[IC] Skyfall: A Coming of Age Story

[Ellipses]

Although winter had begun to thaw across the countryside, the weather felt as time simply hadn't passed. The air remained cold and the skies dreary, as if it were an omen for the days ahead. Just the thought of the future filled Syntheeya's thoughts with uncertainties, even if she had understood why the High Elder called upon the Order of the Sun, the religious sect that they belonged to, to send a representative of theirs. Something had to be done, that much was obvious, but how could they expect a small group of youth to accomplish something so great?

"I'm certain they share similar sentiments." Syntheeya uttered nonchalantly to herself, her Eidolon scouting the road as she watched from the castle ramparts. "Or maybe not. Some people are just naturally foolhardy, with ideas of glory and heroics stuck in their heads." She shrugged, hearing the loud caws of her Eidolon spotting something in the distance.

Standing up from the cold stone she had been sitting on, Syntheeya turned to a group of nearby guards, and shouted in their direction. "Open the portcullis! More heroes have come to answer the King's call."

Well, in the end, I suppose we'll just have to wait and see. Syntheeya figured, holding out her gloved arm to catch the bird-like creature as it swooped downwards towards the young falconer upon accomplishing its goal. I just hope they're at least aware of the magnitude of what they're getting into.

[Utrax]

^{... the castle.}

De'yaego came running up to the castle at a jog, wholly heaving breath after breath, because he was definitely out of it. Why was he running again? A very distinct clicking and hissing noise picked up from behind him as his pace slowed. Ah, right, that's why he was running. Deeply, a sigh left him, as he glanced over his shoulder at the quickly approaching sentient-mass-of-magma-- or was it Lava now-- that was trying to keep up with him. Rolling his eyes, De'yaego had half a mind to kick the thing into the nearest sewage grate, but that hadn't worked out the last time-- or the several times before that either. No matter what he did, his eidolon always managed to find its way back to him, but he wasn't quite to the point of giving up his attempts at getting rid of it.

Setting his jaw, De'yaego marched toward the portcullis, as the guards called to answer it, fully absorbed in his own thoughts. When he approached it, a guard moved to block his path, which caused his steps to slow but not halt. See, he half-expected to be met with a bit of skepticism and perhaps suspicion, as his Ma'd told him about castle-folk and their peculiars, so he wasn't surprised when the Guard gave him a once, twice, thrice-over, and a glare.

"Here for answerin' call t'Champions," De'yaego told the guard gruffly, still walking toward him at a slow pace, "And I thank ya for side-step." Baring his teeth, De'yaego met the Guard's confused stare, with a rather aggressive one, as his Eidolon clicked and clacked behind him-- adding their own demands to the statement.

[Crusader Lord]

The Castle

---

Safe to say, the nerves still seemed to run hot through her veins like a wildfire as the girl approached the castle. It had been a small journey of its own to get to the Castle, though for those days prior to even that she'd been busy preparing herself for it all. Not that her parents weren't nervous of their own accord in those days as well. Regardless, she'd been seen off by her family with a meal and packed lunch...a moving event for them all despite her promise to come back alive and as an adult. Because the truth was there was no guarantee that she'd be coming back alive, depending on how this all went.

...Even so, she had to go out there, she had to see it all. It was her selfish wish that she couldn't deny, even if the thought of doing so came to mind a few times before. It burned within her like the heat of the forge, and if she couldn't temper herself in this fire then what right did she have to be a great smith's daughter?

"You worry too much, young one."

The redhead, snapped out of her thoughts, glanced over to her side. Riding upon a ghostly stag was her Eidolon, or as the creature had introduced herself years ago: "Melu". Earlier the diminutive creature had conjured a great many to ride along with them, like a procession, but the idea of marching up to the castle with an army of child-sized creatures in procession was a bit 'much' for the girl's own tastes. Too flashy, or perhaps just too embarrassing outright. Either way, Melu had accommodated her with a chuckle before they got too close.

"Well, if I die then my family will be in hard times. It is a great honor to answer these summons to such a grand mission as well, so naturally I'd be nervous..."

The ghostly humanoid gave a chuckle.

"While reasonable concern is one thing, worry not about-...hmm?"

A flash of red, perhaps almost a glow when under the sunlight, seemed to dart about overhead in the sky. Then a loud caw.

"Seems another has spotted us," Melu commented with a slight smirk, "I shall go to welcome them in the meantime, as you head to the gate of course."

