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

[ShaggyDoo0]

Glodin stood up and dusted himself off before replying, "Sorry young'un, I have no idea where we are but I can find out if they have signs in the hallways." he adjusted his hammer on his belt and rested his pick on his shoulder. He looked around at the sound of Ruinil's voice and saw just how injured she was. He quickly made his way to her and helped her into a sitting position. "lass I'm glad you are ok but you need to be careful, you look like a dragon tried to roast you. I'll take a look at the box for you." He carefully removed the contents of the box and gasped as he recognized the metalworking and runes. "Lass, this is Dragoon armor. Supposed to be the best protection from a dragon's breath you can have. It's still steel so it can protect pretty well from weapons, teeth, and claws. I want to study these runes. Argus, you take the Dragoon armor and we need to help the lass out of here. If any more of those creatures show up we might not be able to last too long."

[Ace of flames01]

Ruinil smiled weakly. "Do not fret over me. I am a half demon after all; I will last." She replied as she ripped up the sleeves and part of the bottom of her tunic, into strips for bandaging. She tightlt wrapped the cloth over the gash on her head and the burned half of her face. She winced slightly then proceeded on wrapping up her hands. Blood quickly dyed the bandaging a vibrant and deep crimson color. The sight of this stirred even more of her forgotten memories furthering the throbbing pain in her head. However, Ruinil chose to ignore it.

"Let us be off then." Ruinil replied sounding slightly more energetic, as she stood up. She then wiped the blood off of her still good eye then opened it and blinked a few times. In the distance she could she the faint light of the mouth of the cave down one corridor and could feel the wind current flowing in from that direction. "...I believe that we are not as deep into the cave as we had initially believed... Look." She replied pointing at the faint light. She glanced down at the armor. It look like the maws of ferocious beasts, which for some odd reason reminded her of Bartuc.

Ruinil carefully placed the armor back inside the crate then resealed the crate before picking the crate up with ease. "Would it be alright if I carried it? I really am well." She replied she made her way to the entrance of the hallway. "Let's get out of here, shall we?"

[TheDarkTemplar]

Dawn at Thanermere

---

The sun rose over the mountains with an vibrant orange glow, the contrast from the pale blue of first light to the golden radiance of the sun created a beautiful spectrum of colors to greet the day. The winds blew calmly across the valley as the last of the night's snows began to fall. Within the keep, the warriors who'd braved the lair of the kest rested, tending to their wounds and doing what they could to pass the time as memories of what occurred down in the dark depths may have yet clung to them. Aside from the cuts and bruises of battle, the Templars did take back a grim memento of their crusade in the hive. Knight-Captain Evelyn, after using such arcane energy in the hall of the Kest Queen, lay asleep in her chamber. After that display she'd exhausted herself so much she collapsed in the underground. It had been three days since she fell into that slumber.

With a sharp inhalation, Evelyn rose up in her bed. Panicked she glanced around her room, barely able to see but relaxed upon realizing where she was. After allowing her eyes to adjust she noticed a figure at the far end of her room. Upon further inspection she realized it was Scholar Printh who seemed to be brewed some sort of concoction over the fireplace. "I suspected you'd awake around now. Magicka exhaustion, at your extent at least, usually lasts around a couple of days. Here, drink this. Faeroot Tea with Dryad Extract", Evelyn carefully took the cup and after taking a big gulp had to force herself to keep it down upon remembering how Dyrad Extract was acquired. "How long was I asleep, it feels longer than a couple of days", she asked taking another sip reluctantly.

"That feeling is normal and will pass. In truth you've been asleep for most of three days. Your men have been tending to your injuries and are currently awaiting new orders I presume", Printh moved over to the fire and began to stoke it with a prod.

"I should go to them-", Evelyn was about to get put of bed when she realized that she wasn't decent. "Where are my clothes?!", she asked as she frantically wrapped herself in the bed sheets. Printh didn't turn away from the fire and simply pointed to the closet at the opposite end of the room. "I had them cleaned and put away in there. If you're so pressed on getting out of bed I'll leave you to dress", without another word Printh headed out the door, the enfire time his eyes watched the floor on the way out. Once privacy was her's, Evelyn stepped quickly over to the closet, grabbing her casual wear she struggled to put them on. "I've yet to regain my strength", she thought with a smirk. After getting dressed the captian exited the room with a groggy pace in her walk. Heading towards the grand hall she hoped to see most of her knights there so as to only announce their next move once.

