Tinsley Family/RP/Goodbye to Vanya
Goodbye to Vanya (where Willem meets Ilya and Vanya in Barad Gardor)
Having recently arrived in Barad Gardor from fighting the undead in Anfalas, Willem took a few moments to take in the view of the city. He thought back on the times when he had to take on employment to raise funds to replace his troops. He also remembered that Ilya was somewhere in the city, spending the weekend with her sister, Vanya, training and counseling her for the future.
He made a quick trip to the financial institution to change out his bonds, then gave the gold to Captain Hagen to have the men's armor fitted and weapons sharpened. During that time, Willem made several inquiries as to the location of the Bluelake sisters. He found the answer when he asked Chester, the master leather worker. Ilya had spoken with him earlier in the day. He was working on a saddle for her mare, Fëalith.
Willem went to the inn where the sisters were staying and met them for dinner and conversation. Since it was just the three of them, Ilya gave Willem an extra long hug. She was glad to know that he came out of Anfalas without harm. Vanya seemed more interested in knowing what it was like for three units from the Black Army to fight along side their King. Willem described the battle, not leaving out any detail. If Vanya was going to off to fight, she needed to know of the realities of war. Their parents had raised the girls, now women, with a broad view of many things and with the understanding that they could do anything. Willem thought that if Vanya was anything like Ilya, she would go far in whatever career she decided to pursue. The meal was good and he was glad to have his mind diverted by two beautiful sisters. They were similar, but different. Vanya had a slightly different temperament. Ilya seemed more mature. He thought that was just due to the fact that Ilya was older.
The night was still early, but it was time for him to go. After Willem returned to his tent, the courier came with a few messages, one being orders from Marshal Yavuz. Troops in Barad Gardor were going to be headed out to Elroth. Apparently Eston had decided to move eastward from Beleriel. He asked Captain Hagen to get the men ready, they were moving out. Just as they cleared the city limits, Willem read the other messages. One was from a benefactor and friend that had transferred some bonds to him. A quick conversation with Hagen convinced him to head back for another round of recruitment. He was glad that he had read that message before getting too far from the city.
The night would be a long march and the morning would bring a long battle.
