Winter kept her face blank when the young queen addressed her. She spoke such pretty words, all apologies and curtesy now that she was asking for something, no longer free to see to whatever whims she had. Pretty words did nothing against fire and steel. Winter had learned that long ago. And then it was as though everything was happening at once – two women came in, obviously both warriors. One was young and green, enthusiastic almost to the point of obstinacy, the other a large, weathered Bellady woman, well muscled and dower. Knights now surrounded the exiled queen, as one would expect. The two strangers from the tavern entrance had approached their ragtag group, obviously meaning to join. The thief next to her was still putting his repellent personality on display, and the noble who'd previously bought drinks for the tavern had joined and added his boastful voice to the ever-growing cacophony. A shabbily dressed man, either a tactless imbecile or a man who actually wanted to expose the exiled queen knelt before her in a grand display. All of these people, Winter watched and evaluated, cataloguing them in her mind. She measured them, guessing at strengths and weaknesses, who to kill first and who to simply work around. This endeavor would be… interesting, to say the least. She forced herself not to react when the idea of spies and assassins were put forward, and instead watched how everyone reacted to each other, which held some fascinating results. Certain members were actually glaring at each other already, their body language saying more than social etiquette would typically allow them to convey. The Bellady woman's outright animosity and then dismissal of the queen was the most fascinating. Perhaps Winter could use her. It was then that she noticed how the young princess glanced between her and the somber knight. Her intention was clear: Sir Knight was injured, and now she had a healer at her disposal. Winter remembered the princess' daggerpoint words with no small amount of contempt. Royals. Dismissive and entitled, until they have a use for you. Regardless of her thoughts, Winter played her part well. "Sir, if I may," she said in her gentle voice, "I have known pain my entire life." Winter looked at him, then cast her eyes down as was her habit. "It is no luxury if it weakens you, especially at such a crucial time." She glanced over at the queen so as to make her meaning clear. "It is a burden – one that you do not have to bear while I am here to assist. I'm afraid I am not a fighter, and can't help in battle, but I can be useful in this way." Winter looked down to her hand as she sent energy down her veins, coalescing it in her palm. An icy blue glow could be seen in the shadows of the tavern. She looked back up to the knight and said, "If you'll allow me."

With the queen's permission, Avarice stood. He stood there, listening to her speech, including the other's response. When they mentioned assassins, he was careful not to give anything away, not that he had to try hard. Don't respond first, he said to himself, being the first to respond to the accusation will only make them suspicious. Shortly afterwords one of the others said as much. He would have waited even longer for someone else to respond to the charges, but was distracted by a tattooed woman dancing in the middle of the floor, fire coming from her hands. I'll have to watch out for all of these magic users. he thought. Magic was fairly rare in his experience. The fact that so many with such abilities had come together here had to be the result of there belief in this girl, the royal who was given the power to rule other's lives. He had to admit, though, that one of the others could be an assassin. After all, the mission was too important to Ovorion to risk the queen returning because his assassin failed. He'd have to keep an eye out to figure out which, if any, were also here for his prize. "True," he said when the others stopped talking. "We could have an assassin in our midst, but even if we do he, or she," he nodded towards the huntress/preistess, as she was one of the biggest threats to him. "wouldn't get very far in their mission if they tried anything." He looked at the Queen. "You are protected by both a Lord and a knight, both of whom you can trust implicitly, not to mention the rest of us, most of which would be on your side if an assassin attempted an attack. I've seen the tactics of Ovorion and his Generals in battle. There's little chance they would risk something as rash as infiltration. No, it is most likely that we will be ambushed on the road ahead by a squadron of soldiers, or even bandits who have come to collect the bounty on your head."

Rhysln didn't miss that her words hadn't been what some wanted to hear, but there wasn't much she could do about that. At the moment, words were all she had. She could do nothing about whatever these people felt about her except be aware of the fact they were just as likely to turn on her as her enemies. That was always the way of things though. Everyone blamed the singular head of the current era for the mistakes of the last or the mistakes of those underneath them. Funny how they were still just as human as those flinging the accusations though. She honestly couldn't care if this Bellady priestess didn't like her, she personally didn't ask anyone to go there and she knew none of her three would have gone there, so once it was over, if she still decided to stick her nose further up in the air like she was trying to touch the clouds, she'd gladly send her to Esmeralda and let her deal with her. Caradia was more than big enough to occupy someone like her with its troubles. As for the Qiran, well. She'd try diplomacy first, but there was nothing she could do to fix the mistakes of the past. To fix the fact there had been a hundred other problems between them and the Yeojin. She could do nothing but apologize and try and repay her for troubles, but she was not about to let it dictate her current actions. All she could do now was try and keep anything like it from happening again. Her attention went to Nautica, who was one the verge of strangling this newcomer that nearly knocked her over and then proceeded to call her runt multiple times. As she went through her bag and dropped the several articles on the floor, her eyes landed on the royal seal. Speaking of Esmeralda, this proved she was definitely sticking her nose in their business whether she asked for it or not. Covering her own rump probably. She was about to respond to her question of what she wanted when several other things occurred. First Thom decided to remind Blayze and Rand that neither of them decided to stay there, then Blayze asked her about the commander- his promotion to the Knight Commander was only a few years old before they had been forced out, though he had been acknowledged on that level of prestige long before he had the title, so he was still often referred to as Captain. She wasn't that worried and held a finger up to him as Jolu spoke. She raised her brows hearing that they had fought in the Hill King battles, the stories of that seeming to know no bounds, "Very impressive. I would think it would be hard to get hands on anyone with such experience, but I suppose you being here means the nasty rumors about the ranks that were the field were also true. It would be honor to have you among our ranks and you should be well rewarded for your efforts made." She looked at Avarice as he spoke, listening to his words. She gave a short, tight smile as he said most would be at her side if an assassin attacked. Honestly, aside from those closest to her, she didn't expect any of them to willingly die for her. Why should they? Right now, she was simply offering the chance to get rid of a tyrant, but she wouldn't blame half of them if they'd try to be rid of the queen too. But with their position in the world, the crag, the mountains, the deep woods, and the sea blocking them in, they had to have some kind of ruler for it all to not to fall utterly apart. Before she could then address and assuage Blayze's worries about their beloved knight, the door opened with a bit more force than necessary and said commander came in to the room, approaching the group. He bowed to his queen, who bade him to rise. He looked to Lord Corbray and made more of a soldiers salute, his arm across his chest, his fist pounding over his heart, "I cannot thank you enough for keeping Her Highness safe in my absence. It seems it is you alone I can thank for that effort because I have received plenty of word that she was left completely unattended," his words became colder, cutting like the blade at his hip as his eyes went to Rand and Blayze as he put his arms behind his back, "And I'll be expecting an explanation on that matter later. For now," he turned and surveyed the group around them, "It seems I've missed the introductions. I am Knight Commander Bayweil Mawblack. Your presence here is reassuring but make no mistake. Just because you've come all this way does not mean I'm by any means obligated to let you stay. If I see so much a threat to life of the Queen or her sister, you'll have a five minute head start before I cut you down," he said as Rhysln cleared her throat. "No need for that quite yet, Commander, everything's quite civil thus far," she said, but he shook his head. "Always best to lay out the consequences at the beginning, my liege, so they can't be too surprised when I act upon it," he said simply. "But before you focus all your anger on just those two, don't forget who else isn't here," Nautica tried to say. "He didn't know where we were going, so it isn't nearly as disappointing," Bayweil said sternly and she pursed her lips, having hoped to spare them some trouble.

