Dubhaine Family/Ciarghuala/Roleplays/1018/January

4th January

Night -- Poryatu

Nicholas Archival

They had nearly arrived home. The journey to Poryatown, now reaching its end as the small force passed through the pastures and townland of Poryatu, had been almost entirely uneventful. In contrast to the fighting near Shinnen, the waves of monsters and that final charge of the Sworn Swords, all seemed calm - a curious tranquillity given that malign forces had been rampaging through Earth's Hall not long ago. Despite the lack of action and excitement, or perhaps because of it, Nicholas was pleased. It was reassuring to know that upon his return home, there would not be monsters to contend with. He had only spent a short time in his Noble Manor Square estate, but it had been a place of warmth and comfort; though well-acquainted with the martial life, even he could anticipate a soft bed and a warm hearth.

After a quiet hum of thought, the Knight raised a hand and the column paused. Captain Raedfleda, a spindly woman but a few years older than himself, approached with her bow ever in hand. He regarded her for a moment in expectant silence, before she remembered her manners and bowed her head. He had always allowed a small amount of informality with the Swords... but they were gone, and the Archival Arrows were in their place. Nicholas would not make the mistake of over-investment this time. With curt mannerisms, he requested the report.

"All seems as it was yesterday, and the day before that, Sir Nicholas," Raedfleda began. "It looks like we'll be arriving at Poryatu at first light. The men are eager to set up shop in their new headquarters, so they'll keep on marching 'til we get there."

He considered this for a moment, before offering a brisk nod in response. "Very good, captain. Ensure that they are presentable upon our arrival. I would not want to arrive at the estate in which I govern with a poorly-assembled force. The peasantry must know to respect and admire me, and the men in my service. That would be all."

The Captain bowed once again, before striding over towards the men, to whom she shouted instructions. Nicholas took a few moments to observe her work - she was diligent, loyal and expressed his orders with an attitude which brooked no dissent. It was what he needed; with the Swords he had led them personally, with no captain beside him. That was probably his greatest folly. These men were born and trained to serve Luria in their way, just as he was in his. They served to fight and to die for the cause and for the realm, if that is what it took. It was Nicholas' duty to command, to direct them to where the Empire needed them most. It was not his duty to become friends with them. No doubt it was a short path to a nobleman losing his edge, should he fear overtly for their lives.

It would be callous to disregard them and their livelihood, something he intended to never do... but as he had learned in Grodno, to become too close spelled disaster all the more.

10th January

Day -- Poryatu

Kaguya Fujiwara

A final volley of arrow fire put flight to the last four beasts plaguing Grodno, allowing Kaguya some time to contemplate the battlefield as the skirmish wound down.

It was a strange experience to be fighting on "foreign" soil. True, Kaguya had made the momentous decision to land in the Hegemony and had sworn allegiance to the Lurian Throne, but settling in to new peoples and cultures was taking some time. Each day that passed she learned a little more about her new home, but the traditions of Yamatai remained strong within her and her household.

So much that she did not know!

Kaguya could not help but compare, for instance, the stark difference between her troops and those of her comrades. The heavyset jerkins and mail hauberks of the other men were still a novelty compared to the brightly painted oriental lamellar that she and her retainers wore.

But it is they who will find us exotic, she thought, keeping in mind that she was the foreigner here.

Their ways of war were so different. Of course her retainers were bowmen as per Fujiwara tradition, but everything about Yamatai and Lurian archery was dissimilar; from the type of bows used, to the stance, even down to the base philosophy.

"All the men are accounted for, milady."

Kaguya waved to acknowledge the captain's report and noticed with some consternation the tremble of anxiety in her hand. She gripped the reins of her horse quickly, hoping to hide the moment of weakness.

Perhaps - though she would never openly admit it - she was not as acclimatized to warfare as she had hoped.

Yet another thing for the young Fujiwara heir to get used to.

At peace though the realm seemed, battle was never too far away.

Jeffrey Birkenhead

Monsters. Again.

After Lurias great campaign came to a temporary halt just before the walls of Shinnen, Jeffrey saw it necessary to tend to his troop's equipment. Bows were starting to break, armor beginning to fall apart, even cuttlery was at the point of looking flimsy. Had he pushed forwards, he could not have guaranteed for his troops fighting capabilities.

The travel through Sulorte to Grodno took about a day. Everything went smooth, there were plans of not halting at all and directly continuing towards Outer Giask, but those plans were cut short when reports came in of a Monster horde. A minor nuisance, thanks to some allied forces being in the region as well.

Allied... forces. What allegiance did those strange looking bowmen hold, with their outlandish equipment? Jeffrey's never seen anything of the likes. Jeffrey ordered his captain to hail that unit, and not long after and quite surprisingly, it was established they were loyal to Luria Nova, and preparing to confront the Monsters as well.

