Greybrook Family/Ferdinand/From Lopa with Love

This RP between Ferdinand and Mariana begins on the shore of Lopa after the routing of the expedition force and on the eve of the next.

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

With the night settling in and the camp going quiet, Ferdinand nursed his wounds from the previous battle of Lopa. Many of his good men had died today and in the name of the Veiled Goddess. He had arranged with the local people for their burials to take place in their native lands. Furthermore, he had paid for a fast boat to pick him up from the shore after the expectant battle that was to take place at sunrise. Thinking about the gift that he had prepared for the Oracle's birthday celebrations, Ferdinand was cautious of his arrival back in Rines. He had only been in the Solarium once before - that was during the Violet Storm. He hoped that his second visit would not be as dramatic nor as tense as his previous meeting in the Oracle's private quarters. His mind was then cast to the nobles whom had arrived in Lopa that evening for the battle, how they put their lives on the line for Obeah's cause. He would see to it that they were rewarded for their work. In that group, there was one noble that always caught his attention, no matter how much he attempted to suppress his thoughts on the matter...

Ferdinand Greybrook

Roleplay from Mariana Le Craint

Mariana was sore and tired. The battle had taken a greater toll on her than usual, though that was expected. However, she would never turn down the invite she received. Even if it was just to tease Ferdinand a bit more. By the time she finally arrived, she noticed that the camp was in full swing however Ferdinand himself was nowhere to be seen. Approaching one of the soldiers, he told her that Ferdinand was near the shore, preparing to set sail. Hearing this, she hurried over. She had seen him briefly in the battle, though she quickly lost sight of him. Approaching a makeshift dock, she could see Ferdinand talking with a few of his men. For a moment she faltered, relief overwhelmed her. She quickly snapped out of this, trying not to be caught up in the moment of seeing him again. Since when did I start to feel this way, this has never happened before, She thought to herself. She quickly ran her fingers through her hair and took a deep breath before stepping forward. "Ferdinand, it is good to see you again. Though I can hardly be surprised, a battle junkie such as yourself would never shy away." She looked him up and down, he hadnt changed since the last they met. Once again she was relieved. "And here I was hoping that you would have at least been wounded somewhat so I wasnt the only one, though a muscle head such as yourself hardly ever feels pain. " She chuckled to herself and offered out her hand in greeting. "So where is it that you are going in such a hurry? Here I thought we would be able to have a heartfelt catch-up" Her voice was sarcastic, however not like usual. There was almost a speck on honesty in her voice, whether Ferdinand picked this up, she did not know.

Mariana Le Craint

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

The fact that Mariana had addressed Ferdinand in such a manner was quite alarming for some of the Silver Arrow whom were observing the make shift dock. Nevertheless, all the soldiers, including Ferdinand, were struck by the shine of the Countess' silver hair. "Mariana, I am glad that you are not wounded too heavily. While I have been lightly wounded by the undead, if I can command my swordarm and speak my faith, I can still work." Taking a second to shake Mariana's hand as if it were a normal greeting, Ferdinand gestured back to the camp: "I do not leave till the battle is won Mariana. Come, lets get inside. The dock seems secure enough." With a signal, the soldiers with them went ahead with torches to light their path as they strode back to camp. Once the soldiers were out of earshot, Ferdinand quietly spoke with a stern tone to his voice: "While I take your teasing well in private, calling me by my first name without any titles in-front of my men is not right. Nevertheless, I trust them with my life. In address to your question, I return to Rines. I have a engagement with some of the Templar Executive Branch to make forward planning for the Theocracy." As the two walked, Ferdinand noticed a sweet floral smell come from his compatriot. He was slightly unnerved by the woman whom came into and out of his life as she pleased. Relaxing slightly as he got used to the presence, he continued: "You write to me and say that your sword arm has got worse. How have you found campaigning once again? Defeating the rogues whom aim to destroy the faithful is a more honourable and just cause than perhaps your individual works. Will you remain part of the Lightbringers for the next campaign? Or do you return to the wastes or Bolkenia? I believe that I know the landscape of Bolkenia and its people more intimately than you considering how frequently I have visited the region." A grin crept onto the Grand Templar's face for his interpretation of a joke as they began to approach his tent, where smoke can be seen coming out of it's center as the soldiers had started a small fire.

