Welcome to Gaia! ::

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"Wouldn't you rather me be honest with you?" He said gesturing her dress and noticing she had a letter in her hand. What was it for? Surely, they wouldn't be sending letters from Zimid when we were already on our way there. However, it appeared that they had done so regardless. And who was he referring to by they? It would most likely be the Queen or her council. Vale felt he had been thinking too much on such a simple letter and placed it aside his thoughts. He sighed, "If anything, you still look very nice, princess." He said directing his vision to the outside of the carriage. He felt a bit embarrassed when he complimented her in any way but he felt he was going to need to get over it sooner or later. They were married now and they were both going to need to play into their roles as husband and wife if this was going to work out. And just like this, the princess was right. It would be sensible for him to take her on a date first. And although he was kidding before, he could tell the princess was at least a little bit serious. What kind of date was he suppose to take her on? Dinner? A theatrical show? She liked the outdoors, so maybe a picnic somewhere outside? He now swarmed himself with possible places and things to do. What would he wear? Would he need to ask or just take her with him somewhere? It felt so foreign thinking about dating ideas with the girl he just married. Or basically just met not too long ago. Especially since they used to be at each other's throats, when Vale used to joke with her just to irritate her and now he used it in a friendly manner with her. She even responded sarcastically, almost playing along with him even! But all in all, he would need to schedule something for the two of them when they were to return to Toryn.

He glanced at her when hearing her open the letter, skimming over it for something in particular. Vale's grin grew when hearing they were willing to schedule a magic competition, which they only did a few times a year. He was about excited as he is with jousting. Competitive sport was all anyone needed to catch Vale's attention. And to even hear that she might participate was even more spectacular. He couldn't really imagine what it was like, of course, since he had never been to a competition like this, but seeing the princess in an event like this, outside of her usual gracefulness was going to be quite the sight. Plus, he could add this to his list of bragging rights. "I hope you do. I'll cheer for you. So loud the crowd couldn't drown me out." He said chuckling and repositioning himself, yet again. Sitting in this carriage was so very uncomfortable for Vale. He dreaded having to ride in this for long periods of time. "What else does your letter say?" He asked with slight curiosity since this letter had been pages long.

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"No promises." He said to her response about getting carried away. He wasn't going to cheer crazy like he hinted, but he was going to make sure to wish he good luck. That, was a promise. Vale ceased his shifting, not that he was any more comfortable than he was before, but that his shifting wasn't making it any better. He has deemed this a ride that had no cure for uncomfortable-ness. He sighed, seeing how Eleanora seemed to be used to this type of thing. He wouldn't be surprised. Even though Vale was a price, he hardly went away far enough to be driven in a carriage. Anywhere Vale needed to be, he would simply take Windago. That, and he didn't go to any political meetings outside of the Kingdom. It was a waste of time. Vale nodded with understanding. So she probably received letters frequently if they were about things that went on in Zimid. Though he couldn't imagine much was going on now that we have entered a time of peace. Was being up to date with the kingdom worth several pages? Perhaps it was, perhaps it wasn't. Vale didn't know of any conflict Zimid could be in, nor could he think of any to be written in the letter. He began toying with the ends of his hair and gazed out the window. It seemed they were well out of the forested area and now surrounded by a large meadow, shining in green with small bits of purple and yellow flowers scattered across it. With the pace they were going, they would be able to find a rested area by noon, giving the horses and driver a break while the two stretch themselves. Vale wasn't sure if they would be staying somewhere along the way or going straight there but he remembered there was a grand lodge built on midpoints between every kingdom, so that royals were able to relax on their political trips.

Vale yawned. Not too long ago Vale had woken up, and he was still a bit sluggish, even with how far they've come. He was thinking about falling asleep to let the time fly by but with all the moving of the carriage and his inability to be comfortable, he assumed he wouldn't be able to rest no matter what. Adding to this, he didn't want to have Eleanora stay up all by herself with no one to speak to. Though Vale knew she didn't really need Vale, especially to fill in for loneliness. He knew she enjoyed peace and quiet, but he didn't know if this was one of the times when she desired it. He thought about using this time to get to know her more. They were going to be on this trip for a long while, might as well. He leaned his head back and crossed his arms as another attempt in getting settled. "What was your childhood like, Eleanora? Was it the same as your life is now? Having to be graceful and princess-like?" He asked, ruffling his brows questioningly. Depending on her answer, he could maybe think of something to do with her. From the way she spoke about her quest for queen earlier, it seemed as if she focused all of her life into her goal. He was sure she had done some interesting things in her life, but he thought about having her do something exciting. Yes, this was going to be difficult to find something worth her excitement but he was willing to try. "I'm sure you were such an interesting child. I could barely imagine it, really." He said smirking to her, actually unable to imagine her as a child. He couldn't see her, playing in dirt or with other children sweating in the sun frolicking outside like Toryn children did. Of course, Vale didn't do that as a a child either. Rather, he was more of a bully towards other children.

