Rain makes mud and Maven knows that. But it still surprises him when he slips downwards, sinking into the Earth. He catches himself on a tree and grips the wet wood tightly. He doesn't dare stop running. Mare Barrow could find him and finally finish him off.

Underneath the rain there comes around, low and lingering. It's the low hum of a saxophone playing a lullaby. Maven's heart starts to beat in his ears. Someone is here? This deep into the forest? Could there be a house? And suddenly there's another sound, more familiar then he'd like it to be. The lightning cracks. Maven doesn't hesitate to flee farther into the depths. He pushes branches out of his face, stepping over bird carcasses and squished bugs. Someone is occupying this space. Maven turned around, trying to see how far his perpetrator can be. All he saw was a figure with purple highlights just standing, watching him. He stared as she shook her head and retreated into the light. Maven leaned his shoulders against a thick tree to catch his breath. She gave up. She left him there in the cold. The music starts to get louder.

It comes from the gloom. It's not alluring. It's nothing but a warning cal. He looks into space, weighing his options. His footsteps thump in his chest. He'll be brave. His name is Maven Calore and he'll be brave through this night.

A light stomping interrupts his courageousness. It was fast, rounding all around him. As it got too close for his comfort he identified what it was. A gallop. There was a beast running through the trees in the rain, dancing with the music following it. A voice rumbles out and Maven stands tall.

"What are you doing here?"

He didn't recognize it. It was fierce, frightening him to the core. It rang with confidence no human would possess. Words clung to Maven's throat. Everything in him tells him to run. He swallows down those feelings.

Maven squares his shoulders, "I own this land. What are you doing here."

The galloping comes to a halt. He stiffs. Emerging from the shadows is nothing more than a person on a Friesian horse. Your sharp eyes glare down at him. You couldn't help but acknowledge the light curiosity that tingled in your gut. The king came to visit you.

Another lightning strike.

"So you are the king," you lean forward, "but that doesn't differ on the inside. Just another skull on my wall."

His face heats up. "Soldiers will come looking for you."

A laugh erupts from your lips. You swing your legs over your horse. Maven just watches you. He doesn't cower. But he's still afraid. Your feet pound on the floor with a loud smack. The rain seemed to calm while you brush your wet hair back. With a hand on your hip, you continue to laugh at him.

"Nobody comes into these parts. Your highness, you are my first visitor for a long time."

Maven looks around. Admittedly he hasn't heard about this forest but why would he? Could there be urban legends without his knowledge? You twist your hand, almost reading his mind.

You stand in front of him, "and you better watch your step. I get rather hungry."

The low hum of a symphony follows you as you trot back to your ride. You smile. He's scared. You can smell it on him. But he's putting on a brave face, even testing you. It's a foreign feeling of admiration you haven't experienced in a while. He's a keeper, maybe. Grunting, you climb back onto your horse.

"Where are you going?" He takes a step closer to you and you can see the confusion of his actions cross his face. You chuckle as you look at him. He's as cute as a bunny. You can't stop smiling. He steps closer, noticing how you smiled at the movement. The gentle drizzle of rain running down his pale skin and flattened his hair.

"Do you wish to accompany me?" You pat the back of the horse. He stares at you, not processing the request, his heart slows. He's not used to... horses. Yet he cannot say no. Where else would he go? You reach your hand out for him to grab. He opens his mouth but you interrupt him by abruptly forcing your hand back with a smirk.

"Unless you cannot ride?"

He crosses his arms. Blinking, his mouth fumbles for words. You wait patiently.

"I prefer to walk." 

You scoff, running your hands down your horse's mane. Maven looks up at you again as the rain begins to lighten. Something reflects onto his eyes, something he didn't notice before. You had a small crown on your head. It fits perfectly against your head, so hidden he hardly noticed. 

You continue, Maven walking by your side as you lace through the trees with your animal companion. A small smile plays on your face. The clouds clear from the sky, the night sky more gloomy than the rain was. 

"You never answered my question," he comments.

"Where do you want to go?"

He thinks for a second. Actually considers what it would be like to try and return back home. He would be shot dead. The horse lets out a noise, shaking its head. Maven doesn't continue his thought. 

"Wherever you live."

Again, you laugh. It's an ugly cackle you were embarrassed to let out. You lick your fanged teeth, your demonic tail twirling around from under your jacket.

"Suit yourself."