Esylana: Morning is marked by a number of things. Sunrise, check. A distant rooster from the village, check. The scent of bacon and eggs cooked over an open fire? Double-check. It was an hour or so after dawn, and Alaihandra had finally gotten back into her routine of early rising, fixing breakfast for the folk who needed, or wanted it, and finally, she was turning to her task of preparing herbs and poultices for the day, the remedies the folk in the village desperately needed and packed them all lovingly into her basket. Her work, now, was her only distraction from the horrors of what she'd faced in Shrinewood forest, and she was walking down the road, now, towards the village. There was, however, something missing. "Hmm...morning patrol is late?" She glanced down the road.

CrystalOnyx: -It was nice being back home, getting breakfast and hearing the fimiliar sound of the waterfall and birds. It had been a peaceful morning and now that Lyrick was awake and moving his old slow bones, they both decided to go out and pick herbs that started to grow with spring season. She loaded up her basket and buckled her blet around her waist. Though she ate little at breakfast, her mind still clouded by the curse; they headed too far from the grove. Crystal seemed to be in a chipper mood as she had left her sandals at the wagon. Though her foot caught a rock which made her stumble and she soon found herself on her hands and knees with a sore foot.-

MrMurasaki: Little did anyone know that in the witching hours of the night, Lyrick was driven awake from his slumber in a trance - not a possesion, or anything Magickal, he just felt compelled. He arose from his bed of Reeds and branches under the sacred tree next to the Wagon. He started looking around and began puttering around; he emptied and dried his cauldron and began packing and storing things away. He wasn't aware why, or where everything went, but he knew what was most sacred to his friends, now, and put them into priority, in carriable bags. He began searching through all of his pockets, which took him into the darkest part of Dawn, where he finally would lay back into his bed: not to sleep, but meditate. His eyes shot open at the sound of a battle cry, he stared up into the boughs of the sacred tree and in his minds eye he saw it pulsating and dancing with flames. The trance then left him and he remembered nothing. He sat up and stretched his bones, looking around and seeing Crystal. He would greet her good morning as he would often do and would then venture out to gather herbs; conveniently enough it was something he didn't collect in his trance.

Rakarth: *Morning was upon the province of Valanice and whilst for most it was another day, for Lord Castellan it signalled the beginning of an operation that he had personally seen to, in order to bring in the wanted woman Esylana Geldamont. Darshire was the target of this operation and the leader was Lorian himself. He had also obtained the aid from one of the best, and most renown Legions of the Empire, the notorious 13th and whilst he was personally off about them, regarding their zealot loyalty to the Empress, he was more than happy to utilise them in this task. The 13th were to ride with Lorian himself and were briefed on a specific strategy, as many men as possible would be told to ride on horseback and form a crescent moon formation whilst he'd already sent a rather large force of his own forces that were clad in plate armour and were sent around Darshire sometime ago; agents had been giving messages to this other force to do the same and upon their arrival they'd both begin an entrapment of the entire village, before anything else was to be done. Holding position, if everything went according to plan, the foot soldiers would form a pikeline before the horseman,and behind them two lines of fully equipped crossbowmen and at the back, shield and longsword knights. This was a simple village, minimal guards, and held no real importance to his province; the operation could have been done without so much effort, but he had to make sure the woman didn't escape his grasp. Morning hit the ridge of Darshire and the grove as Lorian himself was upon horseback, and despite his prideful posture and serious gaze, the man still carried a warm smile with a soft voice to accompany it.* "Begin the operation..Anyone who confronts the encirclemant once it's been created is to be killed. Everyone else is to be confined to the square, move as one unit. I have nothing but faith in you Commander Draxis." *Despite the inclination of the head it was clear their was a hint of stone cold seriousness and subtle danger. With that it'd begin, Darshire would most likely begin to feel the ground shaking beneath them and the sound of horses coming closer, closer as the forces from both North and South attempted to encircle the village..It had finally begun.*

Esylana: Alaihandra was in the square when the first cries of alarm rose from the edge of the village, as panicked housewives ran from whatever it was that was on its way. She turned to see for herself, and the sight of soldiers - so many of them, oh gods - made the old woman pale with a very dark sense that this...was possibly the end. And she knew it was the end, because the soldiers had the royal colors of Valanice on their armament, along with banners to the Empire. Had they found Esylana and were now coming to finish the job? She watched as a small child tripped on a stone in the street, and she made her way to it, lifting it up and handing it to its sobbing mother, who retreated along with the other townsfolk. There was nothing for it, Alaihandra gathered her shawl around her shoulders, and clutched her basket, as she joined them in the square.

