Siran Vahramyan Arshakuni

Their journey finally began in earnest. Albus seemed to take to riding the horse quite easily. Maybe he had a gift, or it could just be sheer dumb luck. Siran just hoped he wasn't about to be tossed off in a few seconds. As they left, it seemed someone else decided they wanted to take their turn giving him riding tips. Siran was just fine leaving it to the good sir knight; he probably knew much more about Estalian horses techniques than Siran did. Otherwise, they were to enjoy a brief jaunt through Greymont before they could get out of the city. Siran had been here a few times since arriving in Estala, though not enough to feel as though the city was familiar to her. The Arshakuni tended to keep to the tiny plot of land they had been granted and only the occasional trip was made to cities to sell their meager creations. She was occasionally brought along when she nagged someone long enough to have them relent and take her discreetly. It had to be done discreetly, as her father always disapproved of her doing much more than sitting around the camp and being a pretty princess. Once again, she was reminded that they were going to be far away from the pretensions of chiefs and elders and perhaps even lords and ladies. It was a journey that was to lead them into combat, and they would surely have little time to strut and preen....minus the girl riding side saddle, perhaps.

As the people gathered to wave farewell to the prince, it reminded her of the times from her youth, back before the Arshakuni became a bunch of refugees pretending to still be relevant. Back then, she could have counted on the various families associated with the Arshakuni clan to fuss about her just like this. There wouldn't have been nearly as many of them, but it certainly would have been more than most of the rest of their party could lay claim to. She didn't really care for it anymore, though; it might have been an enamouring idea for a vain little girl, but having grown up here, she knew there was no meaning in hoping for crowds of adoring peasants to gather for her. They would never come, and she didn't terribly want them to come either. She was far more interested in getting a good look at these islands, pirate infested or not. As they finally left the city, it was time for them to pick up the pace and reach the boats. It was quite possible that none were more eager to do so than Siran.

Careful where you stick that tongue, Eli, she mused grumpily from her saddle as she reined in Jessie appropriately just in time to wave and smile politely to the onlookers and well-wishers seeing their prince's expedition off. It might just make a friend....or the wrong side of a sharp implement. She was ambushed by the memory of them as children trying to pry each other's baby teeth loose with spoons and string, mostly unsuccessful (to their long-term wellness) save for a couple of bloody painful incidents, one for each of them, where the string was tied to a chair back. Jauna was so lost to multiple daydreams after that that the rest of the trip passed by as a blur for her.

With the order to move out, Tiu guided the horse after the main group, taking in the sights as they passed through the center of town. She always did love the feel of this city, so many different people from a wide variety of places. As they passed a section of Laguz, she looked over for a few moments before turning her gaze back ahead of them, an unfortunate feeling of longing eating at her core. After so long of hiding, she had even come to the point that she had kept herself from coming into contact of her own kind, as she couldn't bring herself to trust anyone lest they accidentally let her secret out. As she looked ahead, she noticed another one of their group, the man that had slammed a fist on the table, throw hateful glares at the passing Laguz, as well as say something that she was sure was demeaning about her kin. She made a mental note to avoid being around him more than necessary as they moved out of the city. Once they were out of the gates, Tiu let the horse pick up the pace, keeping up with the group easily. Remembering that there was, in fact, a second person with her, she glanced over her shoulder to the young boy behind her.

"Everything alright back there? Nothing too bumpy yet, right?" She asked with a small smile dancing on her lips. Inexperienced riders always gave her a bit of entertainment, their panic over riding usually giving her at least a few chuckles.

@Tenma Tendo

@Ambra"Believe me, Dame Rhea, it's no problem to understand." Gorou said. Now that she had turned her gaze towards him, he bowed his head slightly. "That is why I accepted your offer to ride, and made mention of Captain Aiden's recommendation. I have been as honest as possible, at least insofar as I can be without actually removing the mask." He touched the object in question, tracing the tribal patterns upon it with one long finger--the underside of which bore the callous of long hours practicing the blade. "Your duty to your liege, your level head, and your scrutiny of those under your command are worthy of the highest admiration."

