"Wake up, wake up, Adriel," A voice urged. Adriel groaned and rolled over, burying her head under her soft pillow. She recognized the voice. It was Uriah, and she was suddenly wondering why she hadn't awoken on her own, early in the morning... again. She peeked out from beneath the pillow, and sunlight peered back, blinding her. 

"What time it?" She asked groggily. Uriah chuckled and said, "9:00 in the morning. You slept in three hours!"

Adriel sat up abruptly in her bed, a wave of sudden dizziness coming over her.

"Whoa, slow down, sister," Uriah grunted.

 Now she would have to hurry through her duties, and hopefully have enough time to talk with Jose. And then she remembered - she had stayed up late the other night, talking to Jose. At first, they talked about her sword and then their conversation carried onto life in the King's palace and what it was like to live there. She hadn't gone to bed until 1:00 am. Adriel groaned once again and crawled out of her small bed. Uriah helped her up. He was already dressed, and probably half done with his duties.

"Is Jose still asleep?" Adriel wondered. 

Uriah shook his head. "No. He awoke early in the morning and is outside with his angels."

"I see. Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" Adriel mumbled, proceeding over to the timbered dresser, pulling out her everyday attire.

"Jose said you need your sleep. But as long as you finish all your duties today," Uriah said.

If Jose was one of her brothers, she'd scold him for allowing her to rest. But he was The Good Prince, and no one would dare argue with him. 

Uriah left the loft, as Adriel finished getting changed. She nearly forgot her dagger and quickly strapped it to her belt before clambering down the ladder. No Warrior ever went without a weapon of some sort. Danger could lurk in anyplace at any time. They had to always be prepared.

Climbing down the ladder from the loft, Adriel shouted a "good morning" to her family before she realized it was likely that everyone was outside, completing their tasks. When there was no answer, she knew that no one was inside. Adriel felt embarrassed for saying good morning to an empty house.

She walked over to the kitchen counter and started slicing bread for her breakfast.

"Good morning," A quiet voice said, and Adriel nearly jumped out her skin with fright. She spun around and saw a tall figure standing in the doorway of her home. She squinted her eyes, trying to get a clearer view, but the sunlight was causing the figure to appear washed out. She did not recognize the voice. 

"Who are you?" Adriel asked, her hand automatically going to the dagger on her waist. The figure stepped into the kitchen, blocking out the sunlight. He was young; around her age, with white blonde hair and a husky body.

"Forgive me, Miss, if I startled you. I have no intention of harming you, I come in peace," The young man said, raising his hands slowly.

"Who are you?" Adriel asked again, narrowing her eyes, but her hand fell away from her weapon.

"I am Adrianus. I'm here to see where I might find a place to stay. You see, my family died from a fire that demons set upon our home, and I have no money. I was wondering if any of you Warriors in Nevaeh would be so kind to let me stay," Adrianus explained. "At least until I can find my financial footing again."

"Oh, I see," Adriel said softly, her heart turning tender. "Of course. My family would be honored to let you stay here. It is Warrior's job to open their hearts and help those in need," Adriel smiled kindly at him. 

"Oh, I can't thank you enough, Miss!" Adrianus exclaimed, a grin filling his face.

"Of course. You come here and sit. I will go find my family and tell them of you," Adriel said, pulling out a kitchen chair, and Adrianus sat, gratefully.

.................................................................................................................

Once Adriel had left the house, Lucifer carefully stood from the chair and walked over to the window, watching as the young girl hurried off to announce his disguised presence to her family. Lucifer grinned wickedly and then turned, taking in the kitchen. He began to open drawers and cupboards, seeing what he could find. Not to steal anything, but to have a greater knowledge of what the Warriors may keep hidden and specifically the place where the Walters kept their weapons. There was one particular object that he was searching for. A sword that was given to Adriel from the King. Coakley had known about the sword before he had been banished from the King's palace and told Lucifer all about it. That was the one and only thing he would snatch away. Because he knew, that if Adriel found out who he really was, she'd use that sword against him. And it was a very, very powerful sword. But he could not find it. Lucifer growled in fury. But he knew there were still other places in the house...and outside. He'd just have to look harder.

