"Yes sir..." Jason said he never expected Hardel to move so fast and his ears where what drew his attention. They weren't normal and niether is this man before him. He wanted to ask about them but didn't want to sound rude or get hurt. because he did so. He then thought about what to do next. He was obviously slower then Hardel and less trained. He then came at the man again with a stabbing motion that was faster than his last attack. He was still testing to see what was the best way to attack this man.

Iabor twisted, and turned in his sleep soon he fell off his bed hitting the floor. He groaned out in a great deal of annoyance, and stood up he grabbed his helmet and put it on. The door opened with a creaking noise, and he walked out slowly he went for a walk around the grounds. He saw the green collar taking on Hardel, and he felt a piercing bitter tinge of jealousy. He sighed out as he watched the two duel, as it was more than a little entrancing to see the old man move the way he did. Soon he took a seat on one of the benches his arms crossing as he leaned back.

The day has been long, but as Herunes watched Seph walk off he couldn't do nothing but think long and hard about what's next. Now... onto my problem... He looked down at his hand, he surged some of his power... the green and black must slowly crept over Herunes skin.. but in a sudden surge it retracted and Herunes fell to his knees in agony... Damn you warlock... The enchantment to restrict Herunes form was indeed powerful, it limited Herunes greatly as most of his powers dwell from his true form.

He slowly got up and brushed the snow of his clothes, the pain still flowing through his arm, making it shake ever so slightly, it felt like needles digging into his arm, he turned and hastily made his way into the castle. Herunes smile was gone, there are moments where even Herunes can't bring himself to smile, but that never really means he's angry, just serious, a quote Herunes once heard and he will always remember, told to him by a jesters dying breath: 'A smile is not just on the face, but in the mind... find it in your mind... and you need not show it on your face.' It was hardly anything poetic in anyway, but... memorable enough for Herunes to right it down in his book.

He felt a sudden change in the air around him, it broken him out of his train of thought. Who... what? He turned to the hallway towards the training grounds. He walked in, trying to locate its source. He saw Jason sparring with an un-usually fast man An elf... inpure.... luckily Seph isn't here... As he watched longer he saw it, something was different about this man, he stared at the mans face before disappearing again back into the hallways. Herunes never forgets a face, nor the mind lay hidden behind it.

After endless walking Herunes finally made it into the main library, usually visited by warlocks. Herunes hoped that the one he was after was still alive...

Hardel twisted and dived on the frozen grounds. The light fall of snow had began to appear again as the two sparred in the training yard.For every thrust Jason made Hardel span and struck the boy on the arm of leg. Shouting at him "AGAIN!" and retaking his stance of standing at the ready like a suit of armour in the cold. Whenever Jason would slow, Hardel would go on the offensive. When Jason countered, Hardel would flow seemlessly into his defensive dives and parrying strikes that threw the young Templar off his balance and always ending with Hardel hitting him hard on the arm of leg with the butt end of his spear. The man was as illusive as a ghost. He had completely ignored the fact that near every Templar and Warlock was now standing and watching the two fight it out in the central ground.
The final strike that nearly hit Hardel was struck away, but not by his spear. Jason had gotten too close this time for such a counter. Instead, Hardel held out his hand and cried out, in a tongue that flowed like music into the wind, a single word that sent Jason hurtling back to fall on the hard frozen ground. The impact alone would have no doubt left him breathless. there was Hardel, standing over the young boy as he leaned on his spear. "Never expect a single weapon, for the hidden blade is the one that will kill you." He held out his hand for Jason to lift himself off his feet. "Come boy, you shall be my student. This I command of you."
The voices began to raise around them. Hardel had not taken a student in decades, he had helped train others but never taken one on has his own, not since the death of his son and his family. It was something that all knew never to speak of, but now they could not help themselves. Hardel raised his gaze to the instructors. He did not need to say anything with his eyes glaring at them. They simply took him for what he meant and began yelling at their own students to return to their training. "What is you're name boy?"

-----The Library-----

The great library of the Citadel was not quite as great as some would have been lead to believe. It was just a vast hall that lead to smaller rooms, each wall covered in old books and scrolls with shelves arrayed along the floors to allow additional books to be housed. It was a difficult place to walk through, and breathe for that matter. The air was thick with dust, the large candles arrayed by each shelf end half melted away from being lit day after day. The few Warlock students that had been studying quickly vanished to see the commotion their friends had spoken of outside in the training grounds. all save two Warlocks remained in the library now. One, a young man who seemed too interested in the particular book covering the history of the kingdoms, and the other an old woman.

