Forums » Fantasy Roleplay » A new chapter [[Private]]

It had been a handful of weeks since the final resting of the golden kingdom's late King and life had began to return to normal for most of its inhabitants. The dispersal of food had gotten better- no longer were the poor given the meager scraps of the castle; no more moldy food, no more rock-hard bread. Of course, it wasn't perfect food and not of the highest of qualities due to the limited abilities of the farmlands but it was better than it had been in years thanks to the promise of the new King. The old run down temple for the elders was now almost completed with its renovations needing only a few final touches. The occupants inside seemed both lifted in spirit and in health with the upgraded living situation and seemingly happy with a few newcomers who were chosen to live alongside them, helping them with their daily lives and assisting them with their tasks. Slowly, the grotesque feeling of corruption felt thinning and the air almost easier to breathe.. all thanks to the turn-around of the new King and his appointed staff. He had not yet sought after the Divine wrath that his keeper- his friend- had spoken of. Mainly, he hadn't gotten the chance to with his loyal adviser always on his heels and partly because he had still felt a fear. He had not fully understood his vivid meetings with his god that had seemed to happen occasionally every few nights.. This left him confused though as the days turned to weeks the young King almost accepted them as part of a routine. The setting appeared to be mid day; the two residing within the King's chambers still asleep long past their usual routine.

Like any other day, the sun beams peeked through the openings of his drapes that hung over the large windows within his room and kissed tenderly at his ash skin, warming him to the core. He welcomed this feeling happily as a ruby eye shone brightly between a half closed eyelid where it'd take in the beautiful view he had of his kingdom scattered along the land. It had grown to become one of his favourite things; looking out on his kingdom and watching- observing- his people go about their daily lives. He had come to recognize the warmth within him when he gazed upon his people as great fondness; even love perhaps though he had never fully understood what it was to love an individual but he loved his people like he loved his family. The young male would shift from his right side onto his back but stopping halfway as he felt a rather hard object causing him to nearly squawk with the sudden onset of confusion. Quickly he'd push himself off of his bed, jumping back though as soon as he had realized what he had rolled over top of his red eyes would squint in a discontent glare while lips pulled in what could be read as an irritated scowl. Atop silky sheets and wrapped in nearly every padded blanket that clung to the large bed was a lump that moved ever so slightly as it took in breaths. Gryph would waste no time grabbing at an unused pillow, holding it over the small, bundled mass on the bed and then letting it fall right on top with a thud- the down feathers that filled it sinking now around the object and slowly pinning it down.

"And what in Xhen's name do you think you're doing?" The king's voice and tone so informal for his character sounded out as a warble, the lump shifted about frantically under the rather heavy feather pillow while sounding out pathetic chirps and wails as if crying for help. Reaching back over Gryph would grab the heavy pillow and pitch it away all the while a tan and white Egret burrowed his way out from the trap where two-toned gaze locked with blood and there they would keep and shine with a watery film. Cheeks puffed out a bit and another chirp would sound, this time almost sounding accusingly and wavered.

"Oh come now, it wasn't even that heavy. See?" Demonstrating the lack of weight the pillow seemingly had to the King, the young bird would pick the pillow up with one hand, juggle it to the next before setting it down at the foot being praised with a whistle and a few claps that caused him to give a small smirk and roll his eyes. It didn't take much to impress Egret it seemed and he could turn from sad to happy within a second.

"I'm surprised with you, my friend.. You've slept in beyond me this time. Tell me, are you feeling sick?" Half joking, The crane would lean forth and press a soft, ash hand against the forehead of his loyal companion but not before brushing away at the loose strands of hair. He'd wait a moment, allowing the warmth from the other to kiss at his skin and feed through him, waiting for a sign of sickness to be felt but nothing.. Instead the white bird would make a clucking noise and start rubbing his own hands against his arms, lifting his shoulders and making a vibrating clucking sound signing that he had gotten cold in the middle of the night. It was a believable excuse in all honesty- the King usually left his window opened given the fact there was no way anyone could possibly enter on account of it being too high for a being to climb up- even the King's balcony was pretty secure due to the height.