CrystalOnyx: -Crystal handed Lyrick different plants with different uses. As she went to reach for another plant, a splinter of wood stuck into her hand which made her yelp softly. She pulled the wood from her hand and sucked on the small spot that began to bleed. Suddenly a feeling of dread washed over her, as if something terrible was going to happen. She pulled her hand away from her mouth as she glanced around, the emotion on her face as she chewed on her cheek. Something was happening, but where and why?-

MrMurasaki: Lyrick had been gathering various herbs and fungus to put in one of his seemingly endless pockets hidden in his cloak. "Ahh Witch Hazel and Lavender, as well as these beauties." He held them up examining them. "Morels and Agaric how fortunate." He looked up to Crystal as he was knelt down handing him herbs. "Oh beautiful finds Crystal, my Bay was running low. What happened?" He examined the stick that she brushed against to splinter her, he leaned in and then looked up to the tree it came from scratched his beard the tree debris gradually raining out of it. "How didn't I see that and what is it doing here...?" He wondered as Crystal would look inquisitively to him at his statement. "That is Zebrawood, a beautifully grained wood but its meaning is confusing to me..." He looked around noticing they traveled far and then looked back to the tree and the terror in Crystals being from her 'vision' "It means Escape... We must get back to the camp, urgently."

Rakarth: *Just as the circle was complete and the men were dead still as if waiting for something, it wasn't long before the soldiers inside Darshire were barking orders with blades unsheathed. Growling like rabbid dogs and agressively pushing people* "Move it to the town square!" *Retinues of these men went around, dragging people out of their homes. Then the soldiers outside of the village began to move in slowly and as one looming unit as Lorian rode on horseback with a slow and purposeful march along with his horde of soldiers, any in fighting within Darshire was met with lethal opposition as the peace had been shattered like glass. Horseman went from a eery slow march to a sudden burst toward the village, men of the 13th were the first to now enter Darshire and Lorian was impressed with their movement, true soldiers of the Empire. The choke was now getting tighter, hope of escape passed by like a pendulum swinging back and forth, each second was a second gone and danger looming ever closer. It wouldn't be long before the entirety of Darshire was in the clutches of Lorian Castellan and it's inhabitants, not all of Darshire was compliant but the 13th took their task seriously. Any man that was seen attempting to fight back was slaughtered, children were shoved and dragged along with anyone else seen..The captain of the guard in Darshire was also barking* "Those who comply won't be harmed, get to the square!"

Esylana: Alaihandra took a moment to look around, assessing her chances at escape. They're not great. They're less than great. They're nearly impossible. And she decides, then, that it would be better to stay put. Her eyes lock onto the form of Lorian, and she tilts her head curiously. She'd heard of him, of course, a rumor here and there, but never actually seen the man so far from his palace in Anthem. Her mind wandered to Crystal and Lyrick, then, and she fretted, if only momentarily. Hopefully they were far from this, and would possibly, if they could, get even farther.

CrystalOnyx: -Crystal took no time in standing and almost sprinting back to the camp. She kept slowing down for Lyrick, but soon they had made it back. She took no time placing some of the things that were outside the wagon into it. Of course there wasn't time for everything. She had placed firewood for the stove lastly inside and soon brought the horse she had bought to get back from Cyranos. Hooking up the reins and everything, Crystal put out the fire and soon waited for Lyrick.-

