Mercenary on the Winds

Jeremiah raised an eyebrow at Renais's joke, before cracking a chuckle himself, "I suppose if it came down to it, I wouldn't mind that. For the moment, just Jeremiah is fine." Jeremiah gestured for the two to lead the way out of the castle, and to the training ground with him focusing his attention on his student. "Once we get outside, and the two of them get to their work, I'll explain myself." Jeremiah thought for a moment if it was wise to bring up what occurred with the two creations, he hadn't inquired about so either he was keeping it to himself or Alriana hadn't informed him. A part of him didn't mind if Alriana wasn't badmouthing him to Versaris, but there was another dimension to it that had Jeremiah's heart sink slightly. His thoughts on the creations aside; there was genuine love in Versaris's eyes when he looked at her. It wasn't any different than when Serena looked at him, or when Virion or Rosaria were looking at one another. The last thing he wanted was to cause anything that might drive a wedge between them. Tsk... Lady Hilda's behavior has rubbed off on me, and I can't let that go on any further. He didn't need to be completely amiable, but he did need to be the adult--she wasn't going to be. So long as they weren't the creations that were designed to slaughter Lufirians, they weren't his enemy, and he knew that. Jeremiah reached into one of his pockets and pulled out a small notebook, but before he could flip through it. Tanya returned to him, with a more dour look on her face than before. Her question made evident what was wearing on her, "Admittedly, I'm not kept abreast of everything that's going on back in Lufiria, but... Your father should have nothing to do with what's happening here..." He gestured for Tanya to follow, "I can tell you what I know for certain, and probably make some educated guesses--but if you're worried about your father coming to meet us here because of what's going on, you can rest easy." Jeremiah then started flipping through the notebook; even while they walked, there were things he could do to set him up for more favorable conversations later. Jeremiah gave one more look to the clouded lordling who was now leading Alriana and Gean away, her reaction wasn't just of someone who was frustrated that he had taken her thunder. It must have been the one moving around the shadows... Sigh, that will make things more difficult depending on their disposition. It won't change my objective, but... haah, dealing with some of these people is genuinely draining... Kieran stared at Miredy for a good long while before he sat back, and began laughing. His laughter filled the cell, and the hall, and then eventually his head fell back towards the floor. "...Yeah, yeah they are. And there wasn't a goddamn thing I could do about it. Part of me wonders if I hadn't done what I did if you, and the child would have..." Kieran shook his head, refusing to finish the statement. "...You don't deserve this. Damned monsters think they can just do whatever they want with people, ruin their whole goddamn lives, and for what..." Kieran couldn't raise his eyes to Miredy, or Jane. However, his eyes shot to Syndra as she finally spoke up, finally spoke the question she had been dancing around the entire time that she had been down here. Kieran just looked at Syndra, dead at her as if trying to gauge whether she was simply trying to get a rise out of him or if she was being genuine with her words. As a moment, Kieran rattled his chains, realizing that it didn't matter whether she was or not. "...I'm a coward, Belrose. I put people back together after they've done all the fighting because I was always too small, or too weak to do the hard work. Had it been left up to me, everyone who the Underground captured would have died because I'm so damn weak." Even through the self-depreciation, Kieran's eyes hardened, his body stiffened, "I told you that I would be paying for this for the rest of my life, and if there's one thing I'm good at, it's keeping my promises. If you told me that I was going to be sent into Kazran's keep with a bomb strapped to my chest, you best believe that I'd say yes with a smile on face." Kieran then looked at Marigold, and then closed his eyes, "Is what I would have said if you had been the first one to me. A last ditch effort belongs to someone who has no hope left, no direction, nothing tethering them to the place they're determined to leave behind. Nah, I don't have that right anymore--this life isn't mine right now, so I can't tell you that I'm just going to throw it away until I'm done paying my debts. If your commander, or Owen see fit to let me out of here, then you can tell me anything that I need to make happen, and I'll make it happen. It's not for you, though. Not yet. In part, it's kind of selfish, because I want to see just how far your desire to fix Islexia really runs. You can't do that if you die to Kazran, so if my help is needed, then count me in."

Alouette froze as, not her name, but her nickname was called. Ali was short hand that only some of the closer individuals to her, and her family knew, and were allowed to use. Alouette's head turned back to the stand, and there was a second person there now, and one that she recognized. Alouette couldn't be sure if it was lucky, or unlucky that she didn't recognize the stand because the feline now approaching her was Felicity, the owner of Cat's Eye, and one of Lyria's favorite places to shop. Alouette was often with her since Lyria was undoubtedly the siblings she was the closest with. Alouette's quick turn of the head knocked her hood off, leaving her bright red hair for all to see, and quickly put up a finger to lips, "Felicity, please be a little quieter!" Alouette looked around hoping that the cat girl was the only person in immediate earshot that would have recognized her. Fortunately it seemed as if no one else was moving towards them, and Alouette let out a long sigh, and turned back to Felicity with a sheepish smile on her face, "Y-yes, it's me. It's... nice to see you too, Felicity. Gosh, it's been so long that I didn't recognize the stand..." Eight years will do that to you, I guess... Alouette's smile did brighten slightly as the mention of her resembling Lyria. That did bring a question to her mind, but asking Felicity probably wasn't going to yield the results she wanted. Lorelei, and Ichika both responded quicker than she had to Felicity's question of 'friends,' Lorelei instead called herself Lory, seeming to want to downplay that she was royalty, and Phantasman royalty at that. "Well, in a manner of speaking, they are... Ichika is a co-worker of sorts, and I'm helping to escort Lory through the festival..." Alouette's train of thought derailed almost immediately as Ichika continued, "Huh, what? I-Ichika, that's not necessary... I was just looking at the blue flow-- I, I mean, I thought I saw something, and was glancing in this direction. There's no need to purchase something for me; you'll need your gold if you see something that you'll want for yourself!" Alouette's face was alight, waving her hands, a far cry from the composed woman from moments before.