Hand pulled from the forehead of the smaller bird but not before it twist and flicked an index finger against tan skin while fiendish smirk tugged at the corner of Gryph's lips and eyes continuing their glare. "Uh huh. You know... you have a closet full of blankets at your disposal yet you resorted to stealing my sleeping space. I'm starting to think you've never gotten over your fear of the dark, my friend" Mumbling, the king would adjust his body straight now, chuckling while Egret squeaked and rubbed at the area that was flicked while eyes glared down the younger one while rose hue began to burn at his cheeks. Talons clicked against the tile a few moments before the King had made his way to his balcony and gave a quick glance then continued on his way towards the opening of his chambers where feathered hand pulled back the drapes and head poked out. The clearing was quiet today; most of the birds must be busy with their daily duties leaving him to wonder just how long the two had overslept. Retreating back into the safety of his room Gryph tick-tocked towards his closet and fumbled with his collection of ponchos, slipping it over his bare shoulders where it'd flow down against his backside and fan out slightly. Simple and yet it seemingly completed the king's look despite how complex it could be to understand him at times. From within the closet the young voice would call to his companion, trailing off as he had emerged.
"I wonder what adventures are to be had today, Egret." Standing so simple, yet so complete.

Wanderer hummed to himself as his taloned feet clacked upon the ground, the stonework here, he noticed was a lot better than some places he had the pleasure of travelling too. The strange creature's emerald eyes were wide with wonder as he took in the various morning routines being exercised by the citizens as the city slowly came to life. What must it be like to live such a linear life? It was something he thought about on occasion but as quick as that pondering came, it vanished, being replaced as the idea of food came to the fore of his mind.

Ignoring the odd looks that followed him, something he had grown rather used to and instead, liked to amuse himself from time to time by giving them a reason to really stare but not right now. He was hungry! Entertaining the masses could wait for now. Or so he thought.

"Bah..." He clucked as he checked his little bag. It had been a while since he had last been amongst civilisation and as always, he had somehow run himself down to the last few coins. Living off the wild was good and all, but one of the things he secretly enjoyed about his journeys was experiencing the various cuisines that were available.

"Mmmmm..." The dark-feathered creature paced, head tilted to the sky as he thought, ears twitching on occasion. Noticing a street corner that had a nice space around it, he beamed, "Looks like it's time for me to put on a show~"

Smelling strongly of wild flowers and dirt, the young harpy's adventure had finally come to a close.
She emerged from the wildly overgrown field, stepping on to a road, a massive kingdom in the distance. "Home sweet home.." she whispered to herself as she took in the scene. It had been several weeks since she had seen any sign of civilization. What a strange sight to see living beings that weren't plants. Plants? Harps attention quickly changed over to a bustle of wild flowers a few feet from her. The pack she had been carrying on her back quickly flung off, herbs swaying violently as they hung from the sides of the pack, landing with a quiet thud as it made contact to the ground. She quickly dug into the feather pack that clung to a belt at her waist, and pulling out a very worn book. She plucked one of the flowers, placed it in the book for later uses and tucked it back where it belonged. She took one long look at the foliage around her and sighed, "And the show must go on." She spoke to no one but herself, which was not totally uncommon for this little harpy. She would often be seen either talking to herself or to the plant life she surrounded herself with.

It wasn't long until the road had turned from dirt to stone. The change in texture felt strange against Harps feet. It was only when her talons clicked against the stone that Harp had realized she had been away from the palace for far longer than she had thought. Now self-conscious, the black and white harpy looked down at herself, only to find she was more of a light brown and black harpy. The corner of her lips turned down as she brushed herself off to no avail. With an exasperated sigh Harp decided she would clean up after returning to her little room in the palace, it's not like she wasn't covered in dirt most of the time anyway!

Tugging on the straps of her pack, she walked quickly and anxiously up the stoney road. Zig-zagging through the crowd she had one destination in mind: The Palace Greenhouse; Her Home.

