The Silver Dragon Descends.

The steady clacking of hooves against cobblestone would reach the ears of the guards as they witness a regal figure upon an armored steed riding up with no fear, crystalline blue eyes briefly flicker with nostalgic melancholy upon sighting the gates of Hoshi the palace visible in the distance..But the eyes of the guards have his eyes sharpening into ice, his presence becoming blinding to those who lay eyes upon him, the bandages mean nothing, the mussed and slightly messy looks mean nothing suddenly as he eyes the pair who unconsciously straighten under his gaze. His attire consists of a silk dress shirt and a pair of black pants, with nicks and dust lining along his body...some edges are tinged crimson, but none of this matters as he seems to shine under the sunlight regardless like a golden symbol before he voice declares loudly and with pride and purpose, he declares his name. "I am Prince Arthur Pendragon, the Silver Dragon, the call has been sounded and by the Pact I have answered!" He declares, for all around the gates to hear, for all to witness for all to realize that he's come, he's actually come...
The Boy who would be King, the rest of the Dragon's must not be far off either...
Soon, the Silver, the Black, the Purple, the Yellow, the Green, the Red, the Blue, the Orange and the Gray Dragon's will stand with the Knights of Haven...And perhaps the Shinobi and drive back these invader's! Bring peace to the Land and avenge the Princess.

"Arthur," Ulther begins as he rides at the head of a carriage, his Son at his side who looks up curiously with large blue eyes, showing his pure attention is now upon the old Silver Dragon. "Do you know why I declare myself every-time we ride to Hoshi and the Palace?" His answer is a blonde head of hair shaking in negative and he chuckles before he answers. "It is because as a King and as a Knight, we are symbols to the people...It is our duty to always appear strong, to give hope and to slay despair and darkness wherever it may lay in the hearts of our subjects...No matter the hardship, no matter the despair we ourselves feel...We must always Shine for the eyes of the people Arthur..or all is lost..." He says with a somber look. He chuckles softly before he speaks again..


His head does not bow and with sheer force of will, his eyes remain fierce like a Lion's as he awaits entrance so he may assist in the coming struggles of Haven.

The news of the Prince's arrival had the palace both excited and somber, and Akihana could understand why to a certain extent. While she had never met this royal guest, she had been told that he was betrothed to the princess who had just passed not a month ago, and while his arrival signaled help, it also solidified the loss of what Hoshi once used to have - a princess to pass the throne to. No word from the borders had arrived regarding the Princess from Bird Country and with each passing day, Akihana found herself a little less hopeful, so much so that she was considering sending Arashi to patrol the borders just so he could send back word if he saw the party approaching. The suspicion that someone on the inside was interfering with communication was one that was slowly festering inside her like a wound and Akihana did not like it one bit. Being suspicious was against her nature but something else against her nature was also inside her, one she was playing host to with as much dignity as she could despite knowing that it preyed on her insecurities. Was the being in her getting stronger? Unbidden, an image of Ran lying prone on a hospital bed came to mind. Had this thing slowly eaten away at his spirit only to turn to his physical body once that had been accomplished?

Shaking her head, the kunoichi studied herself in the mirror, her excitement far less than that of the hand maiden who was braiding her fine golden hair in an array of plaits and strands that only experienced, nimble fingers could achieve. It was usually the Queen's duty to take a wheelhouse and a full compliment of guards to the city gates to welcome a fellow royal but due to Her Grace's health, the task had now befallen Akihana. Had the Kunoichi been told she simply had to go to the gates and meet a prince, she would have happily complied. But she hadn't been told that, she had been told to dress in her finest gowns, glitter with her borrowed jewels and take the same wheelhouse and compliment of guards to greet the Prince. As the hand maiden finished up her hair, the blonde couldn't help looking at the imposer in the mirror.

This wasn't her, but what she really was wasn't good enough for everyone at the moment. And if there was one thing she had learned from the woman slowly wasting away in her chambers, it was that a Queen was for her people. And now her Healer too it would seem.