Thom Thom's second drink arrived and he stood turning to look at a few men playing dice in the back. "Now unless we've got something important to talk about, I will be taking some fools money and i won't even have to rob em for it." The thief said, a sly grin appearing on his face as he took the men in. After only a few seconds the thief walked over to the men and began to play dice with them, apparently the thief was all talk and no show as he seemed to be losing. Every gold coin he put down seemingly disappearing into the men's purses. The thief just sighed, called another round of drinks for him and the dice table. "It seems things aren't going all to well for me." Thom said, stating the obvious but then something changed, and if someone was observant they could notice the thieves dice set disappearing up his sleeve and a exact duplicate of the disappearing dice popping up in his hand, but his "luck" Changed with him taking back all of his money and then a silvers from these men. "We needed that money." One of the men said, slamming his hands on the table. "Not my problem." Thom said, putting away the coins he gained through ill begotten means. "Yer a cheat and we'll show you how we deal with cheats round ere." One of the other men said, the maid who had been tending their table spoke. "If you are going to fight then take it outside." "Then lets go outside gents." "Yer going to get it." "We shall see..." Thom stated his voice sounding dangerously cold. And with that the party got up and left the tavern, heading outside. Rand The Knight sighed, the thief was loud and foul mouthed. If Nautica didn't kill him, then Rand wouldn't mind giving it a try. All of this talk of assassins did make the knight weary and his face took on something akin to a hawk looking for prey, his hands not quite on his sword. But the knight was tense and loaded like a spring, one move out of the ordinary and the knight would have his sword drawn in a heartbeat. When the Quarian girl offered healing he was hesitant to take her up on it, but if she was offering he wasn't going to deny her. He removed his bandages revealing cuts and gashes that for the most part had been treated, but on his left side was a massive wound that had been treated properly but still defied the healing efforts of the salve that had been used on it. Not only was the wound deep, and it looked to be in the early stages of infection it was a wonder the knight wasn't on the ground in pain. "Looks worse." He said, putting it simply and not saying much else. The knight resigned himself to whatever healing the girl would give him, but before she even touch him the captain walked in and he stood at attention, and when he spoke of his failures of protecting the queen he flinched and turned red, not from anger but embarrassment. The knight felt like a child again who got caught sneaking out past curfew, or sneaking kisses with one of the maid girls in the castle. Not that he did either of those things, but he knew the consequences that generally followed. A trivial task assigned to the both of them. Perhaps standing on their heads with sacks of flower on their feet, or running around the wall in full armor. Which the other knight would undoubtedly be much better off in doing, when the commander said they would speak later the knight slumped his shoulders, looking very much like a defeated man who had resigned himself to the headsman block. "Continue." He said, giving the healer the go ahead.

