This territory has been experiencing heightened monster activity, especially after the recent attack. The Alliance greatly appreciates any assistance you can offer to make the area safer and protect the citizens. Your enemies aren’t too much different from what you’re used to, but a few have a more… ghostly aura about them. On an open field, you see a massive paladin on a monster of a horse, both clad in golden armor, patrolling the area. You won’t catch up with him on foot, but perhaps with a horse… [ Grants Riding + 1 ]

She is soft and timid in her approach when she meets him. Nervous, in a way that is probably unbecoming of her station. Crimea’s court do not watch her every muse seeking weakness here, Elincia is free to acknowledge the sins of the past - the mistakes made by leaving Daein in the hands of the Begnion Senate after the Mad King’s War. Free to sympathise with others who lost those dear to them in the scourge of war.

It doesn’t make things any easier, sadly.

Unsure of what to say, Elincia urges the horse she rides into a trot over to Leonardo. Perhaps a warm smile would help? Sorry your country was torn apart but at least I’m being friendly. It’s enough to bring a rare, fleeting expression of bitterness to her expression.

“Good afternoon, Leonardo. I hope you’re comfortable working with me today,” she says, knowing she could hardly begrudge him if he asked to be paired with almost anyone else. They have a mission to complete though; a duty to protect the innocent citizens who call these parts home. No matter their differences or the scars of the past they could not waver in their commitment. “We’re to head after the gold paladin, if he indeed shows up, whilst the rest of our allies deal with other spectres. Are you ready to head out?”

“I’m comfortable riding horseback but I’ve never fought on one before. I do hope I won’t hold you back.” Elincia hopes it’s not too different from flying, lest they be walking into a guaranteed disaster.

It’s not only the land that’s uncharted: where there’s new territory, there’s sure to be new flora and fauna to catalogue, too! Unknown species await those eager to turn a researcher’s eye upon their surroundings. You’ve been equipped with sleds and carts and horses with which to pull them. Load up your charges with your findings, whether that be clippings or sketches of plants, or critters you’ve lured with a tasty morsel before capturing. However, the Church advises to practice stewardship of the environment, and to not disturb more than is strictly necessary. [ Grants Riding +1 ]

Mercedes carefully adjust the mare’s saddle and bags, unsure if she’s done it correctly. Unlike many of her classmates, she was a novice when it came to riding, although her gentle patience had at least won her the horse’s approval. She slips a sketchbook carefully into one of the bags - hopefully she’d stumble across some adorable critters. Hm, she should probably find a partner.

Having taken too long preparing, it seems the other students had already left. Exhaling, Mercedes realises she’s nowhere near confident or competent enough to go trekking in uncharted land alone. Perhaps one of the professor’s would be willing to help her out instead though. It would be a real shame to miss out on the day’s activities.

Her boots crunch upon crisp, late autumn leaves as she approaches the enigmatic dark magic professor. She’d seen him about once or twice, but most of her classes so far had been faith based. It was only recently she’d had the chance to explore reason magic in her studies too.

“Excuse me, Professor Leo? I hope I’m not being a bother,” Mercedes offers him a polite bow and friendly smile as begins to speak. Her hands still clutch at a clear plastic bag, filled to the brim with animal friendly treats. “Could I ask you to escort me into the forests? I’m terribly sorry to impede but I’m not even sure I saddled my horse up right.”

Beaming from ear to ear despite her self-deprecating speech, she glances at the bag in her hand. With a light giggle, Mercedes looks back at him.

“I brought plenty of snacks for people, too!”

They’re overrun, monsters surrounding them on all sides. Zombies were one thing and they’d been difficult to fend off but now they’re set up on by metallic arachnids. Their veins glow an eerie, sickly shade of cyan and they move far too fast to be organic.

Ares wants to stand his ground - the Mystletainn’s blood thirst has yet to be slaked. It thrums and resonates in the palm of his hand. The others have fled, taking most of the cavalry with them. Only he and Lady Ishtar of Friege remain with a single horse. He knows the skill and power the Goddess of Thunder wields, so he tightens his grip upon the Demon Sword and prepares to strike their enemies where it hurts.

It’ll give the others chance to run because surely if they were to attempt an escape these strange beasts would give chase. Besides, could they really afford to leave these bizarre foes alive?

