[IC] For the Glory of The Empire

[SanaChan]

The sun rose above the splendor that was the Imperial City as it always had and the crystal tower that overlooked the whole of it glittered with its usual splendor.
The poor part of town would have been up hours ago, going to work, making the basic necessities that the rich lived on, doing what they could to survive and take care of their families. In the rich part of town, a select few would be rising with the sun- other than those who were up that early for practice or for study. They were to report to the western most gate of the city were a council member would be waiting for them to give them a map to guide them to their goal. It was fairly straight forward, though, as he would tell them, they would need to expect detours throughout Waylox. The country had been torn apart first by an usurper that dethroned its queen, and then by that same queen as she sought retribution against the country that sought to get rid of her after all she had sacrificed to protect them and keep the peace. There was a darker evil in that country than evil produced by the beast in the crag.
Some of the first to arrive at the gate- which stood about a mile away from the nearest buildings- were the Valtoris cousins. Miral and Ryfon were both astride horses of high breeding as they approached the older mage, but he did not even seem remotely impressed by them as the people in the lower quarters had. He was a council member after all, he lived even higher than anyone on this trip. He was also here to make sure the Grand Sage's puppet showed up to keep things as in control as they could manage from a distance. The Valrtoris cousins and the LaMontiya girl would know the most of the thing's existence than the others, who might have heard mere whispers, but know no details (That's not up for debate by the way). The cousins looked up at the rather morose looking gate, wondering why no one had bothered to fix the thing up, but Miral finally settled upon the fact that their workers- the nonmagical members of society- would be too at risk being this close to the dead wood. That being said she didn't miss the magical runes and markings that covered the entirety of the wall. While it looked in rough shape, nothing short of a dragon could get past it.
Ryfon looked around as they stood to the left of the mage, by his own directing, wondering what others had signed up for this potential suicide mission. Even when they passed the war in Waylox, they would be entering dragon country. True, dragons weren't the bumbling beasts as some tales made them out to be, but if any of them knew what they were up to, he doubted the dragons would let them just waltz on by. They were going to have to come up with reaons between here and there that the giants would buy and allow them to pass. Hopefully there were less rash individuals than his cousin would likely get fed up with the whole planning idea and decide to barge right in and try and show off her moves- which would be useless against a fire dragon. He sighed, suddenly nervous this whole thing was a terrible plan.He looked at Miral and whispered a question for the mage to her. He wasn't allowed to talk directly to him because of his lower station and lack of magical abilities.
Miral rolled her eyes but looked to the mage, "My cousin wishes to know if there are enough people signed on for this venture," she said in a rather bored tone.
The mage gave a sort of grunt as if he were personally insulted by the question, "The Grand Sage approved the start of the journey, that's all you need know, boy," he snapped directly at Ryfon who bowed his head as if to apologize. He hated the council sometimes. He turned his attention back to the road that lead up to the gate, waiting for their comrade in arms to join him

[Burning Kitty]

Thomas had just returned to his humble home. He didn't really do much that night just spoke with his fence and stole some food from the rich. No real effort was needed. He did catch a guard spying on a noble woman presumably in the nude. He may no like the nobility but perverts he liked less. So he set the man up to be caught. If rumors were true that man is a eunuch now, serves him right.

Thomas ate some of the stolen food and stored the rest. He sat down at a work bench to sharpen his arrows.

[Satsuki]

A sigh could be heard just before a woman would step threw the wall. Not literally, she had just perfectly lined up the portal with the wall, no small feat, but "Child's play." as the mage would proudly whisper as she looked back to appreciate her perfect stealth portal! What uses could it have in the future! Her appreciation for her work was rudely interrupted by the onlookers who watched her arrive...Sure magic was common but she seemed to step out of a liquid wall.
"Do not fret, I have not damaged the wall. I am 99% positive that the structure is completely in tact!" As if to spite her a bit of the top of the structure let a stray bit of dust fall from it...."98% sure"
With that she cleared her throat and straightened her ruffles (which quickly resumed being ruffles) and set off to the destination. Which was a left turn, right...Exact destination.
Looking over the surroundings she finds that there is....Nothing to do but wait. How she loved waiting, and spending her incredibly valuable time idle, if this wasn't just as important she would have charged opportunity cost. While three people seemed to be there already, it wasn't her nature to introduce herself, particularly to such a...boring group.

