Ciarin Tut
It had been a few weeks since Ciarin Tut was cleared of the Monsters roaming the country side. After the fall of her makeshift encampment and fortifications and her near death experience at the hands of the foul beast, Veronica had lost something.
Innocence.
For once she was naive in her believes but now she knew better, those that tried to warn her where right to do so. This land was invested with foul creatures that needed to be put down at any cost.
With the Winter cold tugging at her, shivering she pulled her cloak tight, she was standing at the toll bridge between Ciarin Tut and Garuck Udor helping some officials in collecting tariffs and inspecting goods for contraband.
With her presence and that of her soldiers providing security, the toll bridge was in peak operation, resulting in faster flow of goods and people eager to return home after the violence.
She noticed Mikael as he made his way closer, he was being accompanied by a messenger. Mikael instructed him to wait a few feet away as he approached her. “Milady, a messenger wearing the crest of the Countess Kaguya Fujiwara†Veronica studied the messenger before saying “You may approach†Mikael stepped to her side an arm’s length away; she studied him with some annoyance but did not call him out.
“Dame Gardarr, I bare a letter from the Countess Kaguya Fujiwara†bowing slightly he offered her the letter.
Veronica took the letter and carefully opening it she started reading. “The Countess is too kind. Mikael, I believe we have done what we could at the bridge, we will be heading to the Countess Estate on her invitation. Strike camp and inform the officials we will be departing for Nishi Sagarifuji-dono.“
“Yes Milady†Veronica noticed he was still lingering and his eyes never left the messenger as he spoke to her. Tapping the letter on her lips she spoke to the messenger. “You will of course take my reply to the Countessâ€
“So I was instructed to do if it was required Dame Gardarr†he replied. “Very well then I will pen a reply, you will have it within the hour, until then get yourself a hot meal, you are dismissedâ€
Veronica’s eyes followed Mikael as he escorted the messenger, with a sigh she pulled her cloak tight around her and stared at the distant ships on the horizon.
