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 Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2020 7:48 am
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Gaelan's offer was accepted and he was able to reduce the woman's scar as expected. He had a moment of regret that his skills in magic were not stronger, but his role had been in governing and battle. Healing magic had not been a priority beyond what was needed in the field.
Her expression of gratitude was respectful, but it was the respect offered between soldiers on the field. Unrefined and based in a simple appreciation for relative skill. After all, there was no sense of kinship between them yet. Furthermore, she had no knowledge of the Pater Humantil. Gaelan was glad of his self control. It kept him from revealing any of his old pride and irritation at not receiving greater respect. Such feelings were merely leftovers from a past that he had long outlived. He would need to consider them... enemies. This was a time to learn, not to succumb to a fool's arrogance.
Gaelan accepted the offer of food, though he only took a little and ate thoughtfully, but he gently declined the offer of drink with a wave after catching the scent of alcohol. There were certain parts of his power that were still unstable after his awakening. It would be unwise to compromise his judgement until that was settled. Her offer of bedding would be accepted in due course, if he were able to stabilize his powers. Otherwise, there would be an unknown number of nights spent in meditation ahead of him.
His eyes were locked on the woman as she demonstrated two different forms of simple elemental magic as well as a level of control that was surprising. Using fire to protect was not unheard of, but doing so with instinctive control and no gesture or chant... not even a command phrase. It was stunning. He managed to suppress most visible signs of his shock but the fixed intensity of his gaze betrayed how much his expectations were being challenged. His eyes began to glow softly with a blue-green light as he watched. The structure of the magic she was using was loose, fluid. It would be easily disrupted by a disciplined magic user with adequate training. However, it was also swift and fluid. This kind of casting holds a far greater potential for versatility and improvisation than the more disciplined and structured traditions of the Pater Humantil, though it generally yields less powerful effects and functions less efficiently. Gaelan could tell that this kind of artistic magic must have helped this woman survive many difficult challenges.
Yet, the odd balance between this woman's combat skills and her types of magic made him think that her rank must not be very high. Clearly she was not a mere soldier, but perhaps she was more similar to a Seeker. Again, there was too much that was unknown. She could be a queen who happened to be out for a ride, for all he knew. There was simply too much that he couldn't confirm.
At last, she began introductions. It was the simplest place to start, first names with no honorifics. He took his turn, gesturing to himself as he spoke in his steady way. "Gaelan." Then he gestured toward her and repeated her name to show his understanding. "Gypsy." However, his way of saying her name might catch her off guard. His pronunciation was perfect, identical to hers in all things but voice range.
So, her name was Gypsy. The sound was strange and the name... unfamiliar. But, that was going to be something he would have to grow accustomed to soon enough. However, Gaelan did not offer a word in his language in return. He only waited to learn what Gypsy was willing to teach, prepared to repeat each word perfectly and learn how to use them in simple sentences as well, if she were to go that far. There was little point in teaching the dead language of the Pater Humantil to a warrior. Perhaps, if his path crossed with that of a scholar, he might teach his own language. But, not before. For now, this night would be devoted to learning what he could of the local language.
When Gypsy tired of teaching or chose to rest, Gaelan would set up his bedding but remain seated atop it. In this posture he would spend the night, meditating and guiding his magic and Essence flows back to their stable patterns. The circulation of mana through the body did not produce visible phenomenon in most species. However, the controlled circulation of Essence produced a rhythmic pulsing glow that caused Gaelan's veins to be luminous and visible through his skin. Though, these veins only carried Essence and not blood, the distinction would likely not be noticed by anyone without a high level of learning or a great deal of magical prowess and powers of observation. |
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Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2020 10:30 pm
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Gypsy went through the gambut until he had down the words for everything she could think of: fire, meatroll (which led to the contents of the meatroll), horse, cave, rock, grass, sky, clouds, leather, metal, armor, shortsword, greatsword, longsword, dagger, and even bow (one had been part of Red's kit). She even covered male and female.
There were more words as he pointed to ask for them and she supplied them easily aand readily. But she did eventually signal the need for sleep. She'd been going for a long time that day and needed the rest.
She finally shed the blanket wrapped around her and put on the fresh leathers she'd set aside earlier, then added her daggers and sword sheath. She'd put the sword in it when they left in the morning. But she didn't sleep unarmed...
She settled down on top of her blanket with the saddle for a pillow and the fire for warmth, falling into a light sleep easily. It showed that she trusted him on a certain level, but that she didn't trust anyone fully... Not anymore...
That gave him the time to meditate then to observe her at rest, even with the horse watching over her like a protective night-guard. In an attack, the horse wouldn't hesitate to attack with lethal efficiency...
By morning, she simply sat up and stretched, sheathed her sword (again, for that downward draw), thenn collected the last meatroll and downed it with a swallow of the wine. It may have had some alcohol, but it was more for flavor and accenting the food. These days, only Lareth could get her drunk. And she avoided his home brew like the plague...
