Avalonna

Caspian proved to not be such as bad a traveling companion as Avalonna had first anticipated. He was quite knowledgable and told her stories about his travels to the southern and northern kingdoms. It felt almost as if no time had passed when morning had arrived and they had made their way to the next town.

"... And that's where I found that little falcon statue your brother has. How is he by the way?" Caspian asked Avalonna as the two of them rode into what looked like a marketplace. The town they were in was called Doth and was quite small and not as busy as Eversong. It was a town made for passerby's to rest up, get more supplies, and be on their way.

"Oh, my brother? He is fine I believe." Avalonna replied politely. Caspian chuckled to himself and got off his horse to examine the various items and produce in the marketplace.
"No my dear, I meant the falcon. However, I am glad to hear your brother is fine as well." He smiled and put down a trinket he had been examining. Avalonna did not know whether to believe his reply or not, but she did not yet feel it necessary to discuss magic with a virtual stranger. Instead of replying, she too got off her horse and began examining what the local merchants had to offer. There wasn't much to look at, but what they did have was interesting enough. Caspian insisted on paying for Avalonna this time and they purchased fruits and canteens for water along with other small things. They went into the center of the town where travelers and merchants and ordinary citizens were conversing and discussing business and gossip. Avalonna thought she heard some mention of the Red King declaring new orders, but she new better than to start discussing about the King, even in a small town like this. However, she thought it wouldn't hurt to ask her companion about it.

"Caspian," she said nonchalantly while eating an apple,
"How much do you know about the royal family?"

He made a look of disgust and rolled his eyes.
"They are bloodthirsty, corrupted by their power, and overall horrible people. Not much is known about how King Leonidas met Queen Anthena, but when the King inherited his throne from his parents after his father passed away from a sudden illness, she was just simply there. They were engaged quickly and she became queen." He paused here while thinking and lead Avalonna back to their horses. He continued in a rather quiet voice,
"They use fear to rule the people, and have a hatred of magic because to them, it is not real and is simply something that distracts their citizens and gives them something to believe in other than their King and Queen. I don't know much else, but I do know it is not always wise or safe to talk freely about the royal family in their own kingdom." He stopped and changed his tone and spoke again normally,
"So! Do you wish to spend lunch here or move on to a more interesting town?" He asked with a smile.

"We should move on, I would prefer to get to the north as quick as possible." Avalonna replied, getting back on her horse. Caspian nodded in agreement and got on his horse as well. They left Doth but not longer after they had begun traveling again, Avalonna started growing tired. She cursed herself for not planning ahead and realizing that riding through the night would take such a toll on her.

"Caspian," she said while slowing down her horse on the trail,
"Perhaps we should stop here and eat. I also have some more questions that I believe you may be able to answer."
Caspian's eyes seem to brighten and he smiled and nodded as he left his horse next to Avalonna'a and the two sat in the grass field nearby. A large tree cast shade over them and a small river ran past. Avalonna smiled as she could hear the sounds of the water rushing by and the various animals and life in the forest.

"Val?" Caspian asked with a chuckle, bringing Avalonna back to reality.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry, sir. What were you saying?" She replied with a polite smile.

"Please, no more formalities, I am simply Caspian, and I was asking you what questions did you have for me?" He took off his hat and leaned back against the tree. Avalonna knew she had to be very careful with her line of questions, as not to raise suspicion.

"Well it's just that... You talk about magic quite often, as if it truly exists. If magic was real, and so were witches and such, what exactly could they do?" She asked, trying to sound as if she was just being inquisitive.

"Hmm, well that would depend on the type of witch, or such, and how strong that person was. A master of nature magic could command plants and animals to their will and control all 4 elements; air, water, fire, and earth," As he talked he drew symbols in the dirt trail with a stick. Avalonna knew she had never seen these symbols before, but somehow she could read them. Each one represented the name of the four elements.
"Some of the most powerful have been known to even summon lightning from the sky," he continued,
"on the other hand, a true master of supernatural magic, could do unimaginable things. They could heal those on the brink of death, command an army of undead, speak with ghosts... Supernatural warlocks and witches are only limited by their own minds and inner power to cast their spells. " he concluded.

"How is it you know so much about magic?" Avalonna asked, somewhat amazed.

"Ah, from stories here and there." He smiled and talked with his hands when he spoke,
"You pick up quite a bit if you just take the time to pay attention." He gave Avalonna a seemingly knowing smile.

"If a witch, or other magical person, was tired or needed to be healed or needed to be restored, could they revive themselves without sleep?" She asked, trying her hardest to make it seem like a random question.

"Hmm..." Caspian took a moment to think to himself,
"From what I have heard, a spell drains the caster's energy somewhat. Hence, using one to heal your own cuts and bruises will be useful, however using a spell that will cost you energy to replenish your energy seems redundant, wouldn't you say?" He raised an eyebrow at Avalonna and smiled politely.

"Oh, yes of course." Avalonna replied, trying not to sound disappointed.

"I have some items you might like to take a look at." Caspian said, smiling and taking out his black box from earlier.
"I know you liked the falcon, but maybe you'd like to examine a few more of the items?" He asked Avanlonna. Before she had a chance to reply, she heard a twig snap and a voice from behind them.

"That's ok, the girl won't be needed them, but if you'd like to turn those items over to us, we'd be happy to take 'em off your hands." Said the voice.

Avalonna turned and went to get up as Caspian put an arm in front of her protectively as she saw several fairly large men in black cloaks and armor carrying swords and daggers. They were older than Avalonna, and had beards and the looks of those who had seen battles and war. One of the men, the one who spoke and seemed to be in charge, smirked as he stepped forward. Avalonna went to say something, a warning or a spell she was not sure, but was cut off before she could get anything out. The man looked intently at her and without notice, hurled his dagger directly at Avalonna's heart.