The young guard gulped audibly at the sight of the semi-naked sorceress, a gloved hand tightening around the steel of his halberd as his eyes locked with hers – avoiding the urge to wander down her soft curves. Standing at attention, a slight more rigid than usual, he averted his gaze as he choked out a response, “N-no need to excuse anyone ma’am, we’re here to assist diplomats, traders and the like, not judge them.” Taking a moment to dare a glance of one of the scantily clad battle sisters he coughed before adding, “And, if I may say, the palace might be upset if I were to chase such an… exotic delegation from our gates.” With a slight turn of his head, he flashed the seductress an awkward smile before quickly returning his eyes to the front. “As for authority figures, it’s up to you who you want supporting your nation, or if you want to simply remain neutral in the affairs of Velar. Personally, I’d suggest one of the queen’s daughters over any nobles but I won’t pretend to be any real official on such matters. All I can offer is the same all foreign dignitaries receive, the directions to the capital, Veredin - the home of the citadel, and a scroll which grants entry.”<br/><br/>“Speaking of which,” he started as if an afterthought, “I better organize that for you; I will return post-haste milady.” And with that the guard gave the sorceress a stiff, respectful, bow, before hefting his halberd into both hands and turning to jog under the stone arch of the entrance. Disappearing around the corner he soon reappeared with the halberd held firmly against his shoulder by one hand with a small scroll sealed with a blue ribbon in the other. Stopping short of Asharess he once again bowed as he offered the scroll to her, speaking as he did so, “This will allow you into the citadel; from there the higher born will likely seek you out.” Straightening his posture the soldier appeared more confident now. “Of course, you’re free to wander the kingdom instead of going directly to the palace, if you’d like. The only places closed off to you would be the College of War, certain areas of the citadel and finally, while not technically closed off, I’d not recommend visiting Daughtan during your stay. It is… uh… a mage city of sorts.”<br/><br/>The young man shuffled uneasily as he searched for the words to describe what he meant, gazing up into the sky at one point as if the answers would somehow show themselves in the clouds. Finally, allowing his look to fall on the sorceress again, he simply allowed a hesitant smile to cross his lips as he spoke. “While guards patrol the roads, cities and villages within the walls, Daughtan is pretty much a lawless city, one where the mages are given free rein to do what they please. And while you look the sort who might enjoy such a place, I’d strongly suggest keeping your distance from there as many find it overwhelming, disorientating, or… fatal.” Chuckling, the guard broke eye-contact as he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, “But I’m being melodramatic, maybe because we regular soldiers don’t often see eye-to-eye with our magi brethren… I’m told that if you can bypass the danger that it’s quite a wonder with strange objects and people of all shapes and sizes within its streets. Ah, but I’m wasting your time.” Returning to a posture of attention, the guard once again became more formal, “If it’d please milady I could organize for an escort through the territory to offer directions and security, or will that be all?”<br/><br/>As he finished four soldiers, each with a sword strapped to their hips, stepped out from the entrance, all stopping just behind the guard before offering a simultaneous and respectful bow. They held a mostly loose formation, obviously accustomed to the odd escort, and seemed to be ready for a mostly quiet walk; should Asharess take them on. The two at the back whispered conspiratorially with each other, the conversation only breaking for the odd leer or chuckle as they regarded the battle sisters and sorceress, while the two in the front, both slightly older, simply waited patiently - one of them finally turning their head slightly before offering a threatening growl, instantly bringing all silent chatter to a halt. They were clearly not the best Velar had to offer but it was mostly a ceremonial position, the role of escort, considering the number of guards which did patrol the roads of the magically inclined nation.