Sia clicked her tongue as whatever had been there, or what they thought had been there simply vanished, and the instruments weren't picking anything up anymore either. Alrenne was on top of making sure that footage was being logged, and cleaned up for later viewing, but he had been right about the first part, and Sia was really starting to feel the fatigue hit her. Still, the mind needed to remain sharp, even if things were starting to heat up. The northern group was about finished, and the chatter from the southern group was frantic after Louise's pinpoint shot to the first machine, and then even more so after her second shot obliterated where the cockpit would have been on the 2nd machine. Sia's face flickered for a moment, remembering what she'd read in the woman's dossier, before shaking her head, live combat was a different beast--if someone was going to sit in the seat, and move to kill, they had to be ready for the potential of death. Louise's voice then came over her communicator, pulling her out of her thoughts, "Of course, Lt. Park," A bit of a pause to steady her breath, "A captain has to do what she knows how to make sure that everyone remains as safe as can be. As the XO says, we don't have time for a drawn out engagement. Do your best to salvage one of the pilots; if they can talk, then they can answer questions, and we have plenty of questions." Sia then turned her eyes on one of the approaching machines that hadn't heeded the range on the main cannon, "However, if they're not in the mood for questions..." The Dawn remains put, and trains the main gun on Lancer 1-S Sia cleared her throat and turned once more to the communications officer, who had already begun searching for the frequency, "I've asked once before, and I will redouble my efforts here. This is Captain Selensia Silverwind of the Imminent Dawn, I request an immediate cessation to hostilities, and an explanation to what's happening here. If not, we will defend ourselves accordingly." Sia spoke as the main cannon charged, "I would prefer to talk things out, but I will not hesitate with the lives of my pilots in danger. Choose wisely."

Raz hurried off, and procured a map from her things, the map that had kept them alive all the time, so it was a treasured part of their band. Raz, being the scout, was the one to handle it, and it had all sort of markings and scribbles over it. Though, the markings and scribbling vanished as one moved outside of Halspria; it would be new territory for the Falcons. "Thank you, Raz, let's see..." Rivane looked to the west first; The Halidom of Euphrasia would be their destination if they were to immediately charge west. On the one hand, it would likely be easier for them to make gold--they could expect less people to recognize the Empress, so they could be a bit more liberal with their operation. Money was going to be a top concern, given that from the sounds of it, they'd have two extra mouths to feed, and they would need to maintain their equipment more than they usually did. The Knights were not going to let up on them, and even if they could take the equipment of the fallen, they had to be able to fell them first. On paper, it seemed like the Halidom was the obvious choice, but there was a glaring concern. While the enemy was obvious to them, it wouldn't be to the Pope. The Halidom had strictly enforced their borders amidst a bid to remain staunchly neutral, not once had they taken action in the conflict that could see them as sliding one way or the other. It could be relied upon that the religious stronghold would remain neutral until their dying breath, but their situation was different. Evelyn had the narrative; a group of bandits had whisked away the princess, and a desperate plea to the rulers of the various states was something to consider. They could perhaps handle the knights, but if the Halidom were to assist in hunting them down? The other path was south. They would travel on the fringe of the empire, where gold was sure to be scarce, and a far greater number of people would recognize the Empress's face, and by now, Rivane was sure that Evelyn was drafting up a reward for their capture which would be sure to cause the desperate to flock. But the benefit was that they would be crossing into Bravia much sooner. While the gold and supplies were likely to be far scarcer, they would be much more under their own power, and the fear of the Halidom acting against them would be but a distant memory. Neither option was particularly favorable to their mission... "Hmph. I should have expected that decisions such as this weren't ever going to be easy... No matter which path we choose... It will be fraught with difficulty, just different types. We can move to the West, through the Halidom; much less likely that the average person will recognize the Empress, and because they aren't at war, we can expect more gold to procure. However, there is the threat of the Halidom being turned against us; as far as any outsiders are concerned, we are bandits that have kidnapped the Empress for our own nefarious uses. It wouldn't be an action that would be perceived as taking a side in a conflict; only assisting in rescuing royalty, and keeping the war from encroaching on their borders. I think this to be a threat unmatched by our other option--I do not think that we could handle the pursuing knights, and the Halidom. The other, then, is to the south. Our gold will likely be far scarcer as we'd be traveling the fringes of the empire, and then trying to sneak through where the bulk of the war has been fought. We are more likely to face other bandits, and those looking for a quick fix of gold. But, we can be fairly sure that we'll be fighting on our own merits, not afraid of the Halidom turning their eyes, and blades on us... But these are only my initial thoughts. Such a decision isn't one I intend to make alone, nor immediately."

Rivane looked over at the sword; a gorgeous silver rapier, possibly expensive, but the gaze on their captive knight's eyes was that of a cat watching her favorite toy be dangled in front of her. Then her look turned resolute, not unlike a noble with their pride wounded, and spoke of her designs for her situation. Rivane chuckled, and handed out the rapier, "Protest as you will, though, hopefully not with the bite of your blade. The fact remains that if we are to support the empress and her journey to Bravia we will need gold. Her belongings will be a good start, but if this was enough to sate us all, few would starve in the empire. You'll have to take her place, or come up with your own idea to keep us afloat until we can figure something else out." Rivane then looked at her with a bored expression, "My goal not to dishonor, or anyone else, but my goal is not one that was chosen for me, or any of the Falcons. I don't know how long you were a knight, but you'll understand quickly what has to be done in order to survive. That, unfortunately, is the only thing that was afforded to any of the soldiers under the crown. We were given the choice, to live, or to die, and to live, is always the correct choice. So until we can do otherwise, we will do what we must, for it is all we can do." Rivane turned to the princess, "Empress, you can speak with her, for now she will remain bound. She'll need time to think on what to do, and what comes next. Cyrus," Rivane's golden eyes turned on his companion turned man of Bravia, "You'll be tasked with keeping an eye on the Empress. I know her stance, and I know that she'll not try to strike out on her own, but I doubt we will be the only bandits longing for a chance as something new, and they won't be as restrained as we. I will return the knight's sword to her later, I could see it on her eyes, this is dear to her. For now... I'll require a map."

