A day filled with adventure

Joan, Himari, and Bianca were enjoying themselves. They started by snacking on Kliena. It reminded Himari of a spiced donut. They ate this drinking coffee as they strolled the streets sometimes going into a store to look around or buy something. They stopped at stores and tried on clothes. Bianca asked Himari about some of the changes Himari had made to the Demon peoples school system and Himari gladly explained. Himari explained a few of the things she’d changed was the students had a vegetable they had to attend to and they learned how to cook these vegetables. She explained that ensuring the children had two meals, breakfast and lunch, helped the children so they could concentrate on learning and making the meals free to all students helped ease the burden at home for struggling families without making it feel like charity since all students weather rich or poor were fed the same things. The gardens that the students tended help reduce the cost of feeding the students too while also teaching them appreciation for the work that goes into gardening and giving them the necessary life skills of gardening. The students were also taught other life skills so they would have more job opportunities. Her and Duncan had decided to also make guidelines for what was taught at each school at each grade level so that each student no matter the school of if they had to move to a different city would learn all the same things that they needed to learn. Himari explained about the free trade school that took place at night by volunteers too. Bianca listened intently and asked questions. After a while Bianca said “Would you mind if I implemented some or all of your ideas in my kingdom? I feel like it could be beneficial to my people.” Himari said “You can use any or all my ideas. Ideas are meant to be shared. The only way for a nation to flourish is if the surrounding nations are flourishing, so it’s better to not gate keep information when it can better our world.” Bianca studied Himari a moment and said “You really do believe that.” She linked arms with Himari and said “I knew we were going to get along the moment I first saw you. We view the worlds similarly. We are going to become best friends.” Joan teased “That is right just ignore me and the fact that I hold the title of Himari’s best friend.” After saying what she said she stuck her tongue out teasingly at Bianca. As if it just dawned on her that she had teased and stuck out her tongue at a queen Joan turned as red as a tomato and was trying to stutter out an apology, as Bianca through her head back and laughed. Bianca looked at Joan and said “Oh you and I are going to become best friends too.” Himari gently bumped her hip against Joan and said “You know no matter how many best friends I have, you will always be my best friend. The person who helped me survive my two weeks of purgatory.” Joan gave her a grin and said “You and I both know it, and someone who helped you survive purgatory cannot be kicked to the side ever.” Himari echoed “Not ever. Not ever in a million years.” Joan smiled happily. Bianca said “I think I need an explanation on your two week purgatory.” Joan and Himari launched into an explanation of Himari’s forced two week bedrest, or as they called it two weeks in purgatory. They had Bianca laughing at the stories of Himari trying to sneak around and do things and ending up caught by Duncan. They told stories of what they did to pass the time and the shenanigans the two of them got into. By the time they were done telling the story Bianca was laughing so hard she was holding her stomach and wiping tears from her eyes. They were getting funny looks from the shop keeper so decided to go in find of a restaurant and have lunch. They had just stepped out onto the street when a small cloaked figure bumped into Himari and fell down. The cloak fell back to reveal a small dirty frightened purple eyed girl with long dark ash brown hair. She was small and delicate with bruises around her ankles, wrist, and neck. She also had a scared marking on her chest. Her clothes were tattered and too small and her feet were bare and red from the cold. The child was so small Himari guessed her to be around three or four. Himari asked “Are you okay? Did you get hurt?” Himari reached down to help her up and the girl flinched and covered her head repeating in a husky whisper a she sobbed quietly “I am sorry. Please don’t hurt me.” Himari shared glances with Joan and Bianca before she lowered herself into a squatting position. Himari said in a soothing tone “You are okay. We are not going to hurt you. You didn’t do anything wrong. It was an accident. Are you okay?” When the girl shook her head no Himari held her hand out letting the girl choose if she would take it. The girl timidly let Himari help her up staring up at her with wide eyes. Himari said “See much better off that cold ground. We should find your parents. They must be worried sick about you.” The girl shook her head no and said in a whisper “Their dead.” Himari wanted to pull the child in her arms and soothe away all the heart in those words but was afraid of scaring the already spooked child. A ruckus coming from the end of the street caught Himari’s attention. Two men who definitely weren’t Dwarves and were not from around here stood out among the crowd. In their strange close and the way they ignored the people around them scanning the crowd of people for something or someone. The girl looked in the direction Himari was staring and got a terrified look on her face and hid behind Himari. Himari had a bad feeling of those men and agreed with Bianca when she said “Those men are bad news. They aren’t up to anything good.” Himari looked