Kingdoms Posts 4

King Embry  	Embry smiled at the woman when she thanked him for her words but he just shook his head, there wasn't really a need. He noticed the tear escape her eye but didn't anything about, he didn't want to bring that up to the limelight and provide her unneeded attention. Embry shifted his gaze to the clock in the room, it would be long now, he knew that there would be guards searching every area of the castle and outside to make sure there was no assassins, last thing they needed was a sniper through one of the window or trees.[C]
  	"You know when I was a kid I was a bit… naïve, I suppose I still am, I didn't have to worry about much since I wasn't the crown prince at the time, I always assumed things would stay the way there were, mother would spoil me, father… well father he would continue to prefer Acse, and my brother would be king, I mean everything changed, obviously, and I've been left alone," He said slowly with a sigh, "I guess not completely alone, Marquis Reynolds has always been at my side without fail, even when I was a child." He remembered when the man would come train him and his brother in sword fighting, he was always happy then as the man gave him more attention than his own father did. Embry shook the memories from his mind as one of the maids came to put his cape for the coronation, he wasn't particularly found of being so dressed up but it was a special event.[C]
  	"After my parents were killed I was forbidden from leaving the castle for fear of well, being killed, the last few years or my life has been within these walls, so I have a lot to learn about my whole Kingdom, and I'm hoping to do that," He was going to make sure he actually left these walls and got to know the people of his kingdom and what he needed to do. He then gave a small laugh as he turned back to Allana and gave her a grin, "Sorry about being boring, it's been a while since I've been able to speak to someone my own age."[E]

Andras of Calyop  	Sir Jon had shown up, was he our final escort? When was he a part of the events? Andras didn't remember hearing anything about this and simply shook her head. The fool on the throne needed to be removed, that was all she knew by now. Amused by Elincia's actions, the amazonian woman would keep a smile on her face only if because she had to. "An extra blade arm is always good, but we must keep up the pace. Hopefully we reach there in time..." While the aid of Jon was good and all, Andras couldn't help but feel like they were walking into a trap. Calyop still wasn't exactly invited, and this many armed individuals would surely cause a stir. Did the king just not care? Was he willing to send all of them to what was surely death just because of his madness? There would be talks for sure when she could find time and privacy, but for now Andras just wanted to get to their end destination. [E]

Mystral  	Mystral was just happy that they were picking up the pace, she had only briefly glanced at Jon, at this point she was wondering why she even needed to be here when they had Andras and Jon, honestly it just served to irritate her all the more. The half-elf was amused at Elincia's actions of slightly hiding from the man, though she didn't show it as they continued onward, their pace making them gain invaluable time. They would see leave Calyop's borders, which meant that it would not be long before they reached the enemy kingdom, or whatever it was to them. Mystral was concerned over what the king was doing, it didn't seem smart to send all of them, of course marrying off the princess was another thing which raised a lot of questions. The people of Calyop certainly would not be happy once they heard the news that their beloved Princess would not become queen on her next birthday and would have to stay under the rule of him. No one would be happy, personally she wasn't as affected by it.

Inoke of Etenna  	The boat ride from Etenna to Porgonin took about a day and half, which wasn't very long for the couple who made their way to the port of Porgonin. Inoke looked over to his wife, Lani, and smiled at her, he loved that they had been sent to Porgonin together for the coronation of the new king. They did often travel together but sometimes they were sent on different tasks. He knew why more often than not they sent her, it was because she kept him in line from doing anything rash. "These celebrations that mainland people have are interesting." Inoke said to Lani. The two were dressed in typical Etennan celebration outfits, after all they were told to look they best for the coronation and they wouldn't want to insult their allies, especially one with so much power and political sway. The man quickly moved over to where Lani was holding on to the mast of the both making sure they were going in the right direction. Once he reached her he kissed her on the top of her head and smiled.[C]
  	"Don't worry, once all this is done we'll be back in Etenna in no time." He said to her as she raised a brow at him, but smiled nonetheless, she couldn't not smile at her husband, she loved him far to much for that. Inoke went back to the front of their small boat as the finally reached the port. Within minutes they tied their canoe to the dock. There were so many people in the area which was to be expected, but it was almost overwhelming coming from such a small island nation as Etenna. Inoke helped Lani out of the boat and gave a nod to her, today would be an interesting day indeed.[E]

Clarissa von Hanset  	Clarissa returned Bryce's smile. "I'm glad to have made it. I would dislike missing a chance to show my support." She chuckled as well and moved to stand. "George will be glad to hear that his youth is valued. Vanessa has told me of more than one instance where he struggled with the frustration of being demerited on grounds of his age. I did not get the impression that such things happened often, though my children don't tell me everything. He and Vanessa should be on their way to the ceremony now, actually. Perhaps we'll see them there." The Marchioness suspected the time for the coronation ceremony drew near, so it might be best if the two old friends begin their walk. It wouldn't be polite or proper to be late.

