Before Alexander was found by the strange woman and man, they had first arrived in the port city of Hamala-Don.
Royal blades Martine and Pierre were tasked with locating Alexander, who was supposedly kidnapped by smugglers.
It was recently confirmed that Alexander was no longer held by said kidnappers, but by demons, though where these demons were located remained unknown.
His last location was in a forest not too far in distance from the port city of Hamala-Don. Where the royal blades were headed, but not before meeting with a pathfinder named Lieutenant Antoinette.
"You think this boy is alive?" Martine asked her partner as they walked down the crowded dirt streets leading towards Antoinette's safe house.
She adjusted her shades as she pulled down her black scarf. "If demons got him, I'd assume he met his maker."
Pierre sighed as he pulled down his scarf, revealing a thick brown beard and thin lips. "You heard the director, Alive or not we have to find him, her majesty depends on it."
Martine giggled as she reached a hand out of her long black cloak, revealing a bar of chocolate. "Hey, I got this from the ship, you think he'll like it?" She asked curiously, tapping it on Pierre's arm.
Pierre glanced down at his partner, his eyes narrowing. "Seriously, you stole candy?" He asked, almost disappointed. "Of all the things to focus on." He then shrugged his wide shoulders, "Honestly."
Martine pouted as she recalled her arm into the depths of her cloak. "I thought it was worth getting." She mumbled defensively, "I've seen marines give children chocolate all the time, it works."
Pierre ignored her, instead turning his gaze on an upcoming building. It was a small wooden building surrounded by similarly unassuming structures under construction.
Two pathfinders stood outside its doors, hands on their rifles with their expressions holding permanent scowls, either from the sun or people passing by.
"Found the safe house." Pierre said as he approached the pathfinders cautiously, "Slowly pull your badge out, no reason to spook the guards."
"They should recognize us," Martine replied, "it's not every day you see a royal blade."
"Exactly," Pierre replied as he pulled his badge from within his cloak, revealing a golden seal on a black leather case.
Upon noticing the approaching royal blades, the pathfinders guarding the door immediately turned their rifles on them.
"Hold it!" One of the guards shouted, "State your business!" The guard continued, finger on the trigger.
"Jumpy," Martine commented with a smirk.
Pierre sighed as he extended his badge, "We're with the RB, agents Pierre and Martine."
The pathfinder who shouted narrowed his eyes, "Royal blades huh?" He asked, tightening his grip on his rifle, "where you expected?"
Pierre nodded, "Yes, we're here to see Lieutenant Antoinette." He pointed at the building, "is she inside?"
The pathfinder hesitantly nodded, before glancing at his comrade. "Go get the lieutenant." He ordered, his tone quick and heavy.
The second pathfinder nodded briskly, before slinging his rifle over his shoulder and disappearing into the safe house.
Pierre and Martine remained still, with Pierre keeping his badge in view and Martine studying the pathfinder with a sharp gaze though her eyes remained hidden.
"You look shaken, pathfinder." Martine quipped, her stance relaxed, "did something happen?"
The pathfinder frowned as he turned his rifle on her. "I'd be easier explaining what didn't happen," he said angrily, "this damn heat, the threat of murder by criminals, people getting assassinated and kidnapped by criminals, this hell was forsaken by the goddess."
"Ahh, you're stressed," Martine said with a nod.
The pathfinder gritted his teeth, "Well aren't you a genius." He said sarcastically. Just then, the door opened, followed by two pathfinders and the lieutenant.
The lieutenant was a woman with long white hair and dimmed silver eyes. Her uniform, was red and crisp, while her posture stood rigid.
She turned to look at the royal blades, her piercing silver eyes mixed with her sharp features gave a strong but tired look. "Are you, the blades sent by Her Majesty?" She asked, her tone stern but curious.
Pierre nodded, "Yes ma'am, I was told you could answer some questions before we start our search?"
Antoinette nodded, crossing her arms as her expression became unreadable. "I don't know what I could say that you don't already know, but I won't stop you."
Martine tilted her head curiously. "Oh, does that mean you've been larping around wasting assets and manpower?" She asked, her tone playful.
One of the pathfinders, a young man with blonde hair and brown eyes, sharply glared at Martine. "Show some respect," he snarled, "she's a lieutenant, not your friend."
Antoinette immediately turned to glare at the pathfinder, "She's not military, in case you forgot, Ben." Her tone was stern, yet it held a hint of fondness, one that a budding couple would share.
"Sorry ma'am," Ben replied, averting his gaze as he sighed.
Martine raised an eyebrow as she picked up on this, a mischievous smile parting her lips. "Yes Ben, show some proper respect, or I'll have to beat some into you." She teased, raising her boot.
Ben frowned but remained silent.
Pierre groaned audibly, "Martine aside, may we come in?" He asked curiously, lowering his badge. "I'd rather not waste any more time."
Antoinette gave a curt nod, "Of course, but there isn't much Convenience inside, this place is temporary after all."
Martine smirked as she walked towards the door, "I wouldn't have expected much anyway, not from pathfinders." She said with a grin while strolling casually past the pathfinders.
Pierre followed behind her, giving a respectful nod to the pathfinders as he stepped inside.
The interior of the safe house was bland, with only a few pieces of equipment and maps laid about. The air itself was filled with dust and ink, alongside being dimly illuminated.
"Take a seat or lean against a wall," Antoinette said as she entered, gesturing towards the back wall lined with three chairs. "I'll answer what I can if it helps." She continued while grabbing her chair.
Pierre and Martine sat side by side, while Antoinette brought her chair to sit across from them. "Do you know of Alexander's last known location, or even if he's alive?" Pierre asked, cutting the casual chat and getting straight to the point.
Antoinette shook her head. "No, we haven't a clue on Alexander's immediate whereabouts, he could be long gone for all we know."
"How do we know you aren't lying?" Martine chimed in, "Got any motivation to keep his location a secret?" She asked curiously.
Antoinette turned her attention to her, "My only goal is the safe return of Lord Alexander, the last thing I want is to hurt him."
"Proof, lieutenant?" Martine asked.
"Are you seriously questioning Lieutenant Antoinette?" The pathfinder- Ben chimed in, his voice rising with annoyance, "She doesn't need any proof, it's not her job too."
Antoinette raised a hand to silence Ben, her silver eyes narrowing in on Martine. "I'm not sure what you're asking for, but there is no proof to my innocence, not any that I'd reveal to you."