Casting a longing look at the dirt covered foot paths leading to the city, Akihana allowed herself to be escorted into the wheelhouse by the captain of the guards, ready to wait the ten minutes it would take to simply reach the main city square. She was a ninja, she could travel much faster without all the accessories but sometimes accessories were necessary. She waited patiently, fiddling with the folds of her shimmering aquamarine gown as the party slowly threaded its way through the crowds, most people parting to make way for the royal procession. She saw the waves of the common folk her way, for once her usual smile not in place despite her kind expression. The single gold circlet around her hair felt off, the three glittering bangles adorning her slim wrist were uncomfortable and the lack of sleeves made her feel more exposed than she was comfortable with. The only item of jewelry that did not complement the blonde's attire in any way was the small Alexandrite ring on her left hand, and it was this ring that gave her comfort as she worried the smooth surface fo the stone with her other finger.

"You should take that off Your Grace, its unseemly."

"I can't, I'm holding on to it for someone."

"You have to return it?"

"We haven't decided yet."

Akihana knew they were close when she heard the cheering fo the crowds. Apparently the prince had arrived, and with lots of fanfare from what she could tell. The medic wondered how many wheelhouses had he brought and how those would be taken to the palace, her stomach sinking at the idea of more slow travelling. Still she had been asked to complete a task and Akihana never went back on her word. The cheering grew louder as they neared the gates, the kunoichi peeking out from the window and trying to see the great banners and scout and guards that accompanied a royal procession, only to see nothing.

Blinking her eyes for a moment, the kunoichi activated her golden eye, searching through the distance only to spot the prince attracting so much attention to be just that, a lone prince on horseback.

"Please, stop the procession," she requested the Captain who treated her to a look of surprise. "I will go the rest of the way on foot."

"Impossible," the Queensguard retorted. "It is most unconventional to greet a royal this way."

"I'm sure his arrival is unconventional too," the blonde responded, a hand already on the door. "Look, I don't mean disrespect but I can easily climb out with the procession moving so you might as well stop, unless the wheelhouse arrives without Her Grace's envoy." Thta seemed to do the trick. The procession stopped with a mutual groan from the half dozen guards but Akihana had no time for them now. The path across her and towards the gates was clear as was her view of their guest. And the journey on foot would be a lot less pretentious than arriving with the fanfare she was originally expected to.

So it was that dressed like a princes, Akihana Akari made her way to the Queen's guest like a peasant, on foot and with dust trails beginning to settle at the hem of her gown, a feeling that was surprisingly comfortable compared to travelling in a small, confined space. The ground beneath her was solid as she approached the man on horseback, greeting him with a courtesy as she had been instructed.

'Prince Arthur, Her Grace, Shiera the Third, the Royal Queen of Haven bids you welcome to her city. She also sends her deepest regrets at being untenable o be here to receive you herself."

Sharp eyes immediately focus upon her, perhaps a Shinobi of great skill would note the brief flicker of amusement that passes over the pools of blue at such a sight...A Lady of the Court walking, her little coattails trailing dust behind her and it's only the small reminder that he himself has arrived covered in grime sweat and injuries that keeps him sobered as he is greeted by this Lady and he nods "Yes, of course no offense is taken, please inform her Grace that my Brethren will soon arrive..." He trails off for a moment before his eyes catch the wheel-house paused at the back of the crowd and his eyes trail back down to the Lady who appears to have hopped from it herself..Perhaps she did not wish to offend by making a more grand entrance than him? Regardless he brings Aggro to trot alongside her and he offers her a hand "Come up, I'd like an escort to the castle and Aggro is quicker than that..thing." He whispers quickly, only flashing a brief mischievous smile before it once again alights into the charming visage that has won many a heart merely by passing...Of course he was betrothed so he had to decline many suitors...Particularly ones that were quite..grabby...

