Thread: The Fire Within (Pols Voice & darkangel76)

It was remarkable. Edana felt a surge of exhilaration fill her at the notion that she'd actually been successful at losing her entourage of escorts. A part of her wondered if they were as annoyed at having to watch over her as she was at having to constantly be watched. As she pondered that, she couldn't help but wince. There'd definitely been a time or two one of the men had let his eyes linger a bit longer than he should have. Had her father noticed, she wondered what he might have done. Then again, most of the guards tended to stare when she passed their way. Perhaps it was just the way of things. She couldn't be certain and being cooped up in a castle with only Thalia to talk to...she really had no way knowing better. But finally, Edana found herself in the midst of Coakley, the villagers bustling about as the thrill of the newly arrived fair seemed to get everyone into an excited mood. She could feel the energy, the anticipation. Her own was rising as her blue eyes glanced over the tents, her hands brushing against their ropes as she made her way through the thick crowd of passersby. Once or twice, she was sure she heard her name being shouted out. But, she made sure to walk in the opposite direction, doing everything she could to keep attention away from herself and thus remain hidden from those who'd wish to return her to the watchful eyes of the guards her father had entrusted her care to. Edana felt her giddiness bubbling up as the smells of fair reached her nose. More than one lady dressed in thick make up traipsed in front of the tents, their costumes bright and colorful as they performed a few eye-catching tricks to tantalize. The barker wasn't far off, his voice booming as he announced the sights to be seen inside the various tents. It was all so much to take inthe sights, the sounds, the smells. Music could be heard nearby as one of the fair's people began to play an instrument she'd never seen before, its lilting sound quite pleasant to the ear and causing several who were near to break out into jovial dances. Edana giggled, though her eyes remained watchful for the guards should they be near. So far, luck and good fortune remained on her side and she couldn't be more than grateful. Tiny hands gripping her blue silky skirts, she continued to meander through the crowd, hoping that no one would recognize her and ruin her day, her fun by handing her over to her escorts or... Her head tilted, her gaze going distant as she suddenly thought about the perils that could befall a young girl wandering the streets. Alone. She bit down on her lip, a surge of panic creeping through her veins. No. That was her father talking. Her father wanting to ruin the best day of her life! Well, she wouldn't let him! She'd make the most of this outing. After all, she was Edana Cailean, daughter of the King of Brynmor! Suddenly, Edana backed into something hard, her knees wobbling as she nearly lost her balance. Recovering and shaky, she turned to see what she'd bumped into. Only, it wasn't a what, but a whom. I...I'm terribly sorry, Edana spoke quickly, her blue eyes averting as she moved into a low curtsy. Though she was a princess, she'd clearly bumped into a man. She'd been taught to show respect to men regardless of station and she wasn't sure of this one's since she'd never been allowed to venture outside of the castle very much. Her thought, given she'd bumped him was to err on the side of caution. Swallowing hard, she looked up and smiled shyly, slowly rising upward. I wasn't paying attention. Her cheeks flushed and she gestured toward the surrounding tents. So much to take in and it has me a bit overwhelmed. She giggled nervously and bit down on her lower lip. Worried that the man might search for her guards to turn her in, she glanced to see if they were about. Fortunately, they weren't. She let out a tiny sigh of relief, her tummy fluttering in hopes that her day still would not yet be ruined.