"There are...a few reasons, that I hide my face." Gorou began. "As I mentioned before, I have dueled many schools of the blade. Nobles who practice the art of dueling, to defend themselves in the back alleys and taverns. Knights who practice the way of war. For those sorts, their skill and their honor is their life." He looked up at Rhea, though of course his eyes were hidden. "Even with this mask, they speak of me--"Beware the Masked Man's Challenge." But that's all I am right now--a rumor, a bit of gossip." He pantomimed a haughty voice like one of the upper class might use at a dinner party. "Did you hear? Lord Eric was bested in swordplay by some masked ragamuffin! But, so long as I wear the mask...that is all I am. A masked man could be anyone. A masked man could even be a liar, a falsehood, made to besmirch a man's honor. Can you imagine then, what would happen to those men's reputation if the one who defeated them could be recognized? A face, a family name, a personage who could be traced back to a home and a village?" He raised one hand off the saddle horn now, making a gesture of interjection.

"But don't misunderstand, it's not that I'm trying to hide from them--it's that I don't want fame or glory for myself, and I don't want to make other people look bad even if I have to defeat them in battle. I don't study the blade because I want to go down in the history books as the best swordsman in the world...though I suppose that might be nice...But, I walk this path because I want to know what's at the end of it." Although, as he said that...what little was visible of his face grimaced, just a little, and his voice seemed a little sad. But it was no more than a mere instant, and the expression was as neutral as before.

"That is one reason. Another is that my eyes--" He stopped. It was clear he had to think for a moment before he continued, and this time his face certainly changed, becoming a bit redder in the cheeks. "Well, I-I've been told that my eyes are...unpleasant to look at." His free hand scratched at his cheek, and he looked away as if he were taking the scenery in around them again.

"But I assure you, Dame Rhea, I can be trusted." What can I tell her, though, to really make that clear? That I'll lay down my life for the Prince? But that's already expected of everyone here. Everyone cares about Prince Eli...ah, perhaps that's it.

He looked back at her again, and smiled--a real smile, showing off white teeth and everything. The light of the sky behind them even seemed to make him sparkle.

"I shall fulfill my duty to the Prince...and I'll do everything I can to protect you, too."

Having mounted onto a rugged travelling mare, Arin waited politely for the rest of the group, the priestess busying herself with petting the mare and feeding Choco. Arin wouldn't dare look in the Wyvern's direction, nor the direction of any of the massive men while she waited, often diverting her head when one of them would leave the castle gates and walk over towards the stable. She wasn't attempting to be rude by any means, but the thought of a giant riding a large destrier or the tall beast had only served to intimidate Arin further while she tried to calmly wait for the party to finish their preparations and sally outside Greymont.

Eventually, the knight by the name of Maize had announced that it was their time to leave. Following the party outside the gates, Arin preferred to ride near those shorter in their group, such as the mage or the lady swordsman. Their company was calming, especially when what it seemed to be hundreds of citizens began swarming the paths as they left, but also because Arin had little understanding of defending herself outside of her healing magic. Even if Arin hardly knew anything about them, she was certain that they wouldn't just abandon her to a bandit's blade or some crook to rape and sell her into slavery.

Once they were outside the castle gates, the party had more or less began to split off into little conversations, which had left Arin more or less without someone to talk to other than her bird companion. Seeing that the Prince had rode ahead of the group, the priestess followed suit as he was quite friendly with her back at the castle. What better way to make friends than now, Arin thought, as she rode the mare beside Eli, who had just named his horse Chester. "Chester looks like a nice horse, Prince Eli. I think my horse is... a Lucille!" Arin stated as she approached Eli, flashing the boy-prince a smile as she rode beside him.