Regardless of whether or not she accepts his offer for a ride, he reaches behind himself to a satchel which he clips off of the horses side and leads Aggro to trot up beside the Wheelhouse "Which one of you are the Captain of the Guard?" He asks, if this were not an emergency and was a traditional visit, the Purple Dragon would be at his side...He expects the same thing for a Messenger of the Queen. If the man presents himself Arthur simply states "I come bearing gifts for you and the people." And with a heft and a toss he throws the satchel to the man...When opened.
Flags, twelve in total inside of that singular satchel all bearing the sign of "The Jaw's of Grima they call themselves.." He tells them, before he glances back to the Lady of the Court "Shall we? It's been many years since I've been to Haven." He explains his eyes slowly trailing towards the castle..
Pain grips his heart for but a moment, as the sight of one tower in particular comes into his view but it does not show on his face, he is a Prince, a Prince in a war...And so, before he takes off..And so he can find a moment to himself now that he's safe within the walls of Hoshi...The Other satchel is plucked upward and he speaks up to the crowd.

"People of Hoshi! I come bearing gifts!" He announces before he throws the satchel up high and his right hands fingers curl inwards as if grasping something...And suddenly.


A Royal Purple hilt appears in it's grasp, attached to a long blade forged from quicksilver...His arm draws back and the blade is sent spinning towards the satchel..Which splits open, the sword disperses into silver particles and bursting from the bag are the flags of the Camps he's destroyed on his path here. "I Bring you Safety.." He tells them before He lets out a cry and snaps the reigns, intending on riding off towards the castle after that bit of showmanship..If not stopped, Aggro bursts forward at a rather impressive speed for a mundane animal, with riding the Lady of the Court riding upon his back..Or perhaps attempting to keep up?

All the Prince hopes, is that will be enough to give the people a bit of Light in these dark times...He'll need to get himself prepared for an audience for the Queen, he will not appear before her as he is now.

Golden eyes studying the prince intently, Akihana noted the various injuries dotting his royal person, the concern she had for every living thing taking over as her dominant hand twitched at her side, the beginnings of medical chakra already dancing across her fingers before propriety takes over once more. This young man was not in any immediate danger, at least not by his speech and his stance. Still as he brought his horse up to her, the kunoichi couldn't help but look on slight worry, forgetting her own condition in that moment.

She accepted his reply with as much grace as she could, not entirely sure how much she was allowed to speak on behalf of the Queen and the late Princess Lissandra. Not for the first time, Akihana wished she had known the remarkable young woman whom everyone seem to adore. Reaching for his hand, the medic climbed nimbly up the horses back behind him, riding side saddle as was the norm for royalty. Civilians had to practice a lot to accomplish this whereas Akihana simply applied a little bit o Chandra to balance her narrow frame behind the prince, making sure to keep a decent space between the two.

That didn't stop her from reaching out a palm towards the prince, her kind nature getting the better of her as her hand lingers a few centimeters from his, the healing chakra pouring into his body if he'd allow. On hindsight, she should probably have asked permission before starting to heal someone but this was one of the times when she couldn't help herself, watching anyone in pain caused her pain by default.

"May I?" she added belatedly as they trotted up to the halted caravan, the horse easy under their combined weight. A tiny smile broke through her otherwise serious expression as he joked about his steed being faster than her procession, there was no arguing with that. She remained quiet, focusing on healing the newly arrived prince as he spoke to the guards, showing them the contents of his satchel. It took Akihana a while to understand what he had brought, the people around her catching up faster than a girl not educated in ways of this sort of warfare. Being a ninja, Akihana hadn't been taught to set up camp and raise flags which meant these bandits were either mostly civilians or if not, very overconfident and powerful ninja.

Ninja that the blond prince had defeated nonetheless judging by the dozen multicolored swirls of fabric that floated through the air to great cheers from the crowd below.

"Oh goodness," the kunoichi breathed as the horse picked up speed, leaving the cheering crowd behind them as fast as it had approached them. "I haven't seen the citizens this happy since the day I arrived in Hoshi. I'm afraid they took me to be far more important than I really am," she would admit with a slight aversion of her gaze, her hands still sensing out any wounds on the prince's body as they rode towards the palace.

"I'm Akihana," she finally introduced herself, an apology at the end of the introduction ready. "My apologies Your Grace, i should have introduced myself earlier. I act as Chief Healer to Her Majesty. I'm sorry for your loss. The Princess Lissandra was greatly loved, the entire city is still in mourning for her."