Jeremiah smiled and then nodded, "You really have changed since we first met. I doubt you'd be capable of saying that if you hadn't gone to search for your sister." Though, perhaps I sent you to look for the wrong sister... What exactly are the odds of her being the missing Rhapsodia? Jeremiah then ran a hand through his hair as Renais both bowed, and then called him Sir Jeremiah, "I appreciate the politeness, but there's no need for either the bow, or the 'sir'. My standing has little bearing here, so I'm just Jeremiah for the moment." Lucretia then bumped her way back into the conversation reminding Renais that she had been asking for assistance with drills, "That sounds like a reasonable idea, though, I'm not entirely sure throwing yourself around is the proper term for it. You're about as well trained with that staff as some trained lance men are." Jeremiah had an idea as to what she was implying, but he left that to his thoughts. He turned to look at Versaris, "That would give us time to speak about a couple things, including my involvement here." Jeremiah looked around for Alriana finding her walking off with Cassandra and Aegean. There was a mild twinge before Jeremiah quickly silenced it; Alriana thus far hadn't harmed her, or any of the Tigers, so his worries were not warranted. Just... if you can't trust her, then trust Versaris. He's no fool... You can trust his judgment. Owen finally stepped in an said his piece, and as Kieran expected, he was playing mediation between the two. Though, it appeared as if Syndra wasn't really one to bite, nor to take words to heart. As could be expected of a Belrose. Kieran shrugged his shoulders, "If you can't get it through your head, then that's that. Lord Owen trusts you to do what's right, and I trust him, so if he believes that your help is going to be necessary, then my disdain with you is irrelevant. I'd gladly explain to your commander, again, my reasons for doing what I did. I'd apologize too. So... are you actually going to ask a question, or are you going to continue with your self-righteous bullshit? Either's fine with me, I guess, but don't expect a succinct answer if you're not going to ask direct questions." Kieran then turned his gaze to the quietest, but most glaring arrival in the dungeon, "Apologies for having to make you see such a conversation, miss, but that's what you get when you associate with a Belrose. I'm guessing that you were locked up at that compound? You weren't with the Tigers before, that's for sure. I think I would have noticed someone as striking as yourself. I don't think I've ever seen a monster like your--" Kieran's eyes then widened, as he'd missed the child swaddled in the woman's arms, "...What the heck? A child?" Kieran paused, looking down at the stone floor before drifting his eyes back up to Miredy, "...Tell me that you just happened to find her somewhere else. Did the Underground...?" Jane recognized nearly all of the words, and insults being thrown back and forth--none of these were any different from things she might have heard from her mother, and those on the ship. Jane had gotten very comfortable in Miredy's arms, enough so that she felt safe just so long as she was in the woman's arms, so she was more able to look around and see what was going on. So when she saw the look of the man who had been arguing with the blue haired woman, she recognized it; it was almost the same as the sparkly, bouncy lady from earlier. Scope of the World It was a look of concern, worry, almost anger. It was so strange to see that on the face of a human, and she'd now seen it twice in only a few days. It was... comforting, in a way, but so strange. She shrank closer into Miredy, but just keep watching.

Rivane looked at Jilyn's eyes, and a fierce, unyielding flame flickered behind her golden eyes. Rivane grinned, "Don't lose that look, Empress. You'll need that and more if you intend on following through." Rivane took a step back, and focused on Cyrus who seemed to be visibly relaxing as well. There had always been questions about who Cyrus really was, but the answers had always been out of curiosity more than anything else. His reasons for coming with him had been moot, the situation they found themselves in was the reality, and survival was always the correct choice. "You don't need to continue to strengthen your case, Cyrus. You're here amongst the Falcons which means that you are aligned with us. I don't believe that you're foolish enough to try to string us along, nor do I believe that you have." Rivane then turned the grin on Cyrus, "But in the case that you prove me wrong, I believe Raz will be first to you. Don't betray her trust." Rivane then pondered on Cyrus's words, similar to what Jilyn herself said, but the more targeted scope made things a whole lot clearer. "So without this information, this war despite Halspria's precarious position is nowhere close to being ended... Hmm. I think that makes our objective clear. However," Rivane looked over at their newly awakened captive, "Perhaps it can be made clearer." Rivane stepped over to Rina, lance at his side, and stopped a distance from her, "Your equipment is of higher quality than would have been afforded to those of the lower rung, and you froze over your captain swinging upon the Empress. Either you have no idea what's going on, or you're playing the longest, and most dangerous game of your life. I missed your name but I overheard the rest, so if you ask me not to implicate you as having designs on the princess's life, perhaps you could tell me what you do know, if anything. Your commander swung on the Empress, that much you cannot deny, and unless you are prepared to contradict the words of the woman you seem sworn to protect--the Blademaiden was prepared to have her killed, and perhaps you as well, given that is seems as if you may be in the dark. But enlighten me, perhaps I speak out of turn."

"They caught one of the attackers?" That was a good sign, perhaps they would be able to get something out of them about the goal of the assault. It was mildly frustrating that they thought to invade during the setup for the festival. This was supposed to a time of merriment, love, and devotion to creating a better future. Unfortunately, that good sign was very quickly extinguished as Lorelei mentioned that they hadn't said anything, which was rather surprising for hired muscle. That implied a very strong contract, or perhaps something so pressing that their attacker couldn't speak up without fear. It was Lorelei's continuation that warranted the most attention, "They've already figured out where were heading, have they?" That's a lightning turn around... either it means that they know exactly what they're looking for and how we are to find it, or they're panicking and rushing us out hoping that we can make things right... Can't exactly rule out the first given how prepared they seemed to be for our arrival... Ichika then spoke up bringing the lightest flush to Alouette's face, "I, uh, well," She cleared her throat, and shook her head, "That won't really be necessary. It is my birthday, but there's no need to go out of your way. The flower is just tradition for me; it's not all that important. I think for now we can just stick to our tour, and..." Alouette looked around, "Perhaps its best to continue to the park, there are some statues, and I'm sure that there will be plenty of performers over there as well. That will give us some time to figure out where we go next. I have a couple ideas, and I'll run them by you as we head over there." Alouette kept her head on a swivel the whole time, she'd been pretty lucky so far that no one seemed to recognize her, although, she hadn't caught a glimpse of anyone who would identify her on sight. That likelihood would probably rise as they moved through the town towards the park. "Sorry to take you back the way you came, Princess, but off we go." Alouette led the pair of women towards the end of the shopping district. Right at the end of the stretch, was a stand of jewelry; it didn't look like the person in charge was from Isolde due to their attire, but the jewelry on display was clearly designed for the festival, and with Isolde in mind--small hair pins, bracelets, and even more intricate pieces of jewelry, and almost all of them done with flower motifs. Alouette's eyes held on the stand for a moment longer than anything else before, as she shepherded both Ichika and Lorelei towards the park.

