The Masked General

Abience

Light peaked through the window, waking Avira. She looked over at her sleeping sister, and realized it was still early. She had almost forgotten why they were not home, what had happened to her family, but reality hit her as she stretched. She threw on the pair of men's trousers she had packed, and a white blouse. She wrapped herself in her cloak, as she quietly crept out of the room. The hallways were silent. Andrew said that he reduced the staff, out of safety for his guests. Even with no servants working in the hallways, the home was kept clean, very little dust gathered in the corners. She admired the green drapes that hung down the walls. Her footsteps echoed down the hallways, as she found her way outside.

She was greeted by being tackled to the ground, "Hey girl! Good morning, are you hungry?" Avira petted the wolf. "I was thinking about it last night, and I think I'll call you Sylvia, do you like it?" Avira rambled on with her questions, realizing she couldn't understand the animal anyways.

"Sylvia? You named a wolf, Sylvia?" Andrew popped up behind her.

Avira jumped up in surprise, "Ah Sir Andrew, good morning."

"Good morning, Princess." He nodded in return.

"What's wrong with Sylvia? I think it's a lovely name, for a lovely creature." Avira said thoughtfully.

"No no, it is quite lovely. I just was expecting something more along the lines of 'Rocky, Buddie," I don't know," Andrew rubbed the back of his head.

"Well, for one, she is a girl." Avira bent down to rub Sylvia's head.

"Well, you are free to name it whatever you want I suppose." Andrew leaned forward letting the wolf come to him, "She's like a big puppy."

"Yes, a very big one. I could potentially ride her, but I think she needs to be fattened up first. I prefer horses anyways though," Avira thought allowed to herself, forgetting about Andrew.

"That animal is still here? Princess, I'm a bit concerned for your safety when it seems to refuse to leave you," Eleanor walked towards Avira, clasping her hands together.

"Good morning Eleanor." Avira looked up. "Oh she's fine, as long as I feed her often enough, she won't need to eat me instead," She smirked.

"I just realized, Princess Avira, you covered your mark. Why?" Andrew questioned the princess.

Avira furrowed her brows, clearly Andrew knew more about her than she realized. She put on a smile, "To blend in."

"I see," Was Andrew's only response.

Ivelle cut into their conversation, "Have you all been awake long? Did I miss something?"

"Not at all," Avira softened her eyes, "shall we go find our breakfast?"

"Oh yes, I'm famished!" Ivelle patted her stomach.

"I'm glad!" Andrew chuckled, offering Ivelle his arm, "I had the cook prepare an extra special breakfast for today. And I also had him prepare something for Sylvia." He nodded towards Avira.

She smiled in return, and followed them inside.

"Unfortunately, I won't be able to stay here with you all this morning. I have some business in the city. Will you all be alright here alone?" Andrew led them to the dining room, but did not sit with them.

"We'll be just fine, thank you. Will you be back soon?" Ivelle sat down in the chair Andrew pulled out for her.

"I'm not sure how long it will take, but I won't be too far. I'm meeting with Prince Hiroshi," He gestured towards the direction the castle is in. He bit his lip, waiting for the girl's responses.