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 Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 7:22 pm
O Father Sky, Mother Earth...
I pray that you give me strength. ↣ ↣ ↣ ↣ Sue ↣ ↣ ↣ Messengers had informed Sue earlier that her father was giving a speech before the people of Eyris. This was something that could not be missed. Even though she had a lot of business to attend to at the Host Club, she left the work in the capable hands of some of the group's other members. "I'm sure everything will be fine when I get back." She thought optimistically.
The words of Rath's speech brought news that the people of Eyris had been waiting for. "Finally, it's time to make our next move. I knew that he would form a strategy." Sue spoke to no one in particular, but wanted the crowd to know her faith she had in the guild's Vice Captain. It wasn't just a familial respect she had toward her father, but an admiration for him as a leader.
When he spoke about Adliana and Estarcia not being able to aid them, a few of the faces around Sue looked confused and shocked by the news. However, she didn't bat an eyelash. "If our allies need to defend their homelands, than so be it. We'll ride together as Learanians once more!" Sue thought proudly. She gazed upon the three that Rath mentioned traveling with him in a small team. None of them were familiar. Sue would have to be the judge of whether or not they were trustworthy.
After the speech concluded and the crowds dispersed, Sue headed back to the castle. She knew what path she was going to take. The nomad trooper went to her room, preparing to get all of her things ready in just one day's time. Rath was meeting with the mercenary group "Cloak", but she would catch up with him later to inform him of her decision.<=|Nomad Trooper|==0 The path ahead shall not be
easy, but I must proceed!
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Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2012 4:41 pm
"Oh dear..." Isadora commented as she watched Sain trotted off in anger. That must have hurt his feelings. Perhaps some food and maybe some calm conversation may try to soothe him. After all, he mustn't exhaust himself before heading to war by staying angry and tiring himself.
"I believe it was more than just the lack of humor." Isadora replied back as she continued watching. "Sain may like to flirt with women, but he does have manners to show them.
It was quite true; after all the spars she had with Sain when they were in Elibe. Despite how many times the green paladin had lost to her, he never once showed any rude behavior. Flattering may had annoyed her, but at least he wasn't being lecherous.
"We might as well." Isadora accepted as she wrapped her arm around him. She gave a light tug on the reins to let Tuomas know that they were about to leave. The horse let out a soft neigh as he began to trot, following his mistress and her friend. "Speaking about planning of what to do ahead of us, remind me to visit Captain Leon after lunch. I like to know if he's planning to come help us fight Sentria or protect Learania."
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Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2012 2:57 pm
"You ask why do I not talk much?"_______←« _____ ←« ____ ←« ___ ←« __ ←« _____"...Because there is nothing to say."Rath
------------  After leaving Cloak headquarters, Rath headed back to Eyris castle. The business with Lance was the most important thing he had to take care of. The news had been delivered, people were getting ready, his paperwork was done, Abel was dealt with, Tibarn and Amelia were preparing themselves to lead the main army and the Sentrians were laying low in the castle. It was time for Rath to focus on his own personal preparations instead of helping others.
He entered the castle and went straight to the room he shared with his daughter. It was later in the day and dinner had been brought to their room as requested earlier. As he entered, Rath set down his things and then paused as he looked at Sue. He knew that look on her face, he knew what it meant, but he didn't say anything about it. He glanced over at their table, where their food was awaiting them. "...Shall we eat?"
The two of them sat at the table and after a grace to give thanks for their meal, began to dine. Rath glanced up at his daughter a couple times in between bites. The conversation ahead of him was unavoidable. "...So I guess asking you to stay behind where it's safe is a little out of the question." He sighed. He wanted to bring down authority, tell her to stay and that was that. But that look in her eyes... was like her mother. "You're not a little girl any longer, I cannot tell you what you can and cannot do... However, if you truly mean to go, you will be with me, you will not for one second stray from my sight. Do I make myself clear on that?"
------------
Vice Captain "The future remains most uncertain, Nino."_____
»→ __»→ ___»→ ____»→ _____»→_______ "...But if this is your wish, then so it shall be."
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Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 9:52 am
O Father Sky, Mother Earth...
I pray that you give me strength. ↣ ↣ ↣ ↣ Sue ↣ ↣ ↣ Just when Sue was done with all her packing, a dinner a was brought personally to hers and Rath's room. It came as something of a surprise. Usually her father was fairly simple and did not go for such extravagant things. But this was special. "I won't say it will be our last, but it will be a long time before we're home again. I guess I can understand."
She took her seat, and soon enough, Rath was sitting across from her. Their eyes aligned, and although no words were exchanged between them at first, there was sort of a mutual understanding. Each of them was well aware of the decision that was made. Each of them respected that decision. But there had to be something to say over this formal occasion.
And there was. When Rath spoke of how she had grown, Sue chuckled. "You're right about that, father. I am not the child I used to be. The both of us have been through much in Learania. Since I've become a warrior, I cannot and will not stay behind. That's my choice." She told him, with the same pride that Rath himself carried within her voice. "But you do not need to worry. I am not fighting in this war for personal glory. I'm fighting to stay by your side. To protect you and aid you as a fellow nomad of Sacae. You'll honor that decision, right?" she continued. Sue paused just a moment to take a few bites from her meal. She wondered what Rath would say.<=|Nomad Trooper|==0 The path ahead shall not be
easy, but I must proceed!
