[center][h1][b][u][color=9e0b0f]Rhea Duvalier[/color][/u][/b][/h1]

[b]Interacting with:[/b]  [@Zeroth][/center]

[color=gray]At least the man had something to say. She would have been much more agitated if he kept things secret from her, as that was a sign that it would be best if she didn't trust him. But Gorou had stories to tell, at least, from what she assumed. Rhea listened intently, apprehensive for any sight or sound that might give away the fact that he could be lying. Although, the more that she listened to his words, the more that she remained alert for any sign of deceit, the more that she realized that the swordsman was telling the truth. Gorou meant what he said, and there was no way that she was able to prove him wrong. As of now, he was someone that could be trusted... even if he had quite the backstory. Just because he bore strange beginnings didn't mean he was a thief or mongrel, waiting to cut the throat of the crown prince. With a half-hearted mumble to herself, she shoved the thoughts away for the time being. Instead, her hands tightened around the reigns of her wyvern, only slightly listening to the issue about Gorou's eyes. They couldn't be so bad that he had to hide them, right? Were they demonic or something?

There were a few moments of peace and tranquility as she slowly guided Icarus after their group. But the quiet did not last long, as his next words made her blood run cold. Not only did Gorou vow to fulfill his duties to Eli, but he promised to protect [i]her[/i] as well. She knew he meant well; the swordsman simply wanted to put his loyalty on display. But the words served to wound her, and [i]deeply[/i], at that. All Rhea thought of at the moment was Caelholdt. His smile. The way he laughed. The way he told her that he would always make sure she was alright. She spun around, hiding the pained glimmer that was surfacing within her gaze. [color=9e0b0f][b]"I can very well defend myself. I don't need anyone to protect me, much less a twig like you,"[/b][/color] Rhea spat out after a moment of respite, trying to smother her anger and frustration at the words. While her tone was venomous, pain and shame made their home within the words she spoke. Did she really seem that weak that a stranger told her that he would prevent her from harm? What was all of her training for, if she didn't even appear strong enough?

[color=9e0b0f][b]"We'll be stopping twice on this journey. Once at Bolsan, then at Banidrek. After that, we'll head straight for Port Sesta, then arrive at Rozel,"[/b][/color] she was quick to change the topic after the incident, her expression facing the endless expanse of blue that was the sky. Maybe, if she focused on the clouds and sun enough, the drowning sensation she felt would dissipate into nothing.[/color]