[I]"Blessed are they who stand before the corrupt and the wicked and do not falter. Blessed are the peacekeepers, the champions of the just. Blessed are the righteous, the lights in the shadow. In their blood the Maker's will is written."[/I] The soft, soothing voice of a young woman dawning Chantry robes chanted the words to a small group of soldiers who were bowed in prayer. The crowd gathered around the faired skin priestess who was perched upon a small stand that was placed in front of a roaring fire, its light causing the priestess' shadow to be casted over the gathering of men and women.

As the young woman continued the chant a figure that had been in the shadows leaning against the trunk of a tree at the edge of the group began to steer. It moved from its position in the darkness and into the light of the fire, revealing a grizzled looking man with unruly raven colored hair. It was no other than the Warden Paxton. A slight smile was on the man's lips as he approached the priestess, as he did so a number of the soldiers turned their gaze to him with a expression of awe on their faces.

[b]"Pardon dear sister, I would address the men if you would allow it."[/b] Paxton said interrupting the woman, though she seemed more confused by this than upset by it.

[I]"Uh... o-of course Ser Warden."[/I] The sister managed as she stepped down from the stand, brushing back a strand of her blond hair. The Warden took the woman's place, elevating him slightly above the rest. Paxton looked over the crowd before him with his sharp amber colored gaze before he cleared his throat.

[b][I]"Those who oppose thee shall know the wrath of heaven. Field and forest shall burn, the seas shall rise and devour them, the wind shall tear their nations from the face of the earth, lightning shall rain down from the sky, they shall cry out to their false gods, and find silence."[/I][/b] Paxton spoke the chant, unlike the sister's the man's voice was not soothing but instead invoking and inspiring. It could be seen the words roused the spirits of troops, they repeated the chant with extra vigor.

Paxton grinned as he stepped down from the stand, giving a slight bow to the now smiling sister who reclaimed her position on the stand. [I]"May the Maker bless you Ser Warden."[/I] She said warmly before looking back to the crowd.

The Warden had just walked away from the group, who had returned to chanting with the sister, when a young elven boy ran up to him, slightly out of breath. [I]"Warden Arkwright?"[/I] He asked and quickly bowing his head slightly to avoid eye contact, many city elves had developed this habit when speaking to humans as some of the more bigoted took offence of being stared at by so called 'knife ears'. Personally Paxton found it ridicules for someone to be treated poorly for being born different, but as a mage his opinion was quite biased.

[b]"Yes my lad, I am Warden Arkwright. What is it you need?"[/b] Paxton said with a soft smile and placing a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder, prompting the elf to meet the man's eyes.

[I]"I was told by Warden Garviel to inform you that he wishes you to meet him by the king's tent and for you to prepare to journey into the Wilds."[/I] The elf said in a more relaxed tone than his previous one.

Paxton gave the boy another soft smile before fishing out a silver piece from his pocket and placing it in the elf's hand. [b]"Thank you for the message lad and may the Maker smile upon you."[/b] He said, the boy growing a large grin at his reward before running off to deliver the rest of his messages.

The Warden did a quick survey of his limited supplies that consisted of two sword hilts holstered on his waist, a dagger strapped to his leg, a cloth bag containing what little coin he had, and a satchel containing his journal and a few other books for light reading.

With a soft smile on his face that persisted his whole way there Paxton made his quick trip to the King's tent then turned to the sight of his fellow Warden and leader. [b]"Commander."[/b] He said placing his fist over his heart and bowing his head slightly. He then turned and offered a slight smile and nod to his sister in arms. [b]"Morven."[/b]