With her statuesque figure silhouetted against the early sky, High Warlord Elise stood atop the ancient castle battlements. The horizon was painted in a stunning palette of purples and golds by the first rays of Aether and Nox. Her falcon-like gaze swept across the gathered royal guard in the expansive courtyard below.

  The morning light glinted off their polished armor, each piece a work of art etched with intricate runes. As always the guard stood in perfect formation, their discipline evident in every line of their bodies.

  Elise's right hand clenched slightly. The device attached from her wrist whirred and clicked, responding to her subconscious thoughts.

  With a curt nod to her second-in-command, he began his descent down the winding stone stairs. His footsteps were unnaturally silent.

  Jenn, a towering figure with prematurely gray hair that belied his youthful face, stood a respectful distance behind Elise at the base of the stairs. Despite missing his left arm his posture was impeccable. His remaining hand rested easily on the hilt of his sword, a blade rumored to have been forged in the heart of a dying star.

  Though Jenn stood at an impressive height, he was still a foot shorter than the queen. Yet his presence was no less commanding. His one-armed salute as Elise approached was executed with fluid precision.

  Elise's eyes lingered on Jenn for a moment longer than strictly necessary, a brief flicker of emotion quickly masked. Those who knew her well might have recognized it as a mixture of respect, concern, or perhaps something deeper.

  Turning to face the assembled guard, Elise's expression hardened once more. When she spoke, her words were clipped and precise, carrying easily across the courtyard without the need to raise her voice. "Today's drills will focus on crowd control and threat assessment. The festival approaches, and we must be prepared for any eventuality."

  She began to pace along the front line of guards, her keen eyes missing nothing. "Our duty is not just to protect the royal family, but every citizen and visitor within these walls. The festival brings joy, but it also brings risk. We are the shield that stands between order and chaos."

  Elise stopped, her gaze sweeping over the assembled troops once more. "You will train until every movement, every reaction, is as natural as breathing. My second-in-command will oversee the combat drills. I expect each of you to match his skill and dedication."

  As if on cue, Jenn stepped forward, his voice a deep rumble that complemented Elise's crisp tones. "We'll begin with formation exercises. Remember, in a crowd, your greatest weapons are coordination and communication. Move as one, think as one, act as one."

  Elise nodded approvingly. "You have your orders. Dismiss to your training areas."

  As the guards began to disperse, Elise turned to Jenn, her voice lowering. "The Queen has concerns about potential unrest. We need to be especially vigilant."

  Jenn's brow furrowed, his single hand tightening on his sword hilt. "Understood, High Warlord. We'll be ready for anything."

  For a brief moment, Elise's hand brushed against Jenn's arm, a gesture of reassurance so quick it might have been missed by a casual observer.

  A murmur of acknowledgment rippled through the ranks, the sound like the whisper of wind through a field of steel. Elise's eyes narrowed, noting every subtle reaction, every shift in posture amongst her troops. She continued, her voice carrying a note of authority that brooked no argument.

  "Battlelady, your squad will man the main gate. I want every face scrutinized, every wagon inspected. Nothing gets through without your express approval." Lyra, a wiry woman with a shock of red hair, snapped to attention.

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  "Battlelord Darroch, yours will patrol the market square. Keep an eye out for rabble-rousers. The festival brings opportunity for both commerce and possible crime." Darroch, a bear of a man with a thick beard, nodded solemnly, his hand unconsciously tightening on his warhammer.

  "Warduke Finn, your team covers the royal pavilion. The safety of the royal family is paramount. I expect nothing less than perfection." Finn, young and eager, straightened his already impeccable posture, a flash of pride crossing his features.

  As she issued orders, Elise felt a sudden flutter in her chest when Jenn leaned in close to whisper a suggestion. His proximity sent an involuntary shiver down her spine, and she had to steel herself against the warmth of his breath on her ear. The scent of leather and steel that clung to him threatened to break her concentration.

  "Excellent point, Jenn," she managed, her voice steady despite her racing heart. "Shield-marchers, led by Thorne, will be our mobile response unit. You'll be our eyes and ears, ready to reinforce any position at a moment's notice."

