× FERRIC

@[H] Nichkhun Horvejkul (B) Jessica watched with lips tight and white as the halls of her Ferric castle. She saw how while he was mute, it was obvious that he was only getting more and more angry with her. The way his hands shook gently around the puppy throat while the puppy struggled uncomfortably.

He shook his head, as if disappointing in Jessica. She only half understood, as she didn't speak silence, but she could only read his expression. He stepped closer to her, the knife still against the puppies neck. "Jack" she said the only name she knew of the bandit, taking a step back and started pulling back the pan as if she was gonna swing and wack him. She would. But she had to make sure the puppy would be safe. He only kept advancing, and she backed up a couple more steps, but she would soon lose.

She was thinking for to long, for then he pinned her down with his weight to the ground. She instinctively tried hitting the pan over his head, but he grabbed her wrist, and was already throwing the wepons she had collected into the bushes away from her. She grit her teeth as she had fought to hold out and get him, but he had won, and then shoved the puppy into her hands quickly in his own surrender.

She gasped, the whirl wind fast coming and going, but he got off her, and waited for her to stand up. She could tell that's what he wanted her to do. She was mad at herself. She couldn't even defend herself!!! It was just one guy! She was tormented with her weaknesses, but she stood herself up with what little dignity she had left, and he immediately took her hand so she wouldn't leave. She was pulled to him as he grabbed the fruit basket and change of clothes. Jessica's immediate thought was that she wouldn't change. She needed people to know it was her; to save her stupid once again. She couldn't do this again.

She ran a hand through her hair, one arm holding the puppy as he and squirmed in her grasp. She couldn't help but smile a little because of its cuteness, but she was still upset. He started pulling her along soon after, and Jessica followed in silence. Her thoughts were dark and deeper the more quiet it was, and her face only drew paler and thinner. She petted the puppy here and there, and held the things he wanted her to hold, but...what was she to do now?

She felt like she needed to say something, but then she thought better of it. She needed to make a better plan, as well as she needed to actually be able to speak to him; him with paper and pen or something and her with . But she couldn't now, and she wouldn't get answers now.

@[H] Jung Jessica (RE) I desire to be the hero, indeed. But I never said I want to the hero of YOUR PEOPLE./ He sighed, his long fingers wrapping around the tiny fragile neck of the baby animal he was cradling. His fingers wasn't choking the black pup but it must have been uncomfortable since it struggled against his grip. He locked eyes with the Princess, wanting to make his message clear in one gesture.

Nichkhun shook his head, //I want to be the hero of MY PEOPLE. The Homeless. Bandits. Outcasts. Street Dwellers. I have been stealing for 15 years, Princess. I could settle in luxury: Have a life similar to your people. I could even start a family and settle down. I am the richest bandit in Silvatica but all the money I steal goes to somewhere else.// With each word, Nichkhun grip tightened on the pocket knife that his knuckles turned painfully white, and the veins of his hand surfaced.

With each word, he started marching towards the princess. The same foolish bravery, that saved his life countless times whenever taking risks are involved, embraced him that very moment. He held the puppy's head in one hand. His other hand kept the knife away before curling to a fist. Nichkhun couldn't careless of what the Princess he will do to him. Soon he was about to burst. /If you want me to agree with you... let go of the pan, Princess. But since I'm mute, I have no way of relaying that message to you. So, I could only do this--/

He charged at the princess, knocking her on the ground. While on top of her, he used his size and strength to prevent her from shoving him away. Nichkhun vented all of his frustrations on what the Princess was holding. He forcefully grabbed the spray, even with a bit of struggle, and then threw it far. Afterwards, he pried the pan from her fingers and threw farther.

Immediately, he shove the puppy to the princess. /Take care of that little rascal. I got him for you./

Afterwards, he stood up and looked away to hide his embarrassed face. He may be a brutal bandit, but he still have his manners toward women. He didn't like how he handled the situation but he didn't have any choice. Nichkhun grabbed the princess's hand after she helped herself up. /We'll talk about this first. I can't grant you absolute freedom. Remember, you broke my trust./ He dragged her to the area where he placed the fruit basket and fresh clothes. Nichhkhun picked up the set of clothes and handed it to her. Then, he took the fruit basket and marched towards the Ferric borders.

Not exactly the Ferric palace, but the same village of illegal immigrants he had been to a while ago. /You need to see something first. Let's go this way. Perhaps you can use their place to clean up before going to the palace. Meanwhile, I'll search for papers and writing materials so I could talk to you./

/I'm giving you one more chance to build trust. Don't break it./

[post deleted by owner]

@[H] Nichkhun Horvejkul (B) "Then do what's right. Don't kill the puppy. Let me let my kingdom know I am safe and then take me wherever you desire. I promise you as soon as they know no harm was to come of me, not only will you be well known as a savior, but I will be more safe." she gripped the pan harder, more securely.

"Put. The puppy. Down Jack." she said as calmly as she could to him. He wouldn't do it. He could not do it!

2/2

@[H] Nichkhun Horvejkul (B) Jessica couldn't help but run. Run hard and fast, from that aweful place that could've been worse. In the back of her mind, in her sweat and in her blood, she was shaking from the thoughts about Jack and his tracking skills. She could swear on it that with her sweat dripping off from her running madly home, he could trace each drop right back to her, like a blood hound. Or maybe it would be her stench that lead him back.

She had a gut feeling though, somewhere deep that was hidden well, that the pirate would find her, and not be happy.

/you can't think like that!/ her brain told her /you think like that, and you've already lost it all./ her brain was right of course. if your brain and heart have giving up, so have you, and admitting to be caught is just like being caught. She couldn't do that, not right now. She had to fight, and win.

She wasn't sure how long she was running, but it was longer than 5, maybe 10 minutes, and she knew she had been running a while because she legs were getting slower and tierder. Gosh she was so tierd.

No, not that either, no. Only positive thinking was aloud.

"ok, so, the castle was about an hour back, if I head in the right direction, I can at least get to a road or village-and then I can figure out how far from home I am." she spoke out loud her thoughts, needing to hear them in order to keep her going, because she knew she couldn't stop.

She gripped the can of spray and the pan tighter in her clamy hands, knowing also letting go of either of them would be a fatel mistake once Jack found she was gone.

She went a while longer, her legs much much slower by this time, and she looked around the trees, trying to find any sign of anything she could identify as they were being chased by wolves just yesterday. But there was nothing. So many trees, so much green. It made her bite the corner of her lip; a habit when she was nervous. This wasn't good.

And then the thunder rolled in.

With half a brain for knowledge, Jessica felt a strong grip grab her arm, and then turning around, there was Jack, so close. Too close. And he was right there!!! She ripped her arm back, holding up the pan and the spray, but before she could do anything, she immidiatly saw the black puppy in his hands. What was this?

Her eyes were now so alert, she feared for the puppy, and feared what Jack was planning on doing to bring her back. Her mind was set on he was going to drag her back, and or hurt her, punch her a few times. But now, he was holding a little black puppy in one arm, and with the other arm he was holding out his hand to her. Or more the pan she was holding up, ready to swing.

He looked disapointed, or rather he expected it from her. It haunted her,

She watched how mutely, he took out a small knife from his pocket, and held it to the puppys chest. Her eyes widened.