Rivane expected that the Princess could have no proof of her claim; it wasn't exactly a claim that could be proven without an existing agent, correspondence letters, or something to that effect, and if those were present, the Princess would be dead. However, everything today had gone against what Rivane had thought, and this was no different, as Cyrus, of all people, stepped up to take center stage holding letters. Rivane turned to look at the man as he revealed his real allegiance, to that of Bravia itself, and proclaiming the princess's words as the truth. "...You aren't one that I would think to be swayed by words, and I doubt that you've fallen for her that quickly," Rivane looked down at the papers in his hand, "So allow me to follow what you're saying, Cyrus, you are of Bravia's intelligence, and your mission is to bring the princess to Bravia in order to use what she possesses, is that the gist of your words?" Rivane then narrowed his eyes, "I wondered why you were more insistent than usual about this mission in particular. There had always been a bit of mystery regarding your circumstances, even back when we were serving as knights. Were it perhaps anyone else, in any other situation, I'd have you at lance point, and call you a liar. Yet, you earn nothing from lying about this." Rivane went to reply to Cyrus's offer, when Jilyn spoke up, passionately, desperately even, to dissuade the man from his offer. He ignored Raz's anger at the new information, she hadn't struck Cyrus which was the most important part because Raz's words were poignant, and he was sure they would be shared by more than just her. Silvano echoes, and then Willow spoke up, giving Rivane the footing he needed for the situation, "Enough, all of you. I don't disagree with Raz or Silvano--it is quite a thing to simply lay at our feet, but the moment we became bandits, it didn't quite matter where any of us were from or what we did. We are the Wounded Falcons, and we have lived as the Wounded Falcons, we have fought as the Wounded Falcons. I'm sure that all of you have secrets you have yet to share, but in the heat of the moment, when you feel the pangs of hunger, or buckle under the strike of an opponent's blade, you'll care less who is there to support you." Rivane then looked back at Jilyn, "Your passion to defend your secrets is admirable, though, I question whether you realize how precarious of a situation you place it in by not saying. If you are the only one who knows of it, then should we fail, this war will continue until Halspria falls into dust, or Evelyn finally takes Bravia, and I doubt that the Blademaiden would stop with Bravia. Cyrus is correct; without any reason for us to truly believe you, your cause is without assistance, and without hope." Rivane then took a long sigh, before stepping closer to Jilyn, towering over her, "However, as a former knight of Halspria. I've worked with noblemen and women, and every single one of them speaks out of the side of their mouths. Everything they say is for the betterment of their own position, with no care for what their words might bring, or cause. You are the 2nd member of nobility, or royalty to have real passion, real purpose behind your words. In time, perhaps you'll tell me what it is that you must protect; but I can see it in your eyes, and hear it in your words--whatever it is does exist." Rivane shook his head, "Cyrus. If you're here, then perhaps you can answer my next question. How desperate is Bravia for whatever our wayward Empress possesses? Because this may simply be our best option after all."

Rivane's eyebrow rose, eyes almost widening in surprise. The princess was allegedly working with Bravia against her home country, which, given her father and his wasteful games wasn't too much of a stretch on the face of it. More importantly, however, was the fact that the princess--rather empress--had something that would help in the fight against the empire. On one hand, anything that put this war to rest of a positive turn in Rivane's book, either country rolling over the other would be preferable to the long, drawn out conflict that they'd been a part of. He had a clear favorite to win, though, Bravia. There was no telling what the knights would do to Bravia if they won, though, perhaps in a manner of speaking, Bravia couldn't be held to anything better. Halspria was responsible for countless deaths, and damages, and they'd almost certainly take their due if they were to win the war. The only problem with that was that Halspria didn't have much left to give, at least, from the populace. Raz quickly entered the conversation, giving voice to questions that were forming on Rivane's tongue, "I have to echo what Raz has said. Even if what you say is true, and you have something that would confirm the tide in Bravia's favor, can you trust Bravia to to stay their hand when they have the empire by the throat? I've seen what the empire has done to Bravia--they would be fully within their rights to pillage and destroy the empire to make sure nothing like this ever happens again. I wouldn't fault them for it either, but I can surely say that it would only forestall this cycle of violence your father started. Your goal, so far, is to protect the people of Halspria, but are you sure that Bravia would be amendable to that?" Rivane shook his head, and let those words air as he needed to address something previously said, "You have things that will be useful to us, certainly, the jewelry we can sell for gold, and while I am not fond of the idea, perhaps there are further ways to make use of you. However... I'd think that if this thing you say exists that would turn the war in Bravia's favor does actually exist... then perhaps there is still ransom that can be used. Though, that would require us to get to Bravia alive, and also encounter someone who even believes you."

"Years too late. Far too late as I, and many others are concerned." Rivane shook his head, "So they plan to continue the war that has bled the country dry, except now they plan to win. Were it years ago, I might have thought better of a plan like this, but the fool weakened our country with his games, and Bravia has only grown more adept at facing our people. The only outcome from this is that more people will perish." The plan left an acrid taste in Rivane's mouth; the only way forward in his mind was a cessation to the war, and a focus on rebuilding what had fallen apart. They had traded a horrific leader for, admittedly, a much more capable one surrounded by other capable folk--but they were at the helm of a sinking ship, a ship that they seemed hellbent on driving to its watery grave. Then Jilyn rose from her seat, and prostrated herself before the man, pleading for their assistance to take her to Bravia. "...You understand what you're saying, don't you? With your father dead, that makes you Empress of the country that has seen fit to wage war against it for years. What good would seeing you to Bravia do aside from selecting a different jury for your execution?" Her request intrigued Rivane, there had to be something that would make such a request make sense. She had even offered to do whatever it took to make it there.

"I concur with your assessment, XO. It appears as if this side is handled, and if the approaching force is terrorists, then we have every reason to deal with them effectively. Bonner and the others will finish the automated ones, and catch up." That meshed well with the information that Sia had sent Louise--quite helpful as she swiftly evaded the enemy--these were older HEXes that like wouldn't have been here normally. It was entirely plausible that AHI had stockpiles for use, but somehow that didn't strike Sia as the proper explanation. Something was definitely up. "Turn the Dawn around, and head back to support Lieutenant Park, and the--" Sia turned as she was prompted by Tristan, oddly, as he sent her the feed from one of their cameras. "What in the..." There certainly was something shimmering in the distance. Sia turned to check the radar, other instruments, but nothing seemed to signal the presence of whatever was watching. "...Have they been researching optic camouflage up here or something? I'm not seeing a signal over in that direction at all..." This was starting to get concerning. Who were these people, and who could have something that advanced? "Can anyone get me a better visual on whatever that is?" The Dawn moves to 19, 19!