Cutting quickly throughout the pathways of Hoshi..Hoshigakure now he supposes from how many Shinobi he happens to spy as his trusty companion carries him and the rather diligent Kunoichi working on the wounds he's taken during his few days clearing a path for his fellow Pendragon to follow in his wake, his harshest wounds are upon his upper thigh and his sides, some figuring out his style of speed and momentum before using it against him in a most praiseworthy fashion. Of course his wounds were cleaned but his hands aren't quite as skilled as the Green Dragon's or even the woman 'Akihana' behind him, who very quickly begins picking out the wounds upon his person almost as soon as he brings her up, thankfully she's being discreet and no weakness is being shown, shrugging her off would only cause attention to be brought to it and such a thing would not be beneficial to the goal that his actions were working towards. When she speaks of him bringing the citizens happiness he allows a triumphant smile to bloom over his features, she introduces herself causing him to incline his head..His smile does not shrink but the light it gives seems to shrink as Lissandra is mentioned. "Prince Arthur Pendragon, the Silver Dragon." He does not comment on the Princesses fate, instead he speaks further "I'd very much enjoy a change of clothes, I can't meet her grace in such a state...Rather I could? But it'd be rude, wouldn't you agree Lady Akihana?" He asks with a mischievous twinkle entering his sapphire hues, she's not proper, the dirt currently marring her otherwise perfect dress shows this much...Great! That means he doesn't have to be either, quite refreshing actually..But perhaps it's clear to a Shinobi that he'd rather not speak of his late and dear friend in Lissandra, not now, condolences do little for him and now he must be a beacon for the people of Hoshi and must not let himself crumble while in public sight. Or anyone's sight.

"You mentioned something about them thinking you more important than you really are? I can't imagine the Queen's Chief Healer being anything less than crucial, might I trouble you to elaborate Lady Akihana?" He asks, his mind also slipping to the fact he has nothing with the Pendragon Crest upon it currently...In his haste to leave, he's forgotten proper decorum and while this may not be an issue presently...He also forgot most of his funds.
This presents a problem in that the Queen, as sweet as she was to him in his adolescence..Was also quite insistent on his appearance remaining proper..He wishes he had the freedom to curl his lips in troubled thought, but his eyes remain bright and his smile on, like Prince Charming as is his duty whilst in the public eye. Still, they draw near the castle rather quickly.
Shower, food, clothes and meeting...He's glad she's skilled enough to work on him while on horseback, he doesn't have much daylight left and he's got quite a few tasks ahead of him.

One thing the blonde takes note of is that the visiting royal's posture does not shift. Not from the long ride from wherever he had journeyed from, nor from his injuries sustained during the journey and now as her hands remained firmly hovering over his shoulder, her healing chakra coursing his its way through his body, targeting all the major wounds and replicating cells where bleeding and dead skin had once been, he still does not flinch. Few people react this stoically to healing leading Akihana to wonder if he was this unflinching in battle too. His injuries seemed to suggest it.

He finally spoke up once more when they were away from the crowds, having left the common folk and the wheelhouse procession far behind. Introducing himself in the wake of her own introduction. The kunoichi nodded politely, the stream of gold falling over her shoulder as the horse they rode made a direct route to the palace. Akihana had no need to direct the man or the steed, they seemed to know their way well enough which was only a given if he had known the princess s intimately as their relationship suggested.

At his request for a change of clothes, Akihana let out a small laugh, encouraged by his own grin. At least he wasn't going to keep things as formal as she had been instructed to, and good thing too as she was sure she would fail trying to live up to etiquettes she simply did not know. "Well, Your Highness, I'm afraid there's a terribly formal welcome awaiting you in the Throne Room once you arrive," she warmed him, her golden eyes full of amusement. "So we can try going through the kitchen entrance, meaning no disrespect. From there the guest wing is easily accessible without going through the main area and you can change and shower before appearing before the Queen."

The kunoichi had no idea if she had offended the prince by suggesting he enter the palace through the kitchens, nor did she know what affect his entrance would have on the kitchen staff but to her it seemed a practical enough solution than passing through the main entrance and skipping the Throne Room in favor of a change of clothes.