Gryph's talons clicked as he carried himself into his wash room standing in front of his sink and mirror while Egret shuffled out of the King's bed and gathered his accessories where he'd string his belt on hips and slip a beaded necklace around neck then pitter-pattered his way next to his noble companion. Small hands worked at the water's pump and within a few moments a stream of warmed water began to flow from the faucet and there, the older bird would wait for the King to do what he needed before splashing water on his own face to clear away the sleep and refresh himself for the new day. King's larger hands cupped the clear liquid delicately and with a fluid motion it had met with his own face where it soothed him with a comforting warmth. A few more times and the tall bird would reach for an elegantly folded towel that rested besides the sink where he'd gently dab away at the excess water that clung to ash skin and hand it down to his adviser who had looked as though he'd just had a bath; feathers nearly drenched with water. It made him chuckle if just slightly as he watched the other; fluffing the towel around his face and hair causing it to stick up a bit and fluff out. Egret was a character. Together, the two made their way out of the King's chambers and around the overhang where they would brave the staircase then give a turn to head towards the kitchen for a quick bite. They had missed their morning food service and as well as Gryph knew Egret, he knew just how hungry the smaller one got with a skipped meal.

Entering into the kitchen, Gryph would receive a few bows from the cooks and be offered an array of foods that had been prepared though only picked at a small handful of a dried fruit and seed mixture all the while Egret had picked a sweetened pastry that was glazed with warm, melted honey. It smelled far too sweet for the younger bird who gave a concerned look though was met with Egret's rebutting smirk; fiendish and determined. This a sugar coma disguised as a succulent pastry. "Don't say I didn't tell you so when you get sick later today from that thing, my friend.." The king would mumble softly before looking away from the other noticing the young apprentice Mina who sat a ways away from the cooks. Eyes lit up and with a brush of his larger hand against the shoulder of his friend, he'd lead way next to the girl but far enough as not to disturb her.

"Good morning, young Mina." He'd coo, giving a gentle dip of his head while those ruby eyes softened before noticing that this apprentice had lacked the company of her mentor. While it wasn't like the two were connected at the hip, he couldn't exactly recall a time he'd share the company with just the girl and it had silently made him wonder where Jijo might have been. Had everyone had a late start to their day today? Snapping back to reality, his attention directed back towards her while lips and air worked to spell forth his deep, young voice once again. "May we be of your company for breakfast today-?" Stopping short as he'd glance next to him, his companion's pastry now only crumbs that clung around his lips and a glazed coating that stuck to his chin and with a roll of his eyes and a soft chuckle he would add. "Or rather, may I, seeing as Egret's breakfast seemingly vanished." Of course, Gryph would await her response not wanting to intrude and if the girl had not wanted their company he would understand; especially since she had still been burdened with her god's 'gift' that shown through her swirling ghostly eyes.

If she had accepted however, he would advance just a tad and sit near her left side while fingers worked to pick a pinch of his meal between index and thumb. The seed and fruit array would be popped between parted lips and sealed away, teeth working to break them down with a few chomps before a gentle swallow ending the food's journey and the process would repeat until the last of his meal had been cleared away.

Egret, on the other hand, would waste no time to sit at the table a little ways from Mina regardless of her decision though his focus had been on trying to rub away the remains of his breakfast which proved difficult as the honey glaze had cooled and clung to parts of his feathered chest and tan chin; ash tipped fingers rubbing at them and pulling bits of the glaze free. What a mess, but so worth it!

Wanderer grinned to himself. It hadn't taken him long to gain attention but he supposed that's what happens when the folk around you aren't used to seeing such strange magic. A lot of them seemed unnerved at first, which he thought was fair, he often 'borrowed' the shadows of objects or even living things around him for his purposes, but he could always count on the common curiosity that most have.

With gentle motions from his hands, he weaved his stories, shadows swirling into the forms of characters. Some he had seen first hand, others were ones he heard on his travels, and a few from his homeland. The one he was telling at the moment had a mix of the three.

Something that occurred recently bothered him so. He had heard tales of special assassins, but never thought he'd actually see one, let alone an act that was so... He frowned. These people clearly had no clue and he wondered for a moment what it must be like to be so oblivious to the evil side to the world they lived in. Ah well, it at least made his stories all the more interesting to them. Though he was quick to learn that not many took too kindly to that kind of exposure.

Unfortunately, his subconscious had spoken and without even realising it he had already begun to weave an unfortunate tale of how one reached his inevitable end. Once he realised he quickly, the subtly change the shapes slightly. The last thing he wanted was to be tried for some kind of treason!

