Dawn had just fallen over the land, and Geneva stretched her arms out as she yawned, blinking back the fuzziness from her vision. She gathered her hair in a loose ponytail and slipped out from under her covers. The floor was cool and the fireplace smoldered gently at her bedside, the deep embers emitting the last of their heat in the chilly morning air. She dressed quickly, lacing her black corset and pulling on her knee-high boots. As she slid on her leather arm bracers, Geneva thought about the events which had unfolded the night before. Her mind wandered over the news that Prince Tyrak had been dispatched on a special mission hours before she had planned to break off their affair, and then snapped back onto her own mission at hand as there was a loud boom on the door.

Geneva flung the door open and greeted Cameron, Prince Tyrak's childhood friend and the Royal Court's head Knight. Cameron asked if she was ready to set out, and Geneva nodded indicating she was all set. He led her down the arched hallway and past the kitchen, stopping to gather a few provisions for the road. Their next stop was the stables, and Geneva and Cameron's horses had been saddled up and readied for their trek. Cameron's horse was a deep chocolate brown with a regal gait and piercing black eyes, much like Cameron himself. Cameron mounted his steed and checked to make sure his sword was secured at his side. Geneva stroked her horse's black mane and patted his ebony flanks affectionately before she mounted. She clicked softly at her horse and in response it tossed its mane and picked up speed to strut alongside Cameron's trotting horse.

The two of them set off for the Thiltis-Jurion Wall side-by-side, and Cameron gave Geneva a little more insight into their mission of "goodwill".

"They seem to think that some of their men have fallen somewhere in the Ynuron Forest, and they are adamant that they are only interested in retrieving the bodies," Cameron explained.

"Seems simple enough," Geneva commented, "but I'm sure the Royal Court has some reason for sending us as an escort. It's not like the Jurion soldiers would be incapable of searching for men on their own."

"Of course," Cameron replied. "As I'm sure you're well aware, the Thiltis and Jurion Kingdoms are on good terms, but that doesn't mean that we trust them. Quite the opposite. The Jurion seem to be magic-hungry, and what better place to gain even more magical power and knowledge than a forest teeming with magical creatures and monsters that even our own Royal Court isn't fully knowledgeable on."

Geneva nodded and munched on a hunk of bread as she listened intently to Cameron.

"So what it basically comes down to is that we are supposed to escort them mainly to make sure they aren't trying to further their kingdom's power while upon our lands. We have remained uninvolved in this bickering between kingdoms thus far, and the last thing we need is for the Jurion troops to drag the Thiltis Kingdom into their warmongering."

"Makes sense," Geneva answered between bites. "So what if they ARE lying to us?"

Cameron's eyes narrowed. "That's why they sent me," he replied. "I'll ensure that they realize that the Thiltis Kingdom will not tolerate treachery." His glance found Geneva's eyes. "I also know that you'll have no problem in the heat of battle. Tyrak may speak highly of you, but thankfully I've seen you practicing your swordplay, and I can confidently say for myself that I'd be happy to have you assist me if things get a bit hairy."

Geneva smiled upon hearing Cameron speak so highly of her, then added "But first and foremost I assume we are to not engage them if possible?"

"Correct," came the response.

The sun was climbing higher in the sky, and it would be within the hour that they'd arrive at the Thiltis-Jurion Wall to greet the Jurion Soldiers.