[4:57 PM] Marimalade: Voices from behind the two slowly picked up, what sounded like two people... one person? Were they talking to themselves?
"...at's them, right?"
"...believe so, they match the description..."
The voices quieted, with footsteps taking their place as the two caught up to the Queen and her retainer.
"Miss Lunaaaa!" The voice called out, with the sound of a smack directly after her.
"Dont just shout out like that! There could still be people after her."
"Eheh, right."
Had the two turned around at any point, they would see two figures catching up to them. Almost excessively long blonde hair, green eyes, slightly tanned skin. Everything save their outfits and hairstyles were exactly the same. Even the colours of their attire, white and blue-green, matched.(edited)
[5:05 PM] Amasuro: Mana turned around first, at the sound of Luna's name. Upon sight of the pair, she immediately wraps around to Luna's front, putting Luna between her and the twins.
"H-hey!" Luna reacts startled, before turning around as well. Slightly still on guard, Luna's hand hovers the dagger sheathed behind her back as she glared at the pair.
"M-milady, they...they look like ghosts..."
"Don't be stupid, Mana," she whispered back towards Mana, "they called my name, so we should greet them in turn. Whoever they are. Now hush, they're getting closer."
[5:06 PM] Amasuro: "Yes, you called?" Luna speaks towards the twins as they get closer.(edited)
[5:26 PM] Marimalade: The expressions of both brightened as they hurried towards the two, slowing to a walk as they neared. Upon making it to Luna and Mana, the the two immediately dipped into dignified bows.
"Thank you for stopping for us." The one on the right began, "We were worried that we wouldn't be able to catch up!" She wore plate armor over her chest and arms. Not quite anything like the heavily armored knights that acted as walking towers, but obviously built with defense in mind.
"When we couldn't find you in the tavern after the fight finished, we feared we might've been in the wrong location." The left woman explained. Compared to the one beside her, her clothing was much lighter, similar to robes. "Ah, but where are our manners."
The two raised their head, standing proudly in front of the Queen and her retainer. Both seemed young. Not children, by any means, but younger than the queen, for sure.
"We should be introducing ourselves, first! I am Amelia Ecclenza."
"And I am Emilia Ecclenza. We are here on behalf of word sent to Concordia about your eventual arrival."
[5:40 PM] Amasuro: Twins? Urgh, their coordination is...so perfect its almost disturbing. They're really throwing me off here.
"Oh, emissaries from Concordia?" Mana perked up from behind Luna, peeking over her shoulder with both hands strapped firmly to Luna's back.
"A-ah, I wasn't aware Concordia would be sending guides to assist our cause." Luna speaks to the twins, her face still analyzing the strange pair of girls before her, "well, thank you for coming."
Removing her hovering hand from the dagger, Luna swaps her pose to a more straighted and dignified version.
"Then you assisted in the tavern battle?" Luna questioned, "I thank you for that, if so. I am indeed queen Lunarea Rurijisa of Freyzenwald. Very pleased to make your acquaintance Amelia...and Emilia."
They're like...dolls. Reminds me of those scary books I used to read as a child.
[6:00 PM] Marimalade: They beamed at the gratitude given to them, Amelia showing it a bit more openly, but it was still apparent that Emilia felt the same way. "We're just relieved we made it in time. We would've been devastated had anything happened." Emilia lamented.
"We take it you're unfamiliar with how Concordia handles foreign guests?" Amalia inquired, tilting her head slightly. "Those coming into the city for political reasons are given escorts for their journey, as an added safety measure from anything happening too closely to Concordia's borders, or to it's beloved guests."
"We will also act as 'keys' of sorts for you and yours into the city." Emilia continued, "Larger groups such as the unit you have with you are generally fit for closer inspection, but so long as we find no reason to, you'll be given the same treatment as citizens of Concordia when passing through our gates."
[6:13 PM] Amasuro: "Milady, Joshua did inform you about this, you know..." Mana whispered quietly behind Luna's ear, "about the emissaries..."
"...He did?"
