Day 13, Noon

[yuuri_maou]

[[from here*His clothes are damp from the light rain, and his face scratchy from the grass he fell asleep on, but he feels better than he has in a long time. For a moment he remains still, looking up at the sky, and offers a prayer for Conrad’s soul. Then he finally gives into the gentle prodding of Jerey to get him out of the wet

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[originalmaiden]

Ulrike is wandering down the halls, peeking into unlocked doors to see if the Shinou is inside. There are many, many doors. She could ask a guard to escort her to the Shinou's side, but then she would lose the opportunity to explore the castle!

The guards standing outside of one room aren't sure what to make of her presence in the castle, though they do know who she is. One of them tells her the Maou shouldn't be disturbed, but now she is excited to visit Yuuri-heika! Poking her head inside the room, she squeals happily to see him. "Yuuri-heika! Good afternoon!"

[yuuri_maou]

Looking up quickly when Yuuri hears his name, he breaks out into an honest smile and stands up from his desk, moving quickly to meet the short Shine Maiden. "Ulrike!" he calls warmly and takes one of her tiny hands in his own. "What a nice surprise!" He ushers her further into the room and then runs about looking for a chair.

"What brings you all the way up here? Was the weather okay? Did you ride or take a carriage. Greta just got a couple ponies the other day, I'm sure you could barrow one if you need a ride home. Or will you be staying with us awhile? Now that the guests from the party have mostly gone home, and the castle is being rebuilt, we have more room again."

[originalmaiden]

She clasps his hands in her little ones, beaming at the young king. "I came here with a sand bear! He dug into the Shrine and visited me." She listens to the rapid fire questions and offers and giggles.

"Yuuri-heika is very kind." Her eyes go all sparkly. "Ulrike would like very much to stay at the castle. Do you think Shinou-heika will say it's all right?"

[yuuri_maou]

He smiles back at her and nods. "I'm sure it would be fine with him. After all, if he gets to be out of the shrine for a bit, you should too. Ummmm," he paused for a moment, thinking, and then snaps his fingers. "There's a nice room over-looking the gardens that is free now. You'll like it."

He finally finds a good chair and sets it down for her and then folds his hands behind his back. "Can I get you anything? Something to drink? Or eat? A coat? Are you cold?"