[IC] Knights of The Dawn Covenant: The Longest Winter

[Cuccoruler]

Cythlla heard what was going on. As Runil was brought into a room to be healed Cythlla had turned to go into the room. "Your healing isn't going to work on a half demon." Cythlla said to the other clerics as they came into the room. "Let me handle it, just get the amplification circle created first." Cythlla said to the others. "I'm going to need some sage to be burned for this to work properly, I rarely do dark healing spells, and I'm going to need that for a fallback." Cythlla said to the other Clerics.

Many of them just looked at her in disgust as she talked about doing a dark healing spell. "For all we know your just going to make her worse, why should we even listen to you?" One of the Clerics asked. Cythlla looked at them with anger in her eyes. "So will you! Mine won't hurt her! If anything it would hurt me more than her, so I suggest that you all go get what I asked for before I have to go wake up Henry!" Cythlla yelled at the clerics. To this many of them were intimidated. And she had a point that they couldn't argue with anyways.

"I swear it's like every day she finds some way to majorly hurt herself, such a fool." Cythlla said to herself, loud enough for the others to hear though. Cythlla meanwhile had a cleric go and get her a book. It was one that gave a rather good description and instructions on how to complete the ritual she was going to do.

[Zelosse]

Bartuc stood a short distance from the frantic running of the priests, his ire was visible to all plain as day as the bumbling fools insisted that a spell imbued with the holy element would help the fallen woman. Her human heritage would be healed, but the demonic essence would be burned, resulting a waste of effort.
It took a great deal of patience not to throttle the idiots. Cythlla was the only voice of reason and still they did not believe nor trust, after all of them had been saved by the group that even now was preparing to finish their problems. The lest were thriving, and they could not deal with it. Landeel had been sent but was forced to return without a chance at combat with the insects.

The priests argued the necessity of a dark healing spell, Bartuc knew they meant Ruinil harm regardless of Evelyns threats, and his patience came undone.
The walls of Thanramere keep were made of heavy stone. His fist struck the wall behind him like a hammer on an anvil, sending little cracks spiderwebbing from the impact. A crimson fire already began to spread slowly along his hand. His eyes held murder openly. "TIME IS WASTING." He shoved forward and shooed the priests away, barking at them to retrieve what they were told. They complied readily, clearly unsure of what to do.

Bartuc took a calming breathe and his shoulders visibly slumped down. He turned to Cythlla. "Thank you. I trust you can help her more than them." He offered her a deep bow, positive the necromancer had the groups best interests in mind. He took a step behind her and stood with both arms across his chest. Henry was not here to bully others, but he was.

[Snarfulblast]

Karl stood leaning his back against a nearby pillar, thinking to himself, "What fools only elven healing on a grand scale or dark healing would work on her I would know seeing as she survived my healing of her the first time." Karl began to think back on what the Captain had said, and she was right if he had gone in by himself he probably would have been killed,"Hey Captain I'll go get the others and get all of the preparations made for our eradication on the Kest nest." Without waiting for her to say anything Karl rushed off he was looking for one Elf in particular,"Kaathe where are you!? Where are you, you sneaky git. We need to get ready to eradicate the Kest in the area meet with the other in the Great Hall alright!" Walking through the fort Karl yells out for Kaathe he being one of the higher ranking officers that wasn't already with the Captain.

[OtomostheCrazy]

@Snarfulblast

Kaathe sighed. He had finally silenced the voice that bothered him. It was annoying. Suggesting that he should consider using a method of fighting that seemed completely stupid to him...what idiocy. Though it did have a point that his own contribution to battles has begun to deteriorate in effectiveness, as well as usefulness. Even if it was a dream, it was still quite the possibility for any one of those cultists to have such magic at their disposal. He'd need to start thinking about ways to overcome such obstacles. So far, there were only two options available that may work.

Suddenly, he hears his name being called out. By the sound of it, it was that Karl fellow. It seems he was gathering Knights to do something. Then the man mentioned the Kest.

"Kest? Those overgrown pests? They'd have have one large nest to present any real threat. Though, I guess this came from the dear captain, herself, if you're searching for me. In which case..."

Kaathe jumped up into the sky, and landed lightly on his feet behind Karl

"Fine. I need to vent some frustration anyway."