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Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 12:54 pm
"You ask why do I not talk much?"_______←« _____ ←« ____ ←« ___ ←« __ ←« _____"...Because there is nothing to say."Rath
------------ Rath lowered his eyes and grinned. She really was grown. She hadn't shed a single childish word, nor did she fumble at his fatherly demand. When did he miss the day that his little girl became a warrior... It was clear that she no longer had need of him, yet Rath needed her more then he would allow himself to realize.
"As a fellow nomad of Sacae, then..." He nodded to her in respect. "And as fellow guild members of Learania."
←«←«←«←«←«←«←«←«←«←« »→»→»→»→»→»→»→»→»→»→
After dinner, night came and a peaceful rest swept over Eyris. The people knew that they would need their strength for the coming morrow as for some it would mean the start of a long journey. And as time tends to do, it flew by, pulling the night away to beckon dawn's awakening.
At first light, Rath was up and going over finalities. Since he would be absent from Eyris for an extended period of time, he had to make sure his duties would be tended to. He also conversed one final time with Tibarn and Amelia who were preparing their troops for their own path and would be leaving themselves in a day or so. After that, he leaft the castle, his daughter alongside him, and headed for the northern gate. It was time to convey to those going along with him their exact route and what they would be doing.
When he arrived at the gate, he saw the troops gathered in the field outside along with various guildsmen. The time was upon them to begin their leave all that awaited them was his word. After passing through the gate, he dismounted and a soldier came to take hold of his horse for him. Sensing something, Rath turned around and looked back at the gate and then walked over.
------------
Vice Captain "The future remains most uncertain, Nino."_____
»→ __»→ ___»→ ____»→ _____»→_______ "...But if this is your wish, then so it shall be."
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Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 1:22 pm
The young archsage was standing next to the gate looking solemnly on at the scene. She had been quiet recently. She had been staying out of the way. She'd caused enough problems already. When Rath began to walk her direction, Nino's stomach seemed to flip over entirely. They really hadn't spoken much lately. Not that Rath really spoke much at all, but lately... Lately he hadn't even looked at her. Nino had been waiting. She was waiting for him to come to her, and now he was leaving again. He had begun to come over, but the girl had no idea what would transpire when he got there. Would he be angry? Spiteful? Even after so long, it was hard to tell.
She didn't look up until he had reached her. When he had, she looked up into his face but didn't smile. She couldn't smile. She had really been having a hard time with that lately.
"Rath." She said quietly, her eyes wet. It wasn't clear if she had meant to say anything after that, or if that was all she had to say. Rath hardly ever had words, so the two had had to learn to communicate their feelings silently, which Nino was much worse at. She wanted to say so much. But how much of it would do any good?
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Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 1:48 pm
"You ask why do I not talk much?"_______←« _____ ←« ____ ←« ___ ←« __ ←« _____"...Because there is nothing to say."Rath
------------ Despite how any better he had gotten with speaking, being a leader to others, one sight of Nino sent him back to silence. He wasn't mad at her, he didn't know if he ever truly was. He knew the possible risks when he agreed to help her back then. Regardless of any negative feelings he had, she had come back. That was what mattered most. Eyris needed her, the guild needed her, James needed her.
Rath wiped a tear from Nino's cheek. "Long and shrouded paths lie ahead of us and I don't know what is to come our way... but I can promise you this; I will come back to you, my captain."
------------
Vice Captain "The future remains most uncertain, Nino."_____
»→ __»→ ___»→ ____»→ _____»→_______ "...But if this is your wish, then so it shall be."
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Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 1:57 pm
Nino listened carefully to what he was saying. It was so much and yet so little at once. He was good at that. "Why do you call me that?" She shook her head. Suddenly, she stepped forward and threw her arms around his shoulders. "I don't... deserve it." She said tearfully as her hand rubbed his back a little. She clung to the man tightly. She never wanted to let him go... But she had to. He couldn't stay.
"I... I'll miss you... I'll take care of things here as best I can." She wondered how she would handle being without him again. "You just... focus on getting it done... and coming back."
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Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 3:41 pm
"You ask why do I not talk much?"_______←« _____ ←« ____ ←« ___ ←« __ ←« _____"...Because there is nothing to say."Rath
------------ "It's a promise."
Reluctantly, Rath slipped from her grasp and headed back over to where people were waiting. A couple of soldiers jumped and turned around, pretending like they weren't watching. Rath went to Leena's wagon, nodding to her after removing a large scrolled up paper. It was good to have her along, holding all their supplies. She also had connections all over the place and could bring in some good deals if they needed to purchase anything more. He even heard rumor that she had secret shops with rare and useful items.