Evelyn's voice echoed on Rivane's ears, but he couldn't care about it now. Distance was what they needed. She was still the Blademaiden; while he might survive, the others certainly wouldn't, and that was what he planned to avoid. No sooner had the Falcons regrouped, Rivane ordered them back into the forests. There would be time before the Knights decided to press for them--there were wounded to care for, and he was sure that Evelyn would request reinforcements. He had always been prepared to run afoul of the knights after his desertion, but this was hardly the way he had expected it to go. There was too much to consider now, the princess, their hostage, and now what they would do about the knights pursuing them. He'd certainly owe the group an explanation of how he knew the blademaiden, if some of them hadn't already figured it out. Rivane never saw the need to hide his previous occupation, in fact, it lent more credence as to his credentials. Fortunately, he had hours to consider things as they made their way back to the sorry state of a camp--old, dingy tents, a pile of ash that had likely once been a flame, and not much else but the trees around them. They were not afforded much--gold and equipment was either in the hands of the military, or the nobility--so they had to make do with what they had. On closer inspection, the tents were patchworks of cloth held up by strong, but worn wood. There was one of each of the Falcons, except for Willow, she found comfort amongst the trees. There was enough difference to the tents to tell them apart at least, but it painted a dire situation for those who rested here. After everyone was accounted for, Silvano was being taken care of, and their guest bound, Rivane went to find their captured, but perhaps really rescued, Princess. With perhaps the grace that should have been expected from one of royalty, she sat atop one of the stumps, and the one nearest to the center of the camp. She wasn't hiding that much was for sure. "I had been expecting to address you as our captive after everything was said and done, but it seems as if fate had something else in mind. Something which you seem to know quite a lot about, Princess." Rivane let his wings unfurl, "Would you care to explain why your own knight had tried to kill you? The Mad Fool is dead from what you said earlier," The venom on the moniker was evident, "Which means that our original plan for you is for naught, but you didn't run after all was said and done. Why not?" It was obvious to him that running with the knights on her heels would be nightmarishly difficult alone. It wouldn't be too much easier with support, but easier it would be.

A scowl formed on Rivane's face as Evelyn bellowed her words, not towards her jabs however, but to the name. He held pride in his family's name, but the suffix, 'rel' granted to those of the middle circle was a name he cast off, a name not worthy of him, nor any person who deemed themselves a true knight. It was a name he wore with pride once, but it was not a name he intended to throw himself on the spears of an enemy they had no reason to fight for. He turned to look over his shoulder at the approaching Blademaiden, "No, in fact, I believe there may have been too few rules to being a knight, Evelyn Dupri. Forgive me for leaving the honorfics, it was my understanding they were given in service of the crown, of the kingdom. So neither of us should speak them. I stand here before you as a representation of what you, and the high tower allowed the king to perpetuate. If it was a mistake to run afoul of your plot, then perhaps it is a mistake that I am glad to have been a part of. I have not felt safety in ten long years, so this will change nothing. If I am to fly, then I will fly, but I will suggest that you do what you can to catch me. The longer you wait--as you did with the Mad Fool--the sharper my spear will be, and I will not go quietly as I know he did." Rivane wheeled his horse away, not waiting for the woman's response, the lancemen nearest to Cyrus seemed on his last legs, and had a common spear in his hands. He wasn't going to need that. "Cyrus, Willow! Away, we're finished here!" Rivane to 3, 7 and attacks Lance Armor 2 with the Silver Feather, and then Cantos onto the Escape tile to leave!

"Of course." Rivane didn't spare anymore words, any breath he spent speaking now would be breath he didn't have for getting Silvano out. The moment Raz opened his path with a blast of light magic, Rivane urged his horse forward into the fray. One chance. The knights were bearing down on them, expertly so as compared to the start of the battle. Rivane quickly cleared the space around Silvano, and scooped the man as best he could in a single movement. That was when he understood exactly what the princess meant, there in the distance, was a woman with violet hair with a dangerous looking sword in hand, "...Shit." With Silvano now on the horse, Rivane wheeled around, back towards the carriage. "We can't tarry here much longer!" That was her, wasn't it? Just our luck that the Blademaiden's present... but then... is she also...? Rivane to 9, 10 and rescue Silvano, canto back to 6, 10!

Willow acted immediately on command, they'd have to do this fast if this was going to work at all. As the dryad began to rocket her fists into the mage, Rivane urged the horse forward. Above all else, everyone needed to get out alive, and the first step to that would be to make sure that they didn't get cut off from Silvano. Willow's positioning would make that difficult. "Cyrus, to me!" Rivane moves to 7, 7, and rescues Willow, and then cantos to 7, 6!

Rivane quickly dispatched the knight, and hoisted her with ease on his horse, and rode off after the princess and Kagi, though, no sooner had he, it sounded as if things had gone sour. Had they miscalculated somewhere? "Kagi! Take this knight!" He didn't quite wait for their response, dropping the knight off, and whirling about towards the battlefield. Never simple when it comes to dealing with royalty, is it? He needed to hurry; the princess mentioned the Knight Captain, which meant that their time was going to be short, and even shorter if she was already upon them. Hurrying back into the fray, it was easy to see what had happened, whether it be overconfidence, or the blessings of Ivanna herself, one of the knights had managed to strike down Silvano, and they were beginning to swarm. "Damn. Willow, deal with that mage! Cyrus, form up, leave Silvano to me! Weather the tide, and then we pull out!" Rivane returns to the fray!

