The second eldest princess sighs to herself, how she wished he had said no. Then perhaps the king would have reevaluated. Eilki was quick to recompose herself, continuing. "Then please, return home and pack for a long journey." Eilki spares a glance at her siblings,"Then return by mid morning tomorrow, and prepare to set off by noon." The king bobs his head,"Thank you for escorting my daughter." Eilki stands, summoning Nyx,"I must be off, I must pack myself." Then the princess heads out one of the side doors, her personal guard melting from their spots at the walls to join her.

Each and every guard staying silent as Eilki rambles and rages to Nyx, grumbling about having to go off to marry some prince. Now, don't get Eilki wrong, she would do it because it was what was best for Xipan. But that didn't mean Eilki was going to be silent about, she was going to get some complaining in before she set off. The wolfdog just kept trotting beside the princess as the group heads towards the princess' tower.

Ohulzu glances at Kyle,"Ignore Eilki's grumblings, I am sure she will grumble along the way." Before the king and the rest of his family too got to their feet. "Now, excuse us. We have duties to attend." Each royal nodding at Kyle as they all departed separate ways, their personal guards joining them. The king off to his study to see what new reports had come in about Khiseon. The queen and the eldest and youngest daughters to see to the nobles that were mingling around. While the two prince's joined their father in his study.

Eilki was inside her room, packing things into Autumn's black saddlebag, Nyx lying on the floor gnawing on a bone. The princess had removed her crown and left it on the dresser, her shoes off as well. Her door was open, and her guards were outside, however no words were exchanged as Eilki finishes packing. Placing the saddle bag on the ground beside the door as she turns back to her room to pick out things to wear the next morning.

In the end, she picked a simple black jumper, which was fancy but yet enough for traveling horseback. Inside her saddlebags were more jumpers and a few dresses for when she arrived at Drura. But she did not plan on hauling a bunch of junk, outfits she would not need or wear. Eilki sets the clothing aside as she settles down on her bed, sighing quietly.

Kyle nodded to them, the excitement still there about being able to travel. He needed to get some fresh air and not just the same kingdom air but actual countryside air. It felt different, cooler. Kyle smiled "Very well, I'll go pack now and I'll be back by mid morning" he says. Kyle turns on his heels, making his way back down the red carpet and exiting through the double doors. He took a deep breath, glad to be out of there. Not in a bad way but he always wanted to present himself well in front of the royal family. That wasn't so bad though, it could have been a lot worse. However he did still feel bad for the Princess, to marry a total stranger. It sounded scary to him so he couldn't imagine how she feels. Though Kyle had a job to do so he would do it, not to mention it will be a change in scenery too. Kyle glances back toward the castle one last time before heading off down the path. At least he didn't feel nervous anymore, though it gave him new concerns of the journey ahead even if it is exciting to get outside.

-

Kyle is now concerned about what the journey will bring, he's sure it won't be easy and that they'll come across danger. It's a good thing he is a Knight, he knows how to protect himself and he has his family sword which would come in great use if he needed it. He hasn't been in a fight for a long time though so he wasn't sure how he'd preform. Kyle shakes his head, he would worry about that once they got on the road. He soon made it back to his small house, he goes over to the stable where Liberty stays. The large mare snorts, flicking her black tail and bobbing her head at him. Kyle smiled "Hey girl, we have a big journey ahead of us" he says. He runs his fingers through her black mane, the horse nuzzles his shoulder. Kyle chuckles "Be sure to rest up" he says. Kyle walks off heading into his house, he glances around and wondered what he would need. It's not like he needed to change, he always wore this armour. It would be a good idea to bring snacks along, probably something for Liberty too. He'd probably sharpen his sword too before he goes, that way both he and the sword will be ready if he needs it come tomorrow. That nervous feeling came back again, Kyle took a seat at the table and sighed.

Throughout the rest of the day, Eilki didn't do to much, simply playing with Nyx. Then finally sneaking out for a midnight ride with Autumn and Nyx, and then finally Eilki returned to her room. Where she simply paced back and forth or sat on her bed, her insomnia shadowing her. Her insomnia was always worse when she was anxious, and if Eilki allowed the sleep paralysis to get to bad, the demons started to appear. But most nights she kept them away, sadly tonight was not one of those nights. Nyx whined and whimpered as she watched her owner pace back and forth, muttering about the demons.

The wolfdog could feel the anxiety rolling off of Eilki, but she couldn't do much about it. Finally Nyx leap to her paws and leapt at Eilki, knocking the princess back on her bed. Where Nyx whimpers and lays her head on Eilki's chest, causing the princess to chuckle slightly,"Alright, Nyx. I'll try to get some sleep." As Eilki readjusts on the bed, laying an arm across Nyx's back as she stares at the ceiling. Until finally the insomnia and sleep paralysis faded away, allowing the princess to fall asleep in the early hours of dawn.
*
"Princess Eilki!"