While she waited for him to get himself settled, she saddled the horse and broke down the camp, her ability over fire allowing her to put the fire out to the point that you could put your hand into the ashes and find it actually cold...
Everything done quickly and efficiently, she got into the saddle with practiced ease then directed him on how to get up behind her on the horse... It was both a test of his trust and hers. He could easily kill her from behind her. But she could dump him off the horse in a painful way at any point. Plus, he had to take the courage to get onto the beast... |
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Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2020 5:55 pm
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Gaelan absorbed every piece of knowledge that he could glean from Gypsy. When she eventually succumbed to fatigue and prepared herself for sleep, he had already gathered enough knowledge to carry on simplistic conversation. However, many many things still went unnamed. There's only so much that can be taught in so little time.
Though, he did learn more from observing her at rest than he thought he would. She was one who had been betrayed. The signs were there, written deeply in caution and distrust. Gaelan was not offended. He had seen the faces of the betrayed before. The sharpness of its message was merely kin to the feel of the keen edge of a familiar blade. It is a trustworthy thing, to know what one must deal with.
The beast, however... and the thought of how she rode upon it's back. It was odd. The creature was a natural beast of some kind, lacking any sign of inheriting the signs of deliberate creation by magical arts. However, it had abilities of its own and was willing to bear a person upon its back. The thought of entering battle without his feet on the ground came to Gaelan unbidden. It was only with an effort of will that he suppressed his urge to shudder and devoted his attention to stabilizing his powers.
His meditation went well. His mana stabilized fairly easily. Most of his simple spells were again safe to use by the time that dawn broke across the unfamiliar landscape. As for the more complex spells and the essence that they required. That matter would require greater time. Hopefully, he would not be pressed to show his full power until he could wield it safely and properly.
The morning brought no new surprises as Gypsy packed up camp with practiced ease and prepared to again mount her strange animal. Horse, she had called it. And it was named... Red. Surely there were more words for a beast with such ability but the limits of a single night's teaching could be felt in all his efforts to translate his observations into the new language. For the most part, he still refrained from speaking. However, he did respond when he felt it necessary.
Like now. In this moment, when Gypsy climbed onto the beast and gestured for him to join her. The mutually compromising nature of the position was clearly a test. Yet, she could not have known that Gaelan had never seen a beast that would bear a rider upon its back before hers. The concept itself was... strange... and almost perverse. Still, after hesitating for a minute, he decided to confirm.
"Back?" He asked in the modern language. When it was confirmed that she did indeed want him seated behind her, placing his armored body partially above the beast's hind legs, he took a moment to consider before moving.
First, he removed both of his gauntlets, tucking them behind his back as he was accustomed. In this way he could cast with either hand, though Gypsy had yet to see any of his battle magics. It was a safer thing to rely upon than his sword under the circumstances. Then, at last, he concentrated on her instructions carefully and managed to ascend the beast without loss of dignity. Though, he was clearly stiff and uncomfortable as he sought the proper method of securing his seat with Gypsy in front of him. Given her ancestry, he wished to avoid giving either offense... or unintentional invitation.
Once settled as best he could be, all he could do was watch and wait. His movements were limited to where the beast decided to go. It was... an unpleasant experience, having to give control of his movements over to a beast. It would have been far harder if Red's intelligence were not so far above that of the common animals that Gaelan had been accustomed to. But, still... his tension did not ease by much as he sought to grasp the basics of riding a 'horse'. |
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Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2020 6:32 pm
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Gypsy steadied Red with practiced ease as Gaelen got up behind her then simply pulled his arms around her to show him how he'd need to hold on. But at his continued stiffness, she had to give a soft laugh, "Just wait untilwe start to really move..." she said softly, finding that she was enjoying this probably more than she should have. Still, it was funny...
She reached down and patted Red's neck then softly crooned at him, "Okay, Red, get us home," she told the beast then gently touched her heels to his sides. The horse started slowly, giving Gaelen the chance to learn how to move with her for the ride. Then the animal kicked it into high gear and showed the newcomer what speed truly was...
Thankfully, Gypsy kept one hand over his where he was holding her, not wanting him to let go in shock. She simply leaned over the horse's neck, pulling Gaelen with her, and let the beast have his head as they headed straight for the training fort. With the speed Red was moving at, they'd make it within a short time.
While they were moving fast, it still gave him the ability to look around. But at one point, something happened that might have distracted him:
The horse gave a neigh followed by a challenging trumpetting sound. Then Gypsy laughed. As if she'd understood something the beast had said and found it funny.
Her laugh was also showed a different side of her beauty, an unarmed side that was as beautiful to hear as she was to look at... |
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Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2020 6:54 pm
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Gaelan knew how to adjust to many things. But, being compelled to hold onto a woman while riding behind her on top of an egotistical beast... was difficult. It became all the more challenging when he realized that Gypsy's laughter was directed at him.
