Time to Leave
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Time to Leave
by Degren Brightforge Tue Sep 20, 2016 8:08 am
Degren stands in the knight's camp, slowly packing several large sacks. The camp is silent, the other Knight's are away, likely drinking to the memories of the past weekend. The forge burns brightly, as Degren's armor melts into small ingots of steel. The table is laden with clothes, shields, books and weapons. He hastily packs a small cart with provisions for the long road ahead. After, he sits to writing a short letter on dark stained parchment and stabs a knife through it, pinning it to the table. He goes about reforging his armour, adding different metals to strengthen the steel; then packs that away as well. Throwing his cloak over his shoulders, he sets himself on the cart, turns and looks back at the Inn, and the people swarming around it, and flicks the reins, urging the pony to trot towards the end of town.
- The letter:
- Auron,
The events of the past week has shaken me, and my faith. This cursed amulet has stolen my voice, and my ability to lead the Order of Iron with it. With Sir Pierre gone, leadership will fall to your Auron. You must lead our brothers and sisters well in the coming months against the evils that come,I am sorry to leave you during this time of upheaval, and dissention between both the elemental planes and our own friends here in Holdfast. But I feel that I must return to my homeland, and seek the wisdom of my gods. Hopefully I find that which I seek, and hone my knowledge, and discover the secrets of the Dwarven Warpriests. Rituals of great power and magic lie within the halls of our lost home, hopefully unspoiled by the orc filth Valkramzen and his horrid horde, and still secret within the stone halls of Gernfast.
I know you will wish to join me. It will be a dangerous, I know, and I would welcome your company and skill on the long roads ahead; but you are needed here. Go well, friend, and if the gods allow, I will return in a few months. My voice may be gone, but I’ll have my sword by my side, and it is still sharp and my shield is still strong.
Vellut Ferum, my friend.
Degren Brightforge, Former Grand Marshal of the Order of Iron.
P.s.
To my family of Iron, I hope you all do well in the coming months. Remember to fight with honor, and remember the vows you have made. Protect the people who dwell here, for we have managed to create a small semblance of civility in a world wrought with pain and chaos. That which we have fought for is in danger, and we must fight to protect it. And remember, Auron can be an ass, but he has a good head on his shoulder. Heed his council, but always do as your hearts demand.
Degren Brightforge- Posts : 559
Join date : 2015-09-17
Re: Time to Leave
by Ivy Tue Sep 20, 2016 11:00 am
((Some time after Degren's departure))
Hugo, returning from a food run to Applevale, finds himself in front of a deserted knight's camp. He puts down his sack of black bread an jarred soup and heads in to look for a friendly face. Finding the camp empty, he looks around again and finds the pinned-down note.
After a quick read, Hugo thinks back on the past few months. About the times he'd help bandage wounded knights, about the conversations he'd been welcomed to despite his muteness, and of midnight feasts around the fire. He felt sad that he'd been away while Degren had to learn the hard way about the life of a mute. He remembered when the General had been muted, and how he'd shared his note book with him out of empathy.
"speaking of the General", Hugo thought. He opened his note book to the pages where the general had written, then to a page before. He ripped out the page, and, seeing an opportunity for some dark humor, pinned this note down beneath the one which Degren had written. He didn't feel much better about what'd happened, but he got the impression Auron would see the funny side of it. His work done here, Hugo grabbed his bag and set off towards the inn, where he'd planned to stay for the winter.
Hugo, returning from a food run to Applevale, finds himself in front of a deserted knight's camp. He puts down his sack of black bread an jarred soup and heads in to look for a friendly face. Finding the camp empty, he looks around again and finds the pinned-down note.
After a quick read, Hugo thinks back on the past few months. About the times he'd help bandage wounded knights, about the conversations he'd been welcomed to despite his muteness, and of midnight feasts around the fire. He felt sad that he'd been away while Degren had to learn the hard way about the life of a mute. He remembered when the General had been muted, and how he'd shared his note book with him out of empathy.