[Cuccoruler]

As the last parts of the ritual were put into place Cythlla started her chanting. What she was saying was rather hard to tell due to it being some sort of ancient language. The magic circle started to glow. Runil was starting to be lifted into the air. This spell was very powerful, but also very dangerous if done wrong. It also took alot of magic, meaning it would take some of Cythlla's life force. Her life had already been shortened to about 50, but now it was going to come down to about 49.

The items around the ritual circle started to lift up as well, soon enough they shot towards each other above Runil. It looked like a blazing green fire above Runil. Soon enough the fire shot down at Runil and set her on fire. However this fire did not hurt her. Instead it seemed to burn away all of her wounds, even fatigue at that. After the fire disappeared Runil would fall to the bed that she was on. Cythlla also fell, though she was lucky enough to land on Henry who had just entered the room after his rather long nap.

Cythlla was panting a bit from the spell, she was tired and had used up all of her magic reserves. She would be fine but she would need atleast a few hours of rest before she was back up to fighting prowess again. "When Runil wakes up, I'm gonna need someone to hit her on the head. I'm won't be doing that again." Cythlla said as she layed on top of Henry, her belly touching his back.

[Ace of flames01]

Waking up didn't take as long as one might have expected but she was half demon, after all. A few moments after the ritual was complete, Ruinil's eyes opened. However, instead of her eyes being their normal crimson color, they were a striking, bright blue. For a moment, she could have been easily mistaken for a regular, full blooded elf. That moment, though, was short lived and her eyes quickly faded to their usual crimson color and her pupils reverted to thin slits.

Her head was throbbing and her body felt like hell had claimed her but along with it came fragments of memories. Memories of Cythlla, Henry, and some of the human tongue.

She stood up and slowly made her way to Henry and Cythlla, her eyes were glazed over and her expression seemed emotionless. She was quiet for what felt like the longest time. "Hit me if you wish... It would only be a fair punishment for my stupidity..." She murmured. She glanced at Henry before continuing. "Please apology to her in my stead when she awakens. Perhaps one day I can repay my debts for her generosity..." On the outside she may have seemed indifferent to the entire thing, but on the inside she was hurting, and truly felt guilty for the trouble she caused.

Her memories were coming back to her in fragments, but they were not in order. Thus there were many empty gaps between the memories she had recovered. Leaving Ruinil confused and fearful of herself those surrounding her. Where was she? Who are the people around her and what was their relationship with her? Outside of Henry and Cythlla, the only other person she somewhat recognized was the tall man that found her in the cottage. She wanted to know but she didn't even know where to start. She turned to the others and her gaze inspected them all thoroughly. Nothing. She received no sensations or memories, except for the feeling of vague recognition for the tall fellow she had met prior.

"Pulim badan pads? Im iest naren." ("May I go for a walk? I wish to remember.") Ruinil replied to the old scholar, assuming that he was the one in charge of this place.

[TheDarkTemplar]

The Scholar Printh had barely begun speaking to Evelyn when the half-breed awoke. Speaking in the elven tongue she approached Master Printh to which he replied, "You've been through much, you should allow yourself to rest". The scholar was reluctant to let Ruinil walk the grounds, he feared that some would try to finish the job others failed before. Evelyn, however, had other ideas, "Let her go, Master Printh. She needs to recollect her memories". Evelyn waved her hand towards the main door to the courtyard, to hold Ruinil would reforge her opinion of The Order and they needed as many able bodies as possible. "Bartuc, would you be so kind as to accompany her?", Evelyn asked the warrior as she approached. "Help her if you can, and if she's able then meet us in the Kest Nest. Hopefully you do not miss much by then", Evelyn rested a hand on Bartuc's shoulder and with a nod she gave him leave to accompany Ruinil on her stroll.

"As for the rest of you, gather what supplies you've yet to collect and ready yourselves at the stables. As soon as I arrive there we ride for the nest", with that order Evelyn headed off to gather the Templars responsible for their attack on Ruinil. Evelyn promised Bartuc there would be justice for their actions and she aimed to keep that promise.

