Zokura looked around at the group before her, each individual of limitless value as soldiers of the royal guard. She felt a level of confidence in their plan, at least, in the plan that was forming. She looked over at her brother and then at her sister. Alex had said very little since his arrival and she was struggling to decide whether his mind was actually with them or not. Her younger sister looked heartbroken at her request to stay closer to the immediate kingdom, but she would not be moved by the saddened eyes of a child when the safety of her loved ones was at risk. 

Zokura rose, and addressed Sorren. [b]"Sorren, I will leave the decision of your partner up to you. After all, no one knows better what requisites are presented to a companion on a mission of this nature. It is your field of expertise and so none could make a decision as well as you. When you have chosen, come to me and inform me of your choice. Donovan, if you continue to have your flock scour the lands, though I would not wish for any but your strongest and most reliable birds to venture near the darkness. I believe you have a noctowl or two, correct? Find your strongest and send it out at night when the shadow rises to it's strength, see if it finds more than what the day flock will find."[/b] 

She moved away from her chair, tucking it back under the table out of instinct, and walked slowly along the wall between the door and the large bay window. [b]"Chau, I would ask that you and Ana go and interrogate the caravans that have come and gone from the east where the shadow grows. Find out what they know...And as I am aware of how things work with those of the road... you may use funds from the treasury to pay any bribes that you must. Though the source of the gold is not to be released to them. I do not smile upon such actions but I am not so foolish to push petty laws when the cumulative safety of the kingdom is at risk. Adormon, Zion, if you would proceed with collecting what knowledge you can from the archives I would greatly appreciate it. Claire, I'd like you to accompany me on a few errands. The kingdom still has immediate needs to be looked after and I cannot shirk my duty to the people, even in times of higher issues. Adelaide, I'd like you to come by my chambers later today. I have something I'd like to give you. And Alex, brother, I would ask that you watch over the throne and see to the needs of those that approach, be they requests for extra food, gold allowances, or the infliction of petty laws. It would help ease my workload greatly."[/b]

She walked to the door, pausing before it. Suicune rose and strode to her side. [b]"If we are all in agreement with what has been said here today, I would call this meeting to an end. Any who wish to discuss personal tasks further are welcome to seek me out. Claire, if you would?"[/b] She smiled sweetly to the group, offering a curtsey in respect to those who surrounded her. She was eager to get going with the rest of the day. She had many duties as stewardess of Urael, and despite her wishes to remain in deep thought and planning, she needed to see to the immediate happiness and well being of the kingdom.