Logon Sabrae  	Ambassador Sabrae looked towards the source of the music and caught sight of the stage where a young man sat before a beautiful piano and made it sing. The area around the stage did indeed look clear and secured. "I do believe you're right, my boy. Best make our way over there, then. We'll have a better position to the music that way too." Logon's face acquired a jovial smile before he opened the carriage door and stepped out, motioning for Focalor to follow.
  	"You know, I'd almost forgotten that Porgonon's royal house played patron for Clint Rhodes. Brilliant young man. I had the pleasure of seeing him perform once before. It would be interesting to see some of his music performed by the choir at Nebula's temple." Logon rambled on amiably about the music and interesting facets of Porgonon's culture as he navigated his way through the crowd towards the area reserved for foreign representatives, completely heedless as to whether anyone was listening to him or not. Occasionally the socially necessary 'excuse me' or 'pardon my step' interrupted his chatter, but he always continued where he left off until he stopped in front of his destination. There he took a moment to produce his invitation from within the folds of his formal robes then looked back to make sure that Focalor was still nearby. The singular invitation extended to the ambassador's assistant too and the elf wouldn't want the lad to be stranded outside.

Astra the Silver  	'Oh, Sir Jon is to join us. Well, that makes sense, I suppose.' Astra mused to herself, choosing not to question too much that she hadn't been told of this. She was a fairly new addition to the party after all, though the fact that no one else aside from Talin was informed was rather suspect. Shaking her head, the astrologer forced herself to abandon that line of thought and simply followed suit as the group picked up the pace. Efficient travel like this was far preferable to the stalling start all six of them seemed to have partaken in earlier in the morning. Despite the fact that none of them were pleased about the trip, it was nice that their travel was mostly unimpeded.
  	Even so, it seemed as though each of them was absorbed by their own weighty thoughts. This was a politically concerning errand after all. Astra simply hoped this didn't bring about Calyop's ruin. That idea was almost as uncomfortable as the toll the long miles were starting to take on Astra's body. They could not get to Porgonin's capitol soon enough. Preferably they would arrive with enough time for the Princesses to freshen up, though if not Astra could possibly use some illusions to make the six of them sufficiently presentable.

Madcat Mattie  	Green eyes fell upon the Lifehunter, and with disdain in those eyes she really.... REALLY wanted to say something snarky. But no, for the sake of her Queen and her own reputation she kept her mouth shut. Though, with burning green eyes she let the Lifehunter know just how she felt about her. Giving her a gaze that could make even the hardest of warriors turn tail and flee. There was something about the Madcat, some unnatural aspect about her that put fear into folk's heart. She was lacking something, some empathy or some part of her soul that put kindness into the world. She was just, missing it. While Lilian ensured Lilith knew of the remaining scars from the Plague, it was just another reason to make war to the Madcat. She believed that showing weakness was like a wolf turning belly up, something she couldn't take. Priscilla's words didn't escape her, and she replied with "Of course, Lifehunter. We shall deal with them as peaceably as we can. Though, nothing can be promised of the-c-
  	citizens, they are peasantry of course. Peasantry is oft wiling to attack that which it does not understand, and I cannot simply control the Homonculi Cultists." She adjusted herself in her seat, making it a point to adjust her Falx as she did so. -e-

Manus Jagdhund  	"Personally I would expect the Basonians to already be here. If their royalty shows up it will be in disguise and not as honored guest. The people of Basonid are incredibly secretive after all." Manus stretched a bit and leaned back, propping himself up with his arms. Perhaps he was being a bit cheeky with his words given the fact he himself was a Basonian informant but the point still stood. Anyone around him could be another spy and it was worth keeping in mind. "I still have a sneaking suspicion that someone will try an attack. If I were the leader of a country this would be too good an opportunity to pass up as far as eliminating enemies goes. Maybe I should have brought my weapons after all as a precaution." Manus smirked and yawned, a little bored with how long the preparations were going to take. Just how hard was it to organize a proper time for all the nobles to arrive and to get the prince fancied up for the crowd? Ridiculously inefficient.[C]
  	The soldier stood up and dusted off his trousers, looking around for the nearest vendor of food. "Well sir Ferryman, I feel a bit peckish so I'm going to scrounge up some food. What about yourself? Planning to roost upon your perch until the appointed time?" He asked with a tone that suggested a lighthearted jest. Manus had placed what exactly this Jack character reminded him off. He seemed to be somewhere between an owl and a jester. Wise and intellectual to be certain but also a bit cracked in the attic.[E]