"No...No you wouldn't" but he would, and she knew it. She looked into his eyes, still holding the pan up as her defense. But she didn't see joy in this. His eyes told her he didn't want to hurt a innocent pup.

But she knew he would if that's what it took to bring her back, and finish the story she didn't wanna to write.

"You will not hurt an innocet pup Jack. Where did you even find it; in the village you went to? How old is it, a couple months? It's just started it's life, you will not take it away from that." her heart pounded, as the puppy smiled and drew out his little pink tounge for her. It was like him holding up an innocent baby prepared to kill it.

She had to make a choice. She could bang him in the head, grab the pup and run as hard as she could. She could bang him many times, either way he would probably stop her, and then it would be her violence against his, and in the end his would win. She could hand the pan, get the puppy, and then run, but he wasn't in fear of knocking her out. She could walk back peacfully to her cell to play a part in a fariytale.

The last oppstion was too much to bear.

"I will not go back to your hideout, or with you on your journy, not willingly Jack. I have a contry to consider, and the longer I wait I am more venerable, the longer I will be rumored around, and before it's even half way into the journey of yours, they'll think I'm dead. I am the only one left Jack for the job as ruler, and I will not leave me people." she shook her head.

"I have to go back, and willingly once they know I'm safe, I will still go on your journy with you. You can be a hero, and in your writings about you, you can say you saved the Empress, or princess, or whatever they will call me, maybe just a pesant in a caggie, with be saved by you, taken care of, taken home, and then went on many adventures with you. You want to be the hero, right?" she looked at the puppy, and then up at him.

1/2

@[H] Jung Jessica (RE) (2/2)

Nichkhun decided to trace his way back to his hideout as how he abducted Jessica. If she decided to disregard his proposal, the princess would obviously stick with whatever is familiar to her as she finds her way to the castle. They always play safe.

The young pup grew tired of nibbling and fell asleep while being cradled by the mute bandit, who was snacking on the cluster of grapes from the basket of fruits he bought. It was a surprisingly peaceful walk until Nichkhun heard uneven approaching steps. These steps sounded far from any four-legged being. Also, it was too light for a pirate; too clumsy for a bandit; and too unsteady for a palace guard. Nichkhun had a hunch.

Upon locking eyes with the young lady who was carrying a pan on one hand and a spray on the other, Nichkhun couldn't help but smile.

He placed the fruit basket and Jessica's new set of clothes on the grass; however, he kept the black pup cradled in his left arm. With his free hand, he reached out to Jessica. /Princess, give the pan to me or else you might get hurt./ Nichkhun studied her, with eyes that reflect amusement. He knew that it'll come to this.

/Gentle Empress of Ferric.../ He smiled at her, while shaking his head in disappointment as he pointed the pan on her hand. /I knew that you will resort to violence anytime soon./

/Let us see if you're ready. In fact, let me teach my ways. That pan will lead you to nowhere./ His eyes pointed to the young pup, while his free hand slyly crept to his pocket to take out a pocket knife. Nichkhun held the tip of his knife to the puppy's exposed flesh. /First, let us see how much blood you can handle./

/Now./ His body gesture said: his grip tightening on the knife as if it was ready to pierce the flesh of an innocent creature. /Will go back with me, or would you like to see another life taken away?/

But his eyes were saying the opposite. His eyes didn't want to involve the black pup.

@[H] Jung Jessica (RE) (1/2)

The nearest town resided on the borders of Ferric: a community of illegal immigrants from different parts of Silvatica that relied on what the Ferric woods can provide. For travellers to take the main path will take an hour and a half; however, from Nichkhun's hideout he can take almost an hour by foot, or thirty minutes by sprinting. Fortunately, in his 2-week stay at Ferric, the young bandit found the quickest way to get there.

Before stepping foot on the poverty-ridden place of make-shift cabins and poorly built stalls of broken tables, Nichkhun dusted his Palace guard uniform and closed all buttons that exposed his wounded body. With his cluttered look, perhaps the townspeople could take pity on him for serving Ferric. That will cover his true intentions as a bandit.

Upon entering, Nichkhun scanned the area for food and clothing. Stealing is needless. That would only ruin his image as a palace guard; however, the noticeable murmurs of townspeople made him paranoid. Once his true identity gets exposed, Nichkhun might summon every bit of motivation to use violence.

Visitors must have been rare for this town because everyone competed for the attention of the young bandit. Hands were flying as they all pointed to their fresh produce. Nichkhun caught the attention of an old lady who was trying to sell a basket of fruits for one gold coin.

He slid his hand inside his pocket to grab a fistful of coins, uninterested of the total value. As he approached the old lady, he softly dumped his coins on the table and snatched the basket from her. Nichkhun walked away without looking back. A sea of whispers followed closely behind him. "That much?!", "He must be one of those special military forces!", "Such a kind young man."

It wasn't an act of kindness. He wanted to blind these people with symbols that held an intrinsic value that goes beyond what it seems. Giving away unreasonable sums of money is unlikely for a bandit to do.

After taking a quick stroll, Nichkhun bought a new set of clothing for the Empress. He sought the assistance of a young lady who (approximately) had Jessica's figure, but he couldn't care less if it was too loose or too tight. The young lady gave him a set of comfortable clothing as requested. This way, Jessica's damned gown wouldn't slow down their journey.

It took him fifteen minutes in total to buy everything he needed. Nichkhun was about to go back until something tugged his boots. He bent down, meeting the playful stare of a young black pup. He decided to ignore the little rascal, kicking him lightly before marching away. However, the same feeling of being tugged returned.

Nichkhun bent down once again to see the same black pup.

For a quick second, Nichkhun thought of what he should do to the puppy. /You should play with the Empress. She could pour all her attention to you. That way, she'll stop bothering me./ With one hand, he scooped the young pup, who saw his thick fingers as a new chew toy and decided to nibble on it.

@[H] Nichkhun Horvejkul (B) Jessica woke up softly, like a rising flower, her brown orbs openeing up and taking in the world around her. Of course she wasn't home though, she was the captive of a theif with a insane dream that was hurting her and the kingdom of Ferric. She would never be safe again.

She sat up, realizing something weird, and shocking. She looked at the door, and all around the room. There was no sign of BlackJack. She felt something slip through her fingers, a strange tickle sensation, and saw a folded yellow with damage peice of paper slip from her grip. She let it float to the floor, and then picked it up, oepning it and reading the messege.

"Let me take you to Sindo, and I promise I will let you go after that. I also promise to be less harsh if you'll let me. But if you won't, I'll take you there anyways, and I assure you that I will make your journey difficult." she could picture him saying it with a stern voice if he would speak, a knife being held to in harsh warning. She could feel the tip on her adems apple, and gulped.

Jessica stood up, the note still in her hand, She looked around, contemplating what to do. They weren't far from Ferric. If she ran, she could make it. But she could also be taken back. This guy was smart. Too smart. He could track her and bring her back. But she could make it.

But, what if she tried and he found her? She would lose his trust, she would break what she had very slowly started building, and it would be harder to break through. She would be chained, maybe he would cut her to scare her, but she was strong. She could loose her identity! She could cut away hair, and maybe make her body a different shape. Then no one would belive she was the Queen of Ferric.

All she knew was she had to try and go. But before she could start, she had to gather supplies.