He would have frowned, but he remembered just then one of the times in his early apprenticeship that he had failed to fully comprehend a lesson. The result had been a mess that his teacher had, oddly enough, found very amusing. It was the only time he ever saw her with anything other than a serious expression. Nostalgia flowed over him like a breaking wave, sudden, strong, and just as quick to withdraw back to the depths.
And just as it withdrew, the foul beast decided to demonstrate its true speed. It was fast, very fast. Thinking back, Gaelan could only think of a single creation that could hope to compete with such speed. And, that warbeast could fly. At this pace, that fortress was a scant few hours away. Truly, his assessment of distance was going to be badly shaken by this new world.
Laughter? Honest and free. The kind of laugh that died, stillborn on the lips of people when they saw him coming back home. The kind of laugh that he had heard so rarely as the war raged on. Gypsy was beautiful indeed... as beautiful as her beast was vile, unnatural, and arrogant. But, in this moment as the sound of her laugh faded among the sounds of the rushing wind and the pounding of hooves, Gaelan felt old... so very old and lost. His fingers trembled, just for a moment. Had his training been less severe, had his years in command not been so dark and doomed... perhaps he would have cried. But, all he did was clear his throat and raise his voice above the wind to give what praise he could.
"Not horse. Bird!" He yelled. But, he couldn't quite keep all the emotion from his voice. It was simply too heavy. His breaths were deep and steady, deliberate and controlled. For all his discipline, he was no seeker. Deception and subterfuge were not his specialty. Yet, he was not so hopeful that he believed he would not need them. |
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Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2020 7:27 pm
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Gypsy heard him easily. With her enhanced hearing, it was harder to not hear. But she didn't wince at all. Instead, she gave another laugh and pointed up, where one of the birds natived to the demon realm was flying along their path, not very far above them. It was easily big enough to carry off Gypsy or Gaelen, though the horse would be tough to lift. The large raptor looked down at them long enough to get a good look at them, then veered off with a sharp call to head off towards the Forest of Sorrows and Cliffs of Blood in the distance.
The two places were really badly named, though. The forest was beautiful and peaceful to walk through and filled with plenty of wildlife. The Cliffs of Blood were named for a unique formation: the cliffs were covered in roses that bloomed all year round with blooms of all colors, though the effect from a distance was that the cliffs looked like they were bleeding. Adding in a waterfall of rainbow-colored water just made the place look surreal.
She finally slowed the horse down to let him catch his breath and recover his dignity before they got to the fort, "Bloodhawk," she named the species of bird she'd pointed out, still smiling over his attempt at a joke then pointed to Red, "DemonSteed," she named the species of horse so that he'd have it for future reference and for comparison to the other horses in the stable at the fort.
Red was a different kind of horse: A DemonSteed that had volunteered to head up the herd of warsteeds and basic riding horses at the fort, and to keep his species from dying out. But Gypsy was the only one that could ride him because he allowed her to.
She gestured ahead of them at the building she was approaching, "Fort," she gave him the name for it then pointed to a group of soldiers marching away from the fort, "Soldiers, Trainees," she gave him two names, though he'd probably understand the second one when one of the soldiers marching was singled out for moving out of step with the others.
After a few more moments, they came to the open gates and she signalled one of the runners over, "Kas, go to the castle and ask Cynthia if she'll come out. I need a bit of magic. Sooner is good, yesterday is better," she told him. The boy gave a nod as he memorized the message then got onto one of the smaller and fast messenger ponies then simply took off towards the castle in the distance.
Gypsy moved Red further on in then over to the stable. She gave her guest the directions to dismount and only gave him a smile when he could finally see her face, showing nothing else of her amusement over their ride. She'd save his dignity that much...
She dismounted like a pro and left the reigns looped over the ommel of the saddle, letting Red lead his groom into the stable instead of the other way around.
Then Galen approached her, "Only you would go investigate a light and come back with a person..." he teased her, the tone one of long-standing friendship. He was in a form similar to hers, though he was bald and had brown eyes. He was also wearing a uniform in black leather with crimson trimming and markings, with a longer sword at his hip.