Luna turned her gaze back towards the twins, "ah, no I was just confused after our tavern battle. Yes, I am fully aware of how Concordia handles foreigners," she responded, nodding at the twins, "and those escorts are the two of you. Hmm, for just coming out of a battle, you both look very healthy."
Her eyes glance subtly at the twos matching outfits, noticing the subtle differences in armor between the pair.
One of them seems...more physically orientated? I mean, I don't see why both of them don't just wear armor, but then again I guess mages really like avoiding that kind of stuff for some reason.
[6:40 PM] Marimalade: Both of their expressions changed to ones of confidence and pride at nearly the same moment.
"But of course, we'd give you nothing but our best efforts."
"We have our family's name to uphold, after all! And I'd never let anyone past my guard. If Emilia's got a sratch on her, then I haven't done my job right."
The two looked to each other a moment, smiling before looking back towards Luna and Mana. "One of your healers deserves our thanks as well."
Emilia nodded in agreement. "Indeed. You have a strong group with you. We are confident in each other, but having our backs further covered by your capable men and women allowed us to excel."(edited)
[7:02 PM] Amasuro: "You were healed by one of ours?" Luna asks the pair, curious at their words. Suddenly, her eyes widens for a moment, "oh, was this person a...maid? I haven't seen her in a while."
"Yes, she is a friend of L-ah!" Mana cuts off her sentence as a sharp foot stamps on top of her own.
"She is someone I know that I haven't seen in a while is all. Anyhow, you spoke about your family's name? Are the...Ecclenza's an influential family in Concordia?"
I hope this isn't common knowledge.
[7:22 PM] Marimalade: The two blinked at Mana a moment, before giving a synchronus, "Of course!" in response to the question. They blinked, realizing the abandonment of any reservation in their response. Amelia gave a slightly awkward smile, while Emilia gave a small bow of her head. The two took deep breaths, before speaking up once more.
"The Ecclenza family has held influence in Concordian political affairs for over four generations." Amelia explained, Emilia continuing immediately afterwards.
"Our father holds one of the current seats in the council, and our mother commands the defenses of the City's Southern Wall."
[7:32 PM] Marimalade: Their words seemed odd in a way as they spoke about their family, almost like they were rehearsed.
"The Ecclenza family strives to be a proud face of Concordia, and to lead with the city's best interests at heart, so it may continue to shine as it has."(edited)
[8:09 PM] Amasuro: "Amazing. Four generations, huh? That reminds me a lot of our own royal family."
Don't be disturbed by their antics. They're just two different people. Two. Different. People.
Luna shifted in her position, her eyes flipping from one twin to the other. The twos similar appearances a sight to behold, as well as their similar speaking habits.
"I-I don't mean to be rude, b-but," Mana suddenly speaks up from behind, "you two are very...in-sync."
The second girl finally coming out from behind Luna, getting a better look at the twins.
[8:37 PM] Marimalade: Amelia giggled at Mana's comment, nibbling on her lower her lip in an attempt to hide her grin.
"We'd consider that a complement." Emilia reassured.
"We're twins, after all! Though I'm sure you've noticed already." Amelia added, giving another short laugh after her words. "If it's easier for you, just think of us as one person." She said, rather nonchalantely.
"You wouldn't be the first one." Emilia nodded, tilting her head slightly as she stared adressed the one hiding behind Luna. "Are you a retainer of the Queen's, by chance?"
[8:49 PM] Amasuro: "Me? U-uhh..." Mana looked up towards Luna, her eyes meeting Luna's expecting gaze, before looking back to the twins. Then back and forth a few more times in quick succession.
"I am not a retainer of milady. She does not believe in such a position."
"Well, maybe not believe so to speak. Rather...I find it unnessecary." Luna spoke with a wave of her hand.
[9:04 PM] Marimalade: Emilia gave a light chuckle at the response they got, with Amelia smirking.
"You'd get along with Father, with that sort of talk." Amelia answered, before looking back to Mana. "A friend then? Even better to have by one's side!" She grinned.
"Could we have your name, by chance? Seeing as we'll be working together for the forseeable future."(edited)
[9:19 PM] Amasuro: That sort of talk? Geez, must be a pretty stubborn old guy, then. ...Did I just call myself stubborn?
