Kehah couldn't stop the small growl of discontent as the Dark Elves disrespected the beings that saved her life. They were stupid for staying around and watching over her people?

She supposes she should be thankful for Geoffrey's call to her, for had he not, she can't be sure that she'd have held her tongue around the two. What she is not thankful for, however, is that Geoffrey was on top of the table pinning down the fatman. She felt her pulse quicken as the Lord Grimm stood and acquired his axe from a servant.

She stood quickly, her chair making a sharp noise as it scuffed backwards with the force. She didn't know how this man would react to disobedience to his rules, but that axe didn't look promising.

"Geoffr-" Her warning cut off as a loud CRACK echoed through the room, and all the people that were on the table tumbled through the newly made split and onto the floor. She stared at the space where the Lieutenant was once sprawled, body static as the scene turned into a tableau during the Lord Grimm's admonishment.

Exhaling a sharp breath, Kehah pulled her seat back in and sat back down with a grimace. It seems that Maar'von's kin was going to be more difficult to keep alive than she initially thought. She turned back to Lady Grimm with an air of apology about her.

"I'd like to apologize to you on behalf of my...comrades, Lady Grimm," Kehah spoke through gritted teeth and narrowed eyes, fiddling with the knife she'd unconsciously gripped in her abrupt standing. "If I may inquire...are we allowed to send and receive letters whilst here?"

Craggard angrily shoved the younger man off of him with a deep scowl. He wasn't as strong as he used to be- not that he was ever particularly strong or agile, but he was sure he could at least land a hit on the runt. He could have, he reckoned, if Lord Grimm hadn't nearly made him shit himself in terror. Craggard rose from the rubble, with an almost hilarious dignity, considering he was just sprawled across the table trying to wring someone's neck. Some members of the Empire seemed to be attempting to save their dignity as well, while other nobles scorned them. Craggard realized that as a noble, he should have been alongside them, scolding the riff-raff who caused trouble. But none of this was his fault- the blame lay squarely on the confederate who dared insult him.

" It won't happen again, my Lord," Craggard mumbled, carefully avoiding offering an apology without disrespecting the intimidating man. He shot the representative one more furious glare. If only he had succeeded in wiping that smug look off the runt. For now, he wouldn't feel too much regret over his failure. Craggard was sure he could get a chance to get back at him later. So Craggard wasn't as handy with a weapon as he remembered- not a problem. He'll just get someone else to do it next time.

With a dismissive Tch aimed at the representative, Craggard sauntered back to his place with the Onxyites.

Upon being tossed, Geoffrey turned a bit in the air to ensure that he landed as best he could on his hind end. He found himself then upon the floor, his outfit mildly soiled with the stains of cooked fowl and ale, which had most likely been thrown from the other end of the table. It was no matter to him now, as he rose to his feet, brushing the crumbs from his legs and shoulders, motioning to another servant to bring him some more wine. The immediate shock of being thrown from a table had sobered him up a bit more than he had liked, and he began drinking from a new glass just as Lord Grimm let his word be heard.

After the lord had finished his announcement, Geoffrey took note of the nobleman he had jumped upon, and how he had thrown a fierce look at him, to which the young man replied with a tip of his glass. Though he knew fully well that he was in deeper trouble now than he had ever been, Geoffrey still pressed at the Onyxian's nerves as best as he could, knowing that so long as he acted the victor, he could probably pull off the notion that he was. The Onyxians didn't need to know that this lone man was in for a good whipping and beating, let alone a few well placed words - no, what the Onyxians needed to know was that the Confederates were going to play rough, and win.

Geoffrey finished what remained in his glass and placed it upon a tray that the closest servant was holding, walking back to where he had sat only to grab at his chair and walk in a wide arc away from his superiors down to the end of the table where Kehah sat. He figured that he might as well place himself in as well of company as he could, knowing that it was probably going to be the last good meal he would have in a while, if his officers had anything to say about it. He slid in finally between Kehah and the dark elf in green and adjusted his sleeves a bit, as if to make himself look a bit more presentable, before smiling gingerly at both Kehah and Lady Grimm.

"I do hope I'm not interrupting anything? It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, your excellency," Geoffrey nodded his head in respect, making little note of the show that he had just provoked.

@AnaSilan Sunja @IceHeart

As relative order was restored to the room, everyone started to relax again somewhat, though most nerves were shattered beyond repair for the moment. Still there were some who quickly regained their composure, or hadn't lost it in the first place, like Lady Grimm. The young woman who had met the elves, Kehah had looked like she was ready to spring into action at any moment, considering the knife she had pilfered during the confusion. She seemed quite level-headed, which was a trait these champions were going to need in spades to survive their time in the castle.

After she asked the question about the letters the man, who had effectively enticed the initial scuffle, placed his seat between the dark elf in green armor and Kehah, inserting himself into the conversation. The dark elves glanced at the intruder but aside from that appeared uninterested. Lady Grimm of course, responded to his introduction. "A delight that you could join us, you certainly inspired quite a bit of sport for our entertainment." She jested. "Although, my husband will probably be even more displeased when I request he buy a replacement for that table."

Her joke give, she then returned to Kehah's question. "As for letters, you may write however; all letters will go through a strict set of regulations. Every letter will be properly examined as we cannot risk any information leaving that may compromise our position, especially since we know not yet who our new-found friends will be. I am sure you can understand us taking such precautions."

