LadyAnnaLee

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

Darin had wanted to give Ridahne a chance to avoid answer the question yet again for yet another crowd of people that simply didn’t seem to care. Yet when the warrior asked her to wait, she did so gladly. It was Ridahne’s business. If she wanted to share the choice was hers. The human would not begrudge the Azurei that. There was nothing to begrudge anyways. The story she gave the Council was briefer than the story she had given others in the past nut it wasn’t any less true. Darin did appreciate the brevity. She wasn’t sure she would have been able to stand being here in this room for too much longer.

Ridahne’s response to her question cause the young girl to wrap her arms around the warrior in as tight a hug as she could manage, “Thank you Ridahne. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much than means to mean.”

It meant more than Darin could ever hope to verbalize. She hadn’t been looking forward to taking Ridahne with her when they first meet. She could remember trying to hide who she was. She could remember being apprehensive of taking in a stray. Yet Ridahne had changed. She wasn’t torn up by guilt anymore. She knew the love The Tree had for her. She walked with a confidence that Darin didn’t realize people could have. She was not afraid to admit her crimes and the truth of the entire situation. She seemed proud to be both the Guardian and to be Seed-Chained. She was someone Darin couldn’t imagine living without. Darin loved her the same way she loved her mother, as dear and precious family. The fact that she was willing to modify the traditions of her entire culture to comply with the whim of a silly human girl was a good example of how much the relationship between the two girls had changed.

The human did her best to tighten her grip on the warrior as Darin had to consider how she had changed since Greyrock. She didn’t feel like she had. She still felt like she was out of her depth. She still had no idea what she was doing. Only now it was worse; much worse. She could level this forest and it wouldn’t even be very hard. She was still afraid of people knowing she was The Seed-Bearer; not just because of the threat to her life, but also because she felt unworthy of the role. She swung between wanting to avoid people to keep her name and face a secret and practically screaming from the rooftops that she was The Seed-Bearer. The problem with the first was that she was trying to make friends. So, she couldn’t avoid people. It was also becoming harder and harder to hide her identity. People just seemed to know. The problem with the second was that Darin didn’t want to seem like she was bragging, She was also unsure of how people would react to her. She really didn’t want to be showered in praise. She was just trying to do a job.

With great reluctance Darin pulled away from Ridahne, “And I suppose we should discuss if there is any point in continuing to travel as your apprentice. More and more people seem to know the truth. What do you think?”

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

President Silen hummed before speaking, “You both had given the Council much to consider, but yes, any further discussion can wait until tomorrow. If people, ask about the nature of this discussion we will simply report that the Council felt the need to question your motives for being in Lihaelin. We were satisfied with the answer given and while we will pay close attention to you we do not believe that you are a threat.”

Then a Councilperson that Darin did not know leaned forward, “Out of curiosity. Why did you kill?”

Darin’s snap cut off the rest of the question, “None of your business!” She pulled away from Ridahne to glare at the asker a glare that could freeze the very air, “The death of that monster is the business of Ridahne Torenzi Seed-Chained, The Tree, by extension me, and no one else.” She turned her glare to the president, “Watch for the Red Hand. Discuss what you will. We are leaving.” She held out her arm towards the bird, “Come Taja.” She smiled at the cat that was still purring, “Will you lead the way MItaja?” Her attention shifted back to Ridahne, “Come along. Talking further at this point would be pointless.”

With that Darin was done with this whole pointless endeavor. She moved to leave the building only to pause for a moment when she came level with Mrixze Janeel. Darin smiled wildly at him as she ducked her head in respect. He was shocked into gaping at her like a fish. Taja let out a screech and Darin took that as her cue to move. As they moved though the halls Taja took flight again and as they finally exited the building was lost to the night sky. Darin was not unduly worried. She figured that the hawk was headed back towards the stable with Talbot and Tsura. At least she hoped that Talbot and Tsura were still in the stable. The forest seemed to be at peace for the moment. Though people would be suspicious that the two of them were asked to stay. Yet again Darin was left questioning the wisdom of traveling anonymously. It would all fall to pieces when they reach Azurei. Maybe traveling discreetly would be better though even that was debatable given the fact that all of Astra grew excited as she walked.

