A/N: So I tried to have this chapter ready and published before I went camping over the weekend, but honestly last week just flew by me and I did not find the time to write. But I am back with another update now.

Now to quickly answer some Guest reviews:

tinq- I really like Hayden as a character and where my brain has taken her within the story. Maybe that's just because I created her and I can do whatever I want with her character and I don't have to worry about it being OOC. Anyway I hope you and everyone else enjoys where her character goes as much as I like writing it.

Debby- Sorry to tell you, but no Hayden will not be pursuing Holly. You will see why in this chapter.

After leaving Gail and Hayden go their separate ways to their own homes. Gail takes great care in pulling out her dress uniform since she and Hayden were not actually going to be working the next day; they were just being formally introduced to the king and his daughter. The uniform was all white; a loose fitting flowing white shirt with all of the medals and awards she had received on the left side and a green leaf patch on her right arm to signify her allegiance to the king, tight white leather pants not much different from the ones she had worn in the competition except these were full length, a pair of white boots, she would be expected to have her quiver of arrows on her with the strap going from her right shoulder to her left hip and her bow tucked in it along side her arrows, and on her hip was the scabbard that would hold her twin blades, and it was expected to stay in pristine condition even when being worn in the woods. It would definitely be getting more use now that she and Hayden would have to wear them to all of the formal events that Princess Holly was invited to. She took great pride in being able to wear her uniform so before she went to sleep she shined the shoes and her medals and inspected each piece for any imperfections, twice.

The next day Gail woke up earlier than she normally would have. She got out of her bed and took a shower before having a few small bites of lambas bread just to have something in her stomach. Finally she went back into her room and checked over her uniform one last time before she put it on piece by piece. Once she had it on she adjusted every part of the uniform until it was perfect. Then she left and began to walk towards the palace.

She and Hayden had decided to meet early to get to know each other and each others strengths and weaknesses so that they could develop the most effective plan possible. She and Hayden met up inside of the castle where they were escorted to a small office where they would be able to talk to each other undisturbed. They got there and Gail had to admit that Hayden looked really good in her uniform.

They sat down, and began to talk. Hayden decided she wanted to learn about Gail's life and not just her experiences as a warrior. "So I figured we could start with a little bit of back story. It will help us work together if we can get to know each other and possibly even become friends." Gail nodded a little apprehensive of this. She did not really have friends, she had team members, but none of them were ever interested in getting to know her once they learned of her upbringing. "Alright well I never had a family growing up I was dropped off on the border of our lands and adopted by the man who would become my mentor. His name was Thalin and he was a great man. He actually trained me from the time I was little. At first he just wanted me to be able to protect myself, but when I grew increasingly interested he continued to train me and eventually enrolled me in the academy. He continued to train me in our spare time so that I could be the best. He lead me in my first battle. A small group of humans were attacking small villages so my team was sent to stop them and Thalin was our Captain. He gave his life to protect a woman and her child from the humans." Hayden sniffled a little. Gail gave her a tight lipped smile not completely sure what to do in this situation. So she settled for putting a hand on Hayden's shoulder and saying, "He sounds like a great man." Hayden smiled at the woman. "He was, I named my son after him in the hopes that it would inspire him to be brave and kind hearted just as his name sake was." Gail smiled at the mention of a child, she loved children. They had not yet turned into people and therefore were great to talk to and play with. "You have a son, how old is he?" Hayden beamed proudly. She loved talking about her family. "Yes, he is the pride and joy of my wife Elinath and I. He is only five summers but has already decided he wants to be a warrior some day." Gail chuckled lightly at that.

"So what about you? What is your story?" Gail got really hesitant, but knew she would have to share especially since Hayden had already told her so much. "Well I am the only daughter of the great William Peck and the honorable Elaine Peck. As you're probably already aware, my father is considered a great hero in the war between humans and elves. He suffered a devastating blow to his leg protecting the palace from humans and he continued to fight for as long as possible. He is no longer able to walk without a cane, but he managed to hold off the humans long enough for more warriors to come assist him. After that Elaine took a job as a General so that she would not be on the battlefield anymore. Instead she came up with new strategies and training techniques. My older brother Steven is a very decorated warrior and he is actually engaged to be married to Traci the woman you beat up in hand-to-hand combat." Gail attempted to joke, but she was so nervous that Hayden would assume she had somehow gotten special treatment and did not deserve to be on this detail like so many others did. Her worries were eased when Hayden let out a booming laugh. "I ended up joining this competition to prove to Dad and Elaine that I can do this without their help." Hayden noticed that Gail never referred to Elaine as her "mom" or even "mother" but she decided not to say anything about it. "My mentor's name is Oliver. He fought along side my father for much of the war, but declined the promotions that he was offered in order to mentor me. He took me in and treated me more like a daughter than my parents ever did, in fact he still does." Hayden gave her a comforting smile.

"OK enough of this heavy stuff, we need to come up with a strategy that helps us best protect the princess. My strengths are hand-to-hand combat and weapons kind of. I am good with knives, but not much else. I have good endurance and can see and hear better than most elves. And my tracking skills are unmatched." Hayden told the blond. Gail was glad that Hayden had moved the subject away from her personal life. "I am good with my bow and arrows and most other weapons especially the dual swords and my hand-to-hand skills are not bad either. I had an easy partner in the competition but I am able to hold my own. I can blend into any surrounding and hide from even the best trackers." She added in the last part with a smirk. "We may have to see about that someday" Hayden matched her smirk. "I was also trained by my father and Elaine to focus and see the things that most other people miss, so I will be able to spot anyone lurking about and trying to hide. I just need the time and space to be able to search a crowd without having too much attention on me." They thought for a couple of minutes in silence about how they could use the skills that they had.

"What if, at least for now, I play close guard to the princess? I will be at her side at all times, and every public event she goes to I will be right there. While you stay further back. You said you can blend into the crowd easily and it will give you the space you need to scan the area for any danger. If you are in uniform and among the crowd, no offense, but it will seem like you are there to rub elbows with your superiors and the friends of your parents." Gail tried really hard not to be offended and it was working for the most part. It was hard to deny that it is exactly what it would look like for her to be in the crowd at those parties and other events. Hayden picked up on Gail's discomfort with the situation so she spoke up, "You would have to spend time in the crowd so that you can know who is there as well as I will. However, if you find a hiding spot that gives you a better vantage and keeps you hidden I, of course, encourage that course of action." Hayden told her with a wink letting her know that she understood. Gail let out a relieved sigh and smiled her thanks and nodded her approval to the plan.

Once their meeting was done they both stood and grasped forearms. This was not just a gesture that solidified their agreement, but it also signified that each of them trusted the other not to screw up and to have each other's back.

It was a few minutes later that a woman entered the room telling them that the king was ready to meet with them. They each checked their uniforms one last time making sure nothing had gotten out of order in the last couple of hours before following the woman to the throne room where the king was waiting for them.

A/N: I've decided to cut it off there otherwise I would not be able to update today, and I really wanted to at least get you guys something. As always I will update as soon as I can, but please leave me a review for this chapter. I can't get better if you don't tell me what you think of my writing.

Until next time
Hold the Line and Don't Look Back