[PrettyWalrus]

Aundair was sitting on a log, his cloak draped over his shoulders, his helmet on the ground, and his long steel resting on his legs. He spat on the blade and ran the stone across it with a faint *shhing*. He tested the blade with his thumb and felt its razor edge as it drew a faint line of blood. He gingerly put the injured body part into his mouth and slid the blade back into its sheath. Pulling out his shorter blade, he began to repeat the process. About halfway through sharpening that blade, a fellow initiate named Kage walked up and offered him an ale
He hesitated for a moment before responding "Nah, I'm gonna have to pass this time, but hit me up later. It's not a good idea to be drinking with blades drawn" both of them laughed and Kage clapped Aundair on the back before walking off.

[Zelosse]

Bartuc stood outside of Ruinils room, though they were officially a couple he could not rid himself of the feeling he would be rather impolite to be there without her permission. Ironic considering they were of one soul, shared by two bodies, but the manners of his upbringing tempered his decision making where Ruinil was concerned. Too much of a good thing was bad for you, or so the old sayings went. Bartuc had charged up the stairway when the fighting had ended, his boots aflame with the lava and tossed them aside as he followed the signs of battle and had stumbled on her and the dwarves sitting in what looked to be an armory holding a lockbox.
The only thing he remembered after that was holding Ruinil as the smoke wafted from her body, convinced this had been his fault for running off to fight the king. His passion was violence, his hobby was fighting, and his soul longed for the tranquility of the melee. But when he looked into those fiery red orbs his urges faded like a candles flame in the open wind. Ruinil made him a better person and for that he loved her as no other. His thoughts drifted as he stood quietly as he had every night since their return, refusing to rest in a bed while she yet slept. Awake she could fight anything, kill anyone, and protect herself, but the experiences with the holy men and the crossbow had made the decision for him.
Forever more he would protect her.
He glanced down at his clothing, simple wool and silk with leather boots. His armor had been destroyed but the various pouches had survived and been placed in another belt with pouches. Glodin had taken the wooden box and asked him to be patient, so Bartuc had done as told. Ruinil had informed him it was armor of some sort that needed to be studied. For now, Bartuc would gladly wear simple clothing and take recruit armor if and when the fighting re-began.

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

Marcus had aided the party return to Thanremere with haste via his scroll portal trick, which he desparatly needed to replenish, and had gone about getting what he needed for Glodin. A storm elemental core was tricky to get but the priests and the covenant had summoners at their disposal so creating one had been easy. Killing it had been easier. The jagged and vibrating core of the elemental sat an iron box in Glodins forge, so now it was up to Marcus to get the last needed ingredient to make the magic core needed to power a new weapon he needed. All he needed now was the acid of a Kest queen.
Marcus strode through the tunnels with ease, unafraid of lurking threats and making his way to where the final battle had ended with the lava flow, a statue in the distance was his target now that the metal had cooled. Frozen forever in its death throes was the hive queen shrieking its end as it clawed at the burning liquid. Marcus stepped over the uneven ground and stood before the towering monster, spitting on its face as his pistol blasted into its chest, three more shots tore through flesh and steel with ease. A casual push toppled the monsters upper half into the floor to reveal the grizzly cooked innards and stomach contents of the former queen. A swirling green liquid bubbled in its stomach. As a test he tossed a small rock into the fetid pool and heard it sizzle.
Marcus wasted no time harvesting three vials of the liquid in glass vials, sealing them cautiously and putting them in his coat. His flight to Thanremere was slow as he took every precaution to protect the vials. Upon arrival he stabled his horse and made haste to the forge, not even bothering to salute any of the guards or other knights. The lockbox opened with a flick of his wrist and he placed all the vials inside, resealing it with lock and key. He turned to Glodin and bowed. "Master Stonequarry, sorry for the intrusion. You will be pleased to know I have gathered the required ingredients. Now.. as for the weapon, I had a few suggestions.."