"Mana. Mana Cyrus." Mana responds to Emilia, now standing in full view beside Luna. She does a short bow at the twins, "I-I'm very happy to meet you!"
"Heh, don't let her...shy nature fool you. Mana is fully capable of handling herself in battle, as well as completing many other tasks that I require her to do."
"D-do you really think so, milady?" Mana looks up, wide eyed.
"...What? Well, yeah, I mean, I wouldn't let someone useless remain by my side," Luna turns her head away from the group, rubbing the back of her head, "don't let this get to your head, understand?"
[9:39 PM] Marimalade: Amelia giggled, before joining her sister in another bow at Mana's introduction. "It's good to meet you, too! If you're still walking fine after that fight, then we've got no doubt that you're strong."
"She just wants to butter you up so she can challenge you to a duel." Emilia cut in with a smirk.
"Oh, shush!" Amelia poked at her Sister's side with her elbow, giving a small laugh before turning her attention back to Luna, taking a breath to recollect herself as Emilia took her turn to speak up,
"But now that introductions are out of the way.." She paused a moment as she changed the subject. "Are you aware of the situation with the port to the East?"(edited)
[9:55 PM] Amasuro: Luna's expression changed, as she felt the air around her grow tense. She crossed her arms, frowning as she switched her mindset to what Joshua had told her moments ago.
"That a team of sophisiticated soldiers took over the port one week ago? Yeah, we just heard about it now actually. Tsk, I assume you have more information on it?"
"A group of unknown soldiers..." Mana murmurs under her breath.
Right, the port. Such a pain.
[10:41 PM] Marimalade: "That makes things easier." Amelia took on the more serious tone that her sister had. "We don't know much more, sadly; though we do have guesses. Reports say it's bandits, but they're much larger and more organized than most bandit groups along the coasts, which gives suspect to one of the other countries. With Khlin's current civil war, they're obviously out of the question as subjects. That leaves forces from Gallaran or Valenheim.. On top of the mountains between Freyzenwald and Gallaran."
"We -do- know they came upon the dock by boat, but we didn't hear word of it until the dock had already been taken." Emilia continued where Amelia left off, "We might be able to identify them by the design of their ships, but.. Getting scouts close enough to do so would be like throwing meat into a bear's den. Of course, if this -is- a plan against your Highness by Gallaran, then it would be privvy of you to expect it to be bigger than just the dock, with how much in advance the invasion took place."
Amelia gave a troubled expression as Emilia spoke, but gave Luna and Mana time to give their piece, looking up to them.(edited)
[11:28 PM] Amasuro: "Bandits can be really organized, can't they?" Mana mumbled towards Luna in a voice quiet enough so Amelia or Emilia might not have heard her. Luna began speaking to the twins halfway through her words anyway.
"Can we count Khlin out just because of a civil war? Perhaps some disgruntled fighters wandered out of their wartorn lands, and took over the nearest settlement. Or, like, uhh..."
Her voice trails off, her hand still spinning around as she continued her pause.
...Oh for...I totally had a point going there.
"...like, uhh, yeah. That."
"Are you talking about independant fighters, milady? Like...rogues?" Mana quickly pitched in.
"Well mercenaries too, maybe, but yes, exactly. I was getting there, but you interupted me." Luna spoke, causing Mana to cower slightly.
[8:28 PM] Marimalade: "I'd think it would be silly if they are." Emilia responded, Amelia giving a small, somewhat concerned smile towards Mana.
"To march into another country and take over one of their towns to get away from war lacks any sort of forward thinking that you would expect from an organized group. You'd just be going from fighting one battle, to a worse one. Unless..." Emilia took in a breath, a look of realization crossing her face. She looked over to her sister, who met her gaze with a nod.
"Unless they're there because someone else wants them to be."
[1:29 AM] Amasuro: "Well, no matter how or why these ruffians ended up there. All that matters is how they are in our way, and must be crushed." Luna frowned, dramatically forming a fist in her hand.
"...Milady, if I may speak...were we not warned at how we likely cannot defeat this group?"
