"I didn't mean lure the dragon in while the refugees are there," Ethelred replied, audibly irritated at the elf's biting words. "Nor did I mean catching the soldiers unaware and unprepared. I suppose I misspoke before, but I meant cooperating with the local knights and garrison to take it down, giving them time to prepare and move the non-combatants to safety. Assuming, of course, they'd agree." He paused to compose himself, then continued.
He's right about fighting the dragon, if it was just the two of us, it might be a difficult fight. Considering how the last battle went, I'd might as well be fighting the dragon by myself. Ethelred had to bite his lip to not say that aloud. He knew he was downplaying the elf's role in the battle, but he was still quite irritated.
"As for breaking her out, it could be done, but while a big enough distraction might divert their attention long enough for you to get into the fort, it wouldn't hold their attention long enough for you to figure out where she his, get in, free her, and get out without being seen by the now-alert guards. There's too much that can go wrong." Besides, he was under orders to not cause a major diplomatic incident with Harzelslack, and angering an entire fort might do that.
"But..." he said, pausing again and contemplating, now calmed down somewhat. "Lonan did say that he needed to plan how to deal with the wyvern, and told us we were welcome to help. Yes...I think talking to them like you said is our best bet. If we can convince Grainne or Lonan to let us in the fort, we'd be able to look around and wait for an opportunity to break her out stealthily, while also giving us the option to cooperate with the Harzel forces in dealing with the dragon."
Ethelred rode ahead, making himself known as he approached Grainne's procession.
"Greetings, Lady Grainne, was it?" he asked, not entirely sure what her noble title was. "I am looking for Sir Lonan, to provide him further assistance in dealing with the dragon. Might I find him at the fort?"
He wasn't particularly excited to be dealing with Grainne, from what he had observed, she was a rather abrasive person, and Lonan wasn't around to rebuke her.
"Father let you come?" Luna said, questioning it a small bit. Soon enough, however, it was followed by a small smile. "Hah. That dear Father of mine. I am rather glad to see you as well, Sucaria." Luna said, leaning on her maid a small bit. "But yes, I would appreciate if you could guide my way." The Knightess said, as she went along with the maid.
She was mostly silent on the way there, aside a sneeze and a small cough. After they arrived, it finally dawned on Luna that they were definitely not in the barracks, though how it didn't dawn on her prior confused her a small bit. Perhaps she was more than a little tipsy after all. Still, she didn't say no. With no doubt would she not find a way to get to the barracks on her own so this much was fine for now. It was fine though. She was content to fall asleep here... At least, that's how it was suppose to be.
Instead, she found that she was being undressed by her maid. If she wasn't already a slight bit red from the drink, it would be showing now as Sucaria began to remove parts of her armor. "Ah.. Ah! S-sucaria..." She grabbed her maid's hand. "There's no need to assist me for a bath. I can handle it fine." Luna mentioned as she brought the back of the maid's hand to her lips again, kissed it and lowered it whilst still holding it. As she lowered Sucaria's hand though, she made a small stumble with her foot but caught herself. Realistically, she probably couldn't handle herself very well.
Grainne had just finished leading some soldiers and men towards the encampment and dismounting her steed as Ethelred approached. She immediately did not seem too thrilled to see either him or Marduk.
“Oh, if it isn’t the Icicle. You want Lonan, he’s back in town I think? I haven’t seen him since we split up.” She’d click her tongue. “Knowing him, he wants to save as much of the village if he can since it’d be a real pain for the villagers if they lost it.” Her eyes turned towards Marduk but didn’t say anything immediately to him. “Just so ya know, this fort is considered Harzel territory. Do anything funny and you’ll find yourself on the wrong end of the law here, got it? I might just be Lonan’s squire, but I can definitely kick your ass if I need to, frosty, so unless you got other business here you should probably get going.”
Ethelred could see the two kids in the distance. They hadn’t noticed Ethelred yet, and they were with an older looking woman now.
Location: Southern Giants Rest Late Night @VitaVitaAR
“Heh.” Sorcha smiled softly. “Be warned, it might not be what you expect.” The Queen exhaled, gaze once again becoming fixed on some far off point on the mountains as the moon dipped ever closer to disappearing under the horizon. “Hmm…how to start…its been awhile since I’ve told any of these stories…might as well start with this one since its been bothering me, huh…”
Clearing her throat, Sorcha would begin recounting a story from memory…
“...Faha…ahahaha!” The beast laughed derisively as its blood fell from its wound. “It seems I’ve been bested, ahaha! Oh this is glorious, a human, managing to kill me! I could not ask for a better death, fahaha!”
The king said nothing, pulling his blade from the winged beast's body, sending its body falling to the ground.
“What’s the matter, O one claiming to be the king of all Albion?” It questioned, as the life slowly drained from its now weakened body. “You should be celebrating your victory!” A cold breeze blew across the now corpse strewn battlefield as the King’s expression turned somber, the blade in his hand feeling heavy for the first time in a long time. “...ah. Don’t tell me…you’re troubled by all of this?”
“...Why?” He’d question.
“Why? Why do you look as though someone killed everyone you loved-oh, that’s right, I supposed I did sort of do that, ahaha.”
“These people weren’t even soldiers! Most of this army of yours were people who could barely lift a sword, let alone know how to use it!” The king grit his teeth at the beast's response.
“Oh, what’s the matter? Is the king afraid of some bloodshed? Oh that’s hilarious you naive king. You don’t think being a king would be so easy, did you? What if someone doesn’t follow your so called honor? Your laws and rules? What if someone rebels -”
“That’s enough, beast.”
Before it could finish its words, a crackle of thunder and a flash of lightning tore through the air. The beasts head, soon fell from its shoulders.
“Aha…haha…you may have killed me…but so long as even one of my Lightswords…survive…and man seek conflict…I will return…hah…haha…!” Slowly, the beasts body began to decay, wisps of light being carried away on the breeze.
“...you. Dragon of White. Why are you here?”
“...to see you.” The being before him responded. “I watched the battle from above. You did well.”
“Well? Well?! Not a single person survived!”
“They did not. Do not look so grim. I would have given you my aid had you only asked. I could have easily dealt with such a pitiful creature…but you chose to handle this yourself.” The dragon raised its head, glancing across the battlefield. “And they got what they wanted, following that creature I suppose. Using ‘the honor of death’ to trick people into following it…hmph, what a joke.”
“...I…”
“Arthwys. As abrasive as the beast was, it was correct.” The dragon softly responded. “Until now you have helped people purely out of the goodness of your own heart. You have gained the respect of many people. You have shown you’re not just some power-hungry upstart who seeks to control Albion.”
“...What are you saying, dragon?”
“That mortal hearts are fickle and easily tempted into evil.” The dragon responded. “Or do you forget the Betrayed God - mine and Varakels father - so easily? He gave his life to protect the fey, the elves, the humans…and yet, innocent greed and desire overcame the Elves and Fey, resulting in Albions current state and the Gods fall.”
“...you’re saying that there may be an instance where I am the ‘Betrayed God’, then. I see…” “And there may…come a time when you must turn your blade on humans who are doing nothing more than following their own way of life and beliefs. If either time happens, I do hope that time…you will rely on me, Arthwys.”
