Passing Through The Crowds

~ Ridgeline City ~

Ralond exited the bakery, closing the door behind him. His face clearly showed he had shed more than a few tears recently. He took a deep breath and exhaled. His eyes darted around the chaotic streets, quickly gathering the situation in his mind. 

"Alright, Donath, Denro, you will be taking care of everyone inside the carriage. Denro, you will also need to be ready at any time to take the reins. Understood?" Ralond said, in a commanding voice… A voice that has been forced to accept this dire state… He… And He alone is now the head of their combined family. A responsibility he was anticipating. Though he was not the type to ever desire this position and certainly not in this way. Even though it was chaotic, he still had to muster up his own leadership. This is a lot easier when it's soldiers. When it's family… The thought of loss… Is too much. That explains why Ken taught me the way he did. 

Donath and Denro nodded at each other. "Understood." They said, feeling invigorated by the sense of rationality exuding from Ralond. It was truly a welcome sight, as opposed to the chaos around them. 

"Good, then let us get going. I don't want to be here when the wrath of the gods turns this place into a burning hellscape." Ralond said, immediately moving to the front of the carriage and taking the reins in his hand. 

The others quickly loaded up into the carriage huddling together. The baby was the quietest of them all, being fed had that sort of effect after all. The two younger children were holding their mother, Donath's wife. The two grandmother's in the carriage were also huddled together. One of them doing their best not to cry, the other trying their best to comfort the other. 

Denro sat towards the front holding his wife's shoulder, while he looked around to ensure security. He would occasionally look back at his recently born child in his wife's arms, then let out a small smile before going back to looking around. 

Donath sat towards the back ensuring the safety of the rear of the carriage. He was a bit more cautious than Denro was. After all, he had to be, unlike Denro, Donath was less skilled in combat. It was clear as Donath was definitely a bit more tense. 

The carriage moved through the streets of ridgeline city with a seemingly large amount of ease. The crowd sort of just cleared around them. It wasn't too special a phenomenon though. Blitz Riders were, after all, seen as people never to trifle with. Each of them was a combat veteran and quite testy as a result. It was better to just move out of the way and ask questions later. 

"Hmm, it seems that even our city's rule about blitz riders seems to come in handy. Even in this chaotic time the crowd just disperses." Denro murmured. 

"Indeed, This is why I am up front." Ralond said. 

"Quick question though, if something does happen. How Am I supposed to control your blitz steed?" Denro asked, slightly nervous. 

"No worries there, The day my daughter gave birth to my grandchild, cementing you in our family. I taught my steed what to do if I should fall. It was to find its way home and protect the family at your side, son. My steed will listen to you should the need arise." Ralond answered with a calm smirk. 

"I see, then I guess I should apologize for having my doubts. I should have realized it sooner… Just how much you trust me…" Denro chuckled. 

"Good, now then, it looks like the traffic in the streets has cleared up. And we have one more turn to take and then we will be at the very same gate mentioned." Ralond whispered back. 

"That was quite a bit faster than expected. Blitz steeds sure are impressive. Let us hope Lady Eternia's spawn, uphold their words." Denro said, then began uttering a small prayer of his own. 

~ The Singular Open Gate ~

People were walking in an ordered fashion. As if guided by some power. If one looked around casually, they wouldn't ever see who it was. Even with a discerning eye it would be difficult. For only those who truly believed in and praised Lady Eternia would be able to see them. 

"Oh wow, is that how large a Daughter of Lady Eternia is?" Denro muttered in shock. 

"Haha! No, that is an illusion to make it easier for everyone to see her instructions. Almost like a show of force." Ralond laughed for a moment. 

"Oh, I guess that discerning eye of yours is enough to see through it. Wait…" Denro said, pausing for a moment. 

"How exactly am I able to see through it?" Ralond asked, confused for a moment. 

"Simple, you can see through it, because it is my magic that has created it. You've likely heard my voice before. But allow me to introduce myself to you believers. I am Vitaliana, my kind and loving mother, you all call Lady Eternia, gave me this name. I have used my magic to help aid believers through the particulars here. And it also helps me grow stronger if I get some practice in so my loving elder sisters are allowing me this chance." Vitaliana's voice rang from inside the carriage. 

"Just what… That is some impressive magic there…" Donath's wife said, completely floored by the clarity of the voice. 

"Why thank you, now then. It seems you've brought a carriage. We didn't say this was allowed. But if you are willing to give ride to other believers with newborns and other women currently far along we will overlook this and allow you to continue through with the carriage." Vitaliana's voice spoke again. "Of course, only as much room as there is in here." Her voice continued. 

"We don't have a choice do we…" Ralond sighed. 

"Unfortunately, even if it is your family, I can not allow this carriage to move any further without this exception. I can promise absolute safety in return for compliance though, so don't be too worried. Rest assured, since you've made it this far, safety is guaranteed." Vitaliana's voice said, with a light hearted giggle. 

"As you wish." Ralond said, stopping the carriage. 

"Excellent, there aren't many. And you'll all be one big family later anyways. So get along okay?" Vitaliana cheerfully said.