"speaking of the General", Hugo thought. He opened his note book to the pages where the general had written, then to a page before. He ripped out the page, and, seeing an opportunity for some dark humor, pinned this note down beneath the one which Degren had written. He didn't feel much better about what'd happened, but he got the impression Auron would see the funny side of it. His work done here, Hugo grabbed his bag and set off towards the inn, where he'd planned to stay for the winter.
- The page:
- Now you know what it's like! -Hugo
Ivy- Posts : 825
Join date : 2015-06-05
Age : 27
Re: Time to Leave
by Auron Warfield Sun Sep 25, 2016 9:51 pm
[Several hours after Hugo left the camp]
Auron returns to camp, after spending some time away clearing his thoughts. He thought the time alone would help - help him to make sense of what was happening, help get his emotions under control.
It didn't.
The camp is empty - totally deserted. 'It's eerie this way.' He thinks to himself. 'Guess I'd better see about cleaning the place up.' He begins picking up some of the loose items around camp, making sure to remember everything he picks up. After a short while, he comes across a piece of dark stained parchment on the table, clearly written in Degren's writing. Auron takes the letter, finds a place to sit, and reads the note.
There is a long, long period of silence. "... damn him. Leaving me to pick everything up just as the shit hits the fan. Typical." Auron sighed as he got more comfortable in his seat. He paused again, and thought to himself about what Degren must be going through in all this. Not being able to speak has been hard on him, and recent events had shaken the very core of his beliefs. This didn't surprise Auron, as those same events had had a similar effect on himself. The second piece of paper was a source of amusement for Auron - he was very glad Hugo was trying to find some humor in all this. He was happy that someone could.
All Auron could manage was a small smile, and to be thankful that no one else was around at the time, for he could not hide the tear that made it's way down his face. "Good luck, my old friend. I hope you find what you seek." he said out loud. He wanted to believe he could make Degren proud - to be the ideal figure he knew he was expected to be. But Auron knew, deep down, that that man was getting further away from being a reality every day.
He sat for a long time, and his thoughts came creeping back, as they always would...
Auron returns to camp, after spending some time away clearing his thoughts. He thought the time alone would help - help him to make sense of what was happening, help get his emotions under control.
It didn't.
The camp is empty - totally deserted. 'It's eerie this way.' He thinks to himself. 'Guess I'd better see about cleaning the place up.' He begins picking up some of the loose items around camp, making sure to remember everything he picks up. After a short while, he comes across a piece of dark stained parchment on the table, clearly written in Degren's writing. Auron takes the letter, finds a place to sit, and reads the note.
There is a long, long period of silence. "... damn him. Leaving me to pick everything up just as the shit hits the fan. Typical." Auron sighed as he got more comfortable in his seat. He paused again, and thought to himself about what Degren must be going through in all this. Not being able to speak has been hard on him, and recent events had shaken the very core of his beliefs. This didn't surprise Auron, as those same events had had a similar effect on himself. The second piece of paper was a source of amusement for Auron - he was very glad Hugo was trying to find some humor in all this. He was happy that someone could.
All Auron could manage was a small smile, and to be thankful that no one else was around at the time, for he could not hide the tear that made it's way down his face. "Good luck, my old friend. I hope you find what you seek." he said out loud. He wanted to believe he could make Degren proud - to be the ideal figure he knew he was expected to be. But Auron knew, deep down, that that man was getting further away from being a reality every day.
He sat for a long time, and his thoughts came creeping back, as they always would...
Auron Warfield- Posts : 113
Join date : 2015-09-17
Age : 33
Location : Wherever my Path takes me
Re: Time to Leave
by Degren Brightforge Mon Sep 26, 2016 11:01 am
An old, rough looking Raven flutters down from the sky to land on Auren's leg. It caws, and thrusts its beak at him, giving him a nasty pinch. Large for one of its kind, the bird's feathers are scattered and ruffled, belying its age, its eyes are red, and appear almost luminescent in the failing light. Tied to its leg is a letter of rough, stained vellum. Any attempt to reach for it triggers another bite from the bird, who seems to chuckle in a deep, gravely caw.
