[color=00a651][center]Ralthavar Marchosias[/center][/color]

This wasn't the first time Ralthavar ever went into the Black Gale, but this was the first time he, or anyone else, has ever gone this far. His parents always told him of the horrors within the Black Gale, and to ensure that they do not strike fear into the hearts of the orcs they regularly sent their own people inside. The Black Gale was chaotic, but nothing that centuries of hardship under Xia hadn't prepared them for. The only thing that they failed to do was set up a permanent stronghold and not for a lack of trying. So entering the Black Gale was nothing to Ralthavar. No, it was leaving the massive tear and entering the other side that made Ralthavar catch his breath. 

Ralthavar has seen grand cities and towering castles back at Lucis, but the construction here was on a whole other level. The amount of lights, the bizarre architecture. It made Ralthavar excited at the idea of conquering this world, but he had to put those thoughts aside. He did not come here to make an empire, but an alliance. And he'd have to do well to remember that. The Griffons flew closer to the ground signaling that everyone would soon be landing. Ralthavar shouted over the wind in an attempt to get the Harmonious First at attention. [color=00a651]"Get ready to land!"[/color]

The Griffons landed in a uniform formation at speeds that would have threaten to fling off any passenger that wasn't holding on tight. Luckily most of the Harmonious First were paying attention, and the few who weren't still managed to hang on. Ralthavar dismounted from the Griffon and unloaded his belongings from it. He and the Harmonious First stayed together initially as they gathered their belongings. This time, everyone in the Harmonious First were together. He even saw Jett, his contact with the elves, nodding at him in acknowledgement. He'd stay and chat but there was much to do with little time to discuses it.

There was some tension in the air. Despite this group being made for diplomatic reasons distrust was rampant. They at least had the control not to cause a scene right now. Once he made sure everyone was accounted for Raltahvar called out to the Harmonious First. He stood above them on a rock he found on the side of the road.

[color=00a651]"Here we are. I'll be brief. Look at each other, remember these faces. You will be living amongst them. But some of you won't live through it all. We came here to grow stronger, to strengthen out bonds, but there will be some of us who won't make it. They, who served the Harmonious First and their nation with honor and distinction who in their final moments. Join us, brothers and sisters. Join us in the shadows where we stand vigilant. Join us as we carry the duty that can not be forsworn. And should you perish, know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten. And that one day we shall join you."[/color]

This was a more orcish speech than one tailored for the other members of the Harmonious First, but it seemed to have had it's effect on the others. Or so Ralthavar hopes. Jumping off the rock Ralthavar pointed towards the school. [color=00a651]"Now let's go! Let's show these earthlings the Harmonious First!"[/color]

A fairly subtle fanfare was held as Ralthavar lead the Harmonious First to the main hall, as the announcement had told them. They came en mass, carrying, dragging, or wearing their belongings. It would not be wrong to say that it appeared that Ralthavar was leading an army, because everyone in the Harmonious First was armed and armored, ready for a fight. They wanted to make an impression, and that impression was "Ready for anything".

[b][center]Rei Maven[/center][/b]

The ride through the Black Gale was largely uneventful for Rei. She's never been, but she didn't care much for it. She was more interested in who she might meet at the Academy. Sure it was suppose to be a place to train the students into becoming mighty defenders of their world and so forth, but everyone was mortal. Focusing on nothing but such a deary task makes people dull. While Rei would certainly make sure that she could fight with the best of them, she made no intention of forgetting one of the bigger reasons she wanted to be at the academy: entertainment.

Soon the Griffon arrived into the world of the Academy and Rei was rather impressed. She's only seen such construction in passing through pictures brought back from travelers between Earth and Lucis. She didn't like the cold very much however, though it than made her wonder what sort of winter fashion some of the students would be wearing. Sometimes exposing your flesh was less titillating than being properly, but tightly, covered up. Rei salivated at these fantasies as the Griffon landed on a long stretch of land.

Getting her things Rei left the griffon behind, but not without a playful pat on the hindquarters. Avoiding another kick Rei made her way towards the academy when a loud screeched pierced the air. A few voices called out, one more violent than the other. This made Rei chuckle. [b]"Well, at least the staff aren't going to be so serious."[/b] Strutting through the snow Rei headed towards the main hall, keeping an eye out for any lone wanderers she could take into hiding and getting the first taste of.