“...ah? You almost sound like you want to help me? What happened to that arrogant dragon who refused helping me even when I was half dead?”
“Watch your mouth, you insolent oaf. I merely happen to understand that if I were not to offer this, there is a very good chance your human mind would break down into disgraceful tears or something.”
“...ahaha. Thanks, sparky.”
“Again with that nickname! Only the children are allowed to call me that!” The dragon reached out and flicked Arthwys on the forehead with one of its claws.
“My king!” Artwhys turned to the source of the voice, who would stop just short of the pair, eyes turning to the dragon then to Arthwys. “I see you are in one piece. What do we owe the honor of the White Dragon’s visit?”
“Ahem. Sigurd. Arthwys. With the Beast of conflict defeated…I am satisfied with your training and leadership, Arthwys.” The dragon lowered its head, bowing. “It has been long, and you have done well, but…I believe its finally time we put Varakel to rest, and as I said when we first met…I give you my word that I will help.”
“...now? But we suffered so many losses. How can we-”
“Sigurd. We’ll be fine.”
“You all need not worry about Varakel’s army.” The dragon replied. “As I said, if Varakel and I truly clash…then all of Albion will be rent asunder in the aftermath. I will handle his armies. You and your knights, find your way to him and kill him yourself. He would not dare seek me out.”
“I see. Then let us begin preparing once we return to Lunestel.”
“And there you have it. Not quite a happy tale, is it?” Sorcha finished recounting the story. It seemed to be of a beast hunt shortly before the King decided to take down Varakel himself. It didn’t have anything too important or ground breaking, save perhaps that if what she was saying was true, the White Dragon seemed to take some more active roles in the kings life and had even been present during Varakel’s defeat.
Regardless, Sorcha seemed to be in a better mood at least.
“Thanks, for listening Fio. I’ve been having that dream a lot lately. Sometimes its hard to sleep...” She'd yawn.
“Luna…you will hurt yourself.” Sucaria responded with a huff, catching Luna before she fell. “Now get in the bath.” She’d finish undressing Luna and then pushing her into the bath that had already somehow, for some reason, been prepared ahead of time with pleasantly warm water. Once Luna was settled whether she wanted to be or not, Sucaria would proceed with helping to wash the dirt and grime from Luna’s body and days of travel.
She’d begin in silence, not speaking to Luna as she’d intently focus on the task at hand as the maid made every effort to keep Luna squeaky clean while also not getting her own cursed blood on the Knightess.
“...Lady Luna.” She’d say after a few minutes of silence. “How long will you be staying away from home?” She’d ask quietly.
Deflecting and focusing on defense would give Niall only a minor advantage, even in such low light conditions. While he managed to deflect most of the blows, not all of them could easily be pushed aside. As he’d deflect a spear, he’d feel a heavy blow be landed on the side of his head from one of the men wielding a large club, clanging against his metal helmet. After pushing him off, he’d feel a blade bounce off his chest armor.
“Just stand away from the gate, yeah?” The Tuatha shouted. “She’ll be here soon!”
It seemed as though, there may not be too much time left for the pair. Though the light in the area had been rendered near pitch dark, Niall could see someone walking towards him through the mist. A large man, wielding what seemed to be a makeshift weapon of some sort that seemed to be a large metal hammer of some sort decorated with a deer skull atop. The armor he was wearing was similarly makeshift. Strips of leather and the occasional plate of scale. The most eye catching feature though, was his face…or rather, how hidden it was. It was obscured by a thick hood of fur with antlers for decoration on top.
“Ho? We’ve got intruders.”
“I told ya, Annagan.” The familiar voice of the Fomorian scientist from earlier was heard too. Niall could see her standing just to the side, a bit further behind this large man, apparently named Annagan.
“You even let that Tuatha escape, huh. How pitiful.”
“What’cha want from me? You shouldn’t have left the gates wide open.” Not bothering to reply, this Annagan would run towards Niall, bringing his heavy hammer down onto the Tuatha.
There were a few things to take away from this unpleasant conversation. First, Lonan was not at the fort, which meant that they wouldn't be getting in by simply asking politely. Second, despite his ability to turn someone into a frozen corpse with a touch, people were not afraid of him. Second, this arrogant little squire was an obnoxious, unpleasant whelp. Ethelred, stressed and increasingly angry over this whole ordeal, had half a mind to get of his horse and beat her senseless until she acknowledged his lethality, Harzelslack law be damned. If anything, getting arrested would just get him closer to Elnith, especially if the local Harzel forces underestimated his powers or lacked the magical talent to counteract them.
On the other hand, it'd also be a pretty risky gamble, since he had no idea what they had up their sleeve for restraining unusual prisoners. Not to mention that even if everything went smoothly, he'd forever wanted by Harzelslack, and it was doubtful that they'd recognize his forefathers' custom of weregild as a legitimate means of paying off a crime. Alternatively, it might give him some relief if he let out his frustrations verbally, but he knew that such bluster with no bite would have the opposite effect of being intimidating. No, the more that somebody shouted and demanded to be taken seriously, the less likely that anyone would actually take them seriously.
Hmm, there's an idea. Should keep their intention, without making myself appear as a real threat. It could potentially get me arrested, but it wouldn't be anything serious.
Ethelred pondered his idea silently, before abruptly turning away from Grainne and riding up to the elf. He made no attempt to address Grainne further- he wasn't going to indulge her.
Alright, elf," Ethelred softly spoke as to not let Grainne overhear them, his somewhat pained and hesitant. "You win, we'll get her out your way, and I'll keep them distracted. Conversing with that loud-mouthed whelp over there has proven to be just the inspiration I needed to come up with a good diversion."
Luna was embarassed and quiet as well. She was somewhat sobering by this point and she had to focus to not be blushing bright red. She really didn't like being seen like this. The knightess was deep in thoughts until Sucaria broke the silence. How long would she be away? "It's hard to say. Could be a year. Years. Who's to say. Maybe when I can no long pick up my sword and fight." Luna gave a small laugh, trying to put her current situation out of her mind. "It's not like I'm the one who'll be heir either way. I have two brothers ahead of me in the line of succession and I don't have the ambition to usurp them or anything of the sort."
"Why do you ask?" Luna said, not having the courage to look back at Sucaria at the moment. "No one's mistreating you, are they?" She had to ask. The woman didn't think anyone would but she couldn't be sure.
The heavy blow to his helmet had Niall recuperate by making a side flip, avoiding another hit but also quickly being stabbed to the chest which, luckily, his armor deflected. This couldn't go on, he thought - they were too many.
“Just stand away from the gate, yeah?” The Tuatha shouted. “She’ll be here soon!”
Easy to say, the Owl Knight thought while also not being able to stop himself thinking it'd be nice if the very large, very strong Tuatha actually lend a hand in holding them off. It was about that moment when the large man made his entrance; Annagan. Niall made a mental note of his looks and demeanor for later report and stood at the ready. An idea blossoming in his mind.