Green eyes once again slipped back into reality and Radiant gave her head a rough single shake. Immediately thereafter her jaw snapped close as soon as she realized that she was just staring and staring and staring at the gorgeous, blonde queen... and a healer queen at that too...! Another couple shakes of her head, a couple smacks to flushed cheeks, perhaps even a backhanded wipe of some drool from her chin, a quick smoothing out of raggedy clothing, single a steeling inhale and exhale and Radiant was ready. Ready To. Meet. The. Queen. No, not just yet. The teen breathed sharply into a cupped hand and inhaled it. Ughs. Breath not so fresh, but nothing a little chewing of some grass of shrubbery could not cure. And so after a handful of greenery into her mouth, Radiant began to march toward the entrance-- --but first she paused after glancing through the window and catching sight of her large brown-skinned companion . Denemika was sort of bowing at another dark haired female. What the actual mess was going on? Should not the Priestess bow at the Queen and not this other? She tried to inconspicuously wave get Denemika's attention but the enormous muscly mass of tattooed woman had closed off her amber eyes to Radiant's pantomimes. 'And oh, hey but wait... who were those guys that were kneeling before-- --oh by all heavens and hells that existed!! Just who was this other beautiful gorgeous short-haired blonde-- Radiant, stop it!!! Just get in there! No manner of vile rubbish, lurking and skulking about seeking to end such a worthy and beautiful life of a queen spotted out here, right?! Get in there, Rai!' As if launched from a giant crossbow, Radiant hurtled towards the entrance of the tavern pulling her hood over her head as she went. Just before she could dart in, she came to a screeching halt as a mass of grumpy and grumbling men spilled out the doors. From just over their shoulders she spied some burly, armoured senior citizen making a scene, barking and yelling like an old man with ants in his pants and blaming everyone else other than himself for lining the insides of his trousers with honey to attract said ants. She craned her neck up and leaned this way and that trying to see what else was going on. 'Oh! And there's 'Mika and-- --wait why was everyone paying so much attention to this other blonde? Okay, so yes she was rather hot with her golden crop top hair style, but still, why wasn't anyone attending to the QUEEN?! The only other person there to attend to the queen was not actually attending to the queen, she was... she was hot too... oooohhh... exotic flavoured--! but no! Radiant! Focus! FOCUS!!! ' The teen exhaled sharply and, damn her raggedy attire, she would waltz right up to the teen-aged queen and-- “--I said outta' m'way, smelly urchin!!!” BOP!!! A rough shove sent Radiant down, butt first into the mud. Anger pure and simple washed over the teen's pale face, but instead of directing her ire at the brute, she just scowled and shook her head to no one in particular. She knew the cost of berating a beer-smelling man, ten years her senior and at least a hundred pounds heavier than her. Fat lips, bloodied noses and swollen eyes were not happy reminders at all. Radiant turned tail, shoulders slumped, chin lowered in defeat, and trudged heavily towards the open tavern doors. ~~~~~! Rhysln had just accepted the other priestess and her male companion as comrades before and Denemika's intensity had actually lowered a notch and she nodded her own approval at this queen's words. The Priestess would stand for this queen's family, painfully clear not as a daughter, but at least there was another priestess here that had found fond approval by this queen. So... if not a daughter of a Matriarch, then perhaps a sister of another Whisperer in this new home for Denemika. A smile crept up her lips and lightened up her tattooed visage. But not for long. Oh how wonderful. Mika did not understand all the words that the yellow-headed male spat in her general direction, but he, this Eyes-Lowered in Irons, made it painfully clear he was accusing Denemika of something. Nostril's flared as scoffing air exhaled from the large woman. A soft, brown suede boot stepped forward and rattled the trinkets lining her cloak. A full stride in front of Rhysln, Denemika shook her head at the long blonde locked male as she slowly raised an arm and held it hovering at shoulder level with all fingers spread out wide. “It okay, Eyes-Lowered-in-Irons...” The Priestess' fingers swiftly balled together to form a clenched fist aimed at Mikel, “Denemika watching you too...” A hint of a playful smile pulled at the corners of her dark lips but the wildness in the amber eyes glinted with promises of somethings else other than humour. She held her gaze upon Mikel a moment longer then lowered both her fist and eyes before stepping back to stand before this queen. And so another queen-sworn came in, an older one, and judging by reactions and the way things were going, this older one was a much, much more important one. Again, she did not understand all the words, but judging by the reaction of Rhysln, the words were in the same vein and tone as the ones spoken by Mikel earlier. The Priestess just held a steady amber gaze and managed a rather audible sigh. How else could she tell them that she was here as a matter of honour and respect for a treaty written by outsiders, and, honour and respect for her family nation and all her ancestors?! 'Mika just shook her head. For this was her new home now. Love it or hate it she had to endure; this was her new home now. A ruckus overtook the back area of the tavern as some men ran roughshod out the entry way. A dark raven eyebrow raised over curious amber eyes as she saw that Thom, this Body-Without-Head-Worthy male, was slinking out the door with these other men. Oh, and yes, 'Mika did see what happened to Radiant but the Priestess just held her ground and held her breath in anticipation when she saw the teen girl get up off the ground with such a look of distaste upon her pale face. Then she exhaled in defeat when she saw Radiant tromp heavily towards the entrance of the tavern. Now it was 'Mika's turn to try to make eye contact with the girl. And they did make eye-contact. 'Mika made a violent head-butting motion. Radiant's head snapped back as if she did get head-butt from all the way over there by the entrance. ...Head-butt just like when Denemika taught a street rat teen a reminder about how to keep something that once belonged to the Priestess and was ultimately passed on to a street rat teen. “I will not lose that honour...” uttered Radiant solemnly as she nodded once at Denemika, “I will not...” 'Mika nodded back then Radiant spun on a heel to face the male that had knocked her down. Something earned and never lost-- “Oi...! You knocked me down! Not very nice, that! Was it now...? Sooo... you... you... aye, mister! You owe me an apology, you do...!” --it was an honourable thing.

Skies above help me, Winter thought to herself as she watched the situation continue to twist itself around. The man who'd made such a grand display earlier, Mikel, was still going on about possible assassins when the queen's captain of the guard marched into the tavern, an air of authority and righteousness in such a backwater hole. Really, these people knew nothing of subtlety. Winter raised an eyebrow at the knight she was attending to at his blasé attitude towards his injuries, but really what had she expected? "If you will please drink this, sir," she said, pulling out a vial of white liquid from her bag. It was a simple concoction, meant to increase his stamina so she could safely use his own energy to heal his wounds. "This may cause some discomfort." With that, she put her glowing hand to his festering side, working first on burning away his infection. It was only after that she began murmuring an incantation, mending the muscles and sinew. This was simple work, basic enough that Winter could safely work on the knight while still observing the tavern. It became increasingly difficult for Winter to keep her composure when the thief left their group and had the gall to actually begin hustling a pair of men at dice. Her quick eyes caught the way he put his slight-of-hand skills to use. Then of course the two men caught on and hauled themselves up, faces full of rage and spittle flying from their mouths. The next instant, they were on their way to the door, ready to no doubt settle their 'manly' differences the only way their pride would allow them. They practically ran over a young girl who'd just walked in and was busy eyeing every woman in the establishment. Winter almost couldn't stop herself from rolling her eyes in exasperation when the girl seemed to pick her nerve up from off the floor (at the urging of the Bellady woman, no less) and followed the men out the tavern. She really did not need this additional thing to deal with. She was already unsteady enough with the queen so close, bringing so many unwanted memories to the forefront. She didn't want to put up with this thief and his inconvenient issues. Plus now this other girl was involved, who was somehow a part of their group. This whole situation was unwinding in a way that made Winter's patience thin. She was in no way interested in some bar brawl being started, especially since she had this cover to keep. It was this that caused the Qiran to do what she did next. Taking a deep, slow breath, she began to change her incantation, the glow around her hand changing from ice blue to a deep navy color. Glancing up at her charge to make sure he was still stable, Winter turned her head the slightest bit so she could see the men outside, the girl almost upon them. Focusing as best she could, Winter twisted her words around to ensure her objective was met. This was the most difficult of the three heeling spells the Qiran used, and the easiest to bungle. The men were a bit far away, but… yes, Winter was certain it would be easy enough. It would also help her work off this excess energy that had been thrumming through her veins since she was first assigned this job. She watched as the two men began interrogating the thief, anger coming off of them in waves. The fatter one was bearing down on him, clearly intending to use his size to his advantage. That is, until he winced and brought a hand to his side. He lifted his palm back up to see a streak of bright red staining it. His shirt was bleeding red at his side… the same side on the knight that Winter was healing, in fact. The man's eyes widened and he backed away from the thief, terror etched into every pore of his face. The other man, the more weasel-like of the two, watched his companion with equal fear. He turned back to Thom, shouting, demanding to know what he'd done. His arm shot forward and he grabbed the front of the thief's shirt, only to find long red cuts appear on his skin. During the altercation, Winter's other hand had taken on the same dark glow and found it's way to the shallow cuts on Rand's arm. The man shoved Thom away. He and his companion, horrified at the mysterious abilities the thief seemed to possess and afraid of what else he might do, backed away. Winter had only given them skin-deep cuts, the leftovers from Rand's injuries that she had not already healed, but they almost fell over themselves when they turned and ran, leaving both the thief and girl behind. Winter couldn't help her gasp when the connection stretched and snapped, bringing her back to herself. That had used more energy than she thought. The the tavern air had turned suffocating and frigid, and she could feel the light beads of sweat gathering on her skin. No, perhaps that hadn't been wise. At the very least, she felt that she could now stand to be in the same room as the queen with out her fingers itching for a dagger. A wire would do, instead. Remembering the knight, Winter glanced up to him before quickly turning back to her work. The glow from her hands was already extinguished, and Winter pulled away from the newly-mended skin to see her palms coated in the man's blood. This was an occupational hazard, as she had to touch the wound to heal it, but she perhaps had not been as gentle as she should have been when her attention had turned to Thom's… acquaintances. "The scar will likely remain until it fades away naturally," she said as she pulled a cloth out of her bag to wipe away the mess, still not looking up at the knight. She doubted he was one to care for vanity though – the scar marring his face spoke to that. Pulling out another vile of white liquid, she placed it on the table between them. "Please drink this and come to me if there are any other issues." Perhaps not the most convincing performance of her life (Winter's hands again were shaking, though this time for entirely different reasons) but composure was always easily found for her.

