The newly assembled party meets up at the northern gate, preparing to leave toward the lake of stillness to meet their employer. They hire a carriage going toward Atford, the capital of the grand duchy.
As if they are practicing for the lake of stillness, not a word gets uttered in the beginning of the trip. The unusual situation not the greatest of help of course. Finally, Hellas is once again the first one to truly converse with their new temporary member.
"So you've met the grand duke? What is he like?"
"I've not met him for terribly long. He is rather insistent on getting to know everyone who serves him."
"Would that include us?"
"Yeah, he's already tried to start a conversation with me."
"Tried to?"
"I hit a sensitive spot." Secessus says recalling how quickly he got thrown out.
Hellas does not ask further about the situation. He glances over to his party member seeing that they're still not compliant about the fact that they have a new ally.
"It's not your fault." Hellas lets a few moments of silence pass by. Which makes his words come out from nowhere.
"What?" Secessus asks back confused taken a bot off guard.
"We've had some unpleasant experiences with new members in the past. That's why we're not thrilled about the idea."
The explanation of Hellas only gets him the glares of his comrades for a moment. They've chosen for the complete silent treatment. Either an attempt to not burst out at this new person or an attempt to isolate him. Luckily for Secessus he's a man quite used to being in silence for longer period of times. Even if he hates the feeling as it reminds him off the longest years of his existence.
They arrive around the later part of midday at the lake of stillness. The ship of Aya is docked at the side, awaiting the arrival of the new protectors. Secessus looks at the ship and more importantly the people on it. The other half of the crew has returned, and some new faces have been added whilst Aya is still there commanding the ship. An unexpected face is that of her cousin Uthred who's ferociously scrubbing the deck as the crew members order him around.
Aya jumps off the cog, a jump she's quite familiar with. The smuggling leader walks toward the new crowd of people, her hand ready to draw her cutlass. Until she sees the familiar face of Sol standing between them and realizes who they're.
"You guys must be the escort."
"That's right." Cristal replies as she walks forward, now speaking for the group. Gunnir stands close behind her his large frame quite the intimidating sight.
"Wait here. Don't do anything stupid." Aya commands as she this time uses the plank laid between the ship and land to return.
"It seems you're acquainted." Hellas says as he stands next to Sol.
"She helped me deal with the assassin."
"How did it go?"
"He killed 6 of her crew. I can't say the memories are fond."
Hellas sighs deeply realizing that their new temporary member might be more problematic than first anticipated. The crew and Uthred continue to work vigorously loading crates in and out of the ship. Not waiting for too long Aya and an old man walk out. The man is mostly bald with a few gray hairs over and his face sufficiently wrinkled for a man his age. The man carries a staff that also serves as a walking stick.
"Ah here they finally are." The grand duke grumbles annoyed, as he gets guided by Aya of the plank.
"It's an honor to meet you your grace. We are "Mercy's blessing." Like you requested." Cristal speaks again as she stands in the front and slightly bows before the noble.
Hellas and Tika follow suit whilst Gunnir misses the technique but definitely gets the spirit. Sol was about to bow as well, trying to blend in before the voice of the grand duke.
"Don't bow, especially not you." He commands whilst his eyes are focused on Sol. A noble demeanor far more prevalent this time than their previous meeting.
"During this mission I'm just a rich old man trying to reach Laiqe. Do I make myself clear?"
"Of course." Cristal again replies for the group as they all quickly stop bowing.
A carriage now appears from the main road with two horses attacked to the front. The carriage looks very basic and on the older side. The only thing setting it apart probably the crest of two horses facing rearing at each other. Aya approaches the carriage and tosses a small pouch toward the 2 young men who brought the carriage. They look inside and have a smile on their face before they walk off toward the direction of Atford.
"This will be your mode of transport. You can claim to be visiting "Westfield" since this is their crest. However, do realize that you will have to make up a fitting story since that isn't going to be a reasonable excuse. If you can avoid the rebellion in the Ararazi. I've had plenty of acquaintances who've been caught, and I know even more innocent people who've been caught there. For the rest, good luck." Aya explains already walking toward her ship and ordering her crew around to depart.
"Are you not coming?" Sol asks out of curiosity.
"If I'm coming along then why the fuck would you guys be here? Besides, I've spent enough time around nobility for the rest of my life. No offense." She says speaking her mind more freely now she's no longer forced to protect him.
Aya's ship depart as everything was already prepared. The ship now moving Aya stands on the side still looking at the party and the grand duke.
"Sol!" She yells as the ship goes farther and farther.
"I would've totally fine don't you forget it!" She yells however this time without any rage bound with it rather a more cheeky tone accompanies it. The few months having given her the time to grief.
"You wish!" Sol yells back keeping the playful tone going.
And so Aya departs with her ship, going off on her mission as the party named "Mercy's Blessing" and their newest member prepare to escort the grand duke.