After their conversation, it was explained that they would not be departing until the morning, as it was far too late in the day to make their next stop before nightfall. It was explained that her adventure through the woods and into the briar patch had damaged her clothes beyond usefulness and so the next person she met was the company quartermaster who provided clothes very much like the uniform Elaine had seen the other soldiers wearing, brown trousers, with a red tunic, additionally a chain shirt was provided along with a helmet. When asked it was explained that their goal was to have her not stand out till they were safely back to the capital.<br/><br/>They would depart from the camp early the next morning, traveling by horse through most of the day aside from a few short rests for meals. By the end of the day, they reached an ancient fort along the road which had obvious signs of recent repair and was already returned to a formidable structure. From there they joined up with another group moving further into his domain. The second day they crossed a pass and began descending from the mountains into the drier climate on the other side. As they traveled for days into weeks they passed through farmlands, small villages, towns, a small city, and at last with the road following a river that lazily cut its way through the desert the capital came into view, farmland surrounded the city the walls were built of the same deep red stone they had seen jutting up out of the landscape as they traveled.<br/><br/>The city was large, larger certainly than most that did not travel into these lands assumed would be found.  They traveled through the city along a winding yet wide road that eventually led to a second wall and gate, passing through that it became clear they were approaching a red stone keep, somewhere between a castle and a palace, they were admitted into the inner courtyard and from there Theasar drew Elaine aside explaining that she would be taken to a guest room to change and refresh, explaining that clothing would be provided, though it would likely not be as fine as she was accustomed too. From there he departed, with the promise to meet with her after for a meal, to discuss their next steps.<br/>