So off went two princesses, the Court Mage, 10 brave knights and their leader, and enough horses for all plus one for carrying the gifts of well wishes. Miakoda refused to ride a horse, as did Nathaniel. Followed by the mocking cries of their older brothers and the other knights, the two took to the sky, Nathaniel on his Gryffin, Argos, and Miakoda on her Wyvern, Astros.
Miakoda laughed for the first time in ages as Astros swooped through the air.
"Been awhile since I've heard that sound, Little Sister."
Nathaniel smiled at her, relieved by the sound of her joy.
"Been awhile since I've had cause, Big Brother. Or should I call you traitor?"
Nathaniel's grin widened at her smile and her good-natured ribbing.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"A Gryffin, Brother, really? We are called Wyvern and you ride a Gryffin?"
Nathaniel laughed as they soared past the party on foot, waving.
"Wyvern's are so finicky, Kody, I prefer the freedom of not having to think all the time, to just be. Argos gives me that."
"Well," Miakoda sniffed, pretending to be insulted, "I'll just-"
She was cut off by the sound of Astros' cry.
"Trouble!"
Her call was an unspoken order to the knights below. They fell neatly into formation, protecting the princesses without sacrificing any sort of strategy.
Astros and Argos flew low, ready to give support to the knights while Nathaniel began pulling his power and Miakoda drew her sword.
Within moments a scouting platoon dressed in the colours of Camelot halted their path, swords drawn, faces stern.
"This is the end of your lands!"
The warning came from a voice far sturdier than Miakoda had expected, given that the knights before trembled noticeably when Astros landed heavily, shrieking his displeasure. The poor, brave knight pressed on.
"Magic is forbidden in Camelot and will be tolerated under no circumstances! It would be best for all if you would turn back!"
Miakoda's eyebrows rose as she dismounted, Nathaniel landing at her sight, keeping the princesses behind them.
"You do realize, of course, that my kingdom is bordered by the sea to one side and mountains to another, that traveling through Camelot is the only way to reach other countries, yes?
"And, on the note of foreign dignitaries and all that, are Camelot's knights so misinformed that they are utterly incapable of identifying those headed for the peace-talks and must hold them up. Make no mistake, young man, your leader and I will be talking about this issue, post-haste!"
Miakoda's knights were too well-trained to snicker at the stunned looks on the faces of the patrol, but Nathaniel and the princesses saw no reason to withhold their laughter, Nathaniel's a booming sound of joy, Genevieve's a more gentle euphoria, and Lissiana's, the demure glee of a lady.
"Y-you're a woman!"
Miakoda smirked and this time no one bothered to withhold their mirth.
"Congratulations, you can tell the difference between a man and a woman. Now tell me, can you tell the difference between a woman and a princess?"
The knight went pale.
"Forgive me, My Lady. My orders were clear-"
"Clearly not effective now, though, are they, Dear?"
Nathaniel put a hand on her shoulder from his place upon Argos.
"Be calm, Sister. He meant no harm and should be commended for the brave, if foolish, defense of his kingdom, no? I know of few men with enough courage to face you, Little Sister. Let the lad do his work and let us continue on. The Queen will be most displeased if we fail."
Miakoda sighed.
"As usual, Brother, you are a the logical one. Continue on, Knights of Camelot. And good day."
With that, she re-saddled Astros and, as one, brother and sister took to the sky, the sound of the real princesses laughter following them as they turned to grin at each other, royal personas shelved, for now.