MrMurasaki: Lyrick caught up with her the only thing he needed was his Cauldron, he quickly glided to the fire pit and picked up his medium light weight cauldron and strapped it to his belt. He had taken the staff of Zebrawood with him as a Staff to aid with their Escape. He helped her pack up all the rest of the remaining supplies they could. on a stump next to a stall was the back of sacred plant meal. He grabbed it and climbed into the back of the wagon sealing it shut and for now putting the sack in his pocket. "We must go before it is too late, wait where is Alaihandra?" --- In Darshire Draxis stood beside Lorian his arms crossed watching the order ensue in the city. his Drow white cursed eyes scanned the city watching people carted away or executed, fire now raging through the stalls. "Mercy to no resistance, take the children especially any elves and Drow you see alive! they have a big role to play in coming events." his deep voice booming across the square to the 13th and the soldiers alike. He looked over to Lorian his hand rested on the handle pommel of his large Elvish Dao Sword. "I was not surprised to see the skill and resolve of Valiances finest Lorian, I am most impressed but we are taking up time here when runners could have already moved out. Especially so for the Local Grove here." He clenched his free gauntlet choking the air. "Usually run afoul with rampant undesireables, this campaign is beyond Darshire I will not rest until that gorve burns. We have been too soft on the vermin, too gracious we need them to understand the error of their ways. It's not that we don't want them to exist they just need to know their place in this world." his deep voice rendered a chuckle. "13th assemble." he barked and his voice carried as Elite Centauris seemed to emerge from every crevice of the city marching to their beck and call the sound of their plate carrying through the already ravaged sounds of fire crackling and the pain and fear stricken crys and screams. their feet trampled and clanked against the stone of the roads the Imperial flags at their bags flapping in the smoke hazed air. As they assembled around their commander and the Lord from Valiance they raised their knee into the air and slammed them down with a loud thud. "Hoo- Ra!" They bellowed as their Alpha Centauri stood in the middle of them, Draxis spoke his deep voice calm and respectful. "M'Lord I and the 13th are at your command, the town still under siege and you are needed here. the Order is yours." He stood at attention but not as a private would. He knew of his rank and authority but respected the merit and accomplishment of Lord Lorian Castellan.

Rakarth: *Lorian rode into Darshire without a single look to his surroundings, men lined up in a parade like movement as the civillians in the square had been surrounded by Castellan soldiers. The sapphire gaze shifted over the inhabitants and the chestnut locks of Lorian shifted softly in the soft breeze that came from the South as he didn't display a single emotion other than a warm smile that sat across his lips. The horse stopped and he'd dismount himself from it before pulling on the cuffs of his overcoat to assure he looked his best, the left gloved hand moving to rest upon his Longswords pommel. Draxis spoke to him and he listened, genuinity was clear in his voice as he inclined his head* "Commander you've done nothing but please me this day. Your reputation procedes you and i'll assure our Empress rewards you accordingly..But this isn't an invasion. The Grove for the time being isn't my concern" *Once they saluted he'd give him a firm nod of the head* "Form a tight perimeter around Darshire and be ready to move out. That's all Commander." *With that he'd move toward the Square. Two soldiers parted to allow their Lord access to the crowd and he moved with both grace and pride, allowing his presence to linger over those before him without a single word and the eyes of a predator looming on them. The soft voice of Lorian slithered into the ears of those infront of him* "You know who I am and for those of you who don't, I'm Lord Castellan." *He'd let that sink in for a moment before speaking once again* "Darshire..House Castellan has done nothing but aid you in your times of need." *Gaze darted around* "Protected you when our Empire had enemies at our doorstep and fed you during times of famine but most importantly, as a token of kindness and gratitude..I even assembled a personal guard to assure Darshires continued safety and prosperity, all I ever asked in return was..Loyalty." *The last word rolling off his tongue as his smile began to fade* "Yet..My kindness has been repaid with deciet, my respect has been paid with direspect." *He stated as a scowl began to curl up across his face as he shook his head* "But i'm not a man without mercy..I give the people of Darshire a chance to redeem themselves. I asked that all friends, family and well known associates of the wanted woman: Esylana Geldamont be brought to me, among you is a woman by the name of Alaihandra..Point her out and I won't harm anyone." *One of the local soldiers was about to point her out but Lorian lifted his left hand up as a simple gesture of silence. A test for the people..*