Allana Corve  	Allana smiled as she listened to the prince. He was exactly the type of man that she had started to form an image of in her mind. "Prince Embry, I don't believe that you're naive. Idealism is not a bad thing so long as the means you take to achieve those ideals are just. The way we achieve what we want is just as important as actually attaining it. I'm sorry if I am out of place to say so but that is what I believe." She looked down at the sword she had laid aside and picked it up again, attaching her sheath to its designated place on her hip. It had been a bit of a struggle to convince her superiors to allow the odd clipping sheath but she had managed. In situations where she had to use nonlethal force it was a simple matter to take the sword, sheath and all, and use it in that way. And if she ended up having to protect Embry it would serve the purpose of a shield without requiring her to actually carry one on her person.[C]
  	"As for your lack of conversation with someone near your own age, I would be honored to speak with you whenever you like your majesty. And as thanks for sharing a bit of your personal history with me I would be willing to do the same. It's a dreadful story however." Allana's smile was back in full force after her emotional song. She had probably needed at least that small amount of catharsis since she'd been holding her emotions in for so long. Her feeling of being numb was probably more so being overwhelmed by how strongly she felt. Being unable to process your own emotions because you felt too strongly made it eerily easy to feel nothing. The guardswoman looked at the same clock that the prince had turned to moments ago. Given the time it would be only an hour at most before the coronation began. There were probably a few more steps to go through before Embry was really ready for it. "We're getting closer hm? Is there anything else to be done before it starts?"[E]

Marquis Bryce  	Bryce nodded to Clarissa, when she spoke of George feeling undervalued due to his age, he knew that was true as many older members of the council weren't as eager to listen to those who they thought were 'inexperienced'. When she stood up he did the same, he extended his arm to and began to lead her out of the library though he paused for a moment. "I will meet with you in just a few moments, I would like to say a few words to His Highness," The marquis said to the woman, he knew how Embry was and he new that the boy, no man, needed to have support in times such as these he needed to know that he wasn't alone. He excused himself from the marchioness and made his way to the prince's chambers. He gave a large knock to the door, before opening it. The room was relatively crowded, with guards standing at attention, and maids frantically preparing everything that Embry would need. He spotted Embry speaking to one of the female guards with rose colored hair.[C]
  	The guards saw him giving him a nod of respect before he made his way to Embry. He gave a bow to the Crown Prince. "Your Highness, I came to how you were faring." He said to the boy, concern laced his tone.[E]

King Embry  	Embry listened to the guardswoman, she was pretty wise for someone so young. He tilted his head to the side and smiled at her. She was glad she didn't think he was naïve. But he would do everything to make sure that her trust and belief in him was warranted, he wanted to be someone that others could look too and know he was doing his best for them. When she mentioned that he could speak to her whenever he wished he let out a small laugh, "Well thank you Allana, I truly appreciate it." He said to her softly, "I'd never make force you to tell me your story, though I'd be more than honored to listen when you feel that you can tell it." He offered, he hadn't told her his story so that she would tell him hers, of course he would love to hear it but he also didn't want to cause her more pain. When she mentioned how much time was left he felt himself grow nervous once again.[C]
  	He took a deep breath, "I don't think there is anything else, I assume they are just waiting for the remaining guest to arrive before we head out there." He replied to her. He then heard a knock on the door followed by it opening. Embry's smile grew even more upon seeing the Marquis. "Sir Bryce!" He said happily as he neared him. Watching as the man bowed and greeted him, he only chuckled, "I told you don't have to greet me so formally, you've known me since I was a child." The Crown Prince was happy to see the older man as he always had advice and support to give him.[E]

Acse  	Walking amongst the people a male with long black hair was. Unnoticed by most, the only feature that truly stuck out was the bright green hues. A trait that belonged to that of the royal family. A trait the soon to be king... Lacked. Funny as it was it wasn't a rare trait. But the vibrancy of the eyes was indeed something all of the royal heirs had. With the exception for the one.. That being said no many people got close enough to notice. Or were busy with their lives. For the better. It was a bright day. People traveled far and wide to Porgonin's capitol leaving the streets very busy. What day was it again? Oh right, the day the prince was crowned king. Oh my how the time flew. Acse stopped in place and looked up. His bright serptine eyes peering up to one of the many towers of the palace. The very balcony the Coronation could be viewed from. Clearly he wasn't brooding. He wasn't savoring the taste of victory before he reached it. No, he was simply admiring the structure of the spire. Don't judge him. he had plans to make and admiring archetcure was simply a hobby he developed during his time in complete isolation! Isolation might leave some folks a smidge unhindged but Acse? Nah! He was a man with a plan! ANd dreams! He had things to do and people to see! Maybe he'd pay a visit to his beloved baby brother... Oh maybe just maybe.

Adryn  	Excitement! Buzz! Happiness! hype! Adryne was a few of these things. Normally she was the level headed type but today was a big day. Not only was it her's and her brother's birthday but it was the day her brother could finally take the crown from those stingey council members! Acting as temporary rulers until he became of age. Given she had no desire for the throne herself but if she had to she would have taken it inplace of Embry... Some much came with that crown... The loss of their parent's... Their brother... They only had each other... Well in regards to blood any way. But they did have Bryce, a secondary father figure to the two fo them. But the weight of that crown... Embry had to deal with so much... and if she could she would take it from it... She would ease his pain but.... She cuoldn't. All she could do was support him. Assure that her brother stood tall and could be the king Porgonin needed! And deserved. She'd support him no matter what.