She looked around, grabbing some food and wrapping it up, She pulled her hair back and tied it with a strip of her clothing she had cut yesterday. She looked for spray, or something to distract him, but not badly hurt him. She found a pan. She could do with that. Not hurt him, but knock him out. She knew she didn't have a lot of time, and made her way out.

She opened the door, climbing down it as quickly as possible, hoping the last five steps, and hitting the soft ground with a little thud. She saw the bucket, and she pondered on weither to take it with her. Nah. She started running, going toward the two tall rocks that took a bit to get to, and then ran through them, trying to retrace her steps to get back to Ferric.

It took her 15 minutes to hit the forest again, but she got there, and went right on in, going straight back from the way she came, speed walking now and makeing sure she was quick and quiet, just in case he was close. She had to be ready to defend herself. He could be looking for her now for all she knew!!

@[H] Jung Jessica (RE) 2/2

----THE BLACKJACK HIDEOUT----NEXT DAY----

The whole night, Nichkhun redesigned his plan. It lessened his credibility as the protagonist of his story but it may contribute to a smooth abduction.

Ripping a blank page from a book, Nichkhun began writing, "Let me take you to Sindo and I promise to let you go after that. I also promise to be less harsh if you'll let me. But if you won't, I'll take you there anyways, and I assure you that I will make your journey difficult." He studied the sleeping princess, looking for a place to slip the note where she could conveniently find it as she wakes up. Carefully, he knelt down, close to her face and slipped the note on the space between her fingers.

He left her in peace, walking towards the doorway while contemplating on whether he will regret his next decision. Right now, Nichkhun decided to leave his hideout and steal a new set of clothes for the princess as well as their breakfast and lunch for the day. The wolves have left and the sun hasn't risen yet.

It was a risky plan so Nichkhun took a coin from his pocket and flipped it:
Heads = He'll keep watch and stay hungry. Tails = He'll take a short leave and steal necessary materials.

Tails came out.

Nichkhun went down from treehouse and took a secret shortcut to the nearest town.

/Jessica could wake up and leave anytime/ He thought. Worry started growing after each step, but Nichkhun decided to go on and trust that he can abduct her once more if something went wrong.

---FERRIC SEA---

"Where are we going, Captain?" A pirate subordinate asked while paddling towards the east of Ferric Sea. Six of them--including the captain, are in a rowboat with the main ship stationed somewhere on the sea to avoid being noticed by the patrolling guards.

"Just row faster, goddamn it!" Captain Spade hissed before returning to his large map of the Ferric sea. "I will meet our pirate allies and propose a hunt for the princess. That will make things easier for us."

@[H] Jung Jessica (RE) 1/2
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"Most, if not all these thieves, are ones you look up to, right?" The princess met his eyes, making sure she got it right. In return, Nichkhun immediately looked away, intentionally unresponsive.

/I'm not talking to you./ He snapped in his head, but the young bandit kept listening. Nichkhun listened to how the princess talked about how these thieves are associated with the good: stealing from the rich and feeding the poor, etc. Her remarks urged him to look at her with rage and annoyance,

/People like you will never understand./

"I just wondered, what's your plan after this is over?" She ended.

It was a surprising question. Nichkhun never thought of it before. The young bandit gazed at his novels, discombobulated. He took the thickest one and turned to the last page. "I will never run out of pages, Princess." He wrote on that page using another burnt stick and handed the book to her. Afterwards, Nichkhun decided to ignore Jessica.

Night came and he caught a glimpse of her, reading another novel. He wasn't sure whether she was trying to stay awake as well, or she was genuinely interested in reading fiction about thieves. After her sixth book, the princess finally settled down. Nichkhun was finally at peace but their previous conversation haunted him. He wasn't sure if kidnapping Jessica was a good idea.

He gazed at her sleeping face, /I will not let you change my nature, so I will make you understand./

---MEANWHILE at a PIRATE SHIP near FERRIC---

"Captain, I have great news for you, the princess is allegedly missing! While the palace attention is currently on her (and away from us), we can now take over Ferric!" The cabin boy gleefully whispered while polishing the captain's boot.

"Aye, lad. So I've heard." The black bearded captain, who is notoriously known as Captain Spade, his beard in nonchalance as if he was expecting such incident to happen. "But we can't take over Ferric! We need to find the princess and take her as hostage in order for the Ferric military to fully weaken.

...THEY CAN'T TOUCH US WHEN WE HAVE HER!"

"But captain, we don't have any lead to her whereabouts." The cabin boy reasoned.

"Did I give you permission to talk? Imbecile!" The captain kicked the boy, who was polishing the boot he is currently wearing. The cabin boy hugged his stomach in pain as the captain ranted, "Now look at what you did to my boots? Polish it again and listen to me! I have an idea. The princess is a tactful and witty young lass. Her disappearance could only mean one thing!"

"She was kidnapped." Spade smirked, "And I can point out a number of people who are capable of kidnapping her."

@[H] Nichkhun Horvejkul (B) She sighed, knowing he may not answer her question, or any in the future. She may have no time to feel feelings of care for and with him. She wanted to, it would make things better, but she couldn't let him take her places. She was scared about being in his stories. So he wasn't taking her back...not for a bargin or anything...just keeping her for enough time to become a legend. She didn't agree to it. She looked over his books again, knowing if he let her, she would study up more on them.

Jessica shook her head in dismay when he pointed to the black jack card. She knew already that was not his real name. And she also knew it would take so much more time to get him to tell the tale to her, and so she didn't press.

Watching him walk she looked down at her books, catching him move to the doorway and block it with his body. She mentally cursed herself, as that was the only exit. The only way out. The gears turned in her head. She either needed to get him out of the way of the door, or...make another exit. She looked around the room, taking in her surroundings deeper. She was being watched so she didn't have time to look hard.

She then took her time, reading through the stories and studying up. She was itchy, but she needed to be pacient. No matter if one half of her heart wanted to scream and fight, the other one that over powered just a little bit more told her to calm herself down, and rest. She moved back against the wall, bring some books with her and started going.

--------------
Jessica stayed up and took in her surroundings every once in a while, before reading another 6 chapters from a book. Within dawn, she had read 6 books with as much care as she could. She fell asleep on the floor not long after she was done with her 6th, exhausted and knowing rest would help.

Her hair rested down her back, and her face soft but light.

2/2

@[H] Nichkhun Horvejkul (B) Jessica watched him and his gruff manner waddle over to her, grab the bucket she had made a mess in, and literally throwing the whole thing out the door. She moved herself to watch what became of the bucket, and jumped when the metal met with a skull of a wolf. A cry in anger and pain arouse into the air, and more barking occurred. The empress was merrily expecting the contents to be dumped onto their guardians, but instead it was thrown at them. What could she do though?

She took one last look at the spots of grass between the wolves, the trunk of the tree, the cold wind against her face, until it was snatched away with the door slamming to a close. She turned her head away, needing to keep that picture of hope in her mind. She needed to remember how to get out. She needed to remember the latter against the tree. hanging more toward the right and a little unstable, but in cirtin angles so it would be harder to get down fast. She needed to remember that home was just a ways away, and she was going to get there soon. Somehow. She closed her eyes, thought about it, and then reopened them, calm once again. Hope was a powerful thing.

