[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/raw3xpc.jpg[/img][/center][right][hr][color=gray][b]Guixiang, City of Living Rubies[/b]
RY 768, EARLY DAYS OF RESPLENDENT WOOD. SUMMER HAS COME.[/color][hr][/right][indent][color=silver]With warnings and words exchanged between both the Goddess of Guixiang and the party inside the royal chambers, it was decided that the gathered group of Exalts and mortals would accomplish the mission the Goddess set out for them. The Goddess proceeded to extend a hand to one of her royal guards, whom returned her motion with a salute of his own and took it upon himself to lead the party to where travel necessities and mounts had been established.

[color=lightblue][b]"This way, please."[/b][/color] The soldier ordered, waiting for the party to follow. Unbeknownst to him, the two younger individuals of the group—a Solar and a mortal—would find themselves slipping away from the group as the guard led them, presumably to further their mischief, or to retreat from such a dangerous quest, as if the goal was too great.[/color]

[hr][center][color=gray][b]• A FEW DAYS LATER... •[/b][/color][/center][hr]
[color=silver]After having accepted the quest and were given supplies, the group set out to find the location of where the dragon-god, Lord of the Adamant Land, resided. It was to be a lengthy trip to the Scavenger Lands—being at least a week or more ride from Guixiang—and while the roads were heavily traveled, they were just as dangerous. Self-stylized bandit lords and common thieves were a plenty, prowling the lands for any poor traveler or caravan that might come across their path.

And it was one of those caravans the group found themselves upon this day.

[color=orange][b]"Halt!"[/b][/color] A [url=https://i.imgur.com/djOolcf.jpg]scruffy-looking caravan guard[/url] shouted to the approaching party, his sword drawn in case of possible confrontation. It was clear that he was a man that had seen many battles, and it was even more clear that he knew a party of armed men that included Terrestrials among them was a sign of danger, no matter their intentions. [color=orange][b]"State your business!"[/b][/color]

Behind the man were a few other guards, at least a dozen or more, spread around the caravan's perimeter. A few children were seen flocking about, doubtlessly those of the caravan drivers. Additionally, a few slaves were busy at work, tending to the caravan as a whole. However, despite all the people frolicking among the caravan, they were hardly the focal point of it all. In front of the lead caravan stood two large rocks, seemingly blocking the path for them...[/color][/indent]