Finally the man lunged forward, charging and delivering a heavy blow with all of his might. The Knight waiting on the last possible moment before recalling his mist to him and focusing all of his magic into his next move. With blinding speed - blink and you'll miss it kind - Niall did one step backwards and allowed the hammer to crash to the ground before jumping forward onto the hammer and following this with jumping onto Annagan's face and using him as a stepping stone to propel himself into the airs and, with a backflip, land onto the wooden palisade's walkway.
"Whoever you are waiting for, now would be a good time for her to arrive."
"The whelp seems like she's fun at parties." Marduk would jest as Ethelred rode up to him. "That said, we should probably just ask her to let us in and assess the situation. We don't have to cause any havoc on our own to make a proper diversion, anyway. After all, they'll be too distracted to get us in."
And before Ethelred would respond, Marduk would proceed to walk up to the gates with a swagger, leaving his horses to stand idly by the frozen knight.
"Alright pipsqueak, we just lost one of our best warriors fighting that monster, so I'll make things crystal for you. We don't know if the wyvern will circle back here or not. What we do know is the thing is still in the general area, and this place sticks out enough for it to want to try and burn down. Now, I don't know about you lot, but we've got first-hand experience fighting that beast, and other beasts like it. Unless you've got men in there that have so much as scratched the beast's scaly back, I'd say our experience with the dragon eclipses your own.
"Now say what you want about the Iceberg and his allegiances, but I know that neither him or your lot want those innocents in there to serve as food or tinder for the monster. So here's my proposition: my frozen... 'friend' and I will help fortify this place, and you let us in without a hassle, maybe give us a tour of the base so we'd have a better idea of what we're working with. From what I see, this place has got the weapons we need to take it down, and we both have the experience of ten of your own here. We both want what's best for the citizens, after all.
"And more importantly, we all want revenge for what that mongrel dragon has taken from us."
Even if the information wasn't entirely groundbreaking, it was only natural for someone who prided herself as a knowledgeable scholar to take great interest in the story the Queen had told. Indeed, Fio listened quietly, taking in every single detail that she could.
It was hardly a tale that was entirely new, and yet some details caught her attention. The influence of the White Dragon, for instance, being so much more direct then she'd previously heard. However, the core ideas of the tale appeared to be the same as many of the others she had heard previously.
"It's difficult to tire of the tales of the King," replied Fio, nodding her head slightly, "So it's fine if you want to share them. I'm willing to listen."
She paused for a moment.
"Not that there's any special reason, it's just that I'm curious," she quickly asserted. The Sword Witch wasn't soft and willing to act as a confident for any painful emotional struggles.
At least, she didn't want to admit to any willingness to do so on her part.
Nor did she think she was particularly good at it.
"... In any case, there's no ignoring that fight must have been painful," she continued, eyes drifting down towards her lap, "Losing people like that..."
Fio's hands clutched slightly at the hem of her skirt.
"The only thing someone can do in a situation like that is to carry on the memory of the people who are gone."
For a few more moments, she didn't say anything. No, the petite girl's thoughts drifted elsewhere, at least for an instant.
"... But, at the same time, I've always felt like stories like that reminded me that the King was a human being," she added, "Not some perfect ruler who never felt anything, who just sought victory for Albion no matter the cost. Even considering how it ended, the King fought for Albion because of his heart, not a lack of it."
She paused for a moment.
"... I... guess what I'm saying is that, er... that you shouldn't..."
Fio trailed off, now far more furiously fiddling with the hem of her skirt. Trying to offer those helpful words, it was way too difficult...
Grainne simply shrugged as Ethelred left and went back to doing whatever she was doing before, though she didn’t get too far before Marduk showed back up.
“Ha?! Pipsqueak!? I’ll kick your ass, assfa-” She’d begin, her usual fiery temperament shining through and almost making her miss the following words…which immediately shut her up. “-ace?” Grainne immediately fell silent, though her glare and general agitated temperament didn’t change as Marduk made his case. It was clear that as much as she detested the idea, she really couldn’t find a logical reason to turn these people down. As Lonan’s squire, she was technically in charge here as she acted as Lonan’s sort of…second in command as far as things went.
“...tch, alright fine. But do anything funny, and I’ll have you in shackles and tossed into the prison!” She’d bark. “Also, I’m not showing you the prisons! I still don’t trust you lot but if you can beat that freaky scaly thing fine…” She glanced to the side, frowning a moment before her usual fiery visage returned. “Come on then! And keep that weird horse of yours outside!”
It seemed as though they had successfully convinced her for now, though it didn’t do much for her mood all things considered.
Location: Southern Giants Rest Late Night @VitaVitaAR
“...heh. Why so nervous? You already slept with your queen, you shouldn’t be so reserved now.” Sorcha grinned, placing a hand on top of Fio’s head and ruffling her hair affectionately as she’d stand up, hair gently swaying in the breeze as the sun would just start to peek over the horizon, illuminating the world in a brilliant, dazzling orange glow of morning light.
“Thanks, fio. Sometimes…its hard…hard to just…live up to him, you know? I always have to ask myself if this is what he wanted, or what if I do something wrong? It doesn’t help with the…particularly vivid memories, especially ones regarding…” Sorcha visibly shuddered, exhaling and shaking her head as she’d extend a hand to pull Fio to her feet. “Mhm, no. That’s a story for another time. For now Niall and Gabriel should have returned and the others should be awake now. Lets get some breakfast and get to a strategy meeting, hm?”
Once either Fio accepted her hand or not, Sorcha would hop down onto the balcony with a smile.
“I wonder if there will be any rumors of a queen and a mage meeting for a drunken tryst~?”
“Hm? Mistreating?” Sucaria tilted her head to the side, seeming to think for a moment. “...hm if I say yes will you be upset?” Sucaria responded with a question of her own as she’d run the cleaning cloth across Luna’s skin, still careful to keep any drops of crimson both out of the water and off of Luna’s skin expression falling slightly as Luna mentioned being away for a significant amount of time.
“...mhm, Gabriel hits on me still occasionally.” Sucaria commented. “But other than that…no, not really?” The half fomorian would slowly use her hands to scrub Luna’s chest and apply some warm, soapy water to the rest of her shoulders and muscles, delicate but firm hands also giving her a massage for her fatigued muscles. “...just wondering…” She’d say, perhaps a bit forlorn sounding.
“Mmf-” Nialls foot met the large mans face and with enough force launched himself backwards and landed right onto a walkway built into the wooden palisade. “-ha…agile little vermin.” The bandit harrumphed, hefting his hammer over his shoulders. “Hm…lets see how you handle…this. You got that thing ready, Fomorian brat?”
“The false eye? Nah. It’ll be ready by morning, though.”
“Hmph…unfortunate-”
There was a trumpeting sound not far out from the gate.
“...Here she comes! Jump high, owl!” The tuatha shouted with a laugh. Niall had only seconds to react before he’d feel the air around him chill considerably, the thundering sounds of hoof falls heading towards their direction. Another trumpeting call as something would shortly crash right into the gate! The tuatha followed his own advice, leaping high as his enhanced strength could force him into the air while the gate itself was completely shattered into many large pieces as an absolutely mammoth of a…mammoth barreled right through the gate.