Without further ado, as the forces of evil were approaching quickly, Jeffrey's archers took positions next to those strangers, and the battle commenced. Drowning in a hail of arrows, the monsters did not stand a chance. One could even have pitied them, as they looked increasingly similar to pin cushions throughout the skirmish. They were soon exterminated, while the noble defenders did not even receive a single blow! Yes, archers are valuable assets, one that Luria was pitiably short of.

Following the inconvenience, Jeffrey made arrangements for asking the leader of those strange soldiers for a meeting, noble to noble, and now was waiting for a response.

Night -- Poryatu

Kaguya Fujiwara

"Milady?"

The Fujiwara captain stood at the eaves of Kaguya's tent. She dared not enter. No one would; Kaguya's private space was sacred unless invited into. The Fujiwara lady had made that clear from the beginning.

No response. Overhead, a flight of birds against the darkening sky. A cricket chirped in an adjacent bush.

Godmona cleared her throat again.

"Ahem, milady?"

A voice from inside the tent. "...Yes?"

"A letter came for you this afternoon, milady. From Sir Jeffrey Birkenhead, milady, Knight of Askileon."

"What is his entreaty?"

"He wanted to meet with you, milady."

Kaguya emerged from the tent. She had dispensed with her armour, having changed into a carnelian yukata that complemented the evening sun very nicely.

"Then perhaps we should go and meet with him, my captain."

"Yes, er... That is to say... He's left Grodno, milady."

"..."

"He left before this evening's battle, milady."

Kaguya's eyes narrowed. "And you permitted his invitation to tarry without response?"

"You, uh, you were in your tent, milady!"

"You could have knocked."

"But yesterday I did, and was told that you weren't to be disturbed..."

"Yesterday, I was in contemplation. Today, I am not. Tomorrow is not yet here. The difference is like Spring is to Winter. You, too, must learn these like the seasons."

"But I can't... I mean, you... I just... I mean, yes, milady."

"Very well, my captain. You shall prepare a response to the Honourable Knight that we would be most pleased to take tea with him at the nearest opportunity."

"...Yes, milady."

The two women parted ways, one serenely back into her tent... the other to the barracks, a perplexed frown plastered firmly on her face.

William Fitz Roberts

Imprisoned

Sir William rode at the head of his beleaguered forces into the capital of Luria. The last week had been the opposite of successful. His unit had been decimated in numerous battles, he had been prevented from returning to the Rangers in their campaign to retake Shinnen, and, worst of all, he had been captured. He thought back to that day

It should have been a perfectly normal battle. Let the archers do some damage to the monsters, charge in, and then let the infantry advance and mop up the rest of the monsters. Of course, that is not how it had played out. It still could not quite remember what had happened. All his memory revealed to him was the sound of horns starting the charge, and then laying flat on his back as the battle continued on around him. He could barely see anything from the visor of his helmet and, for reasons unbeknown to him, he was unable to stand. He had then heard voices talking excitedly, and grasping hands dragging him away from the battlefield. He had blacked out at this point, and when he awoke he was in some crude cell with an ugly face leering over him.

The conversation, if one could call it that, had been a simple exchange of insults that ended with William being bludgeoned repeatedly about the head with some form of cudgel and being demanded to give over 90 gold in payment for his release. This had been the order of the day for the next few mornings, insults followed by a beating followed by demands for money. It had begun to dawn on him that rescue wasn't coming and so had eventually haggled down the ransom to what little money that he had on him. Gathering his men, who had been scattered all across Sulorte, he had ridden through Grodno, attempting, unsuccessfully, to avoid the monstrous presence there.

The experience of the last week had taught him one thing: the security of parts of the empire was somewhat lacking and needed reorganising. All this he had conveyed to the Emperor, who had agreed to his new initiative with enthusiasm. Sir William looked back to the men and women behind him. They had fought had and well, but the realm had little use for their kind right now. He still had use for them over the next week, but after that they had more than earnt their retirement. He had it all planned out. Now all he had to do was to work out how to tell them that he had no further us of them. There were a few that he had genuinely bonded with. Two of them had been with him from the beginning, and had survived every disaster that the unit had experienced. Ah well, one last drink and then down to business. Service to the realm was far more important than personal camaraderie or honour, after-all

Dorian Pavus

Amidst the evening meal in Dorian's camp, he rang a bell to bring his men to attention. There was nothing the men were aware of, especially evident by Captain Franz's reactions.

"Ladies, gentlemen. This evening I must share something important with you all. I am not like the other Knights. For many reasons, of course. Many have long lines of heritage, but I am the first of my family to ascend. Perhaps I will be the last. But despite our ranks, our places in the world, we aren't so different. Many nobles watch their men charge off to war with little care, but not me. That is not the Pavus way."