Leyann let out a small sigh. Not the first time Melu's whims would lead to something like this, but not the first time she'd probably land by her side again after a short jaunt. All the redhead could do was give a nod to the Eidolon, watching her dissipate the stag and conjure up a hawk to ride upon before Melu took off into the air towards the source of the cawing.

Meanwhile, as the girl looked to the approaching gates she noticed something odd. Or rather, perhaps to be expected. Another boy, about her age from her estimation, talking to a confused looking guard. Also some small hot rock looking Eidolon. Shuffling her pack to get more comfortable, spear and gear rattling slightly, Leyann ultimately walked up to the trio and gave a casual wave.

"Er, hello there! I am here to answer the king's summons, if I may so pass inside."

[Apoalo]

---

Mikhah's Manor ---> Castle

---

It was still dark when Mikhah woke up, startled. His dreams had been vivid and even now, as his chest was heaving and sweat poured from his brow, he could see the scene before him as if he couldn't escape. He had been stuck on a small road, surrounded on all sides by enemies and his King was being attacked by what appeared to be Demons. No matter how he tried, no matter how many he killed he wasn't able to reach his Liege, and just as the man was being stabbed through the heart he had awoken. Mikhaha closed his eyes and shook his head violently to get the sights from his vision and then felt a presence beside him. He opened his eyes, peering past red strands of his hair that were plastered to his forehead, and saw Lanthiel peering at him with concern in his unnaturally green eyes. Mikhah forced a smile that he knew wouldn't be reassuring and shrugged. "I'm ok Lan, just a nightmare. Probably because of nerves, not every day you meet the King and get sent on whatever mission he has for you."

Lanthiel didn't seem convinced, the 'boy' narrowing his eyes before slowly nodding. Human emotions were weird and he was still learning them but he supposed that logically it made sense for Mikhah to be nervous and that those nerves could affect sleep patterns. "I just wanted to make sure you weren't dying, you sounded like you were being stabbed to death. Sleep well?" His words came in a 'matter of fact' tone while the last bit was phrased as a question, with curiosity seeping into his voice before he gave a final shrug and padded back to his own bed.

Mikhah chuckled a bit as he watched his Eidolon. Lanthiel was certainly different, but Mikhah found his desire to learn and become 'human' admirable. The two had been through quite a bit together already just growing up and learning to fight. They were inseparable and knew each other like the back of their own hands. Secrets didn't exist between them and Mikhah was proud that Lanthiel had much so much progress since they had first met.

With the curious Eidolon sleeping once again Mikhah took a few more deep calming breaths and got himself comfortable once again under the blankets of his bed. He did his best to get the worries of the next evening out of the pit within his stomach and when a bit of peace was found he drifted off back to sleep...

"Mikhah if you don't wake up on the next swing I'm going to call the wind to help me and you don't wan-" Lanthiel was interrupted by Mikhah flying upright, sending covers all over the bed and almost smacking the poor Eidolon in the face as Lanthiel was sitting on his chest poking him in the neck.

"No! No, I'm up. No need to call the wind, besides Abcde would kill me if she came in, to see that sort of mess on my last day here. No thanks, so you just get off and we'll..." Mikhah trailed off as a large yawn took over his speaking and then smiled sleepily to Lanthiel who hmphed and climbed off Mikhah and onto the floor. Mikhah noticed he was already dressed and hoped he didn't sleep in too long, his parents were wanting to wish him luck and send him off with one last family breakfast. He swung his legs around the bed and began rushing around to get himself prepared. His clothes had been prepared the night prior and as such he didn't have to rummage around to find something to wear. It was simple traveling clothes, as he was sure he wouldn't need to be court attire or his armor just traveling to the King's Castle. A quick bath, some hopeless attempts to fix his hair, and a change later and he was ready to go.

Mikhah rushed out of his room and almost knocked Abcde, one of the head servants, off her feet. He winced and quickly grabbed what she was carrying to make sure she didn't drop anything and sheepishly gave his apologies as he snaked around her and moved on. The manor was large but Mikhah had lived there his entire life. He knew the quickest ways down to the Great Hall and as he passed the library he yelled inside. "Come on Lan! Time for breakfast." His shout was returned by another, a bit higher pitched and the sound of running feet. Content that his Eidolon was following after him, Mikhah continued his descent down the grand staircase and then into the entrance hall. He gave polite nods to the servants and guards before making his way fully into the Great Hall where plates from the kitchens were just arriving, the first of which is placed in front of a middle-aged man with a salt and pepper beard, blue eyes, and a stern look on his face. The second plate was placed in front of a woman of similar age to the man to her left. She had strawberry blonde hair and contrasted the stern look of her husband with that of joy.