[Zetsuko]

Landeel had already gotten supplies ready for himself so at Evelyn's word he nodded and made his way down to the stable as Evelyn went to handle the templars that had attacked the poor elven girl. Once down at the stables he dismounted his horse and tied the end of the reins to part of a fence before leaning back on a wall and letting out a sigh. His horse nudged his arm and he brought it up to pet the horse just above it's nose, it took a step closer and he reached up to scritch behind it's ears as he waited for the others to gather.

[Zelosse]

"Let her go, Master Printh. She needs to recollect her memories". Evelyn waved her hand towards the main door to the courtyard, to hold Ruinil would reforge her opinion of The Order and they needed as many able bodies as possible. "Bartuc, would you be so kind as to accompany her?", Evelyn asked the warrior as she approached. "Help her if you can, and if she's able then meet us in the Kest Nest. Hopefully you do not miss much by then", Evelyn rested a hand on Bartuc's shoulder and with a nod she gave him leave to accompany Ruinil on her stroll.

@TheDarkTemplar

Bartuc nodded, calmly moving to shadow the half-elf with a comforting smile, gesturing to the exit. The idea that others would be going to the nest without him didn't sit well in his stomach but it couldn't be helped. Bloodlust and revenge were all fine and dandy but his commitment was to Ruinil and Ruinil only. The admission shocked him but only for a moment as the thought took root. Together they were bound, and together they were at their strongest. Right now his beloved did not remember him but that meant nothing to the sheer burning emotion in his soul. As Ruinil left the room lost in her thoughts, Bartuc spared a moment for Evelyn. "When combat is met, I will not be far behind." A look of purest hatred shone in his eyes for a brief moment as the memories of dead templar on the road found him once more, his hand balling into a fist.
Time and a place for everything.

He sighed out his frustrations and caught back up to the wandering half elf. His smile was warm and inviting whenever she looked at him, but the scowl of a predator was all any other soldier received. Bartucs fury had not been eased in so short a time.

[boomlover]

Argus sighed in relief when the command was given to head out. He had been waiting all this time trying not to drink. Which was an almost immposible chalenge. The whole chaos in the great hall did help a great bit though. So he stood up grabbed a chair and started walking to the stables. Many raised an eyebrow at the dwarf carrying a chair. But all would make sense soon enough. While he was walking towards the stables he started thinking about the kest and how many times he had fought them before. Because they where everywhere in the deep caves of the mountains. He had mostly fought small hives and stayed away from the big ones. He had seen hundreds of kest warriors trying to rip him to pieces. It was not something he wanted to happen again. He didnt know how old this hive was. If a hive was not attacked pr disturbed for atleast a few years it could grow into never ending stream of death. A few months old wasnt a problem. A year was a challenge but nothing to deadly if you worked toghter with group. And a death sentence alone.
He hoped that whatever was in that nest was worth the hell they where getting into.

He then aproached the stable his horse waiting for him.
As he came close to it he realized he still hadnt given her or him he didnt really know a name. After quickly taking a look to see if it was a male which it was. He decided to call it bob. He then put the chair beside it climbed on it and reached for his saddle. After a few failed attempts he finally made it onto the horse. After grumbeling about being to small he turned himself to Landeel which had been here all this time and said." Have you ever fought a kest? Because i would like to know if i have to save your ass or not." He then laughed and awaited a response.

@Zetsuko

[Ace of flames01]

Bartuc.

The name could not have had a more familiar ring to it and yet no memories reared its head upon the sound of if. She glanced around the room briefly to find the owner of this name; the person who was to be her chaperone. A look of relief was hinted in her eyes upon learning that this person was the half demon man she had met earlier. With a little hop in her step, she followed Bartuc out the door, her expression was almost cheerful.

For the longest time, Ruinil was silent as she looked at her surroundings hoping to receive some sort of memory or sensation, but alas, nothing extraordinary came to mind. No. This was not completely true. The bitter looks that she received from the holy men and other Templars were something that was all too familiar to her and something she knew all too well. Aside from that, she could feel the most peculiar feeling of rage and bloodlust creeping in from the back of her mind towards those around her. The peculiar part of these feelings were that they were not, in fact, her own, but rather that of her chaperone's.