Her pale blue eyes shot up as Herunes entered her domain. "What can I do for you Daemon?" she said loudly, her voice carrying through the hall. She was no doubt a once beautiful woman, but those days had past her now. Her lover was gone, her dreams of adventure spent and her joints now causing her too much pain in the cold air to even try and go outside the walls this time of year. Yet she worked tirelessly to catalog all the books they had in her library. She carried a large pile of old tomes, placing them on one of the slim benches that ran through the centre of the library and taking a small number of them before vanishing down one of the alleys, emerging once more with a fresh selection. "Cursed students. They may be gifted in body but not of the mind. How hard is it to return something to its proper place?" she spat at no one inparticular, scratching her head before turning to face Herunes once again. "Well Daemon, I said what is it?"

'Ah my dear Iris, it seems time has taken upon you as it has to the kingdom around you' He walked up to her, the closer he got the more he could see her face, 'Harsh it has been' Herunes smiled as he lifted one of the books from her grasp and placed it in its proper place 'Yet I see your mind still carries on...' the smiled upon his face vanished again.

'My recent summon has bound me to this....form...' He took a seat at one of the tables, 'And I have no intention of bringing anything up with the Circle as I know they could not care less... and so I have came to someone...I can trust' Iris one of the few who can look deep into Herunes eyes and remain calm, which depending on the person... means trustworthy or enemy.

He lifted up his arm and made a quick demonstration of his case, he let his magic flow over his hand but as before it retracted and left his arm in pain, he tried to keep it subtle as possible, only making it sound as if it were loud whispers. 'I can still feel the minds of those around me but my power of bringing forth illusion to reality is little to nothing...' His eyes enveloped in black as he clenched his fists 'The person who did it of course isn't the problem, it's the source of the enchantment which is bothering me... I must find it... and clear it at once.'

He then puts his hands over his eyes in agony, regretting his release in anger...

Jason took Hardel's hand standing up then bowed "I am Jason Blades" he said. He never had a personal instructor before. "If I may ask sir what are you?" He asked he never seen a human like him before. He then looked around and saw how everyone was looking for a second. Did he do something impossible? He had no clue at all as he dusted himself off from all the snow he now had on him. And he couldn't believe he used magic hidden blade he repeated in his mind.

((I'll make this post but hen we really should wait for the others to get a chance.))

"Jason. I shall speak with the Commander, but from today you will be my squire." Hardel spoke like the stern trainer he had proven himself to be. He was one of the few members in the Templar ranks that could wield magic without being forced to convert to Warlock. Hardel truly had a great influence over the Order without wishing it. "I am an Elf boy. Well, only a half Elf, but that blood runs through my veins as much as any other." He replaced the hood over his head to keep off the cold sensation that left his ears feeling unpleasantly numb. "Damnable cold. I prefer spring. At least things are not so bloody frozen..." The old man in him was showing himself as he wrapped up and held the spear close to his shoulder. "Follow me, boy. The sooner we have this made official, the sooner we can continue your lessons."

Hardel began a marching pace to the Commanders solar. It was a gruelling walk through the Templar barracks and up to the top tower over looking the training grounds. Anyone who suffered from bad knees would have been hard pressed to climb so many steps. It left many men winded after the climb. Hardel wrapped on the door and stood awaiting a reply. "Remember boy, say and do nothing unless spoken to. Lord Fredrick is a proud man and respects order."

"Enter!" a voice called out from behind the door, Hardel pushing his way inside and standing with his head bowed to a man in mail and leathers who stood over a hot fireplace sipping wine while reading reports from the front. "It is good to see you old friend..." Hardel said with a smile.
"Hardel! You old bastard, I thought you were still south of here." Fredrick slammed the goblet and letters on the table beside a chair across from the fire before walking up to embrace his old friend. "Too long my friend, too long..." Fredrick turned to see Jason. "...and who is this?"
Hardel intervened. "This is Jason Blades. I am here to discuss his apprentership." Fredrick seemed taken back by it for a moment. Not sure if he was hearing the words quite right.
"Are you sure Hardel? This is not some game you are playing is it?"
Hardel gave a harsh cough of dissaproval. "Certainly not. I sparred with the boy. He's a bloody fool as he is, but he has potential. It is about time I took a squire once more...."
Fredrick stood with a wary look on his face. Clearly their was history Jason was not privy to. The commander paced over to look Jason in the eyes as though inspecting a new filly and checking its value. "Tell me boy, Jason was it? What do you think of becoming a squire to Sir Hardel?"

