"...and so, I bravely set forth with naught but my trusty shield and blade, to begin my legendary -"
"Hey Red, you could at least fill the canteens," the wiry young lad groused as he tended the fire. "You writing fairy stories again?"
Ylsa Redmayne slapped shut her journal and glared at Pyotr Gilles, who pointedly ignored her while he tossed the last of the meat from last night's dinner on a small pan above the fire. She could tell he was goading her, not just because he was making light of her writings (which would obviously become a great epic), but because he was the only one who could get away with calling the only person in twenty generations of the Redmayne family to be born with dark blue hair "Red." Giving his back a scowl, Ylsa picked up their canteens and filled them at the nearby spring. Returning, she thunked them down by their travel gear and came to stand over Pyotr, glowering down at him.
"Don't forget I can rub your face in the dirt with one hand tied behind my back," Ylsa growled, but Pyotr, used to such threats, just sighed.
"And you can tan the hide of every warrior in the Five Kingdoms, I know," Pyotr quipped, this time eliciting a frustrated sigh from Ylsa. They had been together for so long even the insults had gotten old. Even though Pyotr was two years younger and much more slight of build than Ylsa, he had always acted like he was older, and had been the only one who could handle her fits of pique. Despite the fact that he irritated her, Ylsa had to admit that she would trust Pyotr with her life, even though that fact probably only served to irritate her even more.
Although Ylsa was a shieldmaiden at heart, a true warrior from a warrior's lineage, with the skills to match, the smaller Pyotr had always followed her doggedly, making up in sheer stubbornness for what he lacked in strength. In the end, he had become much more than mere companion or squire, he was really Ylsa's only true friend; but Ylsa would rather have her skin stripped than admit it to him. Therefore, when she finally turned 17 and was given her first real solo assignment, it was only natural that Pyotr would come along as well.
Once the meal was finished, the two quickly gathered their gear and took off at a rapid pace down toward Arenndon. It was late afternoon by the time they entered the city and made their way through Old Town towards the industrial district. Finally finding the large factory they had been searching for, Ylsa and Pyotr were granted entry through a side door and ushered up to the management office. As they climbed the stairway, they caught glimpses of the factory floor, where large furnaces were refining magical components as workers assembled various objects.
"Lord Bouche, the Redmayne shieldmaiden you requested has arrived," the aide who ushered Ylsa and Pyotr up the stairs announced towards the back of a stout, well-dressed man, who was gazing out a window. As he turned, Ylsa noted the pointed ears and reddish tinge to the eyes which indicated some degree of connection to the demon race. Not surprising, since demons and elves had the greatest affinity for magic, but while elves snobbishly insisted that magic be purely natural, demons seemed to have the greatest talent for manufacturing it. However, due to the deep mistrust between the demons and all other races, usually only those with diluted demonic blood were successful in the economies of the Five Kingdoms.
"Ah, yes, about time," Lord Svar Bouche eyed Ylsa and Pyotr as he stroked his beard. Appearing to make a decision, Lord Bouche motioned to his aide, who exited the room, only to re-enter carrying a heavy locked metal box, about two handspans width on each side, which he set on the desk. "You have been hired to escort this item to the estate of Duke Hylar in the province of Granciere," Bouche stated as he indicated the box. "It is of utmost importance that it arrive there safely and intact."
"What is it?" Ylsa asked naturally.
"That is no concern of yours," Bouche responded rather abruptly. However, the normally volatile Ylsa did not take it personally; after all, such assignments were often undertaken with few details given. "Just see that it gets there." Nodding and giving a slight bow, Ylsa picked up the box, loading it into one of her travel packs, and exited with Pyotr.
"Another escort job," Ylsa groused as they headed to an inn, the city gates having already closed for the night. "Some mission for a shieldmaiden."
"You're just starting out, Red, it's only natural," Pyotr said evenly. The two found a decent tavern, obtained a meal, and headed up to their room. Although they would share a room, it did have two separate beds. Grateful to finally be spending a night indoors, the two readied themselves for the evening.