In an effort to calm him, Ruinil briefly turned around and grabbed Bartuc's hand, then looked into his eyes and smiled softly, before continuing her stroll at a slower pace than before. She grip was gentle, almost nonexistent, but it held warmth. She squeezed on Bartuc's hand slightly before speaking, "It ok...You are... Half demon...? How...? I thought... I only one..." Her words were choppy, as she could not fully grasp the concept of the human language, but were not too difficult to understand what she was trying to say. Ruinil blushed wildly, embarrassed at her own disability and at her own awkwardness. She continued shyly, "Bartuc...? What am I to you...? What are you to me...? ... I feel... I know you... But no memories..."

Ruinil stopped and turned to look Bartuc in the eyes, her cheeks were a bright red and the tips of her ears burned.

[Doc Doctor]

@Ace of flames01@Zelosse

A hulking bare-chested man strode up behind Ruinil, fists on his hips. He stared beyond her, out into the distance with a burning intensity.

"Hrah... Good it be, to let love grow mighty! But know must Ruindill and Barchunk, that for strange reason does Gonad feel censored!"

His booming voice easily mutilated the two knights' names with unflinching audacity and ignorance.

[Zetsuko]

Landeel watched with a bit of an odd expression as Argus carried a chair to his horse, and then checked betweeen it's legs to determine it's gender, odd one that. His expression turned to one of amusement as the dwarf struggled to climb atop his horse, perhaps a pony would've suited him better, Argus still managed however. "I've survived much worse...mostly" He replied and untied his horse's reigns. He rather easily mounted his horse and turned to face Argus. "you've fought many of them?" @boomlover

[Zelosse]

Slowly, shoulders and spine stiff as a board, the blood crazed fighter turned to stare into the single orb of this newest, and unwanted, intruder. Gonad.. Of course.
"another lunatic for the group" Bartuc thought. A glance up and down of the newcomer revealed for all to see the story of a legend born to combat like a falcon to the skies. Arena master, battle rager, big mouth. Useless titles and stories that neither one likely cared about.
Bartuc turned fully around to stand in front of the other killer and matched the intensity of that gaze with his own equally determined stare. Both were veterans to a lust for violence that could not be satisfied. They locked wrists, a bond between them of death and honor. "Nothing personal." Bartuc grabbed the savage Gonad by the neck and followed up by grabbing him by the Gonads, hoisting the laughing man into the air and over the side of the wall. The snow was thick. The fall wasn't so far.
A monster would barely feel the landing. "if you're lucky," he called down, "you can still find Evelyn, fresh in a march to kill a Kest hive." A salute and he was gone from view.
Gonad would be fine.

With the distraction gone, the two were finally, completely, alone. The situation was ruined but not to matter. Bartuc gave a hearty laugh and scooped up the maiden on his arms, easily supporting her with just one arm. His other pointed to his chest. "that feeling in your chest. The rage. That is me you feel. Bound in soul." Deftly he placed Ruinil upon his shoulder, turning to stare out over the village."These people fear you. Fight you. But you are no child, and have shed blood for them. You have been with the order for years, sworn to protect those who cannot protect themselves. You always protect others, all by yourself..." Bartuc puffed out his chest and struck it with a heavy thud of his free hand. "You let me , of my own choice, become your partner. I am half demon because we are one of spirit and body, bound by fire and love." Gently lowering the beautiful elf, he stared into her eyes. "you need never be alone again. Not now.. Not ever." To hell with it. If words could not remind her who he was, maybe this would.
He leaned in for a kiss.

[Doc Doctor]

The closer Bartuc moved to Gonad, the stronger the stench got. A heavy, musky odor that accompanied the immense presence of the barbarian. Sweat... Alcohol... Mortality... And yet, there was another aspect that the knight may have been able to grasp. The hairy creature regarded Bartuc with a stern but loving glare. His slow-breathing frame seemed to fill the sky, blocking out the heavens and bringing forth complete isolation. From one moment to the next, time slowed down.
Perhaps then the knight would be able to recognize that scent. Gonad smelled like his daddy.

But the barbarian could smell something too. Romance. He was a passionate soul, and as such knew it was time for the two lovebirds to be left to their own devices. He continued staring off into the distance with a manly fervor as he was picked up, remaining in exactly the same position as he had been standing. Like a stiff log he was tossed over the wall and landed on a dog, killing it instantly beneath his quarter ton weight. He stared up into the sky, stroking his beard and nodding sagely to himself. Truly it was a beautiful world. A few minutes later he'd rise to his feet and go jogging off towards the enemies.