His sword hand guides him as he stabs and slashes at the legs of one of the arachnids, They begin to buckle under the weight of his strikes but he quickly realises that several are rushing towards him. The night sky is dark but he can hear them first, the sound like nails down a chalkboard. Then that morbid glow catches his eyes and he knows he’s in danger. Strong as he is, he’s just one man. They need a better plan.

“Ishtar?” he calls out to her, jaw clenched. Admitting weakness was painful, someting to be avoided at all costs. It was better than an unnecessary death though.  “A little help would be appreciated.”

The Havers of Rideable, Sizeable Equestrians (also known as HORSE) have posted fliers around campus advertising a competition: whoever can dress up their horse (or other mount of their choosing) in the prettiest, most dashing accessories will win a grand prize—unknown for now. You don’t actually have to own a mount to enter, as you can “borrow” one from the stables. Find some flowers and get to braiding that mane and see if you have what it takes to win! [Grants Riding +1]

The competition itself wasn’t what truly appealed to her, although if the prize was a treat for Chrysaor she could hardly turn it down. It was the opportunity, nay the excuse to pamper him and show him off to the world. He was such a good old boy, so graceful and gentle. The picture of refinement and decorum. More importantly than that, he was family to her.

“Good morning, Dimitri,” she greeted her friend as she entered the stables, apple at the ready for her favourite boy. (Chrysaor, not Dimitri. Sorry!) He held one of the flyers, distributed by a mysterious group called HORSE in his hands. “Are you thinking of entering the competition too? If you like, we could work together.” The red apple rolled in her hand, held gently underneath Chrysaor’s chin who took tiny, cautious bites and savoured every morsel. 

“Oh, I understand if you’d rather get really serious,” Elincia added sheepishly, lips quirked upwards. A few of her titters and giggles escaped as Chrysaor lapped the last remnants of his treat up with his tongue. As soon as he was done she reached up and stroked his strawberry blond mane. Yep, he was definitely her favourite. “I’m just excited to pamper him. Oh, I brought some scarves and silks I embroidered! You can take one either way, consider it a gift!”

Among the new students are massive wolves unlike any that Fodlan has seen before: not monsters cursed by crest stones, but mounts that are frequently used by Elyos’ elite cavalry units. The Officers Academy has gone out of its way to import a small pack of these creatures, hoping to one day offer certification for aspiring Wolf Knights. However, these seasoned veterans prefer sunny afternoon naps and would rather ignore whatever nonsense that’s coming out of your mouth. You’ll have to earn their respect first. [Grants Riding +1]

When it came to taming potential mounts, Hilda had a poor track record. In fact, she still sported a ring of pale white teeth marks on her shin, bestowed upon her by an overexcited baby wyvern. That had been painful enough; as she gazed upon the gigantic wolves, whose adult jaws could undoubtedly take her lower leg off entirely, she was perfectly content to stand back and watch from a safe distance. 

Of course, that didn’t mean that she couldn’t try to tempt somebody else into approaching the canine companions. For science. 

There were a few students milling about to catch a glimpse of the new arrivals, gossiping excitedly in pairs or groups. But her eyes were drawn to a solitary figure standing out against the emerging springtime greenery like a dark shadow. Felix was brooding alone, as per usual, looking contemplative as he studied the beasts. 

She sidled up to him. “Hey! Come to see the wolves too, huh?” She turned to face them, crossing her arms over her chest. “They look so fluffy, right? I bet their fur would be so soft...”

Among the new students are massive wolves unlike any that Fodlan has seen before: not monsters cursed by crest stones, but mounts that are frequently used by Elyos’ elite cavalry units. The Officers Academy has gone out of its way to import a small pack of these creatures, hoping to one day offer certification for aspiring Wolf Knights. However, these seasoned veterans prefer sunny afternoon naps and would rather ignore whatever nonsense that’s coming out of your mouth. You’ll have to earn their respect first. [Grants Riding +1]

As soon as he caught wind of the new arrivals, Stahl had dropped everything to see them for himself. The wolves, that is. Of course, the new students were exciting and he couldn't wait to meet them, but... Well, the potential for a new, unfamiliar mount took precedence.

Even standing before them, he could scarcely believe their existence. They were enormous, several times the size of the untamed wolves he had come across in the wilderness on his travels. And yet, whilst their appearance boasted ferocity, their behaviour was anything but. As he looked upon them, they snoozed peacefully in the emerging springtime sun, entirely oblivious to their surroundings.

