Cole is much calmer after the Queen has spoken. He looks to his allies for support, but feels he's on the hot seat and must speak for them.
"My Queen, I am your servant to be sent into the 'wound as is your pleasure."
Dad would stop there. Stop there you fool!
"Iomedae may indeed have blessed us, but she has blessed many, we are not SO special. The lack of wardstones means we must attack or be overwhelmed. I understand that. But we are not as powerful as you may imagine. We are, untested." He looks at the others, particularly the 'crusaders'.
"Have a care with how you use us - please."
Cole continues to stand at attention though he's clearly very uncomfortable with the stance, the room, and the entire conversation.
Cole blurts out, "Now wait just a minute....Uh, my lady."
Joth's left hand drops to steady his scabbard while his right hand closes around the grip of his falcata.
IMPERTINENT FOAL! When we're done with you you'll be the most obedient, lick-spittle, lackey Mendev has ever known.
"*I* make you nothing...and close it all together."
Breathe Joth. Listen to the words She is speaking. This man is overwhelmed and doesn't know how to react. Breathe. Cole is afraid; judge not his words but his next actions.
And just as quickly, the captain's right hand releases his cavalry sword. His eyes still upon Cole.
Back down Cole, back down, if you know what is good for you back down. This is a lot for you to take in, but unleashing your rage at The Queen isn't going to do you...or any of us any good.
"My Queen,...please."
Back down Cole! Don't demand and request of The Queen in the same breath, you fool! Have faith - In Her, in Our Lady, and for Heaven's sake in yourself, man!
Eli sobers up enough, as Cole engages the Queen as an equal, then as he defers. The old man turns his white eyes towards the captain and his guard first, then the Queen.
"Those narrow-minded souls you mention... they are awfully close to a Queen's ear, it would seem, and, although ignorant of the circumstances, are considered wise enough that you would listen to them. They are the voice of opposition, so necessary in time of war." Eli pauses to consider the Queen's demeanor, hoping that he is not adding flame to ember.
"You are showing us great respect by informing us of the lay of the land and the battles to come. I, for one, am very excited to slaughter demonkind. It is why I traveled from the River Kingdoms, and I expect to die in the service of the Crusade, in one manner or another. To be invited to the war table with the Queen of Mendev, well, words can not adequately describe the serendipity."
"I invite you to use me as you see fit. Captain Irabeth did so, and we were able to prevent a massive corruption. We saw what would have become of this land's people should that wardstone have been fully tainted. The stone showed it to us. It reassured us, so let us assure you. I, for one, could not care less what has been said to slur us or our actions. There is no motivation in wanting to impress the ignorant."
Eli isn't sober enough however to keep back his final question. "By the way, how did you lose the Sword of Valor?" He says it with nothing but open curiosity, but he immediately regrets the phrasing. Not 'you', specifically, but the crusade itself... sigh.
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"Iomedae has seen fit that you will be their replacement."
"I'm a stone? That's surprising. I'd always thought I'd end up being a tree.... huh."
Sneaking into a demon-controlled city to take the enemy by surprise when they least expect it. Sounds very Calistrian. Maybe a bit Erecuran, too. A nice, sneaky way to wreck some vengeance.
"We shall never fall in our dedication to the Cause. As long as the Demons trod on the oppressed, I will strive to be faithful to Lord Ragathiel's teachings and be faithful to all those who fight for true Liberation and Justice. If Drezen is where we can serve the Cause the best, then Drezen it must be!"
Dress - ssen...
Dray - ZAN...
DRAY - zin...
Dress'n...
Sounds like a cool place to die.
Serra looks about, waiting to see if anyone else will be next to yell at offer counsel to the Queen.
Serra looks back and fro, finally one foot stepping forward to speak, again at knightly attention.
"Your Majesty, if I may offer words as well," Serra asks, feeling that he can do no worse than others. "I am Serra Iondri Phaer of the Andoran House of Delys." Serra offers a knightly bow.
"Thank you for the patience you have shown with the words of my companions. They...we...I...have had few dealings with royalty," Serra offers, indicating his own unfamiliarity. "This is all new to us, these events, these changes, these powers and with newness comes uncertainty. Our hearts are strong, our blades sure, and our spirits awoken, but we still are new to the fight."
Serra pauses, taking breath.
"Speaking for myself, my squire..." Serra says, pointing at Kastor, "...and after interpreting the intent of my companions, I know that we will do our best in this mission. We will be the blessed arm that strikes deep into the domain of the demons."
Serra steps back into line, back to attention.
Looking at Ely, she responds to his first comment, then the second.
"A ruler that doesn't listen for the voices around her, is a dead ruler soon enough. I have no desire to be such a ruler."
