The maid tentatively escorted everyone including Jazdia out of the crumbling building. As the crowd dispersed, however, the elf remained; it was the first time for Jazdia to see directly the devastation the city has suffered. If she had words to describe it, it looked like both war and disaster had ravaged this place on the same time. 

[b][color=#F6E1D3]"Is there something else I can help you?"[/color][/b] she maid asked. There was still a substantial distance between them, but Jazdia could hear her clearly. 

The urgency to complete this mission clicked and shifted aside the empathy. What was done is done, now she should be focus on the task ahead. To that call, elf smiled as she walked closer. [color=ec008c] "How lovely of you!"[/color]  and paused her words in a chortle. [color=ec008c]"There was one actually, would you mind taking me to your admiral?
[/color]

[color=#F6E1D3]"Well...I am sure you can find it yourself. If there is nothing else I gotta--" [/color]

[color=ec008c]"No, please! As you can see I am a stranger in this land and going alone would attract problems. There are always riff-raffs at the most difficult times, and nobody wants that. It is important, you see... regarding the plan we have discussed earlier." [/color]

Despite her calm disposition, Jazdia was trained enough to see a slight change in her expression before the maid could quickly force a smile. It seemed that the request was both unexpected and to be expected at the same time. Jazdia did not discounted the chance of Delvings planning some nefarious plan to abduct the prince, thus explaining their unexpected encounter. But recalling the event, she sure Matidal had left with the prince before this maid could gain an entry. A pure coincidence? Maybe not, but even so, the opportunity had passed away.


One thing for sure, the word admiral and plan convinced the maid. She played along, both women did not detach their mask cordiality and decided to prolong their charades.

[color=#F6E1D3]"Of course, be happy to help."[/color]

[color=ec008c]"Splendid! You lead the way, yes?"[/color]

Despite saying that, the elf walked passed her and took the lead, resulting in the other woman following in sheer confusion, trying to keep up the pace. 

The maid now walked beside her. A young woman in her early twenties she was, wearing a white dress that seemed too fancy for a mere servant uniform. Her weapon was a full-sized, two-handed sword she was currently carrying by having it rested on her shoulder, making the showy placement betray her usually cheerful demeanor as if her blade was ready for sinister employment should she decide to slash the sketchy elf beside her. 

"Who was he to you anyway?" Jazdia asked, it was not out of curiosity, just to break the ice, and nothing more. And in exchange, the maid gave her an inquisitive look. 

[color=#F6E1D3]"Pardon?" [/color]

[color=ec008c]"Admiral Silas. He is a capable man, surely he doesn't need a bodyguard."  [/color]

It took her some time to reply, and when she did, both her voice and expression were almost unreadable, save a small hint of displeasure. 

[color=#F6E1D3]"I am his servant."[/color]

No more words changed as they walked through the muddy road of Fanghorn. The tension has unintentionally remained so since their unplanned encounter at the bunker, and it seemed her last question only exacerbated it. Did she push a hidden button just now? Perhaps.

The Admiral was not far, just a block away from that collapsed building, seemingly busy with coordinating the evacuation effort with the two of his men. When they glanced at the approaching blondies, the effort halted, his men alerted, while some civilian males sounded a lecherous whistle.  

Silas maintained a dignified posture as he greeted her. [color=FEF9A7]"Is there anything I can help you, ma'am?"[/color]

[color=ec008c]"We talked about your plan,"[/color] said Jazdia without a preamble, and only continuing after brazenly pushing the man a few steps away from any possible prying ears. [color=ec008c]"You will ride ahead of us, keep your presence minimal to the rest of my team, but don't get too far. For that plan, I will need your horses, three of them."[/color]

The Admiral answered with a few nods. 

[color=FEF9A7]"Understood. My men will stay to assist the commoners. Is there anything else?"[/color]

[color=ec008c]"Yeah, ask one of them to find a carriage. Our late Baron had one stored in the storage room inside the inner wall. Once you find it, park it and the horses near the city gate, and begin your outriding. Don't worry I will know it when the preparation is completed on your end."[/color] 

Jazdia shook her head and swept her forehead, excusing herself to vent the accumulated frustration under her breath. At least Silas seemed to share the sense of urgency she felt right now. How reliable the man playing his role in this plan was still remained to be seen however. 

[color=ec008c]"Sorry. This will be my last request. I will need your coat, take it off." [/color]