He took a deep breath as the sun glistened on his dark skin, beads of sweat forming. He brought his right hand across it, removing it. Bell in his offhand, he walks around his camp shaking hands. The sharing of sweat was certainly strange. Yet oddly metaphorical. They bled together as they sweated together. And it would be impractical for some kind of blood brotherhood to be formed amidst a feast.

"It is with this hand that I - that we - change the world. The future of Luria Nova will be shaped by us. I am not just a knight - I am a hero. Your hero. A hero of the realm. And if that shall one day cost me my life, so be it. For the Empire. And I am not just words. That would be strange. I am preparing to restore the Order of the White Rose. Such qualities cannot be forgotten. Nor can such history. And at my side, you are all going to act as Luria's greatest men and women, one time or another."

The soldiers begin to applaud him, but there is one man that claps much more than the rest - Captain Franz. "You've always done me proud, Sir Dorian. And I look forward to spending a long time at your side."

"It would never be the same without you, Captain," Dorian nodded, "You're an essential part of my unit. And very... important to me. I would be disappointed if we had to part." he lets out a smile.

"I see. I feel much the same way. But let us finish up our meals. We are nearing Giask."

"You're right, Captain. Let's get to work."

11th January

Evening -- Ciarin Tut

Donald Augustus Allan

The last few days had been troubling. The momentum the campaign had regained not so long ago seemed to have faded, and all the while it seemed that everything was not quite right.

Some of the campaign's most promising Knights had swanned off, taking up bureaucratic work no less. Deciding rather to count bushels of wheat than to count the men in rank, perhaps they could no longer stomach the battlefield. Sir William had called for aid in Grodno and by the time Donald, and a handful of other companies had arrived, he had gone. Rumours of capture abounded, and that after some tribulation he had arrived safely in the capital. It was strange to think of that huge man being captured, the blow to his must have been harsh.

And yet, that was hardly half the story, stranger tidings had happened upon the armour. Apparently Sir Dorian was a hero of the smallfolk now, an example to us all. Although as far as Donald Augustus was concerned the man desired nothing more than to claim his six feet of earth, a highly coveted location in these times. So while fighting alongside Dorian, the man who desired a hero's death, came something even stranger. A Dame had joined the army recently, a foreigner from a foreign land with foreign customs. How had this women acquired her Knighthood? Was Luria pushing aside its own in favour of barbarians from Eastern lands? These were troubling questions.

But the most concerning man of all was the Marshal. Donald trusted the recently re-elected Imperial Marshal Lord Cador, but his last orders had been some time ago, and it seemed the army was losing purpose. Some were stationed in Grodno, some in Shinnen, some further west and some... well, Donald had no clue. The whole business was hardly befitting of the Hegemony of Luria Nova, that was for certain.

Donald looked down, his cup of wine had run dry: "Servant!" he yelled "fetch more wine, and be quick about it!"

"And get me my damn scribe as well!"

Dorian Pavus

After arriving in Giask, Dorian heard rumours of his captain having treasonous thoughts. Dismissing them at first, he decided it was essential to speak to him.

"Captain Franz,"

"Yes, Sir Dorian?"

"What are your views on the Empire?"

"It's entirely necessary and lawful. We all have our... concerns, of course."

"Like if a poorly-run rebellion succeeds, Franz?"

"Something like that, yes."

"If that law was removed, what would we have?"

"Justice. Mercy." Franz's smile holds sadness. "Freedom."

"Chaos." Dorian said. "Lawlessness. War."

Franz shakes his head. "Perhaps I have a more optimistic view of my fellow beings than you do. So you consider this a bulwark against others? For how long?"

"Explain."

"How long will you accept tyranny as a necessary part of the Empire?" Franz asked. "Until all resistance is silenced? Until all others are vanquished?"

"Perhaps your optimism isn't as strong as you claim." Dorian said. "The tone of a government is set by its leader. But Emperor Zajar will not live forever. When it comes time for his authority to be handed to another, I must be a senior noble to allow me to influence the choice of that leader."

"And do you expect that new leader to spread light into the darkness?"

"There is hope that he will," Dorian said. "But if others are victorious, that hope will be extinguished. Forever."

"Hope." Franz shakes his head. His stance holds no such hope. "I fear, Sir, that you're still dangerously naive on political matters." He lifts a hand. His body stance holding defeat. "I hope you're right. I fear you're wrong."

"We shall see."

"Some of us shall." Franz said. "others of us will be long gone."

"I see," Dorian said. "Then I expect you and the Pavus Guard will return home. Perhaps find my sister. Do as you will. You are dismissed. Permanently."