Then, halfway towards the inn, Darin stopped to ask a question that had been plaguing her mind for some time now, “If you had died that night. If the Red Hand had gotten you. What story would your Ojih tell the Keeper?”

Darin wasn’t sure she would ever really understand why a person would want their entire life story on their face, but she did know that was the purpose the Ojih served. She also knew that Ridahne’s story was incomplete. She was also painfully aware of the fact that the warrior could die at any time. She didn’t want that to happen, but if it did Darin wanted Ridahne to receive a fair judgement based on both her crimes and her attempts to make it right. They had discussed this before and had discussed waiting until they got to Azurei before Ridahne made changes to her Ojih but that was almost a whole year away. Who knew what could happen between now and then? It didn’t help that Darin was simply sick and tired of people looking at her beautiful, amazing, stunning Ridahne and thinking she was a stain on Astra when she was one of the strongest Children there had ever been. Darin didn’t care that people may not know what the new mark, whatever that may be, was. She would know, The Tree would know, The Seed would know, and people would be forced to take at least a second glance. She couldn’t make Ridahne make changes to her Ojih if she didn’t want to, but Darin felt she had to at least try to make her concerns understood.

Estermere Academy - Military School RP

Pax didn’t close their book, but they did look up from it when the military tactics teacher began to speak. Pax resisted the urge to scowl at what they heard/ There would be eight hours of classroom study for a mere five classes? Not to mention that they weren’t particularly fond of those five classes to begin with. Though to be honest if Pax had to pick five classes a military school would limit themselves to those would be the five. It just seemed like such a wasted opportunity. There were no classes on language or diplomacy. Though Pax supposed that diplomacy could be considered part of military tactics. They just hoped that Estermere didn’t teach a “hit first, ask later policy.” If that was what students were taught Pax figured they would have a harder time then they already planned on having here.

Pax was also alarmed by the announcements of houses. That just screamed out that there would be rivalry within the school. The last thing they needed was an assigned enemy. Pax could already see how they wouldn’t fit in here. Their knowledge of military tactics was sketchy at best. They knew nothing of magical creatures while their knowledge of history was limited to the knowledge of Rockveil’s history. The best that could be said of their weapons skills was that they were average. As for magic, Pax feigned an ignorance of magic that they intended to continue. They were going to be a dismal student that would study all the time to make up for it. They wouldn’t socialize even if they wanted to. Pax was suddenly aware of the fact that they had never been planning on making friends. They had hoped not to make enemies. Now the school was assigning them.

As the speeches ended, they rose from the bench to go and find their room. Their book was carefully marked before being closed and placed in a pocket. They did their best to remain invisible. They did notice people clustered around a notice board. A quick glance showed Pax that it was a class list. Pax took the time to note that they were in the Alpha Class. Reaching into a pocket they pulled out a notepad and stick of charcoal so they could record the class schedule. It wouldn’t do to miss a class or forget one entirely. Pax would have to go exploring sometime today so they could find their classes tomorrow.

Once the schedule was recorded Pax followed the crowd across courtyard towards the dorm building. It was easy enough to see that the first years were on the bottom floor. It was even easier to find the room with their name on the nameplate. Opening the door revealed a small but clean room. Their trunk was in the center of the room. Suddenly Pax was glad that they had packed light. The few changes of clothes went in the tiny closet while their near countless book practically overwhelmed the bookcase. The writing case was placed on the desk. Once the trunk was empty it was pushed underneath the bed to be forgotten until it was time to return to Rockveil. With a sigh Pax sat on the bed to consider all that they had learned.

