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Amelia dismounted looking over the humble little home. Trunks and other containers sat outside on the ground. A woman emerged and practically stood to attention, “Ambassador!”
“Please,” Amelia waved her hands, an embarrassed blush creeping up her cheeks. “You can call me Amelia.”
The woman relaxed and nodded sheepishly. A man soon came out from the house. “Ah Ambassador-”
“She just said to call her by her name,” the wife quickly interrupted.
“It’s nothing to be worried or concerned about,” Amelia explained to the nervous woman. “Besides, we should be thanking you and your family profusely. The farmers and people here were in dire need of a blacksmith. I’m grateful you were so willing to move not only here to the Dark Kingdom, but to the outskirts of the area. We are truly in your debt.”
“Well, as we discussed, work was slow in Koto. There were already several blacksmiths in our area and we were looking for a change,” the man explained.
“Yes!” his wife piped up. “We are so happy for the opportunity to move somewhere new and have the work to make his own business.”
“Of course!” Amelia smiled at both of them. “How many children do you have again?”
“Just two, for now,” the husband glanced at his wife.
“Oh yes! I am expecting! It looks like they will have a new sibling this winter.”
“That is exciting news! Congratulations. We will ensure that you have access to the help you need to keep yourself healthy and your child to come to this world safely,” Amelia assured them. “What are their ages? Names?”
“The oldest is our son Tanner, who is twelve,” the husband stated proudly. “Then we have a daughter, age nine, named Poppy.”
“Tanner has adjusted well to moving here. Poppy on the other hand…has struggled. She left a lot of friends back home and has struggled making new ones. Her birthday is in a week and she wishes we would have stayed in Koto until after. She's still adjusting," the wife sighed, looking at her husband solemnly.
"Do you mind if I go and talk to her?" Amelia offered.
"We don't want to trouble you-"
"It's no trouble at all! Moving isn't easy for anyone."
The parents smiled and told Amelia where to find their daughter. She ascended the stairs and found the door slightly ajar. Amelia lightly knocked and waited for a moment until the door opened. In front of her stood a short girl with blonde braids.
Her bright blue eyes looked at her, slightly concerned. “Who are you?”
Amelia smiled sincerely, “I’m Amelia Renya. I am from the castle. I was wondering if you wanted some help unpacking your things?”
The girl eyed her for a moment and then opened her door all the way. Amelia followed behind her glancing around. It was a small room, but big enough to fit the several small trunks by the bed. “Most of it’s done. You could empty those.”
Amelia nodded and opened up the first trunk. It was half full of books and she couldn’t help but look over each title. The first few were books of children’s tales. The last few surprised her. “Animals of the savannah huh? And a book about rhinoceroses?”
“Rhino’s are amazing,” Poppy stated very seriously. “Did you know there are only 5 different species of rhinos?”
Amelia suppressed the urge to giggle at the girl's sincerity, reminding her of herself when she was young. “I did not know that.”
“Three of the species have two horns and the rest only have one horn. They are one of the biggest animals on the planet and only eat plants!” Poppy stopped and tentatively glanced at her. “I-I can stop talking if you want.”
Amelia felt a twinge of sadness at her offer. “No, it’s fine Poppy. I’d love to hear what you know about rhinos.”
Her face lit up and Amelia listened to her passionate explanation of how rhinos were the best animal ever. The last trunks were emptied long before she was done talking. Amelia made sure she showed Poppy she was really listening, remembering her younger self telling anyone she could about the Dark Kingdom.
“I’ve always wanted to see one, but they don’t live by here,” Poppy lamented, as she clutched what Amelia now realized was a home made rhino stuffed animal. “And this year for my birthday, I wanted another book about rhino’s but mommy and daddy said they don’t have the money. And I’m sure they forgot my birthday ‘cause of moving here. It’s so unfair!”
“They haven’t forgotten your birthday Poppy,” Amelia comforted her, scooching closer to her on her small bed. Then the start of an idea came to mind.. “And I’m sorry moving here has been so hard for you. I can tell you though, your parents did not forget your birthday. There is still a week until then and I’m sure they will be there for you to celebrate it with you.”
She huffed, “I guess…could you come for it? Even if you just stop by to say hi?”
Amelia smiled, the idea practically finalizing in her head, “Of course. I would love to come and see you to tell you happy birthday. Would you mind if I brought a friend along?”
“Really you’ll come?!” Poppy threw her arms around Amelia’s neck and practically hung there. Amelia laughed and helped her back onto the bed. “And yeah, you can bring a friend!”
“Thank you Poppy. I will make sure and talk to your mom about it as well.” Amelia helped bring the trunks downstairs and talked with Poppy’s mom about her plan to visit. She was grateful and thanked Amelia many times. She stayed a little longer to meet Tanner and talk with the family a little longer. As Amelia waved goodbye to them on her horse, she couldn’t hold back the beaming smile on her face any longer. Her idea was a good one, but there was one other party that needed to agree.