"Soldiers, guildsmen!" he called out to the group. Rath then handed what he had taken to two soldiers, who unrolled it, revealing a large map much like the kind that would be placed over a table during war meetings. After those who had come had gathered around, Rath stood to the side so everyone had a good view of the map. "As you're aware, this company is heading to Sentria. What you are not aware of is the path we are taking to get there. We are not taking a direct route..." Rath pointed to the mountains in western Learania. "The obvious choice would be to travel through the mountains. However, scouts have confirmed that any such passages have been blocked by bandit activity. As such, we are forced to travel around the mountains." Rath trailed his index finger around the northern end of the mountains. "This will take us close to Adliana and then into Estarcian territory, followed ultimately with our arrival into Sentria. The bandits are focusing their force on us at our border. Entering the desert through Estarcia will allow us to hit them from behind and put an end to this stalemate. We will then push towards the capital." He then pointed at the spot on the map where the borders of Learania, Estarcia and Adliana meet. "When we reach this point, we will be joined by Chieftain Songhua and his tribe. I have sent the mercenary group, Cloak, ahead of us to meet him in the chance he arrives before us."
Rath waved the soldiers to roll up the map and put it back in Leena's wagon. "The main army will be departing in a day or so. We need to travel quickly and cover a great distance to come to their aid on the other side, for they will not be able to hold out forever. Whatever obstacles we come across, we will face them together. Soldiers, guildsmen... or both, we are all comrades. We ride together." He looked out, scanning over the group, while skipping the three Sentrians. "Prepare your things... we leave now."
As the company readied themselves to head out, Rath mounted and took the head. As he began to trot away, he looked back at Nino once more before officially beginning to lead the group on their journey.
------------
Vice Captain "The future remains most uncertain, Nino."_____
»→ __»→ ___»→ ____»→ _____»→_______ "...But if this is your wish, then so it shall be." *People not going with this group can still post in here for a bit
*Topics for both groups will be up hopefully tonight
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Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 11:03 pm
EARLIER THAT DAY... Marina calmly exited the office and looked around her. The king? The king of Learania, himself, wanted her to go on a mission for him? With the Sentrian prince, no less, whose true identity was still a sworn secret to the common folk? Marina paused for a moment, contemplating everything, and smiled briefly. She quickly hid her pleasure and pondered. She imagined the next step would be to approach Rath about this, and then to get herself in with Amir's convoy. But how would she do that?"...That was one of the worst experiences of my life. Mercenaries can be scary when they want to get something. At least we finally got him to keep his mouth shut about the whole thing. ...All I'm saying is that from now on we keep quiet about the whole thing, only behind locked doors.
An exasperated sigh escaped from his lips, annoyance obvious in his tone. Rath was not going to be happy with the breach in security, something had to be thought of as to explain the presence of this new mercenary group. No, wait. Keep them in the reserves till they were needed! Something, something needed to be worked out. Just...He needed a moment to think, he didn't need anything like this.
"And where the bloody dickens is Sir Rath anyway?"...Well, that was one problem solved. The voice whom she recognized as Amir's himself came from a side corridor, and she straightened up her figure, ran her hair behind her ears, and paced over to the corridor where she would meet him. She casually approached him, clearing her throat, and broke the ice rather nonchalant. "So, uh, hi there.""Amon, Ramla. It'll be okay."
He held a hand up, signalling for the two to be at ease. They certainly had been on the edge during the talk with Abel, not really liking the slip between the three of them. Now a new figure approached, as if they were people to take of notice. "...Er...Hello, what can we do for you? Do you work for the castle? Just trying to get ready before the big job ********, is that what mercenaries sounded like? Perfect disguise right there.Marina blinked. "You know me. I was at the meetings.""...I'm going to be honest with this one, that is not exactly the most ideal place to remember people. But as long as you know who I am, I guess I better cut with the act here. It's just something else being in a court like that for the first time, outside of some practice scenario. You were next to the...Hawk King, I believe it was? It's different seeing them in public rather than the images you've developed in your mind via rumors and the like. I'm going to guess that you're here on official business then? What can I address you as?"
He stopped for a moment, gazing off to the sides before motioning towards the office door beside them. "Actually, I'm not going to let this happen a second time. Perhaps it's better to have this conversation in a more seculded space. Amon, Ramla keep watch outside."Marina stared at him for a moment, then nodded once. "Smart idea." She glanced at his two consorts and ducked into the office, waiting for Amir to enter before shutting the door behind him. "I don't think I ever got the chance to introduce myself, since those meetings were more for the bigshots than people like myself. My name's Marina, and my official title is Prime Adjutant to the King of Hawks." She offered a hand to shake. "You've already met my boss, but I'm not here on his behalf." She glanced around cautiously, lowered her voice, and continued. "The King of the country called me to the castle and I met with him just, like, ten minutes ago. He wants me to go with you to Sentria."Well, if there was one good thing to say about her, it was that he certainly didn't have to put up a formal air around her. Something about this Marina just screamed a casual mood. His shoulders relaxed as he brought himself down to a comfortable standing, listening carefully to her words. "Ah, King James...I'm not exactly sure what the whole thing is about, but I can't refuse something like that. Am I allowed to know the reasoning behind your station or is this on a need to know basis like everything else around here? I swear, that's one thing that never changes. Doesn't matter where you go really.""Well, uh, hm." She wasn't sure if she was supposed to be telling Amir that she was going to investigate evidence of The Chaos God's presence or not. Marina fumbled through her pockets and dug out the note James had given her, the one he told her to show if she had any problems getting into a place. She looked at it for a moment, then handed it to Amir with a level glare. "He said to show this to anyone who doubted my necessity to get into places." "Woah, that's all okay now. I wasn't doubting anything here. If King James says that you are needed, then you are needed. I just want some idea of what's going on around here. It's nice to be informed of these things. But if that's something that you should keep to yourself, then I shall trust his judgement. If he sees something in you, then I welcome you aboard. Prepare for departure, you heard the announcements as well as anyone else around here. Stay close to me and Sir Rath, things are complicated enough as it. Besides, you've been stationed with me. I'm officially under Rath, but by the looks of it...As Royal Inquistor, you're up there with him. You're on your own when it comes to what to do on-record. I'll leave that to your own judgement."