His business in the forge completed and on schedule it was time for his last piece of business.
Marcus strode through the halls with a letter in hand, his subordinates having taken the message days earlier to the higher ups VIA swift ravens and a magical sending. The response had been prompt even for something so mundane. Didn't take long to find the young man from earlier, resting on a log and sharpening his blade with a dour mood hanging over him. Marcus understood the pain of losing friends and allies in a fight.
"Aundair Ivellos, Initiate of the dawn, On your feet at once." His tone was sharp and demanded the respect he deserved, his stance was firm and eyes focused solely on the young man before him. "My name is Marcus Kiln, but I suspect you are well aware. I have news for you, boy," He handed the letter and waited for him to read it before continuing, "As if this moment you are to be a fully fledged knight. Your armor is yours to do with as you please. Replace it, decorate it, commission new equipment. You are also to be trained under my supervision as reward for your bravery in the face of overwhelming odds against you in the fight with the Kest. I am a harsh man and you will not be given luxury until you earn it. Talk back in the slightest disrespect and I will not hesitate to discipline you. Keep up or be left behind, and enforce the rules of the order at all times. Do I make myself absolutely clear?" Despite the relatively calm speaking voice it still seemed like every word was an order.

[Ace of flames01]

Ruinil stood in front of the mirror in her room and was examining herself silently. Her forehead and most of her face, along with her hands and arms, were tightly wrapped up in bandages. Truth be told, the burns on her face and the gash in her head were nearly healed and her concussion had already subsided. However, the medics at Thanmere was quite insistent that Ruinil wore the bandaging in order to prevent infection. She exhaled deeply, as if she were sighing. "At least I did not loose my sight..." She murmered quietly.

She had remembered everything. Starguard. Bartuc. Evelyn. The melding. Her nightmare. Everything. Ruinil was finally back to her old self.

Ruinil wore a white cotton short sleeve tunic with a dark long sleeve shirt underneath and pair of dark brown cotton trousers. Her hair was a bit messy but this mattered little to her.

Ruinil opened the door and noticed Bartuc. She immediately could tell by looking at him that he was feeling guilty about her injuries. Ruinil walked over to him and pressed her head on Bartuc's chest and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him gently. She loved him dearly and hated having to see him this way. "It is not your fault, you know... I was careless.... I will get stronger for the both of us... That way... You never have to feel this way.... " Ruinil replied softly. She then blushed before continuing. "I... I love you.... Alright? I love you too much to see you like this..." She then buried her face into Bartuc's chest to hide her embarrassment for a bit. However, she soon looked up at Bartuc and smiled warmly, still blushing slightly. "Your clothes... They suit you. It's nice to see you out of your armor for a change." She paused again. "You should get some sleep. We should also probably get you a couple seals as well.... But let us worry about that later. You need to rest. You haven't slept properly for 3 days now... You may use my room if you wish. I will be fine on my own."

[OtomostheCrazy]

Kaathe very rarely had dreams. When he did it usually meant that something strange was happening, but this was not the case. This time was normal. Or maybe he had grown so used to everything that it had become normal. Either way, he found himself in a great, black nothingness. An endless abyss, void of everything and anything. This was what normally awaited the dark elf when he drifts off to slumber's embrace. A nothingness with no meaning, yet even more than whatever dream was thrust upon him by his mind or outside force. He need not stand, for he had no legs. He need not speak, for he had no mouth nor tongue. He need not think or listen to idiotic voices, for he had no mind to hold such thoughts. He need not be, for he had no existing body. Nothing he did mattered, for nothing he did would do anything. No meaning, yet more than any dream could possibly hold for him.

Why was he asleep, and drifting in nothingness? Kaathe had collapsed the moment they found safety outside of the Kest hive. The mission had finally taken its toll on him, and his body gave out. He was unconscious, and had to be taken back through the efforts of others. In a sense, Kaathe had lost a few things along the way as well. The normal spear that he had used for a long time within the Dawn Covenant. The decorated crossbow that he was given to assist in fighting from a distance. A person from his past that he had once held much admiration and jealousy for. His mind may not care for these things, but his body remains innocent. The losses, coupled with his over-usage of his own energy had forced him into unconsciousness.