Kieran just shook his head, "You just don't get it, do you? Help your family? Help the Belrose? Yeah, it crossed my mind, but it doesn't matter. I already told you why I did it. Self-preservation. I'll be honest, I don't know how the hell any of you are alive. I've seen what that man is capable of. Under just about every set of circumstances, he should have killed every single one of you, and yet... somehow, you're here, and it sounds like everyone else is too. I don't know what you did, or how you did it, but I don't have that luxury. If I didn't say anything, I wouldn't exist anymore. I'd be as dead as the underground scum that I'm sure you killed that night. Probably deserve it about as much, honestly." Kieran leaned forward, "Honestly, I did it for a couple reasons actually," Kieran looked over at Owen, "And one of them is a reason, that I think you're full of shit. Luthier is a monster, a true monster, if he wanted to, or was ordered to, he'd march in here himself, and just kill Owen. He mentioned it too. So on one hand, I've got trading in one of the Belrose, and knowing what might happen to the Tigers, and on the other, throwing away the only real shot that Islexia has got at a better world." Kieran scoffed, and then shook his head again, "Do yourself a favor also. Don't lump the Tigers in with you either. Yeah, I'm not sorry about what happened to you. But the Tigers didn't deserve any of it. They were collateral, just like my family, friends, and Islexia were in your father's stupid games, but unlike him, I'll be paying for that for the rest of my life. The name Pasval has already been muddied enough, all I can do now is make up for it." Kieran had straight up ignored Graham, but finally turned towards the burly man, "Is that better, Graham? Truth be told, I don't think I can make things worse than I already have. I've hit ground zero, every caustic remark I make can't lower my standing here anymore than it already is." Kieran raised his hands to show the man his cuffs, "Owen came down here with the Belrose knowing I'd be like this. If he wants me to stop, then he can say it." Jeremiah's eyes shifted slightly. On the face of it, it wasn't really possible to ascertain the reality of what Renais was saying; headache from instruments meant nothing on its own, but the mention of a burning ship, and missing five years of memories... the number of coincidences bent his line of thinking more and more. Most importantly, was how the girl matched. Her hair was almost a dead ringer for that of Sara Rhapsodia, at the time he hadn't thought much on it, but now that it was in front of him, it all seemed to click. "...What a way to solve a mystery. I can tell you what I know, but, I can't ascertain whether you're really a Rhapsodia or not. Coincidences are not proof, and I can't treat them as such. Though... I missed it before, but you do bear a passing resemblance to Sara. Sara Rhapsodia, that is, a member of Lufirian intelligence. To my knowledge, there is Allegra Rhapsodia, Darian, and Sara with a handful of relatives. As for your actual question... Melody. Melody Rhapsodia, she was deemed dead after an attack on a Lufirian vessel carrying the Rhapsodias to perform outside of the country--the first and last time the Rhapsodia attempted this after the Islexian Collapse." Tio turned, and remembered that she had addressed Tasha before she'd gotten into it with Kisara, "Oh, right. Dear, sorry. It was... a lot, but that can wait for later." Tio sighed, even now things were still escalating in a way that she never could have prepared for. Tio nodded, placing the amulet in the bag at her side, "I'm no military strategist, but as far as I can tell--the plan is sound. I'm sure Kazran expects a ground push, if he expects anything from the Gaffneys at all, so the element of surprise is in your favor. His decision to get involved is a little shocking, however. Their countries are constantly at odds, and anything that could weaken the country should be to his benefit, but he sees something different in the situation. I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, so if he'll assist in the ways that he can, then all the better. I think we can all agree that someone like Kazran really shouldn't be in control of anything, much less one of the largest trade routes in the country." Jeremiah's involvement was both a good sign, and potentially a dangerous one--she'd have to ask about it when they got together to discuss the 'goddess'. Tio then abruptly stopped as the commander, of all people, offered to carry her up the stairs. Tio was left completely unprepared for the offer, only able to flush, and uncharacteristic squeak, "Wh- huh?? I, uh, well... I..." Elisa then got in on the teasing herself, a very positive sign that she was improving, if slowly. Tio shrank, a small blushing pout on her face, "...I'll be fine." Tio cleared her throat, and began making her way to the stairs, face still red, but the pout was slowly turning into a smile. "Do you have your own concerns with how things are going on, Commander?" Tio said, hopefully turning the topic away from her.

Everything went according to plan, but no plan survives longer than the opening strike. Kagi, frustrated by their lack of targets--the horseman needed to be dealt with swiftly lest he go and rouse the other knights more quickly, and the mage was expertly feathered by Raz--made for the cart. Opening that cart in the manner they had was always going to be akin to opening Ivanna's box, but not even the most intelligent or insightful person could have ever foreseen the coming events. Rivane was neither of those things, so when the princess burst forth from the carriage with an enormous sword in hand, Rivane was prepared to turn his lance on her to make her stand down... but it appeared that one of the knights, the people who were sworn to protect her from people like them, was in fact the one swinging with the intent to kill. "What?!" Surprise could wait, if the princess died before they could ransom her away, then this was all for naught. Though, surprise could not wait, as the princess weathered the man's strike, and forced him away before turning the whole mission upside down with but a few words, "...The Mad Fool is dead?" That alone would have ruined their plans--without a royal bastard to ransom the woman away to, it was as good as over--but she further implicated the Knights in her father's death, and her eventual assassination. "...Shit." Rivane was not the only person who was stunned by the new revelations, and more proof seemed to bubble to the surface on the wild claim--one of the knights who had been fighting to protect the carriage, seemed to shut down as what had to be her commander went in for the strike on the princess. That man had been dealt with now, Raz dutifully finishing the task, and then the princess ran off, almost thanking them for their assistance, "...To the graves with this! Cyrus, Silvano, clear out the rest of these nearby knights, and then we flee to the southwest! The situation has taken a mindnumbing turn, and we'll need the time to make sense of it." Kagi was already in pursuit of the princess, but there was one other thing that she'd looked at before fleeing. The stunned knight; a beautiful sword in her hand, armor a bit above what would have been afforded to the Lower Rung--perhaps someone who might be able to explain the situation further. "Willow, back Cyrus and Silvano up--I'll deal with her." Rivane turned his lance on the shuddering knight, "Be thankful for the confusion, otherwise, I would make this next strike hurt more. You seem as confused as I, so perhaps we can chat, elsewhere." Rivane moves to 4, 9 and Nabs Rina using the Silver Feather! Cantos to 1, 7, and then escapes!

