Restraining a grin, Sanders just raised an eyebrow after Zelia's quick response. When she noted how Trex was good with animals he gave a slight nod. "That he does."
His attention turned to the door as Trex entered. He let a grin show on his face when Zelia tattled about the fact he thought Trex would be a lousy farmer. However, Trex did not raise to the bait. Instead they were called to breakfast where, after grace, they started in. 

Trex barely took a bite before Zelia's question caught him. He should have known it would come up. Of course Bodo instantly turning and going off it just made it worse. Keeping calm and ignoring the smirk on his brother's face, Trex washed his food down with some milk. He set the glass down and looked at Zelia, ignoring the little exceed. "I usually sleep in the barn." He worded it carefully. If he mentioned that as a guest she should not sleep in the barn she probably would take it wrong. That's what he liked about her. She was selfless and did not want to be given extra treatment. And considering taking care of guests was considered high honor in his family, it was something better off avoided. "Used to do it all the time when I was younger."

Sanders grunted in agreement. He looked over at Zelia. "Despite not being farmer material, Trex did have an affinity with the barn. Or at least with the outdoors. So..." He leaned back and looked at the three. "Do you plan on taking off right away or sticking around?" 

Trex glanced at his parents. "We probably need to head back. The rest of our team will probably be waiting for us back at the guild." There was regret in his voice but it was still firm. "Thanks for putting us up. I'll be back to visit."

Marcus gave a brief nod. He looked over at Zelia. "You're welcome to visit anytime. You'll always be welcome here."

---
[i]In the near Future[/i]
She ran through the forest as if his life depended on it. And it did. Kyoto was in danger and knowing him, he would not back down. Why did he have to always stand up and not back out of a fight? Sometimes his morality irked her. The fact that he knew that he was not coming out of this alive must have been why he tricked her and told her to meet him at the river. He didn't want her there. He didn't want her death on his head.

Well he was sorely mistaken. She wasn't going to let him go up against the wizards without her being by his side. Even if it meant both their deaths. She didn't search so long to find her cousin only to lose him again. Not after only knowing him for a few months. She scowled. Those Caelum wizards. They had never been up to any good. 

She stumbled, the thistles on the forest floor stinging her palm as she caught herself. She ignored it, even as tears came to the corner of her eyes. "Kyoto." her whispered voice could be barely heard. "Why?"
~~~
[i]Present Day[/i]
The kingdom of Midi was one of the smallest kingdoms in Earthland. However, it was extremely cultured and in some ways even more advanced than some of the larger kingdoms. Some said the advancements were due to the fact that percentage-wise, Midi had one of the lowest ratio of wizards to regular people in the western countries. Perhaps the lack of magic and the small size had pushed the people of Midi to find other ways to defend themselves, especially against their aggressive northern neighbor of Minstrel. 

Either way, it was more sophisticated than Fiore. Ryzo stepped aside as another sleek mobile passed by. He wrapped his cloak around him. 

"This city is by far the cleanest I've been in." Tye glanced around. "And everyone seems so peaceful. It would be so fun to cause some trouble." She looked at her apprentice Narsica. "What do you think? I night on the town picking whatever we want?"

Ryzo turned and scowled at them. "Remember, we are here only for the orange ring. No trouble."

Tye laughed and waved him off. "I'm only kidding." When he turned away she rolled her eyes. "Such a spoilsport."