[center][img]http://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjcyLjg3MWJmOC5UV0Z5ZVhaaGJHVSwuMAAA/south-gardens-personal-use.regular.png[/img] AND [img]http://txt-dynamic.cdn.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjcyLjhjZGVkYy5VSEpwYm1ObGMzTWdRWHA1Ylc0LC4x/aurella.script.png[/img][/center] [color=darkviolet][u][b] W A R R O O M [/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] The subtle thud of a closing book pulled those who may not be listening out of their daydream. [color=gray]"And that concludes this little meeting."[/color] There was not much else he could say to those present. Not without challenging the king's authority, something he felt no need to do. The lecture was short, but important, and best be said for the sake of Illyarion and Azymn. He knew Maryvale understood perfectly, though doubted her highness to follow the same mentality. Even if they asked, they would not receive the information they so desired. Not yet. There was a time and place for everything, and one leak, no matter how small, could spell disaster for everyone. He left without another word. [hr] The Dark Knight understood the role of duty well. She had been raised by principle, discipline, and order. No matter how her heartstrings wished they could embrace in a temporary hug, now was not the time nor place. There was a rule among when you could show yourself a soldier and show yourself a human being. It was only in private, outside of her line of work, that Lenius embraced Maryvale as his daughter; all other times they would maintain a strictly professional attitude to one-another. That didn't mean, however, that she enjoyed the professionalism all the time. Even so, there would come an opportunity for them to meet again. Her father was the smartest and strongest man she knew, and not only because of how he acted as a leader. His person as a human being, outside of the duty of Grand Marshal, was compassionate, loving, and incredibly approachable. Personal. It was why so many would much sooner ride under his name than the King's. With Lenius gone and their orders provided, it was now just a matter of when. The Dark Knight, still formal in stance and attitude alike, referred to her liege for guidance. [color=darkviolet]"I would suggest leaving early. I see no reason not to leave, and your life would be in more danger here than on the road."[/color] Assassins, as most referred to them, were a common threat to the royalty, particularly to Princess Azymn. With Maryvale's blade by her side, they would forever be unable to claim their mark, so long as her retainer was always attentive. That was one of her specialties. Azymn, it would seem, couldn't help but agree to the plan. [color=lightskyblue]"Maryvale, I know you hate it here, but you don't need to hide it around me."[/color] [color=darkviolet]"Your sense of humor is blander than this entire palace."[/color] [color=lightskyblue]"[i]Charming as ever[/i]."[/color] The princess gave a light chuckle before expressing a more serious attitude. [color=lightskyblue]"Sir Myriavin, I suppose you and your men should get equipped, assuming you wish to join us?"[/color] She was quick to divert attention, however, wanting to make sure their doctor was properly addressed. [color=lightskyblue]"Likewise, doctor, unless you have anything in particular you would like to pick up now rather than on our way?"[/color] It wouldn't do if nobody was prepared, especially their most important companions. Despite Maryvale's skill as a knight, even with her raw magical power, she couldn't protect Azymn and fight back simultaneously. With their answers provided, those who needed preparation went their own way. Those that were ready needed only wait... [hr] [color=darkviolet][u][b] N O R T H G A T E [/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] [color=darkviolet]"I hate riding."[/color] The northern gate of Kron-Nesis was attracting a small expeditionary force, and, as one would expect, a crowd of people. With such faces as the Princess of Kron-Nesis and the Strongest Knight, it was hard to avoid the publicity. Many expressed their worries of whether they would be seeing the Princess again, to which she always replied in kind that she would - she would promise them. Those who worried for Maryvale generally didn't speak up for fear of pissing her off. Never the greatest rider, Maryvale couldn't quite handle horses well. No matter how much her father tried, she could never escape the realm of mediocrity when it came to riding horses, both on and off the battlefield. In fact she was often noted being better on the field than off, for some strange reason. It was frustrating to her that a royal retainer, one of the strongest in Kron-Nesis and arguably the wider world, couldn't even ride a damn horse well. [color=darkviolet]"Ugh... End me."[/color] [color=lightskyblue]"You'll be fine,"[/color] cheered Azymn, [color=lightskyblue]"it's not like this is your first time riding. Like with your literacy, you've made many, many improvements!"[/color] [color=darkviolet]"And many, [i]many[/i] mistakes."[/color] [color=lightskyblue]"Yes, well, failure is the best teacher! You'll find your secret someday, Maryvale."[/color] The pep talk didn't make her feel much better, so she decided to change subjects. [color=darkviolet]"How much longer must we wait?"