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Vale listened to her offer and shrugged. "While that may be true, I don't feel very comfortable letting you stay awake all on your own." He said even though his eyes felt a bit heavy. Not to mention the sunlight this morning happen to shine brighter than usual. It was almost blinding trying to stare outside the window. But this was all, of course, because Vale wasn't accustomed to waking at such an early time. And with the carriage's rattling, it was becoming impossible for him to rest. Vale smiled to the princess, " Perhaps if I were able to lay on a princess's lap, maybe I could get some rest. " He said raising his eyebrow and smirking playfully to her. Though he wouldn't expect her to allow it, it was still nice to flirt with her sometimes, being that her reactions never failed to amaze him. "Maybe she would sing to me as well."

Vale listened to her, imagining a young princess acting stubborn and wandering around, exploring places. She wasn't like Toryn children, which Vale should have realized. They were from two completely different backgrounds. Two different environments and societies. Even with this, he could tell she was still an interesting child. She was a child full of energy, which hadn't really changed from what Vale could see. In fact, he could see she hadn't changed a lot, although she says she was different. Not only that, she was certainly as bright as she was when she was younger. She was able to adapt to Toryn quickly and she was very intelligent. She may have had more sudden bursts of emotion as a child, but that didn't mean she had changed completely. From what it looks like, she was simply able to control them better. However, he could see why she would have these bursts, as any child would. Her father was always busy and she had no mother to teach her and raise her. Yes, she had a nurse and some teachers to do the task but Vale knows it's not quite the same with out the woman who placed you into this world to give you the proper insight. In a way, Vale compared Eleanora as a child to how he acted now, and it was scary how similar they were. After his mother died, Vale was as stubborn and impulsive as she was. Having sudden anger, wandering around the kingdom without warning, wanting to please his father. Of course, now he was over it, and was only able to deal with his emotions by pushing them aside or avoiding them. And Vale had no reason to wish to please his father.

Vale sighed at her story of child stubbornness and despite the brightness, he still looked out the window, so that he couldn't feel embarrassed. "Well, not sure if it means anything, but that makes me even more proud to have received one from you." He said brushing a strand of hair back. He thought of something a looked back to her, "How busy do you think your father will be when we arrive? Perhaps we could have a chat." He said suggestively, "And maybe, later on, you could show me that favorite spot of yours. I'd love to see it. "

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Vale snickered, "Pretty sure her name started with an E...", he said grinning to her and watching her gaze directed to the outside. The steady moving of scenery, while very nice to look at, was slowly turning his curiosity in Zimid into a strong boredom for the trip getting there. In a way, he prayed Zimid would be as exciting as he imagined since the trip was becoming unbearable and Vale had never been one for long trips. However, the little smirks and comments within their small talk make everything less insufferable. And, judging by the small smirk she gave after his embarrassing comment, she liked what she heard. And with that he gave a small nod, satisfied with her small but pleasant reaction.

Hearing her speak once more, and glanced over to her from the corner of his eye. Ah, about the king. He wondered what changes she meant exactly but he could probably figure it out on his own. Royals, especially during times like these, were always off or busy with something of the sort. With the kingdoms merging and the wedding, even the revival of both kingdoms after the war, he could imagine the king's involvement in many things and understood he would most likely be occupied with other things. Also, being that it's Zimid, they probably had a lot more to look after than Toryn did. Though, Vale assumed meeting the man your daughter just married for the sake of the kingdoms was a very high priority. Of course, sitting down and chatting for hours was probably out of the question, not that Vale wanted to do that, but because of his current business. A simple greeting was all that was needed, perhaps over tea if he liked it just as the princess did. But, no matter. He could introduce himself another time, probably when the kingdoms become stable again. Hopefully, the king doesn't strain himself with such matters.

