Waking Up On Day Two

With a yawn, Alice rises from her bed. The sun shone brightly through a small gap in her curtains, and the songbirds outside indicates that it was early morning. The princess wipes her sleepy eyes before putting on a robe and going through her early morning routine. Her ever faithful maid has already prepared her breakfast and clothing for the day, and was soon in the room with Alice, helping her brush her hair and put everything on. It was a noble lady's duty to look as good as possible, regardless of the circumstances. {if Venus = True}The lingering memories of the dream was already fading, as was her decision, but the consequences may be far reaching. {endif}With yesterday's events already in the past, it was time for Alice to consider today's plans.

{if Kuro Night = True}Katherine has already dealt with the dirty sheets even before Alice had a chance to ask, and the maid's smug grin made it difficult for the princess to do anything except blush in response. Given her friend's room was right beside her own, perhaps she might've even heard it all. In fact, today's early morning tea was brewed with a special medicine to prevent pregnancies, a curtesy Alice is too embarrassed to thank Kathy for. {endif}

Jamis would be home soon. Perhaps two days at most, and he'll reunite with general Kurtis. Crown prince he may be, he needs to consolidate support before father's **** to avoid a schism within the nation. According to Katherine's report, Del was seen leaving the castle at dawn, well before anyone else was awake, and she suspects that he was going to meet up with his allies. Everyone was on the move, and plots were being schemed up faster than anyone could keep up with. Everyone except Blake, that is. Her third brother seemed truly content to sit on the sidelines and observe, which was just fine with her. One less rival is something she's thankful for. Plus, if she really did have to kill Jamis and Del... Well, it'd be nice to still have a brother left.

{if Maps = True}{if Alice and Kathy Travels = True}With her blonde hair loose against her back, Alice admires herself in the mirror. She was wearing very practical clothes for the occasional, though they still served to accentuate her figure. A white blouse combined with tight leather pants made for a good traveling outfit, and a cloak around her back can be used to hide her identity should the need arise. Katherine was similarly dressed, and Finley was waiting at the stables, horses in tow.

Today, they would be heading south. The information Alice has is vital to defeating the bandits, and if they succeed, then the rewards they could reap was unimaginable. As much as Alice hated pulling all her allies out of the capital, she needed the two of them with her at all times for this trip. Katherine for her sage advice and Finley for his swordsmanship and protection.

Unfortunately, it does mean that she won't have time to do anything else, but such was the price of committing to such a drastic action. Nodding to Katherine, Alice heads down the stairs and towards the gates, ready to ride. Her absence would be noticed, but few would care. They can attribute to to the capricious nature of youth, or the fleeting feelings of a young girl, it matters not.

"My lady Alice," Finley salutes when the two of them meet him outside. He's brought along plenty of supplies as well as his suit of armor. Definitely flashy, but definitely useful too.

"Got everything? Good, it's time to go," Alice says with a smile as they mount their horses. It would be a long ride south..."

{elseif Bandits = True}With her blonde hair loose against her back, Alice admires herself in the mirror. She was wearing very practical clothes for the occasional, though they still served to accentuate her figure. A white blouse combined with tight leather pants made for a good traveling outfit, and a cloak around her back can be used to hide her identity should the need arise. Katherine was similarly dressed, and the liaison for the merchants was already waiting by the gates.

Today, they would be heading south. By bargaining her way into joining this trip, Alice hopes to learn a few things about battle, as well as amass a possible army of her own. The mercenaries hired by the merchants guild are known to be quite capable, but also quite pricy. It'd cost a lot to sway them, so she wants to see them in action. Plus, if there are any bandit stragglers, she could use them as well.

Unfortunately, it does mean that she won't have time to do anything else, but such was the price of committing to such a drastic action. Finley would remain here to serve as her eyes and ears, reporting on anything that he hears through liberal use of messenger pigeons. Nodding to Katherine, Alice heads down the stairs and towards the gates, ready to meet their liaison.

At the gates, there were two men, and they couldn't be more different. One was as thin as a pencil, with glasses adorning his face. No doubt this was the merchant liaison. The other was clearly a warrior, clad in metallic armor and wielding a long spear, a fearsome scar down his face. He grins when he sees Alice, looking her up and down, and she responds with a grin of her, not showing any fear or doubt.

"Good morning princess," the merchant says. "I'm Dawson, and this here is-"

"Jackal," the warrior interrupts, preferring to introduce himself. "So, you're the little lady that's tagging along?"

"Indeed, I hope to see you in action," Alice replies as they mount their steeds. It's going to be a long trip south...{endif}{else}

With her blonde hair loose against her back, Alice admires herself in the mirror. As befitting a girl of her station, she was wearing a light blue dress, the skirt cut a bit higher than propriety would call for. Her beauty was a tool, and the princess was going to use it to the fullest. With her plans now set in stone, it was too late for hesitation or reconsideration. She was going full speed ahead, and she needed every advantage.

"Alright Kathy, tell me what else you've got," Alice says, taking a seat as her maid pulls out a list. "I'm sure you've got plenty of ideas."

"Well, for one, I suggest reserving your evening tonight," the maid advises. "It's Admiral York's birthday, and he's hosting a party at his manor tonight. You won't be seeing quite another gathering like this anytime soon. They'll mostly be Del's supporters, but you can chip away at them if you can prove yourself there."

"Hm, I do remember getting an invitation last month..." Alice muses out loud. "Alright, anything else?"

"Aside from the characters you visited yesterday? Not really. The free time is yours to decide, whether that's reinforcing partnerships, making new ones, or just gathering funds," Katherine replies with a shrug. "From a personal perspective though, I do wish you'd learn some basic fencing. Finley won't always be around, you know?"

"Good point, lessons are always useful," Alice nods, thinking to herself. The royal library was not a common place to look for anyone except scholars and their dusty tomes, but Kathy was right. Both her mind and her body could do with a bit of practice and training. "I'll take that into consideration for sure..."

{if Currel BJ = True}"Oh wait, one last thing," Katherine adds quickly. "An envoy from the church wants to see you. Not sure what they want, but they sent a message last night, after you had already gone to bed."

"The church? Odd..." Alice mutters. She still couldn't remember what had happened during her meeting with the arch-bishop, but perhaps she can learn more by meeting the envoy? Or was it too dangerous...? "I'll think about it." {endif}{endif}

Major plot branch depending on if Alice goes south or not. If she stays, the plot will mostly be between going to church (if she was **** the first time) or not going there and just doing her own thing.