Forest

@Jeon Hyosung (T) Amber bites down on her lips before deciding that she can trust Hyosung with her story. "My birth mother died before i can even recognized her in my memories." She started sighing a bit as she thought back to what it would had been like to have seen her mother and know her. "Whoever found me took me to an orphanage. I believe i was just a baby." She looked at a small almost invisible scar on her wrists. "i was bullied a lot in the orphanage until i was adopted at age of 5." She smiled as she recall that exact day when the king and queen adopted her but she don't think it was a good ideal to reveal who she is at this point, Especially after the whole talk about royalty and stuff. "They are great parents though, i appreciated having a second chance at in life. I think that's why i'm a traveler who likes to help out others." She lets out a genuine laugh that was not hard to come by every so often. Amber looked up at the sky when she noticed Hyosung doing so. "We should set up a place to rest soon." She said looking at the other girl. Two people were safer than one after all. Plus she like talking to her.

@Liu Amber Hyosung could tell there was a story there by the look on her face, but she wasn't going to ask. Being a traveler taught her not to pry. People don't generally like strangers getting in their business. If they want to tell, then they will. Either sober or drunk. Doesn't matter to her either way. They'd been walking for awhile. Looking at the sky she saw they only had a few more hours of day light left. They'll have to find a safe place to sleep for the night.

@Jeon Hyosung (T) Amber walked quietly along with her taking in the view. She was right. Sometimes she didn't even want to meet the other royals because of that same reason. "Ah. Never enough is good though." Amber laugh as the other girl scrunch up her face. "Alright. I'm joking. Hyosung it is." Amber nods listening to the life story of herself. "I gre up in an orphanage outside of town too." A bittersweet smile appeared on her lips

@Liu Amber Hyosung couldn't disagree with her. She hasn't met enough royals to get a different opinion. "Probably not, but I don't want to meet enough to find out." The common man was more her speed of people. Royalty and nobility were overrated in her book. "True. My balls are pretty big and made of steel. That's why nut shots don't hurt too much." She joked. Not that men tried to punch or kick her between the legs. Some tried to get in her pants. If they were attractive with enough liquor in her body, then some got lucky. Other than that she kept her pants up most of the time. She scrunched her face when the girl called her a tomboy. "Don't call me that. Just call me Hyosung. Tomboy isn't really my thing." Shrugging, she didn't know what to say. "There's not much to tell. I've been traveling for eight years. I grew up in the forest on the outskirts of Hesna. That's about it though."

@Jeon Hyosung (T) Ambet frowns with her. Yes, some royals are spoiled rich brats but she wasnt one of them. The again, she cat really say that shes a royal as well. She nodded in agreet though since she knows her brother is one of them brats. "Thats true. But maybe not all are like that." She laughs as the other girl laughs as she slap het back. "Hahaha. Thats very true. You got more balls then other guys that i know. We both do." She grins happily finally knowing somene who is like her in a way. Traveling to find a love love sounds like a better adventure now the more she listen to Hyosung. "That's true. They'll have to deal with it." Amber smiles at her own response. "Tell me bout yourself you tomboy."

@Liu Amber "Royalty isn't my thing. I'm not a fan of spoiled rich brats." She frowned thinking of an experience she had in Sindo a few years back. Hyosung laughed, slapping her on the back as if she just heard the funniest joke in the world. "Don't let my looks fool you. I'm the manliest woman you're ever going to meet. I've got more balls than most men do. Trust me when I say you'll find someone someday. You just have to travel enough to find them. And if your parents on't like it then them." She shrugged. No one could tell her how to be or how to act. She's her own woman and had been since the day she was born. Her father raised her to be so.

@Jeon Hyosung (T) Amber chuckles to lighten the atmosphere. "Man my parent would kill me if I have someone. Heck they'll think I'm lying cause too much of a boy." She points to herself and the way she's dressed. Amber nods at her question. "Yes you can. I have ways to hello if you like." She grins playfully placing her hand together to slide them like an evil plan. She stopped when the girl show how much supportive she is to her. "You believe so? Even a tomboy like me?" She asked surprised. Amber nods at the saying. "Treasures are nice to find sometimes..... especially when you didn't know who you are. " she blurred out a biyt too much but she was comfortable with Hyosung.