"But Sir-"

"There are no buts. Don't make this harder than it already is, Franz. We cannot do this. Not anymore."

Later that eve, Dorian was approached by an older woman. Grey hair, black skin, wrinkles setting in. It much contrasted the milky skin that Dorian had; its youthful glow, his auburn hair, his moustache. She holds a sense of intrigue looking at him.

"Yes?" Dorian said.

"Your unit has abandoned you. They took off and didn't look like they're coming back."

"I'm aware. I am planning replacements."

"Then look no further. Trajania is my name. Couple dozen or so others me at your service. Askileon Warrior Monks, no less. Fund us and we'll fight with you until the end."

"An interesting offer, Trajania. Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why should I choose you and your people?"

"We are heroes in our own ways. And having a bigger her to serve would be ideal."

"Very well," Dorian said. "We'll work that out. You and your men will be known as... The Chimera."

Jonn Dodger

Time moves slowly for the dreamwalker, and so it seemed ages had passed since Jonn's eyes had last opened upon the waking world.

His soul again and again passed capriciously between the mortal world and the strange plane betwixt life and death, the realm of visions and illusions.

He flew like a bird without form across Dwilight, across the oceans and the lands beyond, watched realms fall and new ones rise, watched his young children grow in high halls of stone, stood witness to the deeds of friend and enemy alike. He breathed without breath the fresh sea breezes of Garuck Udor and the Dark Isle, the rarefied air of the Akesh highlands, the claustrophobic smog of Taselak, the humid reek of the Abakan swamp. And alongside and betwixt them all, he gazed into the plane beyond.

He walked with the father along the beaches of Ecsetuah, the last place he had seen him alive. They looked out over the strait to Nbasah as it had been in the days of his youth.

"Arcaea grows strong again," his father said sadly, and Jonn understood. "You must be mindful, my son." Jonn looked; his father now held his severed head in his cupped hands, his neck feebly spurting blood. "You are sure to meet my fate if the mainlanders have their way. Arcaea grows strong again. You must be stronger."

His father disappeared, and through the river mists a boat appeared just as quickly, and a familiar voice rang out. "Are you ready to learn the ways of the sea, Mistwooder?"

Jonn smiled to see Shintuk again, proud and swaggering on the bow of his longship. His heart yearned for another taste of their wild youthful days of adventure, but he knew it was not yet time for that voyage. He waved, and watched as the ship took to the strait like an arrow from a bowstring and faded into the blue distance, and yet it seemed to draw closer at the same time.

A familiar cackle rang out from all around him, and suddenly he was in the darkness of the deepest Mistwood, in a circle of standing stones. "Not yet ready for death, Jonn?" Fae asked mockingly as her stooped and wrinkled form appeared from the shadows. "You're just like your old grandmother after all. How long will you cling to this forsaken world? Two lifetimes already, you'll be as old as I before you know it!" A thousand ravens cawed and took to the sky, the beating of their wings like a clap of thunder in his ears.

But Jonn smiled as he replied. "A man does not choose his time," he said, "only what he does before it comes to pass." The old crone gave a cry of consternation and disappeared, and the trees parted and grew less dark and gnarled around him, until he found he was in a different part of the Wood entirely.

A familiar path was beneath him, and he turned a corner to find the old stone bridge that crossed the River Enlod just a short way from his childhood home. On its edge sat Merritt and old Habbo, Kellan's father, and they looked up and smiled as he approached; Merritt in his quiet and inscrutable way, and Habbo with his dimwitted but earnest eagerness.

"Are you ready, Warleader?" Merritt asked. Jonn knew for what without asking, and together they crossed the bridge, and suddenly his sword was at his side.

Three cities he entered, their great gates of iron flung wide for him. The streets were lined with the dead, and their sunken faces gazed upon him as he made his way through to three high castles. Within each, a feasting hall and a long table lined with dead warriors; they raised their swords in salute as he entered.

In the first a cup was poured, and it was filled with blood.

In the second a cup was poured, and it was filled with flies.

In the third a cup was poured, and it was filled with ash.

And in each he drank deep, and they placed upon his head a crown of iron. And he raised his sword and the castles fell, and the beasts of the earth were shattered, and the stars fell from the sky, and all became as dust, until he too was as dust.

He awoke in his small cell beneath the streets of Unterstrom, and his hand was on the hilt of his sword.

Jonn rose and stretched, joints and ligaments screaming in protest after long stillness. Feeling his way ahead in the dark, he found the staircase upward and ascended. Twenty-two steps, then the door, which he pushed outward.

Even the dim candlelight of the dingy storeroom was enough to set him squinting for some moments, but in time he could make out the rows of barrels, crates and sacks that lined the aisle that led to his secret cell. He pushed the door closed and it seemed to disappear into the wall again, completely innocuous to all unaware of its existence. Only a few living hands knew where to press to open it again.