“Despite the name, it’s not a sword. It’s a battle standard—an artifact once used by Iomedae herself during the Shining Crusade. The church loaned the banner to the First Mendevian Crusade and allowed it to hang in Drezen, where it bolstered crusader morale and, perhaps more importantly, warded against demonic attacks, deceptions, and even teleportation.”
Once again, she taps the Citadel of Drezen on the map. "Drezen was built during the First Mendevian Crusade as a strategic foothold inside the Worldwound. Dwarves chiseled it from of a rocky hill near the source of the Sellen River. It held for well over a decade, withstanding almost constant war before a traitor turned the Sword of Valor over to the demons. We never found out who it was, but with the Sword of Valor’s protection gone, the demons overwhelmed Drezen in a night.”
Turning to both Beagan and Serra, she nods approvingly. "Mendev is grateful for your service. I do realize that this is new to you and if we had the time, I would allow more time for you to get used to your new circumstance. It is important, however, that we strike quickly, to take advantage of the demon's movements."
As the queen speaks with her regal bearing, Beagan listens, spellbound. It seems some humans have quite a bit of quality. Perhaps the wisest have learned a thing or two from the Elves.
He looks Jothinra Verathorne over, the one who seemed upset with Cole. Ahh, a half-Elf. No wonder he had the courage to stand up to our Dead-eye.
"You are too kind, your majesty. All of us who have been turned to stone are dedicated, each in our own way." He looks the half-elf straight on for a moment. "Since we have been thrice blessed, by Tenderlev, the holy wards, and the Lady of Valor, we of course will venture wherever we can help the most, whenever we are needed."
"Indeed, we are honored to serve. Eli's heart is pure, Ser Serra is dedicated to the ideals of knighthood, and Grasker is devoted to the Lady. And our sometimes cranky archer will do what is right to protect his family, his city, and his countrymen, I'm sure of it." He looks rather sternly over at Cole. Right?
Cole looks back at Beagan with still eyes and says nothing.
He looks at the map on the table. The map is good, but the map is not the land.
You're either part of the solution or your part of the problem. Let's go.
Cole opens his mouth yet again, "My lady, Is there anyone left alive from Drezen? Perhaps a long-lived who left before the massacre?"
"I have questions about the lay of the land and the defensive positions. If the demons hold it, it would be good to know the strength and weaknesses of the fortification first hand though I doubt we're so lucky. Maybe there are more maps of the place in a library somewhere." He looks at Serra.
Eli addresses the Queen once again.
"Your Majesty, you mentioned a well-trained army? I am glad to join it, but find it a bit of a stretch to imagine commanding it. You have commanders already? What is its number? How quickly can it be mobilized?"
Cole opens his mouth yet again, "My lady, Is there anyone left alive from Drezen? Perhaps a long-lived who left before the massacre?"
"I have questions about the lay of the land and the defensive positions. If the demons hold it, it would be good to know the strength and weaknesses of the fortification first hand though I doubt we're so lucky. Maybe there are more maps of the place in a library somewhere." He looks at Serra.
"I will not be sending you in alone, Mr. Zeff. I have a few specialists that I will be sending with you. Sosiel Vaenic is an expert on tactics, siege engines, traps and the like. He is also the source of the map of the citadel you'll be getting. I'm afraid we have none of the original dwarves to send in with you."
"Aron Kir, " she stops, looking to Cole and Grasker, but seeing no sign of recognition in there faces, she continues, "Aron Kir was a cleric at the temple of Shelyn here, before the fall. He can help with healing, but also brings his knowledge of demons and their tactics to your aid."
"Nurah Sandiwar will be supporting you with her bardic magic, but she’s also an expert on the region and knows more about Drezen than anyone in Kenabres at this point, I’ll wager. There are a few others, but they will primarily be taking care of the supplies. There is next to nothing much to eat between here and Drezen, as is the case just about anywhere in the 'Wound. "
"Finally, I've brought a small contingent of my most faithful knights to send with you. Jothinra Verathorne, captain of my personal guard, will also be in attendance. As for who is to be in charge, of the operation, I have given it careful consideration and discussed it with both Irabeth and Quednys. After meeting with you, I can only say their suggestion has grown in my eyes for both his candor and caution. Cole Zeff, whether you believe you were chosen by the gods or not, *I* have chosen you to lead this army into the World Wound to free Drezen from the demons clutches. Like me, you *ARE* of Mendev and I would have you be Our Champion. Will you lead this, the first true foray of the forces of Mendev in My name, and begin this, Our Fifth Crusade?"
Upon hearing Her Majesty's pronouncement, Beagan rolls his eyes. Either the command will fit perfectly with his strong demeanor, or he'll be crankier than ever.