---

A small, rare smile formed on the boy's face at the response he was give. For some reason he was expecting something a lot more strict, but in all honesty, how Tiu acted currently was far more interesting. And now that he had her name, Fei proceeded to write the name on the palm of his hand with his finger three times; now he knew he would never forget it.
"Tiu Feir...Tiu Feir...Tiu Feir..." He mumbled softly as he finished writing the older woman's name down. Pulling up the hood of his cloak to hide his electric baby blue hair, Fei's small hands grabbed onto the back of Tiu's cloak.

With the reassurance of Tiu's words encouraging Fei to remain calm, he nodded quickly.
"I-If you say so...I'll hang on a-as tight as possible when we g-get going...kinda like th-this." He answered as he pressed his face into Tiu's back before pulling away and relaxing. "...Like that." He repeated with another quick nod.

--

As their slow but steady trek began, Fei was having a rather hard time keeping his voice down. The way the horse moved, to the detachment of his feet to the ground, Fei was more than worried of actually falling; despite Tiu's reassuring words, the bluenette had a vice grip on the other's cloak, pressing his face onto her back like he demonstrated earlier. While he would have much preferred staying like so until they reached their destination, the unorthodox sounds that came from all directions teased his curiosity enough, only for him to let a grunt of distress before moving back to his prior position.

When asked if everything was alright, Fei stared up at Tiu with wide eyes.
"Wh-What are you doing? L-Look forward! Wh-What if the horse runs into s-something? W-We could d-die!!" He stuttered, his expression showing nothing less than pure horror.

@Tala Avana

Letting out a low chuckle, she decided to turn a bit more, getting a better look at her passenger, and an even worse view of the path ahead. She could hear the rest of the group getting into their own little conversations, as well as the Wyvern flying around overhead, but she kept her attention on Fei.

"Relax, there's nothing to worry about. Horses are intelligent creatures, they aren't just going to wander into a ditch or some such thing. As long as no one spooks them, a group of horses only really needs the ones at the lead theirs as the ones following will keep with them. It's a herd mentality thing, trust me." She said as they steadily clopped along. She gave her horse an affectionate pat on the back of the neck for a few moments, the horse letting out a few pleased sounds and making Tiu smile a bit more. She had always loved horses, although she had run with them more often then ridden them before. It was an excellent test of her speed in her Laguz form on those days that she had nothing better to do.

@Tenma Tendo

Zachary was absentmindedly steering his horse as the group was finally mobilizing. The journey was finally beginning and the bard only grinned wider as he thought of the future. Surely, such coverage will allow him to spread the joy of music that fuels his soul to everyone who cared to listen. These thoughts pleased the bard and put any negativity he would have to rest. Once the prince responded to his introduction, Zachary felt his heart swell with happiness as the prince of all people was pleased by his music. ”I would play you another tune, but alas we are now traveling and I cannot play with one hand… or, at least I have yet to try.” The prince’s smile and chuckle reassured the bard that Eli was a very sociable boy and would not be scared to speak with him.

The people of Greymont began to amass and the bard was surprised by such exposure. The masses all cheered for the prince to begin his journey... however it seems they only paid mind to the prince for the most part. I sure hope none of the other escorts are offended by the lack of attention. After all, this journey is all about Eli in the first place. The bard still grinned and waved to the people nonetheless. He wished his horse was not scared by so many people, otherwise he would have gladly played the citizens a farewell song. Once the group had finally left the area the prince spoke to him once again. The boy seemed troubled by leaving his people behind. Zachary sympathized with him to some degree. ”No te preocupes, my prince. The people know why you must go so do not see a farewell as a sad moment. Use this farewell as your reason to return en la victoria!” The bard would always serve to inspire others even without music, no matter what. His spirit has gotten him to where he is today and he will gladly share inspiration with others.

The bard continued to steer his horse close by the prince in case he wished to converse with him again. He was a nice boy, Eli, and Zachary wished to make the journey enjoyable for him and everyone else. Zachary caught a glimpse of the wyvern in the sky, its white sheen looking as natural as a cloud. There is much beauty in this world to witness. Such a creature is truly a blessing to have on our side. He returned his gaze to the road ahead as he slightly adjusted his horse’s movements. His steed was slightly discomforted by the predator in the sky but surely it would get over it as time went on.

