Rayf lent against the wall in the large, imposing chamber the castle guard had left him in. It had been a relief to be able to enter a building without first coming up with a cover-story; he had been travelling largely incognito since Alcea. The ceiling depicted a famous war in the history of Ilvance, the battle of brothers. Rayf had read a lot of information about Ilvance, having had the pick of the royal library in his youth. This mural depicted the critical moment of the battle, two ferocious armies facing each other, all ready to fight and die for the potential ruler they believed in. All of a sudden, the mother of the two opposing princes emerged from one army, standing in the centre of the battlefield and refusing to move until they had settled the conflict peacefully. It was a major event, and one that possessed a certain insightfulness and spirituality that Rayf appreciated.

He'd managed to slip through Alcea and over the border undetected quite easily, posing as a Priest of the Moon-Goddess in the border-town he'd wound up in then making his way through a forest that crossed between the countries. He hadn't eaten well or particularly rested in four days; this message, according to the resistance, was more important than any individual life. This is something Rayf firmly believed, having heard it. A captain among the castle guard entered from the door opposite, clearly giving Rayf a once-over to evaluate him as a potential risk. He, however, was exhausted and not in the mood. "Stare all you like, I've had compliments before" Rayf said, not opening his eyes, leaning his head against the wall.

"Oh good, you're a joker. Now look, I've been sent out to quickly to lay down a few ground-rules. Rule one, if the Queen orders it, we will decapitate you. Understood?"

"Actually no, could you explain that again?"

"Well this is a change of pace, a messenger who thinks he's a jester. I suppose everyone has an identity crisis occasionally. Rule two, no weapons inside of the chamber"

Rayf slowly and non-threateningly unsheathed his bayonet, offering it to the man he'd already made an enemy out of. [I]Always thinking ahead, Rayf, very smart[/I], he though idly whilst the man took his sword.

"Good. Rule three, watch your language and behave with a bit of respect, or.. well, I refer you to rule one, you jammy bastard"

"Well at least you're leading by example. May I see her? This is fairly urgent"

The guard nodded, leading Rayf to the chamber. Rayf tidied his deliberately unkempt hair and straightened his posture, the guard disappearing inside the door. A minute later he emerged once more and beckoned Rayf in. Taking a deep breath, Rayf walked determinedly into the room. "Your majesty, it's an honour. I am Rayf Calderwood, and I'm here to tell you that your country needs you"