He held up a hand in protest, trying to keep the situation calm before it escalated. He could see the type of look she had about her, certainly not the type to keep in her temper by any means. Might as well keep it calm and contained while he could, even if was a bit interesting.Her glare relaxed. "Good," she uttered simply, stowing the letter right back into the pocket it had come from. "Are we leaving immediately, or what's up here?""We leave come morning, according to my orders from Sir Rath." He said simply, getting into the groove of talking with this Marina. Just keep it short and sweet with the whole thing. "We meet by the gates, right at first light."
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Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2012 9:52 pm
Ewan and Amelia The day before a march was always frantic. Preparations to be made, people to be informed, materials to be gathered... Amelia was on her feet and on the move since Rath's announcement, only pausing some time later to rest on a bench outside the Watch house, one hand on her knee, the other wiping the sweat from her brow. The hot afternoon sun beat down upon the back of her neck as she watched the people passing by all around her, some soldiers rushing past with their assignments, others heading towards the castle, and yet others, normal citizens, heading home to avoid the heat of the day until evening fell. Amelia sighed and unbuckled her gauntlets, setting them down on the bench next to her. Her ceremonial armor was lighter than her battle armor, and it was certainly prettier, with all of its swirling silver decorations and and finely-scalloped edges, but it made the heat of the day even more unbearable.
"Like an oven," she muttered, reaching up and removing one shoulderguard. "What I wouldn't give for a lemonade or somethin' right now...""Your wish is my command. Well, the moment you have some free time, Miss General. We have some things to talk about anyway."
A voice called out as the Sage made his way to her, as he decided that checking around for her would be the best alternative to pretending that he was getting ready. Honestly, just throw a pouch on him with some material compents, a spell-book or two, maybe a fried newt for a snack or the aforemention materials, a nice pat on the head and he was all set. Amelia, on the other hand, was a completely different story. It was something else to see her as a responsible leader of a community guard, let along a general in a force like this! The gal had certainly grown up in all the right ways. ....
All the cute ways too. "Ewan!" Amelia looked up, halfway through unlatching the second shoulder guard, and rose to her feet. "Hi--" She paused, looking to her armor, and finished messing with the clasp until the metal piece dangled from its strap in her hand. She put down the guard on the bench and then hugged Ewan. She took care to be gentle, of course; it was sometimes painful enough getting a bearhug, but a bearhug from someone wearing a breastplate? Ouch. "How are you holding up? Are you going to be staying back in Eyris or are you marching with any of the companies?" Amelia pulled away and smiled at him, ruffling his hair. It was kind of an awkward gesture, considering Ewan was about six inches taller than her, but it was the thought that counted.
That and seeing his hair even more mussed up than usual. Too funny.
"I've got enough free time to get a drink. Gods know I could use a break," she laughed, smiling wide. "There should be a cafe or something nearby, if you'd like to just go wherever's closest." Amelia gathered up her armor and held it in her arms, balancing it after a moment of awkward juggling to get a good grip on all of the pieces. "Shall I lead the way, sir?" "Oh my, you certainly do know how to treat a lady. I shall have to remember my manners, I'm afraid that it's been ages since Princess Erika has called me to court. I have forgotten how to cursy, so you'll have to forgive me, my lord~"
Ewan ducked down, pulling up the ends of his pants in an awkward and somewhat amusing manner before straightening himself out. She had left him with a serious question to ponder on this whole thing. To be fair, he was new to the whole Eyris, Sentria...Arcadia? No no, that wasn't a country! That just sounds stupid! ...Whatever the countries were here, he was new to their war. ...But all his friends had pledged themselves to the cause, not to mention so many people here had been nice to him. If these...Mordstaches were as mean as he had heard, he definitely needed to do something! But...Where could he volunteer with? Cloak had decided that he wasn't apart of the crew to bring along and that was his only lead! Well...
Besides one other.
