Arn checked the straps of his travel pack.  Everything he needed in regards to his personal requirements were there.  The configuration the same as any other Shooting Stars member.  It hosted simple yet necessary items like sleeping pad, outer gear in case of cold, which when one patrols the higher heavens, it tends to be.  He also had gas mask and emergency decontaminants.  Finally, he had strapped his Daisho to the top for easy access.  

His red samurai themed flak vest rested on top of black battle robes that made him almost truly look like the warriors of old.  Normally he would not carry such things but this time he was prepared for the long campaign.  In the old days, he would be prepared and not bothered to dying if he needed to.  However, now he felt a slight twinge of nervousness.  He silently apologized to his squad mates, feeling somewhat what they might have felt every time they went on mission. 

The Master Mage came to an intersection in the corridors and almost bumped into Eilis.  She had changed clothes and wore some obviously weathered pantaloons and a shirt with travel cloak resting on her shoulders.  She sported a travel pack that looked more like a hiker’s pack compared to his own gear but Arn had no doubt that it was filled with the necessary items. 

[color=ed1c24]“Ah Master Arn, there you are.  As promised, she is ready to go.”[/color]  The lady maid happily exclaimed, the moment passed quickly as another maid came and whispered in her hear.  [color=ed1c24]“Please forgive me, I am needed elsewhere.”[/color]  With that, she disappeared into the river of people.  The Master Mage hoped very genuinely she and all the others would be alright at the end of this. 

His attention returned to the young lady before him.  Dressed in men clothes, her petite figure was obvious and she could have been taken for a young lad was it not for the obvious roundness and curves that betrayed she was more than just a pretty looking boy.  He hair had been pulled up into a tight bun.  The Mage smiled and nodded approvingly. [color=0054a6] “Now you look like an adventurer.”[/color]  He offered her a wink too.  [color=0054a6]“Come, lets not keep our host waiting.”[/color]  

It surprised him that he was being so talkative and comforting.  Perhaps it was because she would tense up or jump a bit at the sound of the ever closing barrage.  As the pair entered the stable area his eyes widened in amazement at the view of the two gorgeous looking animals.  It was obvious that the Venray family was of good status and standing but the ability to house Wyrms .  After all, not only where they expensive to keep but were in themselves a badge of office.  

Arn returned Tyrhallan’s bow and proceeded to listen in the list of prepared travel pack that Dannesh had for them.  As the mage had surmised, the servant would be a high commodity to their logistics department.  He showed his own appreciation to the man by giving him an obvious bow of thanks. 

He moved to his own mount.  The beautiful scales almost teal in color and cool to the touch as he could not help but run a hand on the strong back and legs in appreciation. 

The wyrm, Umbra, would have no problem carrying them both.  Then again, the young girl probably weight no more than his own travel pack soaking wet.  He smiled at this comparison he made in his mind as he looked at Eilis.  The girl probably thought him a maniac for smiling in such a time.  However, he felt that if he was near her, they would be ok. 

He took his position behind Eilis strapping himself in and listening to the direction of the man servant.  When his quick instruction was finished he extended his arm and with a strong hand shake thanked the man in a sincere voice. [color=0054a6] “Thank you Mr. Dannesh.  I promise to do everything in my power to return Captain Venray to you.”[/color]  He gave the hand final squeeze. 

The resounding explosion that followed was much to close for the experienced pair of soldiers to enjoy.  Smoke could be seen not far off and the cries of battle carried in the wind.  The Master Mage, nor his mount for that matter, needed much urging to take to the skies as he felt the strong legs under him bend like a spring to be released with jump that elevated them ten feet easily from the ground. 

The initial jerk and following strong flap of wings, made Arn instinctively grab the rains and at the same time wrap his arms around Eilis supple waist.  The motion of leathery wins of Umbra also caused wafts of her scent to surround him.  Without meaning to, the mage found himself enjoying the feeling.  Suddenly, his mind caught up to his emotions and he felt awkward.

While it was true that they had held each other numerous times in their very short time of knowing each other, the mage still had decades of stoic composure to try to work through.  He only felt reassured when she sought him as well when she touched his leg.  He leaned closer to whisper to her.  [color=0054a6]“You need not worry, I have you.  It should be no different than riding a horse and I was descent at that.”[/color]  He tightened his grip on her midsection, pressing his chest into her for added security and for her own confidence. 

He heard Tyrhallan shout his directions.  Arn temporarily let go of his charge to put a thumbs up sign.  A much better way to communicate he had understood what the knight had said.  The silver haired, red armored man took point and the group headed straight into the battle they were trying to avoid.