Yesterday was supposed to be a good day...

The outskirt of the city of Gardenia was relatively quiet, all things considered. Despite the sun only just rising, a majority of the town was already up and running as was typical for farmers and the like. The low buzz of the people at work could be heard in the distance, though the only sound heard by the city's walls were a pair of feet dragging themselves through the dirt as their owner paced frantically. If her elegant dress didn't give it away, then the crown perched on her head certainly gave away the girl's status. Princess Marigold was distressed, gloved arms crossed as she walked around. Her blonde hair trailed behind her, whipping around anytime she would suddenly stop to look around. Her normally sweet face was contorted with worry, her restlessness apparent.

Nearby a knight watched her with concern, his head following her movements. He shifted slightly, his silver armor clinking with every turn, until finally, the princess came to a stop. "Your Highness, we are early, so some waiting is to be expected. Ma'am," He tried to assuage her anxiety, his muffled voice ringing off his helmet.

Shaking her head, Marigold threw him a look. "Please, Alexander, I can't understand you," She said, annoyed.

"Apologies, Highness," After struggling much longer than he probably should have, the knight popped his helmet off, his messy blond hair popping out. He let out a sigh of relief. "Phew! Oh, um, I was just saying we're early, Princess, so a little waiting is to be expected. Ma'am."

Rolling her eyes, she pinched the bridge of her nose with her fingers. She should have known better than to have brought a freshly inducted knight, but she needed someone connected to the castle to accompany the group. Honestly, she would have preferred to go with them, but with the current state of chaos the castle was in, it simply wasn't possible. Of course, she did congratulate herself; managing to juggle her royal duties and pulling together a last second rescue party was no easy task.

The first rays of morning light came seeping down the mountainsides, quietly sneaking through the woman's curtains whilst she slept in the comforts of her bed. The room lit aglow with warm light, painting a picturesque scene that almost seemed ethereal. It was a perfect sunrise. The sleeping beauty remained in deep slumber, her peaceful face hinting of a happy dream.

Unfortunately, the morning's tranquility wouldn't last for very long.

The sunlight slowly crept to her bed and filtered through her thin eyelids, jolting the woman awake. But it wasn't the light that awoke her — it was the weird sensation that engulfed her entire body. The hairs on her body stood on end, sending a light shiver down her spine.

"Ack..!"

A blinding ball of light engulfed her for a brief moment, and she fell off the bed with a painful thud.

"O-ow..."

Every trace of the woman had vanished into thin air. In her place, a naked child lay on the floor, rubbing her head as she released a sigh of vexation. She blinked several times, in an attempt to help her eyes adjust to the sunlight that was directed right at her defenseless figure. She furrowed her brows as she stared at the window with heavy eyes, seemingly angry at the sun. She has regarded it with distaste ever since she fell victim to a wretched hex.

The transformation always made her body feel all weird and prickly. It never failed to wake her up every single morning, much to her bitter annoyance. The girl allowed herself a few moments to sulk, before pulling herself up to get ready for the day. She was only beginning to remember the job she has been assigned to, and it caused her to groan internally. Was there no way for her to refuse a princess' request? It had been a long while since was last hired — thanks to a certain witch — and she has grown accustomed to her dull, stagnant life. It conveniently fit her laid-back nature. Children didn't have to work!

To make matters more complicated, she was entirely sure that the sheltered princess was unaware of her current.. predicament.

After a few groans and incoherent mutters, the young girl forced herself to bathe and get dressed. The importance she placed on her appearance was evident no matter what form she took. As per usual, she was dressed in fine silks, embroidered with floral patterns and dragons. Her golden skirt complemented the warm undertones of her fair skin, and she wore her hair up in small buns. Once she was satisfied with the way she looked, she puffed up her chest and smiled proudly at her reflection in the mirror.

Before prancing out the door, she grabbed a vase that looked to be ordinary furniture with low value. However, nothing could be further from the truth. The vase was actually a summoning relic, which she used for all of her summoning rituals.

With a lack of eagerness, the girl hopped into the carriage and headed for the outskirts of Gardenia, where she would meet the others and introduce herself as Alicia Clemens; the summoner.