By the time Harp reached the palace gates she was huffing and puffing, "that sure was a hike!" she said to herself, briefly noticing a few people looking to her as she said it. She took a moment to catch her breath before proceeding into the palace. As she entered she admire the beautiful tapestries and columns, the colors and shines and then there was the matter of, "Stairs!" Harp groaned loudly, her groan echoing off the walls around her. Instantly self conscious she took a sharp right to go down a couple of stairs to get to the greenhouse.
As she walked her mind wandered and suddenly had recalled a few whispers she had heard parts of when walking through the towns people. There was a lot of cheery talk of a "new king" and whispers about the old kings death. Harp frowned, "The poor Prince must be feeling so crushed and overwhelmed with sadness," Harp said to herself, out loud. She then tried to recall all the times she had even seen this Prince...King. She was only able to recall very brief moments where she had spotted him, such as the time she was setting up new flower
arrangements in the throne room and every where else in the palace for that matter! But she had never formally met him, "I imagine he's a kind King! From what the people were saying, they seem to admire him greatly." Harp made the final few feet to the greenhouse in silent thought.
Upon entering the greenhouse her face was instantly met with a big, sticky spiderweb. Harp squawked loudly, jumping and flailing about, the herbs on her pack flying in all directions, "PLEHHH!!!!" Seconds after her encounter with the spiderweb, Harp rushed through the maze of plants to the center of the greenhouse where the well was and promptly dunked her entire head into it. She rubbed her face a few times before surfacing, shaking off all the excess water that clung to her face. It was only then that Harp took the time to take in her surroundings.
The plants were wildly over grown and taking over her entire work space. The trees and vines were so leafy and big that they pressed against the high glass roof of the shelter. Vines also seemed to wrap all around her potions, tictures and other expensive glass objects. Bee's buzzed lively as they went from flower to flower. Ladybugs were crawling across the ground and butterflies flapped on the tree they were perched upon.
Harp smiled to herself as she began to take off her gloves, shoving them into her feather pack and walking amongst the plants, touching them all so gently as if they could break under her fingers. She stopped in front of a bushel of white carnations. They were so white and alive and had been one of the many plants to start becoming a little over grown. The pack that had still been on Harp's back was suddenly swinging off and set on the dirt floor of the greenhouse. She dug around inside the pack until she found a pair of sheers. One by one the flowers
were cut from the stem until a bushel of 2 dozen carnations were in Harp's arms. She started to panic as her arms began to tire and so quickly walked back to her work station, in the center of the greenhouse, and gently laid the flowers on the table that appeared to be living due to it being covered in vines. Harp then searched for a filler plant, choosing Queen Anns Lace and a few leafy stems from the carnation bush. The final bouquet was finished off by being wrapped in gold paper, tied with a silver bow. She had sent for someone to deliver the flowers to the king.
When they arrived Harp had finished writing up a simple note, written in gold on a silver note card that read, "To my new King: I am deeply sorry for your loss. May King Rukaia rest in peace." The note was tied to a string attached gently to a flower.
Harp leaned against the door of the large flowered shelter, watching the young servant very carefully (under strict rules from Harp) carry the large white package of carnations to the King as quickly as possible. As soon as the bird was out of sight the door to the shelter closed, "It's time for that bath!"

Ruby red gaze softened on the girl for a few moments as her words had registered within him. His mother.. It had been a while since she had been talked about more so out of respect for the Young King than anything. Ash cheeks warmed with a gentle rose as Mina commented on his being perfect, which almost flustered him some. He wasn't used to such words being given towards him and with a subtle chuckle, words were spilled from his own lips. "To be honest, our late King was a far different man before.. He wasn't always bad- at least I don't think. Somewhere he must have gotten.. lost. Or maybe he was but I had never seen him in any ill way in my upbringing. But mother.." The woman was much loved by her kingdom- one who carried within her a purity almost as grand as Gryph himself. Nothing but fond memories began to wash over his train of thought, a silent pause in everything he had been doing while he happily allowed them to overtake his mind and with a slow blink, the King's lips tugged into the warmest of smiles.

