Unforeseen Delays (Things Left Hidden)

The following two hours of waiting passed much as did the first one, the terrain silent and motionless, with the only way to judge the passing of time being the slow descent of the sun. In a repeat of the events of before, at the end of the two hours, the phalanx split down the middle, and a figure emerged from the gap.

It would not be difficult to recognize Leona this time. She was clad head to toe in golden steel plate armor, shining brilliantly in the light of the setting sun, with a crimson cloak wrapping around her shoulders. Her sword was sheathed at her waist and her shield was slung over her back by means of a leather strap. In one hand, she carried a golden steel helmet, open faced with two hinged cheekguards and a brilliant gold and crimson plume that went from left to right across the top, and in the other hand was Carell's map. She carried numerous pouches and bags on her, the most obvious being the pack she had on underneath her shield. The rest were largely obscured by the crimson cloak.

As she approached, the phalanx finally broke the formation they had held for hours, and they began their return to the mountain. The path ahead was now clear, and if any did not see Leona's approach, they would surely hear the clattering of her armor as she came closer. She wasted no time in approaching the man in charge and thrusting the map back into his hands.
"Lead the way." Her tone made it sound as if it were something between an invitation and a command. She did not expect no for an answer.

Carell was slightly flabbergasted. It was all a bit much to process at once. The phalanx was gone, the map was in his hand, and now the champion of the Solari was joining his party and telling him to move forward? He stumbled with words for a bit before anything coherent came out.
"Um, uh, yes, of course, kyria. Is the way ahead clear, and, uh, are you joining us, kyira?"
"Yes." Was the single word reply to both of his questions. Leona waited for him to start moving everyone forward. Carell almost forgot to do so. He nodded to her briefly, uncertain how to dismiss himself, and turned toward the group.
"We are back on course, my friends. We are to continue forward as soon as everyone is ready." He looked back at Leona for a moment, checking for her approval. She only nodded in reply.

The techmaturgist went back to work fiddling with his another one of the devices he'd brought for the journey when the call that they were moving on finally, and with a new companion no less. As he watched the others prepare to move on he could only wonder what would warrant the Radiant Dawn accompanying them on this expedition.

As he moved forward he tapped James on the shoulder and spoke in a hushed tone. "You're a soldier aren't you? Getting any... nervous feelings about any of this?"

Patience was something Tekun had. He spent most of the time overlooking his equipment another time in order to make sure everything was there. Eventually, he was forced to stop when his eyes fell upon the Radiant Dawn. He began to second guess his employer and his intentions but kept his speculation to himself. Her departure marked another two hour wait which Tekun certainly did not mind. He finished overlooking his equipment and spent the remainder making sure his weapons were properly maintained. It was easy to get lost when working on it and none disturbed him. Leona returned in an attire that was far more recognizable. It seemed she would be joining their ranks for now. He stood and geared up.

"G-guys... A little help over here?"

He approached the Yordle and aided him upon his horse. “You’re becoming quite the handful.” He joking stated. Once Ron was set he approached the bulk of the group.

"Leona! Why do you insist on accompanying this group through their ventures? Surely you don't fear for their safety, so what are you trying to hide? What aren't you telling us?"

Silently Tekun’s gaze fell to Xerath and then to the rest. ‘I know I should have expected it but he lacks subtly in personality too. Figures.’ His gaze shifted to Carell and then finally to Leona.

“A pleasure to meet you in person.” A simple statement before his gaze fell forward.

Leona took quick stock of the party she had just joined. She noticed two champions, a yordle, and an assortment of humans, the only two which immediately stuck out were the massively tall man and the morose, tired looking woman on the horse. She imagined she would become familiar with the other faces soon. A man approached her and bowed after giving a respectful greeting, to which she bowed her head in reply. Leona noted the Demacian emblem on his uniform, wondering what interest their military might have in a temple which is not theirs, or if he was on the journey out of his own private interest.

Xerath was what unnerved her. She knew all too well of his power, and Leona was wary of what his motives might be. She might be able to keep him in check should his intent prove malicious, but she greatly hoped that would not be the case. He apparently suspected her motives as well. She did not appreciate his accusation of her but was not bothered by how direct he was. It was something she was wholly accustomed to.
"I am accompanying you to ensure the temple's preservation, that nothing be taken or destroyed should it not be." It would do them all well to know her precise intentions for coming along, and so she issued an honest reply. She hoped that everyone else might do the same if asked, but she was doubtful.

The tall man approached her next, and expressed his pleasure to meet her. He did not introduce himself, so she only could give a reply similar to the one she gave the Demacian soldier earlier, a simple wordless bow of the head. The rest of the group seemed to be slowly getting themselves ready. Leona imagined they did not care to wait any longer than they already had, and she hoped to waste as little time as possible.

Carell had busied himself with preparing the things he had removed from his saddlebags for travel once more while everyone else was readying themselves. He was as eager to move onward as Leona was, and made sure to get himself and his things prepared for travel as soon as possible. He had just finished his preparations when he heard the familiar accented voice of Scrod call for him.

He immediately dismissed himself to approach Scrod and hear his concern. Whatever it was, he would address it. It was his job, after all.
"Yes, what is it?" He inquired, friendly but at the same time serious.