If he were to even become a tyrant with a hear black as night she would stand by him. It was her job. It was her place. It was the job of a sister. Of his sister. She had been wandering through the halls of the castle for quite some time actually. Seeing that each detail was good. Foot steps echoed as she finally cuaght sight of the taller male. With out warning the smaller female charged at him full speed and threw herself onto her brother's back. Hugging him in the process. Or attempting to. Given Bryce and Allana were not unnoticed but Embry was the ony prone to getting the rather lethal flying hug.... He was the only one she really ever showed this feisty and... oddly strong side too. Let it be known.. >Adryn... was freakishly strong for some one of her stature. Why? Well there was reason. But it showed in her grip. "Brother!" She bellowed out as she had launched herself at him. She smiled at Bryce and Alana before attacking the soon to be king.

Jack The Ferryman  	Now they were getting somewhere... Jack would feign ignorance of his origins but turn to Manus all the same. "I wouldn't be able to talk too much of Basonid. I've worked for them a couple times on border events, but based on my limited exposure I suspect you might be right. But they do like being unpredictable as well, it's why they love their secrets, no?" He asked. "Regardless, from the description I've heard of their... Emperor, was it? I doubt he'd blend in well in any sort of disguise. Though perhaps you're right on the need for weapons..." He trailed, rocking back and forth on the wall. At the offer of food though, he would smirk and make a motion towards the inn next door. "Well, if you're still absolute about food, you can either go there, or if you're that paranoid about weapons, I can always dig around in my little shack I'm renting to see if there's anything that might work for you, big guy. Either way, I'm down for some food." He said, rubbing his stomach for effect.[C]
  	Manus was starting to seem more and more familiar... The fact it was nagging at him was bothering the hell out of him but he was doing his best to hide agitation. For a brief moment he would stiffen up and look skyward nervously, trying to play it off as a curious little gesture as was normal for him, but a part of him was both worried and relieved to see there were not, in fact, any vultures overhead. "So. Shall we?"[E]

Allana Corve  	"Of course my king." Allana said, with the faintest hint of a teasing emphasis on the last bit. The prince's acceptance fanned the childlike glee of making a new friend in her. She did however have the presence of mind to remember her station and not hug him. Allana could get a bit huggy when it came to people she was on good terms with. Embry's explanation of why they were still waiting made sense to her. Couldn't very well start a ceremony without all the important people. The heavy sound of knocking changed the easy going feeling in the room to one of strict order. At least it did for Allana. She realized how lax they had become in the recent moments and berated herself for it. They were supposed to be keeping Embry safe not sitting back and lollygagging. The fact that it was Marquis Bryce who entered didn't help at all either. She made sure to give him the proper respect as he did so.[C]
  	He was lenient as far as nobles went but even he might balk at the familiarity with which herself and the prince had been speaking. Allana did her best to play her part as Embry and the Marquis began speaking. She felt a small warmth of joy as the young prince lit up seeing him. Embry had only just told her a little about his past and it seemed as though the nobleman was something of a father figure to him. The idea did give her a dull half-forgotten ache however. Given her own parents and what they were like she had never really known what it was like to have someone you could look up to and turn to for help. The Corve siblings had been trash on the streets after all and those who knew them had ever expected much. The closest Allana had ever gotten was her superiors and even that was a cold, professional pride. Noah had it much better. His master fawned over him and thought he was the best thing since bread. He seemed to have that effect on people though.[C]
  	Allana was still smiling when she felt a sudden chill pass through her. Until now the breeze had been soft, the atmosphere tense yet orderly. Now there was something else, a feeling of discourse. Hopefully it was just a feeling.[E]

Marquis Bryce  	Bryce could only chuckle at Embry as he waved off the formality in which Bryce spoke, it almost reminded him of himself when he was young and he brushed aside the use of titles. He shook his head in amusement. "Well, little prince, I am glad you are in high spirits," He said to him with a smile using the nickname he always called him when he was a boy. Bryce had keenly noticed how close in proximity to Embry Allana seemed to be, though he didn't say much about it, it wasn't a problem in the least, but then again, Bryce tended to be rather relaxed about most forms of etiquette. "Embry, I wanted to offer you words of encouragement, you'll be a fine king, and you'll have me at your side no matter the circumstance, please don't forget that. He said to the prince, hoping that his words would help to ease any self-doubt he had, as he knew that he was prone to doing. "While I won't be beside you during the coronation I will be watching you, proudly.[C]
  	" He finished, then out of the corner of his eye he spotted a flash of white and blue jump on to Embry's back, he couldn't help but laugh. "Ah, little princess you've finally appeared." Bryce watched the two and smiled longingly, while they both thought of him as a fatherly figure, he could never be more than that to them, as much as he wanted to. But he was glad, no fortunate enough to watch the children…. His children grow up. He closed his eyes for a moment then opened them. "And happy birthday to the both of you, the ball afterwards will be all in your honor" Bryce mentioned making sure to tell the princess, it was her birthday after all too. "I should be on my way to where they are keeping all of us nobles for the coronation, by your leave your highnesses." He bowed to both of them. Turning to look at Allana as she was closest, he gave her a nod. "Take good care of his highness."[C]
  	He said to her as he then left the room, making his way to where all the other nobles would be including Clarissa.[E]