@Liu Amber Hyosung waved away her apology. "No need to apologize. It's been six years and I've move on." Looking at her with a raised eyebrow, she glanced down at herself, then at the girl. "Do I look like someone that can meet a prince? Of course I haven't." Not that she'd want to. Royalty were too stuck up and self-serving for her taste. "I'm sure you'll find someone one day. The best treasures are the ones you don't search for. At least that's what the pirates tell me." She shrugged, not sure if you believed it or now, since she's never had any happy accidents.

@Jeon Hyosung (T) "Ah, sorrry to ask you that." She felt bad for asking now. But it would help to het closure. "Have you meet the prince of Hesna? I believe he's looking for someone or he's well known too." She nods to herself trying to remember. "Well youre an adventurous gal, im sure someone worthy will meet you." She drags the stick along the ground. "Im not even sure if I'll find one anyways. So you have more hopes than me." She joked before laughing at her own self. "Sorry. Im not that good with everything." Amber scratch her head as the continue on with their journey.

@Liu Amber "There's only one person in mind, but he's dead. Or at least I think he's dead. If he's alive I haven't seen him for six years and I probably won't find him." Hyosung didn't like to talk about her ex-lover. The memory of him was something she indulged in every once in awhile, but she kept it under wraps most of the time. It's not that she hasn't moved on, because she has, but she didn't want to think about the happiest time in her life without being happy again. It just made her yearn for that happiest more. "So I'm looking for someone new. Not sure when I'll find him, but I will."

@Jeon Hyosung (T) Combing her fingers through her short hair, she admire the work on the blade. "Looks good. Mines been used and beat up too. He got a long story to be told." Amber lets out a chuckle at the word love. "That's not even on my list yet. Not until I find one for a picky person." She thought of her brother whis way too proud if his looks. "Has anyone came to mind yet? Probably.....someone from Hesna? Maybe your lover lives here?" She grins, hoping if he has meet her yet.

@Liu Amber Hyosung took her word for it. Won't be the first time she met someone had strange tendencies and it's usually weirder than other people naming you. She looked at Amber's weapon, nodding with approval. "Not bad. I've had mine for awhile now and it still works like a charm." She showed her sharp blade. The color was dulled from years of use, but she didn't care as long as it continued to serve her well. "I travel to find love. I'm not sure where my future lover is, but he's somewhere as long as I keep searching."

@Jeon Hyosung (T) She grins nodding. "I guess. I usually let other people give me names." Which is true since she's mostly mistaken as a boy. So a boy name is necessary sometimes. "Cool. I travel when I can. Then go home when my parents are looking for me." So much memories of running to places when she can. She smiles at the thought before looking at her. She listen and nods as understanding where she was coming from. "True. I see your weapon of choice. I got mine too." Amber turns her back to show her awesome sword. "What do you usually travel for? If I may ask?"

@Liu Amber Hyosung raised an eyebrow at her response. "People call you Amber, you guess? So that's not your real name?" Normally she couldn't careless, but if they'll be traveling together and not just passing on, then it's best to make conversation. Too many times has she journeyed by herself with only the animals and the wind to fill the silence. "Same here." She's been everywhere on the map, but there are new towns and villages popping up every now and then, so she hasn't been everywhere and seen everything yet. "I could the same to you, but I won't. I'm a seasoned traveler, so I can take care of myself. Hasn't been a situation I couldn't get myself out of."

@Jeon Hyosung (T) Amber jog to catch up. Its not everyday that she meets someone new who isn't from the castle. "A very beautiful day to be traveling indeed." She looks up at the sky. "People call me Amber I guess." She shrugged not really sure if her first impression of her was rather if she was a girl or a boy. She picked up a random branch from the ground to use as support for now. -its a pleasure to meet you Hyosung." She bow like a gentleman. "Im heading to whevery feet are taking me this time." She looms at her feet. "Where are you taking me this time?" She poke at one of her foot. "What are you doing traveling by yourself? Its not safe with the rise of crimes in the different towns."