Jolu was shocked, to say the least. A bow. Honest to the blind, deaf, and dumb gods; a bow. That had never happened before. Usually it was just raving and chanting in rage and accusing her of wronging the spirits, but this Denemika was different. She warranted further investigation. It also meant that she nearly missed what Ryshin said. Inclining her head in acceptance she sat back down. "Respect among peers truly is a terrible thing. Worthy of both caution and violence." "Hush," she whispered and hissed in Ilsibin's direction. Deciding that pressing the subject further was in poor taste, Ilsibin sat in silence as the parade of events played out. In his professional opinion none of these people were ready for a war. There was entirely too much stubbornness and pride in the air. Instead he chose to try and illuminate himself and everyone else on the dangers they were about to face. Clearing his throat loudly over the din, Ilsibin asked his question, "Master Mawblack, If you would be so kind as to explain what you know of these generals and the types of battles we'll be facing."

Alniyat slid her parchment back into her bag as the group brushed her meager request of audience as honestly they clearly had much pressing matters to discuss. Even the Princess runt was caught up in this, and in Alnyiyat's opinion the girl was about as attentive a squirrel in an acorn tree. She had no problem finding an open chair nearby and ordering a flagon of mead and a bowl of nuts. While most barkeeps would question her rather youthful appearance her rather adult blade acted as enough proof, as her drink was brought she reclined and watched the events transpire with a rather curious eye. Her heroes seemed rather more human than tales suggested, particularly Rand who was in fact bleeding! The Knight captain was a bit more energetic and expressive, but he did seem like an old lion after all! The loud mouth seemed to enjoy stirring the pot to fill the void in his interest. He played some sort of game of chance, and did something that made it less a game of chance and more blatantly stealing. Soon enough they where going to step outside, Alniyat had wished they wouldn't it would be wayyyy more fun in here if they had thrown down on the spot. Rather suddenly her own attention was stolen by the sound of a thud. While its not exactly right to stand for someone who might not need it the behavior of the man was not acceptable, Alniyat slammed the rest of her drink, as if trying to drown her growing rage. Soon enough though the problem seems to solve itself....Alniyat pops a nut in her mouth before letting out a "Huh...That was odd."

Blayze does not look down as the Commander glares at him and Rand. He does not care. He did what he was ordered to do and he cannot turn down an order. He watches the thief as he hustles some of the people there at the tavern and smirks slightly. He still stands close next to the Queen and has his bow drawn, an arrow notched in it down by his side. He most definitely looks like a Ranger at this point, but he does not care. He looks to the Commander, raising an eyebrow. The female knight that has joined the group looks interesting. She looks like she is brand new to this almost. She holds herself like a rookie in the knight field and Blayze smirks. If she wanted in with these people, she was going to have to look more professional. He does not know how well she is at fighting, but he can already tell that she is not up to the caliber as him and Rand are. Speaking of which... He turns his eyes over to his fellow knight and sees the healer helping him out. Blayze has traveled many places, but he has not seen a healer of this skill before. But something about that woman looks very familiar. He turns his eyes back to the thief, Thom, as he notices the hustled players get furious and begin shouting. The thief gives a smile and says something along the lines of taking it outside. Blayze looks to the Commander, curiously wondering if he should jump in and break it up. The thief would be of no use to them in jail, but because of his bad attitude, Blayze really wanted to see how this fight went down. He kneels down next to the Queen once more and asks, "Milady, should we break up the fight? I do not think that this will end well for anyone."