Esylana: There was silence. And it was a stony silence at that. The people were surrounded, but his words of keeping them safe and protected was really just...a slap to the face. They'd struggled through the winter, the past many winters, together, and until four years ago, when the old woman and her young copper-haired protege had made their home in the grove near the village. That was the first winter not a single soul had been lost. And every season that turned, brought with it, even with those still hard times, a sense of comfort and ease, for the healers had been able to work small miracles here and there. Memories of those sorts die hard, -very- hard indeed, and in that moment, in spite of the threat that was facing them, the townsfolk thought to stand against it, to defend the one good thing that was provided to them. Esylana wasn't there. Alaihandra was. And before the older woman had a chance to speak, she felt a heavy hand on her shoulder. It was the blacksmith, his eyes hard as the steel he forged as he gazed at the lord before him, and he made sure Alaihandra knew she should stay silent. "Sorry, what protection have yeh given us, again? What have we had to fear, again? Was it hunger? 'Cause we had that. Was it soldiers? Only soldiers round these parts be yours. And if yer thinkin' bandits, they tend to be more generous than said soldiers as well." Now these words were squeaked by a hunched old woman, toothless in her age, her hair straggled and bedraggled, and her clothes couldn't be more than a few tattered rags. But in spite of her - what was she, eons old? - age, she still had spunk in her tone. And it was clear she didn't give a damn about her well being. She clearly spoke her mind on many matters.

CrystalOnyx: -Crystal froze as her mind had finally wandered to Alaihandra. She had went to the town to give aid the people there like she always had evey single day. Suddenly Crystal sprinted down the path that led to the main road. Her barefeet hardly touching the ground as she scraped through the branches and brush of the forest. She could see the main road now, she was about to break the tree line. Tears streamed down her face as she had forgotten all about her mentor and now something horrible was about to happen. It wasn't enough that Esylana was gone, but now something was about to happen to Alaihandra as well.-

MrMurasaki: Lyrick watched as she ran off, he shook his head and hobbled through the gate and perched himself down and grabbed the reigns and snapped them causing the horse to carry the cart down the road. In moments he had caught up with Crystal and looking towards the fire painted sky towards Darshire. As the wagon rode beside her he spoke calmly and gently to her though loud enough to be heard over the rattling of the carriage and the hoof trots of the horse. "Crystal, if we go to darshire we won't make it out. I pray that Alaihandra has made it out but we must get out of here before we are lost too." He held out his extended hand to her, sympathy in his aged misty eyes. "We must go to the Mountains, it is the only retreat we have that keeps us safe Crystal." Pain struck his being as his other hand dropped the reigns to his lap and he clenched his chest looking back over his shoulder to the Grove, which had the subtle flicker of flames eminating from it. "Defilers..." --- Earlier --- Draxis mounted up as did the 13th and rode out of Darshire towards the grove his white eyes cutting forward as he leaned into his steed and propelled forward faster. In a machine like way the 13th followed this motion to keep up with him, they arrived to the grove and came to a halted stop. Draxis dismounted and checked the area. the fire was smoldered from water and empty wooden stalls and racks tood next to a path of horse hooves and wagon tracks. He examined over it his hand resting on his pommel. "How crafty... they are just minuets away. 13th mount up and torce the sacred tree. We ride." Draxis mounted his steed once more and lit his torch with the dozens of 13th LEgion soldiers and they threw them over and into the large sacred tree, flames erupted around it as the dust flew into the sky the 13th and thair commander hot on the Wagons trail.