[Emu]

Elias had prepared for this moment his entire life. Rigoruous training, studying, all his nights of hard work- it was all going to pay off. Although it wasn't quite as impressive as say, being the Grand Sage's new apprentice, or even his replacement, this was going to be a good start. And although it was near impossible to tell merely by looking at him, the young mage was quite elated to be accepted to run such an incredibly important errand. He moved at a quick pace, but not so fast that it seemed like he was running. Elias did feel a bit guilty for neglecting the clear opportunity to hone his skills for a teleportation or perhaps a portal spell, but he wanted to show his future party that he was prepared for the physically demanding journey ahead- and that meant walking the entire way, even if it made his legs sore.

Elias halted for a moment to collect himself before making a last turn, where the gate would be. He took special care to adjust the sash around his waist so the crest was easier to see. He smirked slightly, wondering what his brothers would think when they heard the Grand Sage's council had summoned him. They would certainly be jealous, and that thought alone was quite satisfying.

One deep breath later, Elias turned the corner to see the tall gate. At first, he felt rather underwhelmed at the flimsy looking structure, but upon a closer look, he noticed it was covered in runes and spells. His light colored eyes scanned the people standing by the gate. The small gathering of men and women seemed older than him, and Elias's pride swelled yet again at this. He could only think of the envy they felt right now- his coharts would soon learn he was far more skilled than all of them, and at sixteen years no less! The young mage considered introducing himself, but decided to wait until everyone had arrived.

But then again, did one of the Beauvallets really need introducing?

[Cherrywitch]

Quiet as a mouse, and similar in stature, what appeared to be a young girl had also neared the group. Her silence in her steps could only be from the absence of shoes upon her feet. The white haired girl stopped as four figures caught her eye, she stifling a whimper and transferring her weight from one foot to another with anxiousness. The little stuffed rabbit, all buttoned and sewed from years of wear and tear, was hanging onto her folded arms and was kept close to her. For a moment, it appeared as though the thing's head moved, but it was back to being perfectly still faster than the eye could blink.

Like the others, Eir had taken a few steps back as far as socializing. Her big blue eye, the only visible one, darted about worriedly as she futilely attempted to hide herself from their gazes. Her height may have helped her stay out of mind, but it also could bring attention. 'What was a bandaged up little girl doing here?' She could imagine them saying. What if they sent her home? No, they couldn't! She took this job in place of Ama, who was sick back at the apothecary. She couldn't do such extraneous work now, Ama was in her old age and her body couldn't handle it.

It took everything Eir had just to argue with her adoptive mother for her to go instead. That's just the way Ama was. She had to help in every way she could, no matter how difficult it was for her. She was too headstrong, and adamantly refused not doing something to help in this cause. If Eir couldn't handle it, Ama would demand to join the party, in her sickness and old age.

So no matter what, Eir refused to return home. She was doing this for Ama, and she would not disappoint her. Even if she was scared... Eir clutched her rabbit tighter.

[Venom]

"Halt!"

The voice was clearly directed in the direction of the large floating suit of armor...Its head slowly turned to face the direction of the rather small guard whom approached it. While trepidation clearly seeped out of every pore of the man he still did his duty in case this thing was to disturb the peace. Well more so than it was as onlookers either went into hiding or stared at it in wonder.

"State your purpose...Sir?"

The suit neared the man, its towering form and illumination making the man seem far smaller than he was. A voice metallic and cold rumbled out of the helm. "Too the Gate." and without giving the man another moment it turned and resumed its, float? Towards the now known destination. However the guard once again let his sense of duty overtake his instinct to let the thing pass.

"I did not say you could g-go!"

The guard winced as he caught his stutter, showing fear to beast normally leads to getting a bite at the least. Thankfully this was no beast. A bit of a sigh escaped from the mass of metal. "Instructed, a storm grows." With that the thing motioned the man to go.

"A-are you one of them storm folk?"

If a suit of armor could express disappointment it could have been no more clear than the vacant glowing stare the now relieved man had received. "C-carry on then!" The guard stated too the already moving armor.

It was almost another hour before it would arrive at the group. At least it assumed it was the group as not many aristocrats gather near the gate without a legion of their personal boot-lickers. Despite how hesitant the others seemed to be to speak to one another this being shared no such notions. The sound of its metal shoes dropping to the ground with a loud clank should have been plenty to draw the groups attention as it asked one question.

"Depart?"

[Burning Kitty]

Thomas' attention was drawn to the window by a bird. Thomas opened it and the bird hoped in to his sanctuary. Thomas removed a note attached to the bird's leg and the bird flew off. Thomas read the note and immediately proceeded to head to Flask's place.

