lydyn

The Light of Our Oath

@Vee Hahaha...

The Light of Our Oath

Just patiently waiting in excitement for you two to post again. ^.^ I know it's only like 4 posts in, but I'm already enjoying it quite a bit. :) Also played Fallout 4, which is amazing, I might add. xD And... also earned a staff spot on my Minecraft server, so that's cool. Finally, I think the last bit of news is that I updated my OkCupid profile because our girlfriend suddenly decided to disappear on us. So yeah, that's what's going on with me. ^.^

The Light of Our Oath

As the two stepped inside the castle walls, it seemed very much like other fortifications, though it was hard not to notice how small it was compared to even Therra Enclave. The basics were present though; a blacksmith, a general store, the butcher, an inn that doubled as a tavern, several noble houses, the castle itself, and a temple. It wouldn't take long for the pair to take notice of the tense air within the walls as commoners and nobles alike whispered in fearful voices, scuttling across the roads, and several knights and guard patrolling the streets.

The building that stood out the most was the temple against the eastern wall, not for it's structure, but instead because of the amount of guards that stood at the ready at it's doors - the stone slabs barred with logs of wood to keep something or someone inside. Everyone else seemed to keep clear of the details of protectors as if afraid that the doors would burst open at any moment and unleash some terror. Furthermore, many people eyed the pair of women suspiciously, giving them a wide birth as they continue along their daily chores and errands.

Meanwhile, Inside Arete's Temple...

The temple itself was nearly empty and devoid of anyone except for three people; the two guards standing at the temple doors behind a small barricade and what seemed to be a commoner woman, sitting on the steps leading to the alter. She looked beautiful in her own humble hair, adorning light brown hair, slightly tan skin that was nearly flawless, and a gentle look in her brown eyes. However she seemed worse for the wear, with her dress being slightly smudged in dirt and mud, tear cheeks having made their way down her face, and a tired expression painted across her face. She curled her knees to herself and just stared at the guards from across the room. She was tired of crying right now and only thought of why she was being held prisoner like this, praying to Arete that perhaps she would show her some mercy - save her from being treated like some sort of unfeeling weapon against things she didn't even want to fight. 'If only I hadn't been given this gift,' she thought it herself, clenching her fists in frustration and depression.

Quest Notes

So, it's pretty obvious the entire town is on edge. It's also easy to figure out that it might have to do with Arete's temple and the amount of men posted to guard the entrance. Chances are, by how people are avoiding the Paladins, that not a lot of people are going to offer much information - though you could always bribe someone. It's safe to say some answers might be in the temple though! Apparently poor Joslyn is sitting in the temple praying for her own savior of sorts. What will you two do? Again, feel free to control the townsfolk, merchants, or guards.

The Light of Our Oath

Okay!~ Now it's my turn. Might not be much at the moment, but we'll see what I come up with. ^^

The Light of Our Oath

Honestly, that is 100% fine with me... I do enjoy a good drama - story wise anyways - not actual drama like gossip etc. :p

The Light of Our Oath

I think both of them are going to be a bit surprised by Joslyn. I never really thought of her being seen as the savior, but I love that you added that! Now I'm going to roll with it, which adds another dimension to everything. ^.^

The Light of Our Oath

Hehe, well, you did well! It might take some getting used to, but like I said, you guys have control of the NPCs as much as I do for the most part - excluding major baddies - but I'll always note that in the quest notes below my posts. <3 Reina is cute~

Starless

@Dead Cruiser Present and accounted for. ^.^

The Light of Our Oath

It seemed so sudden, but quickly the message was being passed along, the Paladin Commander of Therra Enclave sent for both Reina and Lyra. There were whispered words and looks of mixed types, while some looked at them with respect and faith, others gave them questioning and thoughtful glances. Everyone knew of the rumors - of the 'purifier' that was captive in Hebetude - so of course the other Paladins eyed them, sizing them up and wondering if they were right for the mission. Apparently the commander had thought they were and regardless of any opinions from veteran Paladins, they were the two who had been called.

At the end of a long hallway sat two heavy oak doors with Paladin Ryn standing guard, as he always did, and motioned them both to wait for a moment. He had never been one to talk much and saw it that he was not only the commander's personal guard but attendant as well in many matters. There were rumors of Ryn and Paladin Commander Tobias being secret lovers, but like many rumors, they had never been truly confirmed. After all, it was hard to see the black, muscled vision that Ryn was being in bed with the commander; a stoic, rigid and military-like mannered man, mostly because both seemed too masculine for each other.

Eventually after some moments, Ryn opened the doors for the two ladies and motioned them in. Inside was the commander's office, which had been surprisingly humble in it's set up. There was a sturdy spruce desk at the end of room, two windows that let the light in, and very simple (if comfortable) carpeting lining the floor. To the sides were bookshelves brimming with books - anything from tactics to notes on the new threat of the undead. Indeed, it seemed the Paladin Commander was not on for luxury in his position but instead one focused on duty. So sat the middle-aged man, scribbling away on a piece of message paper, with his slightly graying hair, firm posture, and focused intent on his task at hand. At first, he didn't even acknowledge them, dipping his quill into the ink well a few times as he wrote.

"You may sit, if you'd like," he suddenly spoke, apparently finishing the scroll with his own signature. Looking up, he looked over the two women, uncaring if they had taken his offer or not. He knew Paladins were all types, from proper knights to ex-pirates like Reina, so he didn't fret over small details like how they conducted themselves - so long as they followed orders and respected the officers of the Enclaves.

Eventually, he put the quill inside the ink well and leaned forward on the desk, moving the paper out of his way so he could fold his hands in front of him. "You know why you've been summoned, I'm sure, so I'll simply get to the point. Travel to Hebetude, find the truth behind this 'purifier,' and if she or he is real, then bring them back here." The commander paused, letting it sink in for only a brief moment. "Before you go, the obvious answer to why you two is simply this; we are the closest Enclave and both of you have proven your worth. So," he continued with a steady gaze, "unless you have any more questions, you are dismissed. Get prepared for your journey. You'll leave at sun down."

The forest leading to Hebetude was thick and not easily navigated, but luckily for the two women, they had been given tips and maps by Paladin Scouts that had found the kingdom a few times before hand. Eventually, the two came to a clearing and the view of the castle popped into sight suddenly. They had found the lake in the middle of the forest and the castle sat aloft a formation of land and rock, making it a place that would be extremely hard to siege. It was beautiful in it's own right, even if the land was devoid of color it once had and the chill of the air bit sharply.

As they approached the gates together, several guards and even a knight halted them, arrows pointed at them and blades drawn. The knight stepped forward, though kept his distance, making them all seem nervous and scared. "Halt! What is your business here!"

Quest Notes!

So from here, you two have control over the guards and the knight, just note they are all nervous and scared over the recent attacks of undead and especially with Joslyn's presence. You can talk your way in or use brute force, but like anything - actions have consequences. Also once you're in, you'll find out (however you want) that Joslyn is being kept in the temple of Arete - being literally guarded and sealed in for unknown reasons by the king. From there, you can try and convince the guards to let you in or try your hand at convincing the king to let her go.

The Light of Our Oath

@Amy@Vee - Okay, starting at/near Joslyn's kingdom it is! And I love the idea of the two having some interactions beforehand, that is very cool. Of course, that's entirely up to you two what they were, etc. I'll start writing the intro post - please let me know if you want any more questions or whatnot. :) And again, feel free to take NPC control and the like, so long as you don't stray from their personality that much, etc. ^.- Oh, and feel free to add your characters to the characters tab please!

@Amy - Yeah, I'll have to think about it, because I hadn't originally planned on including one. xD