King Embry  	Embry was happy as he stood there with Allana and Bryce, happier than he had been in some time, at the teasing use of 'my king' he shot her a smile before turning his attention to Bryce who began to speak, at the use of the affection nickname he blushed lightly, it had been sometime since he had been called that. He let the Marquis continue speaking his words of encouragement, it did make Embry feel much better, he just had to remember that he wasn't alone, nor would he ever be. Speaking of not being alone, Embry suddenly felt a weight on his back as well as a strong grip and the familiar voice of his sister, she nearly caused him to fall over, she was lucky that she was rather light. He laughed as he put his hands on his sister's arm, knowing that despite her size she was rather strong. Managing to pry her grip off of him he was able to slide her off of his back, he quickly hugged her placing his chin on top of her head.[C]
  	"I haven't seen you all day, Happy birthday, Sister!" He exclaimed happily, he hadn't even noticed that the Marquis had gone quiet for a few moments before he spoke up wishing the both of them a happy birthday. Most people did forget that it was his birthday, after al the coronation was much more important than that. "Thank you Sir Bryce." He said to the older man with an appreciative smile. Watching as he said his farewell for the time being Embry gave him a nod of the head. Watching as he left, he then turned to his sister once more. "Don't tell me you were walking around the whole castle making sure everything is in order?" He asked her as he then turned to look at Allana. "Oh, Adryn, I don't know if you've met, but this is Allana, she's a guardswoman, obviously, but also my friend, she helped me out a lot earlier." He stated as he smiled to the young rose haired woman.[E]

Princess Elincia  	The rest of the trip went off with out anymore surprise, which in turn made it that they had picked up speed. They all traveled in relative silence, which didn't bother her, they all needed to think about the upcoming events. As she looked around at her escort she couldn't help but smile to herself, they were all good people to have on this journey, they all brought different skills and perspectives that one wouldn't have just by themselves. Sea green eyes stared up a head beginning to get lost in thought. Her mind drifting towards being given as a gift, a piece offering to Porgonin, being used as nothing more than a tool. But it would help Calyop, it would help them to grow, and they would have an ally in Porgonin, and it was a strong ally to have… Yet… She found herself hating the idea more and more, to leave her beloved country, to leave behind everything she had been taught to do since birth, it pained her.[C]
  	And she wouldn't have anyone once she was given away, that wasn't true, she would have Andras, her retainer had been with her for so long, and she knew for a fact that she always would be. The princess blinked away tears as she thought of the upcoming events. Being married to the king of Porgonin was supposed to be an honor she assumed, but she had always dreamed of being Queen of Calyop, leading her people… no helping her people, making sure they had a better life than the one they had before, even though her father had been a wonderful ruler, she looked up to him in everything she did, and she wanted to make him proud even if he was no longer around. They had finally reached Porgonin, it was a mixture of emotions for the princess, as she was happy to not have to travel anymore, but also not wanting to really be there. She looked up at the sky to try and gage how much time they would have, she would assume the small wagon with her things for the coronation made it ahead of time.[C]
  	"We'll have just enough time to prepare before the ceremony begins." She said to her escort, honestly she contemplated running away but she knew she couldn't do that.[E]
Manus Jagdhund  	Manus began to worry that he may have revealed too much knowledge about Basonid. True from what he had learned elsewhere it was typically believed that the Basonians were a secretive and self kept country and people. Still he felt the way he was wording these views may have been portraying too much personal information about the kingdom. Jack's following comments about his opinions tossed the majority of that worry out the window. Was it that the man was just mad enough to believe what Manus was espousing was mere conjecture? It would be safer if the soldier didn't try to test that theory. On the topic of food Manus was pleased at the nearness of the Inn. It meant that he wouldn't have to go nearly as far as he had imagined to sate his stomach. On the other mention of weapons to be lent he merely shook his head. "Food still sounds like the right choice. Besides, I feel confident enough in my resourcefulness that I could find something to fight with if the need arises."[C]
  	Manus hopped down off the wall and began to make his way towards the aforementioned Inn. "You're welcome to join me if you please Jack. It's rare to meet someone with such a flexible way of thinking and strategy." The invitation and compliment were completely genuine. Since leaving the most of what Manus had heard outside of taverns and the like was all agriculture and sick pet cows. It was nice to be able to tap into his old life and upbringing but yet again that wasn't why he was here. He needed to learn more about the other kingdoms and expand his viewpoint to encompass others. He had been told once that in order to have a complete perspective you should look outside of your own. And that was exactly what he planned to do.[E]