---

Primrosa, looked at the carnage as members from both sides quickly retreated to their prospective camps and tried to regain some dignity. Admittedly those on the empire's side had a little bit more to recover from then the less 'ranked' confederates. It now over she decided to make her way over to Craggard, who had been the first 'victim'. "Are you quite alright sire? I hope that rabble with my sister did not cause any permanent harm before the battle could even commence." With a concerned look she tried to see where the man had been grabbed to make sure he was alright.

"Well at least something good came from this," One of the Onyxite soldiers muttered to some of his fellows as Primrosa walked over to them. "I did not expect to see a fine lady like this up so close." Others didn't say so, but generally they agreed.

---

While Lady Esmerelda started to chatter with some of her new 'friends' in the confederacy, Lord Grimm gazed over the long dining room. This would be an interesting time for the castle and for the visitors. "The servants will start to clean up in a moment. From now on, meals will be served in this hall for those who risk coming here." This statement made sense as while no one was allowed to fight inside, outside the hall was another story. "Shorty, you will be escorted to your temporary quarters on opposite sides of the castle. For this first night, my guards will be stationed in the center so you will have no fear of attack from either the White Rock Confederation or the Onyx Empire. This will be the only night however, and after that all will be fair game. Make your plans accordingly."

"That's quite alright. It would simply be a few letters to my band of friends; inquiries on how to deal with certain members of my own side more so than those of the Onyxians," Kehah replied to the Lady Grimm before turning to Geoffrey. "You certain you don't wish to spar tonight? One second longer and maybe the fat man would have beaten you."

It was a jest; everyone at the table knew it to be so. Though quite a bit of her real irritation shone through as her eyes remained cold. She was definitely going to need to write Maar'von a letter; titled 'I Should Have Known Such a Pain in the Ass Hails from Your Blood.'

She was grateful to the boy, however, for sitting between her and the Dark Elf; she was also worried that they'd notice his tattoos. It seems chance that the two of them may be targeted once this whole matter was settled. She wasn't able to think on the subject any longer as the servants began clearing the tables on Lord Grimm's command. At his last comment about future dinners, she snatched another piece of bread; best to make as little trips as possible, then, given the ease it would take to attack just outside the doors.

At his remark towards their chambers, Kehah spoke to Geoffrey once more. "My band and I always slept together with one person either awake to watch, or nearest the opening so that if they were killed in their sleep the rest of us would be alerted by the bell hung on their body once they fell; would you care to do the same to ensure our longevity," She took a second to realize what she'd said, and with a glance to the Lady and Knights, amended herself. "That is, one person taking watch, not one person risking death by sleeping by the opening."

Craggard gaped at the Lady Primrosa, honored that she would directly speak to him. Once again, Craggard failed to understand how a giant like Lord Grimm could possibly be related to such dainty creatures. Either Lord Grimm was actually a dame under all that armor, or those sisters were adopted.

Craggard's surprise at being spoken to seemed to wear off quickly as the nobleman quickly recomposed himself. He dusted off some debris on his shoulders casually, grinning smugly as he spoke to the young woman.

" Ah, so not only are the Grimm sisters radiant, but they are also kind! Your reputation precedes you, my lady. No need t' worry about me, though. A fella like myself can handle any old riff-raff, I assure you." He boasted in a playful tone. Although that was an arguably blatant lie, Craggard was usually able to intimidate his men back home and keep them from rebelling on occasion, but that was mostly because of the power he held over them. His eyes strayed over to his fellow Onxyians, many of their eyes fixated on the beautiful Primrosa. Craggard decided to take a jab against the companions who bested him while he still had their attention.

" I may not have that fancy military training my cohearts have, but those things pale compared to status and wits, my lady! Don't you agree?"
@Iceheart

Leaning back in his chair, Geoffrey chuckled softly in response to Lady Grimm's and Kehah's comments. Despite his insobriety, he thought better than to give a shrewd response, and sat in silence while the two women discussed a few rules with one another. As he half-listened, there was a constant feeling of eyes being placed upon him, though he hadn't a clue from where; given his theatrics this evening, he could understand why, but the eyes still felt a bit colder than what he would expect from his officers or the Onyxians. There was a certain mysticism about the feeling, but he set it aside rather quickly upon being addressed again by Kehah.

"Aha, of course I wouldn't mind taking shifts! Even if it is said that tonight will be safe, it would still be best to prepare for the worst. I imagine I'll be staying with the soldiers tonight, not bunked up in some fancy squat with the other officers," Geoffrey shivered a bit, thinking again about what exactly will be done to him in his meeting tonight. It wasn't a very pleasant thought. "Aye, we may be able to convince a few other men to take shifts as well. I imagine very few of us will be sleeping soundly for the next few nights."

Geoffrey looked around to see several soldiers had begun gathering near the main door, eager to get to their quarters and be away from their opponents. After sitting for some time pondering, he rose from his chair, an anxious expression covering his face. "Well, it seems things are wrapping up around here - it was a pleasure meeting you, Lady Grimm, and I hope we can trade words in the future," a thin smile spread across his lips as he looked to Kehah. "I'll find you after I've finished my meeting with our wonderful superiors, if you still wish to spar. I'm sure I'll have plenty of energy to let out afterwards!" With that, he forced out a laugh before heading toward the door, mentally preparing as best as he could for his 'meeting'.

@AnaSilan Sunja@IceHeart

Primrosa gave a slight laugh at Craggard's words. "Yes, that's the spirit. Soon enough all you fine gentlemen and ladies will trounce their group. Thank you for the compliments but as much as I would like to help plan a strategy it would be best to leave it to you fine folk. Also as it approaches night I really must retire to my room. Have a pleasant evening." Primrosa bowed to the Onyxians then turned to make her way outside the dining hall and toward her chambers near the center and back of the castle.