After the fight, Iabor slowly stood up with a yawn. The fight had been informative about the young boys potential, it made him feel like the world was going to be in safe hands after all. He walked around the perimeter of the castle grounds one last time before calling it a night, and heading off to bed.

Kaedas wandered through the Citadel, his cloak protecting him from most of the cold. The Grands Warlock's reaction was exactly as he'd expected. Still, the dismissive tone grated on his every nerve. As he watched the trainees sparring in the snow-covered yard he felt a strange longing; before he discovered his magical abilities his father had trained him in fencing and the art of war, he had thoroughly enjoyed his lessons. Not that he wanted to be powerless, but he found the act of swinging a sword somewhat relaxing.

As he stepped from the archway and into the training yard, all action stopped and heads turned toward him. 'Don't mind me' he said 'I merely find swordplay entertaining and would love to watch'

He brought his hands up to and lowered the hood of his robes. He sensed the trainees' unease as they met his ghostly eyes. A smirk crossed his face and he stood there with his arms crossed. 'Well, let's see what the Templars' newest recruits can do.'

----Library----

"I see..." Iris gave a short stare as Herunes attempted to draw on his darker form only to falter at the last moment. "I would guess some kind of binding incantation..." she continued sorting through her books and filing them one by one, brushing past the old Daemon as she did so. "About time someone put you in your place. You play with people's mind too often when summoned Herunes." Iris had learned the damaging effect of Herunes mind bending, how he could make you feel a despair that no human should face. If it were not for her own history of what life had thrown at her she may have been more fearful of the Daemon. But why should someone who lost everything care about losing one last shred of sanity.

"I care little if you have no power or a sudden fetish for rat droppings" she began while pacing the shelves with a bony finger outstretched as to locate a specific tome. "but you are less than useless without that meddling you do. Ah..." Iris pulled out a small and shriveled leather bound book no larger than her hand in width and only a few inches in height. It was a rather uninteresting book to look at, until she opened the pages that is. The first words on the old fading paper that looked as though it would crumble under her touch, were elvish symbols. "One of our oldest books from the first teachings. I can't say it will have anything useful but it covers a few of the old ways in binding magic." Iris held the book to Herunes, eyes looked at him as if she had just stepped on something. "And make sure you bring this one back in one piece."

As the pain slowly faded from his eyes he calmed down and took the book held out to him and flicked through it carefully, he had respect for literature and its value. Elvish Herunes sighed I shall get Sepherus to read it for me... He closed the book and rested it deep within his garments, it stuck out a bit but nothing too showing. He then looked up at Iris amused at her comment 'Come now Iris, what makes you think I would give up on what makes coming to this place so worth while...' His grin had finally returned, he felt somewhat in control again. 'Now, tell me Iris, what else has happened in the past many years since my return home?'

His interest was at this point overwhelmed with questions, though he only wished to ask them to certain people. Sepherus wasn't one to ask considering he isn't allowed in any major cities, and his other acquaintances are miles away. He also enjoyed Iris' cold reception, the way she speaks the way she lives the remainder of her life, all to fascinating. In truth she was just another piece of his grand amusement, but rather this time its like a Warlock befriending their test subject, growing to become like a favourite among the many.

Iris compared to Sepherus is a hard one for Herunes to consider, considering they are of different species. Iris, he sees the previous horror and broken past that haunts her every second of the day, yet she keeps such a face where no-one would suspect a thing. Ironically she's like the book the back of her library, forgotten and doing nothing but gathering dust.

'Do you remember Sepherus Iris?' Forgetting he already asked her a question, his deep thought had gripped him in a mindful hold, sitting there leaning over the table. He saw Sepherus as his blade, he proved rather useful in dispatching many threats that lay too close to Herunes himself, his blades coated in his very own black blood, a poison so rich if gotten into the body it would kill within minutes. Herunes giggled at the thought...

Jason stood there silent as Hardel had instructed him. There was clearly history between the two and in Hardel's own life that he wasn't aware of. He mentally sighed as he listened but then saw as Fedrick came over to him and looked him in the eyes. He then said "Tell me boy, Jason was it? What do you think of becoming a squire to Sir Hardel?"

"Yes sir it is Jason and I would be honored to be Sir Hardel's squire." He said knowing that Hardel told him to speak when when spoke to. He was wondering about the mission they were to go on tomorrow will Hardel tag along? He asked himself as he continued to look into Fedrick's eyes. He was hoping he could go to sleep soon. He had walked a far distance and not to mention he had sparred with Hardel for what seemed like forever.