"Aren't they marvellous?" he breathed to Lucina.

Whilst they had not planned to meet up here, they had clearly had the same idea But he was perfectly at ease in his fellow Shepherd's presence. They had served together long enough to be comfortable in the awed silence.

Rusalka is an idyllic territory by the coast. It’s easy to see why anyone would be captivated by the sun, the sea breeze, and the high, rocky cliffs overlooking the shimmering ocean. The people in the port city seem friendly enough, but few seem to recall seeing any knights around lately. This is the biggest city in the area though, so someone is bound to come through at some point. With the shopping and the weather as good as it is, no time like the present to have a little vacation while you wait for leads then, right? Beach day! Maybe even try your hand at what the locals call “surfing.” [Grants Riding +1]

Sunlight sparkles upon the waves, which lap against the pure white sands so reminiscent of Jehanna's dunes. Eirika stretches her back, a feline grin on her face as she basks in the warmth of Rusalka's sunshine. It's a beautiful day, the picturesque shoreline and aquamarine sea and sky are almost enough to make one forget all their troubles. To believe, for just a little while, that life really could be so gentle and kind.

That they aren't supposed to be investigating a disappearance.

Still, the midsummer heat is relentless. Eirika takes careful, measured sips of water as she approaches the wave, taking in the bloom of fleur de sel that came with each sea spray. Such an idyllic scene leaves behind a dull ache of loneliness. It would be a shame, to enjoy a day like this alone. To keep such wonderful treasure to herself. Thankfully, Eirika spots a familiar face, not too far away, framed by thick copper curls.

"Artur! It's wonderful to see you!" Eirika calls out, skipping across the soft, warm sand. Skidding to stop, she grins brightly. "It's a lovely day. I do hope you're keeping well in this heat though." Looking around the beach, she's struck with an idea.

"Care to try out 'surfing' with me? It looks like the locals find it great fun."

Rusalka is an idyllic territory by the coast. It’s easy to see why anyone would be captivated by the sun, the sea breeze, and the high, rocky cliffs overlooking the shimmering ocean. The people in the port city seem friendly enough, but few seem to recall seeing any knights around lately. This is the biggest city in the area though, so someone is bound to come through at some point. With the shopping and the weather as good as it is, no time like the present to have a little vacation while you wait for leads then, right? Beach day! Maybe even try your hand at what the locals call “surfing.” [Grants Riding +1]

Fleur de sel blossoms in the rock pools as Julia steps upon the Rusalkan beach. The sunlight showering down upon her is almost enough to make her forget the pair of them are on a mission. Almost. They were sent here to investigate the disappearance of a contingency of the Knights of Seiros, but their search seemed to have hit a wall.

“Sorry, haven’t seen any knightly types around here. Except that lad over there,” the young, blond gentleman she’s speaking to points behind her. As she turns around, he adds. “The redhead. Though I guess he’s a little younger than your looking for, right?”

Julia’s shoulders drop immediately. He’s pointing towards Roy, who is at a stall on the otherside of the beach, getting them both a drink. She shakes her head slightly with a sigh, the burning heat really starting to bear down upon her. They’d had no luck so far, their best guess being that perhaps some of the knights had fallen in love with the the idyllic scenery and relaxed, easy-going lifestyle the locals seemed to enjoy here. Not the greatest lead in the world but...

“Ah, he’s with me. Sorry for wasting your time--”

“Hey now, no need to frown! Why don’t you and your friend join us? We’re going to go surfing to cool off,” the blond tilts his head to a group of teenagers, frolicking by the water’s edge with wooden boards and inflatables. It’s... tempting given the heat. Very tempting, even though Julia isn’t quite sure what ‘surfing’ is. The group look friendly and welcoming, though she isn’t sure she has it in her to abandon their duty. “Here, let’s go ask him. I’m Viggo, by the way!”

He’s off in an instant, leaving Julia sprinting to catch up. By the time they reach Roy, she’s clutching her side and struggling to catch her breath. 

“I’m Julia. Roy--” her face burns crimson from running but she attempts an easy smile. It’s probably a little strained at the corners, not because of company but goodness, she really needs to work out more. “This is Viggo. He and his friends would like us to go surfing with them. What d you think?”