---

“Are you certain this is what you want to do, Ira-Gula?” 

While the tone in the maiden’s voice remained just as void as the very expression on her face was illegible, inwardly there was an unsettling knot twisting in the pit of her stomach. She held the wrinkled parchment stiffly within delicate palms as cherry blossom gaze quietly glanced over the script. A declaration from the king, the inevitable threat of war rising to the surface. Pale lash flitted upon her cheeks before her attention would rise to the elder. There was an apologetic smile that tugged upon his aged face.  “It is what I have to do, Avvie.” 

Avarice was quiet, the little gears churning in her head trying to find her words. Trying to comprehend his actions. History would briefly rewind in her memories which caused a stifling breath to inhale within her lungs. “Will you come back?” she asked quietly. Blush sights catching the crystal diamond blue of his. The scar that which drew down his left eye, the one just below his right cheek across the bridge of his nose stood out more than usual.  He knelt to her level. “I cannot answer a question I do not know,” His reply came in earnest before standing up right once more, a hand finding purchase on her shoulder in hopes to provide some reassurance. “I can promise that I will try my hardest to return, though.” 
 
Ira-Gula left shortly after their exchange of words, a few days ago. Any other time he left, despite his retirement. He was supposed to be rid of his duties. Alas as he reminded her then, War did not care.

Avarice sat outside within the streets of the Sanctuary. The tension seeming to stretch even here where those who survived it once, had escaped here. Her head leaning back against the bench she sat upon, watching as birds occasionally passed overhead. There was a strange, unsettling swirl that pitted her stomach – even more baffling as she knew not what such emotion that warred with her. “Ah,” She grumbled under her breath.  “I think I am broken.” 

---

Her otherwise vacant expression lingered on the cerulean skies overhead a little while longer. There was a lonesome breeze that would pass by in lofty greet as if trying to provide some sense of comfort. Avarice simply sighed with the rise and fall of her shoulders uncertain why she felt so…. so… oh for heavens sake what was the word she was looking for? She wondered if she should write to her mother about this. No. no she couldn’t rely on her forever and she had done well so far right?

Finally, Avarice sat upright and briefly battled with the momentary vertigo that spun her head. Cherry blossom pink eyes would simply blink as she caught sight of the stranger paces away from her. Pale brows knitted together uncertain if she should be curious or wary of this disheveled individual. She knew she was alone – without either her maid or the presence of her guardian who had left just a few days ago.

The young maiden would make the decision to stand. Not that her small stature would prove anything. There was a brief silence that passed before she lifted her chin, composing herself. “It is impolite to stare.” Avarice finally regarded the man, unable to discern if he was a werewolf or human. She was not like her mother who just happened to know these things. She also knew that Poltergeist, while passive, was very much a bear when it came to the younger albino maiden. Perhaps it was best to not reach out to her.

Avarice was quick to disregard her present turmoil. “Are you lost, stranger?”

---

  His hair was as dark as a ravens feather though disheveled and unkempt. There was a sharpness to the icy stare that if they were but a shade darker would have mirrored that of the very man who disowned the very being he and her mother created all those years ago. Her lips were pressed tautly together as she pieced their similarities together. She neither hated nor liked her father, even if he spat cruelties for who she is. However, she did not enjoy seeing her mother so beside herself, heartbroken in those trying times either.

Know the way, the stranger reassured. His voice possessed a rawness to it with an earthy growl etched in his tone. Avarice retained her neutral composure which happened to be rather normal for her. You… lost? Her head tilted slightly as colorless curls would sweep against her freckled cheeks as she regarded him. He was still staring. Her shoulders would rise and fall in a light huff.  “Only if I choose to be.” She answered rather curtly. 

“I live nearby,” she would add. “So, I know my way.”

He ventured nearer with his position lowered like a crouching dog seeking to find even the smallest morsels to sate its hunger. “I told you it is impolite to stare. You’re making me uncomfortable.” He was not like Ira-Gula who was casual and nonchalant in his demeanor or like Theodred whom she thought to be polite and courteous. No, this one was.. different. "What is your name?"

---

She did not have Envy at her side to nudge her nosily or the watchful eye of Ira-Gulas crystalline stare that would often linger in the distant to allow the pale maiden the space she desired as she usually had. Osmanthus was absent as of late too and the feline’s company, she would not hesitate to say, was sorely missed. Another battle, one that was bound to spurn heels as famine would eventually claw its way through even to the estates since the fall of Dunmeath. The panic and turmoil in her mother’s eyes were a piercing jab Avarice knew she would never be able to wash away from her memories just as the sounds of screams and the acrid stench of bloodshed even at such a young age, once upon a time.

If she were being honest, this man – this stranger, looked like the aftermath of war itself. Brutish and unkempt. Vali. Came the brazen response to her inquiry. She hummed in acknowledgement. Name? Her cherry blossom gaze turned as her head tilted slightly in his direction. “Avarice.” she replied a little more simply as she flattened out the skirt of her dress. It was a simple design, hugging to her delicate shape and painted in a blush gradient and simple floral pattern.

“You’re a werewolf, aren’t you?” She questioned boldly.