Jazdia eyed the black-haired woman, sighing to imply that she was unsatisfied with the answer. If the answer was 'We simply don't know', such elucidations were redundant at best.


Even then, she tried her best to smile. [color=ec008c]"The only thing that prevents Fred from mobilizing the whole army is his desire to maintain political stability, and certainly not because of tactical reasons. No, unlike us who dabbles extensively on elaborated plans to ensure surgical action, field affairs are a mere trivial matter to him. Miss Veronica, you said it wouldn't be wrong to plan for the worst-case scenario, and indeed, it wouldn't be wrong. But it is one of many plans and possibilities we can put our bets on--" [/color]

Jazdia grimaced, the pain on her hand throbbed again to protest her decision to move away from the source of heat. The elf, slightly irritated by the notion that those people would force her to fight despite her injury, the elf dropped all the formality. 

[color=ec008c]"So far, your preparation for this [i] worst-case scenario[/i] is go there, as soon as possible and be prepared to assault their strongholds. Considering my condition right now. I don't think I can agree to this plan.[/color]" Jazdia leaned to her chair, her expression was stern. [color=ec008c]"I am not here to risk limbs-- no, not even a finger to entertain a farfetched possibility, even if it turned out to be true. Your Prince's life is precious, and so are my life and the people under my command. If Fred wants me to help finding his son, he has to be patient."[/color] 

There was an eerie silence. Matilda was clearly not amused with Jazdia's lack of gentility and the elf was stubborn as ever. Finally, under that iron helmet, came an affable yet restrained interjection, offering a compromise. 

[b][color=39b54a]"There's no need to commit to an extreme. We can depart in a few hours after taking care of the preparations, we do lack the horses to make the trip. Spend the night elsewhere, or simply camp out. Come to the morrow we'll be much closer to our objective, wherever it may be. Hell, it'll probably afford us enough time to check both in the worst case. Is this agreeable?"[/color][/b]

Though there was an apology from Veronica's side, and the compromise was intended to accommodate her situation,  Jazdia remained immovable. 

[color=ed1c24]"It will have to do,"[/color] said the black haired woman diplomaticially. 

[color=ec008c]"We will depart tonight..."[/color] said Jazdia sharply. [color=ec008c]"Half hours before midnight and not a minute too early or too soon." [/color]