War of Dawn

Chapter 12: Insights Over Patrol

Date: 1003 After Dawn, September 20th

It's nine in the morning and Alexandra's called Hilda over to her office, set a few steps north of the infirmary. It is, as one would expect from a queen, quite the classy place. A large mahogany desk beset by fine chairs lies front and center atop a red carpet. By the walls, a beautiful – albeit common – set of armor and a shelf filled with assorted curios from all over the world. Behind Alexandra are two flag poles holding both the Corps' and Great Britain's flag. And, finally, hanging to her right, a painting depicting her husband and daughter, easily recognizable due to having the same flaming red hair as her mother.

Hilda has half a mind to ask about them but Alexandra wastes no time in giving her some orders. Her expression frowns in a mix of surprise and dejection upon hearing them.

"What? Patrol duty?"

"Indeed," says Alexandra. "Ryouma's told you of how we rotate our outpost crews every week, yes? It's your turn now."

This is hardly the assignment Hilda was expecting. It's been over two weeks since the mess in Almdalir and the best she's had was a tiny enclave. Of course, low Valnr activity is always good but she's been training nonstop and wanted something with more "oomph" in order to check her progress.

Alexandra probably notices her dissatisfaction because she soon adds: "And, barring special circumstances, there is no overturning this assignment. Every Scion has gone on patrol one time or another, so you'll simply have to do your part."

"Aah... fine," Hilda sighs – can't really say no. "Do you know where I'm assigned to, ma'am?"

"A relatively safe area: Outpost #12, at the north of the western region," Alexandra takes out a piece of parchment from a pile beside her and hands it to Hilda. "These are your orders, to be delivered to the outpost's leader."

Looking through the document, Hilda at least spots something that shines as a silver-lining for all this. "Oh, Paula and Owen are also assigned to this?"

"We tend to consider each person's relationships when deploying them – it helps foster teamwork and companionship. Owen has done this once before but it'll also be Paula's first patrol duty. Any questions?" Alexandra asks.

"No, ma'am."

"Then, off you go. Pack up what you might need for the week, meet with your partners at the Hall of Soldiers and head to your designated outpost," Alexandra gestures towards the door before turning her attention back to her tall pile of documents. Hilda salutes and leaves out into the bustling hallway, pondering if Ryouma, Vanessa and Ragnar also have to deal with as much paperwork as Alexandra and Eliza.

Monday is typically one of the busiest days within Valarheim Keep, as you have a swarm of people coming in from their deployments as well as those heading out. Those coming in rush towards their beds, the underwater lake, the dining hall and what have you to make up for the time they've spent without those amenities. Meanwhile, those leaving are busy packing as much as they can carry in their bags – food, clothes, books and more.

Hilda didn't have a whole lot of clothes coming in but last week, Ryouma presented her with a gi of her own, white with black details. The ease with which it fits with the Alterium armor quickly made it her favorite piece to wear out on missions and this time is no exception. Wearing said gi with some black woolen pants, she only packs her spellbook and an extra change of clothes just in case – she can make do with almost any food.

As she reaches the Hall of Soldiers, she finds Owen and Paula already waiting inside while people walk to and from the Prime Gate Crystal.

"Hey, there!" Hilda runs over and greets heartily. "You two haven't been here for long, right?"