He eyes the archer up and down. Actually, going into the Worldwound calls for a cautious, steady hand, and no hand seems to be steadier than the Dead-Eye archer.
The Gnome snaps to tight salute, waiting for his sure comrade to take command. If we survive this, I should take him to the temple of Calistria. That might ease his burdens some.
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"...Cole Zeff, whether you believe you were chosen by the gods or not, *I* have chosen you to lead this army into the World Wound to free Drezen from the demons clutches. Like me, you *ARE* of Mendev and I would have you be Our Champion. Will you lead this, the first true foray of the forces of Mendev in My name, and begin this, Our Fifth Crusade?"
Cole grows pale as the blood rushes from his head. For a long moment, he cannot think for the panic.
Run!
He looks at his companions, measuring them. Grasker would be a fine choice. A little quiet maybe, but a stand up guy. I’d follow him. The others are crusaders sure, but this is a crusade right? They’d do just fine. Even Beagan, though some of his orders might be confused.
He thinks of his early time in the military. How he didn’t fit in well, how much trouble he had with any position of authority. He took commands well, but others simply didn’t follow his instructions - so much easier being a guide. No commands then, just suggestions. Those that ignored him sometimes died it’s true, but he knew at least where he stood.
Many will die on this trip. We’re going into the ‘wound. My mistakes will cost lives. Beginnings are so delicate, we must succeed in this. Can I send crusaders to the slaughter for the greater good?
He thinks honestly and finds that he can.
What does that make me? What will I become?
He looks at Jothinra, looks him in the eyes, and shakes his head.
I’ll not become that anyway.
He takes a deep breath and worries about the passage of time. The Queen is waiting…
He exhales and stands at attention.
At the end of the day old boy, you are her servant and you’ll do what she says. He hears his dad’s voice in his head and slumps a little.
He breathes deeply again, as if trying to delay the inevitable. In the end he regains his posture and finally speaks,
”As you wish m’Lady. I shall lead your crusade as best I can and we will be victorious - or die trying.”
Serra's eyes go wide as the Queen presses Cole.
COLE!?
Serra composes himself slowly, looking around to see if others are as shocked.
Cole?!
Serra takes a few deep breaths, working his way through the Queen's logic again.
Local. Of Mendev. Of strong will. Candorous. Cautious. And blessed.
Serra nods, still thinking it through.
And if I'm going to die nobly to demons in a doomed battle against all good decisions, Cole is the man to doom me to it.
Serra slowly turns and salutes Cole.
"You'll have my ranseur, Cole, if you want it. And my guidance, if you'll heed it."
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Eli looks from Cole to the Queen.
"So... is Cole to be knighted?"
"Finally, I've brought a small contingent of my most faithful knights to send with you. Jothinra Verathorne, captain of my personal guard, will also be in attendance....Our Fifth Crusade?"
Jothinra's eyes go wide.
Him!?
He looks at Jothinra, looks him in the eyes, and shakes his head.
Joth composes himself, quickly. He snaps to attention and looks Cole squarely in the eyes, jaw set firmly awaiting Cole's judgement.
S#!t!
"So... is Cole to be knighted?"
Queen Galfrey meets Eli's gaze, then looks at Cole. "That is a conversation for another place and time, Mister Myoch. For now, there is work to do and very little time to do it in. Gather those you trust that you might take with you and report to the courtyard this afternoon. I will introduce you to the rest of the army and the specialists I am sending with you at that time. You will leave at dusk."
With that, she smiles and nods, dismissing them.
Cole bows and leaves heading back to the barracks. He finds his bunk, sets his hat on the foot of the bed, and climbs in.
If undisturbed, he manages a little sleep overnight, but not much - his mind still reeling from the actions of the night. Yet they're traveling tomorrow, and he'll need his rest if he's to manage it.
He rises early, but lingers over breakfast.
Eli finds himself waking early as well, and in doing so, finds himself sitting down to the table with the new commander. Liquid breakfast on its second helping, the old man clinks his mug against the ranger's cup.
"Quite the previous night, eh? How should we address you while in the presence of the army? Commander? Sir? M'Lord? You raised eyebrows calling the Queen your Lady, so I'd assume the third option is out of the running." Eli chuckles, then swigs the last of his mug.
"You don't speak well with others, so I'd happily agree to hear you out, and help you with your words before you speak them aloud. Otherwise, just look at me afterwards, and see if I'm smiling or frowning, and you'll know how well you're doing." Eli cuffs Cole heartily on the shoulder.
"I wonder what the Queen considers to be... acceptable losses."
