“Your majesty you did all you——-.”

“Did I? The stilled lives of the women and children suggest otherwise.”

“What now?”

“With no home my people are fragile and at further risk of Jennicus wrath I must make my way North even if it comes at the expense of my last dying breath.”

“North?

“There is what is needed to ensure all of our survival now help assist me to my feet we have a long journey ahead of us.”

Since arriving in Kaicus Alice had not seen nor heard from the Kai. Tired of remaining holed up inside her temporary home she ventures out in need of much needed air and a change of scenery. Immediately emerging from her home she could feel unwanted eyes and stares upon her. No one spoke to her, however their demeanor spoke volumes she was not welcomed. As she walked she kept her head down careful not to make any unwelcomed eye contact. Continuing deep down the path just over the horizon she sees a valley of mountains resting above the bluest water she’s ever seen. Driven by her curiosity she finds a path leading in that direction. The scenery was breath taking the trees, the wild animals that roamed amongst them, and flowers indications of the Kaicus efforts in preserving their homeland. She smiled to herself as thoughts of a different time would see her laying in the grass lost in the fantasy books she loved to read. So, in awe with her surroundings she was shock to discover the path lead her to a secluded pool. The soft yet aggressive waves were made possible by the waterfall above crashing into it. Removing her shoes she dips her foot into the water, the warm temperature felt refreshing against her skin. It had been days since she her last bath, looking around she makes sure she was alone.

Feeling comfortable she removes her clothing and slowly walks into the water. Submerging herself she swims underwater until she reached the other side of the water. Using the soft stones she steps out of the water letting the water wash over her back. From where she stood it gave her a better view. On the other side of the pool spanning miles from what the eye could see was an abundance of fruit trees. Her stomach ached in anticipation as she planned on exploring there next. Finishing her bath she steps out of the water then puts her clothes back on. Walking towards the fruit trees she reaches for an apple plucking it from its branch. Biting into it she was amazed at how sweet it was. Reaching for another, then another she walks back towards the pool but suddenly pauses as goosebumps appeared on her arms and her hair stood at attention on the back of her neck. Dropping the apples she held securely in her hands to the ground there she continued to stand still, she was no longer alone.