Only to let out a shout of pain. Pax clutched at their head while the migraine bloomed behind their eyes. Pax hated this. They always hated this. It didn’t matter what they saw from the past, the present, or occasionally the future, it hurt like hell. Pax would gladly give up the visions if it meant getting rid of the head splitting headaches that came with them. This time the vision was of a girl with fire orange hair with corkscrew curls that fell in a tangle to her waist. She had to be a past occupant of this room. She sat at the desk scribbling something. Then just as quickly as it came the vision left. The migraine lingered and would remain for a while yet. Pax couldn’t help the harsh laugh that escaped their lips. They had had a hope that the visions would be left in Rockveil. Apparently, that hope was vain. They couldn’t let anyone know about the visions. That was just another reason to keep to themselves.

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

Darin let out a bright laugh that almost betrayed the solemnity of the moment as Ridahne made her oath. Oh, how it differed from the oath that the Eluri had given. Oh, how Darin cherished it. The Seed-Bearer had no doubt of her Seed-Chained’s loyalty. She had no doubt that if she had reached for the blades they would have been given willingly. Darin felt like she could sing, and that Astra would sing with her. Ridahne stood by her, guided her, bent to her whims. There was no doubting the warrior’s loyalty and, dare Darin say it, love. Those Sols had no idea whatsoever what they had given up. No matter, The Seed-Bearer was more than happy to reap the rewards of their folly.

Darin smiled at her friend one last time before turning back to the Council, “Now that that is settled, how did you know who I was?”

President Silen sighed as she flapped a hand at the human, “Visions child. The Eluri are graced with visions. They are unpredictable. Legally it is required to report visions. That is not always the case. It is possible that others know of you.”

Not just possible and being called “child” cause Darin’s nose to wrinkle. She wasn’t sure why. When she had first meet Ridahne she had insisted that she needed no fancy titles, that she was just a farm girl. Well, farm girls didn’t mind being called “child” by people that were certainly their betters the way President Silen was not only in age but authority as well. Months ago, it wouldn’t have bothered her. Darin would have simply raised an eyebrow and moved forward. Of course, the person Darin was months a go wouldn’t have any dreams to meet the President of the Eluri. Things and changed, and while she knew it was connected to being The Seed-Bearer she wasn’t completely sure how or what it meant for her.

President Silen was not privy to the young human’s thoughts, “That’s why we would appreciate you not exciting the trees of the forest. We don’t want any unsavory characters being able to find you.”

Well that was a thought that was long overdue. Unsavory people had looked for and found her already. They also tried to kill her. Ridahne had said to look for the Red Hand. Darin was starting to wonder if the president was listening or just heard what she wanted to hear. If she only wanted to hear what she wanted to hear that would make telling the truth that much harder. Darin was not looking forward to harder. Harder was not what her tired mind needed right now. Absently she lifted a hand towards the uloia. One landed on her extended finger. Darin hadn’t asked for that. It simply wanted to be closer to her. With wide unblinking eyes focused on the flashing insect Darin slowly moved her hand towards Ridahne’s face. Slowly her hand reached out towards her complanion and the uloia took flight again to land on the Azurei’s nose. Darin giggled at the sight. Other uloia took heart at the noise and moved to land in the warrior’s hair and face. Darin watched for a moment, a craftly but gleeful smile on her face, before turning back towards the Council.

Her truth was simple, “I’m not. I’m not exciting the trees or the creatures that live in the forest. They know I am here and grew excited on their own. I do not control their actions now nor will I in the future. Occansionally I ask them for something, and they oblige me, but in the end the choice is theirs. That is the greatest gift that any citizen, whether human, Elf, Siren, tree, animal, Sea, Stone, or Sky have; the gift of Choice. The Children of Sea and Stone and Sky have to make choices with consequences that are more complex than the choices that plants or animals have to make. Yet they still have the right to their choices; just the same as you and I. The Tree and The Gardener refused to take their choice just as They refused to take ours. I do not have visions so I do not know what the future I am trying to create will be like, but I do known that is one choice I am happy to make; the choice to let others make their own choices.” She gestured out with empty hands, “So the trees are excited I am come. The rains are eager to please me. The ground trips me as to drag me close. That is their choice. I choose to respect it.” She paused as her hands dropped and she grew more serious, “I have asked them not to bend as to show the stars again, and they have agreed. I will ask them behave, but I do not know what they will say.”