(This is a collab post with me and Twisted) As Blayze leaned in to whisper to the Queen, the commander grabbed the back of his shirt, yanking him back, “No, you have no right to speak to her. No offense, milady, but if she made it an order to go looking for allies, and an order for neither of you to stay, then that was stupid, but you’re not simply soldiers,” He said, looking to Rand as he said this, “You’re knights.You are above simple orders and just doing as you’re told. You have the brains in your skulls to make decisions, logical decisions, and one of you should have made the decision to stay,” he looked back to Blayze, “And when you’re ready to admit you’re wrong, that’s when I’ll give you permission to breath the same air as her,” he said before pushing him away from Rhysln. Rhysln bit her lip when Bayweil pulled Blayze back, having seen that coming, but she was not about to step on his toes. He was the commander for a reason. He knew battle and strategy, something she was still honestly figuring out. She cleared her throat before looking towards Ilsibin, “I don’t think we can honestly predict the battles, I’m sure the closer we get the more desperate the attacks will be, but I’ve seen enough of the generals to know, considering he pulled them from the people directly. They were lords on the fringes of Waylox that felt that I was too soft and that I should have let the Yeojin handle their problems on their own and I should never have intervened period. My actions there is what drove them to join him.” The tattered cloak of a large figure enters the establishment with a rather awkward silence about him. The cowl looks about before looking on the rather rambunctious group. The movements of the figure would have given the impression that it was a ghost, but it was just a ridiculous amount of grace... "How? I have been absent for something close to two star cycles and yet you let the kingdom fall into such dissaray. A fools errand I know, but still. You managed to let the entire kingdom fall. And now rather than try to attract little attention as possible, I find you mid a open quarrel in a tavern with more than three sets of prying eyes....On top of that you are bickering over childish nonsense." At the ends of his words the cowl slid down showing a very dishevled Glenndaugion. A rather tired smile on his face but his eyes pertray his irritation towards the Knight commander. "Rather than throttle the young Blayze, perhaps you could fill me in on the situation." “It seems while I was out gathering information and trying to find allies worth our time when we get out of this village, both of these two,” Bayweil thumbed to the knights, “Left as well, on the same errand, bringing back all of these misfits, though, it seems the Empress sent some of her own people as well,” he motioned to the few that just didn’t seem to fit, “The fact she knew where to send them troubles me… But this means we need to get going very soon- why are you in such bad shape?” he raised a brow, concerned what kind of things that meant. Rhysln and Nautica both seemed very relieved to see Glenndaugion, to know he was alright, but neither of them said anything since he had made a good point about the fact they were kind of beacons when they should have been a little better hidden. Glenndaugion seemed a tad shocked, he wiped his face a noticed the long since dried blood. "Oh my, I have been quite out of sorts. The fact that I was able to find a specific location I took a more risky route to get here." He began to free his rather long hair from his robes, its length rivialed the queens, it had been some time since he had taken the time to maintain it though. "I mistakenly distrubed a pair of rock wraiths in the deep wood. As you know, I am not skilled in the sating of the spirits so I was forced to excersie them with force." Glenndaugion turned to the Queen and her sister and looked at them with a rather irritated smile. "My ladies, I know you are both in a trying time, but it is common practice to not leave the queen without a bishop when you send away your knight-" He cut his sentence short as he jerked around, and a flash explodes from the cloak. A singular blade met the forehead of a individual who had just entered, Glenndaugion turned around with an apologetic look. "We must cut this lecture short I am afraid. I believe that is the first of many. Too many high value persons in one place." The commander was about to ask what he thought he was doing, but when he spoke, he nodded, understanding what he meant, “Let’s get moving then,” He said and Rhysln and Nautica stood up, “Unfortunately with only the mountains and the deep woods around us, our exit routes are rather limited," he mused, trying to plan a few steps ahead. In the woods, they were undoubtedly going to be ambushed, but they could also run in to some inhuman threats. "The two of us being unarmed makes us burdens and easy targets," Rhysln pointed out but the commander's hand on her head was her cue not to keep trying to insinuate she should get a weapon "The day I trust you with a sword is the day I admit the commander can best me in dress." Glenndaugion wasted little time poking his head out the door checking the surroundings, he pulls back in wondering how well the scouts of the group are. "Those of you who are fleet of foot, would you please find us a route that won't immediately result in violence?" To say a slight look of insult crossed Rhysln's face would be an understatement, but she quickly cleared her expression and stepped out of the way to allow anyone who wanted to take up the chance to prove themselves from the start out of the tavern. Mawblack found the experience much more frustrating by the second, having to reply on people he didn't know or trust yet to assure the safety of the two royals.

Blayze gasps hard as the collar of his shirt digs into his neck. He chokes on his own saliva as he is thrown back. He coughs hard, leaning against the table. He does not glare at the Commander. Rather, he keeps looking at the ground. Why did he have to be so loyal and so stupid at the same time? The Queen never commanded him to leave her, but she did say to go find recruits. Why hadn't he been smart enough to remember that he should have stayed with the Queen? Or at least one of them should have. He rubs at his now marked throat, blinking the bright pain out of his eyes as he grabs his bow once again and notches another arrow in it. There's a sudden movement behind him and Glenndaugion throws a knife, stabbing an incoming spy or assassin near the doorway. Blayze immediately readies himself as the bishop begins to explain that they have to leave. He looks to the window and sees who he recognizes as one of Ovorion's spies. He raises his bow, draws back his string, and shoots directly through the glass, causing it to shatter. If the bar was not in panic right now, it was certainly at this point. The glass falls upon the heads of the other patrons and people begin screaming and running for the door. Blayze turns to the bishop and his commander and says, "They are here faster than you think, my lords. We must get the princess and queen to safety. There is a passage through the woods near a cabin that I found out there. It is abandoned and so deep in the woods that no one would have found it. I stumbled upon it by chance on my recruiting journey. We could take up refuge there for the moment." He looks at the commander expectantly. "I know I have let you down, sir, just give me a chance to prove myself again. I will lead the way, that way if any enemies come our way, I will be the one to die first." Or they willhe thinks to himself. Without waiting for an answer, he runs to the front of the tavern, shoving passed running and screaming people and stands guard outside the tavern doors, another arrow raised to his eyes. He is ready if any more spies or assassins are to come. He notices a few people still standing as people are running and screaming to get to their homes. People who stay have something to lose he thinks to himself again. He watches those men closely, making sure they don't move. He awaits the commander and the Royal line as he stands guard outside the door.

An answer, but also not. This was something Ilsibin would have to go over with the knight-commander personally, when there was less going on. Both he and Jolu shot out of their seats when the glass shattered. No, know was not the time for detailed accounts. Without a second thought he joined Blayze at the door. While the archer scanned the area, Ilsibin unslung his crossbow and locked a bolt into place. Trusting that Blayze had his direction covered, Ilsibin turned his back to him and kept watch over the opposite direction. Though the instinct was strong and his hand fingered one of the tanglefoot bags at his belt, Ilsibin knew such obstructions would only help to cut off possible escape routes. --- Inside Jolu went to the queen's side with her scroll case in hand and clearly visible. No need to make the bishop jumpy. Anyone who could physically deal with rock wraiths was someone to step lightly about. "Rhyshin, I believe Ilsibin and I will keep close to you. To tell the truth, we aren't the most adept at sneaking in advance of others." A half truth, but no need to reveal the real reason the couldn't separate. While she waited to move, she removed the case's cap and exerted her will upon the contents. A wispy trait of smoke slid out and swirled around her hand. Every so often the faintest hint of a face would mar its perfect trails before fading away.

