Marching Off to War

Oberon dutifully led his company as station demanded of him. Knights, Archers, and Infantrymen all trained, ready, and able to serve against the atrocities done upon the escort of fellows that lost their lives days prior. The king couldn't help but wonder if canceling the draft was a bad idea or a good one... He didn't want to lead his country to ruin by having too few men and not enough time.

His choice had been made, and thusly executed... Only time would determine success or failure now.

Such decisions still wore on his mind, despite the fact they'd only been a few hours along their path into fate's open arms... and Jahan's surely-awaiting forces. Who knew how far he was from the capitol? How far he was in his plans to burn and destroy every bit of Alranian soil, culture, and people in his way?

As they marched, Oberon tested his new powers over the element of earth... flattening the uneven path they trod to be much more forgiving upon hoof and foot alike. It would make good practice en route to his coming battle with Jahan. By the grace of the Gods, it may even prove useful!

Elchanan's eyes proped up at the sound of.. marching?

He titled is head up and saw on the road not far from them was a fair sized Alranian Army.. being lead by Oberon himself.

"So.. not even the queen could dampen your desire for haste Oberon?" he murmered. Not that it mattered.. at least they were marching out to the enemy and not defending there capital against a attack.

He looked down at Geneiveve, " Awake my queen... Your son marches to war at this moment" he said as he went to wake the queen.

Cara who was warily awake from a short night sleep was ready to get up and run after...

Elchanan stopped her though...

"No child, I shale take the horse, take greater speed and more noticable" he said.

Cara growled with impatience...

Genevieve slowly woke, despite Elchanan's words. She was exhausted from the long flight and following ride. But nonetheless she felt far less weary upon waking that morning than she had when sleep had claimed her.

The measured beat of hooves and booted feet against the packed earth of the road reached her ears and she climbed to her feet; this in itself testifying to her recovering self. It irked her suddenly as she smoothed the back of her skirts to notice she was in the basic white tunic and gown of unmentionables... but the momentary thought was soon waved away as vanity as she pushed her disheveled hair from her face and limped forward Elchanan and the horse.

Cara's impatience amused her; for she felt the same sudden barely fettered desire to rush forward and seek her son. But Elchanan's words about the swiftness of the horse were true and she bent to his wishes silently.

Oberon wondered rather arrogantly if with his powers over the earth... minute as they were of now... would ensure his men and their mounts the least troublesome march in history. After all, without an uneven surface it seemed unlikely a horse would lose its shoe, or an infantryman misstep. But he pushed such a thought from his mind. The journey was not what mattered... The aftermath of the war, of avenging their fallen, was what truly mattered in the end.

From the distance, Oberon spotted what he believed were two strange forms... possibly one of the figures on horseback and dressed in white. Not certain if they had spotted the troops, and uncertain his troops spotted them, the King held up an arm for the company to slow their march to make as least amount of noise as possible. True, it appeared that there were only two... but if those two happened to be Jahan and a general then there would certainly be many more very soon...

Turning to the nearest archer, he whispered, "The figures some distance hence... what do your eyes see?"

Elchanan mounted on to his horse and noted to army had slowed.. no doubt Oberon had spoted them. He helped Gen and young Cara up onto the horse, and force the tired animal onward.

Steadily they approched King Oberon...

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A young Archer, quickly answered..

"I see.... umm I see thy lord Elchanan Sire... and he seems to have woman and a child with him.." he said.

He did not want to risk saying the looked very much like the Dowager queen and the princess, for they were dead.. weren't they?

Her staff shrunk in size as did her sword for her to tuck them neatly into the sash of her tunic. With Elchanan's assistance she settled onto the horse and balanced herself with a hand against his back. Peeking over his shoulder and the top of Cara's head as they rode, she watched with hidden joy as the distinct face of her son came into view and focused against the day's light. She did not see Cassandra with him, which saddened her slightly as Cara no doubt deeply desired to see both her parents.

"Lord Elchanan?" Oberon repeated, astonished. So, here was where his advisor and uncle had been for the past however long he'd been gone? "What have you been up to out here?" the king whispered, wondering, though to anyone else it would surely sound like a normal exhalation of breath.

What caught Oberon even more off guard than finding out from the archer that it was Elchanan approaching was the thought of a woman and child with him. "Are you certain?" he asked the archer with a degree of incredulity and a hint of warning. It just so happened a woman and a child dear to him had been reported dead... Oberon did not need his company coming down with mass hallucinations in this darkened hour.

