Crimson Paladin

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

Fleuri Jodeau

Despite having returned to the real world, Fleuri's daily schedule hadn't change too much compared to how he had spent it in Merilia's world. He continued to seek instruction from Rui and sought to spar with older and more experienced knights, and now that he had his horse back, he was able to practice with a lance as well. It would not please Reon to allow the skills he had picked up in Merilia's realm to stagnate, not to mention it'd be an insult to both Merilia and all the knights that had been passed over. Furthermore, and much more pragmatically, he wished to be as strong as possible for when the knights inevitably came face-to-face with whatever Merilia's friend had originally foreseen would bring them a "painful and unfortunate end".

Sure, passing Merilia's tests and being released implied that they, but you could never be too prepared when it came to averting one's own death.

---

It was a bit odd, Fleuri thought as he rode along, that the knights were being called to Brennan. This mission wasn't on direct behest of the crown, rather it was the initiative of the captain to come here. Evidently the Lord of Brennan had quite suddenly lost his mind, and Fanilly suspected that it could potentially be the work of the shard of Angoron. Considering their proximity to where they had fought the Golden Boars not long ago, Fleuri couldn't see it as being outside the realm of possibility that these events were connected.

By the time they saw the city's walls in the distance, the journey had been nothing but smooth. Fleuri was well-accustomed to spending time on the road in the saddle from his tournament days, and was quite used to traveling along this route. From the sound of what Fanilly had spoken, this mission probably wouldn't involve any fighting, and instead would entail investigation akin to what they did at the fort. Still, he knew better than to assume such a thing.

For all he knew, they could be riding straight towards what Merilia had been preparing them to face.

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

Fleuri Jodeau

As Fleuri awakened, he looked around in the darkened, room, looking for a sign that he had indeed returned to the real Candaeln. Without illuminating the room, he climbed out of bed and opened the curtains of his room's window, beholding not the sun rising on the ancient city of Talderia, but rather night over the city of Aimlenn.

Fleuri lit a candle and made his way to his desk, looking upon the papers which he had written on after the first dream. The geas would prevent him from telling anyone about the ancient knights, and he wasn't foolish enough to try and test its effects in writing, but it wouldn't affect what he had already written, of a different dream...right?

After looking over his writings of the previous dream, Fleuri pulled a journal from the desk and began to write down some of his thoughts and musings. He couldn't speak or write of the knights, but there were many other things on his mind that carried no such restrictions.

The past few weeks had given him a lot of opportunity to think about his goals and aspirations, and exactly what path he sought to walk. Even after joining the Roses, Fleuri still had some doubts as to whether it was the best way for him to serve Reon, or whether he should have gone into the priesthood and aspired to become a Paladin of Reon instead. However, between being picked by Fanilly to be in her personal retinue for these past few missions, and being picked by Merilia to be subjected to a most wondrous form of training, joining the Roses was very quickly proving to be the right choice.

Merilia's interventions hadn't just provided assurances that the path he had thus far traveled was the right one- it had also helped him to find the path forward. The first dream, the arrival and presence of Rui, and the second dream had all helped to ignite (or perhaps re-ignite) aspirations of mastery of swordplay. He would not worry about such petty, insignificant matters of rank, social standing, or prestige- for one of Fleuri's circumstances of birth, none of those things offered the potential for greatness. But to become a more skilled knight, to aspire to the mastery of swordsmanship that people like Florian and Rui commanded (regardless of whether he could actually get near that level), that was a journey that would have no true limit or end.

All in the service of Reon.

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

Fleuri Jodeau

Judging by Merilia's response, it would appear that she still had some lingering trust issues from Edwin's betrayal. It was evident that there'd be no convincing her. Thus there would be only three possible choices- submit to the geas, refuse and risk it being forced upon him, or request to remain in this world.

Of those three choices, the one to make was obvious. But was it his to make?

"Very well, I will submit to your geas- the only other choices I'm afforded are clearly far worse. Assuming, of course, that the captain- our captain- approves of this course of action and permits us to do so." Fleuri looked to Fanilly, awaiting her decision, and ready to follow it.

Specifying Fanilly as the knights' captain, as opposed to Merilia's unseen duplicate of Elionne, made Fleuri wonder- did Merilia recognize Fanilly's authority as the current leader of the Iron Roses? If not, would that make her a rogue Iron Roses? He was tempted to ask, but it was not his position to do so- that would be Fanilly's prerogative.

@Raineh Daze@VitaVitaAR

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

Fleuri Jodeau

I should have known that this Witch's aid would come with a catch.

The joy of their third victory- and the slight bewilderment of the giant cake as celebration- dissipated when Merilia revealed that she wasn't going to let them leave without agreeing to a geas to keep the existence of this world's legendary knights a secret.