Gathering his sable cloak about him, Jonn made his way toward the front of the storeroom, the candlelight growing brighter with each step. As he stepped out from the aisle a group of four men gathered around a cluttered table came into view. The one facing him looked up and his jaw dropped before his face broke into a great smile. "Warleader!" he exclaimed, and rose from his seat to show his scarred palms, the Khalkar salute.

"Ho, Brother Martin," Jonn replied, raising his own hands to return the gesture. The other men rose as well, saluting Jonn; their faces were as much a mix of shock and elation as Martin's.

"We did not know when you would rise from your slumber, Lord," said Martin. "You must be famished! Go, Adolphus, fetch the Warleader food and drink!" The youngest of the group nodded and scurried out the front door.

Jonn did not feel particularly hungry or thirsty, but he did not protest. Adjusting his scabbard, he sat in the vacated chair and greeted the other two men. They were all sworn men of the Khalkar Ravens, tasked with guarding the secret cell of their Warleader while he walked the planes.

The boy returned with a feast and a small black dog, and from some unseen corner a less small brown dog bounded forth, and they were entertaining for a while. When the feast was over the smoke came out, and they all got high and spoke of old wars and new.

The hour grew late and Jonn grew restless. "I think I will go and see my city now."

The men protested, saying Unterstrom was not safe anymore, that it would be better to stay safe and let hands and ears get to work in the city. But Jonn would hear none of it. Gathering his cloak about him, he stepped out into one of the dockyards of Unterstrom's grand canal...

12th January

Day -- Ciarin Tut

Benedict Dupont

Benedict watched from the railings as the last of his men boarded the ship to Giask, soon to leave Shinnen behind.

It hadn't been a long campaign, or a very arduous one, though Benedict had no prior experience to compare it to, so it was still significant in his mind. At least I can return to my estate and get some rest, he thought.

Captain Caedwen strode to his side. "Sir, what are your plans for the Men once we arrive in Giask?"

Benedict had considered this for quite some time. The Dupont Rangers were certainly an admirable fighting force, but they were of no use to a man who wished to turn to administration and bookkeeping.

"I will have them disbanded when we arrive at the docks. They will receive their pay, and will be commended for their attitude. And you, captain? Do you intend to stay with them? I will have need for a captain for my personal bodyguard."

The captain regarded his words, mulling them over, clearly deep in thought. "A tempting offer, sir, but I've known these men half my life, can't just leave them without their leader".

A fair response, Benedict thought, I suppose I will have to hope for another exemplar subordinate when I head to the recruiting grounds.

"Very good captain, it will be a shame to have a man of your talents leaving my service, but I won't hold it against you. Dismissed". And with that the captain gave a quick nod and headed below the decks to attend to his men.

By now the last of the equipment had been loaded and the ships were slowly leaving the shore. Benedict watched as Shinnen grew smaller in the distance. I'm sure I'll return in due time, he wistfully mused, as he left the railings and headed into his cabin.

"Now where is my wine..."

Night -- Ciarin Tut

William Fitz Roberts

Home at last Sir William at last reached the crest of the hill and looked down at the bustling village square below him. In the distance, at the top of the opposing hill, he could see a large fortified manor-house, with the colours of the Fitz Roberts flying proudly, the blood red fox staring down at the people below. He was home! The campaign and brief imprisonment had kept him from his family for too long. He wanted to see how his children had grown. He wanted to see how his brother, Leopold, was managing the estate. He wanted to read the reports of how his cousin Franz was fairing in the lands to the east. But most of all he wished to see his wife again.

He looked behind him, at the men and women who made up his retinue. They knew that they would not be employed by him much longer, but he had promised that he would find them work and they had seemed content with that, for now in any case. He could not afford to keep them on and train the militia of Grodno, as he had been entrusted to do by the Emperor himself. His family would show much pride by that honour, perhaps at last they could rise from the dregs of the nobility and achieve high honour and prestige. But he was getting ahead of himself. Service to the realm was far more important that the seeking of honour, glory and riches. He had encountered nobles who thought nothing of these things. He hoped that they would soon learn better, but he doubted

Lost in these thoughts for a moment, he shook his head as if to clear it. He did not have long here, he had business elsewhere, so he was going to utilise every minute available to him. He spurred his mare and cantered down the hill towards his home...

Sofia Nistalia

To few, Sofia was nothing more than a nuissance, a hotheaded dame with little patience and words. For the peasants of Luria Nova, she was a legend of war. The tales of her men being led on the frontlines against rebel, monster and undead were twisted at each pass of tongues, some claimed she was an angel sent from the heavens to aid Luria Nova to reach its rightful place. Others were rightfully jealous, claiming she was nothing than a legend, a tale that people made in times of need to soothe their worried minds. She was a hero of the people, and Sofia didn't care less.