Calipsu's smile was known to light up any room she was in, and it was no different in the Great Hall as all the servants seemed to be in brighter spirits. Even Mikhah who was still a bit groggy from sleep was affected, and Mikhah knew the stern look on his father's face would be much worse were it not for his wife's presence beside him. Mikhah made his way up to his own place at the table and then chuckled as Lanthiel came sliding in from the entrance hall, stopping and gulping as he noticed everyone was assembled. The Eidolon slowly straightened his back and rolled his shoulder while shaking his head just slightly. Now standing properly he slowly made his way up to sit right as Mikhah's side, Mikhah holding back laughter as it happened.

And Mikhah wasn't the only one, Calipsu also hid a large smile and had to cover her mouth to disguise the laughs that were coming from her. Even Isak, the patriarch of the family had his lips twitch in amusement before it was wiped away. The man looked sternly at the two boys and shook his head. "You slept in this morning hm?" Isak let his sentence hang, dread looming over both Mikhah and Lanthiel until the stern face was shattered by a large grin and chuckle. "A good idea, need all the rest you can get for your journey." The spell was broken and both Mikhah and his best friend could only gape and then narrow their eyes as they realized they had been led on. "Not funny dad, you had me going for a moment there. But yeah, we slept in. I-I well didn't sleep all that well. Nerves." Mikhah received two similar looks of concern from both his parents but he shrugged and let them know that in the end, it was fine. Mikhah's and Lanthiel's food arrived after that and conversation was saved until after.

Breakfast was as always, delicious but soon it was time for the two travelers to prepare their things and head for the stable where two horses were prepared. Another was being loaded up with supplies, and extra bags. Mikhah, Lanthiel, and both parents exited the Manor and exchanged hugs before Isak removed himself and went back inside. Mikhah didn't think anything of it and sent Lanthiel to check the straps and gear on the horses and then stopped dead when he saw his father returning with a sword... And not just any sword, but Tamerlein, a sword crafted by a Master Blacksmith who created a colored stain mosaic in the steel. It was a gorgeous blade and the pride of their family and so when his father stopped in front of him and held it out, Mikhah could only gasp and then pull his dad into a large hug while admiring the sword. "You should take this with you, son, and make sure to bring it back so you can give it to your own someday." Mikhah knew he was still crying and just nodded, taking a good five minutes to calm himself. Eventually, however, he did, saying his final goodbyes and then swinging himself onto his horse which trotted forward a few times in anticipation. He waved and then pointed Aesteloth towards their location and galloped off.

The trip was a simple affair for the most part. Their manor lay close to the Castle as Mikhah's family were nobles and advisors both. All in all the journey came out to average, and as they approached the gates Mikhah spotted a bird swoop down from the sky and then disappear. He smiled to himself and urged his horse faster, glancing behind to make sure Lanthiel was still following ok. The Eidolon wasn't the best rider as the horses could sense he was different. But he had improved by leaps and bounds and his current horse had been bred to trust him. The two made their way to the gates and Mikhah gave a small wave to the sentries who would no doubt recognize him and his crest. He noticed a few others waiting to be addressed but with the portcullis open and ready he simply trotted him, and dismounted in the courtyard, handing the reigns of Aesteloth to a stable-boy and smiling over to Lanthiel. "Well Lanthiel, here we are. I'll head up to see where our rooms will be located and meet you in the training hall after. Lanthiel nodded his understanding and dismounted to start seeing to their supplies and inventory it so nothing went 'missing'.

[vietmyke]

---

Late winter- or was it early spring? There didn't appear to be much of a difference, not at least to the young youth who rode towards the castle, a heavy, reddish-brown traveler's cloak wrapped tightly against his frame. Hood pulled over the face, the twin breaths of the youth and the pack-horse-turned-travelling-animal forming small clouds against the dreary and grey sky. The stone walls of the castle rose high, and Joe'shwa's neck craned as he looked at the tallest spires of the citadel, and couldn't help but feel small against it.