Upon asked to elaborate her role, Akihana averted her gaze from the prince's, casting her golden eyes downwards. It was hard to explain but he was royalty, so he would probably know more or less the gist of it. "As you know, the golden hair color is always associated with royalty here. My friend studies genetics and I dabble in notes, it seems the hair color only passes through the royal family. So when I first arrived, i had no idea I would gather such a crowd. Since then I've been sure to leave the palace with a hooded cloak."

t would have been insensitive to admit that people in the streets referred to her as the Promised Princess, but more than that it would have been outright cruel to insinuate in any way that his fiance was replaceable because Akihana knew she was not. Princess Lissandra would always be the symbol of hope and beauty the people loved and no amount of insignificant blondes could change that. Still if a beacon was all the people needed in these dark times, then a beacon she would be. She may not excel at it like the prince but she could try.

"Due to my healing ability, I quickly took charge of Her Grace's health. She was poisoned a few months ago and most of it was extracted. We extracted the rest of it and she would have made a full recovery had it not been... " Akihana trailed off. It wasn't easy to explain how crippling a child's death was to her mother but she had a feeling she wouldn't need to explain. Despite his charm and valor, Akihana could sense that the prince felt deep sorrow for his deceased fiance.

"She stays sad more often than not these days. We're doing our best to cure her depression and to give her hope. I even got her a puppy - please don't laugh - but in the end, I think she just doesn't want to get better." Perhaps the prince's arrival would change that though, she hoped quietly as the grand palace loomed into view ahead.

He very quickly decides he likes Lady Akihana, when she suggests they sneak in through the Kitchens his smile remains in tact but he small shake of his shoulders gives away the small chuckle that escapes past his lips as he rides along, as small as it is, one who knows the human body and has no doubt studied the art of picking up small shifts in facial expression such as the Kunoichi riding with him would no doubt very quickly pick out his hidden mirth. "The Kitchens it is!" He declares hanging a rather quick left to approach the castle from the side gates instead of the main entrance, he's also quite hungry and tires of Field Rations..He'd love the sweets the old chef used to make and wonders if that kind old man who indulged a mischievous Prince and Princess are still living? He hopes so, he'd love to catch up with him..And of course partake in a pastry..or two. He's never quite found a dessert to compare with that man's, perhaps it was the joy that seemed to flow from him with every movement that was surely baked into his labor of passion. Regardless the thought has him nostalgic, melancholy as he rides and rides fast, clearing the distance rather easily upon the hooves of Aggro.
Sapphire hues glance back with interest, Aggro knows the way and with no other horse but his companion would he ever take his eyes from the road. She begins by mentioning her gold colored hair and understanding lights up his eyes after that moment, his own conclusions being drawn from such hopeful people...He supposes it's simply a fortune for those of Haven that twas such a noble soul and golden locks who first stepped through that gate rather than one who would take advantage of this genetic trait..A rarity to be certain, but not unheard of in this Continent.

She's quite skilled in the healing arts, he himself can attest to this as he feels his wounds which pinched and itched before vanishing with nary a trace, deeper wounds which burned now are soothed and leave clean skin underneath bandages tinged dull red. He keeps up appearances even as Lissandra is once again brought up and he can't drive away the memory of the young girl placing Laurel crowns upon an amused blonde head, his smile finally turns somber and he turns back towards the road as they slow to a trot and are in a position to sneak through to the Kitchen doors, which judging by how he picks out the route...He's done in the past. Unfortunately, not even her heartfelt request and his hand which quickly rises over his mouth can keep the small scoff of amusement from escaping a pair of grinning lips as she mentions buying Queen Shiera a Puppy...Though he quickly regains his composure, rising his head which ducked his lips firmly sealed together, before his mirth fades into a somber nod as Akihana finishes. He dismounts and then offers her a hand to help her off of his companion. "I must thank you Lady Akihana, you've endured much despite it not being your duty." He commends her with a soft smile, if she accepts his help he lightly sets her upon her feet and turns, his eyes scan the way with a bit of mischief entering them and he gestures for her to duck, with a small grin upon his face as he begins creeping through the courtyard...Feeling a bit like a kid once more as he leads her to the Kitchen doors past any guards...It's quite a humorous sight, the nineteen year old Prince leading the Chief Healer to the Kitchens like a couple of children trying not to be caught staying up past their bedtime. Once they near the door, he straightens and while they still have a moment of privacy he tells her. "By my Honor and by my name, before your eyes and in the silence of this wind. I will make this City glow again, you have my word." He tells her with a wide smile before he opens the door and very calmly walks in casting a jaunty wave towards a few servants and a cheeky grin towards any familiar faces who will immediately recognize him...He glances towards any servant girls and asks for anything bearing the Pendragon emblem upon it so he may after a shower and a change into proper clothes may have his audience with the Queen..Keeping quiet of his arrival, is suggested as a personal favor to him and he brings a finger to his lips in a shushing motion before he gives a small wink playfully and gestures for Akihana to come along, he can't remember the way to the Guest room unfortunately.

