[color=33D1D3][u][b]Equipment[/b][/u][/color]
[list][*]0 Crux Gems
[*]Bag of Holding, Focal Crystal, and Chain Whip[/list]

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Dread, it snaked around her being and caused each breath to feel like a struggle, a deep weight upon her chest that she couldn't shake though no one would have guessed it from her calm outward appearance. Inside, she felt a swirl of emotions battling to take hold as it felt like the past was repeating itself right before her eyes with yet another one of her caregivers being sick, life draining slowly from them. She wasn't useless this time around but there was always this possibility that Gertie might not make it or that they would fail to save her in time. Was there even a tea set? Were they chasing something that had been long destroyed? She didn't know, the answer covered by many mysteries and different stories told. She was not able to truly help her mother and this adventure was a hope that she might be able to change fate this time around. It seemed most of the group was apprehensive about leaving the safety of the glittering barrier that surrounded the great city that was now behind them and she couldn't blame the others if they felt that way. Astraea had been in the forest before and moved through various places, each day out in the wilderness just wondering if it would be her last but her mother's teachings had been the key to making it through. She was not the only one that had been through the forests or traveled great distances and had a knowledge of what they would be dealing with but this time they would be looking for trouble instead of avoiding it. She hoped that with some of the knowledge they had, that would be enough. Astraea took a moment and tried to push those thoughts away, taking a deep breath and centering herself as she focused on the soft lush green grass under her feet, the warmth from the sun on her skin, and the light breeze rustling through the trees creating its own unique music that she could listen to for hours. Astraea's sky eyes gazed over the group, changing her focus onto them so she wouldn't worry herself into madness over Gertie. 

Sith seemed to be looking forward to the possibilities this trip might have in store for him. She had no doubts he cared for the woman that took him in with no doubts or hesitation but you could see the true excitement in his eyes as he looked to the key he held. It most likely was a hope at finding something familiar along the path to pull his lost memories to the surface. It had to be hard, being who you are without knowing where you had been. Would you be the same person you were now if you remembered the past? Would you hate who you were or would you be more disappointed in what you had become? It had to leave an emptiness inside and a struggle to know more that was just at the tip of the surface before disappearing from your reach. What he lacked for in memories, Sith made up for with his confidence and attitude which was like a flip of a coin. At times, he could be charming and in others, he could be relentless in his teasing or darker humor. She had grown used to it and knew that he meant nothing by it and honestly, Archy made it easy by getting riled instead of learning to roll with the joke or ignore it. The boy was still young though and would learn with time, for now, she was there to protect him if it got out of hand. We were all still fond of him even with his quirks if choosing him as their leader was anything to go by but to be fair, Francis was just as worthy of the title and good at keeping Sith on track and probably not letting them all be killed. 

Valeo, on the other hand, was a little different than Sith as he was constantly sarcastic with some sort of quick remark or when teasing went about it a bit darker which she had noticed didn't sit well with most of the others. She didn't think it bothered him a bit what the others thought of him and if anyone was to abandon them or wander off to be alone, it would probably be him. Astraea didn't view this in a negative way but rather if you saw a beautiful tiger, roaming free and content in their solitary then why would anyone think that they wanted to be in a circus of other animals even if possibly compatible or trapped in a cage. It would be more likely that they would shy from that in whatever way they chose to express it. It was one of the reasons she was suspicious of his so-called brother to suddenly be gone. It was Valeo's choice if he parted ways from the group but he could just outright tell them so but at least she should be grateful that he offered a choice on where to go that would be dangerous, yes, but would benefit the group in the end. Astraea doubted she would be able to say thank you on behave of them as she avoided being near Valeo. He seemed to dislike her and maybe it was because of what she was or possibly her personality annoyed him but it seemed like she would never be the one to find out. She was used to judgment and if it really was her personality then she would treat him with kindness when interaction was a must and leave him be otherwise. She did not wish to cause him trouble or push friendship if it was unwanted. If anyone in the group had a chance of learning anything about the half demon, Valeo, it would probably be Sith as they seemed to be on at least understanding terms and could hold each other's jokes but even that was low chances in the sharing department. 

Speaking of sharing, Francis was another that was not unlike herself. He held his feelings in, though those molten gold eyes would betray him at times and there were other things that gave hints. She often called them nervous ticks though she wasn't always sure that was exactly what it was. The best example was at the current moment, he was picking at his glove so there was something stirring in his mind but that is something he wouldn't share with her. He didn't give her the feeling that she was disliked but there was this distance that was noticeable there. It was like someone being careful where they stepped. She was starting to notice that wasn't the same with all nobles like she had thought for so long. Rhaya had opened her eyes to that which had only made her look more into what Francis did and what it meant. Astraea hoped that one day that feeling wouldn't be there and he could just talk to her if he needed someone to lean on but at the same time that would mean her having to open up also as communication is a two-way street and that was something she wasn't ready for with anyone. It felt like a burden to give someone else and she had been able to just fine so far. 

At least not everyone was distant from her in one way or another, her eyes looking towards the younger ones in her group. She always hung back or matched paces with them to make sure nothing could happen easily without her being able to protect them both. It was often times she would keep them busy or even carry them if they needed it and sometimes if they asked nicely. Astraea knew this would be difficult for Archy as Gertie's home and the city were all he had ever known from growing up there with not many opportunities to travel. She knew he was scared but she was glad that he had decided to come. She would not let him be harmed if she could help it and that was the same for Maybell. She was so small, even by opossum standards which could be helpful but it could also be a major downfall at times. She was an adorable and bright energy in the group while Archy made her smile and though it might be cruel to say, his clumsiness made her laugh since she found it so him. It was a part of his charm in her book though she did wish he would be careful. The two could make her day feel so much better when she was down. It was nice watching Maybell try to figure out a puzzle or Archy showing her something new he had learned. It was this thought that made her want to reach out and ruffle the boy's auburn hair or offer to carry the little opossum on her shoulder. Astraea held back, letting her eyes drift to one of their other newer members.

Rhaya was different then she had imaged she would be when she first arrived at Gertie's home. She had never really seen female knights and it made her think of the tight-laced, loyal, hard men that she had come to know and had wondered if she would be the same. It was stories of her father that made her think that maybe all were not like that and she had yet to meet them. She had heard he was a soft and loving person. He had been strong and loyal but with a heart not meant for fighting. Rhaya seemed to have a little bit of that in her as well.  They had talked a lot, whenever Rhaya seemed to need someone to lend an ear and let go of her insecurities or to be there for her which she was more than happy to do. It was nice to see her when she looked at cute things. She tried to hide it, probably to seem stronger but it was nice to know someone strong could also be soft. She looked out for the two younger ones in our groups, especially Archy when she was not nearby which she appreciated. 

The thoughts on their last member were cut short as Sith spoke up about the key and the familiarity of it. "It is possible, there is really no way to know for sure until the new memory is triggered." It wasn't too long after that Valeo confessed that he had forgotten to mention a Bearon had made residence at Crystal Grove, the very place they were headed too. She didn't even have much of a chance to think on that before Francis was trying to set up a plan of action with any information Valeo might have and Rhaya stated it would have been nice to know sooner and was also softly fishing for a reason it wasn't mentioned sooner. It seemed like she was stating it might not have been a slip up in memory. She decided that it was supposed to be innocent until proven guilty. "At least he spoke up now when he remembered it instead of waiting for us to get there. Hopefully, we will not run into the Bearon but the more information we have would help with a better plan. I would not like to have to hope for the best and have us all plan while in battle." Astraea replied to the others statements.