Thom Thom was more than ready to teach these two knuckle heads a lesson or two, but then they started bleeding and wounds started appearing on them. For the briefest moment he looked just as confused as they were, but when he saw the healer girl focusing on them he smiled a all knowing smile at the men as if it was he who was doing this and not his companion. When one reached grabbed his collar and recoiled from another wound he just smiled, and watched as they tripped over themselves out the door way. "Thanks sweetheart." He said, and joined the party again at the tables. He was ready to say something, before someone arrived and delivered a knife into the face of someone who just walked in. "I like this guy, gets things done. I shall return." He said, and patted the healer girl on the shoulder and nodded he opened his mouth as if to give his thanks, but the call of the newcomer asking for someone fleet of foot called him away so he simply winked and quickly threw on his gear and slipped out of the tavern. He moved quickly through the streets, moving along crowds and disappearing down side roads looking for a way out. He slipped down a back alley and realized he had a tail, someone had noticed him leave the tavern and was trying to make sure if he was working for Rhyslin or perhaps the thief had cheated him in someway. Unsure either way he simply turned down a side street and then another one going in a circle, sure enough his tail was still there following him. So when he went down a empty street he turned and charged the man who wasn't expecting him to charge him, before his dagger could even be drawn Thom's club had impacted with his skull knocking him out. Thom lugged the man over his shoulder and returned back to the tavern. "They got this place locked, up tighter than a virgin in a whorehouse." He said. Rand Rand just watched as the girl went to work, when he realized she was the one causing wounds to the two brutes the thief had annoyed and watched them run out of the tavern screaming, he just chuckled. "Now he's going to think you like him." He said, a rare attempt at a joke by the knight. When the girl finished and he saw how much the Qiran spent on healing him he threw his arms around her to help steady her, he looked her in the eye. "I've got you." He said, his voice going back to the emotionless tone of voice he used so frequently. When Glenndaiugon entered the room and delivered a knife to the face of a spy, in a heartbeat he still kept the healer steady and drew his blade standing at the ready. Soon enough the tavern erupted into chaos, people went running. Jostling the knight to and fro, soon enough they passed and he turned to the healer and let her go. "Sorry." He said, and went to stand besides the queen and the others. He stood silently by the side of the commander blade drawn just in case anyone broke their line and got through to them.

The pupils of Radiant's green eyes dilated, making it seem to her as if everything was lit with halos and glowing with surreality. Heartbeats raced on, faster and even faster with each step she took towards her target. But still, a frown pulled down her dainty features into that of a worried gargoyle, for that is what she felt like right now. 'What the actual mess am I doing? I'm going to march right up to that big barrel of a man with his bulging muscles and immense belly, stare up at him as he towers over me and in his shadow I will... what...? What will you do, Rai? Smack him for knocking you down?' Wild amber eyes blazed in her mind's eye, staring into her heart hunting her courage and righteousness. No, enough. Enough of it all. All must know what she was; she was not a Rodent. No, she was not going to smack him then run. Only a Rodent would do something so silly. No, she was an Elementalista; she was Sister Radiant right now and she was going to set fire to his arrogant ways. Burn him down. Down to ash beneath her boot heels. Like he deserved. Like they all did... all of them... Her stomping pace lightened up and she began her intro routine; light of foot and warming up for the audience. Warming up her palms for ribbons of fire-- nay, not fire, but her Fire... She twirled once, easily and breezily, both arms held out, fingertips stretched outward like the wings of a waking phoenix. Another spin, then another and yet another till finally she was two horse lengths from him. By this time fire traced her hands and ribbons of orange flame trailed behind her, astonishingly not once catching her patchwork cloak. A momentary pause upon a single pointed tippy-toe. The other foot pointed skyward as she arched back, head dipping downwards near the soil. Radiant felt oh so strong now as the mana coursed through her entire being. She could have held this pose for eternity and then some. But oh how she wished she was spinning her poi right now rather than just these ribbons of flame. She felt absolutely sick to her stomach that she was going to use these creations of hers as weapons; dancing became war moves, ribbons became whips, and she was going to hurt someone with her fire-- nay, not fire, but her Fire. “You owe me an apology, you do” she said in a lowered voice, teeming with shame and something else, “you all do...” Green eyes sparkled a demonic hue before they were draped behind long lashed lids. “I'm sorry...” she whispered with the breath of a dragon just before she opened her eyes and unleashed her fiery whips to wrap around the neck of the arrogant male, throttling him, burning him... setting an example of what happens when-- --men were screaming and blood was flowing. But not by her hands nor will. No, her pent up vengeance was not to be unleashed today. Thankfully oh, so thankfully... Radiant's wind up pose crumbled and she collapsed to the ground, relief and bewilderment roiling in her tummy and mind as the flames extinguished from her hands. She clasped them together tightly as she knelt making sure the flames were smothered for good. So strange a sight she was, looking as if she were a pious street girl, trembling and begging mercy as she knelt down before the fleeing men. But in actuality, she was thanking all heavens and hells that she did not have to hurt anyone especially with her gifts. Because Radiant was a good girl, she was. For all good girls were meant to be queens, they were. Good girls took care of their fire-- nay, not fire, but her Fire. A shuddering breath of relief escaped her and she trembled no more. It was over. There were many mishaps, accidental and worse, she had seen in her time as a Carnival slave, and it was as it always was ingrained with every carny worker regardless of mishap, accidental or worse: The show must go on. She took a deep steeling breath before standing and taking a look at who was left with her. As she brushed herself off and regained her composure, she noticed a cloaked figure still standing about, perhaps with the same bemused expression, or not, that dangled from her face. “Funny that, now, eh?” she shook her head, smiled sheepishly and shrugged at Thom, “scared 'em off did I. Little ol' me. For Queen and Country, I say... Hahahahah...!” Normally she would just nod cordially and then walk away. But something... something the hue of a huntress' eyes still heated within her. “Name's Sister Radiant, mister, but you can just call me Rai,” she said with amber coloured confidence as she held out a hand to the master thief, “and you can buy me a drink to for 'saving yer hide...' Hahahah...! So the queen's... in... there. Right. Now... aye...” Radiant lowered her waiting hand and bit her lower lip as she stared downward, green eyes watching her dirty boot kick awkwardly at a lonely floor board as Thom just breezed past her without even a glance. Suddenly she shrugged a shoulder and sniffed with the sound of some indignance. “...aye. Buy me ownself a drink, I will then... maybe 'Mika too...” But that drink was not to be had for murder had come for the Queen and her family. ~~~~~ A direct assault thwarted by this giant male of some kind of importance. He just marched in here and assumed an air of authority, seemingly usurping that haughty claim from BlackWeil, this Demander Male. Oh, swift and powerful was the stroke laying out the would be assassin. Calm and powerful were the words that most of which Denemika did not understand. Firm and powerful were his words as he told this queen and its Worthy Sister that they did not need to take arms since this Swift, Calm and Powerful Posing Male was here. And now without Name, without Lineage, and without Standing told, this male directed orders to the others. Right in front of the face of this queen. It was a queen-sworn, not the queen. Not the Matriarch. Such insult... he was better off slapping the blonde woman once with his forehand, a second time with his backhand, then kicking her down before urinating on her. Such. Insult. Maybe it was the spirits dancing and wailing away with the chaos of the panicked people... or maybe it was the after-ripples of mana being weaved and manipulated by three channellers in such quick succession, but whatever the case, the Priestess felt like dancing herself right now. But she had no right to do so here. The spirits here in this Great Gathering House were not to be disrespected as such. So instead she decided on a little defiance. Her eyes darted to check the positions of the others that circled round or made their way out the door. Curious spirits swam in figure eights above them and she felt the hairs on the back of her neck tingle when Jolu uncapped her magical item. Then she stepped towards Rhysln, but amber eyes locked upon the giant man. “You not tell Denemika nothing. You no Face. You no Mika's Queen,” the large woman tossed an upward chin bob towards Glenndaugion as he called from the entry way, demanding that fleet footed conscripts lead the way. 'Meh. At least he said Please.' Mika then smirked as she reached into her cloak at the hip and unsheathed one of her twin short swords. She twirled it in a quick and easy pattern before turning and pointing the weathered, yet lovingly cared for blade at Rhysln... ...handle-first and offering the weapon from the Bellady Nation to the Queen Silverspring. “Maybe your queen-sworn wear dress now...?” she smiled and winked at Rhysln. Then suddenly her brown, tattooed visage scrunched up in bewilderment when she heard the voice of her shorn-headed teen companion pipe up from beside her. “Hail, Queen Rhysln...” said a kneeling Radiant in her best formal voice, inwardly rather proud of herself for not maniacally gushing and spittling over the other blonde female beside Rhysln and Denemika. Still kneeling before Nautica, slowly the raggedy teen raised her head and made eye-contact with 'queen' in front of her, green eyes glistening and shining wide with awe and... other fuzzy-hearted emotions. “My name is Sister Radiant of The Extraordinary Sisters Elementalistas! From the family of the O' Brothers Adestav-Carnivale of Wondrous Wonders!!! I am ready to serve and obey, however you want, whenever you want... dressed in whatever you want... my most elegant and amazing and beautiful and wonderful Queen Rhysln Silverspring...!” Denemika found the audacity to facepalm now.