- The Letter:
- Auren, I hope this letter finds its way to you. I trust everything is going well since I've left. Again, I'm sorry to have to leave you now, but without a voice I'm not much more than a sword to the Knights, and our future seems to be full of intrigue and talk. Even if its all gone to hell, I trust you'll find a way to put out the flames.
I've been on the road for a couple of weeks now, heading towards Empire's Stand. I know what you're thinking, but I've taken precautions so that I'm not recognized. Judging by what Bascilius did to Volk, I think it wise I hide my identity until I make it to the continent. I've avoided wearing my armour, and keeping a low profile. I've been going by the name Eckard Preiss, a name I borrowed from a very cheerful merchant we had dealings with some years back. My hope is to find a ship heading towards the mainland and earn passage aboard it. From there I'll travel the lands, searching for a way to remove this damned necklace as I go, but I doubt I'll have any luck there. It'll take me the better part of two month's to make it to Gernfast, so who knows what I'll find on my way.
The Road's been pretty clear so far. You'd be amazed at how few people you see in the wilds. I have met one interesting character so far. A few days back I was trying to get the cart out of the mud when he puled alongside me in his carriage. He helped me free myself, and then we spent the day sharing stories of our adventures, him talking and I writing at length on what paper I can find. He found Holdfast to be quite an interesting topic, so I naturally tried to tell him as little about recent events as I could. His name is Morran Antonitus Polus, and claims to be a wizard. Terribly old and feeble, I've taken it upon myself to go with him in his travels, as we're heading the same way, and offer what protection I can. The bird who delivered this message is named Ackrion, and he must be, without doubt, the most vile creature i've ever met. Careful. He bites.
I've spoken with the old man about the curse I bear. He seems awed by the power of the necklace, and seems more interested in studying its effects rather than helping me find a way to remove the thing. Like Lessa, he seems frightened by the prospect of tampering with it for fear of angering the mage who created it.
I'll keep you updated on my travels using this raven for as long as I can. If you wish to reply, tie it on the bird and send him off. Don't forget to feed it. I swear, I gave it a sideways glance once and it shat all over my things. Do well, friend. And give the others my best.
Your friend, Degren Brightforge
Last edited by Degren Brightforge on Tue Sep 27, 2016 8:03 am; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : ( Changed "hiding my accent" because, god dammit, I can't talk))
Degren Brightforge- Posts : 559
Join date : 2015-09-17
Re: Time to Leave
by Allura (Jenn) Mon Sep 26, 2016 9:25 pm
September 18th, 2016
High noon.
After the tournament, Allura wandered solemnly to the Knight's Camp. The events of the previous day engulfed her mind and muted everything around her. "This isn't what I wanted... this is what I came here to escape. I just want peace and equal rights..." she thought.
She noticed the eerie silence as she approached the camp. The past months, she'd grown accustomed to the laughter and music that normally filled the air, but today... nothing. "I wanted to keep her safe... After being a witness to slavery and crime all my life at home, I just wanted to keep her safe. Nobody was supposed to get hurt." She whispered to herself, her attempts to keep herself together and put on her strong face failing miserably. Tears washed down her cheeks.
Allura swiftly grabbed her Beastiary, ripped out two pages and scrawled two notes. She placed the first on the table and packed her things. Leaving her satchel, she moved quickly into town and left the second note on the wall of the bunkhouse. She managed to make her way back to the camp without being seen (as she didn't want anyone to see her so upset), she grabbed her bag, and ventured into the forest.
High noon.
After the tournament, Allura wandered solemnly to the Knight's Camp. The events of the previous day engulfed her mind and muted everything around her. "This isn't what I wanted... this is what I came here to escape. I just want peace and equal rights..." she thought.
She noticed the eerie silence as she approached the camp. The past months, she'd grown accustomed to the laughter and music that normally filled the air, but today... nothing. "I wanted to keep her safe... After being a witness to slavery and crime all my life at home, I just wanted to keep her safe. Nobody was supposed to get hurt." She whispered to herself, her attempts to keep herself together and put on her strong face failing miserably. Tears washed down her cheeks.
