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"I often wondered why they retreated as they did. I suppose that while our losses were extreme, their's were far worse. We may have been outnumbered but we more than made up for it in the quality of our soldiers." Vincent sits with his chin in his hand, thinking for a moment, "As for building up our forces and striking back...no, that wouldn't have solved anything. The force that Kestral sent at us wasn't even their full army. Maybe a fifth at most. I didn't want any more death...so I disbanded the Order for their own protection. They hated me for it. I could see it in their eyes if not in their words. I only hope that they had the sense to realize it after all this time. I'm sure some did, others in the Order tended to be much more stubborn than the others." Vincent chuckles, "In fact I can almost bet you that Borus, my second in command, is still there to this day. He was against my move to disband from the beginning...I wonder what became of my Kingdom..." Vincent seems to be staring into the distance, thinking deeply, but not completely removed from the conversation at hand.

"I have been entertaining the idea for sometime now." Vincent admitted, "But I would need several people, most if not all at a level of skill comparable to my own. Nuku, Bellamin, and Perrian all come to mind. Still, I don't know of too many others. With Fury's untimely death and Djanni's disappearance I may be forced to bring less experienced adventurers along..." Vincent scowls at the thought of endangering his friends simply to indulge his own whims, however the scowl is quickly replaced with his normal visage. "Maybe you, Lazarus, or 4 Co...*shudder*...crazy robot...could come. I just don't want anyone hurt because of me...Hmph. I wonder if the king escaped?"

Rising from the shadow of Vincent, Talos yawns before bowing formally to the two adventurers. "I'm sorry that I overheard the whole thing... no really I am, sounded pretty boring." Laying a hand on Vincents shoulder he nodded solemnly. "Isn't the idea of love so fleeting after you have lost it once before?" Walking over to the new face ((Varnis)) he frowned at him. "Would you look at this character here. He seems to have so much spunk I could almost agree that he'd survive just out of sheer gumption. Though I'd say it might be a bit tough for such an inexperienced whelp." Flicking the adventurer in the head he faded backward lounging against a far wall with no explanation of how he had gotten there. "Shadows hold power my friends, shadows of the past though hold only regret. By the way I do believe I'm drunk."

"One who has fallen so far into the shadows as yourself could never truly understand love." Vincent replies camly, not exceptionally peturbed by Talos' intrusion...after all this was a place of practice. People were free to come and go as they wished. "And yet this "whelp" as you called him speaks of a truth I don't think you yet grasp. It is our past, dark or not, that shapes us into what we are and what we will become...and yes...you probably are drunk. Then, that's nothing strange for you." Vincent says with a smile to show his joking mood. "And yes, Varnis, Fury and Djanni were exceptionally skilled. And one of the many wonders of my kindom is its weather. Even as far north as it is the weather is comparable to a summer in Miyr any day. Beautiful weather...but I will think on it. And you should think on it as well. Good training aside you may not come back. Remember that." Vincent cautions.

"All right..." Vincent says, "But if you ever change your mind then don't hesitate to tell me. I can find another. Though probably not one I can trust as much as you." Vincent turns to Talos, "I don't mean to sound rude, but what exactly did you come hear to do?" Vincent cocks an eyebrow, "Unless you just like my company." Vincent says with a joking smile.

"I'll contact you when the time comes." Vincent says.

Startled from his all to brief meditation, the figure quickly jumps to his feet. How had this man snuck up on him like that?! Given the fact that he like all his people were possessed of many inherent powers, including a great degree of telepathy it had been a long time since anyone had caught him unawares. At the very least he should have felt another's presence. Had he allowed his training to become so rusty? Or was this man's power just that much greater than his?

For the first time you get a good look at the figure’s face. He was young, 16 or 17 at most. His dark brown eyes were bright and conveyed a youthful energy and intelligence. His face and skin belied a Nordic heritage, and his slender frame a life of training. His short brown hair was un kept from days walking in the wind. His clothing consisted of a few layers of short monk like robes made of simple leather and cotton all black, browns and tans. Though you can tell that these robes were not meant for a life of prayer and meditation. Obviously their designers had a much more venturesome purpose in mind for wearer of these sturdy garments. His own knee high boots were scuffed and covered in the dust of his long journey. He seemed to carry no backpack or satchel save the pouches and clips on his belt as well as what seemed to be a metallic handle that hung loosely off his hip. Imprinted down one of the sides of his robes were runes inscribed in an illegible language. (see signature picture below for visual reference)

M-my name is Van sir. Stuttered the boy, bowing swiftly. I have come here to test my skill. He spoke with an accent. Taking a moment, Van perceived this powerful man in front of him This Vincent had obviously seen many battles in his life. Van also stared at the man’s out stretched hand in curiosity, puzzled at its meaning. Was he asking for payment? Was he pointing at him? Or perhaps… this is a greeting? Perhaps he wants me to touch his hand with mine?

Van turned his gaze at the man’s white eyes, then at the demonic sword behind him. His eyes then drifted to the scar on his arm, Van recognized the mark of one who had felt the touch of evil when he saw it. He assumed it had something to do with the maleficent blade on his back. Calling on his training, he suppressed a shudder and managed to keep his features composed this time.

He was not sure he wanted to touch this man's hand. But he did have a kind smile, and was indeed the first to welcome him to this new kingdom. And how could such a beautiful area possibly harbor a being of evil? An area who's water fall made him yearn terribly for the monastery he had left behind for what seemed like decades ago. Maybe this Vincent was keeping this sword under guard. A possibility since the tainted aura that he thought he had felt for a moment earlier had quickly receded.

Surely he thought that if this Vincent were truly overcome he could not hide his taint from my senses completely? And in any case maybe not returning the gesture would be a great insult to this man, whom the young warrior definately did not want to vex. Van steps forward and awkwardly places his hand in Vincent’s mimicking what he had seen. Once out Van then holds it still waiting for Vincent to make the next movement.

Looking Vincent straight in the eye he says, I am also here to learn about this place, its customs and perils, so that I may be a force for positive change. And to grow in skill. he added somewhat sheepishly.