[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/9iDtf2V.png[/img][/center]

[color=gray][h3]Hathforth Castle, Guard Tower and Barracks, Countess Elysabeth Vernon's Chambers, Present Evening[/h3][/color]

[sub][@Psyker Landshark][/sub]

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[quote=Safina][b]"I see everyone has decided to take a leave of absence. Had I known, I would have taken a detour until Her Majesty's return."[/b][/quote]

Elysabeth barely hid the surprise flickering behind her eyes. The leader of the Concord always lived up to her name. Indeed, even for a simple touching-base, Safina ensured it happened on her terms and in secret, in keeping with her creed.

She took a breath, forcing herself to relax. It was just Safina, not an unknown assailant. Thank goodness Safina was on the Wizard Queen's side. What a foe to contend with who could sneak up on you so skillfully!

Elysabeth swirled the freshly poured wine in her glass, her gaze settling into neutrality, maybe even the hint of a smile. Incredibly amiable, according to her standards.

[b]”Her Majesty isn't expected for another week and a half. We would have been sore without your unmistakable presence.”[/b]

It was then Safina chose to sit, moving into the candlelight shining from the table. Her noble regalia was in contrast to Elysabeth's who hadn't yet changed out of her Royal Guard armor and its cape and pin of denoting status.

[quote=Safina][b]"Reporting back. Is Her Majesty afield? What is our current situation?"[/b][/quote]

Elysabeth made an affirmative hum before taking a sip of the wine. She’d have good dreams tonight, at least.

[b]”Yes, she's afield. Her Majesty wrote by raven, it reached earlier the morning. From it, she was three days from Athius. Now, I suspect she's made it and has engaged in her ‘weapon retrieval’ mission. If we're lucky, we'll be able to tax Athuis after this.”[/b]

Elysabeth took another bite of her basted fresh catch, coupled with greens. Chewing politely and swallowing, before speaking again, leaning forward.

[b]”We've had a… change, in the court. Court Mage Blackthorne was found guilty of treason after my men tore apart his mage's study while in his absence. Many incriminating parchments were found, old correspondence indicating he was involved in buying and selling of royal secrets… All mainly surrounding the improper use of his Society of Young Magic.

“I imagine he's been sentenced to death by now, and that sentence has passed. That young Lilim, Lady Tearmoon, will be taking over the position. I wish her well.

“I've also been made aware that Viscount and Viscountess Skybound of the Orphan's Matron will be visiting Duchess Agustria in an effort to find anything incriminating on her.”[/b]

Elysabeth was about to take another bite of her food, before she lifted her bell and gave it a soft ring. [b]”Here, it doesn't look good if only one of us is eating.”[/b]

A servant was within the chambers within a minute, bowing low at the edge of the table. Elysabeth nodded to the servant. [b]”Lady Haliel will be ordering something.”[/b]

After Safina ordered something and the servant left gracefully, Elysabeth waited a beat before asking the question that had weighed heavily on the castle all week.

[b]”How did your mission go? How fairs Odenfield?”[/b]

Elysabeth would listen and relay back to Her Majesty via raven. However, she could also act on it, if necessary. It was true that Safina held authority over her when it came to ruling in the Queen's absence. However, it was more of an honorary position, to be taken and left at Safina's discretion. Safina did prefer to tent to her Concord, after all. And Elysabeth had been trained and disciplined well in the ways of nobles, court, and province.