Far from being offended at gaining entry through the kitchens - the area where grocers, bakers and other merchants utilized to supply the royal pantries with ingredients that went into preparing each feast, the prince seemed to find it amusing, leading Akihana to believe this probably wasn't his first time into the palace through that route. of course he would know the the place much better than her, probably having spent a lot of time there. the people of Hoshi also seemed to know their prince given the amount of cheering that had followed them from the gate.

As they rode through the grounds to towards the back, Akihana tried not to laugh along with him at the idea of the puppy. "His name is Cupcake," she pointed out, failing to keep a grin off her face. "And I'm sure he'll want to make your acquaintance, he's not one to be ignored easily."

At his gratitude, the Kunoichi simply shook her head. "I haven't done much at all, Your Highness," she reassured him honestly. "And anything I did do was the duty of any human being. I... I'm not from a noble background, at least not the kind of nobility expected here. I was raised in a fully shinobi village and later spend most of my adult life in another so I'm not accustomed to the Queen's ways. No doubt I disappoint her no an then but I'm trying. For her and for the city. "

She didn't know what she expected in the wake of her confession of not being a real royal. Anger? Dismissal? MOre mirth. What she did not expect was a hand offered to help her down from the horse, one which she took politely knowing that it was only offered in courtesy. If he knew she was a ninja, he knew she could dismount a horse and yet he was still being polite. What followed could only be called a children's game of duck and run as they made their way tot he kitchens, arriving through the double doors flushed and out of breath, laughter bubbling through the golden haired prince as Akihana attempted to smooth down her own gown beside him. The hem was a lost cause, Laraib would have to probably redo the whole thing but at least she could try to look presentable.

His earnest wow came moments before the kitchen staff descended on the duo with shrieks of greetings and surprise, quite a few people seemed to remember him and for a moment, the prince was the center of attention, leaving Akihana to replay his promise in her mind. She hoped his words would come true. The City Blessed by the Stars deserved to glow as brightly as possible.

Once he's finished instructing the servants for clothing, the prince gestures for her to come with him and slightly, confused, she follows him, unsure what he has in mind. It is only when they have cleared the kitchen that she realizes from his walk that he's trying to follow her lead, making her raise a golden eyebrow in amusement. "You forgotthe way to the guest rooms?" she questioned, her golden eyes shimmering with silent laughter. It was nice to know she wasn't the only one who lost her way in this huge palace. "Umm, let's see, right of the throne room... past the royal archives... Oh dear, I know how to get into it but not how to get to it. I've been practicing a jutsu that allowed me to appear in places so I didn't learn the route." A soft dusting of pink appears on her face at the embarrassing admission.

"I could take you there through the jutsu if you wouldn't mind terribly. Otherwise we could maybe ask someone to lead the way?"

If he would rather walk than Akihana would bid him wait until she found a member of the palace staff to lead them to the guest room. If however the visiting prince wasn't opposed to a jutsu, the kunoichi would hold out her hand politely, slim fingers around a small palm supported by a slender wrist and trailing small golden sparks that hinted at the beginnings of chakra forming around her. If the prince took her hand, the kunoichi would close her eyes, focusing on her Disperse technique and imagining them slowly blending into the light. The results would be instantaneous, one moment they would be in the hallway lined with suits of armor of Queensguards of the past and the next the duo would appear in the middle of a spacious withdrawing room attached to more bedrooms and a private study for the prince. They would appear in the middle of the room in the same position as they had left, this being teh first time Akihana completing the jutsu as smoothly as she had done.

