[center][img]http://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjcyLjg3MWJmOC5UV0Z5ZVhaaGJHVSwuMAAA/south-gardens-personal-use.regular.png[/img][/center]
[color=darkviolet][u][b]	T R A I N I N G  H A L L      					[/b][/u][/color]
[color=darkviolet][u][b]	S O U T H E R N  J E W E L      				[/b][/u][/color]
[color=darkviolet][u][b]	K R O N  N E S I S      						[/b][/u][/color]

Maryvale groaned at hearing her name, rising as though she'd been summoned from the dead. In truth it was her ribs. They'd taken a nasty hit from the fall, and ached like the Nine Hells. Her leg wasn't faring any better, so she lay propped up on one arm, mentally noting Konrad's message. She had seen him many a time before now, and he was always quite talkative, once he got started. Not that it was a bad thing, as often she found their talks to be pleasant. He did like to show his admiration of her, though she often would reply humbly, stating it was only through a lot of hard work that she got to where she is today. 

Well, maybe a little luck, too. 
As Konrad went to leave, however, Maryvale called his name.
[color=darkviolet]"Konrad..."[/color]
Her voice, though pained, was gentle, and her deep blue eyes spoke of kindness. Her black hair was a total mess from the fight, and there were a couple visible bruises. And yet, despite the pain, she called his name and smiled.
[color=darkviolet]"Thank you..."[/color]

It took some incredible willpower just to get to her feet again, though once she found them she found she could walk, or more accurately, limp. Her competitor, Marcus, wasn't doing so good either. They decided to go their separate ways for now and catch up later when they could. There was no use trying to exert themselves in conversation when neither could barely walk. 
Some kindly soldiers helped the Dark Knight in navigating the castle, seeing as her poor sense of direction meant she could wind up anywhere if left unattended. They also gave her their shoulder when she felt her legs beginning to give out, to which she appreciated greatly. Yet as they got closer and closer to Azymn's chambers, Maryvale couldn't help but feel an impending sense of doom:
That of a concerned friend. 

The two soldiers bow and take their leave, Maryvale thanking them for their assistance. She still hadn't changed out of her training gear. She only hoped Azymn wouldn't be too worried.
She raps three times. 
[color=lightskyblue]"Come in!"[/color] Came a familiar, refined voice.
Maryvale opened the doors, revealing the elegance of Azymn's bedroom. As tall and wide as some houses, it seemed like a young girl's fantasy: a bed so large it could squeeze a dozen people, a massive wardrobe filled with dresses and other wear, a fireplace, a huge bookcase, and a carpet so soft one could easily sleep on it. Not to mention the paintings, chairs, tea table; there seemed to be a clear distinction between nobility and royalty, not that Maryvale was against Azymn having nice things. They made her happy, after all.

It was impossible to not spot the beautiful Marble Princess. She seemed ready for battle, what with her light armor glistening against the sun's rays. Yet even then she managed to portray herself as a voice of peace, gently nurturing an exotic-looking flower, humming a light tune, water pouring unto its leaves. The breeze from atop the castle was remarkably still today, barely passing by as though to play with the princess' hair. Maryvale took a step inside. 
[color=darkviolet]"My liege."[/color]

[center][hider=Azymn][img]https://s1.zerochan.net/Kamui.%28Female%29.%28Fire.Emblem%29.600.1925865.jpg[/img]

[b]Azymn Theme:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaEu4kAWhQQ[/youtube][/b][/hider][/center]

As soon as Azymn laid eyes on her retainer, her eyes narrowed. [color=darkviolet]"I-I, uhh, we have a message from-"[/color]
[color=lightskyblue]"What happened?"[/color]

Maryvale lowered her head in defeat instantly.
[color=darkviolet]"Competition. Fought Marcus. Might've broke a rib and my leg."[/color]
Azymn sighed and shook her head. Maryvale almost flinched when she began walking towards her, however it seemed the princess was willing to forgive her retainer for being so reckless. The Marble Princess guided Maryvale over to her bed, where she was made to sit. [color=lightskyblue]"I'm not going to tell you to stop fighting, but that doesn't mean I have to like seeing you hurt, either. That Marcus really needs to take it easy. In fact, so do you."[/color] Azymn puts both hands over Maryvale's leg, concentrating immensely to produce a radiant light to heal the bruises. Thankfully she hadn't broken anything, so her healing magic helped the Dark Knight recover far more quickly. She'd still be a little sore, however. 
[color=lightskyblue]"Thankfully it's only bruises."[/color] Sighed the princess once more, standing up straight again. [color=lightskyblue]"What am I going to do with you, Maryvale?"[/color]

Maryvale herself looked as guilty as a puppy. [color=darkviolet]"Sorry..."[/color] She trailed off, head bowed, though not for long. Azymn lifted her friend's chin with a more supportive face, offering a hand to help her up. 
[color=lightskyblue]"It is fine. I know you enjoy it, and I know you do it to protect me, so I can't say it's all bad. However you need to look out for yourself more. Try to be careful, OK?"[/color]
Maryvale nodded. 
[color=lightskyblue]"Good. Would you like some tea?"[/color]
[color=darkviolet]"Actually, we're needed."[/color]

Azymn seemed surprised by this, eyebrows raised. She'd seen there were a lot more military exercises going on from her window, however she hadn't the opportunity to tell if it was a difference in training or something else. Without a response, Maryvale continued. [color=darkviolet]Grand Marshal Lenius -- my father -- has summoned us. I believe an expedition is to take place soon. It seems likely we're going along."[/color]
Azymn could only nod in understanding.
[color=darkviolet]"I suggest we go as soon as possible. I don't like keeping father waiting, especially for important matters. I'll need to stop by the armory, firstly."[/color]

The Marble Princess seemed lost in thought, though snapped out of her state pretty quickly. With a cautious confidence she agreed; a mask for nervousness?
[color=lightskyblue]"Then we shall head there. I will need to collect my sword, too. It's only fair if we both look presentable."[/color]
The two shared a short chuckle. There was no sense in keeping her father waiting, Maryvale thought, so the two decided to get going as soon as they could. It wouldn't take long, assuming Lenius was where Maryvale thought he was, and the armory was on the way, so it only made sense to stop there first.