Raz would never been wrong, but it really was a different sort of feeling to see it for himself. The carriage, and the retinue of knights--better placed than he would have hoped, but still with enough space for them to break into. The group around the carriage could be reasonably dealt with quickly, and they knew the area better than the knights; breaking away wouldn't be too difficult if done properly. Closer, and closer still... "Falcons, strike!" Rivane called, as he and his horse burst from the forest; what might have been a regal sight years before, was now a man in haphazardly maintained armor, with any sigils or indication of rank tossed away, and only the still-glittering spear at his side to distinguish him from any common bandit. Willow struck quickly, as was ordered, promptly flattening the nearest archer. His first action would be to take care of their mobility as quickly as possible, moving for the one rider in the large group. "You protect the princess with such a lackadaisical guard... I suppose you can be glad that death is not on the cards for you, or your princess. How far the knights fallen." Rivane Rides Forth to engage Cav 3, and then uses his last space of movement to Canto into his position when defeated!

Rivane nodded as everyone seemed prepared to strike, "Yes, it's time to engage. What we'll need to do is cut off the knights from the carriage, secure the princess, and then escape. We won't have time, or the need to deal with the knights decisively, so incapacitate, disarm, it doesn't matter, just get them out of the way. They'll be expecting a bandit strike, but they will not be expecting one that's coordinated." Cyrus appeared from his place further in the forest, and that meant that everyone was now present, "Kagi, you'll strike from the rear--I can trust you to handle yourself reasonably well. Everyone else will remain with me, and we'll swarm the vanguard. Willow, Silvano, we'll make up our own vanguard, Raz and Cyrus will be covering our rear, and keeping an eye out for potential threats. If the mission goes south, we are to flee; I don't expect we'll get another chance as good as this one, but it will be another chance nonetheless." Rivane extended his wings, and landed on his stolen steed, the white lance gripped in his left hand, "Let us take wing, Falcons." Rivane took a deep breath, turning his lance on fellow knights, even royalty had not been on his list of things to do in his life, but he also never foresaw the empire in such a sorry state. Oh if only you could see the world now Emperor Jelvrien...

It really had been too good to be true. It was one thing for royalty to be traveling about the country; that should had been more commonplace than perhaps it was nowadays. It was another thing for their exact route, and destination to be so public. It was almost as if they were inviting disaster, but honestly, the feathered man could have cared less. What it really was as far as he was concerned was a chance at action; the princess would be a useful bargaining chip, to hopefully deal with the Mad Emperor. See the unit enough spoils to end this cycle of ending turmoil, and let them lead the lives that all of them deserved to lead. It didn't quite matter, surely the whole thing was to start cleaning up the hundreds of bandits, and ruffians who would come for a shot at the princess, and the knights. Anyone who dared step foot out there would be facing down a column of the High Tower's forces, Rivane was almost sure of it. The Mad Emperor was psychotic with his forces, but this was his daughter--not a soldier, surely this was all just bait. Then Raz returned in hurry, and Rivane looked up from his sword, "...They're honestly here? In the flesh?" Rivane clicked his tongue--he'd once again given the Mad Emperor far too much credit, but for the knights to okay something this haphazard... had something changed in the capital? "Your feelings on the matter unfortunately aren't going to come into play, Raz. We can't afford to purchase another day, so we need something that can purchase those days for us. I worry if there are trailing forces, and that this is to be a trap, but if they're not nearby, swift action can keep the tide in our favor. Not to mention... I doubt we're the only ones who came to check on the truth of that report. Stow your feelings for the moment, and rouse the others. We can see how we feel about what we're to do when we done what we need to." How far a knight must fall to turn his lance on royalty... Yet, this isn't the country that I grew up in, nor remember. They aren't people who see the plight of the common man, so I need not worry, I only need worry about those under my command... "Cyrus, where are you? Help Raz rouse the others, it sounds as if our gamble may pay off, but we won't have much time. If the Princess is possibly here, then we need to be the first to lay hands on her. It is an unfavorable action, but left with nothing, desperate hands much reach for any future in front of them. At a moment's notice, we move."

Kieran chuckled, "Right, yeah, sorry. I forgot who you were. You're a Belrose, so your word counts for a lot around here. Worth about as much as the lives of every person you let your father kill for so much as hoping for something better than him. So, I guess... thousands, tens of thousands, my apologies, your highness." Kieran put his hand up, "Let me start over, because it seems like you can't listen either, or maybe you're just content to use my own words because you've got nothing else. I called myself a coward, I am a coward, but it takes one to know one, you know? I can say that at least I didn't run. You're here, now, but I've always been here. Every mistake I've made, I've gotten punished for. This mistake, trading my morals for a damn chance at happiness that your family took from me, I'm gonna pay for that one too. What about you though? Ran from her family, ran from her life as a Belrose, and proceeded to do jack all with it, except ruin some more lives. It's really what you're good at, Belrose--ruining lives. What don't you tell me why I'm acting so high and mighty? You seem to be the one believing you can just ignore people talking to you, or is it because you know she's right? That you'd probably have bit it by now if you weren't a part of the Tigers? Nah, see, there's only one of us being high and mighty, and it's, of course, you, Miss Belrose." Kieran looked at Owen, trying to gauge the reaction to his caustic words, and shook his head, "I don't know if it's you trying to separate yourself from me but let's be honest, you're more Islexian than I will ever be. Your words don't mean shit. If you're here to ask me a question, you better damn well ask me the question. I can't think after all, too high brow for a coward like me. Dumb it down for me--maybe you'll understand it too. Any question you got, I'll give it a swing." Tio sighed, "Yes, I would have been able to, but Mercuria's escapades took a lot more out of me, and Elisa than I thought. Not to mention what happened days ago. Fortunately now we'll have time to relax." Kisara then dove right into the main topic at hand, and Tio froze, immediately coming to the stop, and her eyes darting right over to the medallion, "...You're not serious." Was all Tio could get out as the memories of Chris's unusual magical signature came back to her. The pure energy was similar to the magic that Mikoto explained to her, Voima, but it had the unmistakable feeling of light magic. "...Oh stars above, you are serious... Chris and Marianne mean quite a bit--They were passengers on our ship before we arrived here in Hecatia, both performers, though Marianne's level of skill with her magic was far beyond that of any normal performer... and with what you're telling me, what I felt from him then, is also the same sort of magic that Mercuria was giving off. I didn't get it from Marianne, but I hadn't been looking for it on her..." Was she skilled enough to be able to mask something like that from even me? "What does this mean indeed... I would gather, given everything that's happened recently that it's more the latter than the former--It's possible that they may be more mortal than we've seen, but that just means that someone is legitimately that powerful." Tio groaned out loud, "Incredible. Perhaps the best information we've gotten, and the crux of it all is across Hecatia..." Kisara's voice then took a more, somber tone. An exhausted, spent tone, not unlike her own and Elisa, but a different kind of exhaustion... an exhaustion with being. Kisara relayed the reality of her being, one that lacked the distance that she spoke with before, the first real sort of emotion that she gathered from the trapped Kitsune. Guiding those words was a desire to be free. Free of her prison, free of her guilt, free of the mental anguish that came with the actions she spoke of before. It was... a desperation that Tio understood uncomfortably well, a desperation that endeared Kisara to Tio in that moment. Her... actions in the past weighed on her heavily, and now, trapped in the amulet as she was, other than Syta, she had nothing. Her very being, and only her, was in that amulet with nothing to look forward to. Tio gripped the amulet tighter, her magic flaring for a moment, before it all vanished, "...No, I won't. If Mercuria is a god, and she's capable of affecting this world, then where we drag her out of her hiding place and make her grovel before all of us, we'll simply make her free you of your prison--if we don't figure out how to do it first. You're asking the wrong person to sacrifice you, and I will not be party it. I have my misgivings with what you said you did, but my misgivings are my own, and you've heard them all already, I'm sure. If Mercuria returns, then we'll simply have to best her when she does, Syta will need you by her side, because if we don't figure out how to get you out, then she will. But we can talk about that later." Tio looked over at Elisa, "...There is going to be so much to talk about later."