Lady Grimm found the bell story rather amusing, yet resourceful. The young woman was a true mercenary through and through. The young man was also a rather interesting fellow, with his tattoos and all. He also seemed somewhat lax in his demeanor though he was certain to rise to the occasion if the situation arose.

"Well it has been a most entertaining evening. It is high time for us to retreat to our quarters for the night as should you all." Lady Grimm rose and simultaneously the two dark elves did as well. They stepped from their seats and started to head for the door, though before they did the green armored elf decided to say one more thing.

"Depending on the circumstances, I may have the chance to silence your poisoned blood." Venom oozed from her voice as she spoke. "Course that's only if those empire brats can make it worth my while. Guess you can consider yourself lucky for now." Her piece said their group met up with Lord Grimm and his two daughters as the family joined together.

As they were leaving Lady Grimm could be heard saying, "Now husband, about the new table you owe me." Despite the armor, everyone could tell Lord Grimm was uncomfortable as Lady Grimm started to grill him over what he had did earlier. It might have elicited a few chuckles if everyone were not so on edge after all the events that had transpired.

---

Soon enough the White Rock members were shown to their quarters on the West side of the outer castle. They were mostly servant type quarters, nestled against the far side of the castle. Many of the rooms were large communal type that could house around 10 servants, though there were around 3 nicer rooms that those with money and power among the group quickly claimed for themselves. While they were getting ready for the night a few of the big shots had somewhat ganged up on Geoffrey for his earlier insolence. One in particular, a certain land owner of a rather large portion of one of the major cities was especially affronted.

"We were lucky Lord Grimm did not decide to exact some penalty on us for what you did in the dining hall, not to mention making the decision for us before we could attempt to negotiate better terms." His name was Matthew Arrowsmith and his assets were large enough to have an influence on the merchants guild in the confederacy whenever they visited Tyrin City, in one of the southern states. "You do realize you put us in a rather awkward situation. I hope you're ready to make up for your mistakes."

"Well I have the perfect solution to that." One of tacticians of the group said.

"Do tell."

"You see the owners of this place have given us a rather good opportunity. Because the other side cannot attack tonight, we must quickly get a layout of our side of the castle so we can prepare for battle. Let's send our little firebrand out to scout for us tonight while the rest of us get a good night's sleep, well most of us we really should send probably two other people to scout around as well."

Matthew Arrowsmith considered this, while he wasn't too thrilled at such a light punishment, he would certainly feel the lack of sleep by the morrow. "We'll think of a more fitting punishment later but that will do for now I suppose. Well you heard the man Mr. Geoffrey. Off with you!"

---

The Empire's side was roughly the same, with Lord's quickly taking the best quarters for themselves while soldiers felt right at home in the more cramped quarters. The commanders of the group were very quick to set up camp and set out patrols to map out their side of the castle as best they could. "We need every advantage we can get, if we can memorize the layout of the castle as much as possible we should be able to take advantage of its geography. On castle grounds we should have the advantage in warfare but we'll have to be wary of ambushes and traps after tonight. From what I recall we should essentially have the hallways, the outer courtyard wall, but also an upper story to be wary of. That means there are roughly three ways to invade their side when the time comes, though probably more to be found as we explore. Also keep an eye out for anyone who may be a source of information." The soldiers were quick to respond and readied themselves for the night.

---

Lord Grimm and Lady Grimm sat in front of a roaring fire as they thought about that day. Lady Grimm leaned onto his shoulder, putting her head in place. "They are an interesting group are they not my husband?"

Lord Grimm tilted his helmet to the side, still in full armor despite being alone. "Hmm, they will suffice for our purposes. Considering how quick they were to fight each other their hatred is quite deep. It is quite exquisite really."

"Indeed, I am curious to see to what lengths they will stoop to win this war. Also it will be amusing to see who in the castle decides intervene in their battles. We do have some rather interesting individuals after all."

---

The masked man who had been with them earlier traveled aimlessly down the various halls as if in thought. Pondering his next move. "The games shall be rather enjoyable I think. The question is, to whom shall I visit first?"

Hissing at the thought of other soldiers being trusted to watch her back, Kehah shook her head at Geoffrey; she hadn't thought of the fact that they'd be placed in large quarters, and quickly adjusted her plans for sleeping; it would all depend on the type of room they were put in. Geoffrey had walked away, leaving Kehah to her thoughts for a second before the Lady Grimm bid her goodnight and began to leave. She felt her heart seize as the Green Knight leaned over and said her piece, and she quickly stood up after they left, hurrying after a servant to the Confederacy quarters.

They were obviously meant as servant quarters, and Kehah smiled as she looked up to see rafters; it seemed her plan would work after all. With this in mind, and a determined glare, she swiped a sheet from one of the cots, ignoring the angered swear sent at her from the soldier she'd taken the sheet from. She wrapped the sheet around her chest and took a running leap at a cot nearest the wall, spring-boarding off of it, using the momentum to kick up and off the wall and reach out to grip one of the rafters. It was a close call, her fingers having just found purchase before the risk of downward descent, but she quickly pulled the rest of her body up and over until she was straddling the rafter and looking down at the shocked faces of the Confederacy soldiers.

“What the hell’r’ya doin’?!” one of them cried up at her. She smirked down at him as she began to tie the corners around the rafters, making sure they were secure before vaulting off and landing on the ground with a roll to her feet. Ignoring them still, she looked up at her makeshift hammock with a smirk before walking out of the quarters, leaving a stunned and angry group behind.

