There was an odd calm at the foot of the castle gates. Despite the multitude of assembled servants there, despite the harrowing number of preparations that had to be made, despite the day's daunting itinerary, [i]everything[/i] was done. There was no need to rush, no last minute panic, it was simply ready and waiting for the Princess and her Heroes. A footman had been sent to inform Lucrezia as soon as the princess' Narlah was spotted approaching. Now she strode down the stairway towards the gates and the clearing where they would land, flanked on either side by a lieutenant maid, each bearing one of the nations' treasure swords atop a fine silk cushion. Already waiting at the base of the steps, a pair of tent changing booths had been erected so that the seamstresses could dress the Heroes quickly and send them on their way to the battlefield.

By the time she'd descended the steps, Cercle was already beginning her final approach. With a gesture to them, the national concert band began in on a rousing anthem to greet their new heroes. When they touched down, Lucrezia strode forward and extended a hand to help the princess down.

[b]"Welcome back, Princess Solia. Everything is ready for our heroes."[/b] Turning her gaze towards the two new pink-eared champions, she smiled softly before sweeping her hand towards the canvas changing stalls. [b]"Both of your battle regalia have been attended to, though we'll need to do a final fitting. Would you kindly follow me?"[/b]