It had stunned her a bit, the knowledge that the common folk were marching toward the citadel to be trained by herself and her Rider's, or even by the normal generals. These were people leaving their homes who might well not return with the Empire a looming threat before them. But then didn't everyone in Fereshard stand the risk of death with this invasion? They came because there was no other choice, better to train, to help and know how to defend oneself then to do nothing and trust to a few to keep them safe. All the same it presented a new sort of challenge.<br/><br/>"That many untrained...."<br/><br/>"I know Seumas...I know." Khalida glanced at her second, a twitch of her lips showing a hint of wry humor. It would be a nightmare, to try and train them all. And likely take time they did not have.<br/><br/>"We will just have to hold apart one day to test them and see what they can do, assign them where they will do the most good. Each of the Rider's has different talents, so do the people of our country." Her voice was firm as it echoed into the room and she saw that the others seemed to take comfort from the authority she assumed now almost like a second nature. There were nods and sounds of assent just before a knock on the door sounded.<br/><br/>"Enter." Her Second grunted and she didn't bother to add her own affirmative, rather glancing back down at the maps laid before her and contemplating a half mad plan as she toyed with her braid idly. If they could lure them to the south and trap them in the rocks...<br/><br/>When Catáryn entered though her thoughts stopped, dark violet eyes lifting to meet the Princess's own steel gray eyes. A soft smile touched her lips in welcome, she could see how unsure the poor lass felt in this environment and that made her worry. Catáryn had to learn, to become comfortable assuming a role of leadership. Oh that Prince Caedmon had never vanished and his sister could still be merely the second child instead of the Heir. Khalida had ever thought of the princess as a younger sister, she who had no family still living, and it worried her to think of Catáryn attempting to carry the Sword. Part of her wanted to wall the girl up in a tower so she could be safe, or to send her to visit another country and keep her away from this war. But neither of those things were very wise, Cat had to be a visible figure to her people and sending her away at war time wasn't exactly going to encourage others.<br/><br/><em>What you want never matters really...its what duty demands that does.</em><br/><br/>She knew that well enough and feared Catáryn was starting to have that same knowledge as well. Khalida would spare her if she could.<br/><br/>The Champion's eyes lingered on Adair and Jerian, wanting to question them but if the King wanted her to meet someone there was not time to tarry, she could be back soon enough she supposed, back to the mind numbing ache of trying to solve the question of this war with as little blood shed as possible. So she pushed herself out of her chair and to her feet, taking her sword belt from where it was slung across the back of her seat and strapping it around her waist. "Very well, I'm going to the King it appears. Adair, Jerian, debrief to Seumas, I'll listen when I get back. Figure out who to put in charge of keeping records of the intake of the civilians coming here to train and try finding the Master Quartermaster to see them properly situated."<br/><br/>Nods met her words as she moved toward the door, her soft soled boots making little to no sound and her eyes fixed on the Princess. Reaching her she took the younger woman's arm in her own and pulled her from the chamber, shutting the door behind them and flashing the girl a smile. "So what hellion stunt did you pull today Cat?"