Adryn  	The princess smiled to Bryce offering him a nod. "Thank you Bryce." She beamed. Turning her attention back to Embry. Her grip broken by his slippery skills. "Well some one ahad too..." She dead panned stared at the prince. Her voice was rather flat for a moment as her attention turned to the knight. A smile formed on her lips and nodded. "Ah! Yes you're one of the guards! It's a pleasure Allana!"She feigned ignorance. She had no other tasks at hand so she tried to take it upon herself to learn names. But she never really goto know Allana. Just had known her by face and name! Like the other guards. You know because hse wasn't really doing much else... well she was but until she was 'auctioned off' for marriage she had more free time then one would expect. No that didn't mean she picked up a sword and wanted to recklessly bea guard like another princess who shall be unnamed because continuity and there is no logical reason for any one in the castle to know. But breaking the fourth wall aside. Adryn smiled to the woman and offered a small regal wave. "My, it looks like my brother is being quite the ladies man... " She teased him. Unaware of any flriting that occured moments before she showed up.

Queen Lillith V  	Lillith sighed and raised her hand to her bodyguard. "Priscilla, please. Do try not to start anything with the Commander General. If there is an issue with the Homonculi cultists for any reason, I will personally handle it." she said quickly before turning back to the Commander General. "If everything goes as planned, the cultists will arrive shortly after we do. I would advise waiting at the entrance for their arrival after we get off the carriage. I'm certain my Lifehunters can escort me to my room. We brought an extra carriage full of them for this reason." she said before looking outside to see groups of people heading towards the same event that they were. Of course, their carriage convoy got curious eyes. The people must be asking themselves: 'Who were these strange, new elves?' Of course, Lillith knew that this would only make establishing relations with the other nations outside Xiedu that much harder but it was her duty as queen to reintroduce her people into the world -c-
  	As the carriage came to a stop outside the palace, one of her masked Lifehunters opened the door to her carriage and the Queen of Xiedu stepped out and put on her warmest smile. She then approached the entrance of the palace, ensuring the guards knew that she was invited and royalty, not simply just a random passerby. Upon walking in she began to scan the room, Priscilla having followed her the entire way inside. The Queen figured she'd get eyes and questions, but she was prepared for such an event, luckily. -e-

Madcat Mattie  	The Madcat couldn't help but well with jealousy at the site of the Queen being lead off by the Lifehunters. Her form shook and her fists clenched, the edge of her bone-claws poking through her skin ever so gently. She marched off, fighting off the urge to say something and retratcing the claws. One could practically see the steam rising from her pointed, gray ears. Having stepped out into the street, her single-eye adjusted to the brightness, expanding and then contracting in order to keep her from going blind in the sudden daylight. Plump purple lips pursed into a frown, and she began the slow walk to where she was to meet the Homonculae's carriage. Her left hand swinging idly and her right resting on the hilt of her falx, drumming it idly as she got strange looks. Whispers from behind store-windows and in alleyways at the strange woman, her strange clothing and her strange weaponry. She couldn't help but think to the smug look on the Lifehunter's face as she lead the queen off. To-c-
  	send her, the Commander General on this ERRAND! She would never speak out against her Queen, no, t'would be anathema. But this. This was peasant-quest! Errand-boy shenanigans! To fetch. Bah.-e-

Homonculus Lillian  	The Arch Homonculus was sitting in her carriage, staff in hand as she was reading from a book that she held with her free hand. The book had not title on it whatsoever, just a simple, purple binding. Had it been up to her, she would have remained back at Xiedu to continue with her research but she knew how much the Queen relied on her advice since she was a medium between Priscilla's peacekeeping politics and the Commander General's expansionist ideals. The woman soon peered up from the book at her bodyguard that the Commander General had handpicked, in the absence of the Lifehunters whom were guarding the queen and with the cultists being magic based, there was a severe lack of swords in the convoy. After being silent for the entire trip, she finally spoke to her bodyguard. "Dragon, when we get to the Palace, you will escort the four cultists and I to the queen. As of that point, visit the woman who hired you for the rest of your payment." she said plainly, her eyes seeming to -c-
  	stare right into his soul briefly before they returned to her book. They were very close to the palace as of this point and would arrive shortly, should everything go as planned. -e-

Talin  	Trotting behind her sister, she remained quiet through out the trip. It wasn't in her best interest yup speak at this point. Instead she allowed her mind yup wander. Her force simply following the group. She could feel a heavy beating in her chest though. Arriving in ygouse gated walls. Her brown eyes wandered around rather rapidly. So there was no going back huh? She noticed Elincia was stopped... taking a deep breath she caught up to her. Offering a moment. She looked miserable... slightly... it made sense... And while the words about to come out of her mouth were sure to go against... The 'plan their uncle put in place she didn't care. The throne belonged to Elincia and not him. "Sister... if I may..." She stopped for a moment. Feeling a lump in her throat... "Why don't we switch places here..." She asked. Her tone seemed serious. "Uncle... won't mind I'm sure... And... it was father's... intention after... The crown went to him... You... have a kingdom to lead... And I'm sure... it's not a bad ideas. For all be know he'll end up saying no! And we can go home like nothing happened! What do you think?" She spoke with a forced grin it was the plan before the war... So maybe tgier uncle mixed it up? He... had screws loose after all. Looking back she hoped not to be met with an objection. It was for her sake... Elincia was going to be queen shortly so may be Talin should have pressed it. Surely if peace was made either way... there would be no harm.

