, glancing back to ensure Josephine was close. - As he entered, the room revealed itself. The space was compact but had an almost mystical quality. The ceiling, a latticework of twisted branches and roots, was studded with small gaps that framed patches of the night sky. Stars gleamed like silver pinpricks, their light soft and ethereal, adding to the dim glow of the lantern in Anastasia’s hand. The walls were lined with knives of various shapes and sizes, their blades glinting faintly in the low light. Each weapon was carefully arranged, their polished steel and iron sharp and deliberate, like an art collection meant to intimidate as much as impress. - Opposite the wall of blades were shelves packed with intricate wooden figures. They ranged in subject: knights locked in battle, wolves mid-howl, serpents coiled and menacing, horses in full gallop, dragons with wings outstretched, and cats frozen mid-pounce. Each carving was imbued with exquisite detail, as if they were moments frozen in time. - A small wooden desk stood in the far corner, cluttered with shavings, carving tools, and half-finished figures. A single wooden stool was tucked beneath it, its surface worn smooth from use. Nearby, a modest pile of blankets lay crumpled on the floor, the only sign of comfort in an otherwise spartan space. - "You can sit there," Anastasia said, nodding toward the pile of blankets as he set the lantern down on the desk. Its light pooled across the carved figures, sending their shadows sprawling across the walls. He dropped onto the stool, leaning back against the wall with a quiet sigh. His movements were unhurried, but his sharp gaze never left her. - "Don’t mind the mess," he said with a faint smile, motioning to the room around them. "I’m not much of a decorator. But it’s private, like I said. And it’s quiet. So…what’s your story, Josephine?" His voice was low and steady, almost inviting, as he settled in, elbows resting loosely on his knees. "You’ve got my attention. I’ll listen to whatever you want to share." - He waited, his expression open but unreadable, his curiosity evident. The lantern’s flame flickered, throwing shifting light across his face, as though it mirrored the unpredictable currents of thought behind his eyes. |
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Summer 
Day 
Heavy Rain