During the procedure of wrapping, he was cold and figity. His shock has subsided from her kindness, and now he just didn't want her touching him at all. A tough one. She finished with all efforts toward his well being, and then let him have the space she could tell he was holding his breath to have. She stepped back 3 good feet, and watched him carefully like he watched her; similar looks they shared but she didn't mean mockery by her copy catting. She wanted to study like he studied her. To understand.

Understanding could be her key back home.

Jessica rubbed her bare arms, a little chilly admittingly, but she ment to do it as an acward way of getting her hands to do something; keep herself focused and in the moment. She was so done and wiped from the week, but she had no time for rest. She needed to get to work.

She was surprised when he dumped a bunch of clothing onto the floor, pushing them aside easgerly and looking for something. She knelt down onto the floor, and watched him as he soon enough uncovered his treasure. His personal stash of books. Not one book, but books. Many of them. And chapter books to. Robin Hood, The Master Theif, The Arabian Nights...he had quiet the adventure taste. All for famous theives.

'so this is where he gets his inspiration...' she thought to herself, examining the stories similarities and differences. Most the books were bristled or cut or aged, and that meant he had had these for a while. Maybe even stole them. Meaning even more, that he had been planning a while.

She was harshly shoved with a pile-full of books, but she didn't take it harshly. She knew it was just the way he was. She looked up and followed his stick as he wrote on the walls again. She read the words over and over. He wanted to play as another famous story; one people would remember. Didn't everyone want that though. She chuckled very softly, almost nervously under the surface. He wanted to make a story, and with none other than the Empress herself. A legend he would be if he was never caught.

A sick sort of fantasy, and she was worried how twisted his man was going to be with her.

But he was missing something else that all these stories shared in common. Something important that would hit the spot. She knew she should tell him. But wouldn't it make him angry? Would it give something helpful to her? She decided to ask anyway, see how he would react and just learn about him more through interaction.

"You're missing something...with all these stories, and even with myself included," she explained, looking from his eyes, to all the books laid in front of her. "Most...if not all these thieves, are ones you look up to...right?" she met his eyes, making sure she got it right. "Their purpose, even if it took a while, was to do things for good. Or maybe just a thing, even if it took till the end of their story. Stealing from the Rich, Giving to the Poor. Proving that he was more than the odds seemed, because of a good heart." she looked over the covers of books she already knew the tales of. Her fingers d them in admirment of what they had been through as hero's or villains. Or just as a written book in general. "All of these stories have some sort of connection to a...more good heroine time." she finished, knowing she may have said too much, or made a wrong choice in words. She wasn't sure because she wasn't going by script at all. "I just wondered...what's your plan after this is over?" she finally ended her question, one of many, tilting her head a little to the left and re reading his words on the wall. Immortal. A strong word he used with powerful purpose.

1/2

@[H] Jung Jessica (RE) .

As a response, Nichkhun grabbed the handle of the bucket; showing no signs of being disgusted. There were more gruesome things than the undigested regurgitated meal. He went to the doorway, carefully swinging the bucket and throwing it outside. The bucket sailed, hitting a patrolling wolf and dumping its contents on its head. The wolf came running away which made Nichkhun smile in amusement.

/I'll just steal another bucket. Don't worry./ He looked at her, showing no signs of worry or regret for throwing the bucket outside. His eyes narrowed down to a semi-glare the moment she pointed his bandages. Nichkhun wanted to push the princess away. He had enough of her kindness, it was throwing off his cold-blooded posture. However, the young thief let her. It'll be her last act of kindness toward him. Afterwards, he won't let her touch him. Never.

"There you go..." she murmured, then said. "Ok, you would like money, is that correct?"

And so the captive-captor negotiation started, which happened unusually sooner than expected. Normally, his captives would give death threats before negotiating with Nichkhun, after they learned that their chances of getting help is very unlikely. They would ask him what he wanted, commonly concluding that it would be money...but money was just a consolation prize.

Nichkhun stood up and went to the stack of folded clothes at one corner of the room. He crouched down to rummage underneath, eventually disregarding the effort he made in folding them as he sloppily sweeps them aside. Underneath his clothes were books: The Master Thief, Robin Hood, The Arabian Nights, and many more. All were stories about thieves. He grabbed an armful and shove them in front of the princess, books were now scattered on the floor. Nichkhun took the burnt stick once more and wrote, "To make stories. Real life stories. I want to be immortalized, and I am on my way there."

He read what he wrote, eyeing on the word Immortal. It was something that people would never understand. Money is easy, but a story isn't. Thieves and Bandits, they have tales that gold cannot buy; however, once they get caught, or once they perish--they will be forgotten. Their adventures shrunken as evil deeds. The thought angered Nichkhun that the young bandit broke the stick in half and threw it outside.

He glared at the princess, as if he was challenging her. /It's not easy to make stories. How's yours princess? How's your story?/ He pointed the books on the floor, then he pointed to the writings on the wall, then he pointed the Empress. /That's why I can't let you go. I need you for my stories./

The young bandit calmed down after hearing her name. Jessica. It was very exotic, like his name. When the Empress asked for it, Nichkhun pointed to the card. Black Jack or Jack. Anything but his real name. A one-sided transaction was enough, such as knowing Jessica's name; however, if Nichkhun revealed his... it would mean something else. He can't afford to establish a connection with her, and it won't start with the reveal of his name.

Nichkhun went back to his position at the door way, leaving the books with Jessica. It'll be a long night, she might as well entertain herself until evening.
-------------
For a few hours, he ignored the princess. He rather save his energy doing nothing than worry about her foreign behavior as a captive. It was already night, and he wouldn't be sleeping. He'll be keeping watch until dawn, when they start another journey to Sindo. He still has a few hours before dawn. A few hours to think about what he should do next.

Dawn came and Nichkhun was awake the whole time.

@[H] Nichkhun Horvejkul (B) Putting the bucket down and coming close to him again, she unwrapped and re wrapping his arm up, but made it more neat and sturdier. She made it tighter, pulling on the ends to make sure pressure was applied to those slightly bleeding places. She took his hand again, for a moment feeling his cuts and calluses against her soft, lotioned hand, and pulled him to the table in which the first aid kit stayed in place. She searched around till she pulled out a pin or 3, and pinned it up all so very nicely.

"There you go..." she replied softly to her work, which she had praticed before during a training session, and it seemed like she was just back in class. At home. In her castle. Not in a room with a man who had lied and kidnapped her.

Stepping back, what she knew she needed now was another task that could keep them away from going over the subject at hand. But thinking about it, Jessica found it similar to just running from your problems. And this was a issue that needed to be discussed and re arranged now.

She opened her eyes, bright and soft, forcing her mind out of the gutter and into now.

"Ok, you would like money, is that correct?" she asked seriously. Money. She couldn't fundraise money for her rescue; not only was she not made out of it, but it was wrong to give Bandits and Pirates selfish things that they wanted. As a community, all over them apart of it, they needed government and rules. Personally, Jessica was fine with being flexible in sharing the docs and some land for the Pirates, helping find jobs for the Bandits, whatever it took. But giving them selfish things they wanted...that was not a way of living but surviving, and she wanted them to live as the commoners do.

"...If you can tell me, can you say what your goal is for kidnapping me?" She into his eyes, reading into his pupils and trying to figure it out himself. She had sympathy upon him in a way, to resort to such violence. She looked away, knowing it would make him uncomfortable, and she knew if trust was to be gained, she needed to make the space even and fair.