Darin decided that if President Silen was going to call her a child she might as well act like one. She was tired and tired children pouted. Without thinking too much about it Darin wrapped her arms around Ridahne’s neck and slumped her head on to the warrior’s shoulder. She upset the uloia that were landing on the Azurei and they took flight quickly to avoid getting rattled further. Darin paid them no mind as she pressed her face into her friend’s shoulder. Taja had still been running his beak though Ridahne’s hair and let out a screech to protest. Darin didn’t pay him much mind either. The bird pouted as he fluttered to regain his balance. He started to run his beak though Darin’s hair since she was now available.

Darin spoke in quiet Azurei, “Ridahne. Will you tell them about the Red Hand so we can go? I’m tired. It’s been a long night. And we have things to discuss. Just the two of us.”

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

I am not feeling well. I am not sure when my next post will be, but I will edevor to have one by next Sunday at the latest. Thank you for understanding.

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

President Silen sighed as she waved her hand at Ridahne, “Yes, yes, yes. As you say. Everyone in this room will swear whatever oath The Seed-Bearer asks us to swear. I’ll start. By The Tree, I swear”

Darin suddenly exclaimed, “No!” She stumbled out from behind Ridahne, “No. The Tree is dying and does not have the strength to hold such an oath maker accountable.” She stood up straight with her shoulders square, “And I am The Seed-Bearer.”

Suddenly a wind picked up to blow around the room. It ruffled Darin’s nondescript brown hair. A shriek was heard as Darin instinctively lifted her arm. From somewhere Taja flew into land before letting out another shriek. The wind picked up as all the lanterns in the room went dark. The uloia that had suddenly swarmed around Darin kept the room from going entirely dark. They lit her up with a type of eerie glow that reflected in her eyes. Cats slinked in. Trees rustled. Other animals followed as thunder could be heard to crack across the sky. The Seed-Bearer was speaking, and Astra was listening.

The Seed-Bearer finished her statement as The Seed burned almost red hot against her skin, “Swear by The Seed or not at all. Everyone in this room will swear that nothing said here tonight will be spoken of with someone not present. This will remain secret until such time as I choose to reveal it.”

They stared at Darin in shock, alarm and silence. Then one of the two guards fell into a bow that Darin didn’t quite recognize, “I am Mrixze Janeel, and I swear to you Darin Seed-Bearer on both my honor and on The Seed that nothing discussed here will escape my lips or my hand. I take these secrets to the grave. May the trees and the stars bare witness of this oath and know of my sincerity. May you bear witness to this oath and know of my sincerity. Please accept this promise and know that I mean no harm.”

The bow was deep. The guard was bowing at his waist in an almost perfect right angle. His left fist was placed on his forehead. His right palm was over his heart. He maintained eye contact with Darin the entire time he spoke. It was clear that everyone in the room was waiting for something from Darin. She figured it was an acceptance of the oath, and she was willing to give it. She just wanted to do it right and she wasn’t 100 percent sure how to do that. She didn’t know what this bow meant, and she wasn’t she what the correct response bow was.

So, she found herself asking, “What is the meaning this bow?” The president started to speak only to be cut off with a swift look from Darin, “Mr. Armin?”

Mr. Armin took the request in stride, “It serves only one purpose Seed-Bearer. It is the bow that the Eluri use to show honor and respect to The Gardener. It is fitting that the honor is extended to his heir as well. The words are a modified version of the second highest oath an Eluri can give. Only swearing on The Tree is higher.”

Darin couldn’t help letting out the short cutting laugh that escaped her as she side-eyes Ridahne, “It would have been nice if Ravi had taught us useful things instead of causing fights.” She then turned her attention back to Guard Janeel, “Tell me Mr. Armin, what are the correct words and bow to accept such an oath.”

Mr. Armin shook his head, “There is no bow to give in response. But the words would be, ‘The stars and the trees bear witness. I bear witness. I will hold you to your word and honor. I accept this oath.”