With a groan, Eilki stirs, aware that Nyx had leapt back down on the floor probably because of Eilki's restless sleep. The princess sits up,"I'm awake!" The guard calls back,"Your family wishes to have breakfast with you before you set off!" Eilki sits up,"Tell them I'll be down soon!" The princess was quick to shake herself to full awareness as she dressed, pulling on her traveling clothes, before reluctantly putting a crown in her head. Then Eilki reached for the small dagger sheath tucking it in her clothes. Before grabbing her blade, Narcoleptic, attaching the sheath to her belt.

"Come on, Nyx. Let's go see what's for breakfast." The large wolfdog stretches before padding after Eilki. The two making their way downstairs with Eilki's personal guard until they came upon the dining room where the rest of the royal family already sat. "Father. Mother. Siblings. Good morning." Eilki greets as they enter, the princess taking her seat as food was brought to both the table and to Nyx. Ohulzu greets back,"You seem to be in a good mood." Eilki sighs,"Well, there is no way to avoid this. So might as well make the best of it."

Ohulzu glances at his wife, that was one way to look at it, he supposed. Iscuri laughs,"Oh come on, sis! At least you can still come home and visit and we can visit you!" The royal family begins to dig in and Eilki allows a small smile to cross her face,"Yes. I suppose your right, brother. And of course I will have Nyx and Autumn with me. With any luck it might actually feel like home." The king and queen exchange a grin, perhaps this marriage wouldn't be to much of a struggle after all!

Kyle spent the day sharpening his sword, he wasn't sure if he would need to use it while on the road but he didn't want to take any chances. He sighed deeply, lifting up the blade and carefully running his hand along it. He nodded his head happy with the now sharpened blade. It should do if he comes to need it. Hopefully he wouldn't have too, Kyle didn't like violence and would often try to reason with the person first but some people aren't as easy to speak with. He wasn't expecting this to be easy or fun but he felt confident enough to stand up for himself and the princess if danger did come. He takes the blade heading back into his horse and rests the blade on the table. It would be set and ready for tomorrow.

-

Kyle yawns feeling tired, the night now setting in and he decided it would probably be good to call it a night. He heads into his small square bedroom, taking off his steal armour slowly and setting it down by his bed side. At least he is now able to stretch his limbs, wearing that heavy armour all day was tiring and put strain on his muscles. He relaxes his shoulders, laying back on his bed and getting comfortable as possible. He yawns again, turning over and soon drifted off to sleep.

**

The next morning Kyle wakes up rather early, he walks into the bathroom and washes his face to wake himself up. He runs his hand through his black hair, sighing softly. Today is the day. He felt ready in himself but on the outside he looked tired. However he wasn't going to let that stop him from doing what he needed to do. Kyle hot himself into his armour, being sure to have his sword ready too. He grabs a bag and places a few essential items into it. He places the bag down onto the chair and decided he'd visit the Inn for something to eat before he leaves.

-

Kyle walks out his house, heading over to the small Inn that only had a few people sitting at the tables. He takes a seat, the bar tender walks over to him "Morning, Sir Kyle. Nice to see you in here today" he says. Kyle looks up at the young man and smiles "Yes, just here for some breakfast. I'm on an important mission" he chuckles. The bar tender smiled "Sounds fun, I'll put a breakfast order in for you then" he says before walking off. Kyle nodded, sitting back in his chair and enjoying the quiet. It wasn't long before he's presented with a breakfast, he eats it up and felt energised. He felt glad that he came out here, he never normally ate anything.

-

Kyle pays for his food at the bar before leaving the Inn, he makes his way back to his house and started to go over everything that he had and is sure he had everything they would need. He nodded his head feeling satisfied. He places the bag over his shoulder and leaves the house again. He heads into Liberty's stable and starts to tack her up for the journey ahead. He sighed deeply "Hopefully this journey will be simple enough" he says quietly.

Finally breakfast was over, and Eilki returns to her room to retrieve her things. Refusing to allow the guards to take it, as she makes her way down to the stables. She sets down the saddle bags as she heads inside the stables, haltering Autumn once again refusing help as she swiftly and efficiently grooms and tacks her steed. Before finally accepting help to put her saddle bags on. Eilki hesitates, like all the royals she had special armor fitted for her in case of emergencies. Would it be a smart idea to don it now? For the dangerous trip to the mountains?

After a few minutes of hesitation, it was quickly decided, and Eilki gestures for Nyx and her guards to stay as she hurries off. Heading inside and through the corridors to the armory. Swiftly she finds her armor and fits it on, leaving the helmet behind. With any luck, she wouldn't need it. Eilki glances at the mirror, besides the crown, she looked more like a warrior then a princess. Eilki nods, good perhaps it would keep the bandits away if they thought she was a warrior instead of a princess. Eilki sighs as she makes her way back to the courtyard to await Kyle's arrival.

Yet once there, the second eldest princess was greeted by her family. They had all come out to bid her farewell, and both of her parents frown at the armor. Ohulzu asking,"Is that really needed, Eilki?" Eilki frowns at her father,"Would you rather me go advertising myself as a princess for the bandits and robbers along the way?" Ohulzu grunts,"Fair point, daughter." Eilki secretly smiles to herself, the king did not often agree to what Eilki said.

