Michelle
"Yes, we have many groups of sellswords here in Middle Mentia. Collectively, they are commonly known as the 'Free Companies'." *She explained.*

"R-run?"

*Akasha raised one of her eyebrows, seeming to be intrigued – but also perplexed at the image they would conjure. It would be quite embarrassing to see two full grown people running around like a toddler, in a military establishment nonetheless. On the other hand, she also doesn't want to put a lid over Arlean's newly regained enthusiasm.*

"Let's... Just take ordinary pace, but faster, yes?" *She advised. At least that way they would still retain some grace, while simply appearing as hurried personnel to other people.*

—

*Not long after, the towering structures of military bases can be seen sprawling in the district in front of them. They arrived on the lower level of the Adelqin Plaza, where the Knights of Firmament HQ is located. Looking behind, the scenery of the city below and mountains far is quite the sight for sore eyes.*
_ _

_ _
"Hmm.." 

*Akasha mused, leading Arlean through the streets. Cleanly paved paths, stairs, and alleyways scattered just about everywhere on the corners, leading to multitude of different buildings. It seems like a difficult place to navigate through for those who aren't familiar enough with the area. The activities on the streets are considerably busy, mostly filled with people who are clearly members of the Knights of Firmament, looking at their armour and insignia. Some are on their drill and jogging following a route, some are having conversation in small groups, while the others look like they are in a hurry to travel somewhere.*

"Oh, there he is. Come, it's this way." 

*Akasha grabbed Arlean's hand and pulled it towards one of the buildings. Judging from the swords, spears, and other weapons displayed in front of it, it can't be mistaken for none other than a weapon shop. She doesn't lead him inside, instead, stopping in front of a customer who is inspecting one of the displayed bows.*

"May the Lord protect you under the shadow of his wings. Captain." *She lets go of his hand and performs the Order's standard salute; straight posture, balled right hand on left chest, and left hand on the sheath of her sword followed by a 15 degrees bow.*
Cody
"Oho, if it isn't the Honorary Knight." 

*The man replied with a similar salute. However, without lowering his head. His face is wrinkled, time chiselled and weather beaten. He appears to be almost in the dusk of his life. Be that as it may, his eyes are not world weary – rather, they are gleaming with energy. Similar to Arlean, a pair of fluffy, grey ears protrude out from his fancy feathered chapeau.*

"May he protect us all."
_ _
Michelle
"Please just call me by my name.." *She muttered with a weary expression. It looks like this isn't the first time she told him that.*
Cody
"Pardon this old man's rudeness. Alas, I get more and more forgetful at my age." 

*The man laughed slowly and put on a warm smile. While rubbing his greyed goatee with a sagely motion, his eyes trailed to the side. His greyed visage is observing Arlean with a certain glimmer of interest.*

"And would I be mistaken to guess that you are the young man Akasha here was talking about? I have heard of the unfortunate circumstance – that you are one of the people stranded in this land. I hope you are able to find the strength to regain your footing, young man."
Michelle
"Arlean, this is Captain Alphonse Grünewald. He has helped me a lot in the past. I trusted the arrangement of our pre-training and involvement in the mission to him. Captain, this is Arlean Song."
Cody
"Good to meet you, my son, good to meet you." *The captain offered his hand for a handshake.*

"I wished to speak on this subject after we met eye to eye. If you recognize the wrongs in the conduct of those.. Businessman, as I recall? You can always file a report to the Knights. Aye, it would be shameful for our lawmen if we are unable to bring justice into such cases." *He said, after shaking his hand firmly with a vigour befitting of a veteran soldier.*
Sarah
"Oh! Free Companies. Are they free to hire? Free as in freedom?" *The kitsune quipped, not quite understanding what the free means.*

*The kitsune nodded enthusiastically,* "Yes, run." 

*Then he realized from Akasha's answer how silly it would look - it is a shame he is no longer a little kid, and no longer get to run wherever he like unless he was exercising. A shame.* 

"Alright!" 

— 

*The two would pace quickly and arrive at the military base. Once again, Arlean seems to be quite impressed, standing around and taking in the sight of the streets and the knights.* 

"There's more knights here than civilians... Is this a city of the knight?" *An exaggeration, but the place were indeed full of knights.* 

"Oh!"

*Arlean took in Akasha's hand, and followed her along. He let out a contented sigh, and squeezed her hand tighter - he quite liked the pose. The moment he reached the Captain, he'd relax his grip.* 

— 
*Arlean followed Akasha's suit and gave a little bow - not used to whatever salute that Akasha did. Besides, it could be a tradition that only members of the Knights are accustomed to.* 

*Arlean's eyes sparkled as he saw the pair of fluffy grey ears.* 

"I thought the Knights of Firmaments would be all Mentian... But I see you're a Kemonomimi." 

— 

*Arlean giggled at the two's banter about the name. Alphonse Grunewald. That is definitely not a local name. So this Kemonomimi has gone native - unlike him. He thought it would be appropriate to ask in another setting.* 

"I'm Arlean Song, good to meet you." *Wait, Son? The kitsune looked quite confused as he shook Alphonse's hands.* 

"I was travelling together with a Runran nobleman when he abandoned me here - and I'm now volunteering to fight with the Knights of Firmament. I'm a vocator - and I know a decent amount of magic." 

*The kitsune looked confused about the mention of businessmen, then deducted he probably meant the noble that abandoned him here.*

"It would be too late to chase after th

Em - they most likely departed for Silnaria already."