Eli’s voice caught the bard’s attention. The prince had named his horse Chester and Zachary found this amusing. Soon before the bard could quip in, an attractive young woman rode up to the prince as Zachary was. She joined in on Eli’s fun and named her horse Lucille. ”Those are truly nombres de magnificos my friends,” he spoke as he pulled himself next to the prince yet again. ”Of course, no name is better than that of Biscuit. Simple yet elegant, yes?” The bard looked over at the other two with a grin and a chuckle as he patted his horse.

---

Eli continued to pet the horse's mane, grooming it with gentle care as he rode slowly through the grass fields that laid against the sides of the road. He looked over to the main group, spotting a young girl approaching him slowly. Eli, having gone through the same routine before, thought that she was coming to make some kind of move on him. It wasn't impossible; after all, this happened far more than a commoner thinks it would. "Please don't do what I think you're about to do..." His eyes wandered over to Jauna, remembering how she was supposed to be one of several handmaids he was to select as a bride. The thought made him gag slightly. He just didn't want to marry. He wanted to spend his time studying, exploring, and going out on adventures. That's all he ever wanted. As the Priestess approached, Eli put on a friendly smile, and sat up, giving the horse a few pats on the side of it's neck before taking the reins once more. When she spoke, he was relieved to hear her just making friendly chatter. "It's a very typical name, I would say. Lucille sounds far better of a name than 'Chester.' Of course, I was never really good at naming pets." He chuckled a little and looked forward, until the Bard made his way to his other side.

It felt a little weird to be sandwiched between two complete strangers. In fact, Eli must have thought that Rhea would be taking serious offense or was being provoked with how close they were getting to him. After all, what reason would she had to trust them? They were not only strangers, but commoners. Of course, with the Priestess, she had some claim of trust, being a part of the clergy and what-not. Even so, Eli hoped that Rhea wouldn't get too serious around them...even if he did look up to her for it. As the Bard spoke, Eli gave him a smirk, his brow raised in confusion. He had an extremely strange dialect, making it hard to follow at times, but he was nonetheless able to grasp what he had meant. He shook his head at the mention of the name 'Biscuit' and he laughed. "No, I suppose there isn't. It's a very plain name, though....kinda boring." He had a large smile on his face, then looked back forward at the land ahead of them. The grasslands of Estala were beautiful, but the south and northern parts of Estala were said to be covered with thick woods. Eli, having never seen the pines of the north, was excited to see them. He heard of many dark tales about creatures like werewolves, ghouls, and whatever creepy beasts that existed in folklore. Of course, these were all fake, but the environment of the northern pines must have been quite dark for such tales to be woven.

Jauna saw people beginning to cluster around the prince in front of her, not surprising of course, but she figured Eli might appreciate some social assistance. Her physical blade was not the only thing that had been honed. She pulled her horse out of line up to Eli's right. "Well I think Biscuit is a lovely horse's name! He could have a mare friend named Marmalade!"

Trotting along, he tried listening in on a conversation. Horse names huh? He was never any good with naming things. He'd met a guy before who named every piece of equipment he owned. Guy was a total lunatic. 'Course, he'd met an actual lunatic. He was... an experience. And one he'd rather avoid. But back to the horse names. What kind of name would his have? He'd probably just call it 'Chesnut', after his breed. Kind of boring, but he didn't want to go overboard. He was a simple guy from a simple place. Things needed to work, not look flashy.

He looked up, and around him. Rhea was up on her wyvern still. And... that was it really. There wasn't a whole lot going on. A few clouds, some dirt, more dirt. Well, he was used to it. He enjoyed the calm of the road. Then again, bustling cities could be fun. There was always something to do, somewhere to go, someone to talk to. Then again, you never really had much quiet time. And on the road you usually had to much quiet time. Well, guess there's not much to do now but keep on keepin' on.

