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[center][color=659EC7][b]MENTIONS:[/b][/color] [color=DCDCDC]Everyone[/color][/center]
[color=DCDCDC]Things escalated far too quickly for her liking. Neve’s eyes widened when Izayoi shot forward in the blink of an eye. Before she knew it, the swordswoman held her blade flush against the flesh of a Unicorn’s throat. The sight of his face, which quivered in fear, was enough to further sour the taste in her throat. Just when she thought that things couldn’t get any worse, they did. An eccentric red-head had approached Izayoi and threatened her with her gunblade. Zeidgram had smashed the tall blonde man in the face, and the other had doubled over in pain as crimson gushed from his nose. By the time he recuperated from the blow, the red mage had the tip of his blade pointed towards his genitals.  

The man scowled up at him, ruby-red blood dribbling down his chin as he released a slew of curses up at him before his guttural voice hardened into decipherable words. [b]”How [i]dare[/i] you strike me? Don’t you know who I am?”[/b]

At this point in time, Neve didn’t care about who he was or wasn’t. All she wanted to do was go back to sleep. Thank Etro Galahad was able to deescalate the situation at hand. She didn’t want to know what would have happened next. And, judging from the dangerous glint in the Unicorns’ eyes, she was sure they made more than one enemy that night. 

She nodded at Arton’s suggestion. He was another of their number that appeared to be the most calm-headed. Either way, it was best if they moved on. Just as she went to lead the way back into the castle, she eyed the viera male approaching the gathering of knights. A hard lump formed in her throat as she witnessed Leonhart’s face scrunch up for a split moment, then grow relaxed once more as he dipped his head toward the frustrated man. Her ears strained for the king’s words. 

[b]”It appears that a number of Valheimian soldiers infiltrated the castle under the guise of wishing to give aid… though I do understand your concerns, fair viera. Know that this is the first time in many years that our foe has been spotted so far inland and the very first instance in which they have attacked the castle. I will take note of their sudden boldness and adjust accordingly– but for now, I thank you for your aid in neutralizing our foes. You have shown me your prowess and talent, and now I am more than certain that I made the correct choice in recruiting you for aid.”[/b] He stepped out from betwixt his knights as he turned his gaze back towards the rest of them. [b]”I must ask you to not fight amongst one another. I’m afraid that, if more blood is spilled tonight, I will not hesitate in sending my knights to smooth over any transgressions.”[/b] 

His features brightened slightly as he turned to Galahad. [b]”It’s in everyone’s best interest to listen to my dear cousin. I have placed my trust in him many times before.[/b]

[b]”As for the coming morn, I shall provide you all with fresh, purebred, brave chocobo who long to whisk away through the grasslands and forests of our fine Edren. Wagons shall also be granted to each squadron, along with medical supplies and rations that are certain to last you long into your journeys. For the time being, I ask that you return to your quarters and rest. Worry not– security shall be increased tenfold and guards will be posted in each and every corridor. Please, sheathe your blades and retire to your dormitories.”[/b]

Neve glanced between Kirin, Unicorn, and Leonhart, her heartbeat throbbing in her throat. What stopped everyone from goring each other anyways? To her relief, the leader of the opposite group scoffed, spat a rosy glob of blood and saliva at his feet, and sulked away along with the rest of his party. 

It was finally over with. At least, she liked to hope so. Neve released a harsh breath and cocked her head up at Arton. [color=659EC7][b]”Come,”[/b][/color] she said, her breath light and tense at the same time. [color=659EC7][b]”We have work to do.”[/b][/color][/color]