Rakarth: *The gaze Lorian had to offer the woman was sharp, his demeanor shifted as his voice was condecending..Mockingly he almost jested* "Your words are like your physical form, brittle and unreliable."*He'd shift his gaze to one of his men and offer him a inclination of his head, breaking formation they went to retrieve the old woman and to drag her to him, kicking the back of her knees to have her kneel before Lorian yet he didn't give her a single look..Scanning the crowd before he spoke with a simple smile forming on his lips* "Bring me that one." *He'd idly gesture with his left hand to a little boy being clutched in his mothers arms, a rather large Knight moved and gripped the childs arm before tearing it from the mother. She begged, tears streaming down her face* "Please, no!" *Child fighting against the grip of the armoured soldier.* "Mummy please, don't let the bad man hurt me!" *He was also dragged to Lorian but on his left side.* "I won't tolerate anymore disobediance. Choose..Alaihandra or the childs arm." *The left hand shifting back behind his back as he watched the crowd once again. The Knight lifting the childs right arm up after unsheathing his long and then placing his iron boot against the fragile form of the boy, barely eight as he'd begin screaming* "Mummy please!" *Arm being dragged into the air at a slant as he'd raise the blade before the man stated* "Other form.." The Knight hesitated but for a second before he placed the blade next to the childs arm, he wasn't going to cut it..He was going to saw it..Lorian wasn't going to wait any longer it'd appear as he scanned the crowd one last time as the air thickened with dread and determination, a man that looked like a Devil at this point staring at those before him not as if they were people, but objects to be utilised for his own goals.*

Esylana: "Let them go." The tone in which it was said was...tired. With a sigh. A low tone, almost inaudible, but perhaps it was that low tone which would catch the attention, for the villagers were in a panic. Losing an arm was sentencing someone to a life of...well, begging. And that wouldn't be much of a life at all. She didn't meet the blacksmith's eyes as she stepped away from him. His gaze was reflected in the horrified, defeated look of the other folk as they watched Alaihandra step forward, basket still on her arm, her cloak wrapped around her tightly. She was calm, a placid look on her face. She'd worked too hard to protect these people to just throw that away now. But even then, it was likely too late. The village was burning down around them - thank the gods it was spring. It had a chance of being rebuilt. But it would set them back, and winter...there'd be lost souls this winter, she suspected, whether she were there to aid them, or not. "You've made your point. I am Alaihandra, and I surrender myself to the laws of Valanice and her lord."

CrystalOnyx: -Her mind was clouded, but she knew there was nothing she could do to help Alaihandra now. She grabbed the man's hand and hoisted herself up onto the ledge of the wagon. She sat down as tears continued to roll down her face. How could've she been so stupid to let her go alone again? If Lyrick wasn't there she would've probably went with Alaihandra, but now it couldn't be helped. They had to get to mountains now or they would also be captured. She could smell the burning of the forest which didn't help her sadness. They were taking her home and there was nothing she could really do about it.-

MrMurasaki: Lyrick had stumbled in his pain into the Wagon, shakingly his crooked, wrinkled and runed etched hand reached into his pocket and drew a Horn carved from the same metal of his Cauldron, dark and deepl black with a glassy finish and depending on the touch of light it would reflect various colours remeniscent of the elements. along the sides of the curved horn were etched sigils and runes matching that of his cauldron and the opening was carved to resemble the open mouth of a wolf. He shakingly gripped it and raised it to his cracked weathered lips and blew all of what he could into it, causing the wagon to rattle and vibrate even more than it has been going at its speed. the sound echoed through the forest and into the night air, the stars slowly getting covered by clouds. He fell back into a pillow the horn falling to his chest, he tried to catch his breath as his weakend self struggled to sit up, he leaned to look out the window and saw the black storm following them down the road getting closer and closer. their leader at the front his eyes fixated on his prize, his hand clenched around the sword on his back, the black jagged blade lightweight claymore at the ready to taste blood. Lyrick saw them get closer his old ancient eyes meeting Draxis and emotion carried over him. "You're mine hermit. Hiyah!" Draxis snapped the reigns gaining ever closer almost within grabbing distance of the cart.