Jeremiah smiled warmly at both Lucretia, and Renais's affirmation, "Thank you both. Hopefully, I'm just worrying for nothing, but in my line of work, worries are contingencies that have to be prepared for." Jeremiah was equally happy that Lucretia understood the situation. He hadn't planned on leaving her with the Tigers to start--though it had come across his mind before--but new information, the presence of the Reaper, and information that he hadn't yet even gleaned from the Tigers and Evokers, things were going to be too dangerous to involve a civilian. Though, Jeremiah couldn't help but feel a sense of calm with Lucretia, it was odd, but the woman really was incredibly similar to Serena. Similar build, personality, even their talents were similar both being experienced healers. It was a little strange, but it made the longing for home grow. Catherine would have been on her way to meet up with Lucille by now... wouldn't she? Renais's face then took a serious turn, as she prepared to ask an important question, one that made Jeremiah raise an eyebrow, "...Rhapsodia? I know quite a bit about the Rhapsodia family, yes. They're a fairly prominent family in Lufiria, at least when it comes to the art of music." Jeremiah then tilted his head, as if something clicked, "...Might I ask you're asking about them?" ...Didn't they say that one of the Rhapsodia was taken? Never confirmed for dead? I didn't think about it before... But she has similarities with... Tio flinched a little from the sudden voice in her head after taking the medallion, "...Still a bit burned out, but a conversation over our lovely bitch of a goddess sounds wonderful actually." Mercuria's name was enough to spur Tio forward a little--perhaps it was overprotectiveness, but the goddess really had lit a fire inside of Tio--and she wanted to know as much as possible to deal with her. They got lucky with her overconfidence, confidence she would not have again, so they needed to be as ready as was possible to be for something with that kind of power. Tio wandered out of the main room with Kisara in hand, and just saw Alvira's tail heading up the staircase, dragging a groan out of Tio, "Stairs... lovely." She was too tired for those. Instead she focused on the medallion, "It seems as if you recovered incredibly quickly, as least compared to the two of us. Though... The assault at the compound certainly isn't helping our case. You're alright now, then?" Kieran heard the footsteps, and had tried a little bit to escape the zombie's grasp, except Marigold was extremely strong, or perhaps he was weak. He wasn't really one for manual labor, more of a healer, planning, that sort of thing, but also, Marigold was a lot softer than anything in the cell, so he was content to leave it like this. And then, of all people, the Belrose walked in flanked by Lord Owen, Graham, and... a monster that he'd never seen before. A woman, certainly, but with the body of a snake, an bluish skin. His shock lasted for all of a moment while Marigold talked about her not moving, and Kieran then turned to the situation with a chuckle, "Gonna be honest, I didn't think you'd come down here first. Or while anyone was awake, or whatever." Kieran turned and lowered his head to Owen, "Lord Owen, I can't say the same for you--I didn't expect to see you so soon. There's much to plan; have you figured out how you plan to strike?" Kieran rolled his head back to Syndra, "So I'm guessing that since you brought Owen with you that my death isn't on the table? So, what, gloating? A little torture? Appealing to my humanity or something, or other? What would the Belrose want with me, or, maybe you're here for Marigold? I wouldn't be able to guess what goes on up there, if anything goes on up there." Kieran's gaze met Syndra's with an unfaltering flame. It was easy to regret his actions, but in the presence of a Belrose, he had no reason to. If anything was going to happen, at least he'd get some licks in.

The movements worked perfectly, the tank was not able to return fire, and everyone was able to get inside their range, and either dismantle the targets, or get ready for the new wave. All except Scylla, who very nearly took the tank shell which would have certainly finished the job. Sia breathed a sigh of relief as the shell careened hopelessly wide, leaving them all present to handle the threat in front of them. The closest HEX of the new group was in range of the Dawn's cannon, but before Sia could issue the command, Louise's voice entered her ear, "What? Radicals?" Sia fell into thought; who would be masquerading as AHI? There was certainly good reason to attach one's self to the power and influence the name held, but to embark on a mission like this? Was it someone aligned with AHI, or someone actively trying to stir up trouble? Sia pushed the thoughts to the side for now; there were people who could answer those questions here, and they needed to be dealt with. "Understood, Louise, fall back, also send me the visual on the machines that you saw--I'll send you back some information on what to expect." Sia bit the inside of her cheek before turning to Alrenne, "Lieutenant Park just informed be that she engaged with an actual person when she hailed their machines. She seems to believe that they may be radicals posing at AHI. If that's the case... there may be considerably more to this than just gross misuse of force." Sia took a deep breath, and fanned herself a little before checking her pocket to make sure that her inhaler was there--she'd been in a hurry, and didn't remember if she brought it with her. "Everyone, the unit behind us may be a larger part of his scenario than recently thought; finish these autonomous units, and we link back up with Lieutenant Park. Keep us in up close on that tank, and prepare the main cannon! Target the forward most HEX!" The Dawn remains put, and fires the main cannon at Lancer A-6! Sia also casts Foresee on Louise!