[center][h2]Gillian[/h2][/center]

The trip back to Aimlenn was...reasonably uneventful, all things considered. A few rebellious prisoners that needed to be reminded of their situation had provided him with some much needed entertainment. It....wasn't much. But it was always fun to put the fear of Reon into the hearts of bandits. Coming back to the capital was far less so. 

As their procession rode through the street the common folk gawked at them, their eyes wide with religious and patriotic awe. To most of them at least. Gillian for his part, being one (if not the only) member of the order whose preferred mount was, in fact, as much an ass as its owner garnered more than a few confused stares mixed in with the reverie. Gillian hated the attention. Not because he was something of a comedic figure to them. But because it was the same mindless admiration that put a girl barely older than he was when he first began training in charge. 

So, needless to say, getting back Candaeln was a welcomed reprieve. A quiet shelter of stone away from those who were too smitten with a virginal maiden protector, even if it was the home and hearth of such tripe.

Thankfully, Fanilly had either the wisdom or the impatience to relieve them of duty pretty much the moment they step through the gates. Saving everyone (herself included) the hassle of some grand speech about their victory in lieu of good old fashioned R&R. He'd just finished stabling his donkey when he spied...a younger knight speaking to a rather finely dressed woman. 

The Knight (Jarde?[@PaulHaynek] Jarret? Gillian was sure it was one of the two names) was understandably brusque with the woman. No Rose, no matter how fanatical in their loyalty, was exactly thrilled to receive new orders first thing after coming home. Gillian choked down a small laugh, making a mental note to pull the blonde aside later. If only to gently remind him that shooting the messenger (even if unintentionally) was sort of Faux Pas. Especially when said messenger was working for Royalty. 

He coughed loudly to catch the girls attention, sparing a moment to nod at Ser Ban[@jdh97] to let the man know he'd handle it. Ban was...a creepy bastard. A creepy bastard who could shoot like it was nobodies business, but a creepy bastard none the less. Leaving Gillian as the only (massively under) qualified individual give the Iron Roses Formal reply to the request. 

[color=00aeef]"I apologize for my fellow knights....curt response Ma'am."[/color] He offered softly, taking a moment to bow slightly in apology. [color=00aeef]"He's too new to know the formalities. And perhaps still shaking out the nerves from our last mission."[/color] He added, fibbing a little to save the younger knight some face. 

[color=00aeef]"Please inform her Royal Highness that we of the Iron Roses will attend happily. You've my word as a Reliquary the letter of her request shall be law."[/color] He said, tone light and pleasant despite how much he loathed this sort of pedantic crap. But when the ruling family said jump...you didn't really get away with saying just 'yes sir'. 

...All that said, the courier was very much not royalty. And, therefor, very much a viable target for a little amusement. [color=00aeef]"...I certainly hope to see you there."[/color] He said cheerily as he crossed his arms. [color=00aeef]"I'm a bit surprise the Princess would send one of her Lady's in Waiting to deliver the message."[/color] He adds, voice lilting a bit as he gauged her reaction. He very much doubted she was anything close to a Lady, in waiting or otherwise. But flirting was no fun if you didn't make an effort to flatter a bit. [color=00aeef]"I apologize Miss, what did you say your name was...?"[/color]