Captive Knight

PT6

*In the Engelgard Kingdom, several weeks have gone by since the Velire incident. Claudia and Elise live their day-to-day lives in their peaceful country training with the Knights of Engelgard while tending to their duties to Holy Blade King otherwise known as their father. A raven perches on the postal tower of the kingdom delivering a vital message.*

Post watch: This is a distress signal written on the paper used in the oriental nations. It's the handwriting of a shrine maiden...

Post keep: Deliver it to his majesty at once. This is now priority mail.

*The post watch takes a falcon from its perch and ties it to its leg; sending it off to the king's personal post tower. It flies through the window landing on a golden perch in a room filled with men who work the large postal tower.*

Postal Watch: New falcon from postal tower cloud. Priority passage!

*The post keep approaches the falcon and reads over the letter and is shocked by the contents thereof.
Claudia arrives at the throne room where she is met with the elite knights of the throne lined up 30 on each side. Her father sits on the throne stroking his grey beard accompanied by the Queen. Approaching the throne, Claudia suddenly stops and kneels before them both.*

Claudia: Your excellencies.

Argo: Claudia, my beautiful daughter. Arise and face your mother and me.

*Claudia stands up and smiles. Her mother reaches out to her indicating her want of physical affection. Claudia obliged by walking right into the arms of her mother.*

Lunis: So beautiful.

Claudia: Not as beautiful as you, mother. I pale in comparison to your radiant beauty.

Lunis: Oh hush! You and Elise are more beautiful than I ever could be. Now then, we have called you here to discuss something of grave importance.

Claudia: I don't understand.

Argo: We've received word from a Shrine maiden that one of their own requires an escort back to our capital.

Claudia: I don't mean to sound ignorant, but how is she any different from the others.

Argo: Trust me, when she arrives, you'll know why.

Claudia: "Arrives"? Did you not want me to go and retrieve her?

Argo: No. We cannot have the general of the royal army going off to another country for a simple diplomatic mission. We called you here to ask for a recommendation. It has to be someone who knows the oriental nations as well as Akatsuki.

Claudia: The land of red clouds...Well, I could always send Elise and arms for hire.

Lunis: Elise I can understand, but arms for hire? Are you sure that's a wise decision?

Claudia: I have one in mind who I have a relationship with. Her services are very reliable and she's distinguished at her craft.

Argo: Excellent. They shall set out immediately.

*Claudia bows before leaving the throne room. Back at her estate, Elise waits impatiently for her sister to come forward with her task.*

Claudia: Hmm.

*Claudia stares intently at a world map while comparing the notes of the mission given to her by King Argo. The door suddenly opens and a tanned skin woman walks through the door. It is none other than Rizzah sporting different attire uncommon by those in her land.*

Claudia: Rizzah, glad you could make it. How goes the business.

Rizzah: I would prefer we cut the pleasantries. Tell me what the job is and how much you're paying.