"Mother was a beautiful and loving soul. She had put herself before anyone, even if it ultimately meant sacrificing herself for her people- the ones that she loved. My father, a Prince from another far, far Kingdom had fallen for my mother who was Princess of this Kingdom while on his travels to make treaties with those who lived around him- the instant that his eyes had fallen upon her he knew then, that this was the bird that he was meant to be with forever." He paused a moment, a gentle sigh releasing from within his chest. He had heard this story a million and a half times but this had been only the first real time he'd told it himself. He had always reflected fondly on the bond his parents had with one another, thanking them deeply for bringing his own life into this world and their love had always given the King hope that one day, he too would be able to find that one bird to share the rest of his life with. Someday. Blinking while smile faded, he would continue.

"My father's Kingdom found out about his feelings for the Queen and they were very angry. He had been arranged to marry another by force and when he refused he was cast out where he made his home here, with my mother. Together they were wed and together, they both ruled our Kingdom. A handful of years later I was brought into this world and sometime after I began my training the Kingdom my father had been born from attacked with full force leaving many of the commoners without homes, without children, and even their own lives. Mother was brave; she negotiated with them face to face until an ultimatum had to be given. She had traded her life for the safety of her Kingdom- for the ones that she loved. I may have not known her as long as her people.. but I do know that not a single bird from this Kingdom, nor our allies missed her ceremony. The commons were overcrowded with birds from all over, paying their respects. I was very young but the memory is very fresh within my mind both of her, and everything that followed." Silently he sat while his companion gave a quivering warble, petting his tan fingers against the King's fluffed arm as if trying to comfort however, Gryph's eyes would soften over before his own fingers picked at a pinch of seeds and he continued on his breakfast. He hadn't meant for such a depressing start to this day, but in all truth the King felt prideful. He had been born from such a generous and brave bird and though her passing had hurt him deeply it had also taught him to be the bird that he was today- A lover of his people who would fight till the very end for their well being.

Just then, and rather off guard the King noticed Jijo wander in, stifling an amused cluck with a free hand and within a moment Egret had noticed too, pointing at the other and giving a series of wild clucks thoroughly amused. It seemed everyone had started their day late today, Jijo more so than the rest. He'd not speak, however, only listened and observe the two as he finished his meal and as his Keeper spoke of the 'lawn maintenance' person he tilted his head ever so slightly to the left. Someone from his kingdom had been gone a while and just returned? Did he know this bird? Questions were pushed away though as he continued to observe the two. It was rather funny to him to see the sage like this; laxed and laid back with not a care that is until the smaller one had been jabbed at and began to fall back into his normal self.

"I found it quite amusing to say the least. Good morning to you, my friend, and many thanks for the relay." The King flashed his older companion a grin as well as a gentle nod as if silently accepting the other's apology before attention had been turned towards a young messenger of the temple who promptly bowed low to the ground upon entering the King's presence then skipped quickly next to him, dipping to a knee while both hands offered out the bouquet of beautiful, healthy carnations which were cradled ever so delicately as if a single petal or leave damaged would cause the beauty to fall apart.

"King Gryph! Orders from the Gardens' keeper were to give these to you promptly and safely. Please accept them." His words were rushed and wavered as if both out of breath and intimidated. Soft, large hands gently grasped the base of the bouquet and he had relieved the other of his duties. A few confused blinks and rose returned to ash cheeks all the while fingers fumbled to find a note.

"Thank you, messenger- For your troubles." Hand waved to Egret who quickly shifted about at the accessories on his belt and opening an orb that contained a handful of coins and of them, 4 were plucked and placed in the hand of the young messenger who beamed happily and thanked Gryph before exiting the kitchen to continue on his work. Egret's ears flicked and wiggled now as he attempted to examine the flowers, utilizing his hands more than his eyes as if he was an eager child needing to touch everything. Gryph would give a stern glare to his companion and pulled them out of reach quickly standing now from the table leaving Egret to puff cheeks and pout like he'd always done; arms crossing over his chest and feet swaying as he was much too short to reach the ground sitting at the table. Lips mouthed the beautifully inked note and a softness had settled upon his features- A gift for him from the Garden's keeper giving their condolences for the loss of his father.