Darin found herself modifying the words, “The Seed bears witness of this oath. I bear witness of this oath. Hold yourself to your word. Choose right over honor. I thank you Mrixze Janeel, for your oath, for your courage, for your heart. I accept this oath.”

When Darin was done the guard rose from his bow and other followed suit. The words the Eluri said only changed when they gave their name. Darin’s words held the same modifications. President Silen was second to make her oath, and she seemed slightly upset that the guard had beaten her to saying it first. No one was reluctant to make such heavy promises. The Seed and Darin could feel the goodness of the people in this room. They weren’t pure and Darin had a feeling that they had made some less than ideal choices in the past. Still their hearts were good, and Darin found herself willing to accept that.

Soon Darin had accepted the last oath and The Seed-Bearer turned to her Seed-Chained with a soft smile on her face, “Ridahne, my beautiful Seed-Chained.” She found herself reaching out to run a quick and gentle finger over the Azurei’s cheekbone before dropping her hand, “We cannot ask for what we will not give. I have asked for so much from you my marvelous warrior and I will ask for more yet that I will not ask from others. Now I ask for oath of silence as I have asked of them. Will you give it for me?”

The room was still only lit by uloia. The wind still blew though as all the trees of Lihaelin swayed lightly. Mitaja had come from somewhere and pressed against Darin’s legs with an arched back and a deep purr. The arm holding Taja was just about to start going numb as she hadn’t dropped once. That changed as the hawk hopped from Darin’s arm to Ridahne’s shoulder to run his beak though Ridahne’s hair. Darin wasn’t sure what message she was trying to convey. She thought she might be trying to tell the people here that she wouldn’t ask for what she couldn’t give. She thought she might be trying to say that no matter what The Seed-Chained had done in the past that The Seed-Bearer loved her and would defend her. Maybe it was both. Maybe it was neither. Darin still felt a peace like she had never known before. So did The Seed. Whatever she was doing it was right.

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

May I borrow Mitaja for my next post?

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

How dare he! How dare he! How dare he think that! How dare he think that Ridahne was, was, was a threat or something! How dare he evaluate her character based solely on the markings in her ojih! Who did he think he was? Darin felt her temper rising. She clenched her fist tightly in order to refrain from doing something she might regret. She was slightly surprised at herself. She wanted to hurt this man judging her Seed-Chained. That would draw attention to themselves that they didn't need. Besides it wasn't exactly fair of her to make such judgments. Just like this man didn't know Ridahne Darin did not know him. She needed to try to be fair.

It did not matter though. Outside of the building they were in the trees sensed The Seed-Bearer's anger. They didn't understand why she was angry; they just knew that she was. They began to sway ominously and sent the building was built right into the trees the building quaked as well. At first it was a soft shaking, but it wasn't surprising that soon everyone in the room noticed the movement. Sounds of shock and question escaped people as they moved closer today without thinking. There were people looking around, so Darin's hurried glances around did not seem out of place.

A Siren barely breathed, "What's going on?"

A Councilperson answered, "The trees are angry. I think. This has never happened before. That's part of why we are so concerned. It is possible that if things like this continue that Lihaelin could be destroyed. We are hoping that The Seed-Bearer would be able to tell us what is happening and why."

Okay, that was a fair point. It wasn't like any one was truly equipped to deal with an entire forest worth of trees suddenly moving. Darin forced herself to take several deep breathes in an effort to calm down. She was fairly certain that the trees were responding to what she was feeling. She couldn't let her emotions get the better of her. The Councilperson had pointed out that people didn't know what was going. It wouldn't do to cause them unnecessary worry. Soon, after several deep breathes, Darin managed to calm down. As she got her emotions under control the trees calmed down as well, and the shaking ceased.

A human male breathed a sigh of relief, "It's over. Thank The Tree."

A quiet fell over the group only to be broken by a small voice speaking in heavily accented common, "Papa, I'm tired."