She walked towards one of the smaller quarters meant for the higher-ups and leaned against the wall next to the door, listening as Geoffrey was berated. As the man himself was sent out of the room, Kehah fell into place next to him, giving him a side eye.

“I don't trust the others, and I need to set up traps anyway,” she said by way of explanation, fiddling with the pieces and parts that she'd use to set up said traps.

Despite how well off he had gotten with his punishment, there was still a thin veil of embarrassment spread across Geoffrey’s face as he left, though he understood how useful this task would be - it was especially tactful for someone of his stature to explore a bit, in order to better understand what they would be working with. He took a bit of surprise to Kehah being just outside of the doorframe, but smiled a bit as they continued down the hallway.

“Ah, I can understand that,” he said softly, before signalling to his right for them to turn down the hall. The winding corridors throughout the castle were perplexing, and all followed a similar gothic pattern of intricately detailed paintings of foreign beasts hanging along the walls. The lighting was rather dim throughout the interior, and the thin halls all had a rather high ceiling that was just barely visible in the darkness.

“I had planned on coming to find you, in all honesty - I wouldn’t trust these walls in my loneliness despite what Lord Grimm says, especially after how things did explode a bit tonight,” the thought brought a smirk back to Geoffrey’s face before he looked over to his companion. “What kind of secrets lurk these halls, do you wonder?”

“Dark ones,” Kehah growled without a second thought, stopping at the joining of two halls to set up a small rope trap that would snare anyone trying to sneak against the walls. “I don't like this place, Lieutenant, it feels... Twisted, like the Dark Elves,” she shivered at her last memory of the Green One, glancing over her shoulder as though it would appear. “But there's an underlying power that I'm unfamiliar with.” Her eyes turned cold as she finished the trap and turned to him, nodding towards another hall before walking down it at his side.

“Unfortunately so, it seems,” Geoffrey let out with a sigh, a bit of unease washing over him. “I fear not those who live in these halls, but what they come from - everything here has been touched with a kind of magic, but not of any that is pure. Perhaps most of all, our main host,” he glanced to Kehah in wonder, making note of her discomfort.

“Forgive me for prying, but you seemed awfully keen on being away from those elves earlier, and you certainly didn’t look too excited to be beside them at dinner tonight. What is it that troubles you so much about them?”

Kehah scoffed and pulled a knife out, fiddling with it before taking another turn down the next hall, taking note of paintings and adding everything to her mental map so she knew how to get back. “You are from a west-most village, same as I. Both of us played in the tree-lines and heard the warnings against the Corrupted Ones,” She shrugged, unease settling even deeper. “Would you too not be unsettled by their presence?”

“Though I heed the caution of my elders, I can’t help but be intrigued,” Geoffrey noted. “How much has their legend altered throughout time? How much of what is told in the children’s tales holds true?” Through a knowing smile, Geoffrey cocked his head toward the blade-wielding woman, trying to lessen the tension as they wandered deeper into the dark of the castle.

She couldn’t bring herself to do anything but glare at that moment. “And if it is true, then none of us will be the victor as they’ll rip our lives from our bodies regardless,” She huffed, “You and I covet the Elves, yet you find intrigue in their Corrupted counterparts?”

“Aye, ‘tis true that our kind envies the magics at play deep in the trees, and I will always hold respect for it,” Geoffrey continued. “But some things I want to find out for my own - how many men in all the land can say that they’ve made witness to a Dark Elf in this day and age, and have the mark to prove it?”

“None, for they’d all surely be dead.” Was the snapped response before Kehah went quiet, staring down the new path they’d come to. The corridor they had traveled down came to a stop, the only path left to travel being on their right. This hall appeared darker than the others, and even felt a bit colder. The stones that lined the walls were especially old and weathered, and a few cobwebs hung low from the rafters above. The hallway was just as wide as a full-grown man laid flat on his back, leaving little room between Kehah, Geoffrey, and the walls. The smell of must hung thick in the air, and there was no clear view of what would be at the end of their path.

“Ah, how romantic a setting,” Geoffrey smirked in jest, causing Kehah to bark out a laugh before their expressions quickly turned foul at the odor that strung at their nostrils. Geoffrey felt the hair along his arms stand up as a chill wind pushed toward them, a shrill whistling filling the corridor.

Finally, after a few more moments of walking, the two were suddenly covered in the pale light of the moon high above them. Before them was a long stone balcony, pushed out from the face of the castle, rather plain in its architecture and designs. Seemingly carved from the rock of the mountains around them, each placing of their feet resonated and echoed back down the hallway from which they had came. Along the edge of the outlet stood a small wooden fence, rather aged and weathered from countless years of use.

Kehah felt herself shivering, not at the temperature or conditions of the hall and balcony, but at the mere aura now surrounding the place. While Geoffrey’s comment had given her a second’s reprieve from the seriousness of their current mission, it all swept back to her as she stared at the moon; steel reflected steel as she leaned against the steady balcony, eyes shifting to Geoffrey.

“Should you win,” She began, hoping he didn’t hear the use of ‘you’ instead of ‘we’; she took the Dark Elf’s promise to heart, and if she’s caught the attention of the Green One so, she doubted she’d be leaving here alive - even if the Confederacy came out victorious. “How many of your soldiers do you see dying? What do you see of the time after that? Surely you aren’t the type to negotiate trades with the Grimm, so what will you do?”

“The men here knew fully well the risk they were getting into,” Geoffrey began, his playful voice suddenly turning sour. “Of course, I don’t want any of them to die, but it will be inevitable that we’ll be leaving this place feeling rather beaten, despite our successes - well, if we succeed, as you said.”