Ferdinand Greybrook

Roleplay from Mariana Le Craint

"While I take your teasing well in private, calling me by my first name without any titles in-front of my men is not right. Nevertheless, I trust them with my life. In address to your question, I return to Rines. I have a engagement with some of the Templar Executive Branch to make forward planning for the Theocracy." Mariana stopped walking for a second and overdramatically turned and bowed before Ferdinand. "Oh great Grand Templar Ferdinand Greybrook, I beseech you to forgive me transgressions, I do so humbly apologise." She looked up and smirked towards him. She continued to walk onwards after her performance. "An official meeting, how interesting. Well you shall be missed on the battlefield, let us hope you are not gone for too long." "You write to me and say that your sword arm has got worse. How have you found campaigning once again? Defeating the rogues whom aim to destroy the faithful is a more honourable and just cause than perhaps your individual works. Will you remain part of the Lightbringers for the next campaign? Or do you return to the wastes or Bolkenia? I believe that I know the landscape of Bolkenia and its people more intimately than you considering how frequently I have visited the region. Marianas brow arched slightly but relaxing once again, a brief moment of annoyance at Ferdinand's comment. "Well that was my first battle in what must be nearly a year now, no wonder my sword arm is getting weaker. The fight is, as you put it, more honourable I suppose. But you must not forget that gold I... acquire... does more than line your pockets. The Marshal Grant provides much relief for many of our nobles. You must never forget where that comes from." She smirks once again and looks into Ferdinand's eyes. For a moment her heart begins to beat faster, however she takes a deep breath and calms herself. "I do not have plans to return to Bolkenia for a while nor the wastes, I believe I can put some of my experiences to good use on the battlefield, maybe give me a chance to prove that my line of work can be productive." As the two of them reached the tent, Mariana could feel the warmth of the fire. She felt a slight sting of the heat as it passed over a rather large cut on her shoulder that was presently bandaged up. She winced slightly but tried to keep calm, wishing not to disturb her company. She took a seat nearby the fire and opened her hands toward the flame, warming them to fight against the southern breeze. She rubbed her hands together and turned to Ferdinand. "Its been quite some time since out last meeting. I believe it was that lovely ball held by Sir Marcus. Quite a lot has changed since then. You have spent much time on the front lines, while I strode further beyond. Did you know I went to the borders what used to be Bara'Khur​, even then it was in ruins. I even got close to the borders of Nothoi." She smirked and looked towards Ferdinand, "I met a wonderful man there. He joined me at my camp and spoke about lands beyond our own. I have to admit, I enjoyed his company." She laughed for a moment. Looking towards Ferdinand to see what kind of reaction he would have. Jealousy, concern, anger? The thoughts ran through her mind. Part of her hoped for jealousy. She looked over Ferdinand's face, older than the last time they had met. He was still the same man as before though. And that made her smile.