Even now, while everyone was waking up or was awake, Kaathe had not and did not. He remained in his nothingness. His body needed more rest. Beside him, gently clutched in his left hand, was his dagger. The Dagger of the Crestfallen, the only specially named weapon in his possession. Once the only thing he had cared about, now joined by a girl...no. A woman that had captured his heart, despite what the dark elf would say. But neither she nor his dagger were in his void, and though he would lie to himself about it, he wished that they could have been. It would bring him much joy.

For now, though, his body rests in its unconscious state on the bed others had laid him on. Even if the day passes from Mornig to Noon to Afternoon to Evening and finally to Night once more, his body would rest. If there was nothing to provoke his awakening that is.

[PrettyWalrus]

Aundair stood up and slid his short steel into its sheath. He took the letter and as he read it his eyes widened slightly. Looking up at the man standing before him, he felt the weight of honor rest on his shoulder. He bowed deeply and his cloak swished around him. "Thank you sir, I... I don't know what to say. If you ever need something, don't hesitate to call, I work at your utter discretion." He stood back up and ran his fingers through his hair. "Is there anything that you need in this moment? If not, I will take your suggestion and upgrade my armor. Speaking of which, is there a certain blacksmith that you would recommend? I haven't really had the need for one before now."

[Cuccoruler]

Cythlla was in the same room as Kaathe, she had woken up after about two days of rest. She had stayed in that room though studying her notes. She believed that she stayed in that room because no one ever came to disturb her. The real reason was because she wanted to be close to Kaathe. Henry was in the room as well, though he stayed in a corner curled up. He had spent the last few days gladly sleeping. He didn't need more than two days rest to recover but that didn't stop him from enjoying more. He was afterall a bear in winter, and in winter bears would normally hibernate which he gladly did every chance he got.

Cia continued to study her notes trying to create a counterspell to the monstrosities they had seen. Before she had seen those creatures she would have tried to improve the spell, but after she saw it all she felt was disgust. That was not how necromancy should be used, not in that way. She continued her studies at a desk she had brought into the room for her to use. So far she had almost finished the counterspell. Once done she planned to burn the notes. Though quite a few of the knights within the keep would rather have her burned for even seeing and studying the notes.

Quite a few of the knights within the keep had even made complaints about the smell within the room trying to make her leave. Though in truth those had nothing to do with her notes but rather the smell came from Henry, who after eating a few kest had a bit of a gas issue. When Kaathe wakes up he would get a rather nasty surprise of farts in the air.

[boomlover]

Argus was sweating,tired,bleeding and in a shitty mood. He had gone To the healer as soon as they arrived at thanmmere. To try and find out if the wound was infected. Luckily it was not. After that he just went to the main hall and started to drink. This went on for a few hours until one of the scribe's approached him. He looked frail like glass bottle and his eyes where somewhat red." excuse me fellow Templar but have bathed recently?" Argus looked at the man before smelling himself.Which he immediately regretted. The scribe chukkeld at Argus face and said." i have the perfect place to wash. If you go straight north from the castle you will find a hot spring. It is a little of the beaten path though but i ensure you it is worth it." Argus smiled, thanked the scribe and made his way to the stables grabbing a towl along the way. He made his way to the stables. And tried to mount his horse. Which was a problem since he forgot to grab a chair. After a few minuets of trying to get on his steed. He drove towards the hotspring. During his quick travel he drove through the small town that surrounded the castle. It had seen better days to be sure. Most houses where abandoned and those that had not already fled in fear of the cultists had boarded up there homes.

After leaving the town and traveling a bit more he approached a forest. The scribe had said it was a bit of the beaten path so he shrugged and continued on. After what seemed to be forever he finnaly heard the sound of bubbling water. He then saw the hot spring. He grabbed his rope and tied his horse to a tree and started undressing. Now naked as the day he was born he ran towards the water. He jumped making a cannon ball and laned right in the middle of the warm and welcoming water. He then lay against the side and relaxed. Now this would be an easy snack for any animal who wanderd by but Argus wasn't an idiot. Because as he lay there he also kept his dagger with him.