“Atta girl, Shabbi!” The Tuatha would land right on the Mammoth’s back in a saddle as the creature would ram its tusks right into Annagan. “Get on Owl!”
“What in the queens holy knickers…” Gabriel was peeking through the gate from the side as he watched the mammoth ram right through the gate.
Luna frowned when she was asked if she would be upset if Sucaria's answer was yes. "Of course I would be upset if someone mistreated you!" The knightess said with a frown, trying to ignore the maid's hands running over her body. "You're part of our house now, and I won't have any of our own mistreated." In Sucaria's case, Luna was somewhat worried based on the maid's heritage that some few in the house might hold grievances but it seemed to be a non-issue in her absence.
"One could say that Gabriel's actions are the opposite of mistreating in the sense I was originally thinking of... But to hit on a maid as well... It looks like I'll have to teach both of my brothers a lesson tomorrow. After Gabriel returns." Luna then held back her voice as she felt Sucaria getting a little close to certain part of her torso she'd prefer her not. That aside, she couldn't quite tell why there was such a sad tone to her maid's voice. "Hmmm... I believe you've cleaned me up well enough, Sucaria. Would you be so kind as to help me dry off? I should probably sleep soon." Luna asked as she rubbed her temple and realized just how tired she was. As soon as she hit the bed, she'd probably fall right asleep.
She'd been trying to be mature and comfort the Queen, only to have her hair ruffled like she was a little child!? And that embarrassing comment...!
The pout on Fio's lips likely didn't help with that childish impression, as the petite little Witch folded her arms across her chest in irritation.
But the mood changed once again, as Sorcha discussed her feelings on attempting to live up to the King. Regardless of her true nature, it was difficult to feel that those sentiments were anything but genuine. Fio couldn't deny them. Besides, they really did have an important duty to attend to at the moment.
Further stories could wait.
Fio reached out, allowing herself to be pulled to her feet, her delicate little hand in the Queen's as she brushed herself off lightly. She was about to offer more words of comfort, when-
Location: Southern Giants Rest Late Night @FrogRFlowR
“Ice ‘em, Shabbi!” At the tuatha’s command, the Mammoth raised its legs just as ‘Annagan’ wrestled with the creatures tusks, having been shoved back quite some distance from the creatures sheer force.
“I don’t know what this beast is capable of, but-” Shabbi raised her trunk, a wall of frigid arctic wind blew from the creatures nostrils, flash freezing not only the air but the ground under the Bandit as his legs became trapped in ice. “-you pathetic creature-!”
“Now Trample!” As this was happening, Niall had found a safe place right beside the Tuatha who would also bring Gabriel along the mammoth’s back right as Shabbit would wrestle her tusks out from Annagan’s grip. With a trumpeting call, the Mammoth raised its legs and slammed them into the ground.
Immediately similar to how his own axe had done before, the ground under the mammoth erupted in a cold shower of earth and ice, crystalline structures of frigid ice slamming upwards from the ground and rushing towards Annagan.
“Too easy.” The bandits leader hefted his hammer - and slammed it right down onto the oncoming crystalline, striking it head on…and immediately creating a thick, snowy fog by which for Niall and the others to escape under. “...ah. Smarter than they look.”
“Oh dear, you let them get away, muscle brain.”
“Shut it, I didn’t see you helping.”
“Eh? And waste my precious experiments fighting that Beast Kin? Nah. Not worth it. Just wait until tomorrow though, I’ll have finished what you want , heh.”
And so Niall would head back to the Fortress under the cover of dark, reaching it at some point in the early morning. Try as he might, he could not convince the Tuatha to return to the castle with them, mentioning something about needing to head back home and make sure his family was safe or something or the other. Also checking in with some Cecillia person who apparently went to the mountains to look for something.
Regardless, Gabriel and Niall would arrive back and have about six hours for some rest before they needed to meet Sorcha in the meeting room.
“Mhm, okay…I’ll help getting dressed again.” Sucaria would then proceed to help luna dress in some comfy, rather high quality night gown and Luna was unable to get a word in edge wise as her maid proceeded to once again, possibly manhandle her into getting dressed and all washed and clean. Once done, instead of guiding Luna into her own bed in the barracks, Sucaria instead pulled the knight into her bed in the servants quarters.
The next morning, Luna would wake, head pressed firmly against Sucaria’s chest as the maid was sleeping soundly…it’d be cute, if not for the trickle of blood running out of the corner of her mouth in typical fashion.
Regardless, she should probably head to the meeting room to meet Sorcha and the others for a strategy meeting.
And Sorcha’s response to being bonked again was merely to laugh all the way down to the strategy hall.
It was early morning, the sun just rising over the hill. The morning sounds of the garrison and soldiers stationed here going through their training drills and guard routines. Leo’s voice was one of the loudest as he personally instructed the drills for the men while Gabriel shuffled into the room looking quite bedraggled and tired as though he didn’t spend the time after getting home actually sleeping.
Sorcha stood at the table of the same strategy room the knights had met at only yesterday evening. She had called Niall in early to help draw out a map of the area in relation to the bandits stronghold and the rest of the area, as well as hopefully give an accurate enough description of the bandit base itself.
“Good, you’re all here. Then we’ll start.” Sorcha wasted no time in getting started. No pleasantries. No formalities. There was only a slightly oppressive, authoritarian feeling hanging over the room. Sorcha herself stood straight, eyes burning with forceful determination. “Our objective and goal here is simple. The complete and utter annihilation of these brigands that dare to threaten the peace of the Lightsword territory and by extension…my, territory. Gabriel…what did you get out of our prisoner?”
“Uh, about that…” Gabriel replied with a frown. “...we didn’t get much. The bastard didn’t talk much, but I have something I’d like to talk with you about in private after this is over with.”
“...I see, well what did you get?”
“Only that they seem to be allied with some fomorians, but that’s nothing new.”
“That is about as useful as you flirting with me on the battlefield yesterday.”
“Ahaha Queen Sorcha I would never-” He’d glance to the side, making a point of avoiding Luna’s gaze.
“But fine. I’ll see you after we finish this. Now then, Niall…your report? You briefed me somewhat already, but I want to confirm this for everyone - you rescued a red-haired Tuatha that rode a mammoth from the bandits last night?”
Niall had jump on the Mammoth just in time, barely evading being impaled on the icicles. The rest happened fast, Niall and Gabriel horses following them until they had to dismount since their new friend refused to accompany them. Niall bid him farewell all the same and roughly explained what happened to Gabriel on their way back, keeping the deeper details for the Queen when the time would come.
In the meeting room, Niall was yet again fully dressed and, despite the few hours of sleep he had, at the ready.
"Yes, Queen Scorcha. I managed to find the Bandit encampment." Niall stepped forward, pointing the location of the bandit camp on the map they had drawn.
"There is a Wasteland in the forest, that is where the camp is situated so it would be hard to miss once there. It is built into a rock, and surrounded by well placed walls and two gates. Attacking it straight on seems like it could be trouble. From what I have seen they seemed complacent enough, with only a few of the look outs manned - though, that may have changed now I am afraid.