She looked up again as he wrote another message, her jaw shaking at the sight of the words. Beautiful. That's what some called her. More like a girl who couldn't kill; who was fraglie as a China Doll, and who was gettting teared to peices by a war. Beautiful. Just because her skin was of the moons kisses and her heart was pure, but really she felt like a bug waiting to be squashed under someones foot.

Beautiful. Beauty was an outside image people created in order to compliment someone. But in this case, it made her sick. She rubbed her cold, bare arms, stepping back and looking for a window.

"My names Jessica." she finished, turning her head back around to look at him with calmer eyes she forced to wear as a mask when she wanted to cry. "Can you tell me your real, first name?" she asked him back, pausing and waiting.

2/2

@[H] Nichkhun Horvejkul (B) Jessica could feel her chest heaving, and she knew it was coming. The air was too tight, the heat was too strong, and her head too soft. She felt a pang of dizzies, the room suddenly three, and she couldn't stand up right. She threw her hand out to the nearest thing, the wall, and leaned onto it for support. It was not a brittle as the wood and age suggested, which was good because she was slipping. She couldn't hold her breath in much longer.

He quickly came to the rescue, this Black Jack man, throwing a metal rusty bucket in front of her feet, and she picked it up with gratitude. The female pulled her long, goldeny hair back behind her head with on hand, and with the other she held the thing up as she let her stomach revolt, and her lunch and breakfest leave her systems.

The princess looking girl went into a coughing fit, unable to help it and wrinkling her nose in desgust. S groan noise came out as the last meal she would have for a while was not all yellow and brown in globs of who knew what. She spit out the extra pieces of corn, putting the bucket away from so she wouldn't make a round two appear.

She needed to get back to her kingdom, but how was she suppose to do that? She clenched one fist, feeling dumb yet again as she had fallen for this before, and she promised she wouldn't do it again...but she did.

"Sorry..." she muttered softly under a warm breath. She didn't mean trouble for the male with a back story, one that was diffidently a mystery, but also important to put him on the most wanted list. She felt weak against him, throwing up, falling for his tricks, crying a little...hopefully he didn't see that mistake of an action. Not the first of today.

She had to remember though, her goal was peace and understandment; that was her everything now, who she wanted to be. Why was she being so nice to him? That was just a couple reasons. Half of her heart did want to make him hurt like the ones he killed today, but the optimistic half told her everyone had a story, wither they knew it or not, for doing what they do.

The empress barley even knew if she could react well anymore with how much pain she was having to endure inside her core being. She felt like she might explode into ashes where Pirates and Bandits thought she belonged. It just replayed in her mind "people died, people died, people died, because of you, you, you" it was a weird echo, but it was aweful, and she hated herself.

But she couldn't escape to her selfish will of living as a commoner; not having to worry about lives on your shoulders or dealing with complicated loop holy-politics.

It was her duty to save her kingdom from turmoil; to be the unstopable Empress. A leader who wasn't a man and prove everyone wrong. She was young and frail, some liking to take advantage of that, some just blind from seeing it. But she couldn't do much about it, so she left it alone, and pointed for her to be the one to get hurt.

For her kingdom. For her people. She would do anything.

She turned around to face the blonde man, picking up the buckets handle with a shaky arm, trying to remain a strong pillar that most couldn't see was crumbling. She looked at the wall, and read his words 2 solid times.

"Do you have a window or something? I don't wanna keep the stench inside." she asked, moving her eyes downward and not wanting to be responsive to his charcoal written words. He told her she couldn't leave. His face showed confusion, but the words showed he might not be as sorry. Or maybe he was, and he was just...lost in his own mind of whatever mission he was on with her involved.

"Ahg, your bandages." she spotted his arm, finding a good thing to be distracted with. An excuse not to hurt him, not to cry, and not to do something rash that could lose everything she could build up to. If she could show him that she really didn't want to harm him; that their ways were different but this shouldn't be happening, they could gain trust. He had an ego; maybe he could be her key to understanding the Bandits as she was understanding the Pirates.

1/2

[post deleted by owner]

@[H] Jung Jessica (RE) The first time Nichkhun abducted a woman, he had to suffer gravely by listening to a week's worth of curses that are more offending than the ones he received from enemy Pirates. Women abductees were loud, and requires high-maintenance--especially of those with seniority, asking for this and that, complaining for this and that. All of it was annoying. The Ferric Empress was the youngest, and to his surprise, she was the kindest one yet. It caused him to gaze at her with so much confusion, not long ago she was resisting like a feisty cat; but now she was offering aid to his wounds.

/Why are you like this? Why are you being kind to me?/ His eyes said, watching her his uniform. It felt strange to receive care from someone whom he had caused damage. It felt wrong.

"No thanks," She shook her head and smiled faintly. His past abductees would also reject his offer but none would give a smile like hers. It was all too confusing.

Nichkhun allowed her to wrap up his arm, although instinctively, he knew not to trust her. This could be an act. His method of faking and lying being used against him. He can't trust Royalties because they were the reason he was suffering. He was dirt poor, and that lead him to become a bandit. Hesna, Sindo, Hayde, and especially Pyrope, they are all corrupt.

After she had finished, the Empress stood up and went to the opposite side of the room. Nichkhun watched her carefully, still confused at how she was reacting to the situation. She appeared very passive, and fragile; Nichkhun wasn't used to it. He had no reason to be aggressive and it felt strange not to be, since all his life, bandits are required to be defensive and direct. One moment of pause and hesitation can kill them.

The princess placed one hand over , looking as if she was uncomfortable. "B-bucket." She asked in desperation.

Nichkhun struggled to find a bucket, the bandages getting loose after every movement. He found one beside his stack of folded clothes. Quickly, he grabbed the bucket and placed it in front of the Empress, who looked as if she was about to throw up.

/What's wrong with you?/ He thought. Everything was well-planned: the Empress would be stuck with him due to the wolves, and he already prepared tools for restraint such as ropes and hand-cuffs. But he wasn't expecting something.

He didn't expect some sort of kindness from her. If only she struggled, if only she gets angry, if only she would be violent towards him, Nichkhun wouldn't be this confused. He wouldn't question everything. He would abduct her as how he abducted the others--without sympathy.

Nichkhun sighed and took the burnt tip of a stick that was lying on the floor, one that he used to poke candles and charcoal. Quickly he started writing on the wall. "I'm sorry but I can't let you go." He faced her, his expression still showing confusion but he expressed a certain firmness saying that he will keep her as captive until negotiations had been made.

He wrote once more, "They told me your were beautiful but they never told me your name."

@[H] Nichkhun Horvejkul (B) The young princess had no time to react to the tradagy of another fallin. The creature ran at her in slow motion, and she stood, trying to flick the knife open, but it was hopeless. She was either over thinking it or under thinking it, in either case she wasn't getting it right, and she had 3 seconds before the beasts jaw snapped her head off, and a royal would've fallen. It would be over, and things would crumble.

But she had no time for those thoughts, as a knife zipped just like those arrows, and the male with the blonde hair had saved her one again. She covered , nearly dropping the knife as the mans blade went right through the wolfs head, causing the creature to spasm, whimper, and then die. Her body shook, and she wanted to throw up. Death she didn't take well; creature or human, death was something close to the worst fear of all the fears she owned.

