The whole crew stared at the woman who had a gun strapped on her back. Some of them grew silent as she took steps forward to approach Elysaria and taking the glass that she was offering.

"General," Elysaria greeted as Arsen nods before taking a swig of the wine and setting the glass down. Her eyes then scanned the room before stopping at the table where the three was.

"You must be Darius Thorren. I've heard about you," Arsen began before taking the glass with her and walked towards them. Darius stood up as they both shook hands before Arsen smiled. "Firm grip. You must be a strict captain."

"I try not to be too authoritative," Darius answered as Arsen nods.

"A great captain then. Not too greedy with the power vested in you, I hope," she added before putting the glass down on their table. "We have lots to discuss at my office. But first, you may take your meals as you please. I wouldn't want to interrupt such breakfast."

Before any of them could say anything Arsen turned around and left, leaving the men alone as they looked at each other before she walked back out of the dining area. Darius noticed that the food they had ordered had finally come so he stood back up to grab them.

"Thank you," Darius told the innkeeper before he handed the others the food once he got back to the table. After a moment of silence before Darius decided to start another conversation, "Is Arsen always like that?"

"Like what?" Elysaria asked with a raised eyebrow as she raised her glass to drink. Darius gave her an unimpressed look but continued anyway, ignoring how Elysaria had her eyes on him as if she was already judging him before he could even continue. "She's friendly when she wants to be. She just comes off as intimidating. Especially at first."

"To most visitors?" Darius simply said while looking at her expectantly. Elysaria only drank and turned away to order some bread. Darius could tell that he wasn't going to get his answers so soon so he decided to take a bite of his meal and waited.

It didn't take long before Elysaria came back. The bread on her plate along with some cheese. Elysaria then saw the look in Darius' eyes and simply answered him.  "It just runs in the family. Do not be offended if she treats you coldly."

Darius frowned at her statement but didn't say anything until Elysaria spoke. "If you were expecting something else, deepest apologies."

"No, it's fine. I understand that it's hard for people to share information, with her being an important member of the Alliance."
Darius then puts his finger under his chin as if he was thinking.  "General. That's what you call her. Why is that?"

"She's been in the military even if she was included in royalty," Elysaria repeated before shrugging before she continued eating the bread.

Darius sighed before nodding at the rest of them before speaking up again. "How long will we have to stay here?"

Elysaria shrugged. "Depends on you. We're only here to offer you shelter until you plan to leave. Additionally to that, you still have to explain to Arsen about your sudden arrival."

“Then I guess I better find somewhere private to speak with her.” Darius then glanced at the rest before asking,  “What are you all gonna do until then?”

“Enjoy our meal. Get to know the staff here, maybe meet new people. We can go out to explore the city later,” Aloysius finally replied. Elysaria then assured him that the others would be in safe hands.

The halls were filled with chatter as Darius scanned the room. Surely Elysaria would be true to her word, he thought before he stood up from his seat. Calista had given him a kiss and told him she'd stay with the crew. Darius' soft smile appeared once he heard this and returned the kiss on her forehead before turning to walk away.

As he did, he was stopped by Elysaria calling after him.  Elysaria paused before she spoke,  “Oh and one more thing, don’t tell her about what I told you today. She'll have her suspicions in your people if you do.”

"I was only meant to monitor you but you people seem no threat to us, so I decided to share some information."

Darius stares blankly after Elysaria turned her back before letting out a small sigh. He walks away, heading towards a secluded part of the town. As he reached a small fountain at the center of the town, he took the chance to sit down on one of the benches nearby.

The huge ministry was on the other side of the city. He has to walk back to be able to get to Arsen's office. He took a deep breath, a bit nervous of what is yet to come. It was his first time being in Arkenheilm. The farthest he could visit was Everfrost, and most likely it was on an arms trade.

Darius finally stood and admired the city before looking at the fountain with one last glance. As he turned back around, he stepped back as Arsen stood with her lips on a thin line.

"I do hope you don't start wishing like other civilians do. We don't usually treat that fountain as a wishing spot nor do we believe in such miracles."

Darius only chuckled, shaking his head. "Not anytime soon. I'm just admiring the city."

"Hard work pays off," Arsen replied before nodding. "Come, let's go to my office. We'll discuss things there."

Darius and Arsen walked side by side as they began to go to the administry. Most guards that were stationed outside stood still and saluted and the general nods before telling them that they could take a small break right after — which resulted to them thanking her.

The large bronze doors finally opened. They entered Arsen's office, her subordinates were all busy arranging papers, going back and forth. Darius kept his eyes focused on the huge table in the middle as Arsen sat right at the center with the other peers on the side.

"Please have a seat," Arsen offered as Darius took the lone chair that was on the center. All gazes were directed on him.