Eli finds himself waking early as well, and in doing so, finds himself sitting down to the table with the new commander. Liquid breakfast on its second helping, the old man clinks his mug against the ranger's cup.
"Quite the previous night, eh? How should we address you while in the presence of the army? Commander? Sir? M'Lord? You raised eyebrows calling the Queen your Lady, so I'd assume the third option is out of the running." Eli chuckles, then swigs the last of his mug.
"You don't speak well with others, so I'd happily agree to hear you out, and help you with your words before you speak them aloud. Otherwise, just look at me afterwards, and see if I'm smiling or frowning, and you'll know how well you're doing." Eli cuffs Cole heartily on the shoulder.
"I wonder what the Queen considers to be... acceptable losses."
"It's just Cole - I have no title that I'm aware of." Cole grins back at Eli. "You'll be a knight before me, you're more popular."
"I appreciate your help. I'm not good with people, and I'm not really sure how this is going to work in any event. I'll watch for your frowns."
"I'd say, as long as someone brings back the banner, we're all acceptable losses, down to the last man. We're meant to strike a blow for Mendev - something for the crusaders to rally around. If we succeed in this, the stories can be told for years, bringing fresh recruits to the 'wound."
He drinks, "So yeah, as long as someone carries the banner, the rest of us are expendable."
Serra takes the his ignoring by Cole as an ominous sign, trying to chalk it up to the man's shock, but nonetheless following way behind Cole as they shuffle out as a sign of his displeasure.
No matter. If he does not want me, I'll make do here then. Or I'll go south to Nerosyan...join up with the other mission.
* * *
Serra unarmors with Kastor's help and puts both his squire and himself to bed, his mind working through tomorrow's challenges.
"It's just Cole - I have no title that I'm aware of." Cole grins back at Eli. "You'll be a knight before me, you're more popular."
"I appreciate your help. I'm not good with people, and I'm not really sure how this is going to work in any event. I'll watch for your frowns."
"I'd say, as long as someone brings back the banner, we're all acceptable losses, down to the last man. We're meant to strike a blow for Mendev - something for the crusaders to rally around. If we succeed in this, the stories can be told for years, bringing fresh recruits to the 'wound."
He drinks, "So yeah, as long as someone carries the banner, the rest of us are expendable."
"Popular? Hah! With pretentiousness, I tend to irritate. Them, and me. Sorry, she is your queen, after all. The River Kingdoms tend to overlook the need for formality, as we tire of having to educate the next rulers so often." Eli smiles, with a touch of sadness.
"She chose well, you know. She's marked you as a man with family. That means not only will you strive to protect them, you will lay down your life in the pursuit, yes? I see how you worry over them. That is a powerful thing, so, in a way, you are good with people who understand you from knowing you long enough. My first counsel to you, then, is to live long enough so people come to understand you." Eli taps his temple, and smiles.
Serra latches on more of his armor.
"Yes, today we move on. I shall ask Cole what we should be bringing along. Oh, definitely books, Kastor. You'll not be skipping lessons just because we'll marching with an army at our backs. You have to continue your education, Kastor. Knights must be able to read and write...and compose verse."
Serra sucks in his gut to allow the final strapping, pleased that he mustn't suck as much as he used t.
"That's a good thought, Kastor. Why don't you write an ode to the Queen? You can give it to me in one week's time. That is a fitting start to your softer skills that are important for knights."
* * *
Serra sits down at breakfast with Ely...not even bothering to salute Cole.
"Ely, has Cole yet mentioned when we are leaving? Or what supplies we should bring? How many knights in our retinue? Any details of yet?"
"Ely, has Cole yet mentioned...Any details of yet?"
Eli looks up as Serra sits down. "We were just talking about..." Eli turns to Cole, then back to Serra, confused as to whether Serra actually sees the man sitting across the table. Sees things that aren't there, while failing to see folk who are... Eli rubs his temple, then his eyes, and confirms that Cole continues to sit.
"Well, no, you haven't mentioned any of that now, have you, Cole? I think I would have remembered some of that. I remember 'dusk'. Yes, but the Queen said that, while Cole fumbled for words. I also remember that the Queen was going to bring us up to speed later today, but before dusk, since dusk is when we depart."
Cole looks across the table at Serra confused for a moment, then he makes a wrong assumption.
"Good morning Serra. So you'd rather be in charge than me huh? Why didn't you speak up last night? I'd have been fine with you in charge, quite fine. I'd give the whole bloody mess to you right now, but I imagine Jothinra would challenge me to a duel for refusing his Queen."
He scowls, "But to answer your question, I don't know yet. Nurah Sandiwar is supposed to know the lay of the land. I was going to talk to her this morning and find out how long a journey it might be, then figure out who's in charge of supplies on this mission and make sure they have enough food and water for us all - though Aron may be able to summon water, and maybe food too, to stretch our supplies."