Fleuri would not have hesitated to give his word to promise never to speak of the knights of this realm. Indeed, if accompanied by a knight's oath, a geas ought to not even seem like it was there at all. However, Fleuri was not comfortable with such magics. He wasn't entirely sure how a geas functioned, but have one's soul and will bound to such a compulsion, it was not something to be done lightly, regardless of whether or not one also bore an oath towards the same goal.

It wasn't like they'd be able to stop her, though. If they could not sway her otherwise, the only options would be to accept the geas or remain trapped here. While he could see the definite appeal in remaining here to continue honing his skills, untainted by the temptation of the world's validation, it would surely displease Reon. He had a duty to his goddess and to the subjects of Thaln, and to stay here would be a breach of the oaths he had already made.

Thus it was quite likely that in order to uphold the obligations they had already made, they would be required to accept this geas, unless they could somehow persuade an immensely powerful thousand-year-old Witch to not put them through it.

I agree with Sir Gerard," Fleuri spoke. "You are an Iron Rose too, Dame Merilia- would the word of your fellow Roses not be sufficient assurance that we would keep the secrets of this realm?"

@Raineh Daze@HereComesTheSnow

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

Fleuri Jodeau

The dragon spun around, causing Fleuri's cape to billow and nearly detach from the powerful gust of wind created. Fleuri ducked under the neck and tail as they swung overhead, managing to keep his footing in the momentary but intense gale.

The dragon took a moment to address them. It claimed that they needed to "show valor". In other words, at least as Fleuri could surmise, the dragon was advising them to get aggressive and make some bold moves.

Best that they not disappoint him, then.

As Thrinax repositioned and began to swipe its claw at Fanilly, the matter of footing made Fleuri realize something- with its head raised and one of its front claws being raised to strike at the captain, its other front claw- the one nearest to Fleuri- ought to be firmly planted to maintain the dragon's balance. It'd be but a momentary opportunity, but that was often all it took.

If Renar's stratagem hinged on Fleuri doing what he did with the griffin, now was the time to act on it. As the dragon made its attack at the captain, he sprinted towards the dragon's other front claw, scrambling up its limb much as Renar had done.

Fanilly gave her, ordering them to strike and claim victory. Even more reason to not disappoint.

But first he would need to decide on a spot to strike at the dragon.

Renar was going for the dragon's wing membrane, so Fleuri opted to join in the attack on his wing. There were many ways it could go wrong with just one person attacking, but as many, many of their previous fights had shown, multiple knights working together had much greater chance of success. Crawling into position and holding on with one hand, he took his greatsword and jabbed it at the dragon wing's equivalent of an armpit. The spot ought to be flexible enough that, like with armored knights, it should be less protected than most of its body, and he hoped that it'd disrupt any attempts by Thrinax to disrupt Renar's own strike.

@Psyker Landshark

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

Fleuri Jodeau

Ordinarily, having his dagger restored to him and his weapons enhanced with magic would be considered very generous. But in this particular context, in this particular challenge, it was clear to Fleuri that this was an act of mercy to give them a fighting chance. And all of this was just to wound Thrinax.

Looking at what they were up against, however, it was no surprise that the terms of the match seemed so merciful- they were going up against a legend whose power supposedly even surpassed Volkstraad, whom it had taken a living saint to bring down. Merely managing to draw blood with magically enhanced weapons was going to be a very difficult task.

And it looked like Thrinax wasn't going to wait for them to come to him- he took flight and let loose his fire upon the hill. Fanilly ordered the knights to take cover (not that they really needed her guidance to know that staying put would end very poorly), and Fleuri complied, bolting and tumbling into cover as the flames blanketed the hilltop.

Renar was quick to take charge once again, giving commands to Gerard and Fleuri to keep the dragon's attention. He couldn't deny that Renar had some skill at taking charge in a fight.

As the dragon swiped a claw at Fanilly, Renar gave Fleuri another command- to do what he did with the griffin. Evidently, his stunt with Lucas had left a lasting impression on Renar. Either that or it was just a ploy to get Fleuri non-permanently killed in an amusing manner. But Renar had a point in that something like this would need to be attacked from all directions, and even if Thrinax knew how to deal with someone latching onto his back (and he probably did), it'd still probably be more troublesome than dealing with someone in any other position around him.

Since there was no watchtower, he opted to circle around to the dragon's neck and head, opposite to where Fanilly was readying her knife, from the look of it she was about to throw it. Fleuri had no idea how good her knife-throwing skills were, or how well-balanced her dagger was for throwing, but he had faith that the Captain knew what she was doing.

Assuming that Thrinax would move his head to avoid the blow, Fleuri readied his sword to strike at it while it was focused on not getting hit by Fanilly. And if the opportunity presented itself, perhaps he might even see an opening to latch onto it on like Renar suggested.