Allura swiftly grabbed her Beastiary, ripped out two pages and scrawled two notes. She placed the first on the table and packed her things. Leaving her satchel, she moved quickly into town and left the second note on the wall of the bunkhouse. She managed to make her way back to the camp without being seen (as she didn't want anyone to see her so upset), she grabbed her bag, and ventured into the forest.
- Knights Camp:
My Knightly comrades,
Firstly, I wanted to say that throughout all this, finding this town, being enveloped by its charm and adventure, and learning an entirely new way of life, you have all welcomed me with open arms. Though it’s only been a matter of months, I feel as though I’ve known you a lifetime, you’re all incredible. For that, I want to thank you.
It is with a heavy heart that I’m forced to leave for a time. The recent ongoings have left my mind muddled and my heart torn. You all know why I came here. In an attempt to find the equality that I’ve sought, I’ve managed to ensnare myself in a mess I’m afraid may come at a terrible cost. I know you all had the best intentions at heart (I know you’re all good people. Your reasoning has been explained, and we shared the common goal of keeping our visitor and town safe). However, I can’t honestly say I’m comfortable with the outcome of the way things were handled. I’m going to venture out alone for a while, in hopes of finding a peaceful place to clear my head. I hope you all understand. All I know now is that I don’t want conflict. The people of Holdfast are family, race aside. I hope you can all see that as clearly as I, sooner rather than later. There has to be a better solution than all this. A few of you have made it clear that I may be of help in diffusing the situation, and that’s what I hope to do. Too much has been lost already.
I hope to return before the snow falls on Holdfast with a clear mind and some sort of resolution.
All the best, stay safe friends.
Allura
- Bunkhouse:
Friends of Holdfast,
Firstly, I’d like to thank you all for inviting me into your world, and teaching me the meaning of “family”. Your kindness doesn’t go unnoticed, and it will never be forgotten.
That being said, it is with a heavy heart that I must leave for a time. I’ll miss you all dearly, but recent events have left me terribly unsettled. I think some time away to myself will help to clear my head. I plan to return before snow falls on Holdfast. When I get back, I hope to help the town reconcile. For now, please be kind to one another. We're in this together, we'll settle this all soon.
Stay safe, friends.
Allura
Last edited by Allura (Jenn) on Sat Oct 22, 2016 9:47 pm; edited 2 times in total (Reason for editing : Fixed the format and finished the bunkhouse letter.)
Allura (Jenn)- Posts : 8
Join date : 2016-08-22
Re: Time to Leave
by Allura (Jenn) Mon Sep 26, 2016 9:31 pm
.
Last edited by Allura (Jenn) on Sat Oct 22, 2016 9:46 pm; edited 1 time in total
Allura (Jenn)- Posts : 8
Join date : 2016-08-22
Re: Time to Leave
by Auron Warfield Sun Oct 16, 2016 12:36 pm
Auron has been mostly alone at the knight camp for several weeks now. He keeps the place clean and tidy, always ready for the return of his comrades. It's not an exciting life, but it is safe - and Auron is always prepared for battle, should it come.
He has been thinking over the letter Degren sent him, and finally decides to write a response. He pulls his favorite chair over to the table, grabs some parchment and a quill, and begins to write...
He has been thinking over the letter Degren sent him, and finally decides to write a response. He pulls his favorite chair over to the table, grabs some parchment and a quill, and begins to write...
- Letter to Degren 1:
- "My old friend,
I hope this letter finds you well. This bird of yours, Ackrion, certainly is vile. He's a picky eater, too. I tried feeding him yesterday, and he was apparently unsatisfied with the meal - I'm sorry to say I may never get all of the bird gunk off of your tent. While the bird feed displeased him, he took great pleasure in eating most of our knight banner. So... we might need a new one. How goes your journey? I imagine you don't have your voice back yet, or I'd have heard the screams of joy from here. That Morran fellow sounds.... eccentric. If the opportunity arises, I'd love the chance to meet him. Consider bringing him back with you when you return to Holdfast?