Winter flinched away when the thief dropped a hand on her shoulder. She told herself the reflex fit with her cover, but… if she was being honest with herself, (which she wasn't) the action had been involuntary. Drained of energy, she could feel long-buried habits floating to the surface, and she'd yet to compose herself enough to shove them back down. Winter supposed she should be thankful that was the reaction that reared its head, and not a more… violent one. But soon enough the thief was gone, off to deal with the new problem. And then the knight she'd been tending to was speaking, surprising mirth coloring his voice. Winter turned to him to reply, but she was careless with it and swayed. The knight was quick to steady her, and this time she was guarded enough to halt any reaction she had, and keep herself still. Winter's skin burned where he touched her over the fabric of her clothes, his hands too heavy, too controlling, too… unwelcome. Winter typically did all she could to avoid touching others. The only time she allowed it was when she was healing or killing. And then he looked into her eyes and she had to try very hard not to glance away automatically. He was quite the gallant one, she mused to herself as he supported her with one arm and drew his sword with the other. A true knight of Waylox… I wonder if I will kill him. It took all of her control not to sigh in relief when he released her to return to his queen. With shaking hands, she pulled another vile out of her bag, this time filled with a pale green liquid and drank it. She could feel energy seeping back into her blood, and her hands were now steady. It was the best she could hope for, for now. She looked at the people around her, many of them springing into motion to combat this new foe. Even before she weighed the options, she knew which action she would choose: this shrinking violet of a cover would have no choice but to flee the battle with the queen. Perhaps she would be lucky and an opportunity would present itself, and she could be done with this assignment. Done with the resentment locked deep in her very being. She darted up beside the cloaked foreigner, Jolu, and gave a small bow to the queen. "Your Majesty," the words were bitter as they fell from her tongue, "I will just be a hinderance here in the battle. I can heal any wounded once we meet up again, but for now I think my place would be with your party as well, if you would have me."

