Once Upon An Apple

Beginning (Roy)

"Your Highness, it's time to go now." A man dressed in a dark tunic drew back the tent cover. Roy stood there looking at a small map of the area. He dismissed the man who then retreated back outside. It was the perfect morning for travel on a summer day. The prince wanted to travel the countryside to find adventure, but he had to visit the nobility along the way to keep good relations. Today's noble was Herne Valen. He was a greasy man with a violent temper. Roy was thankful it'd only be a few days staying in this place. He stood up and made his way outside. 

The leaves rustled in the trees around him and the nickering of horses drew his attention to the north side of the camp. His horse Rugo, a large bay stallion, was digging himself a hole. Rugo snorted as Roy came over to inspect the equipment. Roy grabbed a brush and began to groom the horse, then put on the rest of his tack. "Good boy. I'll find us a good snack later." Roy tied the horse to the tree and went to go find someone to go with him to the Valen household. He came upon a soldier sharpening his blade, Thane was his name. The russet-haired soldier greeted Roy and went to take his leave. " Wait Thane you get to come with me today. We have to go visit the baron." The soldier clearly didn't want to go, but gave in and went to get his horse ready. 

"An apple sounds quite good today. I'll have to stop by that orchard." The prince thought to himself. "I'm ready Your Highness." Roy nodded and went over to untie and mount his steed. The two men made their way through the layers of trees until reaching the main road. They followed it and soon came upon the orchard. Roy stopped Rugo and gave his reins to Thane. "Stay here I'm going to go get some apples." Thane nodded and Roy began walking into the orchard. 

"Now if I were an apple where would I be. Aha, here we are." He stopped below a large apple tree. He heard a rustling sound and began to become suspicious of the tree. A sudden flurry of leaves, branches, and apples fell around him. Something larger fell straight down on him. He saw black until there were faint words being said toward him. He opened his eyes to see a brown-haired girl running away from him. He sat up and almost said something to her, but found two apples sitting almost perfectly on him. He saw the way she ran and realized that it was toward the Valen house. "I'll meet her again very soon and will have to repay the favor of getting my apples for me." He smiled and brushed himself off. 

He set off back toward his ride and took a bite of his apple. Rugo gratefully took the other apple from Roy and they both enjoyed the crisp freshness of the fruits. Thane only gave a questioning look to Roy but stayed silent. The men continued down the road until reaching the baron's house.