The woman, Belle, led me to a huge house; she kept using various flora and fauna as shields.
"Who are you..? Why are you helping me?" I asked once we were in the house. She tilted her head slightly before standing up straight.
"A queen should always defend those who are in the kingdom she rules. I apply this with visitors as well," Belle explained. My eyes widened in shock as I took a knee and bowed my head.
"My apologies your majesty. I-I had no idea and I was kinda rude with that and-"
"That was a Forrest Carriage, was it not?" another voice asked. I looked up to see a young woman in the doorway. Her hair was a beautiful ombre and her eyes were a dark grey. She couldn't have been much older than me.
I nodded.
"Mama, she knows Er-"
The door ripped open.
"R! Oh thank Vaeun you're okay! I swear there are never attacks here, I don't know why there was and I'm sorry being in my sector put you in danger and-"
"Calm down Eris. There's other royalty present, we can't break down," a second girl said. She had long, light blue hair.
"That's rude Emile," yet another girl told her.
Emile shrugged, "just politics."
A hand reached out to me. Raising my head, I made eye contact with ombre-lady.
"Would you like some food or drinks? The others are in the dining room and I'm sure they'd love to see you," she said. I nodded and took her hand.
As we were walking through the halls I could hear Eris grumble "I could've helped them too Bea".
"I know. But you were also out fighting little bro, you need rest."
"Yeah, I will tonight. How've your studies been Bea? You've been busy lately, at least busy enough to not answer my letters," Eris replied.
"I was caught up with my political and arcane lessons, as well as helping around the kingdom. Isbel discovered her branch yesterday... she's missed you so much, have you even said hi to her yet?" Bea shot back.
It's like I'm not even here.
"I did. Even made her a gift or two. Perhaps I'll make her more to celebrate," Eris answered as we stopped in front of a door. Inside giggles filled the room, as well as moving furniture and even some music.
"Well you two have fun. And stop ignoring your friends brother, that leads to disaster. Bye R, see you at the festival tonight," Bea beamed at me before walking off.
My jaw dropped as I turned to Eris, "festival??"
He shrugged, "it's traditional, especially when a royal discovers their branch. Think of it like a birthday party. Now come on, they're probably worried sick too."
As we walked into the room, we were surrounded by people. Many of which I didn't know, but once Luana and Lyn saw us there was a massive group hug.
"Are you alright??" Neo asked feircely, "I didn't mean to leave you there, it's just I'm not strong enough to carry that many pe-"
I cut them off with a hug. They returned my embrace, pulling me close and burying their face into my shoulder. They said something severely muffled.
"Everyone was worried sick-" Remus added before turning to Eris, "- who were those people?"
Eris took a quick scan of the room before taking us academy students to another room. We sat in silence until he said "they're called Winder Devotees. It's a group of people who are half Winder, or at least they heavily believe they are. From our investigations, they do not have branches but they are capable of many forms of arcane."