[boomlover]

Argus looked at Landeel with worry on his face." I fought way to many. The Kest are more frequent in the deep caves of Uldgorin." He grumbled as he remembered hundreds of claws trying to rip him to shreds." I'm just concerend what kind of nest we are dealing with. A month old one is easy enough. When it reaches a year you would need a group to even have a chance. But more than a year? Youl be walking into a death trap." He looked at the supplies Landeel had with him. they where good for a few days. yet the torches he had with him would attract almost everything."believe me a three year nest could span entire cave systems. And even though one kest is very easy to kill. Killing thousands while charging at you is a more difficult task." He stared into the the blue sky watching the puffy clouds fly by." I do hope that our captain knows what she is doing. sending elves and humans into a cave." He mumbled to himself.

@Zetsuko

[TheDarkTemplar]

Finding the Templars responsible for the attack on Ruinil was simple enough. Not many could keep secrets from the knight-captain, especially if she'd give them her famous death stare. It wasn't so much a hateful or angry look but rather a stern and cold stare which lacked humanity in it. One could not guess as to what the knight captain was thinking as her face did not show any inclination to any particular punishment. After lining the guilty Templars beside each other, Evelyn gave each of them one final look over before rendering judgement. Some were sorry for what they did, that much could be seen on their face. Others felt angered that they were being punished for attempting to rid the world of demonspawn, thus fulfilling their duties. And others simply were afraid of what was to come. "You all stand before me, guilty of assaulting a fellow Templar. If any wish to appeal, now is the time", immediately following her statement, a small number of Templars stood forward to explain their case in the hopes of being showed mercy. Evelyn took their words into consideration but it was the ones who remained silent which caught her attention. They were the same group who felt justified for their actions and so Evelyn knew what would be done. "Those of you who've come forward, you shall aid the townsfolk for an entire month. During such time, you will be demoted to Initiate. Those of you who yet still stand firm with your actions, protocol dictates you be expelled from The Order. As this is wartime, we cannot afford to lose any men. Since you lot wish so desperately to fight the enemy, you will be sent on scouting band skirmishing missions on the front lines and further for also a month. Should you abandon The Order, you will be branded criminals. Am I understood?!", Evelyn's words did not fall on deaf ears as the reactions of the guilty showed they were devastated.

With that bit of business taken care of it was time to set off for the Kest Hive. Evelyn walked the battlements of the castle, looking for Bartuc and Ruinil she hoped that they were ready for battle by now. Along the way the captain looked over the wall to notice a dead dog beside the walls and footprints in the snow. "First Templars, now dogs? This lot is not quite right in the head", Evelyn thought to herself as she considered what she'd have to do now. Continuing along the walls she came upon Bartuc and Ruinil who seemed to be a moment away from kissing. However it did not come to the captain what was happening until she had already spoken, "Bartuc, the group is about to depart for the hive. Are things here settled?".

[Ace of flames01]

Ruinil pushed Bartuc away in an attempt to escape his embrace, her heart was pounding, her head was throbbing, and she was blushing wildly. "Ah... Yes ma'am... More memories... We are in Thanmere, correct? You are my captain... Eh... Um... I-I will prepare for battle..." She murmured, she quickly bowed in respect before she hurriedly walked past Bartuc then stopped in front of Evelyn. "Th-though my memory is faded... I can still fight, ma'am..! I promise I will be of use to you and the order...!" She bowed again and then quickly glanced back at Bartuc, making eye contact with him for a brief second, causing her to blush once more, before rushing to the stables.

Upon arriving at the stall, Ruinil recognized a man on top of a horse and a dwarf struggling to get on his own. She briefly overheard their conversation but seemed unfazed by Argus' words. She lifted him gently and placed him atop his steed. "I believe us humans and elves can handle our own... With all due respect... I ask that you watch your own life first... I am sure the captain knows what she is doing..."