Yet, watching the blurry forms Oberon thought he did make out a female and a child with a male form upon the horse... And thus the king sent another signal for the company to halt altogether. Why must his eyes have the defect of not seeing long distances clearly?

The king steered his horse around to survey the troops with him. "You five... provide Lord Elchanan and those riding with him some cover just in case," he ordered, gesturing to five archers. "You three, follow me," Oberon said to three of the topmost rank of knights before beginning to head toward Elchanan. "The rest of you keep formation!" was the shout that rang back to the remaining soldiers.

Oberon's horse half-trotted, half ran as directed by its rider. And even as he neared, two heads of familiar fair hair - although disheveled - came into view... the faces far from lifeless.

They're alive?! Oberon could almost feel his heart leaping topsy-turvy within his chest, though did his best to keep a neutral face. It was impossible, however. The Dowager Queen and Princess... His mother and daughter... alive and home at long last!

It was a miracle! A gift from the Gods!

... Or a rather clever plan to instigate war gone somewhat wrong on Jahan's end ...

Perhaps a bit of all three?

Elchanan road to meat his King and nephew, no doubt he would be shocked to he his two loved ones alive and well.. well perhaps not competely well.. Geneiveve still seemed exhausted, and little princess Cara, was a bit worse for wear, with a head wound and a bit banged up.

" Your highness, I doubt I need to say I found two maiden's believed to have been lost... And the Mystenian Army is not far mere hours away if that" he said a mask of indifference on his face...

Cara on the other hand all but jumped off the large horse, though she stumbled due to slight dizzyness becasue of her head wound she hurried to her father.

"Father!" she cheered tears in her eyes but a smile on her scoffed up face all the same.

In the sea of archers and knights... a small archer almost gasped and collapsed with relief at seeing her daughter and mother in law alive..

She squeezed her hand tight and kept her head lowered... fighting the urge to keep her presance secret... and hide her magical aura.. she didn't want to he found yet...

Torn terribly between following Cara's example and rushing to her son... or remaining on the horse behind Elchanan. Finally, cursing herself for it, she decided to stay on the horse. Affection no matter how strong was a private matter. And though she would not fault her granddaughter for her public display; it was not something she would allow herself to follow. She did however allow herself the small comfort of wrapping her arm around Elchanan's waist.

Oberon looked happy, she noted as he rode toward them. Maybe it was just because of Cara; though she did her best to believe what Elchanan had told her... her fear of his anger slowly wrapped around her and she tightened her grip on Elchanan.

Oberon nodded to Elchanan, looking into the faces of his mother and daughter. It seemed an eternity since he'd seen them even though he had dreamed of them each night during various preparations for war. Sometimes they'd been alive, others not so much, and yet here they were. Yes... he could not help feeling happy and showing it at this time, despite his usual schooling to keep an air of indifference. "A debt unto you, I owe, then, Lord Elchanan, for their safe return," he replied. It disconcerted him that the Mystenian troops were hours away, but at the same time elated him.

The war would begin, and after battles were said and done it would end one way or the other.

It was as though liquid relief cascaded over his entire being, another wave hitting into him the moment he heard the shout from his daughter. Only on rare occasions did a king dismount from his horse upon a march to battle, and Oberon declared this instance to be a reasonable one indeed. The royal decked-out armor was heavy, but not unbearably so. While he wanted to shout his daughter's name, Oberon merely awaited for the child to reach his arms. The moment she was in reach the king hoisted the child into his arms and hugged her. "Cara!" he finally murmured, having longed to embrace his daughter for many a day. "Thank the Gods the both of you are safe!"

Because the horses were not now far apart, Oberon physically walked over to Elchanan and Genevieve. Little Cara was still in his arms as well. "A relief and balm to my soul it is to see you and Cara both alive and well, Mother," he said, knowing and respecting his mother's thoughts on affection having its time and place, and among an army of men was not such a place. Yet, he couldn't help but smile. It had been long since, by his own impatient reckoning, that he'd had any hope other than thoughts of an anger-fueled vengeance.

Despite having found his kin alive and the intense joy it brought, Oberon was still determined to go to war. Not only was it too late to turn back but Jahan had mocked him... and King Oberon of Alriania did not one little bit appreciate being mocked. In the same mental breath from which such a thought sprung was also a prayer thanking any deity that would listen for the backfire of Jahan's plans.