Despite the panic lacing the blue haired boy's words, Tiu turned EVEN MORE! Was...was she trying make him freak out? Pressing his lips to a thin line, Fei furrowed his brows as he stared at the short haired girl while she tried to console him. It was true that he was overreacting a little bit...and her explaining that the horses knew what they were doing regardless of if the rider was looking forward or not did make sense; heck, most knights don't have to luxury to look forward while in the middle of battle.
"..I-I guess that makes sense..." He mumbled, not wanting to say that she was out right correct.

Fei tightened his grip on Tiu's cloak before leaning to the left in order to get a good look at the woman petting the horse. The sound that came afterwards made Fei's heart jump into his throat, but other than that, it was kinda cool to see how calm Tiu was around the horse she probably just met a while ago.
"Tiu, d-do you like animals?" He questioned curiously, tilting his head in process of adjusting back to his original seat.
@Tala Avana

Jauna's ears perked up and she led her mare back in line behind Eli's now flatulent beast, Chester, keeping a very respectable distance. Unfortunately, due to this distance, she had to strain to hear every word Maize was saying as the blunt, yet handsome, oaf decided to talk to the party with his back to them all and eyes on the road. At the mention of a quaint village called Bolsan, she groaned audibly. "Quaint village? Bolsan still has latrines instead of proper plumbing! I'll be, it's probably cleaner sleeping out in the woods rather than among the common country folk!" She sniffed haughtily in that way noble ladies were oft taught and do, red curls cascading over one shoulder.

As if the universe decided a lesson in humility was in order, suddenly Jessie tripped over a small rock protruding in the narrow road! Jauna, still sitting side-saddle as befitting a lady, slid off the saddle with a death-grip on the reins. She landed straight up, but Jessie was then spooked by a passing flying insect and reared. The young red-haired lass twisted to her left to keep the reins from getting tangled in Jessie's front hooves, but in so doing she felt her left foot sink deep in something hot and muddy. Looking down she discovered that one of the horses in front of Eli's had also taken the opportunity to make a deposit and she had just stepped in something very greenish and nasty. Suddenly her day had gone from fantastic and exciting to horrendous. Letting loose a shrill shriek, "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!" she managed to further spook her horse, causing Jessie to skitter to the right when she leaned back against him. This caused her to fall flat on her butt and get the back of her kimono and left hand in the dung as well. "Ew! Ew! EWW!" At that point, poor Jauna simply sat there whimpering waiting for the next bad thing to happen. "Why me?" she moaned between hitching breaths. Her sword's scabbard lay still strapped to her left side, the bottom - thankfully covered - portion lay stuck in the main pile of goop from when she had fallen.

Jessie had taken the opportunity to reposition herself and was now glumly chewing grass by the side of the road, occasionally looking up to stare at her rider with what Jauna swore was amusement. Her cheeks flamed at all the commotion. Thankfully this wasn't the first embarrassing moment either Eli or she had had in front of the other. There had been that one time when Jauna had accidentally lit her hair on fire blowing out candles at her name day party. Still, she couldn't help but be mortified at it all. At least she hadn't gone screaming "help! Help!" and looking even more pathetic than just accepting the fall with whatever dignity she had left on this trip.

Traveling

@Mistiel

Gaivred's eyes cut toward Albus who seemed to be in lala land. Try to teach people and they ignore you. Lovely. He thought before moving away from the new rider. Looking up he repressed a shudder, there was Rhea and Gorou flying. Well at least nothing could sneak up from any clear places with them up there. The axe wielder was sure the pair would warn the main group of any potential dangers. Shaking it off mentally he went to observing their surroundings while the rest chatted among themselves. Most of the conversation was about naming the horses that probably already had names but no one asked for them. It's like naming your neighbors dog...children... He thought while shaking his head minutely.

Maize started talking now but he was telling them how and where they would travel. A few pit stops before actually hitting their destination where a boat was already prepared. Must be nice having a lot of money to have a ship waiting for you fully stocked for travel. Of course someone spoke up about the first town, the young woman who had spoken with Gorou earlier. What she had to say made the mans eyes narrow, typical noble breed. Of course she got hers, karma acted a little quicker today. Her horse got startled and made her fall in the dung of one of the others up front.