Lord Fredrick gave the boy a stern glare as if trying to find some hidden tinge to an otherwise polished blade. After a moment of persistent stares he stood taking in a deep breath and walking back to his fireplace. "I have no grounds to deny you this title. You may instruct him as you see fit Hardel" Fredrick kept his eyes on the dancing flames as he spoke, the room falling back to silence for a time as he stood ignoring them.
"We shall take our leave then..." Hardel make to bow and gestured to Jason that he too was to leave the room.
Fredrick's hand swung up to halt them. "The boy may leave, you I would ask to star Hardel. I must speak with you on something..." from his voice this was something Jason was not meant to be privy to nor should he wish to pry. Hardel bowed his head and waited for the boy to leave and close the door before facing the Commander. Fredrick looked over to him, a concern in his eyes. "This is a bad idea Hardel."
Hardel shifted on his feet, clearly unhappy with where this discussion was going. "I see no reason why that would be. The boy has promise."
"You know dam well why you have chosen him, Gods even I am no blind fool when to the resemblance." Fredrick had raised his voice, clearly not truly for the idea of Jason becoming Hardel's apprentice.
Hardel responded with equal shouts of his own. "You would rather I hid away for the next decade before I die?"
"DAM IT MAN HE IS NOT YOU'RE SON!"

The room went silent. Only the popping wood on the fireplace made any noise. Hardel was staring at Fredrick with a detesting gaze. He would have looked as though he was about to cry if he were any other man. It was Fredrick that looked away, finally breaking the silence. "I am sorry Hardel. This boy may look like Arden bu-"
"Never speak of this again Fredrick. If you wish to remain my friend, you will never mention his name..." Hardel took his own leave, opening the oak door and walking out of the solar before closing it behind him. Fredrick stood for a time before sitting down, resigned on his words, to continue sipping his wine. It had lost the taste he had enjoyed only moments ago...

---THE NEXT MORNING---

The blizzard had set in only last night. Half the training programs had been cancelled due to the severity of the storm, but the party had to leave now if they wished to intercept the army before it reached their destination. Whatever that may be. Hardel stood with his thick furr cloak wrapped tightly over his frame, Alistair beside him wearing his robes with a simple cloak draped over them. The cold wind was stabbing at any bare flesh it could find with needles of ice. A gust swept over Hardel's face forcing the man to blink and wipe away some of the slush in his beard. "The gods seem to be trying to make thing difficult Alistair! Are you sure it is wise to send them now?"
"If we delay any longer then we will never reach them in time! Besides, Daemons do not care for most gods!"
"I was thinking more on those born of this world!" Hardel grunted and stepped back into the gate house, the howling winds were blowing through the stone building making it sound as though the entire citadel was inhabited by wailing banshees. A horrid noise to be sure. "Where are those dam students?!" Hardel spat. He had decided to accompany them for now, to see how Jason fared in real combat. Why Alistair was here to see them off too was beyond his knowledge. He had some reason to speak with them he assumed. Not that it was his business anyway.

Iabor awoke with a mighty yawn, the warm blankets filled with their warmth made it hard to move. Not to mention the fact that he could never return, for once he left he was officially banished. He heaved a heavy sigh mixed with another yawn, and got out of bed the cold floor stinging at his bare feet, but he tried to ignore it.
"By the gods it is freezing," Iaborsaid shivering.
He quickly began to don his armor, and did a few squats as to get his blood flowing again. Then grabbed his large black fur, and putting it on. He wrapped it close to himself, and grabbed his heavy bag. Before heading outside his helmet quickly getting covered in a thin layer of frost.

He walked up to the gate to be surprise by not only Hardel,but Allistairas well.
"Well what did us lowly rookies do. To earn such great company as your own," Iabor said laughing.
His muscles tightening as Iabor looked upon Allistair. He had no regrets, and he wasn't sour about his banishment from the order.
"By the gods its cold isn't it," Iabor said as he felt a great chill seep through his armor.

Kaedas rose early, washed and donned his black robes. Today was exceptionally cold so he chose one of his warmer robes; one with fur trim and extra padding to keep in the warmth. He headed to the upper floor food hall; where he claimed a few slices of grain bread and a bowl of local fruits mixed into a porridge. Once he'd had his fill he placed his bowl into a basket, that would be collected later and cleaned by the kitchen servants, and headed to the main courtyard.