"About this whole marching thing...I don't know what to do Amelia. I need your help. You've always been good at that, like my North Star!" Amelia giggled and gave a grand bow. "Well, I-- Augh!" Amelia scrambled to pick up her gauntlets again, awkwardly juggling them before giving a defeated sigh and putting them all down on the bench. Better just put them back on, it'd make for easier transport. "So, while I, um, put these back on for a bit," she laughed awkwardly, clasping both of her shoulderguards back into place before pulling her arm through a gauntlet, "Your options are, most likely, to either go to Sentria with Rath's company or come with Tibarn and I to go to Pentheus to reclaim the city." Amelia buckled her gauntlets into place and flexed her fingers in her gloves, feeling the fibers tighten and fit smoothly over her knuckles. "Honestly, I'd like to see you come with me. It's been a real long time since I've seen you and I'd worry about you if you were all the way in Sentria." She laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck. "But-- but enough about that. Let's get something to drink. I'll treat you. I don't know how much Cloak's paying you for your work, but I'm sure all your barn rent must be real strenuous on your wallet." Amelia stuck her tongue out at Ewan and grinned before motioning for him to follow.
"So. How were things, exactly, back on Magvel before you vanished? Anything that I forgot to ask about before? And how'd you get here, if I can ask?" Amelia looked to the side and over at Ewan, still beaming. It was hard to not be in a good mood with Ewan around. "I'll have you know I'm saving up so I can leave somewhere respectable, on my own merits! Even if I have to be a mercenary like the family back home, I'll make it on my own two feet like a man! I promised Sis you know." He gave a firm nod, as if that was that before tackling the problem at hand. "As for the whole Sentury business, I'm definitely coming along with you and this Mister Tibarn- Heh, I live in one- and that's definitely that! You can break up a duo like us, for sure. They won't know what hit them between my magic and your lance!" A quick swipe across the bridge of his nose settled the issue once and for all, even if there was nothing to argue about. In fact, this was completely silly and we should move on.
"As for Magvel...Well, reconstruction went pretty smoothly all across, even after the natural disasters. The only place that didn't really...make it was Jehenna. Joshua was a completely different guy once the war was over. It was like he didn't have any drive in life once his mother and Natasha passed, bless their souls. I tried to make it on my wares and studying the crafts on my own back home, once Master deemed me fit. ...However, I had to pack up once things got too rough. Honestly, as it stood, Jehenna was going to get absorbed into either a nearby nation or divided amongst them. Beyond that, things were fantastic. Reconstruction meant that a shortage of work wasn't even close to the reality. People grew older, some were married in time. Even Marisa tried her hand at something other than fighting! ...She can't chop wood to save her life and Gerik's the only one brave enough to taste her cooking."
He held his nose as just the thought of it, trying not to lose his appetite. There was just something...unnatural about her cooking. But Gerik, bless the man, could never refuse a plate. It was almost as if he enjoyed her cooking, straight from the heart. Tethys was going to have some competition with that one! Or was it Saleh she had her eyes on? Honestly, the sage had no clue...Romance, go figure! "Master invited me back into his home till the time I could set out on my own again, even if he did regret it from time to time. ...One of those times being when I was messing with some of the more advance magicks. One bad step with those and you're in for a bruising! ...I kinda set the place on fire, though my craftswork was able to put it out! ...Unfortunately it upset some of the water experiments and almost caused a flooding. I got it all under control but got myself lost. One of the doors I took just happened to be the wrong one."
He stopped for a moment, contemplating the statement before turning to her with a large grin. "On second thought, take back that last sentence. It happened to be the best damn door I've ever taken." Amelia nodded slowly as Ewan talked, arms folded behind her back as she walked. The cafe was even closer than she thought, and she simply nodded to Ewan to urge him to continue as she located a table for the two of them and sat, folding her arms on the table. When he finally finished explaining, though there were tinges of remorse on her face, she couldn't help but smile. "Sounds like the Ewan I used to know. And still know, I guess," she amended almost immediately, smiling a little wider. She dropped a napkin idly into her lap and studied the paper menu on the table, resting her cheek against her fist, elbow on the table. "Hm... lemonade..." She looked back to Ewan, reaching up and brushing her blond hair away from her face. "I'm sorry to hear about Jehenna. Joshua always seemed like he should've been a decent guy, so... I don't know. How did Natasha die? I remember her being so healthy before the fight with the Demon King..." Amelia frowned, looking back to her menu in silence for a few long moments.
"...It is good to see you again, though. The-- the you I knew, I guess," Amelia fixed belatedly, brow furrowing for a moment. Following multiple universes was difficult sometimes... Amelia pinched the bridge of her nose for a moment and sighed. "Anyway, what do you want to drink?" she asked, holding the menu up and out for Ewan to take. "Are you hungry?" Ewan began to shift uncomfortably in his seat, biting his upper lip at the sudden topic change. That was a subject that he had blocked...for quite some time. Natasha had been like a second mother to him, especially once it came to the move back to Jehenna. She was always full of warmth, such gentle laughter always followed behind her. A meal didn't go by that she wasn't hovering over the younger members, making sure that they had enough, always minding their table manners.
It was nice...