Still, it was good to finally see some sort of civilization. The castle was some ways away from his hometown, a few days of long and cold riding. Though luckily for Joe'shwa, the owners of the orphanage had been gracious enough to have gifted Joe'shwa with one of their few animals- an old, slightly swaybacked and somewhat simple minded creature, but steady with its nerves and with a generally calm disposition. After camping out in the cold for a few nights, the idea of a warm hearth and solid walls was more than enough to shake any hesitation Joe had about entering the Castle. The glowing blue head of his Eidolon Raijū popped out from within Joe's hood, seemingly echoing his sentiments as the tiny creature crackled happily at the sight of their destination.

The little lightning cat jumped out of the hood and onto the head of their shared horse, the long hairs of the horse's mane starting to rise on end as the little Eidolon began stretching. At the very least it seemed Spork was happy to get off the road. Though an Eidolon, capable of generating enough electricity to bring down a tree, Raijū was almost more of a housecat than he was a primordial spirit. Joe'shwa chuckled and pet his little Eidolon companion, lightly shocking himself several times doing so.

"Well, we're finally here, huh Spork?" Joe'shwa mused, more to himself than his Eidolon as he pulled back the hood on his traveling cloak and stretched his back. There was a series of popping noises down his spine as he finished stretching and shifted his gear. Most of his pack sat on the back of his horse, with only his bow and quiver still on his person.

As he looked further down the road, it seemed that a small group had already gathered- the presence of accompanied Eidolons led Joe'shwa to assume that they were among the youths called upon by the King for his mission. It seemed they had all arrived at roughly the same time, if from different directions. Two had stopped in front of a gate, as another on horseback had waved at the wall guards and road past- seemingly familiar with the castle already. Gently prodding his forward, Joe'shwa stopped his horse a few paces from the guard and two other youths- so as not to get into their personal space, catching the tail end of their conversation as he did.

Joe'shwa also afforded the guard a nod and wave, "As am I," he added, echoing the redheaded spearwoman's greeting. Spork crackled in affirmation from his perch atop their horse's head.

[Jeep Wrangler]

_{The Castle}

---

He remembered the hour in which he arrived at the castle. It felt special, different to the other tribulations that had stood in his path of life. Twelve acres of plumed memories waned to the admiration he felt at the fort. It was alien, by all accounts, to see the climax of a stationary civilisation. Movement would be its downfall as it rested in the bricks of its great foundation. The grandest form of architecture he'd seen in all of his days, right before him. And he was inside. The others hadn't shown up, presuming there were others to come. Surely there would've been. He remembered the invitation, the call to duty, that he'd received. Roe'wynn had been very much unaware as to why he was picked. He was a nobody, a faint aspect to society and mankind in its entirety. A stain, perhaps, or a false idol in the midst of a chaotic aeon. It wasn't that he cared...maybe. He thought he didn't care. Either way, he appreciated the chance to do something with the days that had their meaning taken away.

Sat in a cold seat in the middle of some meeting area, he went about his minutes watching Aurin coil and turn around. He hadn't really met any other Eidolon's in his passing, only seen the occasional at a distant glance. Whether they were like Aurin was another question. It seemed to float with little knowledge of what it meant to be a spirit. Playful in attitude, coiling and curling around him with its great flexibility, and snuggling against his neck like a scarf, made for an interesting companion. Yet it could not communicate. They couldn't communicate. Roe'mynn didn't know what Aurin thought or said whenever it spoke its primitive tongue. Yet Aurin understood Roe'mynn, and in a way that was enough to get through the trials between them.

"It's so quiet being so static." He thought aloud, yet permitted to a low mumble. "It hav's low peace. Anxious, I feel. Do you feel it too?"

Aurin squeaked its usual toy-like noise. God, for someone as stoic as Roe'wynn, he couldn't help but feel his heart melt at the tenderness of the spirit's voice. He hated admitting that this was his most liked trait, considering all that he went through upon finding the creature. Either way, he still felt himself drifting at the mind, thinking of things other than sounds, or rather a lack thereof. Everything was so still, like the Kingdom itself. It didn't move. It spent its days perched in one place, and just expanded how big its place was. It never moved like Roe'wynn had known all his life. Perhaps civilisation wasn't in search for something, like the community had. It was different. He wasn't used to how different it was. He suggested to himself that maybe it was down to the fact that he knew nobody. Aurin was the only consistency in his life. And maybe the call to arms he accepted would change that. He didn't know. Maybe they would be fools, or geniuses. He just hoped that they'd accept him for what the community once had.