down at the tiny child cowering behind her and whispered “Are you hiding from those men?” The girl barely nodded her head yes. The men were getting closer and Himari had to act quickly. She didn’t want to go back in the shop they had just come out of since she didn’t like the way the shop owner had stared at them and the shop window had a huge glass front window so they would be visible inside. The shops were close together so no alleys to squeeze into. She glanced at the shop next to the one they were at. But will we make it in time to hide her inside? I doubt it. Ugh if only they would quit searching this way and would disappear. Wait, disappear. That was it. She grabbed the girls hand and turned to face the two women with her and said “I want you to act like normal. I don’t know how good their hearing is so no talk about her.” She looked down at the girl who was huddled against her. She looked back at the men and said looking at the women said conversationally “You are safe. I am going to make you invisible don’t move and don’t make a sound okay.” The girl realizing she was talking to her nodded her head. Before she had even finished nodding her head Himari had made the girl invisible. Bianca stood looking where the girl once stood in shock. Himari shook her head at Bianca and mouthed “Act normal.” Bianca catching on shut her mouth and said “So should we go to one or two more shops before grabbing lunch?” Joan said “I don’t know about you two but I would like a break from shopping. Besides I am starved.” They continued to converse like this until the men had passed them and it had been a few moments since they saw them turn off the street. Himari made sure no one was paying attention and made the child visible again. She smiled proudly at the girl and said “You did great. You didn’t make a sound. You are so brave.” The child seemed to grow taller under Himari’s compliments. Himari squatted to eye level with the girl and said “What’s your name, sweetie? My name is Himari and that’s Joan and Bianca.” She indicated to her two friends. The girl said “Iris.” Himari smiled widely and said “Iris, that’s a pretty name. It is nice to meet you Iris.” Iris gave Himari a shy smile as she moved to brush her hair off her face, as she did so the tattered dress moved showing a scar on the girl’s chest. Bianca gasped causing iris to flinch into Himari. Himari looked at Bianca confused and said “What?” Bianca looked around to make sure no one was close and whispered “That child bears the marking of a slave.” Himari said “I thought it was forbidden to own slaves in Dausland Auseis. That even visitors aren’t allowed to bring them in when visiting. That if caught the slave is made a citizen of Dausland Auseis and the slave owner has to pay a large sum of money and pay restitution to the slave until the end of the slave’s life. Also random, but Duncan and I implemented the same rules on slaves in Imponini.” Joan said “We already had a no slave law rule in our country though, so you just changed it to free any slaves brought in and make the person pay restitution. Why not ban the person who brought the slave in from ever entering the country again” Himari said “Because this way we know to keep a closer watch of the individual who brought the slave in and free more slaves.” Bianca nodded approvingly “I don’t mind you use it. Like you said ideas are meant to be shared. And you really studied our country didn’t you?” Himari blushed and said “I studied all the countries laws and regulations, because this is my first time ruling a nation and I wanted learn from others as much as I could. If I found things I like I talked to Duncan about implementing it and if I found things I kind of liked or saw flaws in I changed and we talked about implementing them.” Bianca grinned happily at Himari and said “Like I said, I knew we would end up being best friends.” Himari said “So we need to remove the scar or tattoo that brands her as a slave first. Then get her cleaned up and in some warm clothes and fed.” Himari looked Iris in the eyes and said “Is it okay if I touch where they branded you?” Iris nodded her head yes. Gently Himari laid her hand over the brand and started checking it for spells woven in and disarming each spell one by one, before removing the brand completely. She removed her hand and studied her handiwork and was relieved to see the area completely healed. She then looked at the bruising and said “We should heal those too.” she gently grabbed Iris wrist and healed her and check and healed all medical conditions the child had. Bianca kept bouncing her stunned gaze between Iris and Himari. Bianca looked at Joan and said “How? Without using incantations? And those brands are impossible to completely remove. There is usually some small scarring and are hard to remove with all the layers of spells.” Joan just laughed and said “That’s Himari for you.” Himari ignored both of them keeping her eyes on Iris “I want to try a spell I created to quickly wash and dry dishes on you, with a few adjustments it should work. I am afraid if we take you into a store now looking as you are shop keepers might remember and talk about you to those men who are looking for you.” Bianca asked Himari to explain what she meant. So as Himari cast the spell she explained she had come up with a spell to clean a lot of dirty dishes at once and dry them so that kitchen cleaning was easier. She told she wanted to use the spell to create an apparatus that could do the cleaning and drying. Bianca said “You are brilliant.” They all looked at Iris who was now clean including the tattered clothes she wore. Her Dark ash tresses seemed to sparkle in the sunlight. They then entered the shop next door which happened