"...Natasha...Natasha was to give birth. And then...She didn't." He responded simply, staring down at his menu for a few moments before sighing. "I'll take some sweet tea and a biscuit. I'm not that hungry." The young General said nothing, though the frown on her face deepened, creasing her brow, and her face went slightly pale. They had both been Grado citizens; she could remember quiet conversations near the campfire, discussing the future of their country and their own disappointment in how things had developed. Natasha had been just as much of a comfort to her as she had been to the other members of the company. She reached over in silence and took Ewan's hand in both of hers, squeezing it gently. She was silent still as she watched him, then squeezed again before letting go. She had no idea what to say, though the slight dampness at her eyes as she quickly rubbed it away with a gloved finger. "A-All right. Whatever you want. I did-- I did say I'd pay for it, you know?" She paused, biting her lower lip before busying herself with the menu again.
Why can't you think of anything better to say? Stupid... "...You're right."
He tucked it all back in, wrapping it nice and tightly under a nice warm smile. Here he was enjoying a nice meal with Amelia, his Amelia. Not some other Amelia, not some illusion or anything of the sort. His own Amelia, the one he knew. Even if she had changed, that's what she would forever be to him. The Amelia that he knew. Certainly time to start acting like it!
"You treated me to this nice meal, and it's time to get back to getting caught up again. I've spilled my part...Now tell me about how you got here! What's happened after all these years? I bet you're pretty popular!" Amelia peered at Ewan from over the edge of the menu, then lowered it. "Um... it's... pretty simple, actually. Sir Duessel had come to fetch me from my day's work to take me to see my mother, and when I went through the door, I was... I was gone." Amelia laughed sheepishly and shrugged. "It-- I'm over it. I mean, it... I do think about it sometimes. But I can't really change it, you know? You move on. I won't deny I miss her. But I have a life here now. I have a-- Tibarn is--" She paused and frowned. How to even describe... "Tibarn is my best friend. ...more than that, maybe. It's hard to explain. And he's got this little daughter, Vah. She's a real spitfire. Kinda makes me think of Aisen sometimes." Amelia laughed sheepishly and rubbed the back of her neck. "Anyway, it's just... it's been a lot of the same. Lots of fighting. Lots of awkward encounters. Nearly died once. No big deal. I dealt with worse back on Magvel, I think," she ended, messing with her napkin. "I'unno if I'm really popular, per se, but... I'm definitely managing." She studied the menu again. "Think I'll get a large lemonade and... maybe just a scone or something." Ewan's face lit up at the mention of Tibarn, finally hearing who he was to Amelia. "I really know how that feels! That's like with Master Saleh and me. It's a nice feeling when you make him proud right? Even if he scolds you, you can go to him for anything. Even if you mess up, he's there to help you out even if it means a smack on the head. His daughter sounds fantastic! I'll have to meet her sometime, gotta prepare my best tricks!" He laughed, stopping slowly as he realized something that had slipped out. This wasn't right...She hadn't mentioned anything before. Was there something here that he hadn't realized before? Was he overstepping some boundaries here?
"...Amelia...Uh.." He paused for a second, the sentence stuck in his throat as he tried to bring about the right way. For once, he was absolutely at a loss for words. ...Hold your breath, diving in! "...Who is Aisen?" Amelia smiled, nodding slowly as she thought back. Him scolding her for leaving home during the Job Fair, even if she was still recovering, Vah keeping her company on days when the pain was too great for her to leave her bed, helping Tibarn to cook in the kitchen when she still had yet the strength for strenuous physical activity, but enough to get out of bed... He had been good to her, she knew that. Simple words of gratitude weren't really enough. "Yeah. That... that sounds right." She closed her menu as a waitress approached. "Yes, um, large lemonade and a sweet tea, and a biscuit and a scone... chocolate scone. Thanks." Amelia smiled gratefully, looking over to Ewan as he tried to grab her attention again.
Her face fell, shifting from curiosity to uncertainty. She looked down at her napkin, then sighed, looking back to Ewan. She smiled a little and tried to keep calm, but there were still little ripping noises below the table that could be heard over the soft hum of conversation around them. "Aisen is-- ...Aisen was my son," she confessed, looking back at her knees. "...Y-Yeah." "...Oh."
Ewan sat in silence, not even sure where to take it from there. That was pretty damn stupid of him to just rush into a conversation like that. It was so damn obvious now that he thought of it! ...Why didn't he wait for her to just tell him? Blast it..."Amelia...I'm sorry, you don't have to continue till you want to tell me." Amelia laughed sheepishly. "No, it's... it's okay. I've made my peace with it. We... we had our times, Rhys and I," Amelia said, though her voice was beginning to lower to mumbles. "I got to enjoy being with him for a couple of years. It was... it was good. Aisen was... it was special, knowing he was... that I'd..." she trailed off and laughed again. "Look at me, tripping over my words like always," she muttered. "Aisen was a good child. And... and at least I know Rhys went out fighting, you know?" The little ripping sounds continued. "He could've just-- y'know, died in the medic's tent, still healing people, but he went out and -- and he took Aisen with him, can't leave the baby alone -- and he went to fight off all those people that were trying to... to invade the city. Take over the castle. Kill the king." The ripping sounds stopped; she lifted her hands long enough to fumble a new napkin out of the small stack at the center of the table, gripping it tightly before placing it shakily on the table in front of her. "Not like I could've helped him, I suppose, that rat b*****d had... he really got me good, I almost died out there, so I guess I was busy bleeding out while Rhys was on the battlefield and got surrounded and... yeah." Amelia laughed again, even as she rubbed furiously at her overflowing eyes. "But it happened, and you have to move on unless you just... let it eat you alive, you know?" she sniffed hard and smiled at Ewan. "It doesn't mean it won't hurt, though."