__________________________________________________________________
“Hector,” Amelia tried to hide her exasperation. “I’m not parading him in front of others. I would just like for a little girl to see him.”
“No. He gets jumpy ‘round lots of people. ‘Specially kids,” Hector grumbled, not looking up from inspecting his weapons collection.
“I told you there shouldn’t be a lot of people there and-”
“Do you know that for sure?”
Amelia folded her arms and pursed her lips. He looked at her and could see her almost sickly, sweet front coming up. “I don’t know for sure, but I am fairly certain. They just recently moved here and don’t know many people. If you’re so worried about the number of people, we could go later in the day when more people have left.”
Hector rolled his eyes, “Look Amelia, I don’t wanna put him on display or somethin’ like that. I said no.”
Amelia hesitated for a moment, briefly considering the consequences of pushing more. The image of Poppy’s sad face as she clutched her stuffed rhino told her it was worth it. “Hector please, it’s not going to hurt him-”
He whirled around on her and spat, “You aren’t his owner. You don’t know that.”
Amelia could feel the protective anger rolling off him now and let her stubbornness melt in it’s wake. Her stomach churned at the prospect of telling him why she wanted this so badly. It was clear now that she would have to show that vulnerable side of her to get what she wanted. “You’re right Hector.” His furrowed brow raised slightly at her admission. “You are his owner and know what is best. I just…” She rubbed her worry stone, calming her anxiety. "This little girl is having a hard time moving here. She's struggling and worried that her parents forgot her birthday because of everything."
Hector turned to face her, folding his arms across his chest. A sad smile spread on her lips as she continued, "You should have seen the way she lit up when I asked about the rhino stuff she had. After excitedly telling me a few facts, she turned to me and said she would stop if I wanted her too. It broke my heart a little. I-I remember when I felt that same way as a child, with all the Dark Kingdom facts I would spout. She really adores them Hector. She even has a homemade stuffed animal of one. What I'm trying to tell you, is that I think she would be very respectful of him. If we can't on her birthday, then maybe some other time? I know it would make her really happy."
She noticed Hector's arms had unfolded some time during her little speech and now hung at his sides. Amelia rubbed her stone at the uncomfortable silence between them. He let out a loud sigh, "Fine, we can go. But if he gets uncomfortable at all, we're gone."
Amelia's face beamed, "Yes! Of course! Thank you so much Hector!" She gave him a quick hug and then ran out his tent door. Hector felt a heat creeping up his face and turned his attention to his weapons again, ignoring the warmth in his chest.
__________________________________________________________________
"I said to give him some sugar cubes. Not the whole cup of them!" Hector scolded Amelia as they made their way across the chasm on the utility gondola.
"It's not the whole cup full, just a handful," Amelia countered. As she pulled away Argo's muzzle nudged into her palm, searching for more sweets. She couldn't help but giggle and scratch between his ears. As much as Hector wanted to lecture her, he loved to see Amelia's affectionate interactions with him. The bear cats too.
The hissy huffs at his sides reminded him of the two of them. He had motioned for the two to stay at his sides as Amelia doted on Argo. This trip was for him after all. Hector chuckled at them, he had forgotten how jealous they could get. His eyes wandered back to Amelia. She was on her knees now, with a wide smile, rubbing and petting Argo's head all over. He felt the warmth in his chest again, like before when she had hugged him.
"Almost there Argo," Amelia cooed, pulling Hector from his thoughts.
Within minutes, they were docked and on the grassy ground. Hector mounted Argo and started towards the area Amelia had said the girl lived.
"Where are you going?"
He looked over his shoulder, "You said she lived this way?"
"Well yes, but I need a horse. I'll be really slow if I have to walk all the way there. And I don't want to incur more of your wrath." A smirk played on her lips.
"The stables are out of the way. Just hop up here with me." Amelia stared at him and Hector replayed what he had said, worried he said something wrong. "What?" He finally asked, not hiding his irritation.
"Are…are you okay with that?"
"Why wouldn't I be?"
Amelia’s gaze flitted around for a moment. “I just don’t want to take up all the space in your saddle. I know you like your space.”
Hector snorted, “I’ll be fine Amelia. 'Sides, it’s just to the house and back. I'm that awful to be around huh?”
Amelia shook her head, “No that's not what I me-"
He threw his head back in a hearty laugh and her eyes widened in surprise. “I’m kiddin’ Amelia. You and Adira ain’t the only one's who can make a joke.” He held out his hand to her, “I’ll help ya up.”
To her annoyance, she felt the corners of her lips curl up. She took his hand and he easily helped her up to sit in front of him. I guess he can have a sense of humor sometimes. They rode together straight to the small home outside one of the farms. Amelia got more and more excited the closer they got. As they approached the home, Amelia saw someone looking out one of the windows. She hoped it was someone other than Poppy. To her delight, it was her mother.
She slipped out the front door with a look of pure shock. "How did you…"
Amelia slid off the saddle and composed herself. "This is Hector of the Brotherhood and his pet rhino, Argo. I was hoping Poppy could meet him, if you are okay with that?"