Practically every head in the room whipped around to see a small Siren child rubbing their eyes. It was clear that the little girl was truly exhausted. It was also apparent that the child's guardian, who was holding the child no older than eight, had instructed her to speak in common in a voice loud enough to be heard. Darin felt her anger rising again. This time it was directed towards the Council of the Seven Winds. They had pulled a child from their sleep to hold this meeting. How dare they! Darin forced herself to breathe deeply. She didn't need to upset the trees again.

The guardian told his charge, "I know Marinia. Give me just a moment." He looked at the Council with fire in his eyes, "If you have no more need of us, we will be going back to bed."

President Silen shook her head, "No. We have plenty to discuss. You are dismissed."

The Siren scoffed as he turned on his heel. After he had left another discussion filled the air. This one became heated as people started to say that they wanted to leave. Some did not wait for permission. Some just left. It almost seemed like there would be a riot. Guards looked confused. Aides looked lost. Darin thought that might be a good thing. They might get to leave with the rest of the crowd. Darin bit her tongue to keep from speaking up. She didn't need to draw any more attention to the two of them tonight. She really wasn't looking for trouble.

President Silen clapped her hands once and silence fell, "You may all leave!" Then her eyes landed on Ridahne, "Save you and your companion Azurei criminal. You say you are not here to assassinate anyone. Let us see why you here." Then, once every was out of the room save the Council, their aides, and a few guards the president fell back into her chair with a tired sigh, "Enough games." She rubbed the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger, "Please stop exciting the trees Darin Seed-Bearer."

Darin couldn't stop the small noise of alarm that escaped her. Without even thinking about it she ducked behind Ridahne. They did know! Why didn't they say something earlier? Could she deny it? Would there be any point in denying it? Did she want to deny it? She wasn't sure what to say. They weren't like farmers. She had no idea how to talk to people with power. It wasn't like she had anything in common with them. Hadn't Ridahne once been a part of the Azurei court? Was it wrong of her to want to leave this to Ridahne to solve? She wasn't sure. Currently all Darin could think to do was make herself as small as possible behind the warrior.

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

Well that was not information that Darin particularly wanted to know. She supposed that it was good that she now knew. Though she had to wonder if that meant that Councilman Malane’s friendless was because he already knew who she was or if he was friendly to everyone that was new to Lihaelin. She wasn’t sure there was a way to be sure. She had to wonder the same thing about Mr. Armin. Was there another reason why he taught her all the bows? She wasn’t sure that she wanted to wonder. She wanted to have faith in the goodness of people’s nature. That seemed a bit naive, but it seemed better than being automatically suspicious of everybody.

Speaking of Mr. Armin, he led them to a building and through to an open room with a glass ceiling. There were seven people sitting in chairs on an elevated dais. They were in various states of dress that implied that they had rushed here straight from their beds. Darin recognized Councilman Malane and it wasn’t hard to figure out they were the other Council members. Other people were joining them being led by people Darin figured were aides like Mr. Armin. There was a good mix of humans, Elves, and Sirens. There weren’t a small number of them, but there were enough to fill the room.

A tall woman stood up from the center chair, “I am President Lilain Silen. We have reasons to believe that one of you is The Seed-Bearer of Astra. We would like to know which one of you it is. Seed-Bearer Darin, please step forward.”

Darin forced herself to remain still. She didn’t know what to say. If they really knew who she was they weren’t acting like it. She supposed that meant the next move was hers. She wasn’t sure she knew what the next move should be. There were so many options and unless someone else stepped forward to claim the title suspicion would always be on the people in the room, save the Council of the Seven Winds and their aides. Though it would not be good if someone else tried to claim the title. Darin wasn’t sure she knew what Astra would do to someone that claimed to be The Seed-Bearer. There were too many choices and possibilities.

Before Darin could decide what to do a male Siren stepped forward with fire in his eyes, “This is ridiculous! The Seed-Bearer is here, there is no doubt of that. That does not mean he wants to be known. There are a multitude of reasons for him to come to Lihaelin, your hospitality to outsiders, the busy market, the archives. I do sincerely doubt that he wants to be known. If he did all of Astra would know this Darin by now.”

