[b]“we do not need cannonfodder”[/b] Liaena snarled at Rithrynn through her teeth, the elf looking much too cheerful for her liking. The girl resisted the temptation to reach across the carriage to slap her as she reminded herself of the obvious conclusion of starting a fight in the confined space. It was a test of her heroic willpower and fortitude to bite back all available snarky comments. “If we’re going with a height riff then [i]you[/i] overlook everything, moron” Well, almost all snarky comments. With that, Liaena turned back to Fran to raise an eyebrow at him, the dwarf still attempting to peer at Alficious’ diary in the dim carriage. Marshall was still staring intently at Rithrynn, and Liaena had a bad feeling about an imminent storm. “But yes, we are planning a rescue mission. It’s –“ “Ill conceived, poorly planned and doomed for disaster” Liaena ground her teeth together audible as she turned her head to look back at Marshall. “I hadn’t told you my plan yet, Father” “It involves that pack of undisciplined, renegade harpies” the old man stated, pointing his stick across the carriage to jab it at Rithrynn. Raising his bushy eyebrows at Liaena he waited for her confirmation. “Then it’s ill conceived, poorly planned and doomed for disaster” The problem the girl was faced with as she looked for a comeback, was her own agreement with Marshall’s analysis of the Night Elves competence. “They…can be useful sometimes Father. If directed…” “So what? You think a pack of dwarves and monkies could do better!?” “My assistant has become aimless, drifting” Marshall ruminated to nobody in particular, giving a small shake of his head as he looked across the carriage at Frarn. “Such a shame when someone strays from the path. I do my best to guide her…” Liaena sunk into the back cushions of the carriage as she pressed two fingers to her temple, wishing at that point she could just dissolve through it and end up somewhere else. [i]“I – hate – everyone in this carriage”[/i] “Rithrynn – SHUT UP! Marshall – Father – I am [b]NOT[/b] your ASSISTANT!” The old man jerked his head around to look at her in some surprise, before a frown appeared on his face. “Of course you’re not. You’re not good enough” ….. -SCREEECH- “We’re here, milady!” [i]“…So much for pre-briefing”[/i] Liaena thought as she scanned the carriage wearily, Fran looking her way with obvious confusion at events that had just taken place. “Fran, could I have that book back? Thanks, fine. Look, Rithrynn….you’re here now, so I suppose you’d better come in. Just, don’t talk about that god of yours. Or about religion, and don’t shoot anyone…and you’d better not do anything really. Or say anything. Okay?” [i]“Or I swear I[b] will[/b] shrink you”[/i] Shooting Rithrynn a glare that Liaena hoped adequately conveyed that threat, Liaena swung the carriage door open to climb up to the drivers seat and negotiate with Ragnold about fare and/or tip. Having paid far more than she would normally consider acceptable due to time constraints, she jumped down just as Marshall was climbing slowly out of the door to catch at his arm. “Marshall – you know that we shouldn’t speak about this in public, right? This needs to be secret, for security…” “Don’t lecture me about military tactics, brat.” “…okay, okay. Just checking” Liaena breathed, letting go of the mans sleeve to look out across the marble square they had stopped right in front of, the closest place wheeled vehicles could stop to the looming sculpture of marble and white stone that jutted out of the ground across the square from them. Mingling with townsfolk and obvious tourists were a lot of human men and women in blue and white robes. Some of these, primary the younger looking ones had paused and gathered to peer over at the new arrivals, particularly Liaena, Marshall and the gigantic Rithrynn who had at this point disentangled herself from the carriage behind them. Liaena painted a smile on her face as she turned towards them. “After you then, Father…” “Liiiii!” Out of the gathering crowd, one slightly braver blond girl darted forward to grasp Liaena in a huge hug. Given she was distinctly taller and better endowed, the smaller girl was effectively enveloped by her as she stiffened up in her embrace. “How are you!? We were so worried! Everyone thought you were dead!” “Hi Bella” Liaena said with an extreme lack of enthusiasm as the girl finally released her. “I’m not” “Aw, I’m so glad you’re back! You look really bad though, you know. You should get something for your eyes” Bella remarked flippantly as she continued to walk beside Liaena, the girl following Marshall as he strode towards the Cathedral main doors. Leaning in, she gave the girl a pseudo-whisper, as she jerked her head back towards the pair following them. “There’s been all sorts of stories, that you brought in a dying dwarf yesterday and he bled out in the infirmary. Is that that Night Elf friend of yours? Why[i] is[/i] she dressed like that?”