Amelia sniffed again and rubbed at her eyes with the heels and sides of her palms. "But I'm okay. I mean, I'm-- you know how it is, you can't just forget it, not after just a year, but eventually you accept it. And I've accepted it. I'm okay." She rubbed her eyes again. "I just want to move on. G-Get on with my life, you know? I can't... I can't spend my entire life being mournful over nothing. Th-The ladies in those paintings, the ones in wedding dresses staring forlornly at the horizon? They only d-died on those clifftops because they couldn't-- they couldn't accept a world without the man they loved. And I don't-- I don't want to die alone." She paused and laughed once more, that uneasy chuckle like she had made a fool of herself. "Sorry, that's-- that was way too much information." "No, you told me everything that I wanted to know."
Ewan replied simply, pulling himself out of his seat before making his way over to her. "I don't know how it is to go through that. ...I mean, I've lost parents and I've lost friends along with adopted family...But when it comes to the person I love, I've never lost them in such a way. You are strong to keep walking like that, to keep on fighting. I know it hurts sometimes...And I'm happy you opened it up long enough to see. That means a lot to me. But now, it's time for those happy days that those paintings will never tell. It's time for a nice lunch with friends, a sword at your side as you protect those memories with everything you have. Rhys was a strong man, from what you told me. He died what Gerik would call a man's death, a warrior's death even if he lived a healer. ...I'm sorry for speaking of it as such, but he went out in a way that you can be and I know you are proud of. And I'm glad you are going to live a life just as bright."
He reached out, embracing her despite whoever would look on. This was a hug that was long needed, something that he wished he could have done many times over the years she had struggled. What it would have been like to wish her off at that wedding, to meet the son of his most important person...Yes...She did mean a lot to him. But for now, that was just something to keep under lock and key. Right now...She needed to live. "And you have people to live that life with you. And tomorrow, we are going to protect those happy days and add to those memories." Amelia shrugged one shoulder, but she nodded, sniffing again. "I think he would have liked to hear that, if he could," Amelia admitted, and though her cheeks were splotchy pink, she couldn't help but smile. "Thank you, Ewan." She sniffed again, moved to grab a napkin to wipe her eyes dry, but he wasn't done yet, and arms wrapped around her, armor and all, holding her. Amelia let her eyes close and hugged him back, her expression relaxing. "Yeah. Yeah, I-- I know." She smiled, a little more genuine now, and hugged tighter. "Thank you. R-Really." She pulled away enough to give him a grateful smile and muss his hair before sweeping his fringe from his face. "...I-I'm lucky to have you around again."
She kissed him gently on the forehead, then let go and rubbed her face dry on a napkin. "I think-- yeah. Yeah, I'm-- I'm okay now." Amelia smiled, less shaky than before. "Thank you again." A beat passed before she laughed sheepishly. "Goodness, this-- this visit got depressing real fast!" she joked. What had been intended as a lighthearted meeting had gotten rather heavy, and quickly, and Amelia reeled trying to figure out how that had happened. "We better fix that, huh??" "Fix...Yeah." Ewan muttered as he had fallen back into his seat, running into COMPLETE SENSORY OVERLOAD from the forehead kiss.
"Yes." Amelia frowned, leaning over to peer at him. "Are you all right?" She poked at his chest with her first two fingers. "I guess I'll have to eat your food for you," she told him in a sing-song voice, leaning back in her chair as she waited for the waitress to return."...Wait what? No no! You can't deprieve me of my glorious buscuits! I'm a growing boy you know! That's not fair! That's not right! I call for a recount, a second decision from the court! Where is justice? Where is dignity? I will not go quietly into the night! I will no-"
"KEEP IT DOWN!"
With thought Ewan fell back down into his seat without another word, thinking of the safety of his meal. After awhile he just finally sighed, smiling up at her. "So I guess this tears it. I'm definitely coming with you tomorrow."Amelia burst out into laughter, arms wrapped around her belly. The same person that had shouted at Ewan before gave her a nasty look until she calmed down, grinning cheekily over at Ewan. "I guess you are! And I guess I don't get any biscuits. Oh well. I've got a scone comin'." She wiped her eyes again with the palm of one hand, but the smile on her face had eased, grown more natural. "Stick with me, okay? That way I can make sure no one can take you by surprise. I've got my armor, I'll be safe. I don't want to see you hurt. Okay?" she smiled. "Just watch my back and I'll watch yours.""Nothing is even going to think about harming you when you have my magic at your back! You'll be invincible, and you can bet on that!""I'm holdin' you to that!" Amelia grinned, thanking the waitress as she arrived with their food and drinks, picking up her lemonade and taking a deep drink. "So don't let me down, okay?" She put down the glass and clasped her hands together, smiling cheekily at him from behind them. "So... tell me more about your barn adventures, huh?"
