[color=fff79a]Baldwin IV[/color]
[i]The Lord's Day, anno domini 2012[/i]

The light emanating from the circle was peculiar, to say the least. At first glance, it seemed to be pure white. Yet upon closer inspection, it appeared more in line with the deathly pallor of a man diseased. Not only that, but foul smoke emanated forth, carrying the stench of rot and sickness. However, within this foul mire, movement could be seen. Humanoid in figure, what lay within gradually rose to its feet. While the being's form was still veiled in smoke, that was about to change. Behind the Servant arose a new shape: the outline of a massive cross, formed from light. 

In but an instant, the putrid miasma and pestilent light were banished from the world, consumed by the blazing radiance of the sacred icon. Though the light was blinding, it gave off a pleasant warmth, comparable to a parent lovingly embracing their child. After what felt like an eternity, the cross slowly faded out of sight, leaving naught but a man clad in ancient armour. Standing tall, proud, and resolute; he looked to be no less than a shining paragon of perfection. But, a pond's surface oft hides what lurks beneath. Echoing the foulness heralding his arrival, a number of barely perceptible flaws marred the purity of the man's being.

While the man's left arm firmly gripped the pommel of his sword, his right limb was left to dangle in an almost pathetic manner. The man's posture was impeccable, that much was true; but, a sharp eye could see that it was maintained by force of will, entailing an internal struggle against a foe no man could hope to match. Above all, his eyes were the most revealing. Behind the slits of his great helm lay two green pools, filled with sorrow and steely resolve in equal measure. They were the eyes of a man among men, at once broken and adamant, brimming with experience no lad of his age aught to have. Taking a step forward, the man dropped to his knees and bowed his head.

[color=fff79a]"Good day, madam. By the grace of the Almighty and your will, I have risen again, bearing the title Rider. May I have the pleasure of knowing your-"[/color]

Baldwin paused, struck dumb by a sudden turn of events. What appeared to be a small goblin had come flying out from seemingly nowhere, and proceeded to slam into his master. After taking a moment to process what had just happened, the Leper King arose, and lumbered over to take a closer look at the offending object.

[i]A child, albeit a rather odd-looking one. The Orientals are truly a mystifying folk.[/i]

Were the circumstances any different, the Servant would have gladly struck some sense into them. But, one was not to commit violence without undue reason, especially against a child. Thus, Baldwin used his good arm to hoist the girl up by the wrist.

[color=fff79a]"I do believe you owe the good lady an apology, and myself an explanation."[/color]