"Of course I don't even know, yet, how many of us there are. I know about the five of us, then Jothinra, Nurah, Aron, and Sosiel - that's nine. Some support staff - I dunno maybe four or five there? Then some troops. Ten? Less? More? I have no idea."
"We leave in less than 12 hours and I don't even know if we've enough food for the journey let alone the route. What a mess."
Serra returns Cole's looks...and then his words.
"Oh, you're talking to me today, are you? Good, good. My mother was a great communicator and leader, she was. Talking was key to that," Serra replies. "I asked Ely because I thought you look busy eating and didn't want you to have to repeat what you said. I know you got things on your mind."
Serra stuffs a biscuit in his mouth while listening.
"Well, you let me know if you need anything, Cole. I'll be ready to go...unless you'd rather have me someplace else. I'll be packing with Kastor. You just let me know."
Serra eats more of his breakfast, most of his questions answered and some questions unable to be answered.
"That was some Queen, last night, wasn't she? Just divine...I can see why so many flock to her banner. Just amazing, wasn't she, Ely?"
Cole looks confused at Serra's harsh words, but then he often annoys people so he just moves on hoping they sort it out for themselves. He makes a mental not to talk to Serra more. Apparently that's what he wants.
"Oh right Kastor. One more mouth to feed. I must make sure to add him."
I wonder what the others are going to think of Kastor. Hell, I wonder what I think of Kastor...
"I do have something for you to do actually. Jothinra Verathorne seems quite ready to have my liver for lunch. I'm sure he'll follow orders, but I don't want folks just following orders, I want them thinking for themselves and making decisions."
"Do you think you could talk to him? I dunno, maybe find out what he wants from me? Everyone wants something, and I don't speak his language. I'm pretty sure that most conversations we're going to have are going to end badly."
"You're both knights, so you already have a common language."
Serra nods at Cole's words.
"Which one was Joth? Was he the tall one with the goofy face? Or the one that Ely almost impaled himself on? There were so many knights in there...so many faces, few introductions, and the Queen. I'm not sure who was who."
"He was the one that looked like he was about to crap himself every time someone looked at the Queen. You know the one who drew his weapon every time I started talking."
Cole takes a big bite of his scone.
"I don't remember swords being drawn, so impalement was very unlikely. He did seem twitchy, but I suppose you become twitchy when you have to escort a Queen across the lands. I could have sworn that his eyes moved independently of one another, so he could keep his Queen in view, while staring me down. Like a chameleon, that one." Eli retreats to the tap to refill, then sits back down.
Serra nods, finally picturing the man.
"Oh, *that* one? Though I will admit that his face was handsome and wise looking, I found him wanting in knightly qualities. It seems he felt the Queen could be broken by a handshake or a hard stare? Or that a sour word might turn her to stone? And there was no kindness nor verse within him," Serra says, remembering what he tries to teach Kastor.
"His face looked like it spent so much time sniffing the Queen's behind that normal odors seemed to confuse it."
Serra looks at Cole...now seeing the weight of the task given to him.
Cole grins at Serra's assessment. "Just see what we can do to make the man happy. While you're there, confirm how many troops he's brining with him so I can get a sense of the numbers."
Cole gets up, stretches a bit, and heads on out the door.
He looks for the Queen's encampment. There must be one - some building or other converted for her purpose. Once there, he'll ask for Nurah Sandiwar.
If he finds her, he'll briefly introduce himself, and start talking with Nurah about the road ahead. He'll ask about the distance, terrain, likely physical obstacles, known Worldwound hotspots (under normal circumstances), etc.
"...so what I'm really after, is a sense of the trip from here to Drezen. I want to make sure we've food and supplies enough for the journey among other things. The map we have has nice neat gentle lines, but the 'wound is never that simple."
Cole, perhaps more aware of such things now, feels the weight of a variety of glances fall upon him as he heads through the Queens area. caution...fear.. resentment seems to catch at his person as they watch him find his way.
Eventually, he is directed to Nurah's quarters; a low slung place near the provisions. Looking up as he approaches, her smile is warm and inviting. "Good day, Sir. You must be Sir Cole. I was told to expect you'd be by." Of average height for her kind, she comes up no higher than Cole's waist. Her thick braid is slung over one shoulder and her bright green eyes sparkle.
"I'm glad to hear you're thinking about such things. The trip won't be easy, but the first part, the march to Vala's Gift shouldn't be all that bad. It's easy enough on the horses. It's beyond that that'll get tricky. But the queen showed you the map, didn't she? It should be more or less, kinda sorta just like that, only worldwoundy, if you get my drift?" She looks him over and laughs somewhat. "From the looks of you, I bet you do."