Mariana Le Craint

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

After Mariana's theatrics, Ferdinand responded to her questions: "I expect that you will find your old form. We all must train not to get rusty - one must be prepared for whatever situation can occur on the road. Regarding your gold, I appreciate the work for the Marshal's Grant. I have come to the belief that nobles are too honourable to ask for charity through the Marshal's Grant. Perhaps I should issue the grant where I see fit. Nevetheless, I will look forward to seeing you on the battlefield on a more regular basis." Ferdinand glimpsed the Countess' silver eyes before he turned away from her face as the two nobles entered the tent. With no lavish decoration, it was larger than the majority used to house troop leaders in the Lightbringers. However, the flames in combination with the bear fur provided the most warmth on the coldest nights. Taking off his breastplate, Ferdinand sat next to Mariana and mimicked warming hands. The warmth rushed through his hands as his body got used to warmth once again and his body began to relax. The topics of Sir Marcus' ball seemed some time ago now for the Grand Templar. The event was unusual for it held so many of the Theocracy's nobility in one place. Normally, such events perhaps only host four or five. As he was about to reminisce over the event, her adventure near to Nothoi caught his attention and dampened his mood. While he had never traveled further west than the ruins of Wudenkin when he was a Grey Knight, Ferdinand automatically assumed that this man was a adventurer or another of Mariana's elk. Facing into the fire, Ferdinand spoke: "I would not trust those adventurers. While some are useful, I don't trust those whom have not been vetted by the Inquisition. They seem to put material wealth over faith. Someone whom has motivations and angles beyond commitment to the faith one must tread..." Ferdinand clutched his side as pain began to throb throughout his torso. Taking his shirt off to reveal the bandaging, the deep gash to the far right of his back had not begun to heal, partly due to the lack of rest and proper medical attention. Ferdinand got up and grabbed some supplies from the side of the tent which included a bottle with a clear substance within. During this journey, Mariana saw the scars that were especially prominent around his torso, evidence with many battles with rogues throughout his military career. As Ferdinand returned to his previous position, he began to treat his wound with a cloth which was dipped into the liquid. Despite Ferdinand managing to reach the wound, it was not very effective: "Apologies Mariana - you have probably seen enough wounded soldiers for one day. Ever since I was wounded in Cjelegy and bedridden for 5 or so days, I take a small kit of supplies wherever I go to support my own recovery. I trust in my own will power to get me through the pain. However, many soldiers, lying injured on beds and tents like this one need the medical healers. Perhaps it is my own stubborn nature..."

Ferdinand Greybrook

Roleplay from Mariana Le Craint

"I would not trust those adventurers. While some are useful, I don't trust those whom have not been vetted by the Inquisition. They seem to put material wealth over faith. Someone whom has motivations and angles beyond commitment to the faith one must tread..." Mariana had caught his attention, that was enough for her. "The man in question was not an adventurer, rather he was a noble. I often feel the same way however I would not miss the opportunity to learn information that might prove useful to the inquisition. This is where me and you differ at times, I know when to make the most of an opportunity." As Ferdinand took off his shirt, Mariana initially recoiled and looked away. Though after a few seconds she turned and looked at the man as he began to apply the ointment. She noticed the scars that riddled his back, the fresh cut that covered his side. As he winced when applying the alcohol, she could almost feel his pain. She gently rubber her shoulder. Many of the scars that covered his torso were old, from battles long past. While Ferdinand's back was turned, Mariana took this opportunity to look over him more personally. His defined back muscles from years of swordsmanship and training, his naturally broad shoulders that complimented the rest of his body. For a while, Mariana could not look away. As soon as Ferdinand began to return to the seat, Mariana averted her eyes. Her heart was beating faster than before, similar to the heat of battle. "Apologies Mariana - you have probably seen enough wounded soldiers for one day. Ever since I was wounded in Cjelegy and bedridden for 5 or so days, I take a small kit of supplies wherever I go to support my own recovery. I trust in my own will power to get me through the pain. However, many soldiers, lying injured on beds and tents like this one need the medical healers. Perhaps it is my own stubborn nature..." Mariana could feel the honour in his voice as he spoke. His willingness to look out for his men even when he was in pain was... respectable. Mariana stood and took a set of bandages from the box of medical equiptment and took the bottle of alcohol from his hands and smiled. "It is a part of our life to see such horror. However, we all are fighting for a dutiful cause." She placed her hand on his back, she could feel his warmth, "Now, allow me to help. I will hear no complaints, we must ensure that this wound is cleaned properly." Mariana carefully cleaned the wound, taking care to ensure that she caused as little pain as possible. Taking a clean rag and wiping off some of the dried blood. She reached next for a small jar of ointment she recognised and spread this over the gash. Unravelling the bandage she began to wrap it around his body. She lifted his arms and reached around his chest. For but a moment her head rested on his back. She could hear his heartbeat, feel the blood rushing around his body. Soon enough the wound was cleaned and covered. She looked around the tent for a clean shirt and handed it to Ferdinand. She once again took a seat next to him. "You must remember to take care of yourself. Even if you are stubborn, you can let your health deteriorate... What am I to do with you?" She smiled and laughed, watching as Ferdinand settled comfortably once again. "So, how about a drink? I am sure that will take the edge off that wound."