Gypsy shook her head at him then clasped arms with him and did introductions, "His language is progressing, but I asked for Cynthia to come help with that. He's also a fantastic fighter! I'd love to put him in with his own group of Elite to train!" she started then looked at Gaelen, "Galen, Gaelen," she introduced them, finding the similarities in their names to be a little amusing... |
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Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2020 10:46 pm
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We are the 2nd burmois Shock legion
Al'gaan Daruun
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Al’gaan sat in his room for a time, nursing a quite a few bruises he’d received in his sparring session the night before, he might have been an expert with daggers and he had a good understanding of swords when it came down to staffs he’d fallen short and he’d found himself on the ground laughing as he slowly got up and congratulated Ga’al for his victory before those who’d been around during his session enjoying the sight of him sparring and those within his legion having found something to laugh about later. Once he’d finally stopped rubbing the bruises he finally put his armor back on since he wasn’t allowed to wear armor during the sparring match which was understandable since it would have been an unfair advantage and in the interest of being sportsman like he took it off for the match. Before long he heard a knock on his door and sighing, he replied “ENTER!” he turned around when the door opened and saw his Primus standing there though he had a smirk on his face, shaking his head Al’gaan chuckled and spoke up “don’t you go and start now” he finally laughed as he stepped in and replied “quite a display Commander who knew your weakness was staffs” he chuckled shaking his head again Al’gaan pointed at him and replied “next time you go into that ring and see how easy it is” he chuckled as he stepped towards him and shook his hand his Primus shook his head “end up as bruised as you are? no thank you commander I’m fine right where I am” he chuckled again and continued “I’ve got news for you” Al’gaan stepped over to the desk and replied “alright let’s hear it” the Primus back to business replied “your previous sparring partner has returned and it seems she’s brought someone with her” Looking at his Primus with a raised eyebrow he replied “interesting well I guess I must see this person with my own eyes, come along Primus let us see what Gypsy has brought back with her” nodding he stepped in line with Al’gaan and they left his room to head outside to see who Gypsy had brought with her.
As Al’gaan walked he stayed in his demon form his helmet hanging from his belt while he had both sets of hands in behind him one set under the sheathe that held his daggers the other set above it, his eyes not immediately looking at Gypsy and the one she’d brought with him as while he did want to very much see what was going on he still had duties to attend to which mostly involved him making sure his men were behaving themselves while they trained, most of the sections of this cohort were scatter about the base attending to their assigned training assignments, as he passed some giving pause to salute Al’gaan using his right main hand to return it before they returned to what they were doing, glancing over his shoulder he looked at his Primus “so how are the men progressing?” the Primus replied “they are progressing at a good pace as expected, disciplinary actions have been kept low, with a few infractions that were swiftly dealt with” Al’gaan was pleased though his mood changed slightly when he stopped when he heard a commotion by one of the training rings looking at his Primus he gestured towards the commotion “come along Primus let’s see what’s going on” as they approached the scuffle was clear to see as he approached the ring that was surrounded by others, some of his legionnaires parting the way as he approached revealing that one of his Legionnaires in the ring was with another who was much bigger than he was, at first it appeared to be nothing to be concerned with until the larger rushed his man in the ring and slammed him down on the ground and proceeded to pummel him into a mess, realizing this wasn’t a normal bout he stepped in everyone around the ring went silent when he yelled “THAT’S ENOUGH!” when the large man didn’t listen and continued to beat his legionnaire into a pulp he grew angry and rushed him grabbing his wrist when he was about to slam his fist back down onto his face which caused him to look at Al’gaan, his eyes filled with rage as Al’gaan pried the man off him “Primus tend to the legionnaire I’ll deal with this” he didn’t even hesitate as he threw the large man across the ring his hands in ready to attack, the Primus rushed over to the man on the ground and checked him before he looked at Al’gaan and spoke up “Commander he’s alive though only just he’ll need medical assistance” this pissed al’gaan off greatly as he pulled his helmet off his belt and put it on, the large demon clearly not happy about being thrown aside so easily got up and rushed Al’gaan, clearly he didn’t know who he was dealing with as Al’gaan thrust all four hands forward which launched a chain of lightning towards the demon engulfing him in living lightning and held him there as he screamed in pain, as his hands parted from each other the lightning moved in four separate directions which eventually wrapped around the demons wrists and ankles moving his hands up he lifted him up slightly off the ground closing his eyes Al’gaan closed his hands immediately which sent a massive jolt of energy through the demons entire body his screaming grew louder before he released him causing the demon to fall to the ground unconscious. Angered Al’gaan growled as he yelled “THROW HIM INTO A CELL I WILL DEAL WITH HIM LATER” two guards came into the ring and dragged him off without question. looking behind him Al’gaan saw a quite a few by his legionnaire's side the Primus was off to the side watching as they’d prepped the demon to be moved out of the ring so that they could tend to his injuries which had been much more considerable. Shaking his head Al’gaan waved the Primus over who nodded and walked over to him “sounds like they were sparring partners and it got out of hand, one of the legionnaires told me that this was hand to hand combat, it was supposed to be routine, unfortunately the large one at some point during the sparring match just lost it” shaking his head again Al’gaan took his helmet off and held it with his right secondary hand “make sure they have what they need to treat him, if need be send a runner to the garrison and have the surgeon brought here to assist” the Primus nodded “of course commander I’ll go with them and meet up with you later with a report on his status” calming down Al’gaan nodded and left the ring the Primus following close to the group who was carrying the Legionnaire to an aid station for medical treatment.