There are a few tents and buildings and not much discipline amongst the bandits but we saw Formorians, as you already know. Worse, though, would be...whatever aberrations they seem to have created out of people in the furthest building - where I found and saved the Tuathan male, your highness."
And Niall took another step back. "We made our escapes, but it did not go as well as going in. I am afraid the Tuatha made quite a scene... I am terribly sorry about this failure. I tried to have him follow us back here but they refused and left on their own, that was a few hours ago."
The camp was bound to be more alert now, and Niall felt rightly guilty of that. He would have to stay doubly vigilant for what was to come in order to make up for that lapse of judgement.
Luna had a ever so small headache as she was slightly hungover from the night before. She wanted to ask what had happened, but she felt that perhaps she didn't want to ask Fio. The first thing she could remember was Sucaria taking her back to the room they shared. Now, though, it was time for the debriefing. Bandits... A red haired male Tuatha? Mammoth. Her fist curled into a fist. "So THOSE bandits are related to this... And a Wasteland. Nearby?" Did they somehow miss that in prior patrols or...
"Well, there's nothing to worry about. They had to know we were going to be coming. Well, I'm sure that's not the last time we'll see that red haired mammoth rider either." Luna put a hand to her head and shook it slightly. "All we need to do is demoralize the bandits again supposing they all haven't be turned into one of these aberrations you mentioned." The thought disgusted her, really. "More important than anything, you returned to us alive and with this information."
She thought on to what tactics they should use to assault said bandit fort. "I'm sure we can more than manage with the amount of information we have..." The Knightess mentioned as she looked at the map. Then, almost as if she had a brilliant idea, her head sprung up. "Ah, yes, Gabriel. My brother. I too have something to speak about in private. With you and our brother Leo as well." The woman looked to her brother but there wasn't a loving and caring look in her eyes. It was a look that Luna was well known at home for. One Gabriel was well aware of. "Oh, and I also wish to ask of any siege equipment we might have here."
While Fio was glad that Niall had not been captured, she was not exactly happy to hear about how likely they'd be facing that Tuatha man again. Not that there was any chance she would lose in a fight with him. No, no, the Sword Witch still maintained perfect confidence in herself. Rather, it was more a matter of how irritating he would be this time if he appeared. Still, the Owl Knight's information was intriguing, to say the least.
The Fomorians were using people to create some sort of abominable constructs. Out of everything that Sir Niall said, that was what caught her attention the most.
Was it merely some twisted experiment, or were they intending to perform a large-scale raid? Did these actions have anything to do with the Wings of Dark? These were the questions that ran through the small girl's mind as she adjusted her hat and leaned forward.
"Were you able to glean any further information? Did they appear to have any goals with these... aberrations? Or was it all just for the sake of evil experiments and plundering?"
“I see…” Sorcha responded to Niall’s summary of events. “Niall, I believe you should know that Tuatha is almost certainly the same one that attacked Airedale only a few days ago.” The Queen leaned over the table, staring at the map as she’d study the map that Niall had provided for her. “Not so fast, Luna. They may be related - but it seems like the red-haired Tuatha and these bandits here are enemies. We can safely assume then, that what Vyrell and myself at least feared somewhat, is that the outlaws of Albion are still hardly united.” Sorcha inhaled, thinking a few moments. “And perhaps we could use the red haired Tuatha to our advantage. But that is neither here nor there for the moment. It will be something I discuss with Vyrell once we are back in Airedale. For now I agree with Luna. We crush,” Sorcha slammed her fist onto the table, the force of it causing the wood under the map to splinter from the impact just slightly. “These creatures.”
Sorcha straightened her posture and looked at the three gathered knights, a fiery determination evident.
“We can discover and figure out what they are up to once you three raid the base and we have more information.” She’d dust off the side of her hand that had hit the table. “I’ll leave the planning up to you three since I shall not be accompanying you. I will be staying here in case something…unexpected happens in your absence. The only thing I want out of this is that you three ensure that there are no survivors at all. Do I make myself clear? My mercy only goes so far and if they are colluding with Fomorians then they shall receive none.” Sorcha folded her arms across her chest. “Truthfully, Niall causing a scene may be more of a boon than a hindrance. One of their gates has been destroyed and I doubt they have had time to reconstruct it.”
Sorcha would fall silent, letting Luna, Fio, and Niall lead the discussion from here and only having input if she was directly asked by the three. It shouldn't be that hard for them to come up with a plan. The main building built into the side of a large boulder that overlooked the rest of the camp. A destroyed gate. Sure an ambush was unlikely to work, but since when did proper knights rely on such underhanded tactics?
A walk in the Meadows of Asphodel...
For the longest time, it felt as though he was caught in that single moment.
A terrible fire, burning every single cell of his being. Armor melted. Flesh seared. Burned alive. It had thankfully, been only an instant in reality, but suspended as he was in this death like state for an indeterminate amount of time, feeling every bit of that fire that had ripped him from life was a particular kind of hell.
One that would suddenly come to an end, as his life blinked back into existence.
He was laying on surprisingly soft, but cold gray colored grass and looking up at a sky of blackness above. Behind him was the destination he had just made it through during his last encounter with death, a forest of decayed trees.
And in front of him, the familiar sight of a maid that he had grown rather accustomed to meeting in these situations.
”My my…how many is that now? A dozen? Two? A hundred?” Truly I have lost count by now, sir.” Her name, as she tells it, was Survan Nemorine, and by now he’d realize that she was most distinctly not human if her goat eyes were anything to go by, her odd mannerisms and self admittance of being a ‘demon’. “You should really be more careful. Would be a shame if you were to…permanently end yourself.”
Her tone of voice was quite dissonasant with her words.
“Regardless,” She’d perform a deep bow. “Welcome once more to the underworld, wayward soul. You have trekked through the Sea of Ends, past the Obsidian Mountains, through the Red Palace of Mizushi, across the Rivers of Lethe and Styx, through the Forest of Petrified Souls…and thus, stand at the Asphodel Meadows. Only a brief little hop away from your destination now, lost little lamb.”
"This is the eighth time." Reinhardt replied curtly, breathing a deep sigh as his fingers pressed deeply into his eyes; vainly attempting to quell the incessant buzz of dull pain that lingered in his skull.
"Your attempts to feign concern for my well-being are neither convincing, nor amusing."
With a grunt the Knight lumbered to his feet, massaging his temples roughly as his gaze would settle on the black sky above. "Every time I end up here part of me hopes you won't be there… And yet every time, there you are– patiently waiting."
A nihilistic chuckle carried forth from Reinhardt's breath, "I can't ignore you, kill you, or run from you, much as I've tried…"
He shook his head in silent defeat, finally meeting the unsettlingly calm, inhuman eyes of the demon. "I’m still not sure why I’m required at this ’land of the unclaimed dead’, but seeing that I seem to be the only soul down here with a demon attached to my hip– I get the feeling it’s not something I can refuse."
Again the Knight sighed, gritting his teeth as his gaze would scan the sunless horizon. "Lead the way then. It’s about time we get this journey over with."