Of course she made a commotion, making Gaivred sigh and bring his mare over. Leaning over without dismounting he pulled her up out of the muck. "It doesn't stick like a cows. But it will stain if you stay in it." He stated before clucking his tongue and laying the girl across his lap. Jauna's horses ears perked up before falling in line behind his mare. While they moved he brushed off her kimono and scabbard. "Next time don't bad mouth your own people who provide for you and don't have your riches to improve their quality of life." He said while opening his water-skin so she could rinse off her hand.

"Also if you're traveling a long distance. Don't ride side saddle, you can't properly guide your horse. Nor stay on it as you experienced." Gaivred said, mirth sliding into his tone towards the end. Once she was cleaned up he'd help her back onto her own horse.

@AmbraGorou tensed nervously as Rhea half-turned towards him, her animosity flaring like a newly lit torch. He had misjudged the situation, badly at that. He bowed his head and turned his gaze away, since he couldn't really make the bow that deep because of their riding position.

"My deepest apologies; I didn't mean to imply anything on your part." he said. "I'm certain you are immensely capable. I only meant that..." He looked down upon the traveling party, where the Prince was--as always it seemed--surrounded by others vying for his attention, and of course laughing all the while.

"...It's just that, everyone gravitates towards the Prince. The townspeople, our allies, the nobles of the court. Of course, we're all loyal to him. But I wanted to try and express that I would not overlook you, or the others around us. The Prince's life is not the only one that matters to me. Forgive me if I was untoward."

He sat in silence after that, listening as Rhea explained their route. When she snapped at him earlier, he heard something else beneath the anger in her voice, but he had already pressed her enough. He had tried to ease her suspicions, yet it seemed in doing so he had created a mistrust born not out of healthy judgement, but now genuine dislike. It would probably be better now to remain speechless--he had tried to explain himself the best he could, and anything more than that would probably just make things worse. He suppressed a sigh as he thought back to how this trip had begun. First with Miss Jauna, making trouble for her courtly reputation because he had broken his usual habit of keeping himself to himself, and now with Dame Rhea who was actively angry at him. Of course. He had never been able to handle people...only the sword.

Bolsan...that was about half a day's journey, on horseback. Considering they left Greymont in the morning, they would arrive not long after noon if they kept a brisk speed. Did that mean they would continue for the other half of the day? Although Banidrek might be a bit too far to reach before dark, they could make it before midnight if they rode on, or at the very least camp in the wilderness and get an early head start the next day. Then again, that might be too much for this group--Gorou was used to walking long distances, and he was sure those with military training could hold a march, but several of the others probably couldn't maintain that pace. Sir Maize might also have business in the towns they passed--no doubt the King would want to be kept well informed of his son's position, so taking the time to write regular reports and send them via local messengers would mean that they'd need to have more frequent stop-overs.

Also, he now finally had the answer to his questions: they would be engaging the pirate fleets in the north, to try and cut off the head. Gorou frowned slightly; it wasn't the strategy he would have chosen. The pirates could very well just select a new leader, or each different crew would assert their independence, and ultimately their level of activity wouldn't change that much. Not unless they were somehow conveniently all gathered in one place and the suppression force took out a huge number of them all at once--but then, that would require greater manpower than they currently had, and a more extensive war than they had planned for. But, he had taken the job, and now he had to see it through.

He turned now to scanning the roads and the wilderness beneath them, keeping a lookout for bandits. The Kingsroad was typically well-patrolled, and a contingent of what were clearly nobles and knights would not seem nearly as easy a target as a merchant caravan, but sometimes men were just desperate enough to do something foolish. Or, considering they were riding with the Prince, they might encounter some form of politically motivated enemy...but Gorou didn't think the royal family was disliked enough for someone in their own country to try and assassinate Eli, and they were very far from both the pirates and Ancaras at this point. Still, it never hurt to be vigilant.

