I want to leave, but don't want

[Naya Angus-Moonoak]

Naya was feeling confused - on one side, she did want to leave the Royal Tsardom and Natopia (hopefully temporarily), because she knew she wanted to develop herself in a manner different to that of her brother, or other members of the Waffel-Paines. But on the other, the not-even-18-year-old lady was concerned about the very real dangers that existed outside her Empire's protection - even in allied countries such as Stormark or Constancia, yet alone the USSO states for instance. But a great many of the Waffel-Paines had chosen to spend their youth in places like Stormark and Naya wanted to be different. Unfortunately, Tapfer was not an option.

It was quite a surprise, a pleasant one, when this Hartington Hold servant spread the rumour about a nice place where he grew up - a city now known as Asara Eliana. From there, the Two Martys, she could begin her journey and explore an entire continent which up until recently was the home of one of the most fabulous Empires in Micran history. And, luckily, Cibola was close enough if she ever felt like returning.

***

A few mornings later, the young Vidame found herself in the city named after her father's Imperial predecessor. A lovely place, although a bit... awkward-looking, as if it had been rebuilt quickly following a crisis of significant size. And then the first problem emerged. Where to go from there? The tiny Natopian territory was surrounded by other nations on three sides (and sea by the fourth) and... despite not being hostile, they were not known to be particular close friends of her cousin Nathan's state. Could she even cross the Treisenberg border legally? And even if she did, where would she go from there? Hardly USSO-allied Craitland!

At least she knew the direction - North (..as...it couldn't be anything else). But before that, Naya needed two other things: a plan; and a company. But where to find them?