Liian Mahtava  	Bored. Bored and annoying. That's what the carriage ride to Porognin was like for Liian. It was long, it was boring, and to top it off the person he had been paid to protect was a total snob. It also didn't help that instead of trying to make some kind of conversation she had stuck her nose in a book for the entire trip. Liian had been required to stay awake so as to satisfactorily do his job, and so had spent much of the time meditating. He had extended out beyond himself, letting his mind and sense do as they pleased and letting the results wash over him. He could smell everything from the grass outside to the pages of the Arch Homunculus' book. The sound of the wheels and the horses labored breathing filled his ears. He was connecting to the world in a way very few races aside from dragons could, taking it in entirely so that he could detect the moment something was out of place and he would be required to fight.[C]
  	It was a far different skill set from the one he had displayed to get this job. Apparently most people tended to gloss over his excellent senses when they passed along tales of his exploits. Many people knew of the Red Lion, the fierce mercenary that seemed to operate with no wasted effort. They spoke of his impossible speed with a near reverence. Perhaps his favorite of the things he'd heard people say was that he was so fast he could steal your soul before the reaper realized you were dead. And it was only his favorite because of how insane the idea was. Nothing was faster or more brutal than death. He had known that for a long, long time. But at the moment hyperbole was not important. Instead he did his best to focus on doing the job he had been given and protect his charge no matter how annoying she may be. His ability to find work may suffer if he failed after all. He didn't need any more of a reason than that.[C]
  	Liian lifted his head to return the ladies gaze as she spoke to him. She was giving him more specific orders, but even the way she gave them sounded rude and conceited. Like she didn't think he would be able to do anything she asked him to. The sheer arrogance from the created being was astonishing. "And will you be requiring anything else from me aside from that, my Lady?" Liian asked, his voice professional and even. However much he may dislike his charge, he saw no reason to anger her or act in an unfitting manner.[E]

  	Milo simply showed up to the palace, having bribed her way to an invite after hearing that there would be 'free booze' at the after-party. Of course she didn't quite understand that the booze isn't "Free" if one has to buy an invite to get it. In spite of that, she showed up in her full regalia of a sky-blue dress, complete with an ornamental breastplate and rapier. Both of which openly bore the trademark for her smithing business in the city. She walked- more like waddling on metal legs, with an incredibly bored expression. At the same time, Milo did a terrible job of hiding her constant glances towards the Sunhuai newcomers[E]
Allana Corve  	Allana had of course not realized that her teasing could be taken as flirting. She hardly ever did. In fact it was apparently quite popular for people to joke about her being a flirt despite her never intending to. It was probably lucky then that both the Marquis and indeed Princess Adryn had not heard her doing so. One could only imagine how that might have gone. The guardswoman felt mildly ashamed of herself for being so slow to fully comprehend the Princess' appearance too. What would she have done if it was an assassin that had jumped at Embry instead of his adorable sister? That being said the moment was past and Allana couldn't do anything about it now. Instead she gave a respectful bow to the younger royal when Embry introduced her. She felt a slight tinge of pink rush to her cheeks at hearing him call her his friend. Had they really become friends so quickly? The court would be in fits about that. "It is a pleasure to meet you as well Princess Adryn."[C]

  	Allana replied, feeling the same easy feeling as before return to the room. It seemed that neither Embry or Adryn took themselves too seriously and were both more than willing to interact with the commonfolk which made Allana feel more welcome than she had in years. And then Adryn went and interrupted her train of thought in the most startling of ways. Had she just suggested that Embry had been flirting with her? The idea was enough to make Allana blush in earnest. It was true that Embry was kind and thoughtful, and he was certainly handsome, but that didn't mean there was anything between the two of them. They had only just met for the first time a few hours ago and had only started speaking within the last half hour. "I-I'm sure I don't know what you mean, Princess Adryn." The guardswoman stammered, feeling increasingly more embarrassed by the comment.[E]

