Journey South.

As Princess Amelia, Lady Isabella, Lord Roderick, and Sir Alexander set off from Sarella heading south toward Julan, a sense of adventure and determination filled the air around them. With every step taken, their camaraderie only grew stronger, binding them together as if tied by invisible threads. Their mission was clear – to reach Julan and secure an alliance between Sarella and Julan, led by the unknown Queen Juliette. They knew well enough that such a union would solidify their kingdom's strength against potential threats from neighboring realms. While Amelia and Isabella traveled in the carriage the two men Alexander and Roderick rode with the escort. Amelia and Isabella chatted about their mission to Julan both excited to be travelling. They talked eagerly about what they could expect upon reaching the kingdom - its people, customs, and culture. Isabella expressed her curiosity about meeting Queen Juliette, whom they had heard so much about since childhood. As night approached, they began to discuss how it felt like they were embarking on a new phase of life - one marked by responsibility, friendship, and camaraderie. Both women shared stories of their past, growing closer by sharing intimate experiences and insecurities. The party came across an oasis and set up camp for the night. After dinner, they gathered near the crackling fire, feeling safe beneath the moonlit desert landscape. Isabella gazed at the stars overhead, imagining her family back home and wishing they could see these sights too.

"Do you miss your family?" asked Amelia gently. "Of course," replied Isabella, her voice wavering slightly, "but I am also glad to have met you all. Do you think of someone far away when we share moments like these?" she said softly, looking deeply into Isabella's eyes. Isabella looked back at Amelia, her heart racing, not wanting to reveal too much just yet. But she couldn't help but feel drawn to Amelia, appreciating her openness and vulnerability. In return, Amelia admired Isabella's bravery and independence, qualities rarely seen among ladies of high society. Together, they sat side by side, staring into the flames that flickered before them. Suddenly, a shiver ran down Isabella's spine as a cool breeze rustled through the nearby bushes. It was then that Amelia noticed how close they were sitting and instinctively shifted away, breaking eye contact. She didn’t want to give any wrong impression, especially with Lord Roderick and Sir Alexander being part of their group. Isabella understood Amelia's concern and reassured her gently, “We can talk more later when everyone else falls asleep.” Amelia nodded hesitantly, grateful for Isabella's understanding. Just then, they saw figures emerge from behind the bushes. It was Lord Roderick and Sir Alexander returning after ensuring no enemies lurked nearby. When they joined the group around the fire, they briefly discussed their plans for tomorrow's journey. The riders were taking care of the horses making sure they watered and fed.

They also refilled the water bottles from the oasis. Soon the camp settled down for the night leaving just the duty guards to patrol. Next morning after breakfast the camp packed up and continued their journey. The sun blazed overhead, casting brilliant shadows beneath their feet as Princess Amelia, Lady Isabella, Lord Roderick, and Sir Alexander began their perilous journey southward. Their destination lay far beyond the horizon – a land filled with mystery and danger known only to them. The scorching heat of the day seemed relentless as the group continued their perilous journey across the seemingly infinite sandscape. The sun beat down mercilessly upon the travelers, casting shadows so fleeting they might have been whispers rather than substance. Every step forward felt harder than the last, each mile traversed bringing a newfound sense of fatigue to the group. The group soon came across a camp which they approached with caution. In the camp were soldiers and as they took up their arms they watched Amelia's party approach. Sir Alexander dismounted and approached the camp with two guards. He spoke with a captain named Issac and told him about their journey to meet with Queen Juliette. The party was invited to share a meal with the foreign soldiers and they offered to escort them to Fraternia the capitol of Julan. Amelia accepted the offer as it would ease any issues they may face travelling through the strange land. After some lunch which Amelia shared from their own supplies both parties headed out further south.

Amelia had invited Capt. Issac to travel in her carriage along with Isabelle and herself. As they travelled Capt. Issac chatted about Fraternia and Julan saying that it was sometimes a harsh place to live. Fraternia was located on a fertile plain close to the ocean and was an oasis of beauty that eventually gave way to the desolate sands of the desert. Amelia was wise only chatting about culture and not mentioning or asking anything about the Julanian military. They shared tales from both of their cultures while Isabelle took it all in. She would assimilate the information for use in later talks when they met with Queen Juliette but she already knew that trade was going to be key. Amelia had expertly got Issac to reveal that Julan had an abundance of fish but lacked crops which Sarella had an abundance of so this would be a starting point. As the combined groups headed further south the day started to cool as the sun began to set and they came to another oasis and set up camp. Amelia invited Issac to dine with them and soon the men were discussing military adventures and drinking wine while the soldiers mounted guard for the night. Amelia looked at Isabelle and they started to chat and Isabelle said that Amelia when she met the Queen should start by proposing a trade agreement or contract. It would fall short of an actual trade agreement which only King Gregory could sign but it would be a start for full diplomatic ties. Amelia thanked Isabelle and they both settled down for the night leaving the men laughing and chatting.