[b]"I apologize for my remarks, Lantus. Excuse my brief lack of professionalism." Xanxus spoke a true apology as the two departed from the dining hall, pocketing his hands when the general's two knights joined them. It was a rare sight that he ever included humor within his dialect; he was always straight to the point, both brutally honest and honestly brutal with his words. Likewise, it was commonplace for others to think that he always spoke in a passively aggressive tone. His eyes darted between the first and second knight before he reverted his sight onward. [b]"I've a habit and reputation for thinking lowly of grunts. I like to do things on my own; preferably, the way that I'd like them to be done, though we both share the same rank. I look forward to cooperating with you."[/b]

After a few moments of Xanxus listening to Lantus, he answered: [b]"Sure. Perhaps a few wyverns or pegasi riders to have an aerial view across the land, as well? I imagine that after the initial operation, there are very few survivors, it should not be extremely difficult to locate them."[/b]

[b]"The chances of the survivors finding and banding together is unlikely, though that's only if there were that many survivors heading into Plegia to begin with. We'll have to assume that that is the case."[/b] Xanxus paused for a moment before continuing.

[b]"Plegia itself is comprised mainly of desert and mountainous regions, as I'm sure you're well aware of. Fliers are our best bet in these two environments, but otherwise, our alternative is leading a force comprised of ground combatants that will travel by horseback until we reach the sands, where we continue on foot."[/b]

---

Again, Zaino's sword arm barely halted as the blade was just inches away from slicing the woman, who had just claimed that she was a Shepherd. He paused momentarily as his head tilted to observe the woman more, attempting to recall if he had ever seen her. [i]It's no use. What's the chance of recognizing one person out of fifteen hundred?[/i] 

[b]"You're one, too?"[/b]

Zaino shook his head, a part of him wanting to believe the woman but the other dominant portion warning him otherwise. [b]"No, that can't be. I'm the last Shep--"[/b]

[b]"HALT IN THE NAME OF PLEGIA! STATE YOUR NAMES AND REASONS TO BE HERE!"[/b]

[i]Oh, boy.[/i]

Zaino shifted his head slightly as a stranger called out to them, seeing the spear held in its arm and instantly seeing the stranger as a threat. He wheeled around and, though it was still in his grip, he lowered his sword temporarily as he prepared himself for a surprise attack.

[b]"A name isn't something given so easily to the likes of strangers."[/b]