@Liu Amber Hyosung relaxed her muscles when the woman presented as friendly. She didn't put her machete away though. There's too many dangerous things out here for her to be that relaxed. "Yeah. It's a good day to travel ain't it? So where are you going?" Smiling, she turned around completely and waiting for her to catch up. "Hyosung. What's yours?" It's not often she meets fellow travelers and if she does they going pass each other and continue on their way without saying a single word. To have someone to travel with for however long they'll travel together is nice.

@Jeon Hyosung (T) Amber squint her look at the person noticing a weapon on the person. "Hummm...i should probably voice out....maYbe not." She walks closer to the person. On a second though, Amber changed her mind. "Yo....I'm not gonna hurt you. I'm just traveling. Im no arr person thing or robin hood dude." She laughs at her own words. "Just a traveler from here, Hesna." She place her sword back into the holder on her back. Putting up her hands she smiles. "See, just a normal person....well crazy life but normal." She reassured her. "What's your name?"

@Liu Amber For the passed week Hyosung has hung around her home region, Hesna, to earn enough money to travel with. Now it was time for her leave. After breakfast at the inn she stayed in, she said her thanks to the people that helped her out, before hitting the road around noon. The sun was high in the sky when she walked off into the forest after being on the main road for awhile. Her pack was full of supplies that should last her another week or two if she used it smartly.
Machete in hand, she swung it around, hacking up branches and bushes in her way. She didn't know where she wanted to go yet. Maybe Pyrope or Venria. She'll know when she gets wherever she ends up. Some way from her she heard something, so she stopped hacking and turned around. There was another person following her. Perhaps another traveler or someone unfriendly. Either way she'll handle them if they become a problem.

@Jeon Hyosung (T) It was one of those day again for Amber as she packed her bags and her sword to go traveling. The king, queen, and her brother was too busy with the politics to notice her. She quickly fixed her boy cut hair before pulling on her hood. "Adventure time." She grins happily as she snuck out of her room. Come on, its not like anyone is gonna be watching her again. She casually wave goodbye to the guards before sprinting off towards the woods.
Amber hums to herself trying to figure which part of the land to explore....or if she should go to another kingdom. Maybe she can collect more swords from other places for her collection. Without paying attention, she notice a figure from afar. Her grip on her sword tightens, thinking it might be bandits or pirates.

@Kim Woobin (S) Jeonghan smiled ever so slightly as Woobin stated his name and did not break eye contact. He considered it rather rude but also very interesting. Most of the servitude kept themselves quiet and silent, head lowered. Woobin however had a spark, one that captured Jeonghan’s curiosity despite his inkling need to smack the cur.

“Well, Woobin” He said as he took the man’s hand and smirked as the other helped him up onto the carriage. “At least you /can/ have some manners” Once inside, he opened the window that allowed him to see where woobs would sit. “Simply call me…..Jeonie...When outside of the castle walls of course.” He gave Woobin a name, despite debating if it was the best one he could use. Well, why not. His sister often called him that and he would always respond by it.

“Don’t think that by calling me that and going on this journey, you have the right to abuse power.” He huffed at Woobin and sat back, watching the inside of his boring carriage and wondering what he would do besides sleep and sightsee. He still spoke out the window, for the other to hear. “Tell me, how long have you been a soldier? Where did you come from before coming into your position” He asked with a poorly hidden curious tone.

((Same! I just know some people get butthurt if I don't respond right away xD So I worry ; A ; ))

@Yoon Jeonghan (R) The face was familiar but Woobin could confirm he had never seen that princess before. He was all the more amused by the space she precised with her first words to him. He was a little careless of manners when he wanted but he wouldn't ho as far as risking his life so he gave no answer at all. Royals weren't easy to climb down from their world of precautions and over-coated politeness but Woobin made it his speciality to force them out of their sophisticated way. There was of course nothing more efficient than a few humps to unleash the prude tongues but it was a long way sometimes, an impossible way other times. But Woobin listened to the Princess' voice and he had to find a way. Her voice could pass for one of a young man just easy, and maybe her grave tone was only used when she wasn't trying to impress. He like the two faced game, he would play.