Approaching the edge of the balcony, Geoffrey looked out across the expanse of the mountain range and down to the valley, the glint of an edge of the great mirror from earlier just barely visible from where they stood. “As for myself…” he trailed off, frowning at the thought of what was to come next - war, no doubt, and it would be no surprise if he was sent to the front lines himself. For another moment, he stood there pondering, his brow easing from being furrowed, his pale eyes brightening to the same icy blue as the moon.

“Fighting, planning, strategics - all the wonderful things that go along with being lieutenant!” Geoffrey boasted in humor, raising his hands for dramatic effect. It was more a show for him than anything, despite the risks involved.

“And what of any family you left behind?” Kehah asked, taking her eyes off of him. She knew she was reaching; getting too familiar too fast. She might let something slip if she kept this up, but she was still rattled by the threat from earlier, and she wanted to get as much information from Geoffrey as she could before she wrote to Maar’von. Kehah shivered again, and found herself frowning. Whatever magicks were held in this castle, they were certainly messing with her. That could be far more deadly than any Dark Elf if she found herself caught off guard in the coming battles.

(end part 1)

Smirking, Geoffrey leaned against the stone wall beside them, still keeping his eyes fixed out over the valley. He really hadn’t thought too much about his home since he had left, despite his nostalgia for the quaint village.

“Delshire…” he mumbled softly, though still crisp and clear in the night air. “Not many lads who run off from home return, you know, out in the west. I guess I hadn’t much planned on seeing anyone ‘til I’m good and ready to settle down, whenever that would be,” he finished.

Kehah had a vague memory of Maar’von saying the exact same thing when a fourteen year old version of her had asked him about his home after a particularly rough bout of blades training; she’d been with them for about 3 moon cycles at the time. They had been sitting on the grass in a clearing of the small forest they’d settled in for the night, and she began speaking about Zavach and Itzev for the first time. She told him about Yaar Tovah, and he’d exclaimed about how close their villages were.

”Really?” She asked, tilting her head so her long purple ponytail fell off her shoulder. “I haven’t heard of Delshire.”

“Not surprising, Little Steel,” He smirked, using his nickname for her; no one in the group would let her forget that her eyes were so abnormal, especially not Maar’von who, like her, coveted the Elves of the Forest. “While both our villages are rather similar, you weren’t looking to travel upon growing up; I was.”

“But we aren’t even a day’s ride from each other…”

“And how many in your village ride out at all?”

She’d conceded to his point at the time, and they had talked through the night while the others slept a few feet away. When she asked about his tattoos, he explained every one in detail before demanding she get some too. She’d been shocked and went to protest, but the man explained that, though she was part of Yaar Tovah, she’d taken on the tradition of Delshire by leaving home and experiencing a different life.

She got her first tattoo the next day in a town nearby.

Shaking the memory from her head, she let out a small smile before saying, “So you look to settle down back in Delshire, but not for many years, yes?” She let out a laugh. “What partner will you find to put up with your rabble-rousing and insubordination?”

Geoffrey began chuckling, keeping his humor as contained as well as he could. “Ah, the ultimate question every man must face! Perhaps a woman with the temperament of an ox and the patience of a snake, who can smite my lust for adventure and merry-making, as it were,” he nodded with a deviant grin spread across his face, before bursting out with laughter. The echoes of his joy bounced across the faces of the mountains, and were quickly met with the deafening silence that had laid thick across the valley.

“Good luck on that front,” Kehah returned with a smirk. “A woman like that would sooner continue on with her own adventures until she becomes one with the earth again rather than settle down in a village to die peacefully.”

“Alas, I am doomed to wander after her ‘til the winds of time call for me to be one with the spirits!” Geoffrey pulled up his sleeve, revealing the arm that was bare of any ink. “How comical it would be for those who discover my withered body that beneath the tale of Grimm, there would lay the tale of a man’s endless stupor, drunken by the call of a woman he can’t catch!” He rolled his sleeve back down, letting a sigh escape his lips as Kehah did nothing but smirk back at him. The breeze suddenly picked up, pushing a frozen wind across the balcony, yet Geoffrey remained steadfast, his cold eyes fixed upon some invisible object deep in the valley.

“And what of you, Kehah Lahav? Have you family in a small village who you care to see? Or will you wander the world? Or, rather, join in the senseless slaughter of man?” Geoffrey’s voice turned as cold as the wind at his last question, his eyes fixing upon his companion, whose shoulders had suddenly gone tense.

“I’ve no one to return to but my band,” Kehah spoke up, studiously ignoring the last part of his question. So she's killed for money, so what? She survived how she was taught and she isn't ashamed of it; damn near all the people she's assassinated have been the lower parts of humanity, she'd made sure of that before following through. “And after this, should the war push forward, all non-military volunteers will be let off, not allowed to continue to the actual battles sure to rage.” Her eyes too have gone cold as she stared up at the moon.

Slowly, she let her body relax; if he was anything like Maar’von - and from what she has seen, he is a little too much like him - then it was safe to share a bit of herself with him.

“After events of my youth and losses that occurred therein, I never expected to survive as long as I did. I’ve only lived this long out of respect for the Elves,” she shrugged. “Maybe I will have nothing else to do but wander the world…”

Kehah trailed off, leaving Geoffrey to ponder what was spoken. The wind had died down, quieting the land about them so only the buzzing of insects could faintly be heard. After a few moments of silence, Geoffrey finally spoke. “I had thought that enlisting would give me opportunity to explore, to see the world outside of the farms that run along the endless woods. I never expected a life of office work, of all things. And yet here I am, exploring somewhere nearly as mysterious as the forests themselves, though my wanderlust is far from satiated,” Geoffrey pushed himself off of the wall, beginning to walk back toward the hallway from which they had came, Kehah following along shortly after.