[TheDarkTemplar]

Just at the outskirts of the spring something was lurking. It had been there from the start and had observed the dwarf the entire time upon its arrival...even at its undressing, regrettably. From the looks of his armor and the direction he arrived in, it was concluded that the mer was of the Templar Order. A smirk formed on the mysterious observer's face. The dwarf displayed some notion of cunning, bringing its dagger into the spring with him. Even so it lacked armor capable of being easily equipped and so in the event of a surprise attack he'd be left without any sort of protection. "I'd keep my weapons closer to me if I were you. This spring has been known to be visited by unfriendly beasts from time to time", the voice was female, ominous and soothing yet with a slight tone of smugness to it's sound. "Tell me, dwarf, are you with the same knights who dispatched the Kest Hive a few days past?", the owner of the voice had yet to reveal herself, remaining in obscurity as she interrogated Argus further. "Perhaps you aren't a Templar at all. Perhaps a mere highwayman, whose arms and armor were claimed from a knight long dead by your hands? Better yet, you've fled The Order? News of Starguard brought fear to your heart and so you've left on the morn? Stopping now to relax, as if it required effort to flee". The stalker let out a sinister hum as she contemplatedny further possibilities before asking, "Well then? Which are you? You'd best hurry as I'm getting closer".

[Zelosse]

Bartuc embraced the demoness tenderly while she spoke, his arms wrapped protectively around her and refused to let go. His was the duty of protection and nothing could stop him from doing that duty, not even the one he needed to protect. "I will sleep, I promise. But until we are no longer in Thanremere I will keep watch over you my angel. A demon you may be, but a woman you are, and a woman needs her privacy and peace of mind." He kissed her lightly on the lips and twirled her in his arms while he danced lightly behind her, now she stood facing the door while Bartuc had his back to it. Another kiss and a wink was all he offered as he grinned and entered the small room. Cramped and a single person bed, no furnishings, and few of anything else that wasn't needed. Perfect for military life.
He removed his shirt and stretched, casually draping the silk over a nearby chair, and simply laid in the bed with both hands behind his head. A hearty sigh escaped his lips as sleep found him quickly.

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

Marcus shook Aundairs hand and shook his head. "No need to ask me. I work alone most of the time so this wil lbe an adjustment for me too. Blacksmith would be Argus, Valmyrias dwarven craftsman who I have commissioned personally for a new weapon. If his plate isn't full up I suggest starting there. If not, I will see if I can procure you some similar gear to what you have now. Until then," He straightened his coat and dusted off his pants, pistol and sword securely strapped on his hip and both handles were well worn. Much use over the years would do that. "I must be off. While the calm lasts I must meet an associate. Though I dare say they will not wish to meet me. As you were." He saluted and turned on his heel, promptly leaving young Aundair to his own devices. If the man was smart he would get Glodin to put some time into the armor he wore and get it ready for combat. Glodin.. Marcus had been interacting regularly with the blacksmith since the kest hive battle, working to help with the dwarf and his steady hand to craft the runes with more accuracy. 'Craft the rune with the same steady hand you use to take a monsters life.' he had said to him but Master Stonequarry was as dexterous as any artison and his fingers were nimble if stiff. Marcus decided to bring his name up to the others to further his progression and get the hard worker more materials and information.
He owned him that much.

Marcus' route was steady as he made the stables and procured a horse, already saddled and ready to go but with no supplies. Not that it mattered, since the gunslinger would not be gone for all that long. The ride was swift through the town as he made his way to the outskirts and the forest and noticed another had come along not so long ago, and in the direction of one of the rendezvous points. Marcus dismounted and slapped the horses rump, sending it back the way he had come.
Like a ghost he ran through the forest without so much as a branch snapping in his wake, following the trail of the horse that had come through. His suspicions blew away when he saw a familiar figure leap naked into the water, Marcus hid his disgust and began to skirt around the pools but was interrupted by a very familiar voice. Marcus smiled and crept closer for a better look, taking every precaution to get as close as possible while making no noise at all. He stopped advancing when he got about 15 feet away, managing to climb a small tree in the process. Argus was in for another surprise, that much he was certain.

