There was something different about her, Ozragad thought, as she took his hand and he led her to where their horses awaited their riders. He couldn't quite place his finger upon it. There was a listlessness to her perhaps, and the hand he held, it was cold in his grasp. It was nothing like when she had taken his hand before, in the council chamber. That sudden spark of connection, like electric current flowing between them, was completely absent. 

Then she commented on the weather.[color=f7941d][i] Good weather? Good weather for hunt?[/i][/color] Ozragad looked up to the small patch of sky that was visible in the shadowed cavernous depths that Cirith Anyr was set in. Yes, he supposed it was fine weather for a hunt. But who paid attention to the weather in a cave? He was sure of it then, there was definitely something off about the Eorzian Princess this day. His gaze scrutinised her even more closely than before. He made note of the shadows under her eyes. She was not sleeping well.

[color=f7941d][i]And why do you even pretend that you care?[/i][/color]

But he had to care, somewhat at least. They had an agreement, an arrangement. She was to play her part, he was to play his. Today was most definitely part of that, a piece of political theatre to make their upcoming marriage and the peace it would bring to both their nations more palatable to his nobles and his people. That was the reason why he cared, there did not need to be anything personal about it. 

[color=f7941d][b]"Yes, the weather, is certainly... nice."[/b][/color] Ozragad replied flatly, before quietly sighing to himself, turning aside and mounting up. As soon as he did so there was a flurry of activity as the rest of the hunting party hurried to get on horseback themselves. One of the first to appear and trot his horse to take a place beside Ozragad was his trusted councillor, Manawyndan. 

[b]"I still have my reservations about this whole thing."[/b] The old Fomori began in al low tone, pausing to hack out a dry cough before he did so.

[b][color=f7941d]"Reservations? Last time I checked this was your idea, councillor."[/color][/b]

[b]"That was before the assassination attempt. I have increased our escort and have men already posted at the hunting grounds, but still we'll be out in the open, exposed. Someone may try again."[/b]

[b][color=f7941d]"Being inside the my Palace did not stop them last time. I doubt it will stop them again if they are determined."[/color][/b] Ozragad did not know who or what to believe anymore. Manawayndan wanted him to take part in this foolish ritual, then he wanted him to stop because he feared assassins. And yet he thought his councillor could be one of the masterminds behind this plot, or it could be his betrothed, or it could be his former brother-in-law, Zakylwe Ahoraa. But what reason would Manawyndan have to remove him? [i][color=f7941d]Manawyndan wants peace, maybe he doubts your conviction to it, after all... you do.[/color][/i] 

The party was quickly gathered. There was The King, the Princess, her ladies, her guards. There were councillors like Manawyndan and Lord Iria and Lord Urathon. There were notable courtiers like Lady Cheldarine and her two sons, Elethiomel and Piebio. As well as assorted minor nobles, huntsmen and grooms in abundance. And finally, making up a large portion of the party, was the entirety of Ozragad's personal guard, led the fearsome female Formori with a shaven head, Captain Rhiathon. It was her who left one of the strongest impressions of all the hunting party, riding circles around the yard, barking orders as she whipped her troops into formation before they departed through the palace gates. 

Beyond the streets of the upper city were busy with onlookers, but not as crowded as they had been when the Princess had first come to Cirith Anyr. While the crowd wasn't particularly hostile, there was a strong presence of city watchmen and guards posted on every street corner. They rode a different route than the one they had taken coming to palace, travelling along a street that snaked its way long up upper terraces rather than winding its way down to the lower city.

At the end of the street another dark tunnel disappeared into the side of the cavern wall, overlooked by battlements, murder holes, and secured by strong gates. These were thrown open upon the arrival of the royal entourage, and they proceeded into the darkness. After an indeterminate amount of time, pale daylight could be seen filtering in from the other end of tunnel, and they emerged blinking into a bright blustery morning. 

The city's north gate was seldom used compared to the southern one, they did not open out onto any major roads or routes, but rather onto the tight valleys of barren grasslands and dark pine forests that made up the mountainous country that sprawled to the north of the city.  There were farming villages and logging camps and quarries scratted around these lands, but little else, the only other thing the land was good for was hunting, and so a large portion of it was given over to the King's personal use. 

As they continued down a stony track to camp prepared for their excursion, the party began to spread out. As they did so, Ozragad motioned for Princess to join his side. Sending whatever minor noble that had been talking his ear off thus far packing. When she drew near enough for them to speak without being overheard easily, he spoke.

[color=f7941d][b]"Does the fresh air agree with you? You did not seem yourself this morning. I hope it will not become a problem."[/b][/color]