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Alexander continued to watch the princess pace, his words falling on deaf ears. After stifling a yawn, he ran a gloved hand through his hair. Honestly, he wondered what she could have been thinking with this small group. If he recalled correctly, it would be a team of four to confront the kidnappers, possibly battle, and then bring the other princess back to safety. It sure sounded simple enough, but if his Captain had taught him anything, it was that nothing in life was ever simple. Ever. Maybe he would have had more confidence if he wasn't so brand spanking new, but he hoped his combat abilities would make up for it. He did graduate at the top of his class! And had zero actual experience. But he was a quick thinker! Only because he was usually caught off guard. Man, the more he thought about it, the more he realized his recruitment was a mistake.

Stealing another glance at the princess, he noticed she perked up. Alexander stood at the ready, noticing what looked like a bundle of pink approaching them. Pink hair, pink coat, short stature. A mage? His blonde eyebrows were raised as he studied the approaching girl, choosing to remain quiet as Marigold gave a sigh of relief. "Okay, it looks like the cavalry's arriving at last," She stated, nodding to Alexander. "Make sure to give them your respect, they have graciously volunteered for the job."

"Yes, ma'am," Alexander replied, cheerfully waving at the mage. "A pleasure to meet you! I am Alexander, knight-in-training!"

Marigold couldn't help but give him an odd look. "You've...already graduated," She reminded him, the hope in her face slowly slipping away.

The man opened his mouth to defend himself, though he closed it. Shoot, he was so used to introducing himself as such that he completely forgot. "Ah...Right!" He sprang back to life, letting out a nervous laugh. "My apologies, Miss...?"

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Alexander nearly jumped in place at the new arrival, saved only by the weight of his armor. As his eyes examined the young lady, he couldn't help but quirk an eyebrow, slightly confused. A maid? Here? The blonde tried to remain neutral, though a thought occurred to him. Marigold had given him a slight debrief before the meeting, stating that he was to be accompanied by three others in this covert mission. Or at least, that was what he had assumed; the princess had a tendency to say a lot of things he didn't understand. She talked a lot, and fast, and--well, it didn't matter, the point of it was that those three others were supposed to be people that were experienced. Warriors. The pink haired girl was probably a mage of some sort, this one girl was...a maid. Maybe she had other combat skills he wasn't aware of?

Shuffling over to Marigold, he cleared his throat as he decided to address her in a quiet voice, "Highness..." Before he could continue, Marigold nodded, confirming his thoughts. Hm, he was prepared for the frontline, but he supposed he had hoped to have more support. Well, not that kind of support, more...power?

Marigold nudged him, shooting him a glare. "Thank for for coming, Miss Primrose, Miss Pyrebrooke," She composed herself rather quickly, her eyes briefly flickering to the sky. "I assume Lady Clemens is on her way, but time's arrow marches forward, and it is no longer a luxury we can afford to waste."

Alexander straightened up as Marigold looked at him expectantly. "Today we gather on a mission of utmost importance: the rescue of Her Highness Princess Dahlia!" He was probably a little louder than he needed to be, but at the very least he was making sure he was heard. "Our sources tell us that the bandits plan to hold Her Highness hostage while negotiations are being made! We will break through their stronghold and retrieve her!"

"Minus the repetition, that's the general idea," Marigold commented somewhat dryly, though she nodded in agreement. "I want to keep this as quiet as possible--should my father learn of your mission, I fear it will only serve to worsen him. That being said, you will be rewarded handsomely on your return. Alexander here will be in charge--" Wait, she wanted him in charge?! She didn't say anything about that! Alexander's jaw dropped, and he let out a nervous laugh, interrupting the princess. After a slightly awkward pause, she ignored him and continued. "The Dylo Pass is rife with bandit activity, you'll find my sister there. I will leave you in his...capable hands."

The knight felt all eyes on him, a low chuckle trapped in his throat as he avoided eye contact at all costs. Okay, this was it, this was the real deal. So what if he just graduated? So what if his pressing anxiety was threatening to crush his windpipe? So what if his nerves were weighing down on him more than his armor was? Clearing his throat again, the knight nodded, throwing on an entirely unconvincing smile. "Ahaha...well, then, ladies, onwards!" He managed to scrounge up enough enthusiasm to raise his fist in the air.

Eyeing him warily, if Marigold had any doubts, she was doing a very good job at hiding it. Instead she would agree with Alexander, clasping her hands together. "May Harmonia watch over you," She offered, letting out a small sigh of worry.

Alexander opened his mouth to respond, though he recalled what the princess said about time. Instead of responding, the young man turned on his heel and began to march. And march. And march. And march...