The Blood Prince watched both leaders as they contemplated the grim news he brought. Just as Illynx was looking at the entrance, he caught himself every now and then flicking his gaze toward it in hopes that the darkness had remained contained within the wicked marsh. The king offered his thanks, and then proceeded to ask a question. “From what I could see, it had no particular conjurer.” He said, unsure of how exactly to explain precisely what he had seen. For now there was nothing that he could offer, but whatever had possessed the marsh appeared to not want him to know more. Déodat had managed to beat the shadow though, he had warned his herd and they would now be prepared if the evil came up toward the north. The Blood Prince felt far more confident with his place as a soldier despite his second leave.

When the King mentioned fortifying their borders, he nodded in agreement just as the golden mare did so. He would be the first one willing to step out and do whatever it would take for this mountains that had come to feel like home. At the same time, Lord Deimos had earned his respect, just as Illynx had far before she rose up to the title of Lady. Then he noticed the smile upon the mare’s lips. Did she have something up her sleeve? Whatever it was, he didn’t believe he would know as she gave him an order. “Yes milady,” he said with a slight dip of his head.

As the queen addressed the king, the soldier remained where he was, and had every intention of doing so until he had been dismissed by both lord and lady. At the mention of labor, he pinned it in his mind to remember. As the mare describe the statues, he realized what she had been looking at, and most of all what had caused that smile. She did have a trick up her sleeve. This came as no surprise of course, Illynx was a smart mare and he knew he respected he for a reason. Maybe, just maybe, he also regarded her as a good leader but this was only one crisis, so there as all the potential for failure. Of course if they prepared themselves properly they could rise to the occasion and ensure their safety from an oncoming darkness. Déodat hoped his fellow soldiers were ready, because they would all be a busy group, and if they didn’t work their asses off he’d be the first in line to give them a solid ass-whooping. Now wasn’t a time for cowards and weaklings

When the lady mentioned going off seeking out what it was, Déodat strongly disagreed, but for once he held his tongue. He was too exhausted to stand there and bicker. Nonetheless, he would be far from willing to go back to the place should they try and send him. Let the spies do the job he had done for them, and they would soon see what had caused the soldier to run. Illynx then dismissed him, relieving him of his duties for a brief while. “Thanks,” he said, “Once I’m well rested I’ll rally the soldiers and relay orders, and get them on patrols. I’ll make sure to assist with the various projects you have begun as well.” The Blood Prince gave each of his leaders a dip of his head in respect, and then walked off. If his muscles could speak, they would probably be singing a full-blown hallelujah chorus at the thought of finally being able to rest.

"talk talk talk"