A revised address would be in order, to boost morale and give the men a new reason to fight... something Oberon would be sure to enjoy immensely!

Elchanan's eye shifted to Gen for a moment, discretly unseen from behind the horse, Elchanan's hand gently held on to one of Gens arms around his waist. He knew at present time Oberon wouldn't be mad at his mother in the least...

Elchanan shock his head at the king purely out of fairness to Geneivieve, "No debt to me your highness... it was your mother and young Princess Cara you made it most if the way them selves... I merely stumbled upon them on my search..." he said.

Cara hugged her father tightly, dispite the fact his bulky armor made it a bit awkward she didn't care.

"Oh father, I have so much to tell you. My first adventure turned out quite different then i thought it would.." her hand traveled to the make shift bandage on her head...

"Much different..." she muttered. Then she looked out at the sea of man ready for war. " But I will tell you at a better time..." she said as she proceed to wrap her arms around her father neck. She cared little if the entire kingdom saw her hug her father.. she just missed his strong embrace so much, she just needed it now.

She smiled as her father went to great her Grandmother and couldn't help but say." Grandmother was wonderful father... she managed to kill the dragon that chased us..." she said.. though momentarily stopped feeling guilty she wasn't able to help in that fight.

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Cassie closed her eyes, straining to hear her daughters voice from the distance... she also considered blowing her cover... but she decided against it. Her presence would only hinder them all if they knew she was there...

So she stayed quiet... invisable.

Watching Cara be lifted up into Oberon's arms nearly brought a smile to Genevieve's face, but she kept it back. Her heart skipped a beat as Oberon began to approach... his smile did not fade much to her relief and she dared to believe he was as happy to see her as she was to see him.

Elchanan's gentle touch against her arm was welcome; for its discreetness and truth. Slowly she stilled her frantic heart as Oberon spoke.

His words sent her fears finally scurrying away as she finally smiled, too relieved to hold indifference. He was not angry with her for nearly getting Cara murdered... he had not placed the burden of guilty blame upon her and finally she knew Elchanan had been not merely placating her fears, he had been correct and so wonderfully so.

She did not trust her voice to not shake and thus she merely nodded, her smile saying far more than words could. Reaching out she touched the edge of his armoured shoulder and looked into his eyes, eyes so very much like his father's... If thoughts could travel from eye to eye, she hoped he understood how deeply she had missed him and had longed for this very moment.

Oberon decided he wasn't going to argue with his uncle over whether or not a debt was owed to him for seeing Genevieve and Cara even this far from however great a distance they'd been. He was much too elated his loved ones were returned to him... and much too concerned about the war ahead. If he lived to see victory - something the king was confident he would accomplish - then he would find some means of expressing his gratitude to Elchanan for seeing to the safety of the pair.

He listened intently as Cara spoke. For a child that must have been through hell seeing the massacre of the convoy, among other fears, she certainly seemed excited to tell of her exploits. Dark sapphire eyes watched the small hand make their way toward a bandage on her head and couldn't help but feel a sympathy pain in the exact same area. "So I have heard, Little One," Oberon returned softly, not entirely sure whether to give in to the tender moment fully in front of his men or to keep an aura of strength about him.

Thoughts of how to act vanished when Cara wrapped her arms around his neck. There was strength in love, and so Oberon embraced his daughter with all the might he dared use in embracing a child. No words could be said or crafted to express enough the joy within the king's heart. "I shall look forward to hearing of your exploits, dear Cara," Oberon said sincerely. He regretted the fact he could not hear such tales now, for she sounded so animated about the subject. "And I'm sure the rest of the family and court would as well." At the back of his mind he made note to have the company medic check both Cara and... hopefully... Genevieve for wounds that needed prompt care. Or, in the latter's case, at least ask.

A smile upon his mother's face was all it took for his own smile to break into an all-out grin despite the imminent battle before them. It even remained intact when Cara spoke of the Dowager Queen's single-handed defeat of a dragon, despite the great danger the girl had no doubt been in. "I'm sure that must have been quite the spectacle to behold!" Oberon exclaimed, seemingly oblivious as to the reason his daughter had stopped abruptly. He did not expect his little girl to have been able to assist in such a battle at all with a single swordsmanship lesson under her belt... or bodice as the case may be.