  Jenn stepped forward, his voice calm and measured as he addressed the guard. "Remember, your priority is the safety of our people. Be vigilant, not oppressive. We are protectors, not persecutors. No spear, club, or sword is out strongest weapon. However the trust of the citizenry is."

  Elise felt a surge of admiration for Jenn's wisdom. His words resonated with a truth she had always believed but struggled to articulate. She cleared her throat, pushing the feeling aside. "You have your assignments. Commence drills."

  The courtyard erupted into controlled chaos as the guards split into their units. The air filled with the clang of metal on metal, the thud of boots on packed earth, and the shouted commands of squad leaders. Elise observed keenly, her trained eye catching every misstep, every moment of hesitation.

  "Lyra!" she barked, her voice cutting through the din. "Tighten that formation! You're leaving your flank exposed!" The young corporal flushed but quickly corrected the error, reorganizing hher squad with newfound determination.

  "Thorne quicker on those shield deployments!" Elise called out. "In a real situation, that delay could cost lives!" He nodded grimly, driving his team to repeat the maneuver until it was seamless.

  Throughout the morning, Elise found her gaze drawn repeatedly to her Royal Cadre. She marveled at how effortlessly he moved, he outpaced many of the younger guards in full armor, his movements fluid and precise. He demonstrated sword techniques with his remaining arm, his blade a blur of motion that left even seasoned warriors in awe.

  During a water break, Elise approached Jenn, trying to ignore the way her pulse quickened as she drew near. "Your suggestions for the mobile unit were... insightful." she said, attempting a rare compliment. The words felt clumsy on her tongue, unused as she was to expressing such sentiments.

  Jenn smiled politely, seemingly oblivious to the faint blush that crept across Elise's cheeks. "Thank you, High Warlord." he replied, his tone respectful but warm. "I merely applied lessons from the Southron Rebellion. Mobility and adaptability were key to our victory there."

  Elise nodded, fighting the urge to prolong the conversation. "Indeed," she managed, her mind racing for something more to say. "Your experience continues to be invaluable to us."

  Elise nodded, searching for words. "Perhaps we could... discuss more strategies over dinner tonight?" The words tumbled out before she could stop them, her heart racing at the implications.

  "A bright idea, High Warlord," Jenn replied enthusiastically. "I'll gather the others as well. A group strategy session would be most productive."

  Elise's face fell slightly, but she quickly masked her disappointment. "Of course. Very... efficient." As they resumed the drills, she threw herself into her work with renewed vigor. She may have lost the way to the heart of her beloved, but she would ensure that her guard was the best-prepared unit in the kingdom.

  By day's end, the royal guard moved with an elite cohesion. As Aether and Nox set, casting long shadows across the courtyard, she dismissed her troops with a rare nod of approval.

  Jenn approached her as the guards filed out. "Shall we head to the strategy dinner?"

  Elise sighed inwardly but nodded. "Lead the way. We have much to discuss."

  As they walked towards the castle, Elise allowed herself one last lingering look at her second-in-command. Perhaps one day, she mused, he would see her as more than just his High Warlord. But for now, the safety of the kingdom – and the impending festival – had to take precedence over matters of the heart.

  INTERMISSION FOR LORE

  Fawful’s royal guard ranks are as follows: High Warlord as the highest, to be worthy of such title one must prove himself as the ultimate leader and warrior, this is where Elise stands. Royal Cadre, the overseer and mentor to the royal guard, this is where Jenn stands.

  Warduke, not only a reference to D&D but the position in the royal guard that is reserved for the most intelligent and most strategic of Fawful’s warriors.

  Battlelord/Battlelady, they oversee basic training and are deployed in common combat situations Lyra and Darroch share this role. Shield-marchers wield elongated hardened shields for crowd control and keeping townsfolk safe, Thorne leads them. Finally the normal Lords and Ladies, they are stationed to assist any section of the royal guard suited to their ability, but only a true Lord or Lady can be worthy of multiple.

  INTERMISSION OVER