“Oh? But I most certainly do care for your wellbeing.” She’d respond. “Even after you ignored me. Killed me, left my body to rot upon this land of the dead, I do still. After all, that is what was tasked of me…and far be it from refusing my orders, lost lamb.” She’d proceed to sit mid air, as though there was some invisible chair or resting place under her. She’d somehow manifest a teacup from her dress and proceed to have a long, drawn out drink of it as a few moments of silence passed.
“Do not rush onwards, little lamb. This place is not for those who seek to run headlong to their fates. It is a quiet, lovely place and its inhabitants… usually kind. I’m sure you’ve ran into a Grudge or two on the way here. Let us take a moment to rest. Dying is painful, after all. I’m certain it’d be much better to proceed with a clear mind and as few ailments as possible.” A grin slowly crept across her features. “After all, each death of yours…tick tock, closer and closer, little lamb. Time will run out sooner than you think.”
Reinhardt's eyes narrowed, "Only a fool would trust a Demon; especially one presenting themselves kindly. Considering my circumstances, and the perverse joy you seem to get from the notion of my 'time running out'--"
The Knight sighed, seating himself almost leisurely on the ground. "I still think my actions against you are entirely justified."
Elias gave pause for a long moment, his gaze sweeping the Meadows as he breathed deeply.
"Besides– to charge forth headlong into whatever lies ahead is my responsibility as a Knight of Reinhardt; a protector of Albion. Just as your apparent duty is to care for my well-being… Giving my heart, my body, and even my life; however many times I must, in defense of the people of Albion and the legacy I fight to uphold is the duty that I am burdened with."
Another long pause followed as Reinhardt continued to admire the strange beauty of the Meadows surrounding him before beginning to ponder aloud. "Those abominable masses of twisted, mutilated bodies… You called them Grudges? They must not be all that uncommon if you're concerned I'd encounter any here… I've only fought one thus far– after I'd killed you. At the time I'd thought it your doing; a means of avenging your death at my hands…"
Elias sighed once more, placing a single hand flatly behind him as he'd recline slightly.
"This entire journey– our little foray through the lands of the dead…" he began once more, his eyes shifting back to Survan. "You've never really told me why you're guiding me… I've always found your choice of garb strange; it's as if you're presenting yourself as a maid. After learning what you were I'd initially thought it was intended to lull me into a false sense of security… But now I'm rather curious– who or what are you taking me to? And to what end do my summons serve?"
“Ah, you humans do so love justifying murder with reason, logic, and faith. Why you do not simply allow yourselves to be honest with desires I will never understand.” A small smile, another sip from the teacup. “Would you prefer I dress in blood and gore? Took the form of a silver skinned demon with hooves for feet and that weeps blood and uses its severed head as a flail? Or perhaps you’d prefer my more seductive kin? I assure you I can do that just as well, if you’d prefer such company. Would those meet your expectations?”
Survan tossed the teacup carelessly, though it never made it to the ground, disappearing just a few seconds before it shattered against it.
“But that would be inappropriate. I dress this way, because this is what I am, and I guide you, because it was the task that was given to me. Perhaps you’d find it humorous, once you realize who I serve…but I was instructed to not say anything. As such, I do apologize, but I can not speak to who…however,” She’d hop off whatever invisible thing she was sitting on, taking another deep bow.
“I suppose I can at least tell you your destination,” She’d make a motion with her arms towards the meadows. “Across the meadows, in the heart of the ashen sea of grass…you will find the home of the dead - Alavaris. And that, is where you will find answers you seek…and perhaps someone to help this little condition of yours.” She’d straighten her posture. “Now, I think I’ve said enough and you’ve rested enough. Lets not dally any more, lamb. For your time here is brief fleeting and next time may be your permanent internment here.”
Elias' briefly improved demeanor visibly began to sour as he listened to the Demoness' reply. Every grating word she spoke slowly chipped away at the Knight's patience; grating away at him like few others ever could. By the time she'd finished her little tea break and decided that it was time to continue on the Knight seemed nearly ready to just push on without her, regardless of any objections she might make.
"Well then–" Reinhart scoffed as he hopped back to his feet; clearly tired of Survan’s company, "It’s about damned time.“
The Knight rolled his shoulders as he began his march, his eyes and step firmly set in the direction that the maid had gestured in.
“For a lost lamb, you’re awfully dreary.” Survan responded, following along after Reinhardt. For the next little bit, the two traveled, and mostly had a one sided conversation between the two of them with Survan being the one who was having it. It was perhaps amazing, how much one could talk about nothing at all, and how much that nothing at all could be delivered in a mildly condescending and irritating tone like the demon could.
Eventually, the forest behind them would disappear into the horizon as the two would come across a rather odd shaped cage embedded into the ground as though someone had haphazardly simply dropped it from the sky. The thing was hollow, about ten feet tall and inside a blue fire burned brightly, a slow warmth overcoming Reinhardt as he’d approach.
“Ah, have I told you about these? Or have you run into one before?” She’d begin, though wouldn’t give him time to respond. “Spirit lamps. They help guide lost souls towards the City, you see. Even narrow-minded sheep like yourself could easily find their way to it.” Looking around, he could see several more in the distant, sweeping plains. “A perfect place for a bit of a tea break, hm?”
Reinhardt paused for a moment, giving the lamp a solid look-over, finally opening his mouth for the first time since the two had resumed their trek toward the city. "So that's what these are?" The Knight mused, reaching out with a single hand to gently run his fingers across it's frame, "I've seen them about; other souls following after them… Never quite knew their purpose though."
Elais silently admired the strange lantern for a long moment, basking in the strange, calming light it offered. "I would assume these also repel the 'Grudges' then? If not, I'd imagine these lanterns are little more than feeding troughs to those monstrosities…"
The Knight went silent for another long moment before speaking once more; what irritation he had pent up seemingly dispersed for the moment, "I can't imagine how long it would've taken me to get this far just looking for these… Nonetheless, they'd certainly be preferable to the company of a Demon on a journey such as this."
Reinhardt's brow furrowed as a sigh passed his lips, "Yet, for some reason I've had the misfortune to wake up here with a Demon at my side instead. Every damned time without fail. Not even once… What the hell do you even do between my visits anyway? Do you just stand there waiting wherever I left off?"
“Oh, curious about me little lamb?” Survan curled her mouth into a smile. “I drink tea, read a book…chat with my co-workers. Maybe take care of a grudge or two if it threatens the souls here. Maybe…toy with one or two, if they take my fancy.” It was difficult to tell if she was joking. Her tone was as serious as it always was. “Truthfully, little lamb…time isn’t the same here as it is in the world above. This is a realm where time refuses to move, after all.”
She’d glance to the side, far off into the distance.
“...now, lambkin, you are correct in saying that these usually ward off grudges. Normally they would.” She’d take a few steps away from Reinhardt. “They are particularly drawn towards those of lively dispositions as well as strong emotions.”
From around the side of a lamp, a large skeletal and ghostly creature manifested, its large claw like hand clinging to the side of the lamp as it peered at Reinhardt beneath its dusty cowl. It was about half as tall as the lamp, and seemed to lack any sort of legs. In its other hand, it held a lamp filled with blue light as well.