“We still have half a castle to explore by tonight,” Geoffrey finished, smiling back to his companion before turning into the darkened hallway. This Kehah seemed particularly unique, for certain, regardless of her logged military history. There was something about her that seemed distant and secluded, yet mystical. Perhaps there was some source of her love for the elves of old? Geoffrey set the thought aside, though it continued to pester at him throughout the night.

"Oh yes," Kehah enthused with a bland look. "I'm sure the rest of our half is just as interesting as what we've seen so far!"

The falsity in her tone did not belie her wary posture at the thought of unknowns around every corner they took.

As confederates and imperials traveled the halls and walls, certain castle residents were awake as well. Guards patrolled down the center of the castle on all levels, to ensure the first night treaty held. Various servants roamed about as well, keeping things tidy for perhaps the last night they would have a good time to do so. The moon beamed down upon the castle, bathing its outside in a soft, gentle light.

One of the empire's scouts was exploring the castle's out most wall, to see if it would make a decent invasion route for either side. The wall was decently wide, maybe four people wide at best, though, there were turrets spaced along the wall that one would have to get through, the doorways only wide enough for one man at a time. Any major group that attempted to invade the other's territory by the outer wall could easily get held up at one of the turrets and if that happened the troops would become sitting ducks if anyone with long-range weaponry was stationed below.

The scout suddenly broke into a cold sweat as a strange, loud cracking sound could be heard nearby. He quickly turned toward the noise and realized he was staring at one of the castle wall gargoyles. Wide-eyed, he watched as giant cracks were forming at an accelerated pace along its back and wings. Within only a few moments, shards of stone crashed down upon the wall top and a horrible beast burst out of the stone and turned toward the scout.

The gargoyle as matted-gray, with bristling fur, one long horn and one small one on its head, hooved feet, clawed hands, and menacing yellow eyes with a diamond shaped pupil. While the creature was no longer stone and could probably be hurt, they were not called castle guardians for nothing. The scout was not about to find out as he raced for the nearest turret to barricade himself in. The creature snorted and started to run after him.

The quick thinking scout ripped open a small pouch of powder and threw it back at the monster. Taking it face first, the creature started to sneeze, which threw off its stride, and made the creature stumble for a few spaces, giving the scout just enough time to dive into the nearest turret. The creature smashed into the doorway but it was too stockily built to squeeze through, so it settled for trying to grab the man with one of its arms.

As the scout fought off the creature he thought to himself, "What kind of hell-hole is this place! I thought we'd just be fighting those wet-backs! This place must be cursed!" Taking out his sword, the scout started to bat back the gargoyle's arm. The war hadn't even really begun yet but for this particular solider, he was already in a life or death struggle.

---

Meanwhile on the confederacy side a certain maid of the castle found herself getting some unneeded attention from a confederacy ranger. The pretty young maid on the receiving end of the ranger's attentions, was a dark-skinned brunette who had been tidying up what appeared be be somewhat of a trophy room filled various busts, statues, and animal heads on the walls. At the moment the ranger had the maid trapped against an armored dummy as he made his move.

"Well fancy meeting such a pretty thing here. You know I hope you can tell me all about this castle, you've probably dusted every inch of this place and I'm not feeling particularly motivated to find it all myself." The ranger smiled and shoved the maid into the dummy, but the dummy was bolted in place so it didn't move. "I know that boss of yours is all about bribes, probably trying to make some money off of us, but I don't feel like paying. How about you start giving so I won't have to start getting a bit rough with cha?"

The maid tried to run to the side, but the ranger caught her by the wrist and slammed her back into the armored dummy. The maid, looked frightened, but there was a certain darkness in her eye as well. "I d-don't know why you think you can get away with this but if Lord Grimm finds out!" She was stopped there as the ranger covered her mouth.

"Well if you don't recall he also said he was fine with casualties. If I specifically remember it was something like if we are attacked we're free to kill even the Castle's residents. Now ain't that right?" The ranger brought out a nice and danced it in front of the maid's face. "Now, why don't we have a little chat?"

As the two of them walked on, Geoffrey took note of a hushed chatter coming from around a corner ahead of them, and put his arm in front of Kehah gingerly, to slow their pace. As they came upon the turn in the hall, Geoffrey listened on as there was a doorway just further down the turn, which appeared open, and the voices emanated from there. Geoffrey turned and approached, keeping slow and quiet, but still away from the wall lest he drag the tip of his sheath against it.

As he peered through the doorway, Geoffrey spotted the Confederate soldier begin to grasp at his dagger, pinning the servant girl to the wall. A small scowl spread across Geoffrey's face as he stood upright, walking through the door toward him, the whole while thinking up a clever way to address him without having to draw his blade. That'd be one way to ensure I get some lashings, Geoffrey figured, fixing a feigned smirk upon his lips.

"Hey now, friend, this servant lass must've given you quite a fright to be drawin' a blade at, don't you suppose?" Geoffrey let out a small sigh as he stood behind the ranger, gently placing the palm of his hand on his sword's pommel.

@IceHeart@AnaSilan Sunja

Kehah rolled her eyes at Geoffrey's sugar coating; he may have to be subtle in his displeasure with the other soldiers, but she sure as the Spirits did not.

"Or perhaps," She said, pulling a dagger of her own out of one of her holsters. "He's simply a heathen taking advantage of size and strength to further his own needs."

