Lirian
Artemis seems to have softened up over the last few minutes, especially since Prince Adam was able to explain his position. He still looks as if he suspects the prince, but he returns his knife to his clothing and looks between the two of them. He glances at you, giving you a hint of what he appears to be planning. "I.. apologize for being so aggressive," Artemis says with some difficulty. "Lately, we've been having some trouble with double-agents and spies in the Coalition. The loss of the island due to the lack of reconnaissance particularly struck me." He clears his throat and steps forward, addressing the Crown siblings. "I realize this is a bit of a forward question, but... Princess Diana, do you know how to fight?"
Diana seems even more surprised by this question than the one that you asked her. "Well, yes, I do, actually. What does that have to do with me?"
"I am on a mission," Artemis states, "That may have several benefits for you and your brother. It is being conducted in the vicinity of your home island and pertains to what my associate here called the 'Shadows.' These are the creatures that may have caused harm to your party previously. Unfortunately, Prince Adam seems to be rather injured at this moment, so I'd prefer that he stay here and recover. I will pay for his expenses regarding medical care, food, and housing, so don't worry about that. For you, Princess Diana, I have a proposal."
Diana groans. "I'm already engaged, thank you."
Artemis sputters. "I- I did not mean a marriage proposal! This is about the mission!"
"Oh," Diana plainly says, trying to stifle a bit of a laugh. Adam can't help but smile, too.
Artemis delivers the same sort of spiel that he gave you before, talking about the general topic of the mission, the dangers associated with it, and the benefits of coming along. He promises the siblings that, should Diana come along, he will do everything in his power to liberate the island of Atis and provide relief if needed. "Of course, I can't guarantee success," he adds, "but that seems to be the general trend of everything nowadays. So, Princess Diana, are you willing to accompany us?"
Diana mulls over it for a few seconds before saying, "Can my brother and I talk for a minute or two about this?"
Artemis waves his hand, replying, "Be my guest."
The Crown siblings move their way off the side of the road, only being barely audible now. They talk in hushed whispers, occasionally raising their voices for various reasons. You are surprised when, while you are watching the siblings talk, Artemis speaks up. "I have no need for formalities," Artemis mutters as he looks upon the siblings. "I only use them with other members of the nobility. It's all charades to me. You did well, even if I did not intend to kill him." He crosses his arms and smiles. "Hmm. We might already be on the track to finding out more about all of these 'Guardians.'"
After about two minutes, the two of them come back. Diana looks at Artemis, inhales, and states, "Absolutely! I would love the chance to fight for my home."
Artemis gives a smile that is halfway between genuinely happy and amused. "Wonderful. If you have any personal belongings you wish to take, get them now. We're leaving incredibly soon."
Diana nods. "I'll go retrieve something from the medical center, and I'll bring my brother back. Thank you, Lord Dimikaelo, for assisting us." Adam nods also, saying, "We're in your debt." Diana puts her arm around Adam once again and leads him back down the road to the town.
Artemis sighs. "I suppose we could join them and wait at the medical center. Our destination will be mostly southward, anyway - at least, when exiting this town."