“These are pitiful sorts of grudges. They lack many offensive options…only hoping to lure lost souls to it with its ghost light. I do hope you have something to slay a spirit with, otherwise I suppose you’ll have to run.”
Reinhardt's lack of amusement at the sudden turn of events was palpable. The Knight's fingers pressed firmly into his eyes as he expelled a heaving sigh. Shaking his head, the Knight looked to Survan. Then to the Grudge. Then back to Survan. Then to the lantern. To the hand that the creature was using to hold the lantern. To his own hand that touched the lantern. To Survan a final time. And at last settling on the faceless hood of the Grudge that sought to prey upon him.
With a small jerk of his hand, Elias pulled the lantern from the vengeful spirit's grasp; raising it high over his head–
Crack!
The Grudge hesitated as the first strike came down upon its hooded head; the entirely alien concept of it's prey fighting back seeming to catch the creature off its guard. Nonetheless it pressed forward; claws outstretch–
Crack! Crack!
The following two strikes sent the spirit sprawling to the ground, the hooded figure scrambling to turn tail; having given up it's quarry in favor of surv–
Crack!
The fourth strike flattened the creature on the spot. But every cautious; and not wanting to chance a surprise attack, sat and watched the freshly made pancake– until he swore one of it's claws twitched.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
Reinhardt stood from his crouched position; having thoroughly and unceremoniously bludgeoned the Grudge to the point he was certain it wouldn't be getting back up.
Dusting himself off, he hoisted the lantern onto his shoulder and shot his accompanying Demoness a disgruntled glare before continuing on his way toward Alavaris.
"Very funny Survan. I think I'll be holding onto this for the moment in case you feel the need to make any more jokes."
The skeletal creature shrieked, its easy meal proving not to be so easy at all. Instead, it was summarily beat into the ground with its own fake lantern. The creature would thus cease moving only seconds after, its body turning into what seemed to be dust leaving only the cloth that was once on its body behind.
“My, whatever do you mean?” The demon smiled. “Its my job to make sure you get to the city unharmed…you don’t think I’d intentionally put you in danger, do you? Perish the thought. I do have plenty of jokes, though. Perhaps you’d like to hear one?”
Reinhart scowled at the notion; pursing his lips as he held steady pace, "I feel as though you'll say it regardless…"
The Knight sighed in quiet defeat, "Just get out with it then."
“Still so little trust after everything I’ve done.” Survan responded. “Perhaps you’d have preferred if I led the little lamb to a slaughterhouse instead? Regardless, if you’re so eager…ahem,”Survan once again propped herself up on her invisible seating. She'd cross her legs, holding a hand to her chest and seeming quite pleased with herself with what she was about to do. “Do you know why the little sheep mistepped and fell to his death?” She’d pause for a moment. “No? Well, I guess a little goat must have pulled the wool over his eyes.”
She seemed to be waiting for applause.
Reinhardt abruptly stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes narrowing to slits as he carefully appraised the ground before him, around him, and behind him. His head turned to regard Survan– slowly, carefully, examining her.
The Knight grit his teeth as he mulled over his thoughts. "Then the goat should tread carefully–" he responded tersely; brandishing his newly acquired bludgeon toward the Demon, "For surely– the Goat must understand… Even Lambs have teeth, and the one it considers a plaything may soon tire of the ruse."
“My my, you asked for a joke and here you are upstaging me.” The demon replied, a slow smile curling upon her lips. “Do be careful the lambs blunt fangs do not bite off more than they can chew.” She would hop off her invisible seating walking brusquely past Reinhardt. “For he should remember, the goat was only tasked with bringing him…whether in two pieces or not. And trust me, little lamb,” Caprine eyes turned towards him as she’d swivel her head just slightly to peer at him. “I would be quite interested in seeing just how easily something unbreakable…breaks.”
A quite obvious threat, as Survan would return to her usual nonchalance quickly after making it.
“But let us continue as friends, hm? Much better that way, wouldn’t you agree? If nothing else, lamb…trust that even if I do not like you, I have my orders to bring you to someone that has answers about your predicament.”
The Knight held his scowl firmly as his narrowed eyes followed the Demon closely.
Though he certainly didn't trust this creature– wasting his strength at the current moment would be a mistake… Especially if wherever Survan was leading him turned out to be a trap.
Reinhardt's expression soured further; his arm returning the lantern to once again rest upon his shoulder.
"I've decided against giving you the satisfaction of further wasting my time… If your deluded mind wants to label such as 'continuing as friends', then that's of no concern to me."
“Haaa, Mistress, why do you always give me the annoying ones-ah.” Survan paused, not walking much further as she’d instead look out over the meadows. They were at the crest of a small hill over the meadows now, and in the distance Reinhardt could see something. A large wall, seemingly spanning the entirety of the blackened horizon. Beyond it, a massive, sprawling city unlike any he had seen before. Buildings with construction that were completely foreign, perhaps of a completely different era than this. Looming over the city was a massive cathedral, and beyond it, it seemed the city rested against a massive cavern wall. Was he underground?
“It seems we are almost to our destination, lamb.” She’d say as she’d start walking again. “Do watch your step.”
The Knight stood in shocked silence atop the hill’s crest; swallowing dryly as he stared in awe of the monolithic City that lay before him. The Cathedral alone dwarfed the entirety of Airedale, and though he’d never actually been there– Reinhardt imagined that even Harzel itself; the largest City in Albion, would only barely rival the gargantuan Shrine.
"So this is Alavaris…. It’s even bigger than I’d imagined."
He stared at the at the towering Cityscape, his eyes trailing from it’s deepest roots to the utmost peak of the cavern wall it seemed to rest upon.
"And where in Alvaris are we headed?"
“You are heading towards the Cathedral. That is where she waits for you.” Survan responded, turning to face Reinhardt. “Alas, little lamb, this will be where we part. I am not allowed in the city.” The demon’s expression for once, did falter from its usual display of callous mirth. The demon's mouth ever so subtly fell downwards. “I suppose I shall have to get my entertainment elsewhere, oh well.”
She’d position herself on her usual invisible seat, legs crossed playfully as a teacup manifested in her hand.
“You’ll be on your own here, unless another of us decides to take pity on a lost little lamb. Do try not to cause a ruckus or disturb the residents of the city. This is no place for those still counted mostly among the living.”
Reinhardt's eyes narrowed ever so slightly as he grit his teeth in another moment of long silence.
"Good riddance. I wish good luck to whatever poor soul is burdened with your company next… They'll certainly need it considering what you classify as entertainment."
Survan didn’t bother to reply as the Knight trudged onward toward the City of the Dead.
His journey continued.
Alone.
By the time he was standing before the massive walls of the old, dead city his entire body would feel light, as though he was perhaps either drunk or was trying to move through a thick fog. His movements slowed, reaction time slowly began to go. Indeed, as he approached and stood before the gate it began to grow somewhat translucent…and as his feet finally hit cobblestone, his vision would go completely.