"Woobin, your Highness" He answered failing to break eye contact for a few seconds before the Princess went to pet the horse; he lowered his head with a little smile. The palace made it all awkward, but on the road, Woobin would even create misfits to see the Princess go through colours.
For now the soldier's smile had faded and he thought of the mission. He offered the young /woman/ his white gloved hand to help her up her carriage.
"Your highness" He said, gesturing for her to use his help and get up. He didn't even notice any detail which would tell him she was a he, he didn't look for any.
"Before any witness, how would your Highness want to be addressed? The note said I would be taking my sister to the next Kingdom." The plan was to be undercover and the title would ruin it. Woobin was as well likely to pick up hitchhikers to drop the pompous acts the Princess seemed so fond of.
On this, he went to check himself the carriage and the horses and rested his light bag where he'd sit.

(( it's okay dear! I work and I'm very irregular on my answer speed!))

@Kim Woobin (S) Jeonghan took all morning to prepare for his travels. He was heading towards the Venria for political reasons, yet with the threats of bandits on land and pirates by sea, he was advised to stay. Of course, he would have none of that as he was a feisty young man and often did as he pleased. He organized a decoy carriage to be sent in his place with one of his servants, they would distract most attention from any other travelers and that’s where he came in. He had donned on his makeup and clothes along with a cape over his simple yet beautiful dress. He looked like any other princess would, ready for riding a horse or inside a carriage. He wondered who would be assigned to him and his question was soon answered as a young man appeared before him.

With the way he greeted him, with such ease and such….Insolence, Jeonghan wrinkled his nose and flipped his long hair over his shoulder, standing straight and raising a brow. He wondered if he was playing along or if he truly believed he was a woman. Maybe it was for the best if he did. “What did you call me, dog?” He said in his soft melodically androgynous tone. His eyes on Woobin as he still bowed despite his much too chummy tone. “We are yet to leave out of the castle, for the time we are here or away from others you will address me as your highness.” He said as he walked past him and towards the horses and carriage they would be taking, he pet his horse’s face as he spoke. “What is your name, young soldier? What can I call you once out of the walls?” He said before giving it a sugarcube, still holding the airs of a proper princess, not showing his ruthless or overly manly or pissy side just /yet/. “Well?” He said before moving to his seat.

(Sorry it took so long to answer. I was sick today and part of yesterday. BUT HERE IT IS! WOO)

@Jeonghan (R) Woobin had answered so quickly to the request the second in command had to make him repeat the positive answer. The tall lazy king among his men was the best as it came to acting as an occasional personal guard. He was also the type to refuse missions if he was in a mood but this time around, the word /princess/ acted as a charm and he yield to his superior's decision.
It was an undercover mission for a princess he yet had to be acquainted to. He was on top of his game, perfectly suited up in the uniform of soldiers, holding his hat in one hand, straight as an arrow, towering most of the town's people.
He held on a shoulder the bag he was told to bring along as a decoy for the trip he was supposed to take with his /relative/.
"Hi sis!" He said, very much comfortable with the cover he adopted already in the palace. Still he bowed with respect before he crossed her eyes, playing a double game so soon. He loved the risk to get axed and usually it got to young princesses and to princes: he was cockier than he looked and he made it this far from Hesna's streets into golden courts, 27, trained to kill and womanizer when he had an opening.


(( let's suppose the forest is adjacent to the palace and the trip will start there... Yes?))

@Song Victoria (C) .
.
Captain James' POV

In a less liberated country like Silvatica as it is currently ruled by monarchy with conservative views, men tend to be ist sometimes especially in matters of violence and combat. Therefore, it was an easy deliberation for Captain James to spare the woman. The boy was a bigger threat to him because he knows that this young man will not run away. Unfortunately, the young lady took the shot for him the moment he pulled the trigger.

