[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/Tm9g0ln.jpg[/img][/center][hr][center][h3][color=ed1c24][b]World's End Strait[/b][/color][/h3][/center][hr][color=0072bc]"Thank you for that,"[/color] Viola said to Tzi as he began to help her unpack. As soon as the knightly girl placed her backpack on the ground its weigh became evident. Viola was easily carrying at least her own weigh in gear, not counting her armor and weapons, yet she didn't seem to be particularly tired even after nearly half a day walking through these desolate hinterlands.

[color=0072bc]"I thought that it would be good if we didn't have to delay our travel to spend time hunting, so I packed some smoked lamb,"[/color] Viola said while rummaging her backpack, [color=0072bc]"the problem is, that I don't knw very much about cooking. Growing up in an orphanage doesn't help with this kind of thing, y'know? Anyway,"[/color] she said as she finally found a tightly wrapped pack which exhaled a faint smell of smoked meat, [color=0072bc]"here it's! If there's any of you guys who can cook this I would be thankful."[/color]

Meanwhile, Ires found a place in the shade of a ruined house and sat by it. She observed the Cadets with curious eyes but seemed hesitant to try to interfere with their activities. At times it did look like she was trying to say something only to hold herself back, resting a hand over her chest and sighing. The displeased tone on both Clean and Leon's voices didn't escape Ires, just as much as Natus' brooding isolationism.

For a moment Ires wondered what Sonata had seen on most of this group? For cadets that studied at the crown jewel of the Empire's military, most of them had quite unbefitting personalities. That said, some of the others, like Tzi, Esther and this Gradon that everyone was talking about really looked like they could shoulder the future of the Empire.

[color=9966cc]"I am neither,"[/color] Ires said as soon as Clean's words snapped her out of her revelry. [color=9966cc]"If possible, I would like to avoid such subjects. An opportunity like this one is rare to come by. At least during this journey, I would prefer to be treated as any other of you. I know that it's a big request, but you would understand it if you were in my place."[/color]

Once Gradon, or the one Ires thought to be him, said his words, the Princess got back to her feet and walked up to him. [color=9966cc]"Very well, then. I'll lead if that's what you all have decided."[/color] Ires extended her hand to Gradon, pulling him for a forearm handshake. [color=9966cc]"I hope that we can work well together,"[/color] she said, smiling confidently.

However, their greeting out have to wait.

Dark shadows crept across the ground of the ruined village as a flock of monstrous rocs swooped above, screeching as if they preparing to attack.[center][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mso4q1hLx10[/youtube][/center][color=0072bc]"Uh oh, guys. I guess that the lunch break is over,"[/color] Viola said as she reached for her sword and shield.

Now, was time to fight!