As Thomas approached he could hear arguing. Thomas approached carefully. Suddenly the arguing stopped. Thomas quickened his approach he found Flask standing over his nephew. "Don't worry Thomas he is only unconcious." Flask picked up his nephew and put him on a bed. Flask then explained the situation. "So you want me to go in his place? In that case anything you fence for me I keep ninety percent of the proceeds. Also make sure that dumbass nephew of yours stays out of the way until the job is done." Flask agreed. Thomas changed into Calan's appearance. Thomas then went to the wall to meet with the others.

As he approached the walls, he saw a walking suit of armor that he presumed had someone in it, a little girl with a stuffed animal, am extremely attractive woman clearly of noble birth, and an avergage noble man. He walked up and didn't say a thing.

[Lady Avalon]

After saying goodbye to her forest friends, Fietra slipped into her sister's cloak - less questions would be asked that way if she was spotted. Her footsteps were barley audible over the lawns of her neighbours. It was only when she reached her friend's house did she allow herself to be less cautious. Making her way over to Sugar, her friend's horse, she patted the docile creature before saddling him up and beginning her journey to the Imperial City.
She reached the city, just as the sun was beginning to surface from the twilight. It shimmered in the new light; she had to stop for a moment and gaze at it's beauty. Guiding Sugar to the nearest guard's post, she climbed down and asked him where the adventurers would be meeting.
"The western gate" he told her, admiring her horse.
"Ah... And where would that be?" She inquired.
He laughed, "you don't know?"
"I've actually never been here before," she mused.
His eyebrows rose in shock, "well. In that case, go west until you see a big gate. You can't miss it. It's creepy looking."
She gave her thanks and made her way through the dazzling city. She had made a few wrong turnings and had to stop to ask for directions more than once. The sun had raised quite a bit by the time she had reached the gate. There already was a gathering of people waiting. She hoped she wasn't the last one to arrive. Slowly, she dismounted and nervously approached.
"Sorry for the delay..."

[SanaChan]

Seeing everyone he was waiting for standing before him, the old man cleared his throat ceremoniously, "Now that everyone has saw it fit to join us and let us be on our way, let me make things impeccably simple. Regardless of what you see or hear in Waylox, your mission is not to stop and help any of their citizens in their struggle. Doing such would incite the rage of their temperamental queen. While an invasion is out of the question, Waylox is a primary trade route. Thus far, it's stayed that way, even in their turmoil. Leave it that way," the last thing anyone wanted was for this idiotic, suicidal bunch to legitimately think they were heroes, "This is a science expedition, nothing more. This map lines out the most direct route to Dragon's Alley, but you'll need to use your own discretion of whether your course need adjusting throughout," he pulled out a large map, looking towards the walking suit of armor, "Can you handle carrying this or will I leave it to the highest rank?"
Normally this would be where Miral would burst into the conversation full forced and demand that map be handed to her before the old man could mistake the noble who weirdly enoughwalked up to the group. At least she hadn't tried to assert herself cause last thing Miral wanted was to get kicked off the expedition before it started for putting her in her place. She looked towards the older mage after a moment, "If the warden doesn't want to carry it, I will gladly do so," she said, putting her hand to her chest. The old mage, of course, didn't answer, waiting for an answer from the person he'd addressed.
Ryfon looked around at their comrades. He wasn't entirely surprised to see the nobles, but there were two that didn't seem quite right. He wanted to ask if the little girl was really supposed to be there- maybe the old man had simply overlooked her- but he knew he couldn't speak out of turn, and Miral didn't seem to care. Of course, she didn't. She assumed that the Grand Sage was all knowing, all powerful, and didn't make mistakes. Last Ryfon heard, the Sage was still human, but then again no one really saw them much to confirm that.... The second was the last male to join the party. Something just didn't seem.... right. He couldn't place it, but he couldn't exactly ask that aloud either- he wasn't sure if the man was noble or not, but that was just kind of a rude question to even ask.
The arc warden agreed with a simple "Will carry", and Ryfon saw Miral purse her lips, "There is a carriage just outside the gate with a guard currently taking care of it until you go out to him. It's got the basic provisions to last you to the next outpost, provided you don't lose any on the way through the dead wood. Those without horses will ride with the provisions, the less time you waste the better. You, boy," he pointed at Ryfon, "You'll let LaMontiya ride your horse and you'll drive the carriage," his tone made it clear none of it was up for debate. Ryfon withheld his sigh and nodded, not saying anything. With that, the sage flicked his wrist and the gates groaned as they opened up to reveal the landscape that surrounded the city, spanning out as far as the eye could see, "The dead woods surrounding the crag are about two days ride away. You're expected to finish this expedition in a month in a half. If you expect it will take longer, send word ahead, or we will assume you have failed and make the appropriate.....adjustments," he said as Ryfon got down from his horse, handing the reigns to his cousin and going towards the carriage.

