Chapter 3;

The meeting hall was merely shades of gray, with a long shining white table that took up most, if not all, the space. Chairs with black cushions and simple metal frames surrounded the object. There were two heads of the table- one meant for Misteria's father, and one for her.

Her father was away at war. She was the only head- all eyes sat on her. Her gold eyes scanned the crowd. At her nearest right, was August, and at her left was her advisory, Dusty. The dark-skinned woman had hard onyx eyes lined by a matching line of eye make up. The woman's shoulders were broad, and rigid with her strength, just has her lips which her set in a straight line.

"Princess." The deep voice of her mentor was dressed in a heavy African-like accent. (Or so that would be the region where the land of Ara resides and resembles.)

The Araian places one hand on the table in her direction, almost to engulf Misteria's hands for comfort. But no, they landed a foot away with a cold disposition.

"Dust, you may brief them." She ordered quietly, her eyes gazing out at all the straight-back men and woman from around OverSoul. Only three weren't presence. Her long lost brother, the last Dragon Keeper of the land, and her father. Most weren't as young as Misteria and August. And not as fine aged as her mentor who had no gray hairs present. Everyone had a head of white or salt shook into whatever shade of hair they possessed.

"The king hasn't returned, he's two week overdue. The Princess...would like to create a small search group. And...she wants members that could perhaps aid in a...rescue."

A heavy silence was the only answer.

And so, Misteria opened her mouth. Before a sound could be uttered; all eyes were staring intently. She would speak words not even her mentor knew she was planning.

"I'll be accompanying them." She said evenly, a royal air instantly becoming around her.

August was the first to shoot up with protests. "That's insane you're the only one with the Everity left besides your...brother." His voice was stern, but he always was one to keep a cool head and his voice didn't rise beyond normal speaking level.

"You're saying my gift is worth more than the love I have for my family? My only blood relative that I've known and hold memory of is lost at this moment, August."

August instantly sat down with a sigh, knowing her stubbornness was strong and any further argument would be pointless.
"Fine, but I'm going with."

"Alright that leaves 4 more."
"Of course I will go." Dusty spoke up.
Misteria knew she would, and had her instant retort.

"No. And that's final. If the kingdom were to be attacked when I was away? Who would be so skillful to defend it? You have my confidence." Misteria let out a weak chuckle. "Enfer*, you taught me everything I know. Who else would be best suited?"

The Araian knew her princess spoke the blunt truth and nodded curtly. Though as she gave in, a heavy bile taste arose with nerves.

"If I cannot go, then I will choose the last four. I will train them if they lack in something, but they have to please me. They must protect you to my satisfaction, Misteria."

She only shrugged, with pursed lips she gave a slight nod to her teacher. "Fair enough."

The room groaned. "Princess." An elder of the west side of OverSoul spoke up with a drawn out and tired voice. "This is too much of a risk. At least bring my son, hands down? He's an Alchemist that specializes in healing and obstacle removal. Perfect for a journey, no?"

Misteria only waved her hand, like after everything settled with her mentor- she could careless.

"Have your son tested by my mentor, Uri." After her cold words, Misteria gave an equally cold smile. She was now thinking of what to gather so she could get a head start by nightfall. "Meeting dismissed."

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"And so you were going to sneak off anyways?" A heavy sigh came from the doorway Misteria had just exited. Whipping around, though already knowing who, her eyes landed on Uri.

"How is it my own husband doesn't know my habits by a counsel member of only a year does?"

Uri shrugged, the man's crows' feet wrinkled as he smiled gently down at the younger one. His violet robes signaled he was a man of faith, a priest at the nearby church of Erza. He wore black pants and matching slip on slipper that a man of the church would usually wear. His pure white hair was slicked back but one strand managed to escape and flip over into the middle of his forehead. His grey eyes focused on his royal, his smile in place.

"I am one to study someone's behavior, especially if they rule me." He chuckled, shaking his head slowly, "and what a foolish ruler I have."

Misteria couldn't help but let a small smile flit on her lips before disappearing in an emotionless mask.

Somehow, Uri caught this and his own eyes melted with sorrow. Like a pool of liquid iron had formed in his hues.
"My son. Zura. He's...ready." Uri gave a shrug, "I knew you'd do such a move so I had him prepared. I'm not about to let my Princess out of the gates without an escort."

She couldn't help but laugh, gesturing to the black blade August had given her days ago, it was held to her side by a silver chain in the shape of a snack. The Ouroboros. It connected to the end of the chain that resembled its tail. She wore her usually attire of black one piece, boots, jacket, and a head scarf which was currently hanging around her shoulders.

"Well?"

And from the shadows, almost on cue came the said-Zura. He held his father's eyes in his own sockets it seemed. Identical. Though instead of the robes, he wore an outfit that was common for Alchemist. A white button-up silk shirt with white jeans to pair with and light grey combat boots. Slung over her shoulders was a brown leather messenger's bag, no doubt, filled with alchemy books and notes from constant studies. Sitting on his nose like a bird on a perch, was a pair of black, thick-brimmed glasses. His blond hair was long, to his chin and in his eyes, that had soft waves like subtle ripples in a pond.

Zura smiled softly and bowed. "Princess."
"If we're to become comrades, please call me Misteria."

Both the son's, and father's eyes widened at her informality. She couldn't help but laugh softly before jerking her head slightly to the front gates.

"And so?"