Al’gaan eventually cooled off as he walked towards the gate that Gypsy had come in from pausing to check on groups along the way, though at this point most of the fort had already heard what had happened and were keeping clear of Al’gaan, even those who weren’t apart of his legion were giving him space as he walked by them, though it was understandable he electrocuted a demon so severely his screams had likely been heard across the entire Fort, though Al’gaan showed some restraint and didn’t immediately kill him, though by the time he was done with him he’d wish he had died, Al’gaan didn’t take kindly to those who attacked his Legion or his men and as severe as the injuries were the demon would be so lucky if Al’gaan didn’t have him executed.
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and we will crush you under our lightning swift attack! |
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Posted: Sat Apr 18, 2020 10:00 pm
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Gaelan learned quickly, but this was far from an ideal environment for learning. Still, he could pick up a few general traits of the surrounding landscape and the wildlife. It seemed that the order of nature had been somehow reasserted, and by a far greater power than any art of his people. Exactly how, and by who... or what, was yet to be determined. Before his sleep, there were no such 'Bloodhawks' or 'Demonsteeds'. Any beast that was a threat to a man was either tamed or destroyed. This was how the Pater Humantil, who excelled in magic and crafting arts, managed to dominate the land. They allowed nothing that could be a threat to survive.
But, as Gaelan and his new acquaintance approached the 'Fort', the nature of the dominant people of this land which he had suspected... was firmly confirmed. That savage species that had been held in such contempt for so long. It had risen to prominance and some semblance of order. Though, their discipline seemed rough. He could easily tell that the soldiers were low ranking and still in fairly early stages of training. But, he was quiet and said nothing as Gypsy gave instructions and they came to a stop. A few moments of learning later, his boots were again on firm earth... and his backside was seeking to remind him of some unremembered debt to society that had apparently been left unpaid.
Still, even in a state of discomfort, he could not fail to notice the approach of a man in a uniform of rank. His particular position was unclear but it seemed that he and Gypsy viewed each other as being worthy of respect. Perhaps he was the leader of this 'Fort' and its contingent of soldiers. He would learn soon enough.
Gypsy was amused by the similarity between Gaelan's name and that of this officer, Galen. The pronunciation was similar. But, the manner of greeting was not. Clasping arms was not done among the Pater Humantil. Many types of magic could be volatile and defensive enchantments could be easily triggered by accident. Thus, casual touch was... discouraged. Still, Gaelan knew the enchantments on his equipment well. Otherwise he would never have climbed up onto the Demonsteed.
But, with a stranger whose rank was unclear and whose intentions and influence were unknown? Gaelan gave a short bow of the head with calm eye contact, respectful but restrained. Then, a commotion drew his attention. Screaming, the kind of pained scream that comes from punishment that is both severe and swift. Someone got out of line enough to be punished with magic.
As familiar as discipline was to Gaelan, using magic to punish a soldier was... unusual. Usually, being chained to a post and beaten was enough to enforce the expected discipline. By the time that a crime's severity required magic... well... it was usually a matter of execution rather than simple punishment. For such punishment to be used so easily, it was odd. But, when Gaelan considered the presence of innate magics and the ancestry of this race, it made more sense. This was a passionate and violent people. In order for civilization to hold sway here, the level of strictness must be even more severe. Those in high ranks... must be terrifyingly powerful indeed. |
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Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2020 2:40 am
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Gypsy was paying attention to the introductions when she heard the commotion as well and gave a frown. When she figured out what it was, she gave a low growl and looked at the commander of the fort, "Galen, I want him. Now," was all she said. Thankfully for everyone concerned, Galen knew exactly what she meant.
He simply turned and waded through the fort. Though it was more like moving through something not that crowded. While the fort was a large structure, most of the people had cleared out when the disciplinary action started. Just in case...
He moved over to where the hand-to-hand area was, determined the right 'class' and found the person in charge of it. Then he led the idiot over to Gypsy.
She stood in front of the idiot with her arms crossed over her chest and waited while silence reigned over the area. Even Al'gaan had to wait. The idiot was steady at first, then slowly started to get nervous. It took a little time to break him like that, but she was well-known for her patience.
Finally, he looked down for a moment and gave a heavy sigh then nodded to her and Galen before approaching Al'gaan, even though the legion commander towered over him by several feet, "Commander, I apologize. The fault was mine. I was in charge of the class and noticed the issue beginning but did nothing about it. I didn't even try to break it up. Therefore, the fault is mine and I'll accept whatever punishment you deem necessary," he said in a truly contrite tone.
Gypsy finally spoke up, "He's mine after, Al'gaan. As well as the one you punished," she stated firmly.
Galen was an old friend of the legion commander and gave him a confirming nod, showing that any punishment she gave would be worse than anything he could come up with. It would be grueling enough to leave a very lasting impression, enough that such behavior would never happen again. She'd done it before and he'd witnessed the whole thing, so he knew exactly how bad it would be.
While he was waiting for Al'gaan's response, he whispered to one of the younger trainees to go prepare a room for their new guest near his and Gypsy's rooms. Al'gaan was housed there as well. The officer's quarters were truly the best in the place and almost palatial in comforts. Lareth had insisted on it after Gypsy had started living here...
