Rohaan's constant mockery of the Emperor didn't go unnoticed by Ash, although it wasn't as if she was prepared to rush to the man's defense either. Still, the Emperor showed no indication that he was bothered by it - either he was just keeping up appearances or he simply did not care. From Ash's perspective, it was impossible to know which. But it didn't immediately matter to her. For the short time that she had known the both of them, she had quickly learned to let them be in their squabbles. Besides, she'd much rather rest, if only for a moment. Ash found a suitable place to sit down, and she did so, whilst maintaining contact with Rohaan. It was nice to finally have an opportunity to relax, even when she was fully aware that it wouldn't be for long. The Emperor seemed amused as she did so, but she truly did not care. Let the two of them debate the minute details of the travel arrangements and she could take the chance to clear her head before she had to return to the real world with all its associated problems.

"Your cynicism isn't the commendable virtue that you believe it to be. You should already know that anyone who I've ever wished dead... is dead. Thoburas is just the most recent individual to be added to that list." 

Karl Valdemar gave a slight smile as he laid his piercing golden eyes entirely on Rohaan. "Your death wouldn't serve me at all. After all, you've been extraordinarily useful to me so far - You've given me quite little to actually complain about. As for your failure concerning the fact that you let Thoburas open the gate?" The Emperor paused for a moment, as if he was preparing his words carefully. "Well, I expected you to fail in that regard, so you've only managed to meet my expectations."

"Not to worry though, that doesn't negate the conditions of our agreement. I still intend to uphold my end of the bargain upon the safe delivery of my daughter." The Emperor smiled, almost as if he was bemused by something. "You were never concerned about that, were you? I imagine you're quite confident that you'll get your way in the end no matter what happens. Act like a brute and you'll always end up proving men like me right."

"Still, I'm not exactly interested in lecturing you over much of anything at the moment. That can be saved for when we're all together again in person. Something that I'm sure you're looking forward to just as much as I am."

"As for the mode of transportation that I had in mind? Nothing." He gave Rohaan a blank look before continuing. "I did say that my men would arrange it, didn't I? If you can't be bothered to ride a horse without great effort, then I'm more than confident that they can arrange something else for you. Though given present circumstances, I suppose I should be more specific."

"The contingent of soldiers that I have stationed near Durgan Fortress should be at a camp at the outskirts of the lower valley villages. It shouldn't be terribly hard to find, so I won't bother with directions. Once you're there, seek out Erik of Strosberg."

"He's a soldier through and through, so there's a small chance that you might even like him. In any case, he'll get you to me, one way or another." The Emperor than pointed to the ring on his hand. "I'd recommend sticking with my daughter and keeping the ring close at hand. I'd so very much hate for the soldiers to get startled at a rogue Vokurian that wandered into their camp and lynch you by mistake..."