Castle

[Cloud Strife]

[I'm headed towards Lartonia now. x3 No point in continuing with that conversation. Gotta step it up, you know?]

[Sparkles]

[heeeelp meeeza!!! where should Tarsha beeee?]

[The Painted Lady]

((>.< nooooo idea...))

[Sparkles]

[obviously... i wasn't directing that at you it was at frost or shinji dope=]

[The Painted Lady]

((i know... i just wanted to say something ^_^ ))

[Tifa Lockhart]

((Tarsha is with Stephan and Shikir))

[Sparkles]

[and where is that? ]

[Tifa Lockhart]

One of the audience chambers DUH))

[Tifa Lockhart]

Stephan watched curiously as the Goralan commander rearranged the little diarama on the table before him. Yet another battle strategy being played out across the table top for him to see.
"What do you think Shikir?" The prince asked, looking up at his mentor.
Just then a messenger burst in, panting heavily from his run.
"Sire! The prince and princess of Lartonia have returned..."
"Well send them in then.." Stephan said, turning to face the door.

((There we go, thought i'd start us off))

[Cloud Strife]

Shikir had only just begun scrutinizing what was laid before him when the messenger barged in. He looked up, taken off guard by the surprising entry.

Sure enough, Kaabel entered; holding onto Beth...for he hadn't allowed her to walk on her own. She was injured, after all! "Prince Stephan, I am terribly sorry... I regret to inform you of my Father's ill-will and refusal to listen to my reasoning. He insists upon this meaningless war." He emit, still as proud as ever. "He even sent guards after his own family." The Lartonian royal sent a glance down to Beth, before lifting it again and looking up at Stephan again.

Shikir looked...glum. He didn't like fighting anymore than anyone else in the room...and so the prospect of this war continuing was not news that he had hoped to hear. A sigh escaped him before he glanced back down at the diarama. "This is perfectly fine, Young Prince, though I do believe we should move this particular group to reinforce the front lines. We have plenty of reinforcements. Of course, I do not approve of this fighting...but if we are to do so anyways, we should give it all we have. Agreed?"

Meanwhile, Kilja had managed to enter the castle undetected. What? He was an assassin for heaven's sake!!! He had left Bjarlza to keep watch...for he wanted to get into the war meeting. He knew that he could aid the Prince and Princess. Especially if he has ties to the Assassin's Hideout. So, at the current time he stood outside of the room...and decided to do things the proper way for a change - nonthreatening. A hand lifted, and a few well-placed knocks would be inflicted upon the large doors.

Shikir lifted his head in slight aggitation...'What now?' He thought, a sigh escaping him...before suddenly freezing; eyes narrowing suspiciously. The elf took a few steps towards the Keshian Prince and took up his position in front of him...a shield of sorts. "Stay back, Prince. I believe a foe has entered our area."

[Tifa Lockhart]

Stephan nodded to the diarama intent on making a few changes. He had the Goralan adjust what Shikir had suggested and then also had him move the small crown figure that represented himself and any guards he may have been assigned, to the front lines as well.
He was about to order one of the guards to help Kaabel and Beth to the infirmary when Shikir went on alert.
He did as he was told, stepping back as the Goralan came forward and put himself between the royals and the door, protecting all four at once.

((Remember that Tarsha is there))

[Sparkles]

[damn.. i am too arn't i? OO]

Tarsha had been listening intently for the battle strategy and was soon alerted of the prince's return. She tried not to make eye contact; even though she knew he had to stop these silly games it as harder then it seemed.
She smiled at Beth and nodded to her.
Tarsha hard nothing but would trust Shikir's ears even if he said ' there's a dragon on the roof', she'd still believe him.
She waved for Beth to come over as she stood her ground from the door, what the hell could make that noise?

[The Painted Lady]

Beth returned Kaabel's smile breifly before looking about the room. Of course, this was her first introduction to the Keshian royals, and not quite the way she wanted. She caught the Keshian princess' eye and gave her a smile too. Though when she gestured for her to come over, Beth looked up to her brother, then back to the princess again, trying to silently say it would be better if she stuck by Kaabel. She tried her best to ignore the pain her side was causing her as she waited for the apparent threat to pass.

[Cloud Strife]

Shikir remained frozen where he stood, staying directly in front of the Keshian royals - ready to give his life at any moment. "Enter!" He called, waiting for the intruder to do as instructed. The elf's ears twitched just slightly, listening for any possible noises that could lead him to understand the foe behind that door. The Goralan was now standing in front of Shikir - the air tense with apprehension.

Sure enough, the door opened to reveal Kilja in all of his bat-glory. He stood stoic, though his eyes were now a clear crimson; no longer the blurry hue courtesy of his sight being restored. He stood in the doorway, making no move of aggression at all. In fact, he was defenseless...unless of course he decided to grasp his sword. "I come with no criminal and harmful intent. I come to you in peace, Royals of Keshia and Lartonia. I've come to you with the hopeful intent of aiding you." He stated evenly, watching them all with a calm gaze.

Shikir narrowed his eyes. "It is you! The one whom attempted to kill Prince Stephan! Tell me! What is your motive for aiding the Prince, when you so clearly wanted to slaughter him before?!" He called, anger etched in every vocal he stated. Shikir wasn't one to lose his cool, and therefore remained calm. However, should worse come to pass...who knows what Shikir would do?

"....It was an assignment given to me by a comrade. I apologize profusely for my actions, and will take whatever consequences follow...however, I do ask that you all take my offer. I am willing to aid you...and I actually want to. I am under no pretense and under no contract. I am NOT here to harm anyone...save for the enemy that I am directed towards."

[Sparkles]

Tarsha had to restrain herself greatly upon seeing Kilja again, her hands turned to fists and her heart burned - this guy had tried to kill Stephan! She took a deep breath and let Shikir make the decision... though she was hoping that he would be licked out or SOMETHING! 'Stephen ---be careful' she spoke to her brother in a worried tone.