Gypsy was waiting for Cynthia to show up, but she needed this taken care of first. It would instantly ease the tensions in the fort and training would resume with more discipline and care. But she knew that not even Al'gaan would chance Cynthia's wrath if she caught wind of his punishment methods. Their Queen had very firm ideas on methods of punishment. Ideas that even Lareth had to obey now... |
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Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2020 5:27 am
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Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2020 11:31 pm
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Gaelan found his limited understanding of the local language to be grossly insufficient to deal with the interactions between the several people in front of him. However, while the specifics and details were left vague, he could tell that the current... disciplinary matter was far more serious than normal. It may have even involved death.
Well, it either involved death already, or it would soon enough. He could tell that much from Gypsy's movements and voice. If she had been focused on him at that moment... his blade would not have stayed in its scabbard.
It seemed that he was going to be the subject of a certain level of study and inquiry, as he expected. The next few days seemed likely to be both fascinating and perversely nostalgic. Days and nights closeted away with only training and studies for company, though who was doing the studying might change from time to time. Still, unless someone directly addressed him in relatively simple words he would have real difficulty understanding their conversation. So, he watched, waited and responded to body language cues and greetings as necessary. |
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Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2020 5:08 pm
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Galen shook his head and moved off, pausing beside Al'gaan, "We don't have proving grounds at the fort, old friend. I'll tell them to leave him in the brig for her to deal with later. We also have three replacements for you to take along when you leave, all trained personally by Gypsy. One was actually cross-trained by Ash when he proved to be as good with daggers as Lareth's best assassin. That one is to do double duty as your bodyguard. Enjoy," he told him then moved off to leave the killer in the brig until Gypsy was ready for him.
While Galen left, someone else showed up. Cynthia and Lareth were the only ones that could simply portal or teleport into the fort. Everyone else had to use their feet or show up on horseback. The king had the block in place for about eight to ten miles around the building and gave them all added protection.
Cynthia showed up in a flash of soft green light, wearing a long dress that hugged her upper body then flared out into a long flowing skirt in a marbled emerald and black that showed off her ankle-length red hair to perfection. Her eyes were a soft green color and showed more kindness in them than anything else, though the true extent of her power was largely unknown.
While she was undeniably beautiful and powerful, as well as mostly immortal, she was also fully human.
She turned a smile onto everyone that gave her a respectful bow and moved off then turned a brighter smile onto Gypsy when she spotted her and started walking towards her, "Sister-in-law! It's good to see you again. You're invitation was very welcome. Lareth took Merrick off to visit with Aeri over at the mountain and left us girls with nothing else to do," she said as she came to a graceful stop and pulled what looked like a sling from her back to reveal that she'd brought along a miniature copy of herself along with her.
The toddler made a happy noise at everyone that brought instant smiles. No one could resist the girl who was as sweet as she was adorably beautiful.
Then the little girl set her eyes on Gaelan and held her hands out to him, making Gypsy give a soft chuckle as she waved Cynthia over to him, "Better him than me, Brianna, as we've already learned," she said simply then looked up at Gaelan and started the introductions with the queen, "Cynthia, Brianna. Ladies, this is Gaelan. We haven't established much in the way of language, though he does learn fast. I was hoping that you could help, Cynthia," she introduced then explained the situation.
Cynthia simply held Brianna out to Gaelan with a smile, letting him take the child without hesitation. Then Brianna showed him a new trick once she touched him, she healed him of every injury he had and even completely healed a few scars to new skin. The young child was as powerful as her parents, but even more enchanting. She also couldn't stand to see anyone in pain at all. But her power was innate magic, something he'd already seen.
Cynthia just shook her head wryly with a small smile, "At least we have her talent mapped out so far. She'll be a Healer. And, unless I'm off by alot, she's already laid claim to Aeri, so she's also got her entire life planned out and she's not out of the nursery yet. Merrick just wants to coo at the maids," she said proudly then held her hand out to Gaelan with her palm up.
She looked at him for a moment and tilted her head, "Language, fix," she offered, hoping he understood what she was offering. She was going to help him with the languages he needed to learn. She already had the spell prepared, thanks to the earlier message, she only had to finish activating it. He might find Cynthia's spellwork a little more familiar, though still different enough to be a bit strange. Still, once it was activated, it worked surprisingly easy and gave him at least three languages: demonic, elvish, and human english. Maybe later she'd give him Sebastet's traditional Hylarr language, but she'd promised to do that one sparingly...
But with the languages came the traditions and known history of the Demon Realm, as well as the main people and ranks he needed to know. All of it slipped seamlessly into his mind, as well as painlessly...
Gypsy gave him a nod as she moved over to stand next to Al'gaan, "Yes, he came up out of a cave where the light went off. We established that we couldn't talk, so we used the universal language of a sparring match to establish a bit of trust. Had to camp out before heading back here. He is quick to pick up words, but I felt that bigger guns were needed so I called in Cynthia. She's the best with all manner of spells that I know of, so she's what he gets. I'm just glad she's not handing me the kid. They handed me Merrick once. It didn't end well...." she explained, shuddering at the end as she remembered trying to hold the heir to the throne.