[Zetsuko]

Landeel was standing at the side of a ring in the courtyard watching the sparring match in the middle. Marco was one of the fighters, and across from him was his opponent, Lukas Du Montagne, his older brother and the middle of the three. Lukas was also known as 'The Wolf of the Mountain' for several reasons, among them were his speed, strength, cunning, and, of course, his armor. Lukas' armor was finely crafted, though it wasn't that ornate, it spoke to him being a noble. The armor's design resembled a wolf, the helmet shaped to a snout and ears, a cloak over his back. To complete the effect Lukas uses clawed gauntlets for weapons, making him seem more akin to some sort of feral beast than a man. The armor bore no Templar markings, Lukas was not with the order, he was merely visiting Thanermere. The two brothers were on opposite sides of the ring, lukas with his claws bared and Marco with his axe drawn. A few other Templars had gathered to watch the match as well.

It was Lukas that struck first, lunging forward swiping his claws to either side of Marco, who backstepped to avoid the blow and responded by bring his axe in an upward strike, which was deflected by one of Lukas' claws. Marco turned aside another swipe from Lukas with his own gauntlet blades and went for a counter but with a sweep of Lukas' leg He was sent to the floor and the claw that stopped close to his neck signaled his loss, it wasn't a very long fight. Lukas chuckled and the claw by Marco's throat turned over to help him up, the gathered templars some fell back into their previous tasks as the brothers left the ring. Landeel, Marco, and Lukas soon found themselves in the hall, drinking and sharing tales and news from home. simply being merry.

[boomlover]

A collab between me and Thedarktemplar.

Argus was suprised bye the sudden voice of the women.
" Reveal yourself Now!." He stood up and prepared for an attack from any distance.

"You still did not answer my question. Be assured that at this point you'll be dead long before you'll see me. So take your chance and answer, maybe you'll live"

Argus cursed with frustration. That annoying smuggnes that perfect stealth. The way she called him a mer. This was an elf to be sure. He relaxed a bit and sat against the bank of the pond.
" If you must know Elf.I am one of the Templars that attacked the hive. What buissnes is it to you anyways

"An elf?!", the voice laughed heartily before relaxing once more to its usual tone "Why is it you think me an elf? Is it because humans are too clumsy to employ stealth? Is that it? Ah but I've kept up the joke for far too long, you've revealed yourself to me so I shall do the same". Suddenly with a faint shimmering sound a figure appeared across the spring from Argus. Standing there was a woman clad in black armor and a cloak of corresponding color. She wore a black hood with hid her face but her vibrant red hair fell from the shadows of the hood. "See, humans are just as impressive as you mer", she said with a smirk which pierced through the shadows over her face.

Argus smikerdes as he pointed her dagger at her. Not in any way to attack." Now that i call cheating. He said with a grin on his face.'' so let me guess you have come to finish me off didn't you? Well come at me ill say i won't go down withouth a fight.

There was a brief moment of silence before the woman began to laugh heartily as she did before, "Relax I'm not some assassin, at least not today, I've come to meet someone and last I remember they weren't a dwarf". The woman knelt on one knee towards the spring feeling the water for a moment. Despite her face being obscured it could be seen from the moment of her hair that she was examining the water while keeping tabs on Argus' location. "So, dwarf, do you have a name or does 'Mer' suite you well enough?".

"Hmm lets make a deal. I'll tell my name if you tell yours? That seems fair doesn't it?". He said getting annoyed bye the way she was talking to him like a little child who had no clue what was going on.

"Coy but two can play this game. Despite what you may think I cannot tell my name. Trust me it's not by choice, the people I work for don't allow me such privileges...but I suppose you may call me 'Red'. Most who meet me do anyway", Red stood up from where she knelt to walk around the spring, the entire time her eyes focused on Argus as if she expected him to lunge at her at any moment. Stopping halfway towards him she sat at the edge of the pool, taking off her boots before dipping her feet into the waters. "It appears as though I've arrived early, care to pass the time?", she asked pulling out a flask from behind her cloak.

Argus was tempted to have a drink. But since he didn't trust this women in the slightest he decided it would be wise as to grab some drink of his own." As tempted as i am ill have to refuse. Because since you are the first to arrive you are thereby my guest. So i will have to give you something to drink." He stood up and walked towards his horse grabbing the strong drink that bartnder gave him so long ago. He then walked back to the hotsping walked into the water and handed red the bottle." You go first."

"I can tell from the scent alone this is of strong stuff. Uldgorin Reserve?", she asked before taking a sip from the bottle. Almost immediately she began to feel it's effects as a slight dizziness in her head became apparent.

