[center][h1][url=https://dicecloud.com/character/t7LmRFxjhnhTLufnP/Ada-Mavros][color=f26522]Ada [img]https://i.imgur.com/mTnqgBv.png[/img] Mavros[/color][/url][/h1][/center][hr]
As Krusk and his cronies disappeared, Ada felt a twinge of regret that she hadn't focused more on downing the main foe faster. How were they to know that he had a teleportation scroll up his sleeve? The annoyance festered as she placed her bow into her magical quiver, assuming and hoping that the threats were gone for now. Her newfound allies began to perform their individual tasks: tending the wounded, investigating the scene of the fight. Efficient and proactive: two qualities one would expect from warriors of the highest caliber. Well, she could be proud of that, at least.

As the others went about their business, Ada called one of the servants aside. [color=f26522]"Please tell the Duke that the threat is passed,"[/color] she requested quietly. The servant nodded and exited the courtyard to complete the task. Ada stepped forward to glance about the fight herself, but she was rather certain there would be little left to track them by. Whoever had supplied that bag of hot air had prepared him well. Hopefully Krusk's pocket mage was simply another lackey, and not a foe to worry about.

The former duchess contemplated the possibility for a moment, but her contemplation was interrupted by Kethan voicing her internal concerns. [color=f26522]"Yes, Uncle. You are wise to suggest such a course of action,"[/color] she replied with a smile. [color=f26522]"I would not force any of you to remain here against your will, but I do believe that Titan and Vincent are the best choices. A fiery caster and a warforged to tune out the pain of blows. We all saw how effective the lightning spells were; it is a shame that you will be missed on our journey."[/color]

She returned to silence as Marcus stepped forward, confirming their destinations. Vael Turog was not a place Ada had ever planned to visit, despite its proximity to the Seat of Mavros, but there was a first time for everything. [color=f26522]"Caelmarth lies a couple hundred miles to the west,"[/color] Ada cautioned. [color=f26522]"Even floating on the wind, it will take several hours for you to travel. We shall have a similar distance to travel north ourselves, unless anyone wishes to teleport us there faser."[/color] Sadly, teleportation lay outside the meager spells that Ada had been able to glean, at least for now. She found herself lost in thought once more as she looked back to where Krusk had disappeared. Would her brother remain safe if the orc returned while she was away?

Ada was snapped back to the present by the Ranger's approach. Ada held out her hand to receive the gift, a practice she was not unaccustomed to during her tenure as duchess. What she was not expecting was the extreme detail and precision crafted into the emblem. Silence overtook her as she peered closely at the intricacies, how the wolf's fur seemed to ripple in the breeze as it stood majestically on the hilltop. A near-perfect rendition of her family's crest. For a solid minute, she immersed herself into the detail, amazed that one person could craft this. A tear formed in her eye as she realized... this represented what she was turning her back on, what she would lose should the worst come to pass. She surreptitiously wiped away the teardrop before it could find its way down her cheek. [color=f26522]"Very-- [i]ahem[/i]..."[/color] Ada cleared her throat, not realizing that it would sound so weak in this moment. [color=f26522]"Very well done,"[/color] she continued. [color=f26522]"I shall make sure that Vinny sees this. Your gift is... much appreciated."[/color]

A moment passed before the Duke appeared from the keep, striding forward purposely. "I apologize that I was unable to aid you in your fight," he announced quickly before any could accuse him of cowardice. "As the only current heir to the Seat, I must recuse myself from dangerous positions. If I were to be lost, Mavros would be thrown into chaos, and Savoyne would have a field day. More than likely, they would wrest control from the Mavros family again, and our autonomy would be rescinded. I envy my sister and her journey with you, and I congratulate all of you on your swift and fruitful research. If there is aught I can assist with, I am at your disposal."