A raven-haired human snapped at the Siren, “We don’t even know that they are male! They could be a she. No in Astra knows anything about them except perhaps the Workers at The Farm. Now we know that their name is Darin, but other than that everything about them is still a mystery.”

An Azurei Elf stepped joined the discussion, “Do we have a right to know? Doesn’t all of Astra have a right to know? The Seed-Bearer is important to all of Astra. Secrets will do us no good. We should us this opportunity to discover more about them.”

Darin found herself stepping forward to speak, “Does it matter if the Children of Astra want to know? The Seed-Bearer has chosen to remain anonymous. We should respect that.”

A different Siren from the first one scoffed. “The Azurei is right. We have a right to know.”

Another Elf that Darin thought might be an Orosi scoffed, “And what would we do with said knowledge? Welcome them into our cities? Provide them with traveling trains? We don’t even know what The Seed-Bearer’s plans are planting The Seed. Can we guarantee that we won’t get in the way?”

Things were about to get out of hand, but President Silen raised her voice, “Enough! There will order in the Council room.” She eyed the visitors with hard eyes, “Does anyone have any thing to add in a peaceable manner?”

Estermere Academy - Military School RP

Pax Triston was not eager to be attending Estermere Academy. It was a military school, and they had no desire to be part of any military. That did not change the fact that they were currently on their way to the academy. They didn’t have much of a choice. Their father, Lord Markus Triston of Coastal Cliffs, wanted to send Pax away. Pax couldn’t really fault the man for that decision. There was a constant tension in the air while Pax was residing at Triston Keep. Pax gave their head a shake. There was no reason to dwell on the past. They had to keep heading up the mountain.

Pax looked up from the book that they had been studying about older languages from across the world to look out the window as the carriage maneuvered pass another turn in the road. They could finally see the Academy. It certainly looked impressive. Pax knew that it was still a fair distance away. It would only grow more impressive as they got closer. Pax turned back towards their book. They had basically stolen the book from Triston Keep. Thankfully, along with the other books on almost forgotten languages, it wouldn’t be missed. If they were it would a simple matter to return them.

The carriage eventually stopped as a voice called out, “We have arrived Mr. Triston.”

Pax placed their book back in their personal satchel as they exited the carriage, “Thank you Gabriel.” They faintly smiled up at the coachman, “Please be careful on your way home.”

Gabriel nodded in respect, “I’ll be on my way as soon as I’m soon sure your things have been put away properly Mr. Triston.”

Pax turned to get a better look at Estermere Academy, “Thank you Gabriel.”

With as close to goodbyes as Pax was going to get with as close to a friend as they had been done they headed into the building. It was easy enough to ask a few of the guards where new students in the officer program were supposed to go. With that information gathered. The new student headed towards the dining hall. There were already students gathering. Absently Pax wonder what the time was. They knew that there was a time every new student was supposed to be here by. They just didn’t know when that time was. They didn’t think that it was any time soon. There weren’t enough students here yet.

Pax scanned the room to find a rather empty place in which to sit. Once a suitable spot was located, they made their way there. As they walked, they passed a few people taking to each other as well as others looking to avoid social interactions. There were people from all over the world. Pax was astounded by the sheer number of different type of people. Maybe being here wouldn’t be bad. It would certainly be a learning experience.

Pax arrived at the place they had pick and sat down with a surprising amount of grace. They pulled out their book to return to their studies. Pax wondered if there were language classes here. That would be another reason this ordeal could be bearable. The truth was, even though Pax knew they didn’t really want to be here, this wasn’t that bad a place to be. It certainly wasn’t ideal, but it did get them away from Coastal Cliffs and it would certainly teach them things they couldn’t learn in Rockveil. They might not want to be a part of any military in the future, but it would give them a chance to make future they didn’t think they could have if they hadn’t been sent here. Pax supposed they could be tentatively optimistic.