Cole, perhaps more aware of such things now, feels the weight of a variety of glances fall upon him as he heads through the Queens area. caution...fear.. resentment seems to catch at his person as they watch him find his way.
Eventually, he is directed to Nurah's quarters; a low slung place near the provisions. Looking up as he approaches, her smile is warm and inviting. "Good day, Sir. You must be Sir Cole. I was told to expect you'd be by." Of average height for her kind, she comes up no higher than Cole's waist. Her thick braid is slung over one shoulder and her bright green eyes sparkle.
"I'm glad to hear you're thinking about such things. The trip won't be easy, but the first part, the march to Vala's Gift shouldn't be all that bad. It's easy enough on the horses. It's beyond that that'll get tricky. But the queen showed you the map, didn't she? It should be more or less, kinda sorta just like that, only worldwoundy, if you get my drift?" She looks him over and laughs somewhat. "From the looks of you, I bet you do."
Cole smiles back, "No 'sir' - just Cole. Yeah, I don't have a lot of time to get up to speed and I want to make sure, first and foremost, that we've enough food and water for the journey. I'd hate to succeed, only to risk death on the way back to thirst or hunger. If things go OK, not well, not badly, how long is the trip?"
Eli watches Cole drag himself off to his new tasks, and thinks better of tagging along. If this is our last time in Kenabres, it would be a shame to leave over half that cask to Avery. When Serra readies to follow first orders, Eli suddenly remembers his business, long enough to lob a question.
"Oh! Serra, when you get a chance, I'd like to retrieve my hammer and breastplate. I hope it all went well?"
"Four and 1/2 days, but then there's Drezen." she says, knowingly. Suddenly, she brightens. "But I'm sure if we pack well, we should be fine. So long as we don't draw attention to ourselves so much that the big guns come back from the south."
"Oh! Serra, when you get a chance, I'd like to retrieve my hammer and breastplate. I hope it all went well?"
Serra nods and finishes his breakfast, unwilling to hurry though one of the last few good warm meals he would have before the long journeys and fights to come.
After he is finished eating, Serra will escort Ely back to his bed. He grunts and oofs as he goes to his knees to reach for the hammer and plate underneath.
"Here you go. The hammer took the magics well as I perfected the technique I used on Cole's bow. Your armor...I think that is well too. In case it is not, I shall try to fix it on the road," Serra says, handing each in turn.
Serra will help Ely size and fit the armor, tending to the man as Kastor sees to him.
"Your clasp...this one needs to be tighter...hold still..."
"Helps if you leverage higher..." Eli bends at the knees for a moment. When the armor is secure, the old man pats it from side-to-side, ensuring the snugness at his ribs.
"Yes, yes. This should do fine. Much obliged. It's a shame the Queen hasn't commissioned more work from you to strengthen more weapons against demonkind." Eli swings his hammer with a quick snick, then again.
"Good luck with Joth. Watch his hand. When it gravitates towards his sword, you'll know his mood. It's a bit like a weather vane." Eli readies to return to the mess hall, and let the sun cross the sky towards dusk.
When finished with Ely, and already heeding his advice, Serra goes to find Jothinra.
Serra will ask around where Jothinra might be found.
Jothinra, already fully armored and personally groomed, looks over the mustering field whilst brushing the chestnut mane of his Dort Charger. He has a pleasant smile on his face as he greets this new day - a day of changes, a day of reckoning, the First Day of the Fifth Mendevian Crusade.
"Today it begins Agathon. A new world has been born on this day," Joth says matter of factly, his light airy voice almost singing the words.
He turns at the sound of someone approaching.
It's the fat one called Shiraz? No, Sarris? Damn! Oh, Serra!
"May the blessings of Our Lady find you well on this day, Sir Serra."
He extends his fist out for a reciprocated gesture/bump.
"Four and 1/2 days, but then there's Drezen." she says, knowingly. Suddenly, she brightens. "But I'm sure if we pack well, we should be fine. So long as we don't draw attention to ourselves so much that the big guns come back from the south."
"Yeah, we don't want to stay too long. So maybe 15 days of rations then. Five days each way and five days there, at most, before we have to move on. Do you think we can find the banner in five days? You're the Drezen expert. Can we give the place a decent search in that time?"
Cole takes the information, barely remembers to thank Nurah, and heads off to find the supply master for the trip. He is hampered by the lack of knowledge as to who the person is, having no name, but surely someone must know. He does his best to track them down. He rushes through the area, questioning everyone, haste measuring his steps.
While he's hunting, he keeps an eye open for Aron Kir, the other person on the short list of meetings this morning.