"Curses!" He patted his trousers for extra ammunition because the barrel could only hold two. Alas, there were none. Captain James started backing away slowly, tripping himself in the process and landing on his bum.

The male bandit made a terrible gesture at him. A slicing gesture: His thumb running horizontally on his neck.

Nichkhun's POV

A few minutes ago, he was struggling against the beast. Now, he felt the beast struggle against him, trying to pull itself away from Nichkhun's grip but his hands were on its tusks until it died--until the young woman stabs it in the throat and slashes its body. Blood sprayed all over them, sparing no one. Nichkhun pushed the lifeless creature away, ed his vest, and lifted his bloodied shirt. The pig's blood stung minor cuts and grazes, but nothing was more painful than that large bruise on his stomach. Surely, his lower back had one too after hitting that tree with great force. But his wounds were a child's compared to the young girl's injuries after receiving the bullet fired at him.

Due to that huge commotion with the boar, Black Jack didn't notice the captain taking interest on them. It angered him to be reminded that he involved this young lady in his business, and now, she was injured because of it.

And so, Nichkhun grabbed the girl's hand to prevent her from running. Then, he gave the lonely guard a gesture that says, "Take my word. I look forward to the day I get to cut your throat."

The guard gripped his weapon and ran away. While Nichkhun, knowing that Hesna is infested by bandits, stood up nonchalantly and went to check on the lady. No doubt, they are still in grave danger especially if the guard heads to the palace and calls for back-up; however, he needs to stabilize her wound before distancing themselves from this place. Carefully, he unties the cloth that served as his facemask; hence, revealing his face for the first time. Normally, those who had seen it---never lived to tell; but Nichkhun was confident that he will never see this woman after they part ways. He'll go back to Pyrope to plan his revenge against this despicable guard.

And so, he ripped the cloth that used to be his facemask into uniform strips. Then, he motioned the girl to sit down. Nichkhun ignored everything that she said and concentrated on her wound. Every gun wound is fatal regardless of where it is located. Gently, he unrolled the sleeve of her blouse and examined her shoulder to search for ruptured veins or fractured bones in case the bullet went to somewhere unwanted. Fortunately, this was just a superficial flesh wound: a damaged soft tissue, but he couldn't afford for her to lose a huge amount of blood. She already lost a lot. So Nichkhun made a makeshift tourniquet using a strip of cloth.

He made an apologetic expression for a split second as he firmly ties the strip of cloth around her arm. Female screams are something he can't stand but Nichkhun had no way to comfort her verbally.

After stabilizing her bleeding, he glared at her which says, /I don't owe you anything. Understand?/ Afterwards, he grabbed their belongings and slung it on his shoulder before grabbing her uninjured arm and wraps it around his neck. Without saying anything (because he can't), Nichkhun took her by the waist and carried her bridal style. He didn't like it but they need to move fast.

Reaching the nearest town will take a few hours but he can't risk getting caught. A death sentence may be waiting for him. However, reaching the nearest bandit hide-out will take two days at least. He had a friend known as, "The Bandit Surgeon" who lived in the mountains of Hesna. But before they visit him, Nichkhun planned to stop by the lake to wash up (the pig's blood risking infection to her wound) and catch fish. Hunting for food will be challenging especially in their condition, so fishing is most convenient.

Upon reaching the lake, he placed the girl beside a tree and sat beside her, lifting his shirt once more to check on his bruise. It was a large purple mark in the shape of Australia.

That darned boar.

* rolls dice * gets a 4

@Song Victoria (C) At that moment, silence was essential to guarantee that much needed bull's eye; however, a loud piercing cry of a young woman startled the great bandit upon executing that crucial shot. Instead of hitting the red wick, Nichkhun's flaming arrow sailed higher than it ought to be, piercing the flesh of the stallion's left front leg. It charred the fur and skin it touched before bathing on the creature's blood, immediately extinguished. The carriage was brought to a halt, causing the coachman to fell off his seat as the injured stallion collapses from immense pain the arrow brought. Nichkhun winced at the scene when two bodyguards emerged from the carriage, assisting the coachman with the horses.

