"Never thought I'd see the top of floor of this building," Alson remarked from the very back of the line. He put on hand on the railing of the staircase, looking up towards the ceiling. "I feel like I shouldn't even be here!"

"Don't say that aloud," an annoyed Chaston replied. "Are you trying to get us in trouble intentionally?"

The guard put his head down and remained quiet. Within a few moments, all four cleared the staircase and were on the top floor of the Governor's building. Contrary to the other sections of the building, there was a sizeable amount of movement on the floor. Besides the numerous armored men that protected various rooms along the halls, there was a plethora of the district's locals that roamed the floors. The people wore a wide variety of garb from various parts of the world.

The chatter was soft but still busy, just low enough for the group to focus on each other's words without having to speak too loudly. As the group slowly traversed through the crowds, they received the occasional side eyed glare. Chaston turned to the back of the line, giving Alson a nod of his head and a wag of his finger. "Stand upright, Alson. And look more confident."

The guard immediately set himself upright and maintained a strong posture as they continued forth. Chaston gave friendly nods of his head to those that passed by that looked like fellow subordinates to the Governor. The remainder of the walk was quiet save for the occasional greeting of other researchers. Their final turn led them to the end of a long hallway with no doors. It was wider than the rest of the building. A long purple carpet covered the stone floor, leading all the way up to a pair of large, round and ornate wooden doors.

Two more guards blocked off the entrance. They were bulkier than the other men employed by the Governor and wore full metal armor that obscured their faces. Each held onto a long spear in their hand with Farrowport's flag fastened just beneath the tip. Chaston turned to the group, making them form an impromptu huddle.

"You three just follow my lead," the researcher said softly. "I'll handle getting us inside."

"Where have I heard that before?" Miwah retorted with sarcasm.

"I have no problem getting into the Governor's quarters. Let's just hope my privilege extends enough to allow me to bring along company." Chaston than looked at Alson. "And you. Make sure to follow proper etiquette to the best of your ability. Those men are the very best that the Farrowport Guard has to offer. They'll be able to call your bluff from the slightest inconsistency."

Alson made an audible gulp. "I'll do my best."

"Good. I'd hate to see you demoted. Now. Any questions before we head inside?" Chaston's gaze panned over the other three. They all looked at each other in silence, waiting for a response. Soon they were all shaking their heads, saying 'no' in an uncoordinated manner.

"Right then. That means it's now or never." Chaston set himself upright and adjusted the collar to his undershirt once more before walking down the hallway. Despite the width of the hall, the group formed a single file, with Alson trailing in the back, his posture upright and his strides long and deliberate. As they approached the front door, the two armored men remained motionless like a pair of metal statues.

"Greetings," Chaston said after clearing out his throat. He placed his hands behind his back, shifting his eyes between the two guards. The men lowered their spears, crossing the weapons and obstructing the entrance.

"What is your business with the Governor?" the guard on the left asked with a booming voice. Tamma, Miwah and Yalch all moved back upon hearing his commanding tone.

"I am here to discuss an urgent matter with her. It pertains to the safety of all the people of the town.”

"Right then. Let me see your credentials."

Chaston reached into the bag that contained the specimen. Instead of pulling out the jar, he took out a series of papers and handed them to the guard. "I am Farrowport's head researcher in marine and forest life. I have the authority to request a conversation with the Governor."

The guard let his weapon rest against the wooden door. He lifted up the visor to his helmet and fumbled through the pages as best as his metal-gloved fingers would allow. He handed the pages back to Chaston and then dropped his visor over his eyes and picked his weapon back up. Instead of crossing it in front of the door, he held it upright. "The seal is legitimate. But what is the reason that those three are coming along?"

The researcher turned around to face the rest of the group. "These are my witnesses. They have experienced the threat firsthand. It's imperative that they come along to help me convince the Governor of my plea."

"Even the low-rank in the back?" the other guard said. Alson's eyes opened a smidge wider, but his posture remained straight, keeping looking ahead instead of towards the man that called him out.

"Yes. These two women hold valuable information and he made sure that they were able to make it here safe and sound. He also has experienced this threat as well. I would like all three to come along to assist me with the meeting. Hopefully we all will be enough to convince the Governor" Chaston swallowed and then rocked his head back. Chaston looked at the section of the visor that obscured the guard's eyes. A short silence followed as the first guard slowly angled his head to the second.

"Let 'em through. I've seen this man before. I think the Governor is his grandmother," the man on the right side of the door said.

"Aunt, actually."

The other spear was lifted, giving them full access to the Governor's quarters. With one hand, both guards pushed open the large wooden doors that let out a long creak as they moved that echoed throughout the empty corridor.

"Thank you." Chaston gave the men a polite bow before heading inwards. The group continued through the doors in the same order, with Alson going in last, making sure to give his fellow members of the Farrowport Guard a salute as he entered.

"Wow," Tamma said silently. Both her and Miwah slowly looked around the area while making sure that they didn't break formation. The last bit of afternoon light pierced through the numerous windows of the enormous windows that lined the round walls of the Governor's quarters, tinting everything with a warm orange glow. The floor was covered in a shiny white tile with intricate black patterns printed on each piece.

Furnishing the room was a wide assortment of elaborate woodwork, ranging from desks and chairs to tables and bookshelves. Along the stone walls were paintings almost as large as the windows that they were next to. Towards the opposite end of the of the quarters' entrance was elevated, accessible by a shot series of steps.

Sitting among the center was a larger woman, dressed in a flowing blue gown with a colorful ornaments and trim. Her skin was pallor and her hair a light brown. Rings were placed on the fingers of both of her hands that sparkled as she waved a fan in front of her face. To her side was a young woman in a long black dress that far plainer. She held a tray with both hands that held cups filled with a beverage.

Upon her golden throne, the woman took a quick swig of one of the drinks before placing back onto the maid's tray. She then towards the group, resting her head on her arm as she waved towards the researcher.

"Ah. Chaston. Didn't expect to see you today," the Governor said, her voice low yet feminine. There was a bit of weariness in her tone. "And it looks like you've brought along some... interesting guests."

"Unfortunately, I am not here to bring good news."

The Governor rolled her eyes. She stopped leaning on her arm to prop her back against the support of her seat. "Wonderful. Just what I wanted to hear when I was on my way home. What is it this time, dear nephew? What critters are you worried about this time? Are you worried that the... pink-feather swallows won't have any... winterberries to eat?" The woman threw her hands up in the air in an exaggerated manner.

"It is even more dire than that. I am worried that all of Farrowport could be at risk."

"If only you had never said that to me before. Then perhaps I would take your claim seriously. But every time there is a slight change to the environment, you act in a tizzy." The Governor rolled her eyes before going back to her resting position on the arm of her throne.

Chaston looked behind him, placing his hands in front of the others, indicating that he wanted them to stay still. He then slowly began to make his way towards the steps. "This is a far greater concern than any of the other emergencies I've brought to you before. Lives are on the line."

"How many?" The woman on the throne squinted her eyes at the researcher.

With trembling lips, Chaston replied. "All of them."