Thanks to her former marriage to Kaljire, she was still technically Lareth's sister-in-law, which made his twins her niece and nephew. When they were older, she would gladly teach them their weapons work. But until they were proof against being dropped, she was keeping her hands off of them....
Cynthia was obviously maternal. Gypsy was obviously not maternal.... |
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Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2020 6:33 pm
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We are the 2nd burmois Shock legion
Al'gaan Daruun
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Al’gaan stewed as he heard Galen’s response and while he didn’t particularly enjoy that, there wasn’t much he could do when the Queen showed and sighing heavily and simply nodded knowing he was going to have to look at the recruits that were mentioned. Changing forms Al’gaan put his anger aside as required by a member of Lareth’s court and stood there for a moment. Looking at Gypsy he replied “did he now? well that is interesting” stepping over to Cynthia he bowed slightly “your Majesty, it is a pleasure to finally meet you in person, I am Commander Al’gaan Daruun commanding officer of the 2nd Legion and a member of Lareths court” Glancing over his shoulder slightly he noted that his Primus had returned standing off a ways out of respect for the Queen. Turning his attention back to the queen he smiled slightly at the child and continued “if there is anything you require, the 2nd legion and myself are at your service your majesty” Al’gaan straightened up and stood there his hands behind him as usual, while he wasn’t always able to be at the castle as required by his standing in Lareth’s court he would maintain as respectful manner while around the new queen and prayed that Lareth hadn’t done his usual by spreading rumors about him as he was so fond of doing. The Primus seeing as Al’gaan was occupied at the moment stepped over to Gypsy “Ma’am when time allows the honor guard is prepared to leave if you’d let the commander know” standing there he looked at Al’gaan knowing that it could be a while since he was focused on the queen and her child.
While Al’gaan was busy, the members of 3rd cohort started congregating close to the southern gate where the honor guard was standing by, between them a wagon with a covered body on it, most of them waiting to give their final farewell to their brother since they weren’t going to be present when it came time for him to be buried, the honor guard of twelve legionnaires who’d been given the honor of escorting their comrade stood guard over his body, an officer standing close to the front of the group awaiting the order to leave with the rest and bring their brother home to be buried.
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and we will crush you under our lightning swift attack! |
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Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2020 6:28 pm
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Gaelan's passive time of observation, lacking the knowledge to understand the conversations, was nearly over without his realizing it. Suddenly, there was a burst of magic and from that point emerged a person... wait... two people? From thin air? Teleportation magic! His eyes were wide with shock. For a single person to use magic that should have taken an entire complex to power... His shock was beyond words. He could feel strong magic, two different forms. Then the woman revealed the child.
For the briefest of moments, Gaelan seemed to freeze even more. That child had very strong magic. Natural abilities, this is what their presence means. Those who have no control can still gain great power. If the Empire still stood, that child would likely be...
Then he realized that the child was reaching for him. He was perplexed enough to breathe again without noticing. He had never been closer than arms length to a child of such a young age... in all his years. And most of the children who even sought to approach were either terrified or obviously uneasy. This one was different. It's manner was open and... generous?
He accepted the offer of holding the child while still preoccupied with his thoughts. Then he felt it, the nature of the child's magic and had an even greater shock. His essence calmed and stabilized and a sense of wellness flowed through his body. This was healing magic, but not just any healing magic. The Pater Humantil only had a few prodigies in its history who could instantly calm another person's essence, and they were all over two centuries old before they gained that level of mastery.
This child had effortlessly done something that would have taken him many days to complete, and that was only considering the stabilization of his essence. The added removal of some scars that had limited some of his mobility was something that had been beyond the reach of healing magic as those injuries were caused by a combination of ice magic and acid.
This pair, mother and... daughter? They were a mass of shocks and impossibilities. His mind, honed to a razor's edge and able to memorize vast amounts of information quickly, felt numb as he absently presented his spare hand for the young girl to examine. It was worn, calloused, and had an assortment of small old scars. But, none of it impaired his movements or hurt him. Still, some of them disappeared as the little one noticed them. So preoccupied was Gaelan that he actually failed to notice his own introduction.
Then the woman spoke to him directly and simply. She wanted his hand? Gypsy had some kind of plan. Well, Gaelan couldn't detect any combat magic present... either prepared or spontaneous. And, this woman had given him her child... even if only for a short time. So, he extended his hand.
There were no distinct words to describe what Gaelan experienced next. A vast amount of knowledge and comprehension was inserted into his mind all at once. There was no pain, but his mind did struggle to process it all at that speed. Outwardly, he seemed to freeze again. Then, without a word or gesture, he sunk down to a kneeling posture sitting on his heels with his eyes closed. It did him some credit that he continued to hold the child without fail during this maneuver. But, he was clearly in some kind of meditation.
