Welcome to Gaia! ::

The sound of rapidly marching footsteps filled the courtyard, followed by a unit of soldiers. No ordinary warriors, these men were fully clad in mithril armor, and the morning sun made it a blinding white. Their full plate was perfectly oiled and assembled, making not a single noise as they marched double time into sight. Their perfectly synchronised movements attested to their training, and on their backs, razor sharp glaives could be seen. Their faces hidden by full helms, they appeared less human and more like angelic warriors. At the head of the troop was an even more resplendant figure, silken white cloth draped about the armor gave a sense of grace to this figure, who was definitely the leader of the band.

Marching directly up to the envoy, they fanned out, forming a semicircle around the little group. Then, without warning, they all bowed simultaneously. With a rapid movement, the leader stood and took another step forwards, removing the ornate helmet. Underneath the hefty armor, was a girl. Her short jet black black hair fell past her face as she bowed again. "Welcome to Pearle my lords and ladies. We are the Gaurd of the Citadel. Allow us to escort you"

((Ouchies. I didn't realize there were more. Edited accordingly biggrin )

Kado following Nadira, slid slowly off of Vermillion's back. It was a rather astounding joy, being in the sky, seeming but a dream that he could never be able grasp. After sliding off he turned to Vermillion and bowed his head slightly, in thanks. Tunring back to Nadira he moved swiftly to be at her side, glancing all around taking in the suroundings.

Observing all the delgates and gaurd like a hawk watching prey from the sky. Checking that his weapon was clear of it's scabbard, he adjusted his clothing it was so uncomfortable and restricting he did not like wearing them in the least bit.

Arkayid narrowed his eyes and listend for his mother's thoughts.

Mother, I don't think Jadiera is here... Someone who... I dunno, resembles her.

Oh? Oh wait, that would be Nadira. My bad. Do the same with her as you would Jadiera.

Ah... Okay. Thanks mother.

Arkayid continued his observations. As soon as he figured out security, he would slip right into Nadira's quarters, and explain why he was there.

The life of a citadel guard was not an easy one. The elite unit that guarded the inner sanctums of the palace was far too small to effectively patrol the massive building, so the guard was always stretched to a breaking point. They were a symbol of Pearle's power, and thus had to be publically visible., But at the same time, it was easiest to guard from the shadows.

Usually, Jaimer would be in the shadows. Between rigerous training, scant amounts of sleep, and intensive physical and mental excercises, he was one of the queens hidden gaurds. Always nearby, but never seen. Today though, he had been dragged off duty, dressed up in his shimmering Huel armor, and sent out. Now he was part of the formation guarding this little envoy. As important as piece was though, he felt it was somewhat more important to guard the queen, and was somewhat unsatisfied with his current job.

"I also really need to shave..." he thought as Captain Mitsa removed her helmet. He was glad he didn't have to, his own face would be covered in the silvery white hair unique to the people of Lumos. It had been weeks since anyone had to see him, so he hadn't bothered with minor aesthetic things such as shaving or jewelry.

His thoughts on facial hair were abruptly dispelled when he noticed a distinct lack of guards at key doorways. That was odd, they should be fully staffed today. It wasn't really his business though, to question where the common guards were. He might have also just plain missed them in this accursed helm, it severely limited his vision.

So there he was, just marching along, minding his own business, when the delagate next to him started acting oddly. Her little bundle kept twitching, and Jaimer could have sworn he heard what sounded like a puppy as they marched along. Judging by her worried expression, the delegate cared for it, which would make sense. Women always loved small furry animals.

His attention shifted back to the captain as she discreetly flashed a hand signal to her troop. The entire column slowed, then stopped. Moments later, a courier appeared in Jaimer's view and ran up to Mitza. After a few urgent words, he sped off, and the captain turned to the envoy. Removing her helmet again, she smiled brightly.

"By Lumos, she's pretty" Jaimer thought as she addressed the various delagates in her polite tone. Something was wrong though, her usual luminous smile seemed strained, and her tone was slightly forced. It was only by a small amount, but they had gone through training together, and he knew her quite well. Actually listening to her words, he became even more alarmed.