Serra stutters for a moment, shocked, before bumbling his way to return the Lastwall Fist Bump.
"I...I was unaware you served in Lastwall, Ser Jothinra," Serra blurts, trying to make nice knight talk. "My father always dreamed of serving there. It was his dream to die upon the battlements, protecting the realm from the orcs."
* * *
While Joth speaks, Serra admires his horse, having stabled more than a few during his time. Serra is not much of a rider, but knew something of horses. He would never be a true mounted knight.
"Your horse. He's a fierce one...good lines," Serra mentions, running his hand along the charger's back. "What is his name? Do you ride him in battle?"
* * *
Serra takes his time, talking about other knightly matters if Jothinra would have it...his time in Lastwall or where he was prior to serving the Queen before asking more pointed questions.
"Did she knight you herself, Jothinra? That must have been quite the honor," Serra asks with some pangs of jealousy. "It cannot be easy to tear yourself from her side...but, she feels this mission is important. It shows her trust in you that she would put you on this mission."
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Serra stutters for a moment, shocked, before bumbling his way to return the Lastwall Fist Bump.
"I...I was unaware you served in Lastwall, Ser Jothinra," Serra blurts, trying to make nice knight talk. "My father always dreamed of serving there. It was his dream to die upon the battlements, protecting the realm from the orcs."
"It's Captain in front of the troops, Captain Jothinra to strangers and Joth to my friends, please," Joth smiles continuing, "I was sired in Lastwall. A small fishing village just a day's ride southwest of Vellumis called Stormhaven. I spent my coltling years there and in Magnimar, travelling between the two, shuffled amongst family after my parents died at the Second Battle of Grizznash Field."
* * *
"Your horse. He's a fierce one...good lines," Serra mentions, running his hand along the charger's back. "What is his name? Do you ride him in battle?"
"Agathon's Pride," he says beaming, "He's a true friend. Though we've been through a couple of engagements together my strength isn't in mounted warfare."
* * *
Joth equally takes his time in conversation, enjoying the company while he finishes grooming Agathon's Pride. He will be candid with Serra telling him of his time in Lastwall and attending the War College in Vigil, but the Vigilant Watch wasn't for him - the pressing matter of The Worldwound seemed a more necessary place for him. Family intervened and had him placed in the Colour and Honor Guards.
"Did she knight you herself, Jothinra? That must have been quite the honor," Serra asks with some pangs of jealousy. "It cannot be easy to tear yourself from her side...but, she feels this mission is important. It shows her trust in you that she would put you on this mission."
Joth smiles once again, "Good Sir Serra, I am not ennobled. I thank you for your courtesy but it isn't due yet. Yes, I am a captain, but that is largely a matter of a field-promotion. The enemy didn't just strike here in Kenabres, there was a feint in Nerosyan at the same time. He lets the weight of the last statement hang in the air before continuing. "Members of the Colour and Honor Guard died during the fighting and I was the senior ranking officer when the smoke cleared. Her Majesty honored me by pronouncing my field-promotion."
He is puzzled for a moment, "Did I give the impression that I was disappointed in being asked to accompany you into the 'wound? That was *never* my intent. Her Majesty's orders are her orders. I trust in Queen Galfrey, Iomedae, and my brothers-in-arms - what more need be said? I've pledged myself to The Cause and will go where I am needed the most to defend that which has been asked of me. "
"Now I have a question for you. You see those 40 soldiers to the east there?" He says gesturing to a contingent of soldiers on the mustering field clad in heavy armor. "That is the remnant of the 2nd Troop of Horse Guards of Nerosyan. They aren't free-lances nor those called low templars - they are all paladins - military men and women, professional soldiers sworn to Mendev, Iomedae and the Queen..."
"...and you and your brethren. You all will be ennobled tonight, with all the rights and privileges that such a title confers. And you will have a company of Horse as your army - a name will be expected. Would you take that back to Sir Cole and the rest and let us know what we are to be called?"
Based on the timing of their departure, Eli eventually makes his way into the ward one final time. He smiles rosily at the twins, and wordlessly points his fingers at the injured, watching the twins' reactions as his fingers find the right beds to attend.
Lenore, Lenore. You would have been an angel to these poor souls. Why must I be the one subjecting them to my bearded mug? All they get for their troubles is a breath of fine spirits, and a callused hand patting them for reassurance. With you, they would know a better peace. The lilt of your voice, the smell of your garden's harvest, the touch of your callused hands. Give me just a little more time, my Love, and I shall walk the Halls with you.
The drunkenness lowers his inhibitions just enough that he spends most of his time in the ward wiping at his eyes routinely. By the end of the day, his ministrations depleting his gift, his inebriation wearing off, Eli is ready to join the others for departure at dusk.