[Venom]

Without waiting for more information, it slides the map into what seems to be a gap in the plates. It glances over the group clearly getting a head count. It pauses on the children with a bit of a tilt. It would then cross its arm and approach the boy, it walks around him not saying a word. A small nod as it spies his crest, perhaps it was enough to answer any questions it would have.
As it approached the girl however it would lean over, dwarfing her and the doll.

"Doesn't belong..."

It didn't wait for her retort as it stood up straight once again. Doing an about face it began to float once again, the glow around its feet and eyes returning.

"Going."

As it had just suggested the suit armor began to move towards the gate, though it was at a walking pace, it clearly had no intent to wait.

[Burning Kitty]

Thomas looked around the group. He didn't know squat about any of them. He figured the girl must be extremely powerful or extremely stupid. The walking armor doesn't have any manners. The one that was eying him before is one he would have to keep an eye on. He thought to himself, "Damn it Flask you didn't tell me it was going to take so long."

Thomas walked to the simplistic and clearly not made for nobles carriage and got in. As he waited for the carriage to take off he wondered who of them would try to play the hero that they had to be expressly forbidden to do so. He also wondered if being forbidden would make it more likely. He was a thief, he had a his honor about what you could steal and what you could not, but playing hero was not him. As he waited he check his bow to ensure that while in this carriage dust kicked up could not get in the gears.

[Lady Avalon]

Fietra's eyes widened in awe, "woahhhh!!"
Without meaning to, she was bouncing on the balls of her feet, practically ready to take off. Everything was so new to her! There was a whole new place she could explore! She dropped the reins of Sugar and ran to the opening of the gate and suddenly stopped, unsure if she should follow the curious armour past the threshold.
"Look at this place! It's... It's so big!" She threw her arms up to exaggerate her point.
With her eyes fiery, she span to face the group, her hood whipping down in the process, long hair tumbling out. "Isn't this amazing?"

Sugar, feeling somewhat abandoned, snorted impatiently and pawed the ground. This seemed to snap her out of her wild outburst, her cheeks quickly turned pink, embarrassed she hurried over to him. She patted him affectionately before mounting. Still blushing furiously, she yanked her hood back up. She couldn't have done anything more to draw attention to herself...

"I'll have to investigate more about that armour..." she thought.

[Cherrywitch]

At the sound of the clinking armor (@Venom), Eir jolted, her one good eye gazing up silently and filled with confusion.

"Doesn't belong..."

Eir visibly winced, dropping her head with utmost silence. She didn't want to get on anyone's bad side. She just had to mind her own business.

The rabbit, however, had a bit more of a bite to him. The toy struggled free from the girl's arms, pointing a rounded stuffed hand at the armored man. He swallowed his anger in order to make his voice civil and one that most likely would not anger the hunk of metal. "Pardon me, sir, but just because my friend here is small doesn't mean she doesn't have power. She has just as much of a place here as anyone. I don't mean to be rude, and I respect your position, but please."

Eir squeaked, grabbing the rabbit back up with a worried look and covering his unmoving stitched mouth as if that would be effective. She meekly glanced away and gave a little bow. "M-...my apologies..." She whispered, and sprinted ahead to the cart, her feet fast and without sound. As she climbed into the cart with nimble ease, she sat down and hugged the rabbit close, pulling her knees up and avoiding eye contact with any who glanced her way.

[Emu]

Elias was surprised they were leaving so soon- the moment the last person to arrive- a young woman with brown hair in long braids arrived, they were off. Elias gripped the straps of his bag until his his knuckles turned white. This was ridiculous- he hadn’t managed to introduce himself and he didn’t know anyone! They should at least exchange names, for God’s sake. And while he could understand the presence of some of them,

He flinched as what appeared to be a lumbering suit of armor shuffled past him, to a frail looking girl clutching a stuffed rabbit. The creature spoke for Elias as well when it mumbled “ Doesn't belong…”

To his alarm, the toy actually jumped out of the girl’s arm and started talking to the man in a manner that was far too civilized for a child’s stuffed animal. Elias found this quite amusing- was the rabbit charmed, or had she trapped a wisp soul in the toy as a vessel? Either way, it made more sense to do such a thing with a sword or a shield- not a clump of rags and fluff. This was all the more reason for him to quickly agree with the strange beast. Finally, maybe he could voice his opinion. Clearing his throat, he glared at the rabbit.