With that said and Argus upon his horse, Ruinil went to tak her own horse. A black thoroughbred mare. She brushed off the dirt then tightened the saddle. "Good girl..." Ruinil murmured affectionately, stroking the mare's neck and nose gently. She attached the reins to the halter.

With her horse ready, Ruinil briefly went to the armory to retrieve her bow, quiver, and sword. She then returned. "Forgive me if we have already met... but I believe reintroductions are in order... My name is Ruinil. It's a pleasure." She replied with a curt nod, then smiled. She then gracefully mounted her horse. "I look forward to seeing you both on the battle field."

Ruinil was quickly regaining her memories regarding speech but when it comes to the memories of her comrades, many things were left uncertain. However, the 2 fellows she had addressed did not seem to hold dislike towards her so Ruinil assumed that she was on good terms with the 2. This was something she wanted to stay the same.

[Snarfulblast]

Karl turns towards Kaathe,"Ahh my dark elven ally, I suggest you go towards the stables and get a mount we shall be headed out to clear the Kest nest soon. I have to talk to the Captain." Karl wanders off and finds the Captain standing near Bartuc on the wall. Making his way up the wall Karl stands to attention behind the Captain, clearing his throat Karl almost whispers towards the Captain,"Captain I need to speak to you about my actions in that dream world. And why I have covered my left eye." Karl stands at perfect attention not a muscle moving, his mind is racing about how that dream. Since that dream most of Karl's thoughts have been about that dream and his actions within, and the color of his left eye. After he had woken from the dream before meeting anyone Karl had passed by a mirror and noticed that his left eye was still the dark crimson red it was in the dream, but to his confusion his right eye was it's normal hazel color.

[Zelosse]

"First Templars, now dogs? This lot is not quite right in the head", Evelyn thought to herself as she considered what she'd have to do now. Continuing along the walls she came upon Bartuc and Ruinil who seemed to be a moment away from kissing. However it did not come to the captain what was happening until she had already spoken, "Bartuc, the group is about to depart for the hive. Are things here settled?".

@TheDarkTemplar

Kiss ruined, Ruinil not remembering him, the smell of a man whos never bathed before.. It was all becoming too much for him but what could be done. Bartuc silently resolved to throw the barbarian man into a freezing lake. That solved one issue. The main problem now would have to be the Kest. "Yes, captain. For the most part. We owe the bugs a great deal for what they did on the road from Starguard and I aim to have the Hive king and queens head on a pike." He saluted the knight captain as she nodded her agreement and went to the stables as Bartuc stayed behind on the wall.
The moment everyone was gone from sight he sighed and sat on the wall, thinking of events to come.

"Could be worse." he mumbled to himself, stealing a glance over his shoulder. With a shrug he fell backwards and off the wall. Unsurprisingly, he landed in a heap upon the snowy floor not far from the bloody remains of the dog Gonad must have crushed in the way down. Two of a kind..
Bartuc stood and stretched, wiped off the snow and blood, and made his way to the stables. His horse already had a saddle, and its packs contained a few supplies for the road. Satisfied, he mounted the courser and waited for the rest of his group.

------------------------

Marcus stalked the halls deftly, another shadow unnoticed by even those who served as sentries. Fools couldn't even be counted on to kill ONE fleeing girl? His ire was more towards poor aim than the fact the woman had been a half-demon. Thanramere templars were in need of retraining if they couldn't hit such a target. "Problems for another day!" He growled, making his way to the final destination. Glodins forge room. In Marcus' travels he had procured many interesting charms and trinkets, some he had never bothered to use, and one he had used often. Blightbreaker, his fabulous pistol, rested in the custom holster on his hip. The night and the dream had found hold on Marcus and convinced him of the necessity to make a better effort to fight.
A faded leather bound journal rested in his front pocket, re-written from the dwarven book he had found years ago, perfectly copied to a newer and less fragile tome. The original rested in Marcus' private trunk. Marcus had tried for years to find a translator but nothing had ever come of his efforts. No dwarf would dare read the tome, and many others had tried to steal it from him. Something in the tome was worth a lot to the bearded folk.

Though he had not been a part of the forgers dream, he had been told it contained war machines of steel and magic. Even now the Craftsman was likely working on a new type of rune to aid others in the fight. Marcus knocked on the door to the forge and hoped that Glodin was in there.