It did not surprise nor disappoint Oberon that his mother had no words for him. Her smile said it all. Such moments like this did not require words in the king's way of thinking. Many a segment of alone time with Cassandra could be claimed spent in total silence, but in reality he felt they were communicating a love that transcended the complexities of verbal expressions and declarations.

Sapphires lowered only briefly in a show of respect at being favored with even a simple touch, though snapped back to gaze into his mother's eyes a second later. While it had only been days, Oberon missed the both of them as though it had been years - decades even! If only he could convey just how much. Without even thinking twice about it he pulled his daughter close to press a kiss upon her forehead.

"I swear I shall not rest until I see Jahan the Fifth pay for all he has done and tried to do," Oberon murmured, attempting to express all that he felt in that one sentence.

Cara felt as if she was in her own personal heaven being in her fathers arms again, dispite only being away for mere days, it felt much longer. She had seen so many horrors in such a short time... so much had changed, it was as if she had been gone years..

She allowed her self to rest her sore head on her fathers shoulder, covered with Armor as it maybe, she didn't care. A few tears escaped her eyes, but she held the rest back, this was not the time to sob on her fathers shoulder! He had for the moment bigger things to deal with.

Cassie could feel the happiness radiating off Oberon, and a smile formed on her lips the same relief ran through her.. she like her daughter blinked away her tears.

Many of the men in the army were smiling as well, many would much rather see there king happy then angry for many knew the kings wrath was not a pretty sight to behold... much of that was obvious... as they were now going to war because some looney told their king he killed the two most important people in his life. Many of them could also understand their king, for they had children to... they would likely do the same had they been in his place..

There was no doubt moral was going up 10 fold and it was spreading through the men like waves...

The moment of comfort, taken from Oberon's solid presence and Elchanan's gentle touch, passed and Genevieve felt as though tens of barbs had begun to dig into her chest as it constricted tightly. Suddenly afraid that Elchanan would feel her trembling from where she sat behind him; she nimbly slid from the horse's back, her staff reaching its normal length as she dropped to catch her.

It pleased her to see Oberon so delighted with Cara, kissing her brow and promising such things that only a father could. Practicality came to Genevieve naturally and once the time of greetings, joy and all had, in her mind, passed... her thoughts went to the war and Jahan. Slowly, she reached within her tunic's pocket and removed the famed Vana. It was shaped as the head of a raven, with a sharp beak meant to rest down against a large finger. Its size had ensured that she had never truly worn it... but it would fit her son.

Mystenia was hers by blood-right and royal decree; but she had no qualms is simply handing its symbol of leadership over to her son. It would be as a sword against Jahan and his troops. No Mystenian would not recognize the Vana and know it for what it was. Truly it did have power; even if it was just the power it held over a superstitious mind. Though there was more. A slight energy emitted from within it... into the flesh of its holder.

"Oberon..." she murmured, from being on the horse, she had been able to look him in the eye without looking up; but now, she was reminded of her son's height and through it his power by her having to look up. Gently, she took his gloved hand, the material protecting him from the rather tickling power she felt whilst holding the ring. "The Vana of Mystenia..." she whispered, pressing the ring into his hand. Releasing the ring had meant releasing the tiny but still needed stream of energy and she tightly grasped her staff, hoping Oberon would not notice.

"Jahan will fear it... for its place in legend. And he will try to take it; despite his trembling hand." She swayed slightly, her chest further tightened by each word. Cursing her weakness and the cold sweat that was forming on her forehead, Genevieve closed her eyes briefly to gather herself together. Had it been dark; she would have been able to gather the shadow and all would have been well. But she was currently too weak to reach the wee shadows made by the occasional sun glinted figure.

Sapphires glanced back to the small child in their owner’s arms. Her head laid against his shoulder, and for a moment Oberon couldn’t help but assume it was a very uncomfortable thing indeed to rest upon armor. From the corner of his eyes he spied his company, many of their faces bearing a smile as well. “You are safe now...” he murmured to Cara, though knew no one was safe that traveled with military troops. As a father it was his job to secure his child’s comfort... as king and father it was upon his shoulders to ensure that statement were as true as possible.

With one last hug to Cara, Oberon gingerly placed his daughter upon the horse she had sprung off of. “Much as I enjoy our reunion, dearest Cara, I must ask that haste be made back to the capitol. The entire city believed the pair of you lost... and I would rather they delight in the safe return of those sorely missed,” he explained, albeit with a small amount of bittersweet sadness. “When I return we shall continue your lessons.”