"These are quite beautiful.." Voice was soft and he dared lift them closer to his features all the while a light sniff was given- the sweet aroma filling his senses and leaving him with a comforting feeling. "I will have to see to properly thanking and formally meeting this bird.." Voice trailed as fingers meddled with the silver card, flipping it from one side to the next while blood-red gaze scanned and inspected.

Time was getting on, and as time passed, Wanderer became more aware of how hungry he was, something that was demonstrated as the shadows he was 'puppeteering' started to look more like food than other birds!

It was the chuckling of his audience that snapped him to attention and he couldn't help but laugh himself and played along with it. As much as he enjoyed darker tales, it would be more pleasant to end on a good note, though that didn't mean he didn't notice how uncomfortable some of the folk were. Could he blame them? Not really, he reasoned. Such stories are better suited for the night, when the sort of characters who sought mystery and the more shady curiosities were out and about.

Glancing down he was pleased that he at least made enough for breakfast. Whilst he was used to 'borrowing' food, since it had not been long since he got here he was wary that he'd be kept an eye on and he didn't want to give them a reason to do so! With a flick of his wrist the shadows returned to their origins and after a quick bow and a thank you, he hurried off to finally shut his stomach up!

The tiny bathroom was engulfed in a white fog as Harp soaked in the deep bath. Thinking back, she pieced memories of when she first moved in to this establishment, recalling how bare and empty it was. Harp did not like to see bare walls in such a tight space and recalled immediately growing plants in the bathroom. It was the first space she had put any plants when she became the Kings herbologist.
Vines now twisted and clung to the walls, and ceiling, of the misty room. Ferns, eucalyptus, sage, lavender and many other plants, all cramped against the walls and various spots on the floor. There was only a tiny path from the door to the toilet, sink and tub. Harp was okay with this as she felt lovely bathing amongst such wondrous plant life!
"It almost feels like being in the forest again," she thought out loud to herself.
After a good, long soaking, Harp stood up and shook off. A double-take was taken as she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror that was nailed to the wall. She looked like a whole new bird! White feathers shown brightly as the sunlight coming through the window touched her body. She grinned at her reflection, grabbed a towel and proceeded to dry off a bit before washing her clothes.

As Harp waited for her clothes to dry, she had no issue walking around the greenhouse without them. "Clothing just blocks the connection with nature," she mumbled to the Dahlia plant she had stopped to admire. The floor of the greenhouse had patches of grass now, instead of dirt. Harp looked up at the high window ceiling and noticed quite a few cracks and even open spaces where the window broke out all together.
"No wonder there's grass growing. The rain has been able to get in." She eyed the open spots, noticing the majority of them had vines, and even some slim trees, had such eagerness to get outside that they were able to break the window panes all together, "Fantastic" Harp whispered, truly astonished.
She soon wandered to where she had set her feather pack down, pulled out the book she had stashed in it, grabbed a pot full of soil, a waterskin and a vial full of a green substance. She took all these and made her way to a lush patch of grass, under a skinny (but very tall) pear tree. She set all her items down, placing the pot of soil in front of her. She took her pinky and made a hole in the center of the pot.
She then took the book, opened it removed the flower she had picked earlier before entering the palace. It had since then died and now sad and droopy. Harp carefully took the flower and held it over the bowl, carefully tapping behind the face. Not a moment later and tiny little seeds began to fall out from the flowers center. It only took a moment before Harp had 5 seeds, "You'll make a lovely addition to our family!" said to the little seeds as she poured them into the hole in the soil with precession before covering the hole and giving it a drink from the waterskin.
"Now...where should we put you.." Harp eyed the areas around her, still slightly shocked that everything had grown so much since she had left. It was nearly impossible to find a new place with a lot of sunlight for a new developing plant. Harp blinked, "sunlight.." She squinted a little as she looked up, "Oh..of course! I'll just leave you right here. You'll get plenty of sunlight then, little seedlings! I just hope no one trips over you..." she trailed off.
'I don't think anyone would trip over you..I'm the only one here ever and I am always careful about stepping space around my precious plants', she thought.
Shrugging, the harpy picked up her things and made her way to the center of the greenhouse, to her work station. There was lots of pushing and maneuvering through plants to get to the center as it was the most overgrown area in the whole house. If one didn't know about the work space, no one would find it. Harp made one more push through a thick, tangled vine wall before plopping out the other side, falling to the ground with a thud, "PHEW!" Harp huffed as she picked herself up, dusting off the dirt that clung to her feathers.
She eyed the work space. Viles scattered on the ground as some were held to the shelves by tight vines. What once was shiny, clear glassed and useful for making potions and tinctures, was now a dirty and broken.
With a sigh Harp grabbed a pair of pruning shears she had spotted laying on the ground and began hacking away at the vines and plants covering her work space. She made a point to cut off only what was necessary. As she worked, her mind wandered, "I hope the King received my flowers. Maybe I should pick some flowers for the palace. I wonder if he would like some for his table or in the hall or in his bedroom or ..." she stopped, noticing her shears were cutting at only air.
With a shake of her head the small harpy set the blades aside and once again pushed through the strong vine wall. "I suppose..I should go get some shut eye. It's been a long day." The young bird walked to the area of grass where she had earlier planted a seed and promptly collapsed into the lush green. Once comfortable, emerald eyes hide behind white lids as the harpy slipped into a quiet slumber, 'coo..coo.."

