[@Emu]

The scarlet knight glanced up at the mirror and back at Craggard briefly with an explanation.  "That giant mirror is one of the reasons we can have an abundant harvest every year.  While the valley provides protection it also blocks out sunlight, so to extend sunlight hours for the crops that mirror was constructed a century ago.  Needless to say it is off-limits to all but the caretakers."

Explanation finished, the knight continued to lead the group from the empire.

[h2][color=9e0b0f]Entering Castle Grimm - Outer Wall[/color][/h2]

It took a bit of time but after some more walking the groups made it to Castle Grimm.  First were the outer walls which were fashioned from some rather dark stone.  Keeping with the motif gargoyles peered down at them as yet another set of large gates opened.

The first group to arrive were those from the empire, led by the red knight.  There was quite a bit of chatter among the Onyxians and more than a few soldiers gave out a whistle or two at the massive, yet decorative, walls.  As the gate opened they were free to peer into the outer courtyard which was quite large, no doubt to accommodate troops and equipment if there was ever a siege.  The scarlet knight took the group in and made them gather a bit on the east side of the initial courtyard.

[color=ed1c24]"Before we head further into the castle we must wait for the representatives from the White Rock Confederacy."[/color]  That statement caused a bit of a uproar and a few curses among the Onyx representatives.  [color=ed1c24]"After all his lordship would not want to give either side an unfair advantage in the upcoming negotiations."[/color]

Despite this annoying piece of news quite a few were happy to get a little rest before proceeding.  Thankfully the White Rock Confederacy was not very far behind and about 10 minutes later they too were let into the courtyard on the West side.  The two sides glared daggers at each other, each thinking about how they would outdo the others in the coming negotiations.  Getting a good look at so many people from the opposite side of the mountains was quite an experience for many as they noticed the differences and similarities between the two groups.

The two knights stood between the two groups and stared at each other for a few moments.  Then, the green knight spoke, "[color=39b54a]"The White Rock Confederacy representatives have now arrived."[/color]  There was a strange bit of tension in her voice as she spoke.

The stare-off continued a second longer then the red one replied, [color=ed1c24]"Indeed, as have the Onyx Empire...10 minutes ago.  Come on, you know what you need to do."[/color]  The red knight smirked as the green knight clenched a fist and trembled a bit in anger.

[color=39b54a]"Confound it, fine, I guess you win this bet."[/color]  With a grumble the Green Knight reached into a satchel on her waist and took out a small bag of coins and tossed them over to the Red Knight.

The Red Knight chuckled and pocketed the bag, giving an exaggerated pat where she put it.  [color=ed1c24]"Thanks sister, I'll be sure to put the money to good use after these negotiations are over.  Good job on making it here first guys, I appreciate it."[/color]  The Red Knight chuckled and turned to the representatives from the empire.  Apparently the two sister knights had made a bet on which side would make it to the castle first.

[color=39b54a]"Well moving on, a messenger will walk out shortly to tell us to come inside to start the negotiations.  Until then you can rest out here."[/color]