Emmeline hummed in acknowledgement and nodded at his reasoning. She had never considered using the camp as a way to navigate. “Then… wouldn't it make sense for the smoke to have a unique or specific scent, like if you were to throw sage on the embers before you put them out, so you don't accidentally walk into a forest fire?” she asked more out of curiosity than anything else. As far as she knew forest fires were rare and the chances of coming across one were minimal.
“I saw the map last night, but I don't believe I saw any other paths.” she admitted thoughtfully as she glanced at the horses and the wagon. The wheels might have a bit of trouble getting through the rocky mountain terrain even with her magic. Of course, she could simply transform it into something that could be carried over and change it back when they reached the end of that range. But she wasn't fond of the idea of so many merchants vying for their business either. With two magnificent horses and the wagon, they would be obvious targets for the trading vultures. “I… don't believe I have a preference.” she said finally. “The town would be easier terrain but as you said, it will be very busy this time of year. Though I'm not sure how well these Arabian horses would be able to handle the mountains either. How large of a town did you say it was again?” she asked, looking back over at him.
"The town is home to just a few handful of people but there are always shops and homes where people are selling things. There are roughly 50 permanent residents and about 50-75 that come and go a lot as they travelled so much. On top of that there will be many people looking to buy the goods. I have no idea how many that will be." Rhysand sighed and ran a hand through his hair, wiping his now wet hand on the side of his shirt.
"It seems that the mountain range is the faster route but not really either."
“I see… Then I would have to agree that the mountains would be… less crowded though we should still be cautious.” she said with a brief chuckle as she made sure her saddle was secure but not too tight on Jewel. She knew how important it was to respect animals, especially when you needed them or their help. Though, like people, not all animals were trustworthy.
“Are you ready?” she asked over her shoulder. “No rush, of course, but if we want to get through those mountains before dark…” she shrugged nonchalantly since they did make very good time yesterday.
"Yes, we can make way."
They started moving along the path in silence, simply listening to the songs of the birds and the sounds of the river. It wasn't long after when Rhysand broke the silence.
"We will be together for a while, might as well get to know each other no?" He glanced at his companion before turning back to look at the road.
“You make a fair point.” she hummed softly in somewhat reluctant agreement. As much as she had been enjoying the ambiance, the silence between the two had felt a little awkward. Maybe it was just because she now had someone to talk to but wasn't used to starting conversations. “Is there something you would like to ask me or that you wanted to share?” she asked, unsure what kind of personal question she was supposed to ask.
"Well.." Rhysand trailed off. It was a bit difficult to think of questions to ask her without seeming pushy, rude, or making her defensive, or maybe that was just him. "Firstly, how old are you? You seem to be my age but im uncertain because of how mature you seem. Is it just you and your mother? Which kingdom do you originally come from? And lastly, what are your favourites?" He spoke all of a sudden.
Emmeline blinked at the short but abrupt barrage of questions before letting out a surprised laugh. “One at a time, s'il vous plaît.” she couldn't help but smile. “Now, let's see. I am sixteen so we may be close in age, but Maman has said that that I learn things quickly so that may be why I seem mature. And she taught me how to behave like a lady, even though we don't have any Royal ties.” she explained with a brief shrug. She sighed a little at the next question and nodded. “Oui. For as long as I can remember, it has only ever been me and Maman. If I have a father, she never spoke of him and I never asked. I didn't want to or need to. If he had been important to our life he would have been there with us.” she added simply. “As to where I'm from, personally, I don't remember Maman mentioning a kingdom by name, but I know I was born in France.” she answered, raising a brow slightly at his last question. “What kind of favorites do you mean? Color, season, spell… quelle?” she asked.
"I can tell you're from France but the rest is new information. As for favourites, anything really, colour, season, food, spell, subject, even writing utensil." Rhysand let out a short chuckle.
“Well, excusez-moi for being proud of my homeland.” she chuckled, teasing him. “But I actually do know more languages than just French and English.” Emmeline assured before humming at his explanation. “My favorites… Well, I don't have much of a preference for the seasons though I have to admit winter is my least favorite… And I don't really write much to have a favorite tool for it. But I do enjoy reading, especially Maman’s spellbook that she left me.” she nodded thoughtfully. “I can't seem to narrow down my favorite color from between a deep dark green or a rich velvet red but my favorite spell would have to be Transformation, though I'm still learning certain aspects of it.” she added since she couldn't cast it the same way her mother could. At least not yet. “What about you? What are some of your favorites? You don't have to tell me where you're from but I'm not sure about your age really.” she said, turning some of his questions back on him.
(so are you in school right now and that's why you're not replying? I really don't want this to die.)