He also awaited her answer on another topic, which she responded with a bit of tone. Vale blinked and looked at her. Why? He didn't expect her to ask why. He just thought it would be nice to show him. Now that he realized it, she didn't go into much detail about this place she used to go. Perhaps she didn't wish to show him? Vale raised a brow and grinned, "Why, I wish to embrace it's secrecy, of course. " He said sarcastically. "If you don't wish to take me, I don't mind. I just wanted to see where you spent your down time as a young one. It sounded very interesting." He said gesturing as he spoke and shrugging afterwards. With them being there, he wanted to witness all of the attention grabbing places Zimid had to offer, and with the Princess's small story, he added her secret place onto that list. That, and he thought going to a place such as that would bring them closer. Though, it was just a thought.

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"Very similar." He simply stated, ending his attempt to flirt with the princess, seeing that she wasn't going to budge this time. Although his efforts were often fruitless, it was a good strategy to get closer to her, or more, perhaps, under her tough skin. That, and he may or may not have placed bets to himself how quick she would fall for him. At the rate they were going, he would be losing. Tragically. But, Vale figured even if she didn't fall for him, she was still a pretty good companion to have around. She has like-able opinions with quite the a amusing attitude. One that even Vale couldn't get enough of. And with moments of thinking about more things he finds amusing about her, he noticed the oh-so-graceful princess leap out of her seat like a five year old seeing a parent after a three day business trip. Vale furrowed his brows at her and practically died of laughter. "You look like an excited dog.." He said his laughter slowly subsiding into small chuckles. It was almost cute seeing how excited the princess was. It hadn't been that long, has it? Though, if he were away from home in a strange place for as long as she had, he would probably miss home to this extent as well. Although she looked funny, it was nice to see the joy practically spilling out of her.

Vale could feel the carriage come to a slow, then a halt. Finally. Vale needed to stretch a bit. For a moment there, he was starting to reconsider the trip. He let the princess exit first, and then followed her, raising his arms above his head and stretching himself while also twisting his back a bit. Small pops could be heard which let him know that after this trip, he was going to need to see Carrie. Vale took a look around to see if he recognized anything, but then his attention was drawn to the apparent division of life and death. Was this between Toryn and Zimid? Vale's heart sank a little, seeing the actual difference between the care of life from Toryn and Zimid. He hadn't really thought just how badly they were harming their plant life, he just knew it was happening. But to the point you were able to differentiate between the two kingdoms was almost scary. And to think, the princess had been trying to revive this in Toryn. He sighed and took his mind off of it, looking to the princess instead. Just a couple feet within Zimid territory and he was already taken on an emotional ride. When he heard her words, he looked to her a bit astonished, walking up to her and holding his hand up in order to solemnly swear. "I won't tell a soul. You could even blindfold me on the way there, so even I wouldn't know how to get there or the location. Hm?" He said raising a brow and saying this suggestively. In a way, he saw this idea to be something interesting and humourous, mostly for him. Plus, this could open him up for some jokes.

Vale placed his hands in his pockets and looked up ahead of the path they were on. He was practically ready to be dazzled. He smiled and looked back to Eleanora, " Of course I'd like to. For such a bothersome trip, I'd like to see as much as possible. " He said, watching her mess with the leaves from one of the trees. In the beginning, he assumed all people of Zimid was like her, into plants and things of nature and what-not. Of course, that's what they do but they are all different in their own way. They weren't beasts like he thought. They weren't feeble or lesser like her used to think. They appeared to have a lot of aspects to them that Vale didn't understand, but with the time he had spent with the princess, hes become curious about them. Their individuality, their strengths and weaknesses, their likes and dislikes. Things they celebrate, the way they live and treat each other. In one way, he wanted to compare how they interacted with one another with the way humans did. In another, he just wanted to believe that there were no difference between the two. Either way was going to be fascinating to him. But he knew, whatever Zimid had, Eleanora loved with all of her heart. And he could barely contain his desire to know what it was as well.

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The weather was fairly nice today, not too hot or humid, not chilly or unbearable dry. This would just so happen to add to the reason he wasn't in a bad mood yet. Vale inhaled deeply, the smell of the life around them made him drowsy. But, of course, he fought this and glanced over to Eleanora, who had finally chosen to let the leaf go and watched it float it's way to the grass below. Vale heard light steps, seeing it was only Flynn. He had spoke something to her, though he didn't really understand the context, he dismissed it just as the other things since it was usually about Zimid. Plus, it wasn't really any of his concern. However, when she brought her voice down to where only her servant could hear, he was a bit curious on what she had to be so quiet about. In fact, he always had small hunches that whatever it was couldn't be shared with Vale exclusively. But he never had any reason to truly doubt her.