Once outside, Kaedas was forced to raise his hood to protect against the biting wind and headed towards the Main Gate where, he was sure, some of the recruits were already waiting.

He was pleasantly surprised by the small group of templars, warlocks and demons present. The one thing he did not expect was to see the Grand Warlock standing there, resolute against the chill air, not blinking but staring at the wrought-iron gate. No wait, he's not staring at it - he's staring BEYOND it!

Jason rolled over he was having a nightmare that wouldn't let him go. The demons were there and fire was everywhere, then a swarm of disease. He ran from them soon finding a door he quickly shut it. He was now in a dark room with a table and a chair. But someone was already in the chair they looked at him and smirked. He then recognized them it was Herunes they sat there in silence for a minute before saying. "I'm watching" then the dream went to black as Jason woke up.

He looked around as he breathed heavy as he looked around "I'm late and its cold" he said. He knew the weather will get worse when he goes out side. He could hear the howling of the wind in the barracks. He gathered everything he had which wasn't much and got his thick coat on. He then went to the mess hall getting some bread. He was eating it as he walked down the hall to the main corridor. He saw a lot of Templars, Wizards, and Demons. "Morning routines must have been cancelled" he said to himself as he walked out of the main doors. He covered his face with his arms as he was met with the harsh winds.

He then saw the Master Warlock, Hardel, Kaedas, and Iabor standing in this harsh wind. He walked up to them and bowed to them "Grand Warlock and Master Hardel sorry I am late." He said then stood up and stood straight up before he went and stood by Hardel not sure why he was here. He just new it felt like to cold of a morning for these two older men.

Herunes opened his eyes, he felt the immediate chill shuddering down his spine, it has gotten colder. Herunes was sat upright in a position as if he was a monk, to get through the night and to rest his body, Herunes meditates. As sleeping exposes his mind, rather like an unlocked tiger cage. Always keeping in control, plus his uninvited visit into Jasons mind required some thought considering his powers are vacant.

He stood up and tightened his garments, for what seemed to be light cloth actually was an ancient elven robe. It kept out the cold relatively well, despite him starting to feel it, he knew that the others suffered worse. He made his way down to the courtyard to find his companions waiting, he was surprised to see Hardel, as well as Jason standing next to him. Herunes made his usual smile hinting nothing of the nightmare he inflicted, he however could feel the strain it had.

'What a lovely day to travel' He turned towards the young Warlock who he had made little contact with yesterday 'It seems that you were on time... how interesting...' His face was at complete disgust, yet still remaining his smile. He then pulled out his book and started reading, paying no attention to Iabor.

"I am hear out of respect to Sir Hardel, who will be joining you on this task." Alistair said over the strong howls echoing through the stone buildings. "He will be joining you on this assignment. Evaluating your work accordingly." Alistair continued, raising his hand to the small door leading into the chamber built into the gatehouse for the guards. "If you require better cloaks the watch will be more than happy to share with you. The order is built on cooperation, but the cold cares little on how resilient you are." he paused to look at the Daemon among them. "Remember, even Daemon, while in human form, suffer just as mortals."

Hardel wandered up to Jason, leaning closer to him as he gripped the spear in his hands to balance his weight. "Now boy, we'll be continuing your training on this task. You did not think I would make things easy on you." His words sounded like a stern teachers, only the brisk smile as he walked back over to the main gate entrance showed Hardel was not as bad as he seemed. He looked out over the snow as it blew over the open plains beyond the citadel and tried to focus on the forest in the distance that formed a natural barrier between the Order and the cities of men. "Storm is losing strength. We should see only snow fall by days end."

Iabor had packed everything he owned in his bag, which included a heavier coat. Seeing how the wind was picking up he decided to put his bag down, and bring it out. He put his long thick leather coat on, and pulled down his hood as he removed his helmet as it obstructed his vision too much. But, his mouth was hidden by a layer of cloth, and his eyes draped in shadow from the big hood which was lined in black fur. He pulled his coat tightly around him clasping the wolf bone buttons through the leather string sewn into it to keep it tightly around him. He then put his helmet back into his bag before hoisting the heavy sack over his shoulder.
"Will we be traveling the whole distance by foot or will we be using horses," Iabor asked.
He wondered because of the fact the orders supplies were mostly put to the front for fighting demons. Which he figured included the horses. So there was a probable chance they'd be going on foot. He looked at Hardel figuring that if anyone would slow them it would be him due to his older age. Though he was not foolish enough to completely discount the mans abilities.