[center][h1][color=lightblue]Galahad Caradoc[/color][/h1]
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The Kirins' time in the Demet lands had been surprisingly productive. Without being constantly backstabbed or sold out or put upon by invading Valheimr, Galahad actually found a moment to work out some of their more mundane issues. Provisioning, for one. With Goug's help, Galahad had drafted up a rather comprehensive list of the things they would need for their journey south into Skael: Rations for the journey, both preserved and fresh; cold weather gear to deal with the oncoming chill; actual tools for proper weapons and armor maintenance; a supply of materials for their Skaellers to create ammunition; a small stock of potions; camping gear, rope and the like; fresh chocobos to haul the cart. It was all rather refreshingly mundane. 

Galahad found that his time in the Demet estate was met with only minor annoyances- at least on Galahad's side of things. Of course, Wulfric wouldn't stop talking, but to a degree, Galahad found the conversation strangely comforting. Not necessarily because he [i]enjoyed[/i] talking to Wulfric, but his grandstanding and storytelling felt normal- a bit aggravating, but normal- compared to their more recent tribulations. Well, as normal as accidentally ripping hearts out of blightbeasts or accosting foreign travelers could be. In fact, dinner in the Cadmon estate was actually rather pleasant. They weren't being accosted by Valheimr, and [i]someone[/i] finally acknowledged their efforts. It wasn't necessarily that Galahad needed validation for their daunting task, but the recognition wasn't unwelcome. Was it a bit sad that Galahad found dinner with one of his father's political rivals a far more familiar and polite experience? Perhaps. But Galahad wasn't going to actively ask for a difficult time when he didn't need to. 

Galahad shrugged as Cadmon asked of goings on in the North, particularly by Midgar. [color=lightblue]"Well, there have been increased sightings of blighted dragons, but for the most part it appears that Midgar's Dragoons have it handled. Or at least, I assume they do."[/color] Galahad remarked dryly, [color=lightblue]"As far as news worthy of your attention goes... Well, I'm not sure either. My father and I aren't really on speaking terms at the moment."[/color] Galahad gestured at Éliane and Izayoi, [color=lightblue]"Apparently, he's not too fond of the company I keep. He's disowned me in all but name."[/color]

That probably told him what he needed to know regarding that. Any further discussion about Galahad's home life was however interrupted by the presence of one of Skael's spymasters. On the one hand, it was good to know that Skael would cooperate with them- completely opposite of the debacle that had happened in Drana. [i]Unfortunately[/i] it seemed as though they were heading back into the fire. Solitude silenced was hardly the news Galahad expected or wanted to hear. It appears that Valheim had found their way to Skael and its Crystal. That hardly bode well for them. It boiled down to rather simple terms: If they wanted the Crystal of Wind, they'd have to deal with Solitude and the Valheim within. Galahad frowned as he traced the pattern, and glanced over at Earl Cadmon.

[color=lightblue]"Earl Demet, when was the last time you spoke with King Leonhart?"[/color] Galahad asked, [color=lightblue]"It's becoming increasingly clear that Valheim have a pattern to their attacks. Kurogane, Brightlam, Solitude. They attacked Balmung the night before we set out- their assault itself seemed to be ultimately unsuccessful, but that doesn't mean they won't try again, nor does it mean they weren't successful in setting up their own infiltration teams... I worry for the Crystal, and the King's safety."[/color] 

[color=lightblue]"You and my father might not necessarily get along, but if you sent a letter, I'm sure he'd send support- if for the good of the Kingdom."[/color] Galahad said somberly, [color=lightblue]"I fear it is only a matter of time before Valheim make another attempt on Edren and its Crystal. As much as I'd like nothing more than to head there myself- our journey takes us south."[/color]