Gather the crew.

First, you must decide on who to bring.

Four is a solid number. That way, you can include the main three girls of your party, with a slot open for one more. It isn't like you're marching into war. Hopefully not, anyway. Therefore, there's no reason to focus too much on battle strategy. One hundred feet is also not that far. Snow upon the battlements could strike a target easily from that distance even if the road begins to curve not far from the gates, and the others could be there in no time at all.

You point to the others. "Niki. Amara. Eva. Want to attend a little meeting?" you ask.

Niki slams her thick steel wristbands together a few times over as she speaks. "You kidding me? Of course. That William guy kinda creeps me out, to be honest. I don't want you alone with him. What if you need my shield?" She grins.

"Or my charm~!" Eva says with a wink. She then kisses her hand, and blows it forwards.

Amara grips her staff. "Oh. I was going to offer my staff, in reference to what Niki had said, but now that you did not mention your wand, I am unsure of what to add."

The bunnyfolk touches a hand to her chest, presumably where her heart would be past the bountiful bosom. "My true power isn't my magic. It's right here."

Niki looks over and purses her lips. She tries unbelievably hard not to laugh, though a quiet noise sneaks its way out.

Eva turns red upon realizing. "Not my--!" She puffs out her cheeks. "Don't even say it, Niki."

"I didn't say anything!"

You cross your arms and look over, not only at them, but the others who have gathered out of an increasing curiosity to learn what's going on following the return of their king. All right. One more, you think to yourself.

"May I come as well? Apologies for eavesdropping," comes a voice--confident, strong, yet soothing and warm. You can hear the noise of her armoured heels against the road and the movement of metal plates before you turn your head to see, though deep in your heart, you already know. You feel her approach. Coming around the corner marches your trusted templar Lady Nyllia Tesgella--role model to adventurers everywhere, valiant knight of Tivera, and righteous upholder of all that is pure and just, as a true paladin should.

Though she did her best, Fang's drawing simply didn't do her justice.

Nyllia's golden cape flows behind her as if followed by a trail of holy light. Her armour is as sleek and slender as you'd expect from an elf from your fantasies--formed to fit perfectly down her strong yet agile physique. The silver sheen of the steel is so polished and bright that she's nearly blinding for a brief moment as the sun's rays strike in the perfect manner. Beneath and between the plates is a thin yet hardy dark gold chain-like mesh, and up past her knees are pale purple socks. From her shoulders to her hands to the sides of her hips to her feet, she's almost entirely armoured, though the breastplate is cut low enough for a tease of her cleavage, and her thighs are entirely bare.

Between her legs, beneath her plated torso, is a bright white loin cloth just wide enough to conceal what's beneath--a tease, as surely she does wear panties, but there's no way to know. The same goes for the opposite end, so if wasn't for her cape, it would be quite enjoyable to watch her fight from behind. She also wears an elaborate silver circlet around her forehead housing a bright yellow gemstone in the center. Otherwise, she wears a dark brown leather holster to sheathe her long blade down her back, and a belt holds a few pouches as well, buckled by an adorable pink heart.

The entire suit is decorated further by swirling patterns of gold.

The sword itself looks different as well. It's in a similar style to her last--a greatsword, though more narrow and curved--though this one has been designed to match her style, with various shades of pink and beautiful jewels adorn the hilt.

She stands still for a moment as the wind wafts up her cloak. Either she knows you haven't seen her new attire yet and is relishing in showing it off for you, or she simply knows how to make a dramatic entrance. Though after a moment, she proceeds towards the group again, and smacks her metal forearm up against her chest. "I have returned, Hero King Warren. I came as soon as I could. Bill and Phil, as well as Zazra, continued back to Avana, while I borrowed a horse and raced home. So I apologize for only overhearing part of the conversation and intervening, though I very much wish to hear what that man has to say."

You look her up and down rather thoroughly. It's difficult to not. With a smile, you reply. "Of course I'll have you, Nyllia. And wow. Your upgrade looks incredible. I'm awe-struck. Who made the circlet?"

Her own smile grows wider. "Thank you, Kyle... and this? I found it recently while adventuring. It is magic. See, I am out there slaying evil in your name, so that you may stay home and rest on your laurels." There's a glint in her eye as she says this. Though her tone sounds so formal, you smirk at her subtle bratty response.

"My loyal knight is going renegade," you say. "She's become more devious in her time serving the Demon King. Didn't even take a knee before me."

"Ah. You are right. I did forget." Nyllia reaches out and takes hold of your hand. "Allow this instead." She then gives you a tug closer, steps in, and presses her soft lips firmly against your own.

You immediately place a hand on her lower back. Unfortunately for her, it's unlikely she can feel your touch through the steel, though you pull her into a tight embrace, and push in hard against the kiss. Your lips caress over one another, and then you feel the tickle of her tongue against the bottom of yours. Your mouths intertwine for a brief few moments of heated passion, rewarded by her taste, and sounds of pleasure moaning quietly enough so that only you might hear.

Eventually, she does pull away, though you still feel her hot breath against your neck for a time, as she's not in any rush to leave your presence. "Is that fine for a kingly greeting?" she asks.

"It'll do for now," you reply. You then look to the three others. All of them have colour in their cheeks, and they're watching with great interest in what's to come next. "Didn't mean to derail things. William is probably on his way by now."

"No, it's fine!" Niki exclaims. "There's something about how you hold her. It's like... the cover of some romance novels I've seen around. The way her hair blows back in the wind. Her shining armour. Then there's you, dressed darker, holding her close with one arm."

"You read romance novels?" Eva asks.

"No. I just look at the pictures."

"I don't think they usually have pictures."

"The covers do! And I swear I've seen a bunch that were mostly drawings inside."

Amara smiles nervously. "Uhm, Niki. I think those are just pornographic books."

"There's a difference?"

You look to the paladin--hand still to her back. "We'll talk more after. For now, come with us, Lady Tesgella."

"I would be honoured." She then turns to the others and waves her hand over. "I do not know what to expect from this William, so stay close to me if you are afraid. Though Niki is a superior shield, you have the protection of my righteous sword."

"Ooh. We levelled on our quest, Nyllia!" Niki calls out in excitement.

She turns to her and smirks. "That is wonderful to hear. So did I."