"Time is valuable, Mana! With me at the lead, our unit can easily handle any kind of pathetic mercenary group that happened to roll into the wrong town. Is that not right, Amelia? Emilia?" She gestured towards the twins with a sweeping hand.
[7:27 PM] Marimalade: The twins gave conflicted looks back to Luna at the question, both of them hesitating for a few moments, before Amelia finally spoke up.
"...Your safety is our top priority, Lady Lunarea. With that in mind, heading to the Southern docks in Khlin would likely be the safer option, so long as we avoid the capital. That being said... There is no mountain that is unclimbable, with the right tools. But currently, we don't even know what that mountain looks like."
[7:37 PM] Amasuro: "What? But we don't need to climb any mountain to reach the dock or Kh-" Luna's question was quickly interupted by a tapping against her shoulder.
"...I belive that was supposed to be a metaphor..." Came the quiet voice from her side.
"...Which is great because we are most definitely not equipped to climb a mountain. Though, I do understand what you mean, and that we are not properly equipped to fight these rogues holed up inside the dock. ...Ah, going to Khlin would be a major detour, and thats factoring in how its a completely foreign nation. Do you think we have enough time?"
"Surely it must be better than fighting a losing battle, milady. Considering multiple people have told us the same thing, the threat at the port might be greater than you believe..."
[9:10 PM] Marimalade: "'Foreign, yes, but not unknown." Emilia smirked, looking over to her sister, who threw out a thumbs-up.
"Leave any affairs with the Khlinese people to me! The civil war may bring the current political powers to question, but it gives us a good chance to get through with a small amount of eyes on us." Amelia affirmed, her disposition once more leaning towards a more confident direction.
"You seem to be.. very worried about time, though. And pardon my forwardness, but.. you don't seem to be the type to worry much over appearances."
[10:27 PM] Amasuro: Ngh-! I'm trying my best you stuck up little-
"Is that how I presented myself? Ah, my apologies. I had meant to be more formal, but that part of me emerges from time to time," Luna scrunches her mouth up to one side for a brief moment, "but, ah, we are to be allies in the future, yes? I don't believe there is much need to keep up such an appearance when we will be together a lot."
"And as for the political situation, milady?" Mana mentioned.
"Oh, ah yes. The more influential people in our party, the better chances we have getting through this country without issue."
[11:18 PM] Marimalade: Emilia blinked, raising a hand with a slight bow of her head and a somewhat awkward smile. "Ah.. Sorry, I meant in way of you seemingly being pressed for time..? The representative from Gallaran will not be going anywhere, I doubt, so long as we do not take so long as to be considered missing... But you're right, we do have a decent trip ahead of us."
Amelia seemed to show her relief about Luna's words more openly, reaching to grab her sister's hand just moments after Emilia finished speaking, actually breathing a sigh of relief.
"Well! I'll be the first to thank you for that train of thought. But we should leave you both be to go rest."
[11:42 PM] Amasuro: "O-oh, ah yeah, it is getting rather late." Luna bows in turn at the twins, prompting Mana to do the same.
"It has been a pleasure to meet you," Mana spoke.
"We will be headed back to base camp, then. Do you have a place to stay?"
[11:45 PM] Marimalade: Emilia seemed to wait for something a few moments, blinking as Amelia apoke up again. "We have an inn room in town. Thank you both for the chance to speak."
"Ah.. Yes, thank you for your time. Please rest well, we should be aound soon."(edited)
[11:46 PM] Marimalade: Emilia bowed slightly after her words, a motion Amelia mimicked, before they turned to take their leave.
[12:03 AM] Amasuro: Luna waved towards the twins as they left, before turning and walking in the opposite direction with Mana.
"Milady, I didn't imagine that Concordian escorts could be so young!" Mana commented, clapping her hands together.
"Yeah, well. Tch, why didn't you tell me we had escorts? I almost looked like a fool out there," Luna spoke, slightly annoyed.
"But...I did...I even sent the letter for you."
"...Well...ugh, whatever. Its because I've been away so long is why I had forgotten."
"Milady, I'm not even born he-"
"Mana!"
[12:03 AM] Amasuro: ==End RP==
