<span style="color: #008040">"I expect those changes at the orphanage to be finished by my return."</span>Loki said to his advisor, Stefan Mindeal, as they walked to the main entrance of the castle.<br/><br/><span style="color: grey">"That along with the newest imports from Tarren and Cordelia will be done, My Lord."</span>Stefan scratched notes into his little black book that he always carried. Not even Loki dared to touch the book after Stefan had reacted the<span style="font-style: italic">one</span>and<span style="font-style: italic">only</span>time one of the soldiers decided to take it as a prank. That soldier was on medical leave for around six months and was traumatized by the experience.<span style="font-style: italic">No one</span>messed with Stefan's little black book again.<br/><br/><span style="color: #008040">"I expect nothing less."</span>The door guards opened the double doors for Loki and Stefan. Immediately the bright light of sunrise filled the entrance hall with a yellow-orange glow. Stefan nodded to the guards as he passed while raising a hand to block the light from his eyes. Loki just went on as if it had not just changed from a dim candlelight shine to the blinding light of dawn.<br/><br/><span style="color: grey">"My Lord, do you not wish for a bigger entourage on your journey? Especially if the rumors are true?"</span>Stefan asked for the five hundredth time.<br/><br/><span style="color: #008040">"You know my answer, Stefan."</span>Loki said as he stepped up to Manadh, his pure black steed, and ran a hand down the side of Manadh's neck lovingly.<span style="color: #008040">"You know I do not like to repeat myself."</span><br/><br/><span style="color: grey">"I only wish for your safety, My Lord. And safety in numbers is a proven strategy."</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #008040">"You wish to impress me with logic I have already calculated?"</span>Loki asked as he mounted Manadh, his royal cape resting in an elegant drape over Manadh.<br/><br/><span style="color: grey">"It has worked before."</span>Stefan's tone was neutral, but his eyes said hopeful with that small glow in his blue eyes.<br/><br/><span style="color: #008040">"Not this time, Stefan."</span><br/><br/>Stefan sighed.<span style="color: grey">"As you wish, My Lord. Safe travels."</span><br/><br/>Loki nodded at Stefan before giving a slight tug on the reins while clicking his tongue. Manadh began walking forward. As he passed through the gates, his chosen guards settled into a full protection ring around him. Those who were awake bowed as they passed before returning to their duties. Before they left the capital, Loki pulled his hood up and down to about mid-face. The material being thin enough for him to see out, but not for anyone to see in.<br/><br/>The voyage was long and the heat from the sun was tempered by the steady breeze. It proved to be a good day for travel since the winds weren't gusting as if a tornado were to appear at a moments notice. However, the shadows of the greenery gave a sense of foreboding that did not settle well with Loki. It was as if light was slowly going away. If he were a lesser man, he would have retreated to the Unseelie Court.<br/><br/>Loki's gaze strayed to the ruins of Argus as it came into view. He could imagine what it used to look like in all its glory. It's crystalline form giving off a brilliance that made it the embodiment of Light. When his party reached the gates of the castle, Loki dismounted Manadh beside another horse. He let his reigns fall to the ground and with one last caress and whispered words, Loki left Manadh to the main proper.<br/><br/>He had but one destination: the meeting chambers. He walked in silently, his natural warrior disposition keeping him from clicking his heels on the floors. He took his seat and let his hood fall, his bangs shifted with the wind making his circlet gleam for a brief second. Loki placed his hands one on top of the other in his lap as he turned to Queen Eira Anwyl, he locked eyes with her and gave her a small nod of his head. Then he returned to facing forward to await the others.