The male grabbed her hand firmly again, as he mind and body could barley keep up with present day, pulling her up as her chest squeezed. Her footing was un lady like as she stumbled with the male to an abandon tree house the Empress had no time to question. It was safty. But the other knew this strange place.

She climbed up the later first as he pushed her forward, him behind. She went to the top, forcing her dress as well as herself through the hole and into the little hide away. She gasped for air, gripping the hilt tightly and flicking the blade out. She looked down, the weight different, and saw she had done it. So she had over estimated. She sighed, cutting away at her dress and frustratedly throwing the extra fabric to the side, but she was tearing the beauty to shreads like her heart went out for the people that were dead because of her today. It would just be another couple men, but these men were hers; they had duties but they also had family. Her people...they were so important to her....

She finished most of the dress like she wanted, and stood up, him slamming the opening shut, grabbing some alcohol and putting it over his wounds, he didn't make a sound though.

She looked around, seeing the supply box, and getting out some gauze. "Give me your arm" she held out her hand. She didn't wait though, and came up to him, ing his uniform and slowly pealed off the side of which he got his wounds, so she could clearly see where he needed a wrapping. "Does your arm hurt?" she asked him, besides the alcohol which probably bit worse than the wolf. "Here, sit sit."
she took his other hand, and pulled him down towards the floor, not knowing where a more comfotable place was.

She looked around, seeing the spades on the wall of jacks. Was this a mafia area? It was pretty secluded. But how...how would he know of this place. He started doing sign language, his face stern, and she realized and processed what was happening.

She was kidnapped. By not a pirate.

But Black Jack. One of the most wanted theifs in Ferric. She paused, and he didn't seem surprised she figured it out. She laid out his arm on her lap, and gently started wrapping it up, thinking about what to do. She stayed silent, shaking her head when he gestrued to the bread in the bin she had brought alone with the first aid kit. He made it clear he wanted her to eat.

She let out a soft smile, sort of a sad one, and shook her head. "No thanks" she stayed quiet, ignoring his signs and gently tapping his hand in which he was trying to use when it was attached to the arm she was trying to wrap. "Stop moving this one, let me finish." she complained softly. She was calmer and quiet, knowing she could cry later when he couldn't see. The darkness sank over her head and thoughts. She might not make it home. A kingdom might fall, and it was because of her stupidity. People died. She hated being Empress.

She didn't say anything after she had finished, standing up and walking to the opposite side of the room, putting one hand over as she bit her lip in desperation not to shed tears. She other hand wrapped around herself, knowing she was gonna puke. "B-bucket." she said, waving a hand over her face and trying to cool herself down, but the nausa was too strong. "B-Bucket" she said a little louder, moving around and trying to find something quick.

@[H] Jung Jessica (RE) Nichkhun allowed her to fidget with his knife: one the required slamming the hilt and flicking the blade at the same time, while he searches for a way to get past the wolves without letting themselves get noticed. His damned guard-boots were making crunching noises every time Nichkhun takes a step. Likewise, as much as he appreciated the grand gown for confining the princess' movements, the dress was making too much noise as it sweeps the dried leaves of Autumn. Being undetected is impossible; thus, Nichkhun could only search for a route that aren't meant for wolves just in case the beasts decided to make a pursuit.

As they walked further, the howls were getting louder. Nichkhun prepared another knife, one hidden underneath his uniform. It was his favorite throwing knife, one made from titanium with the hilt embedded with diamonds. It was a legendary knife that bathed in Royal blood; now, it will be tainted with the beast.

Suddenly, the wolf came charging. It sprinted toward Nichkhun and knocks him on the ground, freeing the princess from the thief's grip. /Darn it./ He cursed, pulling out his knife and defending himself against the wolf's snapping jaws. It scratched the royal uniform, plucking out the gold buttons and leaving shallow wounds on his arms. To his surprise, the princess shove the wolf away from him. It angered the wolf, finding a new target to chew on.

It came charging at the Empress, who was trying to flick the knife open.

Nichkhun scrambled to his feet, taking out his special throwing knife and aiming it at the sprinting wolf. He ran closer to his target before letting the knife fly. It struck the beast's head.

Before retrieving it, he ran to the princess's aid and helped her up. The wolf lay dead a few inches in front of her. He mercilessly took out the knife from its skull and dragged her away.

His hideout was just nearby. Beyond two large boulders stood a huge centurion tree with a make-shift shelter settled on its branches: it was Nichkhun's tree house. It looked pitiful, with a roof made from sewn coats that he stole from Ferric nobles. The walls were stolen plywoods nailed together. It was asymmetrical, taking the shape of a deformed trapezium. Wooden steps were nailed to the tree. A hammock hung lazily on the branch. Nichkhun led the Empress to the steps, urging her to climb up as the rest of the pack trailed behind. They will be secured on higher places.

Nichkhun started climbing behind her.

Leading her to his hideout may reveal his stolen goods. His weapons were hidden somewhere else; nonetheless, his hideout may reveal Nichkhun's true identity. However, she can't escape with the wolves patrolling below; the Empress needs to stay with him until dawn, when the beasts are sleeping and the sky is bright enough to give a clear path.

Later at dawn, Nichkhun will take her to Sindo. It'll be a really long journey but it's the best place to negotiate.

But first, he needed to take care of his wounds. A stack of medical supply was placed in a make-shift shelf near the window. Goods were carefully stacked at the corner, and melted candles were scattered on the floor. Upon reaching the tree house, Nichkhun immediately blocked the doorway. Blood was smeared on the door frame as he leans on it. For a second, he ignored the princess and grabbed an alcohol flask, pouring the bitter drink onto his wounds. He silently growled in pain, completely discarding the gentle guard-image.

It was time to reveal his true self. Anyway, the princess can't get away. But he rather let the room reveal it for him. They were decorated with cards: Jacks of Spades. Only one thief has that gimmick, if the Princess were aware, she would know.

Nichkhun was the Black Jack, the famous mute thief.

He pointed the stack of supplies on the corner, motioning her to get a loaf of bread.

/You must be tired from all that running. So don't bother escaping because there are wolves below. Also, don't scream because I have no trouble cutting your tongue. But for now, you should rest and eat./ He said using sign language, even if he doesn't know whether the Princess understood or not.

Eventually, he let his eyes speak. /You are tired. Eat./ He pointed the food (EAT) then pointed the princess (YOU).

@[H] Nichkhun Horvejkul (B) Jessica didn't look behind her, not once, in fear of seeing him swoop in and take her. This was bad. Her people needed her, and she was going to go on a far mission from a good friend. She loved her friend, and she wanted to help both her kingdom and this person, but it seemed she couldn't do both; an impossible task.

And her dress was not the tiniest bit helpful in her escape. She needed to cut it, but she didn't have the time. She tried picking it up, but gosh it was long. She fell, quickly pulling herself up, as she heard him coming up behind her. She would have to fight him. She turned around, about to scream when he grabbed her hand and held up a finger to his lips, gesturing around. She looked around. Was she buying this? Or was he real?

She looked over at his hand, the one holding out a small pocket knife with. She exhaled, not exactly in relif or just stress. "Do you have two?' she mouthed, holding up 2 fingers to him. She looked over the pocket knife. Small, defidently not Ferric. Personal. The carvings said all. This wasn't an ordinary knife. She started trying to flick it open, but it didn't work well. She tried to think back to self defense class. Each one was different if it was hand crafted. You could have to do a combination of things. What a bother. But she figured he was trying to be helpful.

