Finally after the eventful journey, they made it to Snow's Rest. A large castle which lies on the border of the Moonlight Kingdom, it is considered a last line of defense. The large gates opened on our arrival, we were apparently the last to get here, mostly likely due to Cercil's lack of self restraint. One of the many servants of the castle guided us into the stables and showed the men their respected sleeping arrangements. Lenore and I headed up to the command room of the castle where all Heaven's Hand commanding officers were gathered. Opening the door, we were met by a room full of stern looking men and an out of place woman with snow white hair and emerald eyes who was currently running over to us arms out towards Lenore. Apparently, they were best friends, I must have forgotten that very important piece of information.
"Lenore!" shouted Ellis von Snow, apparently forgetting she held one of the highest ranks in the Moonlight Kingdom. The two embraced each other exchanging pleasantries with one another before Ellis sat down at the head of the table with Lenore standing behind me. Across from me was another of the Heaven's Three, Major Felix von Starkheart. A man of white complexion, blond hair and handsome features he was slightly older than the prince. He stayed silent but there was a smile plastered on his face at the current situation. Another member of the Heaven's Three sat on the left of Felix. He is a stern looking man, his many battles were shown on his face by the many scars and wrinkles which littered it. His expression was one of exhaustion at his commanding officer's behavior, he rubbed his smooth head to try and calm himself down. This man's name is Corbin Kaal, a commoner who proved his might to Ellis and was promoted because of his prowess.
"Right. We shall get down to business. Field Marshall Drake von Harts has issued the command to attack and take one of the central castles in the Darklands. Dragmere Castle is our target, we are all to be deployed and the defense of Snow's Rest is to be taken by the Moonlight Crusaders while we are gone. Any questions?" declared Ellis, while the commander was unserious and aloof she did thankfully know when to get serious and drop her attitude.
"Why Dragmere Castle? It has seen the least amount of fighting so far." asked corbin.
"Its defenses are the weakest of the three major castles in the center so we will have the easiest time taking it with our great martial prowess. Mahahaha." declared Ellis mischievously while making a fist and putting it out in front of her. The room filled with her evil laughter, Lucius truly felt bad for the Empire at having to fight the devil in front of him.
"Will there be any worthy adversary for me at Dragmere Castle, Snow? Asked Lucius begging for a fight, his bloodlust filled the room startling the weaker of the men in the room.
"Control yourself Lucius, don't let bloodlust get the best of you. I'm actually not sure if there are any strong mages, there was nothing about that in Drake's report but I promise the commander of Dragmere to you." answered Ellis, slightly peeved by his lack of control.
"Fine, that'll do. Hear that you two he's mine, I call dibs." declared Lucius pointing at the other Heaven's Three.
"Why don't you fight me if you are so eager?" asked Ellis.
"I don't usually hit girls but today I can make an expectation just for you." answered Lucius, not letting his excitement show at getting to fight Ellis. Playing it off as the cool prince who is sullying his reputation to appease the Major General. Lenore was giving him a cruel side eye; apparently his acting skills weren't good enough to fool his aide yet.
"Lets put something up for stakes, if I win I get Lenore and if you win you get nothing." declared Ellis sticking her tongue out at me, her conduct was not one fitting a Major General.
"I'll have to disagree, Lenore is my aide. This match will be a friendly one of zero stakes, she devil." declared Lucius crossing his arms showing his position on this matter and how he would not budge at all. Lucius still wanted to fight Ellis so he would pull out his trump card if she declined. Royalty.
"Arrrr. You are no fun and what's with the nickname. Fine, no stakes. Meet me at the sparring arena in an hour if you remember where it is." exclaimed Ellis, visually pouting at her lost opportunity to receive her best friend from Lucius. She waddled off apparently going to prepare for our fight or just to sulk in a corner.
Lucius was getting up to leave and head over to find the arena as he actually doesn't know where it is but he couldn't just admit that in front of Ellis. It is a matter of a man's pride, he decided to just ask Lenore but he didn't have much faith in her unfortunately. When Felix von Starkheart opened his mouth apparently wanting to get in the last word like always. His attitude was starting to bore Lucius after dealing with it for so long.
"How is a bloodlusted savage like you, a prince?"asked Felix von Starkheart, looking truly puzzled by Lucius' status as the third prince apparently oblivious to how rude that question seemed. Lucius gave the devious young man the cold shoulder and walked out of the room with Lenore in toe. Not falling for the man's trickery as he thrives on making people burst out in anger in confrontation at his sharp tongue.