Private Above it all

This was his spot now. Ever since he was small, Valerian liked high places. There was something empowering about being able to see everything, even from so high up. He could see students going about their days. A couple was holding hands as they walked together. There was another group having what appeared to be a very lively discussion. Despite being able to see all of the campus from where he was, it was all incredibly boring.

Maybe that wasn't it though. Maybe it was boring because he missed his home. He hadn't made any progress in the way of making friends in this place. Sure he talked with people, but between his overall mistrust, and the circumstances that brought his group here, Val hadn't made any connections. Most of the time he'd listen politely, not caring for the most part. He just had his companions, and that was all he needed.

He'd made himself comfortable when he heard someone approaching. He recognized the scent almost immediately. "Rho..." he said smiling faintly as he turned to face the other fae. "You found me..."

@Zora

"Well, a good hunter always needs to be able to keep their wits about them. Everyone has their own little patterns and quirks," he said. It was one of the first things he was taught when he was small, something he took to heart, and used to great effect.

"You know you don't have to address me so formally. You're my friend, not my servant," Val sighed. That was one thing he didn't miss from home. Having people ready to wait on him at his beck and call. Being addressed formally, and needless ceremony all the time. And of course being paraded around to noble houses, and occasionally other fae courts as someone worth courting. He was at the very least enjoying not dealing with that. "I guess it should go without saying, but I'm not overly fond of this place."

"I'm sure they're having their own troubles if you just talk with them. This is no small adjustment for any us. I just don't feel like I can truly connect with the residents of this place. Though I don't miss the royal treatment from home. Maybe because all I want to do is hunt," he laughed humorlessly.

"Tanniv is better with animals than people. Other than us of course. And Bracken, he has his moments of frustration. And Aven... might be the most centered out of all of us. Part of me is always concerned though. We left in secret, and did everything we could to make sure we weren't tracked. But what if he still knows? What if he's sent people here hidden among the population. I don't want to think badly of these people, but they're so carefree..."

"I do know him, he's probably gloating about how he ran off his coward of a son," he gestured for her to sit with him. It was weird having her stand like they were still in the court. Rho's upbringing definitely showed in that regard. Still, they were far away from the court, and no one was there to judge or ridicule any lack of decorum. More importantly, they were friends... equals.

"But he's also absolutely planning something. He's a dogged hunter. The only real advantage we might have is the forest seems to favor us. You know how it is sometimes," their forest was in a sense its own entity. It had a mind of its own, and sometimes liked to play with the residents. Other times it was a fearful force. "It did lead us here after all."

"I don't think that will be necessary. So long as we're in a public space, they couldn't just make a move. We need to keep our guards up, yes. But people here are actually powerful in their own rights. From what I've seen and heard they're not keen on major disturbances," he gave her a devilish smile and patted her shoulder.

"Besides, the looks on their faces when they'd stare at us. Unable to do anything to us without putting themselves at risk. In some ways we have an advantage. They're limited to taking us in the woods," he tapped his chin. "Actually it's perfect, father wouldn't come over himself. He'd likely send out parties to find us and bring us in. If you go into the woods, go in pairs at the very least, and stay vigilant."