Rubbing her wrists, she opened the cell containing her dogs, smiling as they wiggled in place, paws tapping as they waited for her to call them to her. “Jiggy!” the wolfdog with the orange collar barked and bounced over to her. “Thorgi.” her original dog, tail wagging hard, bounced right into her legs, making her laugh. “Puma, let’s go!” the wolfdog on the bed stopped chewing at the corner and looked up before steadily making his way towards her. “Phoenix, Cookie, let’s get out of here!” Turning, the woman led the five dogs out, laughing to herself as she saw the guards’ faces as they saw that the dogs were released. As she pushed the door open, her breath caught at the sight of two familiar men. “Garroth, Laurence!” Skidding to a stop in front of her Head Guard, she looked over him for any sign of pain. When she saw none, she held up a finger and pulled Laurence away.
“My love! Thank goodness you are ok,” he said as she pulled him away, making her both flush and grimace a bit. “You being behind a cage is like having a sweet dove behind bars. I told Barrett that you were with me in Meteli at the time of the last murder, so you have a solid alibi.” she looked at him in a bit of a shock before smiling. “Plus I know someone as sweet and beautiful as you could not be responsible for any horrid crime,” he must’ve seen her face darken a bit as he carried on, a bit more hurriedly. “Without just cause, of course!”
“Well… thank you, Laurence. For both the alibi and the Lord lessons.” she said.
“Don’t mention it my love.” the redhead hesitated before leaning in closer and whispering. “By the way, is Garroth in your village guard?” She looked at his face, the hesitance, it kind of reminded her of… oh… well, wasn’t that interesting? She’d have to ask him about it later. Nodding, she saw something (relief? hope?) swell in his eyes. “He seems like a nice guy.”
“The best. He’s helped me in more ways than one back in Phoenix Drop.” she answered, unable to not glance at the guard in question.
“I’ll be seeing you, I suppose. I’m needed back at Meteli, but I wanted to ensure they knew here of your innocence.” he grabbed her hand and bowed, giving a gentle kiss to the back of it. “Safe travels, m’lady.” With a noise that she really didn’t want to identify, she removed her hand from his grip and walked over to Garroth, who was looking(?) at her in concern.
“Aphmau, thank goodness you are ok. I had sent Raven to deliver a message to you, but when he saw your hands tied and being escorted, he had turned around and came back to tell me.” A hesitant hand came up to cup her face, and she found herself leaning in to his touch. “I’m just glad you are safe and that that Laurence was able to clear your good name.” With a noise of agreement, she opened her eyes (when had she closed them?) and smiled a bit.
“I had to go to Meteli for a few things, and he was able to help teach me a few things about being a Lord,” she said, hand going up to cover his. “You should’ve let me help, Garroth. It can’t be healthy, being both Head Guard and taking over most of the duties of the Lord.”
“I… shall remember that, Lord Aphmau.” he murmured, and she frowned at the different tone in his voice. Defeated, almost? She squeezed his hand, and he continued, warmth slowly filtering back. “I had mentioned you were the Lord of Phoenix Drop and that you have been known to have had great relations with the Lord of Brightport.”
“Thank you Garroth,” she said. “I really do appreciate this.”
“You are most welcome,” the guard chuckled. “I must get getting back to Phoenix Drop as soon as possible.”
“Levin’s safe?” she asked, getting a nod.
“He’s currently with Zoey and Dale. I just wanted Raven to inform you of how he’s been since you’ve been gone for almost a week now. Keep an eye out for Raven.” Reaching up with his other hand, he brushed a few strands of hair that had fallen in her face before hesitating. “What is with Laurence calling you… ‘his love’?”
Do you believe in soulmates? That out there, you can find someone who will match you perfectly?
“He’s… I don’t know.” she trailed off, shaking her head. “I think… it’s hard to explain. We’re not involved, and I have no feelings for him aside from friendship, but… it is easier for him to explain.”
“…I see,” he mumbled. “I’ll be sure to have a few words with him.” Looking back towards her, she could feel his smile. “Take care, Aphmau, and safe travels.”
“Safe travels,” she whispered back, stepping away and going to Barrett. ‘If only they could finish the rest of the journey with me…’
Direct Quote taken from “Suspect #1”