Argus not waiting a second lurched forward and punched her right in the face. Knocking her uncouncious." Sorry my love but i think the captain has some questions for you. He put her boots back on and lay her on the riverside. He then quickly dried himself and put on his clothes. He untied the horse and ran to wards red. The first thing he did was take all her weapons away. which where a longsword, a few throwimg knives and a garrote. He then tied her up and started dragging her towards his horse. For a human she sure was heavy. He threw her over the back of the saddle. He then mounted as quick as His small dwarven body could and raced back to the keep.
As he arrived into the stable Argus screamed." Guards get your asess over here now!! A few guards turned up suprised bye the order they had just been given.
Argus dismounted grabbing Red and pulling her off his horse." I want you to get her to the dungeons and chain her up. I want two of you to guard her after that. He then pointed at a scribe and screamed." AND YOU GET ME THE CAPTAIN. She is gonna want to see this.'' He said as he looked at his prisoner with a smile of satisfaction on his face.

[TheDarkTemplar]

Still weary from the prior battle, Evelyn lazily shambled across the keep to get herself some food for the morning. Arriving at one of the many cupboards she realized she'd rather simply have tea, this time without Dyrad Extract. After fixing up a cup she walked back to the grand hall to enjoy it in peace. The serene quiet of the hall was comforting as she stared out the large windows towards the mountains. The smell of the freshly made tea reached her nose and she lazily yet cheerfully stared into the cup. "You'd think a war wasn't going on at all", she said to herself quietly, continuing to look out towards the horizon. Suddenly a loud clap echoed through the halls followed by the loud cry of a scribe, "C-CAPTAIN SUNDERLAND!" he called out as he sprinted into the great hall. Evelyn was caught off guard by the sudden disturbance and she stumbled out of her chair and fell onto the ground, spilling the tea over the table in the process. Holding in her frustration and letting out only a sad sigh she answered from the flor, "Yes...what is the problem?". The scribe didn't waste a moment as he began to speak frantically once more, "Master Argus has returned with a prisoner! He awaits you in the dungeon with the captive!".

"What? Why does he have a prisoner? Where had he gone?!", Evelyn asked but it appeared as if the scribe had already run off. Letting out another sigh the captain laid there before noticing the mug which once held her tea was about to fall off the table. "NO NO NO-DAMMIT!", she cried out before it inevitably fell to the ground, shattering ever so close to her. Although she didn't show it, Evelyn wanted to cry out of hatred for how this day was going so far. She laid on the ground for a moment longer before getting to her feet to investigate. "You there, send word to my squad, have them meet me in the dungeons...and have someone clean this up please?", Evelyn looked back at the shattered mug regretfully before continuing on to the dungeons. At the entrance she saw Argus there and with a tired and irritated face she said, "This better be worth it, Argus".

[Ace of flames01]

Ruinil made her way down the hall after Bartuc's went to sleep and was soon approached by a monk.

"You are the half demon Ruinil, I presume?" The monk asked.

Ruinil tensed up a little. "Yes...? What of it?"

The monk could sense her tensions and could easily understand why. "Calm yourself, demon. I bring no ill will... For now. Captain Sunderland requests your presence at the dungeon."

"May I know the occasion?"

"There was a prisoner brought in by Templar Argus Starcrusher."

"I see. Thank you." With that said Ruinil started to make her way down the hall but didn't move more than a few steps before being stopped by the monk.

"Oh yes, I nearly forgot. Where might I find Templar Bartuc Crestfallen? Captain Sunderland also requested that his presence be made, as well." The monk called after her.

"He is currently sleeping. If you do not mind, please let him sleep for a while longer as he has hardly slept for the past 3 days. I shall take responsibility, should the captain be frustrated by this."

The monk was slightly surprised by Ruinil's request by quickly shooed his suspicions with a slightly nod. "Very well. As long as you take responsibility, I care not much of the reasons for your request, I suppose."

Ruinil thanked the monk one final time before quickly making her way to the dungeon. Upon arrival she exchanged a quick greeting with Evelyn then turned and glanced at the prisoner Argus brought in. "Greetings captain. I trust you are well? I'm afraid Bartuc's will not be joining us. I had sent him to bed as he had not slept properly for the past few days. I hope you can excuse his absence.... Back to the task at hand; I was informed of a prisoner. Is this her?" She gestured to the unconscious woman in the cell.