Iscuri frowns as he glances at the sun,"It is almost noon, hopefully your knight arrives soon." Eilki did not wish that, she wished to delay it as long as possible, but she did not dare utter those words. She simply went over to Autumn, who was standing relaxing and almost half asleep. While Nyx to had laid down, Eilki's personal guard had been dismissed. It was just the royal family, and guards who patrolled the towers. Though they were in sight of the royal family, they were out of earshot of them. The princess bade a farewell to her family, dread filling her as she steps forward to each family member.

The dread growing with every hug and farewell, until Eilki was mounted on her steed, glancing down at her family. "I will send word of my safe arrival." If my arrival is safe, or if I even arrive, Eilki thought to herself as she flashes a small forced smile towards her family. Who return it, bidding a last farewell before heading inside. All except for Iscuri, who frowns at his favorite sibling,"You be careful out there, alright?" Eilki smiles,"I'll try my best, big brother." This time there was no playfulness in the second eldest prince's eyes, as he warns his sister.

"I am not kidding, sis, do not hesitate to flee instead of fight. There are many dangers out there, I rather not have to go to your funeral." Eilki's eyes sharpen and grow more serious,"Of course, Iscuri. Even I know when to run." Iscuri's smile was thin, however he nods,"I wish you the best, Eilki, and I'll see you later." The prince bows before hurrying inside. Eilki sighs as she glances down at Nyx,"Well, that was quite a note to leave off on."

Kyle finishes tacking up Liberty, he pets her gently "You ready to go?" He asks. Liberty snorts, digging at the ground. Kyle smiled, guiding her out the stable. He looks toward his house again, it will be strange being away from home. Now he started to feel nervous, he didn't want anything bad to happen. He's never done anything like this before. He sighed, shaking his head and he looks toward Liberty and smiles. At least he will have Liberty with him. He jumps up onto the back of her back, holding onto the reins tightly and Liberty starts to move forward. Kyle looks ahead as they came towards the waiting princess. The nerves still remained but Kyle took a deep breath. Once there he looks to the princess and nodded his head toward her "Hello Princess Eilki, are you ready to go?" He asks.

Eilki was deep in thought as Kyle and his steed approached, however she was quick to shake herself out of her thoughts. She focuses on Kyle, flashing a small smile,"Sure. Let's head out." Eilki looks down at Nyx,"Nyx, scout." The wolfdog leaps to her paws, trotting off ahead of the two steeds. Eilki pauses glancing at Kyle, before instructing Autumn to move forward. The mare starting forward as she follows behind Nyx. Eilki shifts slightly, adjusting both her armor and her sword sheath. Already as the group moved away from the castle, Eilki was on edge. Yet the princess forces herself to relax, glancing at Kyle. "So, why did you agree to escort me to the mountains?" The princess realizes she had sounded rude and she quickly adds,"Not that I mean that I don't appreciate it or believe someone could do better, I'm just curious." She realizes that perhaps she may have just made it worse, and she just falls silent sighing quietly to herself.

Kyle nodded, a gives a slight smile, Liberty follows after them walking next to Autumn but not too close. Kyle glances at her when she asked the question, he chuckles "Its okay, I didn't take it in the wrong way. I thought it might be good to get out and get some fresh air. But I've been loyal to your family for a very long time so I found it to be an honour that your father asked me" He explains. Kyle did still feel surprised that the king asked him but he's glad he did. Kyle felt excited about this trip, he had always wanted to explore outside the castle walls. He looks head, sighing softly "I'll admit this is my first time outside the castle walls" he says. That thought did made him kind of nervous since he didn't know what dangers lied ahead but he's a trained knight so he didn't let it bother him too much.

Eilki dips her head to Kyle's answer, so it was out of loyalty to the royal family. The princess says nothing else, until the knight mentioned he had never been out of the kingdom. Eilki grimaces as she glances at the knight,"Neither have I." She peers forward, Nyx had not returned, however that could mean one of two things. One nothing was wrong and Nyx was still scouting, or two, Nyx had been captured. With any luck the wolfdog was still just scouting. Eilki's hand strays towards her sword, she never planned on leaving the kingdom, but here she was on the way to Drura. She couldn't help but sigh slightly. The princess then forces herself to let go on her sword and return her hands to the reins as Autumn trods on. Eilki murmurs,"Hopefully this trip will go quick, who knows what kind of dangers we will face."

Kyle tilted his head, he looks forward and started to ponder. This is such a big task, the safety of the princess laid in his hands and he felt worried. He honestly didn't want to screw this up, but what if he did? What if he made a mistake?. It's not all the time that Kyle does make mistakes but he knows that they can happen. He felt confident enough that he can keep the princess safe, it's just not having to deal in battle or not having seen real danger. He just wanted to respond correctly. Kyle shakes his head, all this negative thinking wasn't helping. He glances to the princess "Don't worry, as long as I am here you'll be safe. But aye, it gives you chance to see the outside world too" He says, smiling.