to be a children’s store. The store sold clothes, toys, books, and children necessities.” Himari squatted to eye level with Iris and said “You are to pick out clothes, shoes, and whatever you want. This will be a present from me to you. Now are there any clothes you like?” Iris looked at Himari wide eyed and said “I don’t have to do anything to pay you for it?” Himari said “Not a single thing.” Then saying with a smile “I will accept a thank you as payment though.” Iris nodded her head seriously before going to look at clothes. Himari followed behind her while Joan and Bianca went and started looking at clothes and accessories that they would hold up and ask Iris what she thought of them. Iris would nod her head yes or no. Anything Iris liked or touched to long Himari would grab of the wrack and say that she could go try it on and decide if she wanted it. Himari was able to get the girl to answer some questions while she looked at clothes. Himari had managed to find out the girl was 5. She found out the girl was half elf and half fairy. She found out Iris parents had died when she was 3 and after that she had lived with her aunt and uncle a month before they sold her off to slave traders for two gold pieces. Himari’s heart broke for the child and she wanted to scoop her in her arms and protect her from the evils she had had to face at such a young age. Himari had are arms loaded with clothes for Iris to try on and recommended she try them on. They all headed to the changing room and Iris went in to try on clothes. She was taking a long time so Himari stepped next to the changing room and asked “Are you okay?” Iris poked her head out and said shyly “I am having trouble with some of the buttons. Can you help me, please?” Himari stepped in and started helping Iris button and zip the clothes. Iris would then model the clothes who both told her how adorable she was in all of it. Iris ended up with more clothes and shoes than she could possible wear and then Himari pressed her into looking at toys and books “Iris had blushed and said she didn’t know how to read and Himari had responded without thinking “I will read them to you until you’re able to read them on your own.” Iris head had snapped up suddenly and she had stared open mouth at Himari. Himari unsure of how the girl felt said “I mean if you want to come live with me. It is up to you or if you would prefer I am sure Joan or Bianca would love to have you. If you would prefer we can look for you a nice family and we check them out really well so you will be safe with them.” Iris launched herself at Himari with tears in her eyes and said so low Himari almost didn’t hear them “You really want me? You want to keep me? I will be safe?” Himari hugged the girl back and said “I promise I will do everything I can to keep you safe and cared for. I want to keep you and give you a home.” Once the girl had let go Himari looked at her and said “I don’t live here in this kingdom, so if you live with me you will have to live in Imponini. It is a beautiful place with wonderful people who will love you very much and treat you kindly. I and Joan are from there and we already like you a lot.” Iris hugged Himari and said “I don’t care where you live as long as I get to live with you. You have been so kind to me.” Iris looked at Bianca and said “You don’t live in their kingdom, you live here.” Even though it wasn’t a question Bianca nodded her head yes. Iris said “I think you are all really nice and pretty, but I really want to be with Himari. They ended up paying for everything and Himari stored it in her storage box with promises of teaching Iris how to do that and other magic. They found a restaurant and went inside to eat. Iris had been wide eyed and amazed when she was read the menu and told to order whatever she wanted. They each settled on a dish and chatted lively while they waited for their food. Iris at first only listened but soon began to chatter too. Once they had finished eating they chatted and drank tea while Iris had a slice of what they called fairy cake. At one point Himari noticed jam and cream on the girl’s faces and reached over with a napkin and cleaned it off without thinking. She checked Iris face to see how she responded to that and found the girl smiling up at her. She was going to ask Iris what she was thinking but Joan had asked her a question and she got sucked back into the conversation. They paid and got up and left. Out on the streets they were discussing where they wanted to go next. Joan wanted to go to the blacksmith while Bianca wanted to check out street vendors stalls. Himari said they should compromise and go to the blacksmith and then the street vendors. They headed to the blacksmiths and looked around. Joan was excitedly pointing out weapons, shields and armor and explaining what they were used for and how to use them. Himari found the tools interesting but was keeping a close eye on Iris, worried she might get hurt. Joan bought a few things and kept looking around. Bianca had to practically draw her from the blacksmith shop. They were walking on the street when Iris slowed down. Himari turned to look at her and asked “What’s wrong? Are you tired or do you see something you want?” The child was staring at a pastry shop. Himari laughed and said “There is an idea. We can go in and get a lot of pastries to share with everyone after dinner.” She turned to face Joan and Bianca who were grinning at her. Himari said “What?” Joan said “Spoiling her much?” Himari said “Oh be quiet, you have no room to talk. You two went just as crazy as me in the children store picking out things for her.” She turned to face Joan and said “I saw that child sword you bought too. The one the shop keeper said