For her it was just a duty, to live and die for Luria Nova and the divine emperor, as was every soldier and noble's duty. During her way back to Giask, her men and her joked with the stories they overheard on their way to the Capital, laughing at those too twisted to be real. Needless to say, her arrival in Giask was extatic. Hundreds amassed in the main gate as she made her way in, cheering the hero of Luria Nova as she passsed the gates of the Capital, some dared to call her a living saint, others called her the 'hero of the people'.

She liked those titles.

Dorian Pavus

Dorian and The Chimera had found themselves on the Euschean Sea, travelling back towards the rest of his peers. Trajania had just lost a board game with her second, Sergeant Ifan.

"Do you know the difference between an error and a mistake, Captain? Anyone can make an error, Ensign. But that error doesn't become a mistake until you refuse to correct it. In chess, you don't get that luxury. But in your head you had made that move. It was exactly as it would have been, guaranteed. You made an error. But you did not correct it. That was a grave mistake that can reflect on the battlefield." Dorian said. Trajania was taken back, not expecting such a lesson from tactics from her leader.

"Risk has always been an inescapable part of warfare, Sir Dorian." retorted the woman, still pondering why a man half her age was giving her military advice. War was her career. She was born in it. She flourished in it. But Dorian studied it.

"Concentration, focus, long-term thinking--those are the qualities that separate a warrior from a mere flailing fighter. When you let these qualities fall in a game, you switch off. That should never happen. Every move you make in your mind should be done with perfect clarity. Only then will your leadership improve."

"I've got my own ways and ideas, Sir Dorian. I don't mean to reject your words, but I know what I'm doing." sighed the Captain. She wanted a game not a lecture, after all. "I just fear to undermine your authority when any of this comes to me."

"My position and ego are not at stake here. Suggest as you will, so long as off the battlefield. Critique every move I make after back at camp. But question me on the field and we will have problems, Captain. Back to your games." Dorian conceded, returning to his quarters.

It was a fair-sized room, though crammed full of odd relics of no value to the ordinary man or woman. Art from Askileon, and other parts of Luria. Perhaps the largest reason he became a hero was because of his way of understanding the Lurian men and women. From the art, he learned the culture. From the culture, he learned the norms, the values, the lifestyles. He would continue to study the art, and read from tomes, to further his position. And, of course, he would have to prepare for when he returned to the battlefield alongside his new unit.

He had played his first card when he had come to Luria as a noble, setting up estate with the Emperor as his direct liege. The ensured safety that came with it guaranteed a safety net, and more reasons to be in touch with a powerful royal.

The second card was played when he joined the diplomatic corps and learned about the Order of the White Rose. They allowed him to use the very virtues of the Lurian people in order to truly become one.

The third card had been played when he replaced Franz with The Chimera. Special Forces were nothing light, and he would have to wait and see what scenarios they were so good at. But until then, the game of war and politics was just beginning.

13th January

Evening -- Ciarin Tut

Dorian Pavus

Passing through Askileon Purlieus, the renowned hero Sir Dorian had an opportunity arise; a new manor for his family. And it was one that would do them well.

The manor itself was small, by all means, but comfortable. His uncle often remarked about getting out of the city of Askileon and into the out into the townslands of trade. After helping set up the state as his family moved in, he spent some quality time with them. After all, it had been well over a month. He spent time telling his nieces and nephews about his battlefield tales, encouraging the kitchen staff that they're cooking is great (at least if you've been eating out on the field for sea for a month) and reminding his parents that everything was just fine. In fact, they were better than fine. He was serving his nation. After the end of the day, he returned to his quarters and was met with a familiar face. The late Captain Franz.

"Sir Dorian," he said, "I can't sit by and not serve you. Not after all the men we've lost. Not after-"

"This is war, Franz. Not an opportunity for personal revenge."

"I understand my duty, Sir."

"Do you? Do you indeed?"

"Yes, sir. My duty is to the Empire, and to you, and to the men and women under my command." Franz asserted, a strong confident essence filling the room.

"Very good. To the living, in other words. Not to the dead." Dorian said, closely watching Franz's reaction.

"That's a little... cold."

"But honest, nonetheless. I will not have you serve on the field, Captain Franz. However, I do have an offer for you." Dorian smirked. He had all the power in this situation, and had prepared for his return - even if it did come as a surprise. He expected to meet in a tavern as opposed to his bedroom.

"Yes?"

"You will serve here. Many are eager to serve the family of a hero, and you will train volunteers to keep an eye on it. No formal guard force like in Askileon, just security. It also means I will able to see you when I return home."