"There we go," the medic grinned, stepping back to let him take in his surroundings. "You'll find everything you need has already been stocked, and if we missed something, you can always ring for the servants. I hope the accommodations are suitable, Your Highness."

Well, it seems he will not only have audience with the Queen but with this esteemed hound 'Cupcake' as well, the thought has the Prince very clearly amused the cheeky grin on his face very clear to see as they are in solitude and thus whilst sneaking he can clearly show how humorous the thought of that is. The idea of a hound would surely have Aggro looking at him with suspicion with a very pointed warning, really such a jealous horse....This is the Lord of the Pendragon's noble steed? He thinks he would have been better of with a donkey at times. The Lady's rebuttal merely has him tutting with a shake of his head and he helps her down as planned, though now he adds the comment of "It is because you are not of Noble blood, that you're deeds and actions are even more Noble than one could be." He says with a wagging of a finger in slight chastisement, clearly humorous for a woman who is clearly his superior in combat and his elder but..He is a Prince and her words, are the words that have escaped his and several Pendragon's lips before. Yes, he thinks she's right, she's not proper for a Lady of the Court...So far she's sounding much more like she should have been a Knight by deed and by word by the Prince's eye. Regardless he helps her from his noble steed as a Gentlemen should as he was trained and feels the need to do regardless of capability..A dress like that looks very hindering and oh does he know the pain of restrictive clothing...

You'd think being a Prince he could order off having to wear such foppish unwieldy garments..But no, in the dressing chambers..The Nanny is Ruler of all and she rules with an Iron Fist...The tyrant. Petulant and rebellious thoughts aside, he leads her off as explained beforehand and makes his vow before entering the kitchens as described above and begins walking, a backwards glance and the slowing of his steps gets the message across and she comments on his apparent lack of direction in finding the guest room which causes a weak smile of apology and a shrug of his shoulders...A moment later her cheeks flush and she comments that she herself doesn't know which causes his amused look to return, mainly because of her earlier observation. She offers the use of a Ninjutsu to get them there and he nods, without a moments hesitation in fact he looks quite curious, he's seen and heard tales of similar techniques the Pendragon's land having shared borders with the Land of Fire where teleportation techniques and the like are quite the feat and a few Shinobi have been known to wield this feat with deadly accuracy. So when he grasps her hand and inclines his head, he watches her as she seems to focus...When they reappear he blinks and his head turns around before a small excited laugh escapes past his lips who smile brightly as the Jutsu ends, she speaks and he composes himself with a smile as she steps back and he gives a nod of gratitude...And he slowly takes in his surroundings..His smile turning somber as his eyes take in familiar sights. "Yes, you have my thanks Milady..." He tells her before he seems to cast a conspiratory glance around this room and he stage whispers since they are clearly in private. "If your duties ever become too much, do feel free to drop by...I've rarely been caught on my...outings." He informs her with a playful wink and a chuckle before he turns away to look through the wardrobe to be sure he has things that are not only in his size, but bare the Pendragon's crest. He'll have a wash and then he'll make his presence known...
This room is quite familiar to the Prince, this was once where he and his Father stayed...Of course he had a room of his own, but he would much rather stay with his Father...really his Father spoiled him when he was young in some cases, much too light on him for certain. He smiles regardless, but he does not turn..Perhaps Lady Akihana has left at his dismissal, if the click of a door sounds he'd let his shoulders drop and a sigh escape him as a deep frown appears over his features, blue eyes growing bleak as sorrow burns through his chest and his fatigue is finally allowed to shine through.
Truly...He just wants a hot bath and a warm pastry from the kitchens at this moment, but..That must wait, he'll have to allow himself this moments reprieve and then be to the Throne Room for his audience with the Queen.

