Chiyome had left sometime in the night, not speaking a word to anyone. She wondered if any of her fellow soldiers would wonder where she went, or if anyone would worry for her. Truth be told, she wasn’t too confident in her qualifications for the task ahead of her. She’d never seen true war in the way that it was occurring now. She’d only been in the military for a year, and certainly lacked the experience of her comrades.

So then...why her?

Chiyome had packed what few things she’d been told to bring, as per the letter. What worried her was that she’d been specifically told to bring her weapon. Chiyome’s prized naginata never left her side-not even when she slept-but the knowledge that she would need it frightened her. Strapping her bag to her side and hopping on her Skarmory, Chiyome rode off in the night with her Scizor and Marowak with her.

She’d travelled for a few days, stopping occasionally to restock on supplies and asking locals about the state of the war. She so rarely got to travel these days; besides, maybe it would lower suspicion of her. When Chiyome finally arrived at the tavern (after checking 3 times to make sure it was the right place), she stepped inside, caution at the front of her mind. Her Skarmory was tied outside, but her Scizor and Marowak followed their trainer into the tavern.

Chiyome wore basic civilian attire; she was supposed to be a merchant, after all. Her naginata was still strapped to her back, but her armor was tucked away in her bag. She felt somehow anxious without it. Glancing around, Chiyome searched for the man she was here to meet: Prince Teal. She’d only seen him in passing around the castle; the thought of meeting him here and now made her nervous beyond belief. Her letter had stated that she was here to protect him, even at the cost of her life. She wasn’t eager to see it come to that, but she knew she would do it if she had to. Finally spotting him through the crowd of patrons, Chiyome made her way over to him, trying to remain inconspicuous.

[color=00FFFF]”Um, hello...sir,”[/color] Chiyome mumbled, still trying to keep their cover up. [color=00FFFF]”I was...told to meet you here.”[/color]