“ No, he’s absolutely correct. I have no idea how such a frail thing was chosen by the Sage. There must be a mistake! I mean honestly, what are you going to do in a battle? Throw that toy at it?” Elias chuckled, despite his tone getting increasingly annoyed. He turned to the others, looking for their support.

“ A-and what about that?” He pointed to the suit of armor, a touch of fear in his voice.

“ And you! Who even are you? A peasant, a thief?" Elias pointed at the slender man checking his bow.

“ Please, my Lords and Ladies, forgive my outburst. But doesn’t anyone think it’s a bit odd for us elite to be bundled up with them like an awful soup?! Let's turn back and sort this out with the council before we allow these miscreants to join us.” His eyes darted from each of them, his eyes pleading for someone to agree with him.

[Satsuki]

As things progress LaMontiya fines herself sighing audibly, "Oh yes, how I long to ride a horse. No matter." As the man wandered away from his horse she approached it with a noted lack of confidence. LaMontiya straightened her collar before inhaling deeply, despite her obvious lack of desire she was atop the animal sitting side saddle, and seemed no worse for wear. As LaMontiya sat there she looked on, Her fellow named families made sense why they would be called upon...But the 'Arc Warden...' Didn't seem needed for such a venture, at least if the things she had been told about those that watch the storms.

She knew he would be a bit brutish, but its judgement is something that even the sages often trust..But these short sentences are going to make it a bit hard to take serious. Even if its voice sounds like something from a nightmare.

The cloaked ruffian, whom saw fit to sit to the side is the sort of scoundrel that every party needs, even if something is....off about this one. Despite herself, she was narrowing her eyes and a sinister smile grew while she stared at him. It was only when the small toy began to speak that her wandering mind was brought back to the situation at hand.

What a gratuitous waste of magic, a light giggle escaped at the irony of her having such a thought. But before she could question its appearance a little boy went and made himself known. Hes one of thooooose kind of prodigies. LaMontiya found herself covering her mouth as her large grin was rather rude considering how serious the adorable little boy was.

"Its alright young Elias, clearly this is your first venture, things have to be handled a certain way when you leave the nest. Each person here is selected for their distinct capabilities. You need not worry so much. This is an (Her hands open like making a rainbow) Advennnnture, Do try and enjoy it. You can learn so much from them, or die....Don't die, your too cute for that."

Hoping he would take that as both a challenge and a compliment. After all she was that age once and she distinctly remembered wanting to put the older group in there place. She noted how the Warden is already getting ahead of the group.

"Do you mind waiting, till the group is in the carriage? Not that I am one to instruct you, just a request!"

Hoping that the humble way she suggested it would get threw...How do you even...Is it a construct? "So fascinating.." She mutters. That said she glanced back to the carriage, "It doesn't seem patient shall we be on our way?"

[Burning Kitty]

The young bastard who questioned Thomas' presence was quiet right to question it if the nimrod nephew of Flask was actually there, but Thomas was far more capable. Thomas decided to show off. He jumped down from the carriage he picked up a stick. "See that man holding an apple showing off his produce." He pulled back the stick and let it fly. The apple was knocked out of the man's hand and stuck in the post behind him. He then shape shifted into some random peasant's appearance.

[Cherrywitch]

Again, Eir seemed to have attracted unwanted attention. She went silent, bowing her head and attempting to hide her face. Maybe they were right... She shouldn't be here. She would only be a waste of space. Why did she think she could handle this?

Roger bristled as he gazed up at his friend, looking so unhappy. Quickly turning around, the rabbit's stuffed ears pointed down straight to show the anger his stitched mouth and button eyes could not convey. (@Emu)"You can't judge people by their appearances, sir. If you must know, my dear Eir here has not only surpassed the level of expectation in her ice mage powers for her age and years to come, but also has spells to heal her teammates. Everyone else you called out also must have their own hidden strengths, even if they aren't nobility." As if to prove his point, the thief (@Burning Kitty) demonstrated his own ability. "Exactly."

Eir stood in the carriage, reclaiming the stuffed toy and holding him tighter so he wouldn't escape again. "... I know I don't seem like much... I'm sorry... But, please, let me stay. I promise I won't hold any of you back. I can take care of myself. So, please..." The gentle voice barely spoke louder than a whisper, her one good eye dull and sad as it gazed down at her bandaged feet, full of scrapes and cuts from walking on them bare and for other reasons entirely.