Although mute, Nichkhun roared the foulest words known to man, one that will earn him a death sentence once mentioned to a royal ruler. His breathing was harsh and heavy, but inaudible under his black face mask. However, his eyes expressed murderous rage to the young girl. He wanted to beat her with his wooden bow---but he didn't, instead, he forcefully took the lady's knife, pushed her away and glared at the wild boar.

Nichkhun held the knife between his teeth and knelt down in one knee, arms spread. He waited, measuring the right distance before lunging at the boar. And he was a fool for doing so! Black Jack held on both tusks, in attempt to knock it over with its belly facing sky, but the unmatched strength of the wild boar knocked him against the tree. THUD! The impact was so great, it made him spit out the knife.

Nichkhun searched for the woman desperately while wrestling with the boar. /Quickly! Take the knife and kill it!/ His eyes pleaded.

Meanwhile, nearby the scene.

"An arrow, Captain!" The coachman declared, "And look at this. It appears to be lit up! Can you see its burnt wooden neck right over...here."

"How unlikely," The bearded captain hummed.

"I believe this is intended. No fool will play with fire in a forest."

"No fool except for---"

"CAPTAIN JAMES! THE AREA IS RIGGED WITH TRIPWIRES!" A younger guard shouted, poking the grassy land with his rifle.

Captain James started loading and cocking his gun as he spoke with the coachman. Not long after, they detached the injured horse and dragged it aside. The younger guard returned to the carriage while the coach man went back to his seat. They decided to continue to their journey with one horse--- leaving their captain behind.

His gun only has two shots, but the captain never misses.

BANG!

Captain James unleashed one loud gunfire, ignoring the wasted bullet as he roared. "Come out, you goddamn bandits!"

But soon, he noticed something moving behind that centurion tree: a few meters on his right. He went closer, poking the area around him for tripwires. "So there are two of you, aye? Let's leave one alive and running...to send a message to his/her fellow bandits." He cocked his gun and aimed.

BANG!

@Song Victoria (C) After staring at the cloudy sky, Nichkhun decided to assemble a web of tripwires in the grassiest part the forest by tying a durable steel wire 4-6 inches above ground, high enough to touch his ankles—but low enough to be concealed by the grass. The absence of the sun will prevent the wire from glinting; hence, there wouldn't be any possible way for people to notice it unless they fell as victim. His steel web extended up to 0.5 meter from the edge of the dirt road; hence, passers-by wouldn't notice it.

You see, visiting royalties often use this path to visit the Hesna Palace; and since Nichkhun is running low on supplies after spending a month’s worth of gold for booze and weapons, the Black Jack decided to prey on the visiting royalty. The Royal Messenger announced to the townspeople of Hesna that an Emperor’s adviser from another region will drop by to discuss matters on trade. Nichkhun happens to be around that time, buying a new set of clothing since Hesna produces the best textile in the country.

Earlier, Nichkhun scattered tiny firecrackers, intertwined with each other, on the sandy ground of the dirt road, a specific area beside the web of tripwires he assembled. The plan goes like this: Black Jack will hide behind the trees with a flaming arrow. Once the carriage of the Royal adviser enters the area where firecrackers are lightly buried, he will aim the flaming arrow to a red wick. The red wick is the only thing sticking out of the ground. Lighting it will result to a loud surprise for the horses.

There are two possible results: The disoriented horses could swerve off the road and stumble on Nichkhun’s tripwires with a follow-up result of the carriage getting knocked over. Then, Black Jack can prey on the Royal Adviser after knocking out his accompanying palace guards.

However, it is also possible for horses detach itself from the carriage. This will make everything easier.

His plan is foolproof—unless someone disturbs him--in that certain crucial moment of accurately shooting the flaming arrow. Everything will work out, as long as Nichkhun gets the shot. Because if it hits somewhere else, the palace guards will definitely notice it.

And so, Black Jack hid behind a centurion tree, just a few meters away from the firecrackers. He can hear the “Hiya!” of the coachman already.

Just a few more seconds…3…He can hear the horses...2… The creaking wheels of the carriage....

But then…