…
Sometime later, Reinhardt would find himself waking in a field of blasted trees and ash that the dragon had burned to cinders. He had been out for a few hours now. Finding his teammates may be a good idea, but where were they?
Watching Reinhardt leave left the demon known as Survan without much to do again. She watched him trek all the way across the rest of the plains and then towards the city before ultimately his journey through the underworld once more came to a close. Briefly, she wondered how long he’d be away this time? Last time…for those in the underworld, it had been nearly a year as far as she was concerned.
Of course, that was merely because time in the underworld was stagnant. It didn’t flow. Neither forwards nor backwards by decree of her Ladyship.
“Survan, you seem bored. Perhaps I should assign you more work.”
“Perish the thought, Mistress.” Survan immediately responded, being drawn from her thoughts with a deep curtsy to the woman in front of her. “I was merely lamenting the loss of entertainment again in my long, ever so dreary life. I don’t suppose you’d like to entertain me again like you did when you were such an adorable little child?”
“If you want entertainment, there’s always room in the Abyss.”
“Mistress, please. I may be a masochist that devours the violence of others but I don’t fancy having my own soul eaten.” Survan responded with tut.
“So what do you think of him?”
“The boorish knight?” Survan sighed. “Tsk tsk, so angry yet so delicious. I dearly wanted him to try and fight me again. I would have had his head on a silver platter. Such a shame his reason to avoid a fight won out in the end…or perhaps I just needed to prod harder? You do so ever have a habit of finding such…difficult to deal with, don’t you?”
“You’re one to talk, Survan. You could have easily riled him up to try it again, even if it would have mostly assuredly been a death sentence for him.” The black haired woman exhaled, the chains on her wrists and ankles clattering lightly in the breeze. “Do you think he shall be useful? Or should I merely fix this aberration before it becomes worse?”
“It is truly hard to say, Mistress. Personally? I don’t think he’s worth it. Foolish knights like him are so easily susceptible to corruption and influence. He’ll be so blinded by loyalty to that foolish creature that he won’t realize what he’s doing. I doubt he’ll care much to listen to outsiders like us.”
“Hm…perhaps, but if we can, that would certainly make things much, much simpler, would it not?”
“Ever the optimist despite your gloomy appearance, aren’t you my ever so pretty Lady Rifelshka?”
“Optimist? No. I’m simply taking into consideration my assigned role here to make less work for me later. I would much rather spend all day in my house having Nynette make tea for me, thank you.”
“You really must invite me to these tea parties of yours every now and then…”
And so, the two continued to speak about nothing at all for quite some time…
Luna thought on it and studied the map herself. "I agree with you here, Your Highness. With the gate destroyed we have an excellent place to assault. A perfect plan here for me... We take a few men to watch the gates whilst we assault to ensure none escape. First, I announce myself and get their attention at the destroyed gate. So long as that Fomorian doesn't show up again I'll be more than capable to fight. Fio, you stay out of sight and up high above if you can manage. Once enough of the enemies show their faces, I trust you know what to do. Niall, since you are able to overcome the walls easily, you wait until I start and drag their attention away and then you start to clean up from the other gate. Her Majesty has humbly requested that there be no survivors and I intend to show no mercy." The Knightess of Lightsword said, her face looking stern.
She made a soft sigh. "Of course, Niall, Fio... Should you have any objections or additions, I would very much like to hear them. We are equals after all, and I would love any input." Luna gave a small smile at the two.
"Hmph. Normally I would object to simply assuming I agree with your plan," began Fio, leaning back in her seat and folding her arms, "But I can't exactly object to my own suggestion."
Indeed, getting up high and out of sight and taking the enemy by surprise had been her immediate thought on sight of the location where they would be conducting battle. She could devastate their forces at range, and unless they had sufficient magical protection there wasn't much they would be able to do about it. That Fomorian they had fought the before was a concern, but the Sword Witch was confident that she would have no trouble eradicating the enemy if she stayed out of reach and simply kept hammering down on them with magic.
"As long as you lure them out, I assure you not a single one will survive," continued the petite witch, a small smirk on her lips. She felt nothing but self-assurance. She would utterly obliterate the enemy and leave not a single one of them standing. They would not be able to harm anyone else ever again.
After being told that the Tuathan male he rescued was known to them from before and not as a friend, Niall was remorseful. Although he couldn't blame himself for desiring to save someone, innocent or not, from the terrible fate the formorians would have given him, he wished he knew or that he at least could have brought him back here.
"A sound plan." Niall simply answered to Luna and Fio's input. "I would take a few men, if possible, and open the second gate once you begin your assault and after Fio's ambush. If we all go into the camp, we can clear it out like Luna said. The men can handle those that would flee. However, we have to be wary. There is the Female formorian that could spell trouble, as well as a bandit that was bigger than the others and stronger too. Annagan was his name, I believe. Slow, but powerful."
Niall took hold of his lance and looked towards the queen for approval of their plans and if they had leave to go prepare and execute.
Fio seemed so sure of herself, and Luna, with her passion, made Niall at ease despite his crippling lack of social experience with other humans in a 'normal' setting. Compared to those two, he could seem a bit 'narrow' and cold, but it was not intended.
"I look forward to serving with you both again." was all he could muster to say in an attempt to pitch in this social interaction.
“I see.” Sorcha smiled ever so slightly. “Well, if you are all in agreement then I shall take my leave. A simple bandit like him should not prove too troublesome to you all. As these are your soldiers, then, Luna, I shall hand over the operation of this assault to you. Now if you’ll excuse me,” She turned to leave, motioning for Gabriel to follow. “Prisoner. Now.”
“U-uh right.” Eager to get away from Luna, Gabriel followed behind the queen. This now just left the three of them to gather their soldiers, put their plan into motion, and then assault the base. It would probably be a bad idea for Luna to take more than a handful of soldiers with her, there was no telling if those bandits would come back or not. Still, it was up to her how many men to take and whether or not to leave many at the base.
The Queen was there, after all. There wasn’t much of a chance something could go wrong, right?
"Oh, and, one more thing," The queen stopped just short of leaving the door as she'd turn briefly back to her knights. "Remember. We also are looking for evidence as to who these bandits and fomorians are both. I don't care how you do it, but bring me some useful information."
As Luna, Fio, and Niall approached the base they would have enough distance for any scouts to see that the bandits had indeed fortified the smashed gate in the time they had. Not enough to completely close it, but enough to set a few wooden walls and other defensive structures to curtail the efforts of a large scale potential assault, likely they were expecting the full might of the Lightsword forces soon.
A number of bandits were scurrying around outside, hefting and constructing more structures, trying to build the wall in as little amount of time as possible in a vain attempt to finish before they were assaulted. Needless to say lookouts were also present, keeping watch for any immediate signs of the Lightsword or any other army coming to deal with them.
No sign of the fomorian or the one named Annagan either. No telling where they were at, though they were likely hiding in the structure somewhere, waiting for things to start or overseeing their little base here.
Otherwise, the base was exactly the same as Niall had left it last night. Bandits stood upon the palisades, armed and ready. It was just a matter now of starting the assault and executing the queens orders.