wouldn’t cut and would be great for training.” Bianca said “Wait you bought her a sword? I thought that was for a nephew of yours or something.” Joan blushed and tried defending herself saying “I thought she might need some combat training. She is going to be a princess after all. Training is great for anyone. I was a little older than her when I started training with a sword.” Himari looked at them with a strange expression. Both women looked at her and in unison said “What is it?” Himari said “I made this decision without consulting Duncan or even telling him in advance. How do I tell him?” Joan laughed and said “It sure will be a shock for him, that’s for sure.” Iris tugged on Himari’s clothes and whispered “Does this mean you don’t want me anymore?” Himari tugged her into her arms and said “Nothing will change the fact I want you. This just means things are slightly complicated, but complicated doesn’t equal me not wanting you. I am also very sure that Duncan will want you too once he meets you. Now let’s get those desserts for everyone.” They ended up getting a bunch of different sweets for everyone to sample after dinner. They ended up purusing the shop vendor and stores occasionally buying something. Himari bought a beautifully engraved pocket watch for Duncan with the intention of turning it into an apparatus for him by adding in a calendar so he could keep track of meetings and other important dates. She wanted to add some other features she thought he would like. The sun was starting to lower in the sky so they decided to head back to the castle. Iris looked like she was almost asleep on her feet so Himari scooped her in her arms. The girl was rigged a moment before snuggling into Himari’s arms and wrapping her little arms around Himari’s neck. The men were already at the castle, having returned earlier after catching a few fish for dinner. They were warming up by the fire when Himari, with Iris asleep in her arms Joan, and Bianca walked in. The men all stood staring in open shock at Himari. Duncan spoke finally “You brought home a child? “ He continued jokingly “I didn’t realize that was on your itinerary today.” Himari sat down in one of the chairs adjusting Iris and she and her friends explained all that had happened that day. Once they were finished explaining everything. Himari tried to figure out Duncan’s feelings on the situation since the only thing coming through their connection was shock. She couldn’t take it anymore and asked him “Are you mad? I know things are already hectic and to now add the mix a child, but she is so sweet and she doesn’t have anyone else. I know I should have consulted you before making such a huge decision. I know were only engaged and that can change at any moment but” She trailed off. Duncan looked at her and said “I understand why you did what you did and I agree with your decision fully.” He looked down at the sleeping child fondly and said “I have always wanted to be a dad so I know she will bring us a lot of joy.” He then looked at Himari seriously “I know it may be too early to say this, but I am going to say it.” He paused making Hilmar’s heart feel like it was about to beat right out of her chest. He continued “Our engagement will not end anytime soon and will only end in our marriage. You were born to lead a country and I can’t imagine anyone else leading by my side. I enjoy our time together and want to spend forever with you, my best friend.” Himari felt disappointment and sadness. Why do I feel this way? Why did him calling me his friend and saying he wants to lead his country with me make me so sad, and disappointed? Why? What do I want him to say? She didn’t know. Maybe she did know and just wasn’t ready to admit it. Himari looked down and found Iris awake and staring at her. She smiled sweetly at the girl and introduced her to Cedric, Duncan, and Douglas. Iris stood and bowed as she introduced herself to them. Soon the dinner bell was ringing and everyone went into the dining hall to eat dinner. Iris sat practically glued to Himari’s side as everyone ate and chatted about their day. Once dinner was done everyone went to the Kings game room to relax. Duncan lay on the floor and played with Iris with some of the toys Himari had bought her, while Himari set pretending to read but was really watching Duncan and Iris play. The quiet girl’s loud giggles made Himari’s hear swell with joy and she could feel they did the same to Duncan. Once in a while she and Duncan’s eyes would meet and they would share a smile before blushing and looking away. When Iris started yawning Himari suggested it was time to get ready for bed and go to bed. Iris just nodded and let Himari put her toys in her storage box. Bianca offered to let Iris take the room next to Himari’s but Iris had latched onto Himari at the suggestion and wouldn’t let go, so to soothe her Himari had told her she could sleep in her bed or they could make her a bed up in the floor. Duncan had escorted Himari and Iris to their room and kissed the back of both their hands making Iris giggle. He wished them both a goodnight before heading to his room. Himari bathed Iris and used the lotion she had made on the girl before putting her in the pajamas they had picked out earlier that day together. She showed Iris how to properly brush her teeth and then brushed the girls beautiful tresses before putting them in a braid. Himari left Iris with a book to look at while she showered, applied lotion and brushed her teeth and hair. She returned to the bedroom to find Iris fast asleep with the book open lying open atop her. Himari put the book away, covered iris with the blanket and dropped a kiss on her forehead before climbing in bed beside her and falling asleep.