(Apologies in advance for the late/short reply! Was trying to figure who I wanted Gryph to see first. ;A;)

The King was caught off guard with the sudden actions of the younger female, nearly jumping as he directed his attention towards her only to realize she had started out of the kitchen and shouted back at Jijo who now seemed hurt- his gestures and voice carried the emotional stab with it. He'd wait a moment before replying to his older companion, eyes watching just a minute longer towards the direction young Mina had stormed as he too was confused. Was it something he said?

"Ah-.. Yes of course.. And to thank her for this beautiful arrangement." A soft yet dragged inhale was given as he took in the sweet scent; so pure and pundgent. Egret would hop from his sitting position and make his way next to the king's keeper where a gentle hand would pat softly against his back and a curious and questioning warble sounding. The kind gesture made Gryph's eyes soften on the two a moment before voice broke silence. "Perhaps she had an errand to run or something personal she needed to attend to. I'm sure she's fine, my friend." He'd offer his companion a gentle nod and a soft expression before clacking ebony talons against the tile while legs carried body elegantly towards the doorway while Egret peeped, tugged slightly at the other's robe and then skipped off to follow the King on his way out.

"You're more than welcome to accompany us, Jijo." Voice was soft and held a welcoming tone as it beemed a few feet away while ruby gaze watched him a few moments, awaiting the decision.

Regardless of the other's decision to follow or not, the King would make his way through the hall and emerge out into the palace's lobby where hed take a mental note at the surprising lack of commotion; especially considering the time of day. A slight hum was sounded as he thought a moment before attention was directed to a few birds chattering loudly about a performance as they passed the palace steps. Intrigued, Gryph made his way out of his home, head turning slightly as eyes trailed from the group in the opposing direction in hopes to catch an idea from where they had come from. Bingo! A small gathering seemed to have formed along the sides of the cobbelstone path that lined his kingdom. Interesting.. Without much delay, he would swiftly walk towards the group of birds while gaze scanned endlessly about- taking in as much information as he could given the surroundings before he'd ask questions. What he came upon was a bird he had not yet seen before; not one that bore the clothing of his people. A stranger from another land.

Quickly upon noticing the king's precense, the small group of birds that had crowded around gave their deep bows in greeting to their highness before waddling off and dispersing- going back to their daily routines where he'd kindly return them with a deep nod and let them on their way. Attention directed now down at the newcomer while he stood tall and proud, silent and emotionless save for those curious eyes of his. He was observing- and from it he could see this wanderer must have given a sort of show to the people in exchange for coin.

"Greetings newcomer.." Voice held power and courage within it, addressing this other being with a king's formality that drifted unwaived along tone. "I am Gryph, King of this beautiful land and this is my advisor, Egret." Egret gave a small nervous peep and dipped his head in greeting towards the other while eyes squinted a bit trying to recognize if he had seem any other birds before that might have come from the same place as this one though his memory had failed him and caused him to give a soft sigh and make a face. "Might I ask what brings you to my Kingdom?" Genuinely curious he would ask with a non-judgmental tone hoping not to make the other feel intimidated. After all, he hadn't seemed to be doing anything unlawful.