[PrettyWalrus]

Aundair bowed to Marcus, speachless, and watched him as he walked away. As soon as he was out of sight, Aundair squealed and jumped up and down with excitement. This was what he had been training so hard for and the first step to getting his own stories. Armor... i would love some new armor... but I also need to celebrate... KADE! He remembered that Kade had offered him some ale and chased after that old friend of his.
"KADE!" he shouted "I've got some special news!"
"Really? In the last five minutes? How did you manage that?
"I honestly don't know" replied Aundair "but you can bet your balls you will be as excited as I am. It starts with a 'T' and ends in a 'lar'"
Kade thought a moment, confused, and then looked up suddenly "You got promoted?! I'm getting our friends and we are having a vigil for our brother who will finally be leaving the rank of initiates.
"I'd try to be modest and say that you didn't have to do that, but I really feel like celebrating so I'm not even gonna play this game." Both of them laughed at that
"We'll meet at the fire pit, you know where that is. It's been a while since we've had a vigil." said Aundair.
"Yes sir Mr. Templar Sir." Kade bowed and strutted off mockingly. Aundair couldn't help but grin at the ridiculous reaction and went off inviting every person he saw to get to drinking for the vigil.

[TheDarkTemplar]

Just as Evelyn was about to question Argus further, Ruinil had made her appearance. "That messenger works fast", she thought before turning to address the half breed. "It's fine, Ruinil, probably best if there were less of us here now that I think of it", she answered in regards to Ruinil's explanation of Bartuc's absence. "...oh and I'm well, my thanks. As for this one, yes apparently Argus managed to capture her while he was out...what were you doing out there anyway Argus?", Evelyn asked the dwarf but instead got an answer from the prisoner. "If I remember correctly he was soaking himself in a spring not far from here...come to think of it that's all I remember, last time I take drink from a dwarf, my head..", Red struggled to find a comfortable spot within her restraints but there was none to be found. "Altaia's Grace did you throw me over your horse like a sack?! My chest is killing me, to think I offered to share a drink with you!".

Evelyn looked with suspicious eyes to Argus before asking, "Care to explain?". In the meantime, Red had managed to throw off her hood which had gotten over her eyes a few moments prior. Now her deep red hair and striking eyes were revealed to the world. Throwing unimpressed looks around before setting sights on Ruinil who received a surprised stare before Red complimented, "A Dreakind, and an elvish one at that! I love those eyes of yours, do you by chance know what type you are? Wait let me guess, Desire? No, not from what I've seen so far. Perhaps Rage? Maybe Fear? Hmm, its been some time since I've crossed paths with your kin".

[Zetsuko]

The talk between Lukas, Marco, and Landeel was dying down somewhat by the time they began to hear something about a prisoner being brought in by Argus. Marco and Lukas stood up and shared a short embrace "I suppose it's a good time to get going" Lukas clapped his brother on the shoulder "was good to see you again" Having said goodbye to the two Lukas turned to leave.

Marco turned to Landeel "I'm going to go see what this prisoner business is about"

"Alright, I'll be here"

Marco left the hall and headed toward the dungeons. He turned himself invisible before reaching the cell and eavesdropping from outside the door before quietly slipping inside to observe. He stood among the others, making slight movement to avoid bumping into any of the others and giving away his presence. He even moved to get a closer look at this prisoner but he was careful not to get to close.

[boomlover]

Argus laughed." In my defense Love you did threaten to kill me did you not?" But before he could fire of another remark The lady pulled away her cloak showing her face. Now Argus never really fell for other races. He never felt anything for them. But when he saw Red's face his heart started racing. Never had he seen someone so beautiful. And yet at the same time deadly. She was mysterious as well. And everyone knew how Argus loved mysteries. Her hair looked like wild like a stormy sea. And her eyes where a beauty to behold. He then noticed he was starring at her like an idiot. And quickly tried to get her eyes off her. And looked at Evelyn " And to ad to that she was invisible all the time when she was threatening to kill me. He then looked at Runili trying to look like nothing was going one." Care to explain what she means?