Franz halts. His face shows confusion, perhaps a mix between the delight to see his Dorian regularly, and a sense of disappointment he will no longer serve alongside him as his Captain. Before long, his face just appeared content.

"Very well, Sir Dorian. I would be honoured." Franz prepared to leave the bedroom.

"Before you leave," said Dorian, "You may as well stay a while. In here."

14th January

Day -- Ciarin Tut

Jonn Dodger

The canal docks still moved with life as the full moon above shined brightly, casting long shadows across the city of Unterstrom. Local boatmen stood at every corner. Some were drunk, speaking loudly, while others spoke quietly to ladies of the night. Others still moved in silence, no doubt engaged in many of the unlawful practices for which this part of town was well known.

The men from the storehouse followed Jonn reluctantly into the street. "At least leave your sword and cloak behind, Warleader, there are still too many who will know you by them!" Martin protested.

Jonn fixed the old Khalkar soldier with a baleful glare. "Do you think I intend to skulk in the shadows, Martin?" he asked. "I fully intend that the people of this city shall know me, and remember." Martin grinned and seemed much more at ease.

They walked the great promenade along the canal like a royal procession in miniature. Half of those they passed recognized Jonn, some flashing the Khalkar salute and offering welcome, others merely standing with their mouths agape, others running off into the night to inform parties unknown of the Khalkar Warleader's return. The other half were either merely curious why this man was getting so much attention, or shying away at the sight of the sword on his hip.

They came upon a staircase that led up into one of Unterstrom's tight and winding streets, and Jonn made to ascend. "Warleader, no," said Martin, his face now truly showing fear. "We can't go into the noble quarter, not yet!"

"Nonsense, Martin," Jonn replied. "In my city, I go where I please."

Martin did not grin this time, but he continued to follow anyway. At the top of the stair a beautiful street stretched before them, the high stone walls of the buildings which loomed overhead covered in ivy. It was a street well known to Jonn from the time when Unterstrom had been his.

As they rounded the inward curve of Market Street they took a left, and now they were drawing attention of a different kind, guards wearing the sign of a bladed sun. The word went down the way and men moved up from side paths until the way was choked with soldiers. In the front there were a dozen with spears, and another dozen stood with crossbows behind.

"You can slay them easily, Warleader," said Martin, a grim gleam in his eye. "I will charge and cover you!"

"No. Take my sword and cloak," Jonn said, removing his sable cloak with a flourish before unbuckling his sword. He handed them to Martin, who ran back from whence they had come. And Jonn stepped forward.

"I am here to speak to your government."

Bennet Selemnir

The Takeover was going wall. much to Bennet's surprise .

He was in awe a little bit, when Ciarghuala marched in at the head of her unit. Power and beauty. What does one do with that?

Her grace was... inciting. But he knew better.

He would have o talk to Sir Tohrm when he arrived. And get his head straight, This was going to be a problem....

Lotheridan Hartford

The ship entered the harbour of Giask, finally the arduous journey he had undertaken came to an end. Lotheridan had barely ever set foot on a ship before, not properly, at least, and especially not for so long. In hindsight simply taking the road back from Shinnen to Giask might've been preferable, and he'd feel less nauseous as he did. Those were things he had to carry with him now, though, and he had to appear strong to the local population as soon as he set foot on the docks.

Captain Maxia awaited just outside his cabin with a wide smile. He, too, was eager to return to Giask where he could rest for a few days straight. The smile vanished as soon as he saw Lotheridan, however, and quickly rushed to his aid. The young nobleman might've felt okay aside from being sea sick, but to others he looked sickly pale with dark circles under his eyes as if he hadn't slept at all for days. The concerned captain spoke up as he, much to Lotheridan's chagrin, supported him towards the bow of the ship.

"My lord, is your illness returning?"

"It never left, I think." Lotheridan replied with a soft smile. The injuries he took when they'd taken over Sulorte haunted him now still. The healers assured he was fine and ready to battle, but an infection never made him feel 100%. There were times he'd get up late at night, throwing up into the nearest bucket he could find before he went back to bed, or some times not at all. Neither the healers nor his men were aware of the infection, though, as he stubbornly kept his condition a secret. Only his trusted captain knew, and he kept his lips shut tightly.

"I'm going to be fine, captain." He reached for a small pouch hanging from his belt and gave it to the captain. "Here, gold to repair the men's equipment and to pay them for their services, it's long overdue."

The captain gave a reluctant nod as he accepted the pouch. "Are you sure I shouldn't--"

"No, no. I'm ill, not dying."