After her statement, Flynn left and reappeared with a basket of some sort. Of course, he automatically assumed it was food for the two to consume on the trip, and with such amazing weather, the two could easily eat out in the open. He watched Eleanora walk over to a tree and sat under it's shadow and followed suit. He smirked at her and sat next to her, feeling the difference in temperature from being in the sun to moving into the shade. "Ah, I'd love to eat. However, my body is so very drained. Perhaps my wife could feed me?" He said with a theatrical tone, and also adding in, "Oh! And, I believe I remember the name! If I recall correctly, it was Eleanora?" He said snickering and looking into the basket to see what they had brought for them. Bread, meat, fish, oranges, and nuts. It was apparent about which item were meant for who. He grabbed the salted meat and began to pick at it little by little, wanting to preserve the break they were able to have. He also got his hands on one of the water skins, opening it and tasting the sweet, tangy taste of wine. Who ever created wine was to become Vale's religion. It was such an amazing beverage, one he was introduced to at 5 years old. He looked to the princess, smiling. " Time flew by pretty fast. Probably because we were conversing and didn't even realize it. " He said, playing with the tips of her hair, something he had done before and apparently was beginning to form into a habit. In a way, he just couldn't resist it, it was something entertaining, feeling the texture and softness. Or perhaps he simply missed the times when his hair was just as long, but unconsciously. Regardless, he was doing it again, but with less attention to it.

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Vale chuckled at her comment, comparing the ride to his jousting. It was a bit funny how he could handle the pain and danger of jousting more than a simple ride in a carriage. It was the fact he had to sit still for so long, it was something he proved to be bad at. He observed her from the corner of his eye, seeing her pick up a jar with honeyed oranges. It looked rather tasty for some simple oranges, ones that he hadn't had since he was younger. He remembered his mother actually hated them and requested them to be taken away, something about the smell bothered her. Vale always found it strange since they smell nice and sweet but of course, it didn't matter much to him now. He could smell it now, actually. Very sweet and pleasant. He directed his attention back to the carriage, feeling a bit unsettled he would have to go back in again for the rest of the trip and back. He thought about how he was going to preoccupy his spare time there. Yes, she was going to show him around Zimid but considering she was back in her home kingdom, he assumed there would be times when she was going to be off doing something else. He would probably look for a small sanctuary when he arrived so he could lay low and properly dodge the queen if necessary. He couldn't bare being with her in the same room without Eleanora there. When the princess is present, it's a lot easier for him to hold his comments back.

Vale nodded in agreement about the duration of the ride. He could wait to find something a lot more comfortable than the carriage seats to sit on. At this point, he was fascinated by her endurance of it all. But, of course, she is a royal that is engaged in the kingdom's political affairs, so travel was necessary. He watched her drink some of the wine from the other skin, to which she seemed unexpectedly satisfied with her drink. It seemed she was getting used to Toryn food to where it didn't disgust her much, which was a good thing. He began thinking about the food they would serve in Zimid. It would be a bit strange to Vale, not eating any meat and such for the duration of their stay. Or perhaps they would conform to his diet? He doubted it, since they are not obligated to do so. Nor is their food any less edible than Toryn's. He figured he would be fine no matter the outcome. Glancing at her again, he watched her finish her eating and attempt to wipe away any syrup she had around her lips. Attempt. It appeared she still had some left which almost made Vale snicker. But he managed to hold it in. Should he tell her? Of course, that would be rude to let her walk around with it. Was this an interesting opportunity? Also, yes. He leaned in closer to her, leaving nothing but some inches between the two royals. He looked her in her eyes, which he noticed to be a beautiful shade of blue. He brought his hand up to her chin, lightly placing his thumb next to her lips and rubbing the remaining syrup she had missed away. Afterwards, he retreated back to his original place, licking the syrup he had take from the side of her lips. "Missed a spot. " He said raising a brow at how tasty the small bit of syrup was. "Oh, that's good." He said, complimenting the taste. He might need to get himself some oranges soon, too.