She glared at him as she stepped passed Geoffrey and put herself between the soldier and servant, using her own blade to knock his out of the way. She made sure that the servant girl was still in her sights; better safe than sorry if she turned out to have a cold-blooded side. Her head tilted to the side as she grinned at the soldier.

"Of course, you could prove me wrong and sheath your blade." There was a dark glint in her eyes, daring the man to posture so she could attack.

The ranger was surprised to hear Geoffrey behind him and turned his head to see who it was. "Don't be coy with me." He glared but had to adjust himself when Kehah injected herself between him and the servant girl. Her blade pushed against his and he wisely backed up a few paces, making sure he went away from both the intruders.

"Blast it all what's wrong with you two? I'm trying to get easy information here so our side is sure to win!" The ranger peered venomously at the two, unwilling to put his blade away but also not ready to fight fellow confederates. He kept his dagger close to his body as he started stepping around, trying to get a reading on the situation.

The servant girl took a step behind the armored dummy she had been pressed against and watched the ranger closely.

"Look you two," The ranger continued, hoping they would leave him alone. "Its obvious the Lord of this castle is an eccentric and if I can use his rules to my advantage than so be it. Also I don't like being used for this succession war, just cause he doesn't want to use his own resources to figure it out so the sooner this war is over with the better."

From the back of the room, stone sliding on stone could be heard as a section of the wall slid open. From the darkness inside stepped out the masked man with his black and white mask. "Quite the accusation against my lord. Your own attempts to use his rules in a way where only you gain anything and nothing is returned back to this castle is quite undesirable." The figure's tone turned cold on his final word and it felt like icicles had permeated the entire room, making even the servant start to shake.

Taking his tone as a hostile act the ranger reacted swiftly, throwing the dagger straight at the man's head and reached for another from his belt. The masked individual caught the dagger between his fingers with seemingly little effort and with his left hand pulled out a small, compact crossbow from his back. Another dagger flashed out toward the ex-guide, but with the preciously caught dagger, the man threw it into its path and they bounced off of each other, while at the same time he pulled the trigger on the crossbow.

The small bolt slammed into the ranger's chest, knocking him to the ground. The ranger started to gargle blood as his life quickly slipped away. Putting away the empty crossbow, the masked man looked at the three still in the room. "For coming to the defense of the young lady I thank you. You should probably spread word to the others as it would be a shame if I were forced to eliminate more of you before the marrow."

Kehah didn't show any shock as the man went down, bolt in his chest; he should have seen the masked man pull the crossbow initially, backing into cover like she did. From her place next to the servant girl, she leaned forward to look passed the dummy and at the masked man as he spoke. She nodded to him to show she'd heard, her eyes cold as she glanced down at the bloody ranger. They always seemed to go from the glinting silver of steel to a pale, slate gray when blood got involved. Her final gaze landed on Geoffrey as the auburn haired man had yet to make a statement to the masked man.

"All due respect, Lieutenant," she spoke up. "I don't make it a habit to carry trash around with me." Purple hair swayed softly to the side as she tilted her head, turning slightly to address the other man in the room. Well, the other breathing man, that is.

"I didn't question this beforehand, but where will all the dead go during all this mishegas?"

She'd said 'dead' the same way you say 'trash'; with a hint of disdain but mostly indifference. There was typically respect behind the word when she said it, given that she had to worry about it being one of her band mates, but she had a feeling that that certain tone would be used very little in the coming times.

"Hmm yes I suppose that was never quite mentioned during the initial proceedings. Obviously we cannot just have bodies laying around the castle grounds so the bodies will be disposed of by castle personnel." The masked individual motioned to the servant girl who promptly stepped out from behind the dummy and around Kehah who had taken cover next to her.

"Come young one. I know its a bit annoying but considering your involvement tonight it looks like you have a corpse to dispose of." He pointed down to the ranger's paling body and the servant girl quickly obliged, she grabbed the corpse by his armpits and started to drag him toward the open hidden door.

"You might find me around every so often, looking for...employment opportunities. Something to keep in mind." The masked individual bowed, and walked after the servant girl into the darkness. "A good night to you both, I'll be keeping an eye on this war you can be certain." With that said, the man seemed to touch something in the darkness, and the wall slid back into place as if there had been no secret door at all.

---

The imperial scout listened closely...silence was all her heard. It had been about 30 minutes since the gargoyle appeared to have given up. Still, he was quite scared and very cautiously peered out of the turret. He looked all around but the beast was no where to be found. He took a step out and quickly looked up at the top of the turret to see if the beast had climbed on top, but there was nothing.

"I-I need to get back while I have the chance!" He bolted along the wall as fast as he could, praying that he would make it. He made it about 30 feet when suddenly, the gargoyle shot up from the outside of the wall where it had been lying in wait, out of sight. The beast tackled the man off of the wall and into the courtyard below with a sickening thud.

Both sides had lost a man that night before the war could even truly begin.

"Well, at least there was a bit of entertainment," Geoffrey let out a sigh as the stone door seemed to slide back into the wall, any crevice between the two having entirely vanished. Clearly, though it wasn't incredibly surprising to the lieutenant, this castle had much more in store than one could get from a good deal of scrounging. Geoffrey shook his head slowly as he thought of how he was to report this information back to his superiors, the thought of keeping the event a secret continuing to grow in his mind. Finally, he turned to Kehah, struggling to fix a smile over top of his frown.