His attention snapped to his mother, who had dismounted from the horse and approached him. Oberon allowed her to take him by the hand. Curiosity flooded his mind at her words. He knew a small amount of information regarding the Vana, but what did the Vana have to do with him? Then, Oberon felt it: the new albeit small weight, and a tingling sensation that was vaguely similar to the first time he had moved the earth with his mind and magic. For the moment, he did not realize the effect the ring’s energy had upon the Dowager Queen.

"Jahan will fear it... for its place in legend. And he will try to take it; despite his trembling hand."

Oberon nodded his understanding, then slipped the raven-headed ring upon his gloved finger. The leather of the glove made it slightly tighter than what he would have preferred, but was still wear-able. “So long as I still breathe, I shall see it done that Jahan does not succeed,” he replied gravely, reaching to assist his mother when he noticed her sway.

“Will you not let the company physician examine you in brief before we depart?” Oberon asked gently, almost above a whisper, gesturing for the medic to approach regardless whether Genevieve desired it or not. The King at least wanted Cara seen to before they continued on to the castle whilst he and his men headed out to war. It would put his mind at ease and allow him to focus on the task ahead of him all that much clearer.

That blissful moment of being with her father again like nothing happened was ended to quickly in her opinion.. the whiny voice in her wanted to protest and jump back into his arms again, tell him to call the war off... but even as she thought it she knew it was silly... too much had happened to be ignored.

She nodded her head to him, "I hold your word to that father" she said, though she was not so nieve to not think her father might not come back. The thought brought tears to her eyes and the want to stay with him a little longer intensified. However she remember she was a princess and barely restrained her self from leaping off the horse again. Though her emotions were clearly shown in her eyes.

Elchanan watched in with hidden intrigue as Genevieve handed the Vana over to Oberon, he was impressed actually. Jahan would be horrified by this when he found out, the idea amused him... to imagine a ring held such power it could strick fear and courage into the heart of men...

His musings were haulted however, when his Queen looked faint, Discreetly he moved the horse to block the view of soldiers form seeing, knowing his queen vauled privacy. He hope she sought some medical help, just in case she was falling ill... but as a hunch he un hooked his cloak and used it to sheid her from the sun's rays.

She had Oberon tending to her for now, so he remaind silent keeping an obsrvant eye upon her and anything else that moved.

Cara was never a fan of healers.. they poked and proded to much, plus under the bandage of her head wound she felt wet sticky blood, and that ment horible stitches. The worst things ever in her world. Really needle and thread were ment for fabric not human skin... But she knew she had little choice in the matter... she had the feeling her father would have none of it.

She was concered for her Grandmother however.. as her uncle moved the horse she touched her grandmothers shoulder.

"Grandmother?" she whispered ever so quietly.

She nodded, knowing her son would do as he had sworn. Otherwise she would not have given him such a sacred item. It was ironic in a way. Jahan had not yet truly lifted his sword even and yet she knew Oberon would defeat him. The ring, despite its mind's power, had little to do with her assurance. It was believed by many besides her that the good of any man always conquered the worst of another. By that alone, Oberon had the gods of fate clinging to his sword and shield.

"It is well, Cara." She murmured, hearing her beloved granddaughter's worried voice. Normally, she would given the child a pat on her shoulder; something less certain. But they had endured much together and there was no longer a need to be as constant granite with her. Out of the corner of her eye, made blurred by her pounding head, Genevieve saw that Elchanan had at some point lifted his cloak to shield her from the sun and she felt nearly overwhelmed by his care.

Giving her attention, which had wavered slightly, back to her son, she shook her head.
"No, there is need of haste on your part. I will see my physician when I return to the castle." Her lips quirked slightly as her eyes lifted again to his. "I promise." Both knew of her loathing of physicians.

Unbidden, but coming nonetheless, a soldier stepped forward with a new mount for the weary dowager. She accepted assistance in mounting, a sign in itself that she was at the edge of collapse. Settling her hand on her son's shoulder, she gave he and Cara another small smile before urging her horse off into a light canter. It was assumed by her tired mind that Cara would quickly follow either with Elchanan or another. There were few troops in her way as the horse quickened it's pace into a full gallop. Those assembled moved quickly, either touching their heads in a quick salute of respect or even giving a short bow.