Name: Joshua Beckett

Age: 26

Sex: Male

Hair: Dark red-brown, wavy

Role: Prince

Likes: Riding on horseback, reading, writing, painting, spending time in nature, adventure, hunting, rain, swimming

Dislikes: Being in the palace, fighting, big crowds, loud noises

Talents: Archery, art, working with horses

Family Crest: Blue and gold with a white wolf head in the center

Family: Melania (Mother, 58) Adrian (Brother, 30)

Kingdom: Verus

Background: Father died from sickness while leading a group of men on a small mission outside the kingdom. Doesn't want to take his place as King of Verus, so he left it to his older brother. He now lives in the Village of Arkala, trying to separate himself from his own kingdom.

Joshua sat on the back porch of his small home, the old wooden steps creaking softly under his weight. He held his bow in his lap, the dark oak smooth against his fingers. His hands worked the small blade of his knife through the bow, sketching small intricate designs into it. It had only been a few weeks since he'd left his kingdom. He was still a prince, yes, but...he didn't fancy the idea of becoming King.

His mother had not taken kindly to his departure, but his brother seemed to enjoy the fact that he would now be expected to take over the duties of their late father and king. Verus was a small kingdom and not extremely well known by the others, but it was strong. The villages surrounding it were at peace, and the royals often made journeys to each one to check on the people and buy their things.

Joshua had traveled further beyond those villages, deciding to stay in Arkala. It was near another kingdom, one bigger than his own. He didn't know much about it at all other than the fact that it was home to a beautiful young woman, the princess. He knew she had been set to marry, but apparently had refused another man's offer. He knew nothing else about her.

Pleased with his work, he hooked the small blade back onto his belt and stood, flinging the bow across his back. Heading to the stables, he decided to go on a ride through the village and maybe the outskirts of the kingdom.

He climbed atop his horse, patting her neck gently before nudging her forward. She led him out of the stables and into the streets of the village, her hooves clopping softly on the cobblestone streets.

Joshua softly played with his horse's mane as they walked slowly down the streets. His gaze scanned over the marketplace, wondering if he should stop for anything today. Suddenly, the peace was disturbed by loud yowling, which was followed immediatey by a large orange tom cat racing through the middle of the street, a large brown dog chasing after it and barking.

The cat darted beneath Commander's hooves, causing the large stallion to spook and rear. Joshua grasped into his black mane, gripping for something to control him since he was riding nearly tackless. The black stallion's hooves landed to the ground, and proceeded to nervously dance backwards, his ears flicked forward and his eyes wide and gazing after the dog and cat.

"Easy boy," Joshua cooed, rubbing and patting his neck soothingly. "Easy." The sound of an excited child's voice reached Joshua's ears, and he turned to see one excitedly speaking to a young woman. He couldn't see her face, but she had beautiful black hair. After a moment, he watched her move down towards the bakery. After a few moments spent calming Commander, he led him towards the bakery. He slid off, approaching the young woman.

"Hello," He said friendily. "Do you mind if I ask your name? I'm rather new to this area, and I don't know anyone."

She complimented Commander, and he reached up to pat the stallion's neck. "Thank you," he said. "His name is Commander. He's a young one, only six years old. But he's done fairly well so far."

Adalee...a beautiful name. Realization seemed to strike him all at once as she began telling him about the cats and dogs and the governor.. "Oh my deepest apologies, my Lady!" He bent slightly forward for a brief moment in a polite bow. "Princess Adalee, how could I have not seen?" He extended his hand forward in an invitation for her if she wished to do so. "My name is Joshua Beckett, youngest Prince of Verus."

He smiled gently as she offered to show him around. "That would be lovely," he said kindly. "I've moved here. For how long I cannot say, but it's a nice village and I'd love to get to know it more." He listened to her words carefully, understanding. Anywhere you could make friends, and anywhere you could make enemies.

"Thank you for your offer," he said, climbing back up onto Commander's back. "I have no where specific in mind, really. I just wanted to get out and enjoy the morning." He smiled at her, his brown hair shimmering russet in the morning sun. "Is there anywhere you particularly like to go?"

Joshua watched as the kids began to swarm them, excited to be with the princess. He watched in silence, but never once grew impatient or angry. He was impressed by her patience and willingness to interact with the villagers, especially the children. Things were so different here compared to Verus. Everyone seemed to enjoy the company of one another.

Where he was from, he almost always felt cut off from the existence of anyone outside of the palace. He'd grown up sheltered from the villagers and hadn't been allowed to interact with them at all during visits. It was freeing to be here now, watching the lively interactions between a royal and common-folk. Since moving away, he was beginning to forget that he was still a prince.

He enjoyed not having to worry about looking or acting a certain way all of the time, not having to worry about who to marry and how to rule. Those were his brothers problems now, and he knew he would like it much better than he would have himself. As Adalee spoke to him once more, he nodded, smiling kindly.

"You're very good with the kids," he commented. "No wonder they like you." She told him that he could explore the village if he wished, and that she would find him when she was finished with her errands.

"Thank you kindly," he said to her, dipping his head in a slight nod of respect. "I look forward to seeing you." He watched as she spurred Finch forward, walking away. After a few small moments, he picked a direction and gently nudged Commander forward.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Some time had passed since last meeting with Adalee, and Joshua now stood outside of a small bookstore. He'd left Commander tied to a horse post a few buildings down. After finishing up a polite conversation with a young woman, he entered the store. He browsed the shelves, running his thumb along some of the books.