Captain Maxia let go of him as they stood at the bow, watching the crew unload the cargo onto the docks. The two exchanged a final glance before Lotheridan's captain, his friend, took his leave to get the Vanguard sorted. Lotheridan remained behind a little while longer, inhaling the familiar air that belonged to Giask. It brought a smile to his lips. He could rest here, he could make sure everything he needed was...

His heart began to beat rapidly, a cold chill ran up his spine as he looked behind him but saw no one. His legs seemed to strain under the weight of his body yet he tried his best to remain standing. It was not to be as the nobleman simply collapsed, his head hitting the floorboards with a dull thud. Everything went black.

Lotheridan gasped for air as he woke up. He saw a hooded man stand over him, clad in black robes. The stranger's snow white beard was the only thing he could notice with his blurry vision. They stared at one another in silence.

He noticed he was no longer on the ship, in fact everything was white. He was nowhere. The stranger extended his hand to Lotheridan, but he refused and stood up himself. An amused chuckle followed as he took a few steps back.

"Who are you?" The nobleman asked the stranger.

"I begin but have no end, yet I end what begins. Sit." He gestured to a chair to Lotheridan's right. Strange, it wasn't there before. Again hesitation filled his mind as he sat down on the chair. Suddenly he was sat at a large, yet simple dining table. The stranger at the opposite side, his sight became clearer over time. He started to see more than that bushy beard of his, he saw the pale skin and sunken eyes. The man was old, ancient perhaps.

"Do you know why you are here?"

He had an idea. After all, he must be having this conversation in his own head. The things he saw, the things that happen were because he wanted it... he thought.

"Am I dying?" Lotheridan asked cautiously to the stranger.

"Yes." The man replied.

"I don't want to."

"But you will."

Lotheridan clenched his fists and slammed them on the table. The figure simply shrugged and smiled at the young man's anger. There was something amusing to see in someone refusing to accept they will die.

"You can be of use to me, however." He said after a moment of silence. Lotheridan perked up, not saying anything so the man could say his piece.

"Worship. You want to live? You worship the very thing that stands in your way. You worship me."

"You? Who are you?"

"I begin but have no end, yet I end what begins. Some try to outrun me, but fate cannot be avoided. I am..."

"Death?"

A wicked grin was barely visible underneath that beard of his. He nodded. "You want to live? Find a way to worship me, or we will meet again."

Everything went blurry again. He could hear a voice scream his name in the distance. Lotheridan looked behind him as the voice came nearer and then, for a fraction of a moment, everything went black.

---

Things flashed before him. He saw Maxia. He saw the busy streets of Giask with curious onlookers staring at him. He saw the gate to his estate. He saw his room. He saw the priest. Then, he lost consciousness again.

15th January

Day -- Ciarin Tut

Dorian Pavus

The hero Dorian is seen in a town square giving a speech to some of the townsfolk in Ciarin Tut.

"All of us begin our lives with hopes and aspirations. Among these aspirations is the desire that there will be a straight path to those goals. It is seldom so. Perhaps never.

Sometimes the turns are of one's own volition, as one's thoughts and goals change over time. But more often the turns are mandated by outside forces. It was so with me. The opportunity of Knighthood was not one such thing I expected. Nor was it one I could ignore. The life of a commoner would end, and fine dining would begin. My path had turned here. Where it would have led, I could not say. But like every one of you, I took what life gave me. I took opportunities. Luria Nova was one such opportunity."

After, he gives a small courteous bow, before walking off.

"That was something, Sir Dorian," Captain Trajania had been paying close attention. "You didn't shout, you didn't threaten, and you were far too reasonable. It was bloody marvellous!"

"It was, yes" said Dorian.

"What now?" she replied.

"We give them free ale and we celebrate freedom. That's all it will take, along with time."

"Are you sure, sir? We could..." she trails off.

"Please suggest, Captain. "I have no qualms about accepting a useful idea merely because it wasn't my own."

"There is more that we can do that just this, is what I'm saying. Exchange culture and whatnot."

"Perhaps we'll give that a try, Captain. Thank you."

16th January

Evening -- Ciarin Tut

Ciarghuala Dubhaine

"Come back to bed mistress," the warm, soft voice beckoned alluringly from the mass of furs and linen in the shadows cast by the dimmed storm-lantern.

"I've work to do Em," Ciarghuala was pulling up her britches, tucking in the hem of her silk chemise as she did so, "go back to sleep."

"It would be easier with you here beside me..." that beguiling tone on a misty autumn morning at home would have had Ciarghuala shedding her clothes and slipping back under the covers.

"I sincerely doubt that," a mischievous smile momentarily coloured her lips as she fastened her green fatigue doublet, barely noticing the weight as the bridandine plates settled into place. The people expected many things of their heroes. Tenderness was not one of them.

"Don't I at least get a goodbye kiss?"