Siran Vahramyan Arshakuni

As they left the city, their effective leader Maize spoke up again. Apparently breakfast wasn't as important to him as it was to the rest of them, by his own admission. Siran wondered if he was just grandstanding, or had made an odd choice of words. He continued to explain their route ahead in more detail, mentioning the exact towns and villages they would be stopping at. None of the places he mentioned meant anything to Siran besides Port Sesta, as her tribe had no reason to travel anywhere other than commercial centers. Small hamlets were something to be passed by briefly on the way to a more important destination, and the Arshakuni would simply camp out in the woods and plains rather than seeking an inn or anything. While Siran was partially keen to be on the road and going somewhere, there was a small voice in the back of her head that did wish they could move onto something more meaningful. There might be something interesting to gawk at in these places, but nothing was going to quite compare to finally getting on the open ocean and visiting exotic islands. She also had the worst feeling that at any moment, a rider from her father might appear and say he had gotten cold feet about letting her go and wanted her to return. Only several leagues of open ocean would make sure she was on the track to a nice holiday in the balmy pirate isles.

As if to break up the monotony of travelling, that swotty girl riding side-saddle just so happened to fall from her horse in a comical fashion and land with her hand in some horse dung. Siran couldn't help but laugh; it didn't matter if this girl turned out to be a liability in combat or something like that, she was great entertainment. The one that ended up helping her was the same man that had tried to give Albus more horse pointers earlier. It was almost like he was intent on playing mentor to everyone on this journey. Come up near the two, she overheard him counsel her to stop riding side-saddle. "I think we could stand to let her ride side-saddle." Siran spoke to the pair of them. "I don't think our group has a jester, so we need someone to keep us laughing." Siran knew just how inflammatory her words might just be. Truth be told, she had two predictions as to how it might work out; either the girl would get mad at her and refuse to ride side-saddle, and that would be for the best in the long run, or she would get mad and keep riding side-saddle, which would perhaps set her up for more gags down the road. Either way, Siran would be satisfied.

@Mistiel @Kazemitsu

Arin smiled gently at the prince as he mentioned that he wasn't great at names. "Well, everyone has difficulties once in awhile. I'm sure if you think really hard on it, you'll be able to think of the greatest names for your pets." The priestess replied, although their conversation was soon interrupted by the presence of Jauna. Feeling that her presence was no longer required, Arin kept silent as the lord and lady began to converse, before it too was interrupted by their guide's announcement. Thankfully, there were a few feet of distance between the giant and the priestess alongside other party members, and Arin felt a wave of calm upon hearing his booming voice.

Once Maize finished his announcement about their plan of travel, Jauna had commented a rude remark about the Estalian commoners, scoffing as she stated that it was cleaner to sleep in the woods than alongside the country folk. Arin had frowned upon hearing Jauna's remark, partially because of her belief that everyone should be treated as they wish to be treated, but also partially due to her heritage as one of the commoners that Jauna had just so brazenly insulted. However, it had seemed karma truly existed, as Jauna fell downwards and off her horse into a pile of sticky dung. Gavired rushed to her side to help her, but also to teach Jauna a lesson in humility, while Siran jested that they should allow Jauna to continue riding side saddle, as if to make her a laughing stock. Sensing a forming rivalry that could soon turn badly, Arin summoned her courage and stepped in to meditate the conversation.

"Now, now, lady Jauna. It greatly upsets me that you would whittle those of low heritage--like myself--to dirty mongrels. We may not be able to experience the wonderful perfumes and soaps of the nobility, but I can assure you, we are cleaner than you think." Arin explained, wheeling her horse around towards the incident. "And Siran, it isn't nice to make fun of others just for the sake to laugh at them. Lady Jauna already looks miserable after falling onto the ground and the horse dung. There is no need to make her day anymore worse just for the sake of a laugh. What would you do if you were placed in the same situation?" Arin asked inquisitively, waiting for the horsewoman's answer. A slight glance was sent towards Gavired's direction, as he appeared to be the most helpful in such a situation.

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