There were too many of them, she knew. With seven men in total, there was little they could do. Outnumbered and defenseless against their arsenal of arrows, sharpened daggers, and razor-like swords, they were left to simply look on while the bandit snatched up her bag. Eagerly he dug into it, sifting through clothes, supplies, and books. Already he would be able to confirm that she was no mere farm girl. It wasn’t often that simple women carried reading material on the philosophy of war, economic, and politics. What little suspicion he might have had left was obliterated the moment he came across a gleaming gold necklace. The pendant that dangled from it contained the emblem of her family, a crest of a fierce bird with two heads, spreading its great wings. A ruby gem was embedded in the center atop of two crossed swords. Vail was hardly breathing when she saw it since she believed her servants had taken care not to allow her to travel with valuables. The necklace was priceless and notable, worn by every queen before her in portraits long gone in the uprising. They must have known that if she had it, she would offer it to unsavory men like these who would prey upon her vulnerabilities.<br/><br/>Though her hands twitched as he tossed it to his leader, wanting to run and snatch it away from him quickly, she remained where she was: hardly breathing and visibly shaken. A part of her believed that they would interrogate them, make them admit to who they were and where they were going to exploit their unfortunate position for their gain. Instead Val inquired about the knight’s hood, which was both unexpected and startling. Vail feared for him, wished he hadn’t disarmed himself to ensure their safe passage. Should they reveal that she was in the company of a dragon, then surely they would ask more questions or perhaps even strike him down. Bandits or not, they were human and dragons were the enemy. It turned out that they already knew as Val produced a vial containing a blue crystal. She was more than a little confused as he went on to tell them of its purpose.<br/><br/>As luck would have it Valerio Trovatore was a former Royal Guardsman, and though relief washed over her like a wave she still feared for Gabriel. The bandit leader moved over to them with the knight’s sword belt and her pendant. Pressing it to her palm, he wished her well and returned Gabriel’s sword. “T-thank you.” She muttered as he retrieved her bag as well, waiting till she mounted to reattach it to her horse. With that, he sent them both on their way. As they passed the group of bandits by they stared in awe at the long lost Princess, believed to be dead in the blazing fires that claimed the palace. Vail was just thankful to be alive. Had the Valerio not been an ally to the Resistance, had he not recognized the insignia of the de Warren family they could have been dead. Her heart was still beating furiously, even when there was distance between them.<br/><br/>“I hated how that felt . . .” the princess said after a long while, when their horses slowed their stride and she had calmed. There was clearly a lot on her mind judging by the pensive look upon her face. “I didn’t like feeling . . . powerless like that.” She admitted. “What good can I do as defenseless as I am? Who will respect and fight for me when I cannot fight for myself?” It wasn’t enough that her title came with the loyalty of her people and those willing to fight for their freedom. It was her desire to fight for them as well, for all the people who lost their lives while she was hiding in the countryside. This was not Vail’s first time feeling the desire to take up a weapon. She expressed interest years ago, and while Sebis was a wiling mentor, Melina shrieked and scolded them both. Never had a woman of the de Warren family learned to fight. It was simply not needed and often seen as beneath the royal seat to do so. Times were different now. “Will you teach me to fight, Gabriel?” She asked, looking at him expectantly.