The woman nodded, still stunned at the large animal in front of her home. Amelia went through the front door and Hector dismounted from Argo. He pet his friend and looked into his eyes for any discomfort or distress. Not finding any, Hector almost admitted to himself that this wasn't such a bad idea after all. Despite Argo's dislike of the gondola, he loved getting time to get out of the city square and be in the forests again. Something Hector could definitely relate too.
"I want you to meet some friends of mine," he heard behind him. He turned to see a little girl, who he assumed was Poppy, with eyes wider than her mothers. She didn't say a word as Amelia led her to Argo. He towered over her small frame and yet she wasn't afraid at all. Just in awe.
Her wide eyes met Hector's, "Can I please touch him?"
"Yeah." Hector nodded towards Argo, but kept himself ready. Argo was surprisingly well tempered, but there were certain people he did not like. He didn't think that would be the case here, but it was never bad to be cautious.
Poppy stepped closer and reached her hand out to Argo. She hesitated to see if he would draw away. Once she saw he wasn't going to move, she closed the gap and pressed her palm to his nose. Argo pushed back a little and raised his head, causing her to rub his snout. Amelia covered her mouth, suppressing a laugh.
Poppy's grin was ear to ear as she began enthusiastically rubbing the rhino's head. Amelia stepped to her side, "He likes being scratched between the ears too. Oh and here." She gave poppy a few sugar cubes that Argo happily munched up.
Poppy looked expectantly to Hector, "What kind of rhino is he?"
Hector shrugged, "Not completely sure. I'm guessin' he's apart of the white rhinos since the black rhinos are more aggressive and shy. Most of the other kinds only have-"
"One horn, yeah," Poppy finished his sentence. Hector wanted to be bothered by her, but appreciated her knowledge about rhinos. "Does he run real fast? What's his favorite food? Do you let him take mud baths? Where'd you get him?"
Amelia gently touched her arm at seeing Hector's furrowed brow, "Maybe just one question at a time Poppy."
"How'd you get him?"
Hector pursed his lips and Amelia could tell he was hesitant to answer. "I got him from a traveling circus. The bast-people there were tryin' to make a show outta him."
Amelia stiffened hearing this. She finally put everything together. Hector's protective behavior, saying he won't put him on display, his worry over lots of people being here…
I was a real bitch that day. I should have known better… Amelia kept her eyes downcast.
"But you found him. And now he's happy!" Poppy beamed at Hector. "You're so nice for helping take care of him." She went over to him and hugged him tightly around his waist.
Pink lit up on Hector's cheeks and ears. His hands hovered in the air, unsure what to do. Amelia muffled a giggle behind her hand at his reaction. It was a rare moment when his eyes looked into hers, almost pleading for direction on what to do next. She shrugged and he patted her on the head, “Uh thanks. Um…do you wanna go for a ride on him or somethin’?”
“Really?!” Poppy let go and grinned ear to ear.
“I-Is it safe?” Poppy’s mom asked, tentatively stepping towards Hector. Poppy was already on the side of Argo, waiting for help to get into his saddle.
“Course he is,” Hector snapped, rolling his eyes.
Amelia went to her side and touched her arm gently, “She’s safe. Argo is honestly a gentle giant.” The mother nodded to her, reassured at her words.
Hector helped the small girl get seated into the saddle and then sat behind her. Poppy’s mother and Amelia watched as Argo walked and trotted around the grassy meadow area near their home. The two women giggled seeing Poppy’s elated expression.
Amelia was enjoying watching the three of them, when she heard sniffling. She turned to see Poppy’s mother crying. Alarm raced through her as she touched the woman’s shoulder, “What’s wrong?”
“Sorry, I’m just a mess,” she sobbed. “Poppy has struggled with this move and-” She took the hem of her apron and wiped her tears with a sigh. “This is the happiest she’s been since coming here. Thank you both so much.”
Amelia sighed with relief that this was a happy cry. “Honestly, you should thank Hector. He is a little gruff, but he was the one who agreed to this. I’m glad we were able to help her feel more welcome.”
Amelia stood with her and held her arm as they watched Hector lead Argo back to them. He dismounted himself, then Poppy. She was trying to be grateful and not let her sadness show. “Will you come to visit me again? When can you? How often can you?”
Hector’s gaze flitted around, unsure how to answer. Amelia sided up to him, “Well Poppy, the thing is Argo is Hector’s ride for missions and stuff. So I’m not sure how often he will be able to visit you out here.”
She glanced at Hector who nodded, “Yeah, we’re kinda busy.”
“Oh,” Poppy’s face fell.
Hector rubbed the back of his neck, “But if you’re ever by the castle you could come see him. You gotta find either me, Amelia, Quirin, or Adira but you could do that.”
“Really? That would be the best! Thank you!” Poppy squealed with excitement and hugged Hector again. This time he only hesitated for a moment before giving her a soft pat on the back.