[/color] She quizzed, doing her best to not sound impatient. Though many would find it hard to tell behind her helm, Azymn could easily pick out the smaller details to understand Maryvale's mood. It had been a small challenge in the past but a useful skill now that the two had grown up and Maryvale more commonly used her helmet. Unfortunately, the princess couldn't give her a definite answer. [color=lightskyblue]"That is hard to say, but I wouldn't say long. Our comrades seem to be getting the last of our foodstuffs. This journey, despite our smaller size, will still be a long one. I hope you're prepared to ride a lot."[/color] Maryvale groaned. Catching her retainer's discomfort, Azymn attempted to remedy the situation by pulling her over to a map. The ride from the Southern Jewel to Lyserene was a relatively simple and straightforward one. Caravans and roads were well-established along the plains of Kron-Nesis, allowing a swift transit from point A to point B. The real issue came from bandits, denizens of the dark, or even scouting parties from the Darakeene Protectorate. While not necessarily an issue around the capital, the further from the Southern Jewel one got, particularly to the north, the worse these instances would occur, both in severity and rarity. Even with the Ravenguard with them, one could always be careful along any road, no matter the kingdom. Of course, the plains were the faster option, and would serve as how the bulk of the main forces headed north would be reaching Lyserene. Presumably the larger divisions would operate under the cover of darkness, however a smaller band didn't require as much secrecy, as it was less likely to attract the eyes of the Protectorate as well as bandits. However, there was always the fear of particular fae which could slaughter the likes of them... [color=darkviolet]"The inland path is the best."[/color] Maryvale announced in a confident tone of voice, a finger trailing along the center of the large Teldurian map. While each of the three primary paths -- mountains, inland, and seaside -- each had their respective dangers, in Mayvale's mind it was the inland which almost guaranteed safety and speed. [color=darkviolet]"It is well-developed, and though susceptible to bandits, we are less likely to encounter scouts. Though all three will possibly have creatures of the wilderness, our horses should be able to outpace and outmatch them. Because of this, we can afford to travel with the sun overhead, however we wouldn't want to run out of supplies while we're out there. Plus, we can clear out any problems the Grand Marshal's forces may come across, so-"[/color] [color=lightskyblue]"Maryvale?"[/color] [color=darkviolet]"Mmh?"[/color] The princess couldn't help but giggle somewhat. [color=lightskyblue]"You're talking about maps again."[/color] Despite the black helmet which covered her face, it didn't take a genius to know that Maryvale was partly embarrassed. Her body language in particular gave it away when she turned her head to the side and cleared her throat. [color=darkviolet]"S-sorry..."[/color] Azymn shook her head. [color=lightskyblue]"It's quite alright, dear, just know that we're leaving now."[/color] [color=darkviolet]"Hey, why didn't you-"[/color] Again, Maryvale would find herself cut off as Azymn left the tent, leaving the Dark Knight to pack up the maps for transport. There was no rallying speech to attend for a smaller group such as they, so she had to be quick in making sure she didn't miss anything. After a quick search, she loaded up her material, and mentally prepared for a long ride. [hr] [color=darkviolet][u][b] P L A I N O U T S K I R T S [/b][/u][/color] [color=darkviolet][u][b] J O S T [/b][/u][/color] [color=darkviolet][u][b] K R O N - N E S I S [/b][/u][/color] Dressed in cloth and working metal, the small farming community of Jost lived lives of peace and tradition. Bordering a large lake, this town had been settled along the vast plains of the middle of Kron-Nesis, and was the first stop on their journey. As nightfall began to set in, the company would need a suitable place to stay, if only for the Princess. While she herself had no particular claims to sleeping in town, the people themselves held the royal family as well as the military in high regard, and was almost always the first stop north of the capital. There was no real reason [i]not[/i] to stop in town. Tents were erupting left and right as the group began setting up for the night. Everyone had their orders, and everyone was making sure they could help out in some way or another. However, Azymn and Maryvale had their own tasks to accomplish. Maryvale was in search of Illyarion to discuss potentially scouting further than the town. She knew he probably already thought of this, however thought it best to ask what he was ordering his spare men to do. If there were bandits nearby, it would be best to deal with them quickly, as she overheard some of the townsfolk mention something along their lines. Azymn, on the other hand, was in search of Pox. While her skills as a healer were adequate, she was lacking in the healing arts outside of all things magical. Some of the townsfolk of Jost mentioned a kind of sickness going around. She thought it best to see if her doctor could do anything about it, or at least give the poor souls any idea as to what it was. Dusk was setting in, and like the dragon legend of old, destruction would soon follow... [hr] [@Claw2k11][@ShwiggityShwah]