He sheds his clothes after finding the suitable garments to prepare and draws himself a bath.
His preparations take ten minutes longer than they should, as he does take his time to enjoy them..A few days ride and battle being his excuse....His stay in Haven will be prolonged until he can end this war, save the Queen, return the spirits to the people.

[Exit.]

Once having escorted the prince to his living quarters, Akihana waited politely for anything further he might have to say. Despite his mischievous smile earlier, she could suddenly sense the weight on his shoulders. His need to punctuate royal duties and responsibilities with bouts of humor, his need to appear stolid and unbreakable in front of of the masses only to have loneliness crash down on him in moments of quietude. It wasn't a shinobi ability really, no, it was the ability that was common in most humans should they take the time to hone it, it was the sense of sadness that occupied the aura of a person who had gone through great losses and despite everything Prince Arthur said and did, she had absolutely no doubt how he felt for Princess Lissandra. The city missed her, her mother mourned her but the prince... the prince probably wished he had had a chance to say goodbye. And it was those unresolved moments of grief that often stayed with people the longest.

Akihana herself had worn a back cloth armband for months and months, and only been able to sleep when she had stopped fearing the wind and the wolves in her dreams.

Upon his dismissal, the blonde once again curtsied, leaving him alone with his thoughts. the idea of simply disappearing the way she had appeared seemed rude somehow, as though their royal guest deserved better in these troubled times. So Akihana made her way to the doors, leaving discreetly through the polished wooden structured and making sure to there be minimal noise in her wake. initially, she was supposed to escort the prince to the Throne Room but as it was, the medic now found herself lost in the vast palace.

Closing her eyes once more, the blonde focused on the light seeping through the windows, feeling the bars of gold cutting across the marble floors through the huge windows to one side. This would have made a great sunroom had it not had other wings built around it. Akihana had learned it helped to visualize the light before attempting to disperse into it. It had worked with the prince but that was a one time thing. It was usually the case with Akihana and her supportive nature that jutsu with others in mind worked for her better than those aimed at simply herself.

The medic's gold eyes opened, expecting to find herself in front of the throne room only to realize she hadn't even moved from her spot. Focusing her chakra once again, pushing it towards the light particles floating through the room, she tried once more, this time visualizing the process of dispersion as she had when she first tried to emulate the technique from a jutsu she found in Denkiteki's library. The results were slightly better, she found ehrself at the end of the room she had started from, and formed in the right position.

It took three more tries, one that landed her back to the kitchen and on all fours much to the surprise of the kitchen staff, leaving her to pick herself up, dust herself off and nod embarrassingly to the assistant chef, the second that transported her back to her own chambers and provided Akihana with the chose temptation of getting changed herself as the prince had opted to. Her loyalty and dedication to her task won out in the end, she was suppsoed to report tot he queen who would surely be worried by now, especially if the word of Prince Arthur's arrival had already spread through the palace. So without looking at the entrance to the room that acted her closet, the Kunoichi closed her golden eyes once more, the third time performing the jutsu and appearing successfully in front of the throne room. Giddy and grinning at finally managing to perform the technique, Akihana entered the room only to see the Queen and entire counsel looking down upon her most unfavorably.

At that point Akihana realized how inappropriate this must look. No wheelhouse, no fanfare, dirty hem clinging to a dress damp with perspiration from attempting a jutsu and no prince by her side. "Erm..." she began, seeking out the eyes of the elderly queen only to find them cold and questioning. "Arthur, I mean the prince decided to ride in through the kitchen entrance... on my suggestion," she added, unwilling to lie even in such an uncomfortable setting. "He wanted to change and shower before appearing in front of Her Grace. We didn't want to disrespect by passing straight in front of the Throne Room without stepping in."

"And do you require a change of clothing and a shower too, Akihana?" her royal majesty's voice was strict, getting the point across sharply.

'Yes, Your Grace," Akihana curtsied before hurrying out of the room to do as she was told.

(Exit Akihana)

TWC: 4023

Claiming 4, 000 wc towards Hikariton: Disperse
Claiming 20 stats converted to 2, 000 Ryo
Claiming Arthur's chakra isgnature memory
Granting Arthur entry into Hoshi