"I believe I've had more than my share of excitement for the evening, wouldn't you agree?" His words tumbled out from his mouth with a weighted sarcasm, letting himself glance about the store-room in idle curiosity before he started his way out of the door, back out into the long, narrow, cold hallway. As he gazed about at the various paintings across the walls, Geoffrey couldn't help but feel a bit off, though the scene hadn't seemed to visibly change. A small bit of anxiety began building deep in his stomach, but the tactician took a deep breath once more to set himself at ease - as well as he could, considering the circumstances. Though he hadn't necessarily hoped to have a fellow comrade end up dead so soon, even if he did seem like a bit of a worm, Geoffrey figured his stepping in had perhaps given a fair amount of favor toward himself and his companion, and he hoped it wouldn't go entirely unnoticed.

@AnaSilan Sunja

The rest of the castle on their side seemed much the same as they made their way back; winding corridors and paintings of mythos. There were plenty of dragons in the paintings, which surprised neither of them given how the Grimms seemed to praise them as Kehah and Geoffrey did the Elves and Forest.

By the time they’d returned to the sleeping quarters, having gone to them straight from the trophy room, Kehah already had her mental map drawn up and several traps laid out; she was ready to shut her eyes for an hour or so. With this in mind, she turned to Geoffrey. “Still confined to soldier’s quarters?” She asked in regards to his comment at the dinner table. That already seemed like forever ago due to the recent events. “Given how much you’ve irritated the higher ups, perhaps it would suit you to make do as I do.”

With her signature smirk dancing on her lips, Kehah took off into the soldier’s quarters in plain sight of Geoffrey, repeating her earlier act- though this time without the help of the cot given that someone was now sleeping on it- and quickly settled down into her hammock, smiling down over the side of it at the auburn haired representative.

Perhaps she was showing off a bit, but she really did believe he should stay out of reach.

Geoffrey sauntered his way into the soldier's quarters, letting out a laugh as Kehah lept into the rafters to settle in for the evening. "Indeed, I would doubt any of our officers have the wit to expect one of their own hanging from the ceiling!" Glancing about, Geoffrey eyed a small pile of folded sheets, more than likely set out to accommodate for extra troops. Grabbing at the top-most cloth, which seemed to be of a nicer material than he had expected, Geoffrey raised his free hand up to Kehah, allowing her to help pull him up to the wooden beams.

After he had finished tying the ends of his sheet around the rafters, Geoffrey settled in, unbuckling his blade from his belt and, gingerly, daintily, set it upon the support-beam to rest. Letting out a sigh, Geoffrey glanced about the room, noting the few Confederates who were busily mumbling their inability to sleep. It came as no surprise, really, considering the events that had occurred today, and it only seemed as if sleep would be a rare commodity these next few nights, or however long it would take for this war of ascension to play out. Geoffrey let out another sigh, louder this time, though he had no intention of it grabbing the attention of anyone around him. "Well, I suppose first watch could go to the one who is more experienced in that art..." Geoffrey's smile widened as he peered over to the silver-eyed woman in the hammock beside his.

@AnaSilan Sunja

The rest of the night passed without any further incidents of a deathly nature and so the sun started to peek over the mountains, though at this point it mostly missed the valley itself. The Onyx Empire representatives were quite worried when one of their scouts never returned, and his body was nowhere to be seen. The White Rock Confederacy was similarly displeased upon learning of the fate of the ranger. Both sides started to grow the seeds of paranoia about their hosts.

Paranoia aside, they both had a job to do, to win this war. At the moment there were still castle guards down the center of the grounds but that was soon to change. There was one final bit of business to do before the guards would retreat to the inner castle to ensure the defense of the Castle Grimm residents.

Princess Esmerelda made her way over to the White Rock Confederacy 'headquarters' with a certain green armored knight by her side. The White Rock soldiers and merchants quickly made way for the young noblewoman. Today she wore a frilly white gown with light-pink lace, white elbow length gloves, and light-pink heels that were usually covered by her dress but poked out when she walked. The gown itself so no doubt quite expensive but modest, though even completely covered she could not exactly hide her well-endowed chest.

"Good-morning representatives of the White Rock Confederacy. Once again I humbly ask you to do your best in the upcoming war. Our fates are now interwined together and I hope that we can reach a mutual and beneficial relationship with each other." The young lady curtsied to the assembled group and more than a few could not help but feel a slight tug on their heartstrings.

Meanwhile the green knight appeared to be searching through the crowd for a particular face.

"As you no doubt know, soon the guards will be recalled and battle will commence. I pray to the Supreme Dragon that you will emerge victorious in the days ahead. It is a pity one of your own met his maker last night and I am sorry for your loss." At this there were a few disgruntled comments from some of the mercenaries but the wealthy merchants quickly shut them up.

"A tragedy that your first casualty would be by the hands of Castle Grimm but I would like to point out that while Castle Grimm is neutral, quite a few of its members are more than willing to lend a hand to your efforts. While you fight I'll be working behind the scenes with my contacts to try and set up some meetings that would benefit us both." Lady Esmerelda drew a silk white handkerchief from her sleeve to show to the gathered members.

"When I decide to send a direct contact to you, you will be able to recognize them being from me as they will be wearing this handkerchief on their left arm. Hopefully this will allow me to help even when I am occupied with internal matters." After waving it a bit more, she put it away and continued to speak.

"Well it should be any moment now." As soon as she finished, what sounded like a loud ram's horn resounded throughout the castle grounds and the Castle Guards left their posts to head into the inner castle.

"May the dragons provide you victory!" She gave a small little fist bump into the air which caused a few confederates to chuckle. But soon everyone was sporting serious faces as they realized the war had officially started.