Rakarth: *Lorian's attention shifted to the woman in which he glanced to the captain of the local guard for confirmation, he nodded.* "Such could be avoided if you decided to be more co-operative." *The right hand idly dismissed the Knight as the boy was let go and he scurried over to his mother once again, at that moment three guards began to approach her with caution as they attempted to place shackles on her and to direct her over to Lorian. A smile surfaced as he'd tilt his head to the right, sapphire gaze staring into her own orbs* "You'll find that you're going to co-operate with me if you wish to see your associate alive." *Ominous was his intention with the woman the Empire was scouring the land for as he'd then look down at the old crone that spoke against him.* "Take her to the back..Leave room for a view." *They'd then attempt to drag her into the back of the line where the men were strongest, keeping close guard on her and assuring she was had a front row seat of what was about to come about. His form shifted as he moved over to his Knight and obtained a dagger in which he approached the woman stating* "A lesson..Speak your mind when your words have power otherwise it's just wasted breath." *The old woman would be gripped tightly by a few more soldiers, jaw forced open and tongue extended to it's nth degree before Lorian sliced it off in graceful slash before his leather boot came into contact with her face, slamming her onto the ground. Lorian then stepped on her mouth and nose, keeping it their as she struggled to breathe..Gargling could be heard from her body, flailing, desperate for air and whilst all this was going on Lorian was idly cleaning the dagger in a silk cloth. Minutes went by as the old woman finally stopped moving, silence was kept even after her body became limp before it was broke by the Lord speaking* "I'm dissapointed." *With that he'd walk off her body, having Alaihandra dragged alongside him as he spoke to her softly* "Watch..Take in what your friend has forced upon the people she cares about." *He'd stop and turn around with Alaihandra in toe, forcing her to turn around and look at the people as men began moving into the village with large, stakes with iron tips as his final order was clear.* "Place them all on stakes." *The man simply nodded as the order was given* "Stake the traitors!" *Alaihandra would be forced to watch everything, man, woman and child..*

Esylana: It was too horrible. It was, truly. And for Alaihandra to be forced to stand there and watch as the people she'd lived her life with the past four years be destroyed within mere minutes like this...she closed her eyes and turned her head away, even as a newborn she'd just help deliver...there were no words for this. She would say nothing, standing stiff. She couldn't block this memory - it would only be added to the many painful ones she's harbored over the years. But even as she stood, stoic and barely showing outward emotion, something in her broke, and it was, perhaps, the faintest slump of posture, the shoulders sagging just the tinest amount, that might give it away to one who was really watching her closely.

MrMurasaki: Draxis was so close he could taste it, he drew his jagged blade and held it outstretched to his side cutting through the air a malicious grin on his face. A horn blared which caught his attention, he looked up and shock befell his face. "It is not possible... They were lost..." Above them soaring through the air where three mechanizations of wonder, the Sky Fleet had come to their rescue. The flag ship hovered over the Wagon matching its speed, Draxis in anger slammed the flat end of his blade against the horse angrily trying to catch the Wagon, his mouth seething and his eyes so fixated it is a marvle they don't shatter in strain. The Ship was dark grey, designed like any sea vessel, armed with black powder cannons, the sails bared the brand of a howling wolf. the haul opened up and large hooks held by thick chains lowered to the Wagon, crewmen with ropes tied around their waists dove from the deck and acrobatically landed on the chains and lowered with them and worked to fasten them to the bottom and sides of the cart, smiling faces of different races waved to Crystal as they swung by her fastening the hooks. the wagon slowly started to rise into the air bouncing on the ground slightly, the crew pulled on the ropes and were pulled back to the ship. A final compartmen opened lowering a net that fell over the horse to keep it safe in the air. cranks began to turn as the chains pulled the wagon towards the ship "Lyrick looked out and up from a window yelling to the ship "not a moment too soon!" the chains stopped as the wagon was at a reasonable distance from the ground and the ship, a rope ladder unfurled from the side of the ship and landed with a bounce next to Crystal. at this time Lyrick had already made it to her side and rested his hand on her shoulder. "We are safe now... Let's go." he motioned his hand up the ladder to her has he started the climb first. He made his way to the deck and brushed himself off, as she climbed the rope ladder Crystal was met with a large dark rune covered hand decorated in various rings. a friendly deep voice spoke to her. "Welcome a board the Sky Wolf Lass, our headin be the City gates of Mardune." The Dwarf Captain extended his hand to help her. Lyrick leaned over the edge of the ship down towards the ravaged town, they were low enough to make out citizens and be easily seen but they wanted to make a statement to the Empire. He pointed to Alaihandra being escorted by Lorian. "Crystal look, she is being taken and..." He saw the staked villagers and his heart sank at the depravity. --- Draxis looked up at the ships as they sailed passed the City and adjusted their course into the wind and towards Starfall Mountain. He let out a loud bellowing cry that echoed into the wind, his failure was made more worrisome with the sight of the ancient warships rising and in the hands of the Dwarves. He came to a halt watching them disappear into the clouded sky as rain began to blanket the area. The flames of the grove stopped their advance and slowly were extinguised. Draxis infuriated rode back to the city to rejoin the army and debrief Castallen about what happened as if he hadn't already seen the Sky ships.