"Did I give the impression that I was disappointed in being asked to accompany you into 'wound?"
Serra blinks a few times, remember the events of last night.
"While you didn't formally say anything of the sort, it was clear from your hand upon your sword like a 6-year-old's newfound delight upon discovering his pee-pickle. You almost drew it, and was but a Queen's nod away from slaying two of my unarmed friends," Serra says resolutely. "If you think that wasn't going to leave some doubt about your ability to think independently about us, then we should discuss the importance of first impressions."
Serra looks over at the marshaled knights, longing to be among them...if they didn't ride horses and allowed the pudgy fat into their ranks.
"You all will be ennobled tongiht, with all..."
His head spins back to Captain Jothinra.
"What? 'Ennobled'? What does that even mean?" Serra asks, confuzzled...but deep inside he knows exactly what it means. He just can't believe or handle it.
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Serra blinks a few times, remember the events of last night."While you didn't formally say anything of the sort, it was clear from your hand upon your sword like a 6-year-old's newfound delight upon discovering his pee-pickle. You almost drew it, and was but a Queen's nod away from slaying two of my unarmed friends," Serra says resolutely. "If you think that wasn't going to leave some doubt about your ability to think independently about us, then we should discuss the importance of first impressions."
"Yes, let us discuss matters of first impressions. Firstly we are told that your group is personally responsible for the utter destruction of, not only the wardstone that protects fair Kenabres, but the entire first line of defense of the nation of Mendev. Secondly without the proper introductions or ceremony or acknowledgement by The Queen - a man, still reeking of whatever bottle he deigned to crawl out of, walks up to Her Majesty hand extended as if we are to take you at your word that you haven't been corrupted or influenced by The Enemy. Thirdly, the man expected to lead this endeavor is so obviously ready for a suicide-mission that the pallor of Pharasma Herself seems cling to him like a child holding a blanket - and then makes demands of His Queen..." he pauses to catch his breathe, "And finally you come to me to question my ability to think independently and say that I "
Breathe! Breathe! Breathe! NOPE!
"...and I am still here because it is my sworn duty to be here." He spits the words at Sir Serra, "My honor, Sir Serra, keeps me. My oaths, more precious to me than my own life, holds me up, illuminates my path, and guides me to be right here! Between Mendev and The Enemy. Where. I. Belong."
Breathe! Calm yourself!
Joth shuts is eyes for a heartbeat and slowly opens them.
"But I speak out of turn. Forgive me Sir Serra Iondri Phaer. I know you and your comrades have noble hearts. It is just...hard at the moment to see them. I will be better in the future about speaking out."
"What? 'Ennobled'? What does that even mean?"
Joth answers Sir Serra as he swings his legs onto his mount.
"You are to be knighted by The Queen, this eve. May Iomedae guide your day and find you in good health and spirits tonight. I have some packing to do before we depart. Please inform Sir Cole that I'll provide a muster-roll and disposition as soon as I finish."
He leans down from his mount presenting his fist for a departure Fist Bump.
Cole takes the information, barely remembers to thank Nurah, and heads off to find the supply master for the trip. He is hampered by the lack of knowledge as to who the person is, having no name, but surely someone must know. He does his best to track them down. He rushes through the area, questioning everyone, haste measuring his steps.
While he's hunting, he keeps an eye open for Aron Kir, the other person on the short list of meetings this morning.
Cole doesn't find the supplies master, but does find his assistant. "The good Master is out gathering the final supplies. I'm sure he'll be ready for the send off this afternoon."
Finding Aron Kir is easier; he is pointed to the most beautiful tent in the area. Stately, it seems to almost repel dirt with it's clean lines. The faint sound of music comes from within, then ends slowly.
from inside, he can hear voices. "There now. I told you there is always time for art, Aron."
Cole is frustrated that the supplies master is unavailable, but he'll just have to trust him. He leaves uneasily and approaches the grand tent.
"Hello? Aron Kir? It's Cole, uh, Zeff. I need to talk to you about the expedition."
"Hello, Cole. It is a pleasure to meet you." The cleric of Shelyn opens the tent with a smile. There is a snag of recognition in the back of Cole's head, though he can't really place him. "I'm afraid Aron will be a moment, but I'm happy you've come by."
The tall, dark man cuts a striking figure in his pristine armor and wide smile, "I'm Sosiel Vaenic."
"Ahhh, Sosiel. I was going to talk to you at some length on the journey. I understand you are an expert on tactics? I'll need that - I've not lead troops into battle before, just small teams."
He looks at the priest a moment. "Or do I have that wrong?" he grins. "Things are moving very quickly."