The modern knowledge was perfectly arranged and gifted seamlessly. However, reconciling that with the ancient knowledge that he already possessed was a different matter. It was this task that occupied him for the next several minutes. For a less trained mind it would have taken hours. For one of the highest ranked among the Pater Humantil it would have taken less than a minute. But, Gaelan was still far from that level. When he opened his eyes, the world around him made far more sense... as did the snippets of conversation that he overheard. In addition, the queen's spell would be a matter worthy of study. While some structures seemed familiar, the majority seemed to be according to differing architectural principles. Still, it was no innate magic. This was a product of effort and discipline.
He stood again, still holding the child until her mother wished to reclaim her. He found that he liked the feeling of holding a child, especially now that he knew that her mother was a disciplined practitioner of high level magic. Though, he pushed that awareness farther into the background as he focused on more immediately relevant matters. Then, he waited until it would not be rude for him to speak.
"My thanks, Your Majesty." He said deeply with a proper bow. "It is an honor to receive such aid from one of your rank and ability." While his pronunciation was nearly perfect, there were hints of an accent. Careful listening would discover that it blended the sounds of the language that only Gypsy had ever heard him speak with Gypsy's own manner of pronunciation. "I am called Gaelan Vlinpal, trained as a Marshal of the Pater Humantil and former Governing Officer for Silt Runs. It is an honor and a pleasure to meet you." |
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Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2020 12:42 am
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Cynthia gave him a smiling nod and collected Brianna from him as a recruit brought over a stool for him to sit on, "It's perfectly alright Gaelan. You'll be able to rest as soon as they finish preparing a room for you. Everything can settle in as you rest. After that, Gypsy and Galen can help you. I'm never more than a message away if you need further help or just want to talk. Like most around here, I'm older than I look," she told him softly, teasing him just a little bit at the end.
Truthfully, she was the oldest one in the demon realm at the moment. She was the first human ever created, and the reason the gods decided to allow humans to simply evolve into being. It was why she was as unusual as she was. She was truly god-created. But the ones that knew that, kept it behind their teeth.
Brianna just gave a happy coo followed by a laugh that only a child could give and brought smiles from everyone around her.
Gypsy just nodded to Al'gaan, "Go ahead and see to your honor guard. We can still spar this evening, I think. Sword, though. You're too reliant on your daggers and I think you need more training against smaller opponents," she told him, teasing him just a bit because she couldn't resist it and her sense of humor wouldn't let his stiffness go.
Yes, she'd caught his stiffness as she'd moved and knew that he'd gotten his a** kicked in the sparring match last night. So she had to tease him about it.
Brianna squirmed herself to the ground as Cynthia knelt in front of Gaelan then toddled around, Cynthia letting her since this was the second-safest place for the girl. She still kept an eye on her as the girl headed straight for Al'gaan, stumbled a bit, then latched onto his leg to keep on her feet.
She did the same healing for him that she'd done for Al'gaan, with the side-effect of cooling his temper. She had that effect on others when she encountered them. But she did encourage him to pick her up by smiling up at him...
Gypsy shook her head and took a step away ,"Better you than me. The last time I held one of them, I nearly dropped him. Thankfully, Lareth has good reflexes and can catch," she stated, proving that she really didn't have much luck with kids.
In truth, she'd had the chance once to have children. It had been a one time thing and only with Kaljire, her husband. But he'd died and been sent back in tiny pieces. Their rings were still on the mantle in her tower. She still hadn't had the heart to clean his yet.
But, that was yet another reason that she spent so much time here at the fort.
Cynthia smiled as she watched Brianna try to get Al'gaan to pick her up, knowing that even he wouldn't be able to resist her. She turned back to Gaelan, "When you're ready, come up to the castle for dinner. Gypsy or Galen can bring you. That will let you meet Lareth and Brianna's twin brother. We can talk more then and I can help you with some of what I've given you. i know it's alot, but you needed the framework as well as the words," she suggested, knowing he'd appreciate the time and the offer.
Then she winked at him, "The Pater Humantil aren't even a memory right now. You have a chance for a new start. As someone that recently gained a second chance at life, I'd suggest you make the best of yours," she told him in a soft whisper for his ears only then gracefully stood and crossed to Al'gaan and Gypsy.
"Alright, Sister-in-law, he's all yours. Bring him up for dinner once he's settled," she told Gypsy then looked at Al'gaan who looked very confused as to why he was now holding a toddler.
She just chuckled at him and shook her head, "As fast as she grows, Al'gaan, she's already laid a claim. So you're safe from any advances from Lareth's offspring. But I can guarantee that the maids in the castle would consider you fair game," she teased him as she collected her daughter from him, ostensibly saving him from getting drooled on.
Then she took on a more somber look as she noticed the gathering waiting for him, "Go on... See to your men... Come see us at the castle soon," she told him softly, showing her understanding of the situation. |
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