"Vivian." Rura repeated the name in a low tone as he scribbled her name on the parchment then drew an odd symbol on it as well. Folding the paper he put it in a large envelope before handing it to the woman. "Make sure you keep this on you at all times, the symbol is something that only the sages can read, but it's important you present that to them, I will give you the soul crystal as well before you begin your journey. I will return shortly with someone to escort you on your journey, I only ask that you trust my judgment. I have no reason to see harm befall you. I suggest resting until I return so that you have strength to start traveling today." Rura bowed his head to the woman before opening the door and leaving through it. He pulled up his hood and placed it down covering his face.
Rura made his way into Gennovia to seek out a young knight by the name of Ashford Kingstone. The Elder Sage had done some research in the previous days to find someone who could escort who ever Rura had brought here. The information he had gotten was of the young knight who came from a line of knights. While a bit soft spoken, Ashford was protective to a fault and would make sure that nothing harmed those under his watch. Rura knew this knight would be perfect for this quest. He had been told that Ashford frequented a tavern called The Emerald Goblet in the late afternoons for a quick meal before returning to his rounds in the castle. Rura hoped to catch the man there to speak with him. Once at the tavern the sage glanced around the interior before finding the man he was looking for. His jet black hair appeared unruly today as the back stuck out at odd angles, and his icy blue eyes glanced out a nearby window in thought.
Approaching the man's table Rura sat down as Ash gave him an odd look, waiting quietly for the man to speak. "Greetings knight, I know you are a knight for hire and I have need of your service." Rura said in a quiet voice as his eyes peered out from beneath his hood. The man remained silent but kept his eyes on Rura and gave a slight nod of his head, indicating he was listening. "There is a young woman who just got into town that needs an escort to take her to the city of Azen. Along the way you will need to stop at the Temples of the High Priestess so they may bless your journey."
"The ancient city of Sages? Why would she need to go there?" Ash asked sharply when he heard the name. He did respect the sages, but that city was a special place, and taking someone there who didn’t normally live there seemed like an odd request.
“The reason is not important. All you need to know is that there is a darkness that threatens the Kingdom of Gennovia. The darkness has made the kingdom more dangerous, and the woman needs to make it to the city safely. There are creatures that wouldn’t normally have the power to raid towns that have been, and the wild creatures seem to be appearing in greater numbers than before. The woman would be in danger if she went alone. Will you escort her or not? I know this is something that you need payment in advance for, and I’ve come prepared with that.” Rura spoke in a sharp tone at first before it softened to a gentle murmur as he pulled a large pouch from his cloak and set it on the table in front of him.
Ash was silent for a moment debating his decision before giving a slight nod, he took the pouch from the table and stood to his feet. “Where should I be meeting you two at? I need to go and take care of some preparations before I leave.” He looked at the hooded man who appeared relieved at his agreement.
“Just outside of the Temple of the High Goddess, we will be waiting there for your arrival.” Rura spoke with a bow of his head before standing to his feet as well and making his way out of the tavern. Ash watched him go wondering just what he had gotten himself into. He didn’t like being a knight for hire but with the new law passed by the king since the lands had become more dangerous he couldn’t deny a person help without good reason.
After he had finished what he needed to prepare before the trip Ash made his way to the temple to meet the woman. As he approached he saw the two standing outside the door to the temple. He observed the woman carefully taking in her appearance, the clothing beneath her cloak seemed quite odd to him, however Ash decided not to ask about it right now deciding it wasn’t too important. As he approached the two he bowed his head. “Hello.” He said in a calm tone. Ash stood wearing his upper arm and his leg armor which shimmered slightly in the afternoon light; he wore a thick leather vest over his sleeveless, long necked shirt. He also wore a pair of dark green pants beneath the leg armor. The pants were tucked into a pair of brown traveling boots.
“Vivian, this is Ashford Kingstone. He’s the knight that has agreed to travel with you on your journey.” Rura spoke gesturing to the young knight as he bowed his head at the woman