@Psyker Landshark@VitaVitaAR

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

Fleuri Jodeau

They had made it. Despite facing one last surprise of a bombardment of "friendly" fire courtesy of the witch, Fleuri and Gerard had managed to reach the top. Fionn, too, had evidently managed to scale the hill, seemingly unseen by the Hundi. The only complication was that he had no idea where his dagger had gone, after he had used it to stop one of Gisela's spells. It wasn't exactly irreplaceable, but it would be a slight annoyance to have to continue these trials without it.

Fleuri let out a deep exhale, partially from the exertion of the sprint up the hill, and partially out of relief that this trial was over. Not that he expected to have much of a reprieve- after all, the last trial had been heralded with a spell that had disintegrated Fleuri, and he fully expected the next one to be accompanied by similar theatrics.

The Hundi took a moment to give criticism to Gertrude for her ill-conceived fire bombardment. Fleuri felt the feedback was well-warranted- having worked with Reonites extensively, he knew the importance of being careful with fire magic. If that sort of magic was what Gertrude would be using in the real world, it was essential that she learn not to use it recklessly. True, she might have factored in the fact that they couldn't die in the dream, but aside from the fact that being burned alive was a very unpleasant experience, there was little point in training here if the only techniques that she honed here hinged upon one's own allies not staying dead.

Just then, a massive shadow passed overhead. Fleuri looked up at the source- the great red dragon Thrinax. A living legend, mighty even by the standards of dragons. As he passed, Gisela announced the goal of their final trial- to injure the dragon.

Not kill, or defeat, but merely injure him. And even that would be a very lofty task. The Roses had managed to avoid losing any of their own so far, but for this trial...Fleuri wouldn't be surprised if they weren't all standing by the end of it.

"Err, Lady Gisela," he asked, addressing the Hundi, "I am not sure how this realm's restoration magic works, but might there be a way to restore my dagger to my side for this last trial?" he asked, gesturing at the empty sheath at his waist.

Reborn in a Fantasy World, This Time I Shall...!

Javal

??? - Forest

The first thing Javal noticed when they returned was the path leading up to the cave. Was it just him, or was the path in worse shape than when they had exited?

Maybe he was just seeing things, and it looked different from the top than from the bottom, but it wasn't impossible that whatever power brought him here might be gently encouraging them to get moving and not hunker down here. Regardless, he'd keep an eye on the way down- if it got any worse, it might be wise to not use this location as a shelter.

"I can keep an eye on things out here, watch out for any sign of our friend, and make sure we don't get any uninvited guests, if you two wish to thoroughly explore the cave," he proposed to the two elves.

He'd hardly be able to face anything comparable to that metal bird by himself, but with the path's footing as precarious and unsafe as it was, any foe that couldn't fly up to the entrance would find themselves at a disadvantage trying to force their way up and past Javal's polearm.

@Thunder999999@Expendable

Reborn in a Fantasy World, This Time I Shall...!

Javal

??? - Forest

"I definitely would not," Javal replied to the mage as he accepted his polearm back. "If that metal bird is a sign of what is in store for us in this world, I'd hate to go anywhere without a weapon." Not that their armaments did anything against that flying monstrosity beyond pull off a single tail feather, but it was certainly preferable to trying to fend it off with just sticks and fists.

Javal looked at his reflection in the bird's tail feather. It certainly was different from when he was on Earth. Pale, blue-eyed, white-haired. It might take some time getting used to seeing a different reflection every time he looked at a mirror, but he could definitely work with this.

"I've no complaints about the proposed course of action, the cave seems like our best bet. Once we get there, I'll stand guard outside, as I talents are slightly less effective in enclosed spaces." Javal was not unfamiliar with the fantasy convention of elves having better night vision than humans- from what the elf said, it sounded like it held true here.

It was a shame that they had lost the knight, but whether they survived was up to them- and whether or not the elves' hunches were right and the flute might have some use. A bit of a contrived coincidence, perhaps, but this world was strange enough that he was willing to believe it possible.

"Before we go, anyone care to take a look at their new forms?" he asked, raising the severed tail feather in case any of the others had yet to see their own reflection.

@Expendable@Thunder999999

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

Fleuri Jodeau

The Hundi wasn't out of tricks yet. What had initially assumed to be an easily enough dodged rain of magical projectiles proved to be a feint. The projectiles froze in the air, the a moment later, began firing smaller projectiles aimed squarely at the two knights' positions.

It was a foolish assumption to think that this Hundi would make any part of this challenge easy.

Fleuri bolted to the side and forward away from Gerard, not wanting to dash right into the barrage aimed at Gerard, and likewise not wanting to lead his barrage towards his fellow knight. His assumption was that the suspended magical bolts would track the two knights, meaning that they'd have to move quickly and not stay in any one place. He would try to keep ahead of their tracking, ready to dodge any stray bolts that fell in the path of his run, and any that he couldn't, he'd attempt to use the blade of his sword to block.

I wonder how the other knights are doing. With any luck, at least some of the others would be taking advantage of the Hundi's attention currently being on Fleuri and Jerard.

@HereComesTheSnow@Raineh Daze