She still felt that something was wrong with this whole picture.

She took his hand, letting him help her up on her feet, with the stupid, stupid dress traling like a godesses outfit would.

The sound of wolves howels just made Jessica groan under her breath. Great. Great. They were already deeper in the forest, and getting back would be trouble. But the guard would lead her home no matter what...no matter what...even if he pulled her deeper into the forest. She let him hold her tighter, securly, but barley enough to hurt. She started flicking and trying to pop the knife, trying different technices she had learned.

They walked a bit further, and the howels got closer. It was errie, and this was not good. She looked around, keeping on the alert.

And then, it hit her.

Well, not her, him, literally a wolf came out, and threw down her guard. She couldn't scream, she had no time. She was knocked from his grasps, and then on the floor. She looked around, as the pack was not far from entering. Great.

She shoved the wolf off the male, and the wolf was not happy being thrown off with a force of hers and it's. It came charging. And she tried to flick open the knife. But it wasn't working

@[H] Jung Jessica (RE) The Empress kept screaming an unfamiliar name while demanding information of whatever is happening around them. Nichkhun wasn't sure how to respond, knowing that his silence will make his intentions questionable. Therefore, the young thief could only haul her with him, deep within the woods to confuse her sense of direction. Reasonably, they should be heading back to Ferric but Nichkhun is doing the complete opposite; however, the attempt mustn't garner suspicion. He can't use too much force, or bring out any weapons.

But his silence made it difficult.

"No!" The Empress started yelling. She was screaming for help while struggling against the young man's grip. If only she were somebody else, Nichkhun could have used force and violence. Back at Sindo, when Nichkhun abducted the King's adviser, he had no trouble cutting the old geezer's tongue to prevent the old man from shouting. Unfortunately, this was the first time he abducted a young lady.

When the Empress broke free from his grip, Nichkhun immediately turns around to face her. By instinct, his hand carefully crept down to touch the hilt of a throwing knife that was concealed in his uniform at the back, tucked inside his pants with the hilt sticking out. He wanted to throw the knife at the Empress's ankles to prevent her from running...but he didn't.

Instead, he watched her run. His face attempted to express worry and confusion.

/With that dress, you wouldn't make it half-way./ He thought, exhaling in discontent.

Cautiously, Nichkhun ran towards her. He was waiting for the princess to stumble on her trailing gown. Giving her the chance to realize that running away is futile. Perhaps, if he appeared calmer, Nichkhun can still carry the image of a guard. When he saw that the princess was struggling with her dress, he ran faster to catch up, attempting to grab her hand once more. This time with more force; however, to avoid causing panic, Nichkhun used gestures and facial expressions to compensate for his silence.

He grabbed her with one had, crouching to her height and getting into her level so she could see his face. He appeared confused and worried, placing a finger on his lips while mouthing the sound "shhhh". Then, he pointed around them. /The enemy might be around us. Hidden in the trees. We have to be silent./ His eyes calmly expressed. Lying was a bit challenging when using nonverbal cues.

Nichkhun took a gamble by taking out a small folding knife, as long as his index finger and giving it to the princess. It was still closed, deploying it will require a special technique of pressing the hilt and flicking the blade. Something that the princess might struggle at, since it was Nichkhun's personal knife. However, he wanted to make her feel safe. He wanted the princess to trust him because Nichkhun needed to buy some time and lead her far from Ferric.

Sooner or later, the princess will find out that he is the enemy; however, Nichkhun needs to buy some time and place her in his grip so the attempt of escaping will appear impossible. And so, he decided to lead her in a specific place deep inside the woods: his tiny make-shift hideout in this 5-week stay at Ferric. Renting an apartment is too expensive, he decided to reside in the woods: far from Pirates, far from people.

/Let's go./ He soundlessly mouthed. Pulling her towards him once more, gently but secure.

It could have been an easy journey to his hideout, but the sound of wolves started echoing around them. It was loud, making it appear as if they were only a few feet away from Nichkhun and the princess. Immediately, he grabbed the princess and lead her close to him. Nichkhun has a strange principle of doing minor damages to his abductee because during negotiations, there is more money for every time they appeared unharmed.

He only kills them when Nichkhun was about to get caught. But he wasn't sure in this situation. He wasn't sure what he would do if wolves started popping out.

@[H] Nichkhun Horvejkul (B) "No no no." she muttered. She should've checked the carriage for weapons before she got on it. She should've asked/ What about her men? What was happening outside. She cursed her trailing, beautiful dress for making movement harder. This would not be helpful for running, which cowardly she knew would be a good option She barley had time to disinguess what was gonna happen next, though it was almost painfully obvious, when the window broke, and suddenly the carrige exploded into smoke. Jessica coughed, her eyes watering as she had to feel her way to the door, and kick it open. She tumbled out of the carriage, her eyes blind as someone grabbed her arm and started pulling her away from the scene, She tried blinking away tears from her eyes, making out the Ferric uniform.

"Marius" she said his name in relief, her heart jumping out of her chest. His blonde, rusty hair was un mistakable. His grip; strong and protective. She was safe "Tell me what's happening" she asked him, knowing this was planned. She knew she should've never left. She was having so much trouble with wanting to be assassinated, it was a hopeless cause to win seemingly. She needed to wake up and stop putting the people she cared about in danger! Putting her kingdom in danger. She felt like such a fool.

Looking behind her, she tried to make out the damage that had been done, but was blocked by the trees. He was pulling her so fast into the greenery. How many were dead? They needed to stop and go back.

"Wait, Marius." she said, pulling on him and trying to slow him down, but he was like a frait train. She knew it was young, and maybe had watched something terrifying while he was suppose to be protecting his ruler, but he needed to calm down. Maybe it was his first. He was tall and strong, but he had a soft heart. The women felt bad for him. He still wouldn't saying anything.

"Marius" she whispered his name again, trying to be soothing, but also trying to make sure they wouldn't get caught by whoever was trying to assassinate her. And so close to the castle. Wait! What if the castle was being attacked right now!? more dread filled her thoughts.

"Stop, just say something to reassure me; so I know it's you." she asked, pulling him backwards and digging her flats into the forest floor. But he didn't look back once. But the fog cleared. Then, it hit her like a punch to the face. Her vision cleared, even deeper and deeper into the dark woods they traveled. This males hair was shorter, and he was shorter in size as well. His body wasn't as menising...and his legs were faster and not as weighted. Lighter on his feet. This wasn't Marius.

Then...who was this?

"No...No!!" she went into hyper mode, gasping in the realization that this mans grip was not tight in fear or anger, but determination to get her out of there so no one would see. His silence wasn't because he was a scared soul that wished to hang in there and save her, just for a couple minutes more, but because this mans voice was of a different tone than the Marius the empress was speaking of. And tugging to get a move on was not in urgancence of safety, but urgency of getting her.

"No!!!" As hard as she could she pulled back from him, trying to stop him, or slow him down, or just get out of there. "Marius!!!" she cried her friends name. "Someone HELP!!!" she yelled as loud as her vocal chords could carry her after a meeting with the court just yesterday. Their was so much talking, and a lot of fighting. But she won those battles fine. This was one she couldn't win with others, but she had to do it by herself. Her angelic sound was now loud and cracky;hopefully enough to save her. "HEEEEEELP!!!" she screamed, kicking at whoever was trying to take her away. She dug her nails into his hand, pulling and ripping enough for his grip to loosen, and she duck down before he could snatch her other arm, twisting out of his grip, and stummbling to move away from him.

