"When they all call the name of the place where our hearts lay, we'll be reminded of how we're free. We're free, we're free, we're free! At least in our dreams, we're free…" Adriana allows the melodic notes to hang in the air as she holds her position from her dance. Singing and dancing was tricky business, but this new her was used to it and made quite the show to the crowd of cheering people around her. Heith and Marigold kept a beat with a few others, Marigold used her pan flute while Heith used a set of drums, a random elder played a fiddle in a type of freestyle. They started a new beat as she collected the coin tossed to her. "And now, I'm headed to bed. Sleep well all!" she calls, receiving many likewise responses.
"I don't ever recall you being one for music." Ulysses suddenly comments as he appears beside her, her other siblings joining to head back together. Their parents decided to watch the kids while they socialized.
"It is strange, but honestly does come like a second nature now. Isn't it the same for all of you?" Adriana asks after making sure there weren't any following them.
"It's weird, but I can tell you the name and properties for just about any herb in the area from a quick glance." Jerald agrees as he comes up beside Ulysses and wraps an arm over his shoulder, getting a smile from him. "This whole ordeal is rather confusing though, but it's real too." He sighs and shakes his head as he looks around at everything around them.
"We've been traveling for the last four days, it's hard to argue it being weird. Not to mention we've barely gained any answers about this whole mess." Tamara complains, a frown tugging at the corners of her mouth causing Illiana to reach over and give her hand a squeeze.
"After we reach the Spider's territory, we can try to settle in and really examine how to return. " Quinton assures them, encouraging smile in place as he does so.
"From what was said, we have to make sure we're liked by people… Won't that mean we'll have to get caught up in the wars?" Helena worriedly asks as she looks up at him. The change has taken a toll on the pair and Illiana the most it seemed. Their exhaustion was evident between the pair's newborn and Illiana's pregnancy.
"It does seem like we will, but as long as we can be associated with the Spiders, it'll put us in a much better position." Adriana speaks up, getting mixed grumbles in reply. "Let's not worry about this now though and get some rest, we have a long way to travel." With that, they all bid their goodnights and split paths. The siblings meet up with their parents, picking up their kids to sleep in their wagons. Adriana settles against her wagon to speak with her parents for a bit. Their wagons were in a semicircle around a fire in their own area in the ring of families going around the merchant that's leading this caravan who's wagons are at the center. She sings a slight tune to help them all feel at ease and go to sleep, not doing so herself until Heith and Marigold returned. They slept in a tent beside her wagon while she slept in it.
*****************************************
"Caleb says we're going to stop at a town named Grezelburhn this evening, so decide if we'd like to stay in an inn or wagon so long as we are ready at dawn to leave." Heith tells Adriana as the caravan starts off the next morning.
"When we get there, we shall procure any provisions we need for a straight journey to the Spider's town Linden Cradle. We'll settle camp at the eastern edge of town tonight." Adriana replies, gaining nods in response. She couldn't help but to think of her dream the night before, feeling uneasy and on edge as she recalls what she's certain is a premonition. To avoid such a disastrous outcome was her biggest wish at the moment.
Later on, Adriana is speaking with Marigold when Heith whispers back to them "Keep your wits about ya, we have some bandits lurking…"
Sure enough, Adriana sneakily looks out of the flaps to see some figures retreating deeper in the trees. This is why traveling with caravans was safer, so many here bandits wouldn't dare to attack. However, you're traveling on the caravan's schedule, and gain the attention of nobles which is just as dangerous for them. She sighs as she contemplates this, recalling her dream well from the night before.
They were halfway in their travels to the Spider's territory, all happy and enjoying themselves with idle chatter and songs. Suddenly, the caravan is halted causing many to become anxious and curious. Many murmurs go around as everyone tries to catch a glimpse of what's happening. Knights patrol up and down either side of the caravan, eying the confused faces peering out at them. Caleb starts heading down the line with what appears to be the leader of the group, looking a bit uncomfortable as he motions towards their wagons. Adriana's throat runs dry as she realizes what's about to happen.
"Oh no…" She groans as they near, feeling her heart race.
"By order of Alfric Dominio, Marquess of Terzonia of House Lion, you are to be escorted to his Lordship at once!" The knight announces, their emblems glinting in the light while her family and herself share looks of uncertainty.
"Very well, Heith and Marigold, I wish you happiness and fruitful lives. Please allow me take my things to the other wagons and you may keep this one." Adriana states, trying to move quickly.
"To be certain of no mistakes, I believe it'll be most prudent to take them with. You understand, right Ms. Byrne?" The knight cuts in, expectantly motioning for the rest of the caravan to move on without them.
"Sir Xavier Qunning, I don't mean to encroach on The Marquess' orders, but these two aren't related to the family and were simply travelling with us." Caleb speaks up, making sure to stay respectful in both tone and demeanor.
Sir Xavier Qunning contemplates this, but just as he was about to reply his attendant comes over with a paper and whispers to him. "My apologies Lord Caleb, but we have orders to bring them with to ensure all necessary parties are present. Should they truly not be of interest, they will be sent on their way." He then turns to his men, making some motions. "Let's get to moving."
Lord Caleb Dishourn of house wombat eyes the forlorn faces as they move. Though the knightship held no jurisdiction here, he simply didn't have the forces to fight them. And if he challenge them in such a way, he risked the entire caravan being slaughtered or taken hostage. Though she knew the man wouldn't let it go easily, she also knew it would take days before the House of Wombat interfered. And of course, all that would come of it would be them being traded from one master to another…
She just finishes recounting this to her family, soon finding that each of her siblings saw something different that night. Illiana saw them reaching the border between the Wombat town Clipsehalls and the Spider town Trinity Cliffs. As they cross it, Wombat authorities come down the road, charging to capture them. They're met by Spider border control, resulting in a chaotic battle that results in their family being scattered and many dying.
Ulysses' vision had them split from the group after the next evening, them finding themselves hounded by bandits a bit later. Running from them, they encounter knights from House of Dragon, leading to them being captured by them. Quinton sees them splitting from the caravan at a popular trading hub, making their way at a fast pace to the Spider town Eclipse Haven. They take obscure roads, but make it close before being confronted by a Fox Count. The count appears intrigued and offers to escort them to the Spider's territory, but seems rather shady. They take their time to plan an escape, the vision fading as they make their attempt, not showing the outcome.
"Does that not mean that attempting Eclipse Haven may be the best route for us then?" Evelynn asks perplexed to their group of concerned people.
"I would consider it the better option for now, but I also don't feel great about it." Tamara adds in.
"I think it might be, but we should remember that the chances of us gaining more visions is high too. Either way, we should make sure we have enough items, but try to stay light." Rolan states, getting ready agreements in reply. His worried expression is hidden beneath a calm facade that his family could decipher all too well.
"Let's get going then." Jerald adds, clapping his hands as they get ready to go into town. Adriana hitches a ride and plans to meet Heith and Marigold in town.