It was as Elaeria headed out of her room and exiting the dormitory building that she came across the sweating, half unconscious messenger. The man's horse was lathered in sweat with the whites of its eyes showing from the strain; it looked ready to collapse at any moment. She took the reins so that the man could clamber off clumsily, saddle-sore after a long time travelling.

"Thank you, my lady." The messenger said, bowing deeply as he caught his breath. "Do you know where I can find Sir Henry of House Charlton?" He asked, still breathing heavily. A sealed tube wrapped in an oilskin bag was clutched tightly in his hands and there was a panicked look in the man's eyes which made Elaeria uneasy.

"I'm afraid he's most likely... indisposed. He was injured in a duel earlier and won't be ready to receive visitors just yet, I would imagine. I can pass any message onto him, if it is convenient." The man instantly took a step back, shielding his package with his own body; evidently its contents were worth more to him than his life.

"I cannot do that, my lady. I was instructed by the Queen herself that they must reach his hands or those of one of the others that she trusts. I have a list of names." He was wary of Elaeria, wary of the sharp look in her eyes and how it saw right through his defensive actions.

"My name is Elaeria, Princess Elaeria of House Mithran." The messenger nodded tightly, handing over the package.

"Your name was on the list, my lady. I apologise for my rudeness but this was a... heavy charge. Her Majesty was very specific; I'm afraid I cannot leave you until the message has reached Sir Henry and only he may read the contents of the letter inside." Elaeria had opened the bag and found the tube inside. She opened it and eyed the seal on the scroll inside; it was indeed that of the royal house in Elianst. She sealed the tube once again and handed the package back to the messenger.

"I understand it's importance. Let us head to the medical ward and see if Sir Henry is able to receive visitors. If not I am sure we can find Lady Ashburn; I am sure she was another on the list and most likely higher than myself." The messenger's reaction told her she had been dead on. As the man took the reins of his horse and wheeled it around she caught sight of another bag on the horse's rear. She could vaguely make out the shape of the contents and stopped as a chill ran up her spine.

"Tell me... what has happened to Eleshir?"