[center][h3][b][i]Saoirse[/i][/b][/h3][/center]
[center][i]Princess of Seanate[/i][/center]
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She could not endure seeing her father suffer so, and without further words, the princess painfully took her leave and left the king where he sat in sorrow upon his throne. Her departure was swift, purpose in her stride as she marched towards the next destination wherein she could proceed with doing what she must. Saoirse was a willful daughter, and she would protect both her home and her beloved father.

She stepped into the stables and tasked the head groom with preparing her horse. She had been accompanied by a few knights, ready to travel and awaiting her commands, but the foul weather had harmed morale and she saw hints of despair in their eyes. [b]"Would you prefer to remain here while I go on alone?"[/b] She teased them to help spirits. [b]"We fight to defend the innocent and banish evil. We are the virtuous and brave, the sacred realms advocate for us! Let us attain victory!"[/b] She shouted as she mounted her horse and rode with her retinue into the storm.

The villages spread throughout the once peaceful land had been suffering greatly, unprepared for the sudden wake of calamity with the coming of the invading demon and his horde. Anger filled Saoirse's heart, as she traveled from each settlement and gathered more volunteers to aid her in her quest. Her forces were small, but she had the advantage of knowing the terrain better than the enemy - should war be the only choice, her people would be prepared. She had gathered priests, magicians, rangers, and warriors, all willing to stand against the darkness that had come to plague their land... though the princess knew that some were brought by promises of treasure and glory. Not all soldiers were so noble as to lay down their lives for the sake of peace and prosperity.

When they approached the mountains, she donned her weapons and armor, and partook in the rites and rituals that would grant her strength and protect her from harm. Unlike her father, she had no distinguishing harness, instead wearing layers of padded armor emblazoned with the royal insignia combined with patchwork pieces. Her knights insisted she promise to surrender should they find themselves defeated and at the mercy of their foes but she rebuked them. [b]"I will cut my own throat before I am at the mercy of that vile beast."[/b] She replied, and it was the fierce rage in her gaze that quelled any further arguments.

Night had come, and they would strike under the veil of darkness. Saoirse then prayed that the battles to come would be in her favor.