Jack The Ferryman  	For once, the jovial and almost unhinged front would sour and turn to a more serious tone. "Depends on the enemies around, Manus. A giant's axe seems but a daggers next to a leviathan, and we'll have many serpents in the water today ." He warned, hopping off the wall and heading for the inn. "I've seen the sands of Basonid, the tides of Elenna, I've gone as far north as the tundra and snow-peaked mountains of what were once draconic lands and everywhere in between. My friend, I have learned quite a number of things. Forces one to be flexible when you're a merc." He said, attempting to brush off the praise as nonchalantly as possible. It was becoming more apparent now that him and Manus were both more than they were letting on, though he couldn't tell how harsh of signals he himself was sending. Manus was certainly a natural at this sort of thing though, every time Jack thought he had him pinned something... New... came in and threw that pin off.[C]
  	It was fascinating but also annoying - Jack worked best when he knew how to approach but this verbal spar seemed to keep shifting terrain. Opening the door to the inn and walking in, he would offer a seat and toss a bag of coin to the Innkeep. "Bring out your best, darling! I've got a guest this time." With that, he was back to the jester-esque approach from earlier. Striding across the place like he owned the place, obviously being a regular based on his behavior, Jack would kick up a chair and slide one out for Manus. "Come, come. Let me show you what my new home can offer."[E]

King Embry  	Embry looked between the two once introductions were over, he smiled happily that the two women got along, Adryn and Embry were pretty alike in their relaxed and nonchalant way of speaking to each other, it was very much unlike their elder brother, but then again, Embry hadn't seen him in so long, since the day his brother stabbed and tried to kill him when he was a child, that he didn't remember his demeanor or actions very well, or perhaps his mind was attempting to block out the painful memories from him mind, but it didn't matter too much in this instance. Hearing Adryn's words about him being a lady's man, the Crown Prince's face heated up to a red color. If it had been just him and his sister he may have only shrugged off her comment, but they were in front of someone else. "A-Adryn, I'm not.. I mean… I haven't…. Uh…" He closed his eyes for a moment avoiding Allana's general direction before taking a breath and looking at his sister.[C]
  	He gave her a playful shove, "You need to stop joking around so much at my expense, your going to give me white hair." He attempted lamely as a joke to her. As a child Embry had been extremely timid, to the point where his father used to ridicule his behavior, always staying how he needed to act like a man and not a little girl, which had always caused him to cry. Adryn however had always been there whenever he needed the extra cheering up, she had always been the more level-headed of the two and she always came to his aid when it was necessary. They were older now, and he wasn't very timid anymore, so he did what he could to protect his sister. At the current day it was push away any suitors who may have wanted to marry her. "A-anyway, Allana, has been very kind, I was nervous about the coronation today and she helped me out. I certainly can't wait for it to be over though." He said as he finally brought his gaze back to Allana before switching his attentions between the two.[E]

Princess Elincia  	Elincia looked to Talin as she stopped next to her, the blonde eyed her curiously as she spoke up, though her brow furrowed at her words, she wanted to switch with her, what did she mean? It then occurred to her what the comment had meant. Elincia smiled at her, eyes nearly wet with tears at her sisters offer, if they hadn't been on horses she would have hugged her. But she just couldn't let her younger sister take her place, could she? She closed her eyes for a moment and sighed, "Thank you, Talin, you are the most wonderful sister, you know that you mean the world to me, do you not?" She was truly so grateful to have her as a sister. Sea green eyes looked to the caste gates, they'd need to show their invitations to enter and get ready for the coronation. "Alright, we'll switch, thank you again, sister." She said to her as she began to lead the way, a heavy toll taken off of her shoulders from her sister's words and actions. Upon reaching the castle gates the letter was presented.[C]
  	Even though they were enemies they had still been invited, especially with the ceasefire taking place, there was no room for Porgonin to be picky and offend the other country if they wanted the war to stop. Luckily the wagon with her clothing for the ceremony had already arrived which meant she would waste no time in getting dressed. As crown princess she needed to look presentable or else it could be thought of as an insult. Turning to Andras, "Come, we don't have time to waste." She motioned for her retainer, though looked to the others, she could just have Andras come with her, the others could be left to their own devices. She began to make her way into the castle, where a servant escorted them all to where they were to stay for their short visit.[E]

Adryn  	  	The princess gave of a sense of regality that was shown for events. Call it the mind set. She tilted her head a bit and smiled warmly to the guards' woman. "I will have to be sure to say hi when ever I see you then Miss. Allana." She chirped a bit. Her elbow making it's way into Embry's side. Ah watching these two.... They must have been flirting. oh good! So he wasn't completely awkward. Wait... That reaction. Than again taht certainly proved her other wise. "You'r hair is practically white alrighady who are you kidding Embry." She mused a bit. It was true. And while they were much mroe lax.... Adryn unlike her brother had memories of Acse. He as her older brother too and she didn't want to... Forget him. The conversation of him had become next to taboo. Was he alive? Was he s

till in good health? Had he calmed himself? Maybe he could return to them one day... Maybe they could be a family again. She took a moment and instantly perked up. "Right that reminds me." Perhaps it was time to address something. She reached into her sleeve and pulled out a scroll of paper. "Allana, I'm afraid I need to speak to my brother in private for a moment... If you do not mind... You are coming to the coronation ball after wards correct?" She asked the female. "If you aren't working it, I would request you come, as a guest." She smiled to the other. She was happy to see Embry making friends and might as well pull that question in front of him. "Maybe you and my brother can share a dance." She mused a bit and went to tug at his arm now. Hastily needing to push the urgency.