[i][b]'Beautiful’[/b][/i] The thought came unbidden as she looked out across the silent landscape. The tread of the horses rang out through the woods for a moment before swallowing the sound. She pulled her helmet off and raised her face to the sky, a smile on her lips as the chilly mountain air played through the messy strands. A peal of laughter caught her ear and her smile turned fond as she watched her soldiers joke and talk. It was nearly enough to forget the the whole sordid affair of breaches and monster. Almost, but not quite. 

Ahead of her, fifty handpicked Hieromancers and infantry stretched in three rows, the more lightly armored Hieromancers riding between the two rows of heavily armored infantry. Her second in command, Wolfram, lead the group towards their destination. These were men and women she personally trained and guided through their careers and she would trust no one more in the field than them. Her Hieromancers started falling back momentarily to whisper in the next one's ear before riding back into position until finally Alianna, her first circle adept drew back next to her. 

[b]“Wolfram would like us to remind you we are almost arrived and that starting a mud fight would greatly hamper our diplomatic intents.”[/b] Alianna spoke, mocking the man's speech. Beatrix cackled, the noise richoching off the trees.

[b]“One of these days, that incident will slip his mind and I will take that golden opportunity.”[/b] Beatrix chuckled. The mud fight happened nearly a decade ago now, the perfect opportunity to teach a colleague and his retinue how to have fun in the rain. When it turned out said colleague made border assignment decisions, she regretted her teaching tools. But only slightly. [b]“If a mud fight is what we need, then its a mud fight we’re going to have, crotchy ex-mercenaries be damned!”[/b] Beatrix shouted to the front, only to double over in laughter with Alianna as Wolfram raised a hand and shot her the finger. Laughter broke out amongst the ranks and Beatrix nodded at Alianna as she moved back to her position. The woman put her helmet back on and took off to the front of the group.

[b]“Take the platform, Wolfram. Point's mine for now.”[/b] Wolfram turned and headed back with a muttered [b]“Somewhere I can keep a proper eye on ya.”[/b] She shook her head. For a brigand who once enjoyed the thrill of the kill, the man really definitely did a 180. 

The sound of approaching hooves caught her attention and she waved the rider over. She listened as they rode and she clapped the man on the back. [b]“Excellent! How kind of you to guide us on our path.”[/b] Beatrix chatted away with the sentry as they rode in, only letting him go once she swing out if her saddle and handed the reins over to Alianna as Wolfram joined her. 

[b]“Find out what defensive measures they've taken and how long we'll be here. If we are here longer than half a day, standard protocol. No noise, in or out of the village.”[/b] Alianna saluted and set out to find where to stable their horses. [b]“Now, let’s find our hosts! I’m eager to meet everyone!”[/b]