[SanaChan]

Ryfon sighed a bit and looked at Miral to say something so she did, "Alright, so as much fun as all of this is, showing off and making surprises no longer surprises, our map is actually wandering off, so unless you're on a horse, shut your mouths and get in the carriage," she said with a smile, "Or we will leave you here, gladly, and then you can dare to go tell the council you disagree with them, boy," she turned her own horse and started out and towards the front of the carriage, waving the guard off and he gladly went back inside the gates.

She didn't especially care about the girl's age, as Ryfon had guessed. She figured the mage at the gates would have said something if she wasn't actually supposed to be there, but they had probably assumed some replacement would come in for one or two people who signed up- family members who would rather sacrifice themselves rather than their kin. Mages or not, they were still humans and humans were innately protective over those they held near and dear to their hearts. Her own parents had begged them not to do this, but Miral wouldn't hear of it. This was her chance at true glory, to prove that Valtoris was a name to be held in honor. She wasn't about to stop to worry over idiots who were putting their lives on the line, let them tarnish their names and rid the world of their idiocy as far as she was concerned.

Miral looked at her cousin as she reached the front of the carriage, "Go ahead and start moving at an easy pace. If they're planning to join us, they'll get in the carriage. You, girl," she looked at Eir, "I suggest you and your rabbit sit quietly. And that your rabbit stop trying to insert its set of morals on others before someone decides they really don't like it," she said before turning her horse and starting after the warden figuring it was going in the right direction since it had the map.
Ryfon shook his head but did as his cousin said, moving the carriage forward, but at a slow enough pace they could still climb in. He wondered idly if they would have to remind the warden that, unlike him, they were going to need a break every now and then. He glanced back to make sure he hadn't dumped Eir out the open back end of the carriage since she had been back there catching her sassy stuffed rabbit. An oddity, for sure, but it paled a little to the warden being sent along. The Grand Sage wasn't leaving it up to chance, it seemed. Of course, none of the wealthy benefactors of the city were wanting to- they wanted that pearl, they wanted the power that came with it, regardless of what it cost to get it.

[Emu]

Elias folded his arms over his chest, his face flushing scarlet as Lady LaMontiya talked down to him. How humiliating, her treating him like he was a small child throwing a fit- he was a mage just like her, age didn't matter! He was just, if not more capable than her. Evn worse was that charmed toy, although at this point Elias was sure it was cursed, with all its backtalk. To drive the point of the rabbit home, the slender thief demonstrated his own supposed abilities, throwing a stick into an apple in a man's hand like it was a dagger into a heart. When Elias looked at the man again, he was completely different than his previous appearance. Was he a shapeshifter? Elias's anger temporarily defused as he eyed the man with more curiosity than malice.

Elias opened his mouth to say something, anything to defend himself, but was thwarted by Lady Valtoris's authority.
"Alright, so as much fun as all of this is, showing off and making surprises no longer surprises, our map is actually wandering off, so unless you're on a horse, shut your mouths and get in the carriage. Or we will leave you here, gladly, and then you can dare to go tell the council you disagree with them, boy," Lady Valtoris stated sternly. She then turned and mounted her steed at the front of the carriage.

Elias wanted to scream and thrash and hit something. This wasn't at all how he wanted the journey to start out. The young mage had been made a fool of, and he was clearly out of favor with the group leader now. He would have to work twice as hard to earn her respect now! Rather than hysterically scream and pull out his hair in rage as he so wanted, Elias instead found himself muttering his apologies to the noblewoman as he climbed sulkily into the carriage.

[Lady Avalon]

Still embarrassed by her outburst, Fietra wanted to be away from the group. Perhaps, she could go this whole journey unnoticed? Her cause was a personal one and being around people from such lavish backgrounds and family names made her slightly uneasy. Her family were wealthy but in this group, she was far from being well known... Maybe she would get on better with the peasant boy or the little girl, she seemed nice enough. Even after, she was criticised.

Urging Sugar forward, she trotted ahead of the group and fell in line with the strange magical being, walking steadily on, seemingly to know the way. Her eyes darted around the thing's outer shell. Armour... But what was it powered by? What was it? Was it magic? Was it a they? Squinting her eyes, she tried to see into the helm for... eyes, flesh, anything to indicate that it was a human in there? Her mind slowly ticked as she stared at it. Not knowing was annoying...

After contemplating for a few moments, she finally spoke, "Who ARE you?"