"I apologize for the inconveniance, but as I said before, there's a situation we need to handle. Everyone is perfectly safe, but I need to attend to this urgent matter. The inner guards Jaimer and Tulvom will continue escorting you to your quarters. Once there, you may do as you please, but take one of them with you each time you go out, the palace is very large, and easy to get lost in"

With that, she reseated her helmet, subtly signing a double time retreat signal. Immediately the troop flashed into action, speeding down the hallway before turning sharply and dissapearing. Jaimer sighed. "Of course."

Moving in front of the envoy, he spoke calmly "Well then, lets continue. We have an entire spire of the palace devoted to embassies, I'm sure you'll find it quite accomadating. Now, if you'll follow me...". He hadn't removed his helmet as was custom, but now he was slightly on edge, and as long as he was visible, he needed all the protection he could get. Turning smartly on his heels, he set off towards the envoy's quarters. He knew Tulvom would take up the rear guard and prevent them from straying.

((These characters I'm using, they're probably not going to be developed, but I always found side characters made stories much more interesting))

Jaimer was distinctly uncomfortable, standing around these high ups in plain site. Usually he would be hidden, behind a tapestry, in a shadow, And to be spoken to was worse, because he never had been such a great speaker. Himself and Tulvom were stationed at the only entrance/exit. "Convenient", he thought, that they could keep the envoy contained so neatly. But of course, life wouldn't be so kind to him.

The apparent leader of the envoy was now asking about leaving the quarters. Although she hadn't said anything expressly about keeping these visitors contained, she hadn't seemed very keen on the idea of letting them go. So, mustering all his regality possible, he spoke in an official tone. "Well, we don't have open hostilities yet. There are armed skirmishes from time to time, but all our orphans are taken in and raised by the Priests of Lumos. To enter the temple requires express permission from them. If you would like, I could try to obtain that?"

As he was speaking, a tingle ran down Jaimer's spine, the kind that meant someone was watching him. Glancing around inside his helmet, he couldn't find anyone, but the moment he finished speaking, another voice rippled through the air. It took all Jaimer's training to slowly turn to face the new personage.

"That wont be necessary."

The black rimmed white robes of a Protector of Lumos swayed around the priest as he quietly stepped into the room. His smooth white face held no emotion, but his tone was that of a perfect gentleman "If the delegate would grace me with his name, it would be my pleasure to take him to our orphanage.". Ria'ak had been dismissed from the waiting room a bare minute beforehand, being told only that his audience with the queen had been cancelled. The captain of the citadel guard had taken a moment to ask him for a favor. And now, he was attending to the delegates as she had wished.

Although he was a bit shorter than either of the guards, his simple robes and princely attitude conveyed a sense of power about him. The elegance of his attire contrasted with the ornate armor, an interesting display of the differences between religion and politics. His dark eyes rested intently on Vermillion, their sharp gaze seeming to pierce beyond just the man's mere physical form.

Jaimer, although relieved, was also a bit peeved. How did the priest get in without either him or Tulvom hearing? And coming in like that, like he owned the place. The priests always had bothered Jaimer, and this one was no exception. Too uppity, and their eyes, something about their eyes bothered him. Then, an ever so slight movement of the man's pinky caught Jaimer's gaze. "What? Only the military used these hand signals, how would a priest know them?". In fact, Jaimer had just seen the order "at ease". Well, there wasn't much to it. Relaxing slightly, Jaimer thanked Lumos he wouldn't have to show the delegate the children of fallen soldiers. That wouldn't be fun.

"I go by the name Vermillion since it is rather shorter then my full name being, Vermillion of the house of Ranor 3, second son of the fourth hatching of Laith of Berbits and Rama of the house Weraiza, apointed spokesman of Domachi and surrogate son of Lord Toleranth seventh genertaion of lady Nepta's house of Seven." Vermillion took a small break to take a breath and let them digest that for a minute. "Tis a lengthy and really stupid order of things, has no rhyme to, hence why Vermillion is how I prefer being adressed. However, may i ask your name, so as not to be insultive in giving my thanks for such generosity?"

Vermillion looked at the others seeing no immediate takers to the offer to go with him from the group he was with. "Rai'ak, they may be a bit tired from travel, however, if they were to show some intrest after we leave could perhaps the escorts bring them to where we are?" Vermillion wanted to go quickly, since having found a new intrest to break him from the doze of fatigue he had after he landed, but wanted it possible so that the others would not be cheated by his haste.