Entourage

Carlotta walks with her escort through the corridors of the capitol building toward the platform where her transport awaits. The people walking with her are eight soldiers, two scholars, a City emissary, and a furtive pet belonging to one of the scholars. It is a large entourage, but one merely appropriate someone of her station. Carlotta's robes move fluidly around her. She feels the weight of her sword's hilt hanging from her belt.

Likewise, the energy of each member of her escort flows around and through her. The soldiers are strong, confident, hidden behind their armor and helmets, rifles in hand. The scholars are nervous, never having been near so much firepower. The emissary is arrogant, cocky, a continual thorn to her work on this visit. Carlotta will be glad to be rid of this particular weight. The pet has been one of the few bright spots to this trip, giving off an energy that is at once curious but joyous.

A breath later and the energy around her suddenly shifts with a stomach-clenching lurch.