Rakarth: *Hour passed now as everyone in the village had been staked but a soft whisper might have reached Alaihandra's ear* "I'm sorry.." *It wasn't too her but Lorian had a hint of guilt show upon his facial expression. It didn't take long for blood to fill the air of the area as in the center was countless bodies strung up for all to see but just as quick as that weakness appeared it dissipated as he also noticed her change in form, subtle it may be but the man was perceptive..That was sure.* "It'll be over soon." *His voice rang out to the woman still being held by his men but it didn't take long before his gaze noted that of a Sky ship or several and then his own captain appearing.* "My Lord the 13th have returned." *Lorian inclined his head gently* "Have the men ready up, it's time to depart." *The Captain saluted and made his way back to the men, barking out orders and it wasn't until then his eyes began to widen.* "Captain...Send word to the Empress by raven. We require to hold a meeting and it's matter is regarding the fugitive." *The Captain hastily made his way to a raven as he looked at her and then his men* "Throw her into the wagon, keep her in chains. I'll deal with her once we reach the capital." *He himself began to stride toward his own horse, mounting it and riding alongside Alaihandra until she was safetly locked away in her personal prison for the road before going out to meet Draxis which the only words he'd state to the man were* "The 13th require to come with me Commander, we're making headway to the Capital..I might have realised a way we could track our fugitive and bring an end to her threat."

MrMurasaki: Lyrick turned away now from the railing and walked over to the Dwarf. "It has been a long time old friend, You could have been faster you know..." He chuckled as he pulled a long necked pipe from a pocket in his robe and a tin, he opened the tin packing the pipe with herb before returning the tin to the pocket. The Dwarf already ahead of him had been puffing on his pipe. His arms crossed "Well ye old windbag could have blown louder, ye were lucky we were out on patrol on this stormy night." They stared eachother down while Lyrick lit his pipe with a match and puffed on it to get it lit, he let out a cough as he didn't often smoke just on special occasions with the Dwarves. Moments into the stare down they both broke out in laughter, the Druid well towering over the Dwarf rested his weathered hand on the plated shoulder of the Sky Captain. "Sky Captain Thelgen is it? The first of your kind." the Druid spoke softly. "Hmph" The Dwarf arms still crossed turned slightly away. "Try Grand Admiral." a smirk crossed his mouth as he looked up through his furry brows at the Druid. "Well then, when we get landed a stein of the finest Dark Ale the Dwarves have to offer is in order. "Aye, it has been too long my friend, too long." They both looked forward into the storm and as they did the helmsman yelled to the Admiral. "Cap'n we be headin into the storm, yer needed on the helm." He looked around into the storm then at his helmsman. "Aye, that be true." He walked over to the wheel his beard and cloak flapping in the wind. His normally low, soft deep voice cracked out amongst the thunder. "Batten down the hatches lads, we be comin up on treckless winds. Adjust canvas to the north, you there!" he pointed to a deckhand "Fasten those lines to the ballon, if that gets free this wont be much of a rescue!" He barked out pointing his large ring covered hand. He clenched his pipe in his teeth and smirked at the coming storm, he rested his hand on a control box beside the wheel witch crankes and handles controling the various mechannics in the Ship. He gripped the wheel with one hand keeping the ship on course and the other opperated the panel. He knew his ship so his eyes stayed forward as he cranked and pulled the levers adjusting the heat into the balloon as needed. "This aint nothin, next stop Mardune!" the Captain barked out as the sounds of singing deckhands waded through the roaring winds as they traveled home.