Nikkira healed quickly, but generally remained keeping to herself. Of course Jerico popped up every so often, and even Brandon from time to time... not that any conversation was shared between them.
But Rhe... he stayed away. It wasn't out of fear for her, truly; more for sheer shyness than anything. That and the energies around him... he wasn't comfortable in the castle. Jerico wouldn't let him stay outside, however. He supposed secretly he was rather content in that, seeing as how the nights seemed to get a bit cold.
Weeks passed. Sometimes there was fresh blood outside of the door that was not to be opened, but it never seemed to be Nikkira's. Occasionally she limped, or a joint would crack loudly as she moved, but otherwise she seemed to be living as she normally did.
And that was what concerned them. Or, at least, it concerned Rhe and Jerico. The three of them had more or less moved right in, taking empty rooms in the servant's quarters--the sentiment that they might want to involve themselves in the lives of who they assumed to be the owner of the castle seemed... appropriate.
All they'd really managed to get from her was that her food deliveries consisted of basics, most of the time... but requests were honored the next time the cart came by. Jerico requested an interesting array of rare fruits and spices, Brandon requested various types of rum, and Rhe decide it couldn't hurt to ask for seeds. The garden was already a lovely place, but there were some bare spots by the broken statues. It was a bit of a surprise when they'd gotten exactly everything they wanted. In bulk.
She should have knocked him on his ass. Thrown him down the stairs. Conducted some act of violence for his obviously suicidal nature to be waiting for her, exactly where she'd told him not to be. Strangely, as she stopped but did not turn to look at him... she felt a bit more like playing along. "Any answer?"
He felt just a touch more at ease with her response, but he knew better than to move closer. "It would be a start."
She finally glanced in his direction, searching. "Like for like, then."
Jerico blinked. She was certainly feeling charitable... and he planned to take full advantage. "Okay. One question for each. Simple, direct answer. And you can ask first. Deal?"
Nikkira's eyes searched his for long enough to finally make him visually uncomfortable... then nodded. "How did the three of you get to Gelha?"
He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as he closed his eyes. Well... it had been the deal. "I escaped my master with some... violence, so there was a price on my head. Brandon had a similar experience in another nation. And Rhe... I think he's always been hunted, frankly. Just for the sheer thrill of the sick hunters." Upon opening his eyes, he expected her to be... well, he wasn't sure. But he didn't expect a sincerely neutral gaze. Or maybe even... mildly sympathetic, to a point.
"Okay." Was all she said, softly.
Jerico swallowed, surprisingly glad for that. Only that. And so, like for like... "What's in that room?"
She winced, though barely. She'd known what the question would be... but hoped against it, regardless. It took several shallow breaths to find her voice... but she finally responded. "I suppose you could call him a prince."
Not what he'd been looking for, exactly... but a start. "What is he to you?"
That, too, she'd been expecting. "Like for like?"
"Of course." He invited, casually. Soothingly.
And for just one moment in time... she almost let herself trust that. "I don't have any more questions."
Jerico watched her walk past him and into her room, closing the door after her. The almost foreign feelings of anger and disappointment very nearly overtook him--but really, he knew he should have expected that reaction. He hadn't even thought she'd offer him that much, really. He would merely have to keep patience in mind.