Just then, he heard running footfalls advancing toward the kitchen door. Lucifer swiftly sat back in the chair and put on a smooth mask of boredom and innocence.

Adriel walked into the kitchen, grinning at Lucifer, and her family walked in behind her. It appeared she had four brothers. Her mother looked to be a soft and caring creature. Her father was...massive, with big arms and a broad chest. He definitely had the appearance of a Warrior. And then someone else walked in the door. Lucifer tried to conceal his anger...and his fear. The Good Prince made eye contact with him and smiled softly.

.....................................................................................................................

The Walters happily welcomed Adriandus into their home and made a place for him to sleep by the hearth with layers of blankets and an extra down pillow. Adrianus thanked them and continued to show his gratitude when they made extra food for dinner. Food was a precious thing, and every Warrior worked hard for it. 

As Mr. Walter said the grace, Adriel glanced up at Adrianus nonchalantly. He had his head bowed, but his eyes were not closed and she noticed his jaw twitching. Just then, it dawned on her that Adrianus may not be a Warrior, but a Crimson. She decided this was a good opportunity to present to him the freedom and joy in being one who follows the King.

"Amen," Mr. Walter concluded, and the family repeated after him. 

"I am so dreadfully sorry to hear of your loss, Adrianus," Mr. Walter said, looking at the young man as he picked up his cob of corn. Adrianus nodded solemnly. 

"Yes sir, thank you, sir. I miss them greatly. But one must move on and not dwell on the past. To be sure I am very much grieved, but it will do no good to sit in my sorrow." 

"I agree. You have done well, Adrianus," Adriel's Father said approvingly. Adrianus smiled softly, his expression seeming a little awkward. 

Mrs. Walter spoke up and said, "You are welcome to stay here as long as you need to."

"Thank you, ma'am. Your kindness is more than one deserves," Adrianus said.

"Nonsense," But Mrs. Walter chuckled. "You must understand, though, that while you are under our roof, you must help us make a living. You wouldn't mind helping us complete our duties and putting your hand in helping us earn our daily earnings, would you?"

"Not at all, ma'am!" Adrianus said, grinning. 

"Thank you, my dear."

.....................................................................................................................

That night, Adrianus chopped wood with Barak for the fire and thanked them once again for their generosity before curling up in the blankets on the kitchen floor.

Adriel had been outside with Jose, watering the garden for the night and tiptoed in when she saw their guest sound asleep on the floor. They both quietly went up to the loft. Adriel's brothers were already pulling back the covers of their beds and getting in. Adriel went over to Uriah's bed and pulled out Jose's bed role, then went behind the dressing curtain to get out of her work clothes.

When her hair was brushed and her night clothes were on, Adriel snuggled into her bed and peered up through the broken glass roof. Her Father and brothers were in the midst of preparing the roof, and Adriel had been hoping the powerful King would let off the rain until their roof was fixed.

"What do you think of our new guest?" Adriel whispered to no one in particular. 

"We do not know much about him," Jose answered softly.

"Do you think he's a Crimson?" Adriel asked.

"I don't know. We must wait and find out...and not be too quick to judge. You must show your true selves as Warriors to him. It your job to bring others to the King," Jose whispered.

Adriel nodded. "Yes."

She heard one of her brothers shift in his bed. 

"Stop talking you two, I'm trying to sleep," Barak shout-whispered. 

Jose chuckled, and Adriel rolled her eyes.

"Sweet dreams, Barak," Jose said, and Barak made a sound that seemed to start as an annoyed growl and then into a mumbled "Thank you," as he conducted himself. Jose had become one of their family, and the fact that he was the son of the King seemed distant. Not forgotten, but softened. Jose was their friend.

Jose chuckled again, and Adriel smiled to herself as she stared up into the night sky. The beautiful stars seemed to sway back an forth until Adriel's eyes closed and she dreamed she was floating in the night sky.