The camp is... very quiet. I've heard nothing from Pierre or any of our other compatriots who went into the Mists a month ago, and everyone else has gone off to train or gather supplies. Datura is still around here somewhere, but you know he's not much for conversation. There's still some other people here in Holdfast, and I see them from time to time, though I usually keep to the camp. Can't leave it undefended anymore, right? Not with assassins and thieves around every corner. Besides, things are still a little awkward. I feel responsible for our people being missing, and I think the town feels that way about us too.
On a brighter note, there haven't been any surges in rift activity this month. Perhaps our efforts are paying off. Considering our current lack of manpower, the boring quiet is more of a blessing than a curse. We should work on planning our defenses, even if it's done through this raven. If what Lord Earth told us is true (and I do believe it is), we're going to have quite the fight on our hands when we start tethering those mana fonts. Let me know if you have any ideas.
I must be off. I can feel Ackrion giving me more dirty looks, and I fear he might be about to try to steal my money pouch again. Respond when you can, my friend. And stay safe.
Auron Warfield,
Acting Grand Marshal of the First Order of Iron
Auron Warfield- Posts : 113
Join date : 2015-09-17
Age : 33
Location : Wherever my Path takes me
Re: Time to Leave
by Degren Brightforge Mon Oct 24, 2016 9:18 am
The bird lands somewhere nearby Auron, a small letter clutched in his beak. Upon further examination, the letter has a few droplets of blood staining its surface.
- The Letter:
- My friend. I am glad to hear that nothing has gone horribly wrong in my absence, though I am distraught by the state of my tent. I've made it to the continent safely, having escaped Empire's Stand unnoticed by the General and his lackeys. I found a small boat willing to take me and the old man along secretively, but it cost us more than a few rares to buy their silence. Traveling the world is very different from what I remember it being. Before, with out caravan, people were joyous of our arrival, as we brought trade with us; now we're met with suspicion and open hostility.
We were set upon by a group of highway men the other day. A rabble of young boys who barely knew how to swing a sword, they were too starved to put up much of a fight against myself and the old mage. Don't worry, they're still alive; they're just a bit bloodied from the ordeal.
Patience and Syla were beautiful cities, but can't hold a candle to the grace of Tor'Jadin. For all the trouble the elves and the empire have caused us, I can't deny the simple elegant beauty of this place. Everything bears the delicate style of the elves who call this place home. The blacksmiths here don't craft breastplates and swords, as we do out home, and instead devote their time to creating pieces of art.
The towers, my friend, are things of wonder. Positioned around the sprawling metropolis, they rise impossibly high into the sky like swords pointed towards the heavens. The people who dwell here are friendly, if a little impatient with outsiders like me. We're spending a few more days here, resting and resupplying before we finally make our push to the Northern Wilds, where I'm sure I'll end up longing for the comforts of this great city. Once we make it through the wilds, I'll be home.
It has been many long years since I've laid my eyes on Gernfast's great stone gates, buried within the mountains. I have so many questions that need answering. I have no idea if Dwarves still dwell there, or if the Orcish filth that took it from us have come to call it home. My hope is to find a new clan of dwarves living there, beneath the mountain, who will allow me entrance and access to the hidden libraries hidden deep in the mines. That wealth of knowledge might hide ancient spells and rituals that we might be able to use. They might even have a way of removing this damning curse from me. I even dare to hope that some of the Warpriests of old have somehow survived. If they have, then I may be able to find a teacher. If i'm wrong, which I know I most likely am, then our home is likely dead. Monsters will wander the halls of Garnfast, and I will have to sneak and fight my way to the vaults.
On another note, I am beginning to worry about Pierre. No trial could last this long, and I fear that something has gone terribly wrong. Be prepared for what might be coming your way. With everyone gone, you and Datura will likely have to hold down the fort for a very long time. I wish you luck.
Your friend, Degren.
Degren Brightforge- Posts : 559
Join date : 2015-09-17
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