The response of those around them had actually surprised Rhysln at first, though Nautica was under the impression it was exactly as it should be. Rhysln nodded to Jolu's words before cringing at Thom's choice of. The next thing she knew a sword was being held out to her and she couldn't help but smirk at Denemika's choice of words. She took the sword gladly, "He's in a robe already, so I suppose it'll have to do for now," she said before her attention was drawn to Radiant, her brow's going up at her speech but Nautica decided to pipe in at that point. "Can you hold off on being weird until we get out of here? That'd be awesome." Which earned her a twist of the ear from Rhysln. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sister Radiant. Well, perhaps in a better situation it would be more so, but none the less," She nodded. She looked at Winter hearing her speak, giving another small smile hearing the bitterness to her words, "If I weren't going to have you, madame, you wouldn't be standing so close," she said but the commander butt in at that point. "We need to move. We're currently fish in a barrel," he said, cursing not having some sort of a large shield. He looked around for anything he could use before going over to a couple barrels of ale and yanking the lids off, "This is going to have to do, unless you've got a better suggestion," he added as he walked back over, handing one to each of the sisters. He had his armor on, so he wasn't worried about himself, but the royals were completely exposed. "It would be easier if we were to go through the alleys," Rhysln said quickly, "It funnels the enemies into a smaller scope and requires us to have less angles covered. Plus, part of the town backs right in to the woods and gets us out of the open this way," she said, looking to Glenn (who isn't actually a bishop, he was making a chess reference), hoping some of those strategy/tactic lessons had paid off some. "Here's what we'll do," The Commander said before looking towards Denemika and Alniyat, "If you two go out with these two," he looked towards Winter and Radiant since they were a little similar in size to the royals, "Using these two," he motioned between Jolu and Ilsibin, "And Blayze to protect them, these idiot assassins might just be thrown off enough to not catch us going down the alleyway. You," He pointed at Thom, "You can move ahead of us down the alley and make sure we take the safest routes. Do you two feel you need more protection? If so, then I will go that way, seeing one of us," he glanced at Glenn, "Will also make it more believable that these two are the queen and princess. We should probably find them some cloaks. Go ahead and get moving while I find these," he said to them and walked over to a coat rack, liberating some poor chaps of their possessions before walking over and handing it towards them. Rhysln and Nautica started towards the back of the tavern to take the alleyway. Nautica was grumbling about how Rhysln was armed but she was lacking anything. If she had a bow, she could at least be of some use here.

Glenndaugion stood with a deceptively calm demeanor, however in his head he was trying to find a clean solution to the situation. The meeting in the little town isn't just going to go unnoticed, meaning the enemy will notice the queen being back on the board. The room reacted rather well to both a pressing threat and his request. Breaking off into groups would likely be a viable option but who could be trusted? The knights obviously but the rest, everything about them seemed suspicious. Glenn smirked at how much his current chain of thought seemed like it belonged in Mawblack's head. Denemika's words brought him back form his thoughts. The words of the thief registered as well,(He stifled an urge to request he refrain from such language around children) he smiled at the banter of the giantess and the queen. "Well if you insist, but I will have your head if she hurts herself." Glenn turned to the Commander as he began to plot the course of action. "A simple gambit, but you do so struggle when it comes to a game of chance. However I admit I had thought something along these lines, so I am in agreement." ---Alniyat Alniyat had started to zone out a tad, while interesting it does grow a bit boring watching people talk. She began to wonder if this was all really needed, if they had been in hiding for so long wouldn't they be fine to move about? She choked on her drink when the stranger killed some random person? It took her a full five seconds to process that he was of a dark feathers....(Such a lame name) That means this is actually as bad as the letter led her to believe, perhaps even worse. That group tends to be a rather quite but effective bunch. Oh right, the giant in the robes was talking about more incoming? Apparently he was some one important, but honestly he looked more like a dancer than a fighter. Yet everyone reacted to him like he was a knight? Totally not as cool as the other three! Fleet of foot means fast right? She thought to herself but before she could stand that creepy thief was gone! It was a matter of minutes before he came back through the now guarded door carrying literal bad news. Not really sure what he meant by Tighter than a virgin house or whatever but pretty sure it was meaning it was surrounded. The KNIGHT COMMANDER then spoke to her, sorta....well more like referred to her. That counts right? Totallllllly does! Wait what did he say? Sh*T! Some sorta plan no an amazing strategy if any of the stories she had heard where true....That she totally didn't grasp at all. "Uhmmm, sorry. I don't mean to interrupt but what are we doing?"

Thom Thom nodded and proceeded back into the streets, moving ahead of the group and leading them down some of the safer streets he seen, as he watched everything going on around him. There was the occasional person who seemed odd to him but they tried nothing and normally fled under his glance. He kept looking back to make sure they were following them occasionally drifting out of their sight and waiting for them watching the queen. Remaining close enough that if something did happen to the queen he would be able to leap into action and help her, not that she would need it anyway seeing as she had the rest of the misfits to keep her company. "What did i get into?" He muttered quietly as he ducked down another alleyway, bumping into a rather large man. "By the fucking gods yer a huge man." He manged to say, the man just nodded drawing a sword that is easily taller than him, he turned and sprinted out of the alley and back towards the group meanwhile the man following him swinging... Rand Rand wasn't sure what to do, the commander didn't mention him in the slightest so he assumed he was to go with Blayze, he stopped when the other knight appeared confused asking about what she should do. "Come with us." He said, nodding to Blayze and the girls he was supposed to be protecting he went outside and went to the stables around back getting his saddlebags that contained his armor and threw them over his shoulder, heading back inside and standing around waiting for everyone to be ready. He frowned for a bit unsure of what to think of the plan it had a lot of risk, but if it worked they would be home free. He supposed if needed he could help either group but he choose to stick with the decoy group, making it look official after all these two knights were last seen with the queen and to anyone with just a vague idea of the events that had transpired they would understand that these two were her bodyguards.

Jolu nodded her assent and slipped out the door, waiting for Winter, Radiant, Rand, Alniyat, and Denemika to follow. "We're the bait," She said quickly to Blayze and Ilsibin, "so it's time to make us a better target." She raised the murderous, wispy thing in her hand and let its power and nature mingle with her energy. It wanted to fill her lungs, sweep over the town and suffocate all within, but Jolu whipped its spirit into submission with her will. Within moments smoke began to blanket the area around them, rising to cover the knees, and then waists, slwly forming into a dome. Before it covered their heads, Jolu made sure to catch everyone's eyes while covering her mouth with her cloak. "Make for the trees and try not to breath the smoke in." "We'll be too visible Jolu and I won't be able to sight any incoming attackers through the haze. They might not be able to snipe us, but smoke won't stop someone from charging into our midst." Ilsibin had a point, but Jolu brushed off his concern as she felt her spirit's hunger grow. "Then it's their funeral."

Avarice was listening to what everyone had to say when suddenly one of them attacked someone coming through the door. After the mans body fell to the floor he realized it was just an inept assassin. Please, he thought, charging your target head own? Does he think he's a bounty hunter or something? No, even they would know that their target would be guarded. Must just be some idiot who needed the money and tried to collect. Hopefully someone will show up who's more of a challenge or this job will be boring. He drew his bow and knocked an arrow. "If you don't mind, Milady, I'll stay by your side. A simple hunter won't draw any attention, but I dare say I'm one of the best shots in the group."