2/2 XD

@[H] Nichkhun Horvejkul (B) 3 trumpets blared across to each other the news of the Royal Empress of Ferric taking her leave from her kingdom. It was a necessary tradition, but at the same time, it echoed warning to those close to the royal home. There was only one left of the royal blood, and that of whom was a young lady stood posed at the top of the white stairs, allowing a man similar looking to the pope to remove her royal kingly crown, and place it on a blue velvet cushion for the highness to rest upon.

It was autumn; the peak of the heat from the beach and roaring waves toning down to a crisp air that called for afternoon tea to come an hour before regular time. Even as the wind nipped her cheek bones and exposed ivory skin, similar to the moon at night that controlled the seas as she did, there was no pink but upon her lips, in which it was natural. Her long, white dress with glittery beads hand crafted into the art work, she could've gotten married in an outfit so extravagant, but it wasn't enough for a royal such as her. She was accoutered slowly, almost deathly slowly, to her carrgie, where men stood by to take the Empress's bare hand in there gloved one, and lead her into her seat. She waited until the door closed for her to exhale, and closed her eyes in prayer to the gods above.

"Please...please keep my kingdom safe. I don't know how much longer I can venture out my walls before I am thrown prison in a home without warmth." she muttered softly, hearing the horses impatient voice that told everyone they were ready for a pounce at the dirt roads. She kept her eyes closed, muttering more words, before resting her clasped hands into her lap, and opening her eyes again to the world around her. Royal cushions and leather. Royal comfort. Royal jewels. Royal. Riches. Everything most want. And of course, call her spoiled, what she didn't want.

The carriage started moving and her stiff back fell into rest upon the velvet around her. She sighed again as a weary women, checking around her to see who was with her. Nathanal, Jobs, Harry, Jacob Wilkson, Marius, and was it Liman on the couch? She knew most guards by name. She was young, and didn't take some customs as most highnesses do. She liked more personal connections; with people and the world. It was more natural for an adventurous thing like her.

Thank goodness she was wearing flats today; she didn't like wearing heels outside home. It hurt too much. Even so, she leaned down, and rubbed the back of her blistered ankles, trying to losing the tention of a couple weeks ago.

And then, the carrige was suddenly shoved forward.

She hit her head on the seat across from her, and quickly sat up in alert. the carriage had stopped. How long were they from the castle? She looked behind her, but remebered there was no window in this carrige except the side windows. She sighed. And then, suddenly mens voices were stoped by a little noise. A ziping noise.

And arrow noise.

It was small and distinct, but this was not good. The empress heard the sound 3 times, and then there was silence. This was happening right outside her door. "Oh no" she whispered, looking around feverishly for a weapon. She bent down, in the alie of the coach, looking for a pocket of some sort for a self defense weapon.

And there was none.

1/2(?)

@[H] Jung Jessica (RE) [(Start) SCENE 1: Ferric Borders]

With the assistance of Pyrope bandits, Nichkhun learned that a Royalty from Ferric will head to Pyrope to discuss the relationship between the two Silvatican kingdoms. Their ranks or positions weren't revealed, yet this a great opportunity for the mute thief. Not far from the Ferric Outskirts, Nichkhun stationed behind a large tree that stood near the road where carriages often pass by. It was deemed the safest path because it was surrounded by trees, a type of setting that most pirates hated due to the difficulty of navigation compared to the clear sea.

The young bandit carefully assembled his plan. A spiked tripwire, buried lightly in the dirt road, will sweep and (hopefully) wound the hooves of the horses. A wounded horse will put the carriage to halt, giving Nichkhun the chance to knockout every guard and men surrounding the royalty. The rest will be easy.

After a few minutes of fidgeting with the uncomfortable uniform, Nichkhun heard the grinding wheels of a carriage. He sticks out his head to take a peak and notices the grand design of moving vehicle. The mute thief concluded that a Royal must be inside. Immediately, he took out his bow and arrow while waiting for the horses to fall for his trap. He cautiously hid behind the tree as the carriage comes closer, the sound of its grinding wheels getting louder, eventually replaced by the painful shriek of horses.

Guards were yelling at each other in confusion.

"Bloody hell!" The driver cried.
A young curly-haired guard ran to his side, noticing the chaotic scene, "What's wrong with your horses? Have they gone mad?"
"I don't know, sir."

Four more guards jumped out of the carriage to assess the matter. Immediately, Nichkhun readied his bow and aimed at everyone. One-by-one, guards started falling to the ground before they could unsheathe their weapons. Nichkhun's arrows were dipped in a special serum that puts its victims to sleep once the chemical is ingested through an arrow wound. After every single one was wiped out, Nichkhun carefully crept toward the horses, setting them free.

Now, all that's left was the carriage.

The young thief crept lowly, avoiding the windows. He prepared a special bomb that contained woodchips, sulfur, gunpowder, and petrol. It was his improvised gas bomb that took weeks to perfect. Carefully, he smashes the glass window of the carriage, and carefully setting off the bomb. In a few seconds, the carriage will be filled with smoke and whoever is inside will have no other option but to get out.

Two more guards jumped out of the carriage. Of course, the Royals are always last to get out for security sake.

"Guard, what is happening here?" The middle-aged guard shouted at Nichkhun, who was convincingly dressed as a palace guard.

Before they could utter once more, he knocked down the middle-aged guard and the younger one using his knives dipped in that same special knockout serum. Afterwards, the mute thief carefully changed his posture to a guard-like one and went to the royalty.

Nichkhun also changed his aggressive expression to a kinder one after setting his eyes on the delicate features of a young lady. Rumors said that the Ferric Empress was the most beautiful ruler in Silvatica. He quickly posed as a guard, grabbing the Princess's wrist and pulling her far from the carriage, acting as if he was bringing her to safety.

Being mute lead him to realize that he doesn't know how to communicate with her; hence, all he could do was drag her with him...deep inside the woods.

@[H] Jung Jessica (RE) [BRIEF INTRODUCTION]

When Pirates took the role of Ferric's antagonists, the bandits were left to scavenge and hunt at the remaining kingdoms, otherwise they would have conducted a regular raiding spree within the borders of one of the most beautiful regions in Silvatica. Nichkhun could have raided the Ferric market in a daily basis. Ferric could have been his little playground for mischief and abductions.

The mute thief had little knowledge concerning Ferric Royalty. Based on how much time he had spend with Royalties as captives, Nichkhun concluded that Pyrope royalties are incompetent and indifferent; Sindo's were audacious but tactless; and Hesna's were incisive but cowardly. Now that he ventured a 5-week stay in Ferric to study its ground, even with all the pirates surrounding him, Nichkhun will now commence his plan to abduct a Ferric Royalty.

A few days ago, the mute thief stole a palace guard uniform from an unsuspecting young Ferric guard who was heavily sleeping. The uniform was about Nichkhun's size but the headgear was too big for him, dropping down to the tip of his nose and covering his eyes. He might as well commence his plan without it. Perhaps, the guards wouldn't notice; perhaps, they weren't too strict with Royal uniforms.