Mariana Le Craint

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

The differences between the Countess and himself were rather stark at times. The inquisitor was spontaneous and secretive. Yet, Ferdinand was almost shocked by her caring behavior as she addressed his wound on his back. He did not resist the help for he knew that he would not be able to dress the wound himself due to it's angle. "You must remember to take care of yourself. Even if you are stubborn, you can let your health deteriorate... What am I to do with you? "So, how about a drink? I am sure that will take the edge off that wound." Where had this concern come from? Was it some kind of trick? When he had put a clean shirt on, he turned and faced Mariana. It had not been too long ago that the Inquisitor teased him shortly after the Violet Storm. Yet, there was a feeling on the end of his fingertips or a edginess. Whether it was the warmth or something of another variety he did not know. "I reluctantly drink, as you know Mariana. I was reluctant at the Ball and I am now. I feel that it clouds my vision and thought process while I do not deny its benefits of pain suppression. A habit that I have picked up from my mentor is tea brewing. While the water needs to be boiled, the tea provides a warmth and a occasion to think." The paraphernalia whom traveled with Ferdinand's retinue already knew of his preferences. Therefore, the apparatus was already placed over the fire for water to be boiled, with a pot to match. As the water boiled on the fire, Ferdinand chose to lay down and stare into the roof of the tent. "Do you have family Mariana? Or those whom are dear to you - perhaps the man on the border? I do not think about this alot. However, there are Greybrooks across the continents of our world. I do not care for their actions as much as they do not care for mine. There was one occasion when I was young, I cannot remember the time, where many branches of the Greybrook household were assembled in one place. The children gathered played with swords and acted as the heroes of old, the myths of Roman and so on. What strikes me is that they will perhaps never know the struggles of this land and the duty we hold here as Obeah's shield."

Ferdinand Greybrook

Roleplay from Mariana Le Craint

Mariana's cheery gaze turned sour. Her brow arched and she stared down at the ground. She began to fidget and squirm at the mention of family. "Family? Now that's a story... I haven't seen my family in maybe 8 years? Not since I left. Though they would rather it be called exiled. I do not have fond memories of my home nor my family. Myself and my brother were always at each others throats. He was the apple of my parents eye, I was the blot on the family history. Maybe thats why I enjoy myself here. A place that no one knows me. Freedom from the control. My name being the only remnant I hold dear." Mariana stared out beyond the flaps of the tent into the darkness of the night. "I do not even know if my parents are still alive." She dropped her head into her hands and began to breath heavily. She did this for a few moments before lifting her head up, her eyes not red and puffy. "Im sorry, I did not wish for you to see me like this. In honesty, today is the day of my birth. I did not wish to make such a big deal of it, I have never been a person of celebration, but the mention of family was too much for me to handle." She took a small handkerchief from a pocket in her cloak and wiper her eyes. By now the pot of water had boiled and Ferdinand stood to make the tea. He just listened to Mariana as she spoke about family. Carrying two cups of tea and offered one to Mariana. She held it in her hands, basking in the warmth of the water. The smell of the herbs filled her nostrils. She took a gently sip as to not burn her tongue. She felt the warmth of the tea as it flowed through her body. A relaxing sensation, one that she had never felt before. She smiled and looked towards Ferdinand. "Your mentor was right, tea is quite exquisite." The two of them continued speaking for quite some time, enjoying one cup of tea after another. The sadness that was in Maraiana's voice quickly disappeared. The gentleness of Ferdinand's voice as he spoke calmed her down. What started as a rather insincere conversation quickly turned into something more. Before long, the moon was high in the sky. The bustle of soldiers quietened after many of them returned to their tents. Mariana placed the cup on a nearby table, dusted herself down, and made her way to the door of the tent. She turned once more to Ferdinand and bowed politely. "I didn't know what to expect when you invited me to join you, but I cant say I honestly expected such a conversation. While it pains me to admit it, I have enjoyed myself. Take care of yourself and good luck on your journey." She pushed through the gently blowing flap and stepped out into the cold night. A chill came over her and she folded her arms, covering herself tightly in her cloak. She let out a sigh and began to walk, back to her camp and her responsibilities.

Mariana Le Craint