Castle

[Cloud Strife]

Shikir simply nodded, before then watching as Tarsha left the room. He pursed his lips together, turning towards Prince Stephen and canting his head to the side. "I'd be happy to escort Princess Tarsha...but only if it is what she wishes to do." He stated before shrugging and turning towards Kaabel.

Kaabel watched as Tarsha left, canting his head to the side and also pursing his lips together. "Would it be alright if I went and talked to her?" He inquired simply.

Kilja nodded. "Alright then. I will go and speak to the other assassins. When should I go, Prince Stephen?"

[Tifa Lockhart]

"Whenever you see fit Master Kilja." Prince Stephan replied to the jakoid before he turned to Shikir.
"Shikir... you of all people should know my sister as well as me. She will never back down and stay out of this war... so she needs to be taught to defend herself. I cannot bare the thought of losing another family member...." This was the logic behind it.... and it was clearly a matter the distressed the prince greatly, as his hand moved to grip his forehead and he swayed a little. The massive amounts of responsibility were catching up with him.
"I think that would help Prince Kaabel... if you would i would be most greatful." He said i reply to the going and talking to his sister.

[Cloud Strife]

Kaabel nodded and bowed slightly. "If you'll excuse me then, I'll see myself out and find her. Plus, I wish to check on my sister as well."

Shikir simply nodded in response. "I understand your logic, Young Prince. I do not doubt your intentions, however I also know that you cannot get Princess Tarsha to go if she does not want to. Either way, should she decide to go, I'll aid her in whatever ways possible. As an elf, I am skilled in many things...and the Florans, I'm certain, would not mind Princess Tarsha learning a thing or two in the defense department."

[Tifa Lockhart]

Stephan smiled at his long time mentor.
"be careful Shikir..." He said before seeking out a chair to sit in. He really didn't look very well.
"I wanted to tell you... i am taking the first patrol up to the Northern Keshia/Lartonia border myself... i need to prove to my men that i am not going to sit up in my castle and not help my people. Chances are you will not be here when i leave..." This was just a warning to his mentor. He WAS going no matter what.

[Cloud Strife]

Shikir regarded Stephen for a moment, a small smile gracing his lips - a rarity amongst the elven race. The mentor was truly a stoney individual...but when it came to Stephen and Tarsha...he felt like they were his own children; his responsibility. "Of course, Prince Stephen. Though, I naturally wish that you would try to wait...Honestly, however, I doubt such will happen. Either way, once I do get back, I'll be sure to join you on the battlefield. Is that alright with you?" He inquired with a cant of his head and a quirk of his brow.

Kilja, meanwhile, nodded and bowed to the Prince before exiting the room with Bjarlza. "We must make another visit with the Assassin's guild, Dearest. Are you going to accompany me, or will you stay here? I'd prefer it if you stayed...but I know that you are as stubborn as a pack mule."

Kaabel had also exited and went in search of Tarsha...only to stumble upon her room. A hand lifted, only to rap upon the wooden doors gently, though firmly at the same time. "Princess? Are you alright, Princess?" He called, clearly worried for her state.

[Sparkles]

Tarsha looked up from her packing and toward the doors upon hearing Kaabel. She stood up and walked over to the doors, standing there for a few silent moments before reluctantly unlocking them. She then turned around and walked back over to her bag, saying nothing. She didn't crouch down and start packing again but instead just stared, thinking about nothing and yet everything at the same time.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Bjarlza flicked her long red hair indignantly, her tail more or less mimicking the gesture.
"I am coming with you. Who else will protect you from that grump hmm? Haven't forgotten who stood up to him last time have you." She said, running a clawed finger along his chest.

Stephan gave a small smile as his mentor did not at all object to what he was going to do.
"Thankyou Shikir, i appreciate it... and of course. I would want no one else by my side. You were faithful to my father for so many years... and now me. Seriously my friend you are more worthy of this title then i am."

[Cloud Strife]

Kaabel, having been taught not to enter a lady's quarters without invite, remained where he stood though the door was unlocked from the inside. "Princess...am I to wait for an invitation to come in? Or shall I simply allow myself to intrude?"