Some things still hurt, but watching Ewan's animated way of talking, the way his eyes lit up when he could fall into long spiels like this... she couldn't help but laugh.
Yeah. Everything was going to be okay.
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Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 12:04 am
xxxxx"If you're worried about surviving, xxxxxxxyou can worry about it after you're dead!"
"The wyvern riders of Bern sit atop the heap of all other forces on the continent!" xxxxx "You will see our power soon!" Constant grumbling was coming from within Vaida's office as Mihira inched towards it. Things were really crazy, and not the normal kind of crazy like how daily training is, it was like Vaida ending up making weaker people need to be admitted into the asylum because she broke their minds sort of crazy. And as much as Mihira really didn't want to risk getting a piece of her body possibly literally get bitten off, she had to go in that office and tell her commander something...
"Um..."
"Don't even stop to think about all the other s**t I have to do around here on top of it! Sleep? What's sleep? Is that a thing people do? I know I wouldn't know of any such thing. Because I have been up dealing with dumbasses and layabouts who dare disgrace my face holes by having to hear, see and yell at their sorry asses for thinking they have a right to exist!!" Vaida slammed her hand on her desk. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT, MIHIRA?!"
She jumped. "U-um... er.. I just wanted to say t-that, I think... Captain Gale.. is... here... ..." She bit her lip and tucked in her chin.
"Well it's about ******** time!" She roared as she stood up and strode out of the office. She looked around and stomped over to where he was. "Gale! Where have you been? Nevermind! Stand there, shut up, and listen!" She pressed a few fingers into her forehead. "I have been given the glorious task of getting everyone's a** moving around here double time because ******** all long lost princes." She didn't stop to explain what that meant even though it wouldn't really make much sense to Gale. "The main army will be moving out ahead of us, we can't get around that. I have to stay here and wait for all our riders around the country to return before I can deploy the wyvern brigade. With our losses during the Eyris siege, we need all the sodliers we can muster. SO-" she shouted as she lowered her hand and actually looked at him. "I want you to go ahead of me with a small group. Take Zeiss and Miriha, they know you and they work well together. Oh and... take that, too..." She nudged her head over towards where Vanessa was. She still wasn't used to having a pegasus rider amongst them and she just really wasn't fond of the creatures. Horses with wings were just ******** weird, in her opinion. "You think you can handle that, hands- ...Captain?"
She really should get some sleep before she ended up chasing some poor civilian down the street, thinking he was an invading bandit...
W y v e r n L o r d V a i d a*
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Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 9:17 pm
Vaida's rants were nothing new. In fact, Gale would have cause for concern if she was acting rationally. But, finally, he was getting action in this battle; he had sat around for far too long awaiting orders, twiddling his goddamn thumbs. For good reason, he was still a relatively new face around this part of the world and even though others could vouch for his prowess, he still had to find a way to show it off. For now, though, he was entirely okay with not being ordered around every moment of the day, but was it ever a relief to finally get some orders. And that brought us to the present moment, where he stood calmly outside of Vaida's office, witnessing her latest shitfit in all its full audial splendor.
"Thank you, Mihira," he spoke simply to her, giving her a casual stern nod to go into the office and announce his presence. It was a matter of mere seconds before Vaida came out to address him, and her presence was always a sight to behold. Of course, barked orders did nothing to faze him -- he had worked alongside Narshen, after all, and if you could take orders from that blowhard you could take orders from anyone -- and he listened to her orders with a firm stance and unwavering attention. "Where have you been--" completely rhetorical, "getting everyone's a** moving around here--", yes, that was certainly a thing that needed ******** doing by this point, "You think you can handle that, hands- ...Captain?"
"Without a doubt, beaut-- General." He turned to address the two other women. "You heard her! Mihira, prepare your wyvern, Vanessa, prepare your..." He gave Vanessa a sour look. "Horse. And where the hell is Zeiss? He had better be findable in ten minutes, or he's on wyvern stalls duty for the next month!" He jabbed at a map conveniently on the wall by them. "Our orders are to meet General Amelia in Pentheus and provide aerial support! On mount, it should take us no more than half a day to reach, provided no interruptions. Now what are you waiting for? Move, move, MOVE!"
And with that, he turned away, expecting the two soldiers to follow him, and giving Vaida a nice view of that tight, pert a**.
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Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 11:04 pm
The yelling in the building wasn't too hard to miss for any wyvern rider. Heck, so much for any kind of break either. If it wasn't a mission it was yelling going on to cause stress. Though the yelling just meant it was time to roll on out.
Starting on off towards the captain's room, the yelling wasn't even stopping. A sigh barely broke Zeiss' lips as he could hear a bit going on in there. Just another bad day for the wyvern brigade it seemed since they were short on hands. Where they had to go he wasn't sure till he realized who was leading them.
"Well great to work with you again." He commented to Gale, who had just asked about where he was. "Back to Pentheus...looks like I'm making a round trip here." He added, remembering that he had come into Eyris from Pentheus. No matter, it was time to return there and this time on the attack. All that was left was to follow along without getting in the way of Vaida's view of Gale's a**.
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