Trial By Fire - Exalted 2e IC Thread

[Rykon]

"Aysik was the one who brought us together, and he was present when we became engaged. If he sent you to us, then I will trust his judgement. The other, Dunbar Holst, we sprung from Chiaroscuro's high security lock up. Both are good friends of ours. They work on our behalf in Yu Shan. So they aren't here most of the time." Aredin appears noticeably relaxed from before. "Any news you could tell us from the outside would be useful, but let's save that for later. You have any additional questions dear?" Aredin finished, turning to Darian.

 

[MasterDAF]

Viktor makes sure to take a seat towards the back during the worship ceremony, and even though it meant his fellow Solars wouldn't be able to see him very well, he felt that it would be better than being caught in dirty clothing within their beautiful temple. He would hate to give Darian the impression of impropriety or disrespect towards the service, but work was work, and his especially was a dirty work. He spoke softly with other citizens if they engaged him in conversation, discussing the current local gossip and encouraging excitement for the upcoming nuptials, and then became silent as the ceremony proceeded.

When Annika was introduced, Viktor nodded along absentmindedly. That's nice, they're honoring one of the local field hands. Darian sure is good about taking time to recognize their contributions, and support the important role they play. Then he heard the exclamation that the newcomer was a Solar, and he sat upright in attention. Important role indeed! Another Solar, who could have guessed? As the crowds dispersed, his brows furrowed in thought. Though why is she here? So near to Calibration, and the soon-to-be marriage. Annika seemed to be leaving with Aredin and Darian, and Viktor was tempted to catch up to them and ask about the newcomer's purpose here. He stopped himself however, and shook his head. If anyone can figure out where her allegiance stands, the two of them can. He looked down at his smock. Besides, with the worship over, I've got work to resume.

Spoiler

Month 1.1: Rings of Auspicious Betrothal
[Essence/WP Costs: (Craftsman Needs No Tools) 7m, 1wp; (1st Craft Excellency) 9m; (1 auto-success) 1wp]
[Forging 'Rings' Roll: 5 Intelligence + 4 Craft(Fire) + 9 Excellency + 3 Craft Assist = 11 Successes - 5 Difficulty = 6 Successes + 1 WP = 7 Successes + 15 Research Successes = 22/60 Accumulated Successes]

Month 1.2: Rings of Auspicious Betrothal
[Essence/WP Costs: (Craftsman Needs No Tools) 7m, 1wp; (1st Craft Excellency) 9m; (1 Virtue Channel) 1wp]
[Forging 'Rings' Roll: 5 Intelligence + 4 Craft(Fire) + 9 Excellency +3 Craft Assist + 3 Conviction = 8 Successes - 5 Difficulty = 25/60 Accumulated Successes]

Month 1.3: Rings of Auspicious Betrothal
[Essence/WP Costs: (Craftsman Needs No Tools) 7m, 1wp; (1st Craft Excellency) 9m; (1 auto-success) 1wp]
[Forging 'Rings' Roll: 5 Intelligence + 4 Craft(Fire) + 9 Excellency +3 Craft Assist + 1 WP = 9 Successes - 5 Difficulty = 29/60 Accumulated Successes]

Month 2.1: Rings of Auspicious Betrothal
[Essence/WP Costs: (Craftsman Needs No Tools) 7m, 1wp; (1st Craft Excellency) 9m; (1 auto-success) 1wp]
[Forging 'Rings' Roll: 5 Intelligence + 4 Craft(Fire) + 9 Excellency +3 Craft Assist + 1 WP = 8 Successes - 5 Difficulty = 32/60 Accumulated Successes]

Month 2.2: Rings of Auspicious Betrothal
[Essence/WP Costs: (Craftsman Needs No Tools) 7m, 1wp; (1st Craft Excellency) 9m; (1 auto-success) 1wp]
[Forging 'Rings' Roll: 5 Intelligence + 4 Craft(Fire) + 9 Excellency + 3 Craft Assist + 1 WP = 17 Successes - 5 Difficulty = 44/60 Accumulated Successes]

Month 2.3: Rings of Auspicious Betrothal
[Essence/WP Costs: (Craftsman Needs No Tools) 7m, 1wp; (1st Craft Excellency) 9m; (1 auto-success) 1wp]
[Forging 'Rings' Roll: 5 Intelligence + 4 Craft(Fire) + 9 Excellency + 3 Craft Assist + 1 WP = 11 - 5 Difficulty = 50/60 Accumulated Successes]

Month 3.1: Rings of Auspicious Betrothal
[Essence/WP Costs: (Craftsman Needs No Tools) 7m, 1wp; (1st Craft Excellency) 9m; (1 auto-success) 1wp]
[Forging 'Rings' Roll: 5 Intelligence + 4 Craft(Fire) + 9 Excellency + 3 Craft Assist + 1 WP = 9 - 5 Difficulty = 54/60 Accumulated Successes]

