Please note that this is the actual quest. If you wish to add a new character, discuss stuff or just mess around, please use the Character thread. From here on in, it's serious- please don't ruin it.

The city slowly awaked from its slumber as the sun rose across the fields. A couple who had been waiting all night watched as light spread across the lands. Gradually it awakened the city of Aranos, sitting high upon the mountains.

Jeral Drason, a soldier in the Royal Guard, was already awake when the sunlight hit his window. He'd not been able to sleep, so heavy was his mind on recent matters. He looked out the window, and put it all in the back of his mind, to be re-examined at a later time. He had a job to do, and he was damned if he wasn't going to do it well.

He reached over to the chair upon which he had laid out his uniform lowly put it on. A fine combination of Scarlet and Black which stuck fear into the enemies of the city. He decided not to place the chainmail plate on - he wouldn't need it. His dressing complete, he walked over to the door, upon the back of which hung his valued short swords. He took one of the two and slung the scabbard over his shoulder before opening the door and leaving the place he called home.

The journey to the palace was a short one. Having been built into the mountain, Aranos was a relatively small city, although a great deal had been dug into the rock which many outsiders knew little about. Upon arrival at the palace he smiled to the guard, who nodded back in respect, and made his was to the main audience chamber where he was expected.

There, waiting for him, was Princess Avencis. Jeral had been training her in the art of self-defense, and she was eager to learn. He smiled a charming smile, which she responded. The two had almost grown up in each others pockets, but time and the duties of the crown had forced them apart when they were sixteen. Now, at 24, Jeral was finally able to see her again, although it still was not as often as he would have liked.

The Princess had already drawn her sword, so Jeral drew his. A fine work of steel, the sword had belonged to his father, before he had been killed during a violent dispute with nearby city Gerantal. He put the thought out of his mind, as he had done so many times before, and faced the princess.

"I assume you are ready to begin, your highness?" he said in his most regal voice. She laughed in a casual sort of way. He always knew how to make her feel at ease. She nodded and held her sword in an attacking position. Jeral indicated with his that he was ready for her to start,, and she began her attack.