Shikir nodded once again. However, he did object to one thing the Prince spoke of. "No, Prince Stephen. I do believe that title suits you nice enough. I do not feel that I would be an appropriate heir to the throne of Keshia. You do nicely. Though my services are undying in their loyalty, I do not feel worthy enough to be honored in such a fashion. I appreciate your compliments, however." He smiled pleasantly at Stephen before bowing once more and taking his leave of the area. First, though, he paused at the door and turned to face the Prince, only to bow once more. "By your leave, M'lord."

Kilja chuckled slightly. "Right right. Of course, Dearest." He lifted a brow before leaning down and pecking her lightly on the cheek - a soft, affectionate gesture on the bat's part. What a devious being! With that, he led her out of the castle.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Stephan nodded to his long time friend and mentor, showing he was allowed to leave. The prince the clutched his head briefly and stood again, turning to Jarl, his Goralan captain and general of the army.
"How soon can this patrol be on the road?" He asked pointing at the group planned to be heading north.
"By day break two days hence sire." Jarl replied after a brief glance at the table. Memorizing this plan was easy for him, it was what he does.
"Good i'll meet you then." The prince said before dismissing the captain and returning to his chair by the window, holding in a sigh of exhaustion until the Goralan had left.

[Sparkles]

Tarsha said nothing for quite sometime and when she did it was not in response to his question. "It's not Stephan's fault. It's everything... First mum left us. Then dad formed that stupid... stupid bargain with the Lartonian king (notice she did not say, 'with your father'). Then dad died..." here she paused, the tear were coming to her eyes - over the last few months, the only time she'd cried was at her father's death... but she couldn't hold it in anymore. She sat down at the bottom of her bed, her head in her hands, trying to disguise her sobs.

[Cloud Strife]

Kaabel couldn't wait any longer. He pushed the door open slightly, allowing it to swing open before he entered slowly. He said nothing, though he heard what she had said...and before he knew it, he was crouching down next to her with a hestitant hand hovering over her shoulders. The Prince wanted to comfort her, but he didn't know what would be accepted and what would be frowned upon.

Shikir was on his way to Tarsha's room to pick her up...though he hated to do so for Tarsha's sake...the acting king had spoken and he could not go against his orders.

[Sparkles]

Tarsha looked up at Kaabel; about to ask him why he was being so nice to her after she'd been so mean to him when he'd first come to Keshia... but she had a fair idea - he wasn't like his father. She stared at him for a moment before continuing, "Stephan's taking dad's death as if everything falls onto him. He's not even considering whether or not i'd like a say as to whether I fight for myself or not. I know why he's doing this but I feel as if..." she looked away and shrugged, "I don't know" she said quietly, "I'm just overreacting" she said, lightly kicking her bag.

[Cloud Strife]

Kaabel sighed and took a few steps into the room, closer to her, before taking a seat. "...Well, I understand what you mean, Princess...At least I think I do. I would probably feel the same way...however, I also think that you should listen and let Stephen do as he wishes for the time being. He knows that he is not alone. He is very fortunate to have you as a sister, I'm certain, but he's still adjusting to this massive role as standing king...and therefore I believe that he should have the relief that his sister is somewhere safe until most of this catastrophe is over. Don't you think so, Princess?"

[Sparkles]

Tarsha took a deep breath and sighed, running her hand on her neck as she nodded reluctantly. "This'd be the only way I'd have to not agree with him" she gestured to the half packed bag that she was no longer even considering touching. "Well if he wants me with the warriors far away then I can't excactly object" she said with a tone of annoyance. 'OK, I'll go. But promise me you'll be here when I get back?' she asked Stephan desteratly.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Stephan was semi-coherent, exhaustion and grief still gripped him with their icey fingers.
I cannot promise that sister... and i would never make a promise to you i cant 100% guarantee... but i promise you i will do my best to be here when you get back... just promise ME that you'll train your hardest and learn the most you can from the warrior maidens... so that when you get back you may be able to help the fight...