The hours following the Luvalonians’ arrival were busy and fast paced. Beatrix’s hieromancers warded the village area, keeping prying eyes and ears unaware of the slowly amassing army’s intentions and setting alarms to notify them when the perimeter was breached. The High Hieromancer spoke at length with several of Aurran soldiers as she helped care for the unit’s horses. She didn’t get much of a response but she always could hold a conversation for two, especially when meeting new faces. More than once, her soldiers stepped in to free the poor soul caught in the endless conversations she held. 

[b]“Remember, leave everything as, or better, than you found it.”[/b] Beatrix reminded her people. [b]“We are guests and far better off than these people. It wouldn’t do for us to worsen their lot in these conditions.”[/b] The Aasimar looked around at the faces of her people as they went about their tasks. Wolfram’s first act upon arrival was to draw up tasks lists and schedules, the organized man that he was, and stubbornly left her off rotations for the first night. Her Hieromancers were sitting in a circle, doing their nightly meditations. Beatrix would have joined them if a soldier hadn’t requested her presence at the mayor’s office. Somewere finishing brushing down their horses and others doing inventory on equipment and supplies. Beatrix smiled to herself and stepped away from their area, those lingering outside saluting her as she walked by.

The air had grown colder as the day passed and the sun started dipping beneath the horizon. It was refreshing, the change of pace from the warm climate of her home enjoyable, but she distinctly missed the salt sweet breezes sweeping in from the harbor. She smiled at nothing as she walked, content in observing the others that shared the village. It was always interesting to see how new people and places came together but this wasn’t just some random occurrence. Beatrix could feel the tension in the air, a heavy somberness that seeped into her that was only briefly lifted with sparks of joy and excitement. Her smile thinned, a touch sadder, as their task reared its head again in her mind and the cost it would likely demand. 

Beatrix walked into the mayor’s building confidently, her smile brightening. The cost could be high but she would try her damndest to keep that from happening. These fools would shatter across her shield like the ocean on the rocks. A creeping worry and sense of unease rushed across her skin and she followed it to the source. Commander S’venna, commander of the Snow Leopards and leader of this little expedition. She certainly looked the part of a battle worn veteran, stone faced and postured. It took more than a cool exterior to hide from a Hieromancer however. Both their blessing and their curse, a Hieromancer’s vows heightened their sensitivity to emotions and emotional changes. Emotions flaring suddenly and intensely often left a Hieromancer overwhelmed for a few moments as they struggle against the raw feelings. S’venna’s concern felt like pin pricks over Beatrix’s skin and it warmed her heart. What little they had on the commander suggested her stoic. The Hieromancer was glad they were wrong.

[b]“Commander S’venna!”[/b] Beatrix said excitedly. She approached the woman and clapped her on the arm. [b]“We meet at last! When we received your call, I jumped on my horse as quickly as possible. Luvalson will do all it can to help you find your missing Goddess.”[/b]