Month 3.2: Rings of Auspicious Betrothal
[Essence/WP Costs: (Craftsman Needs No Tools) 7m, 1wp; (1st Craft Excellency) 9m; (1 auto-success) 1wp]
[Forging 'Rings' Roll: 5 Intelligence + 4 Craft(Fire) + 9 Excellency + 3 Craft Assist + 1 WP = 13 - 5 Difficulty = 62/60 Accumulated Successes]

Month 3.3: Winterbreath Jar
[Essence/WP Costs: (Craftsman Needs No Tools) 7m, 1wp; (1st Craft Excellency) 10m; (1 auto-success) 1wp]
[Reverse-Engineering/Dissecting 'Jar' Roll: 5 Intelligence + 5 Occult + 10 Excellency + 3 Craft Assist + 1 WP = 14 - 1 Difficulty = 13 Threshold Successes]
* Apply +2 bonus dice to crafting Winterbreath Jars for a maximum of 26 rolls

Month 4.1: Winterbreath Jar #1
[Essence/WP Costs: (Craftsman Needs No Tools) 7m,1wp; (1st Craft Excellency) 9m; (1 auto-success) 1wp]
[Forging 'Jar' Roll: 5 Intelligence + 4 Craft(Fire) + 9 Excellency + 3 Craft Assist + 2 Rev.Eng. Bonus + 1 WP = 16 - 3 Difficulty = 13/10 Accumulated Successes]

Month 4.2: Winterbreath Jar #2
[Essence/WP Costs: (Craftsman Needs No Tools) 7m,1wp; (1st Craft Excellency) 9m; (1 auto-success) 1wp]
[Forging 'Jar' Roll: 5 Intelligence + 4 Craft(Fire) + 9 Excellency + 3 Craft Assist + 2 Rev.Eng. Bonus + 1 WP = 9 - 3 Difficulty = 6/10 Accumulated Successes]

Month 4.3: Winterbreath Jar #2
[Essence/WP Costs: (Craftsman Needs No Tools) 7m, 1wp; (1st Craft Excellency) 9m; (1 auto-success) 1wp]
[Forging 'Jar' Roll: 5 Intelligence + 4 Craft(Fire) + 9 Excellency + 3 Craft Assist + 2 Rev.Eng. Bonus + 1 WP = 8 - 3 Difficulty = 11/10 Accumulated Successes]

Month 5.1: Winterbreath Jar #3
[Essence/WP Costs: (Craftsman Needs No Tools) 7m, 1wp; (1st Craft Excellency) 9m; (1 auto-success) 1wp]
[Forging 'Jar' Roll: 5 Intelligence + 4 Craft(Fire) + 9 Excellency + 3 Craft Assist + 2 Rev.Eng. Bonus + 1 WP = ? - 3 Difficulty = ?/10 Accumulated Successes]

Month 5.2: Remodeling Temple
[Essence/WP Costs: (Craftsman Needs No Tools) 7m, 1wp; (1st Craft Excellency) 9m; (1 auto-success) 1wp]
[No Roll: Construction is all Mundane and RP-Purposed]

Month 5.3: Research Shogunate Texts
[Essence/WP Costs: (1 auto-success) 1wp]
[Researching 'Texts' Roll: 5 Intelligence + 1 Investigation + 1 WP = 1 Success]

Month 6.1: Hammer of Blessed Forging
[Essence/WP Costs: (Craftsman Needs No Tools) 7m, 1 wp; (1st Craft Excellency) 9m; (1 auto-success) 1wp]
[Forging 'Hammer' Roll: 5 Intelligence + 4 Craft(Fire) + 9 Excellency + 3 Craft Assist + 1WP = 10 - 3 Difficulty = 7/10 Accumulated Successes]

Month 6.2: Hammer of Blessed Forging
[Essence/WP Costs: (Craftsman Needs No Tools) 7m, 1 wp; (1st Craft Excellency) 9m; (1 auto-success) 1wp]
[Forging 'Hammer' Roll: 5 Intelligence + 4 Craft(Fire) + 9 Excellency + 3 Craft Assist + 1WP = 6 - 3 Difficulty = 10/10 Accumulated Successes]

Month 6.3: Exceptional Leather Doublet
[Essence/WP Costs: (1st Craft Excellency) 5m; (1 auto-success) 1wp]
[Forging 'Leather Doublet' Roll: 5 Intelligence + 5 Excellency + 3 Craft Assist + 2 [Craft-Wood] Hearthstone + 1WP = 8 - 3 Difficulty = 5 Threshold Successes]

 

[Psychie]

Darian smiles at her betrothed. "You seem to have a good handle on everything on my mind." She offers a hand to guide the newcomer to the town back to the private rooms of the temple. She grabs a decanter of wine, and pours herself a cup. "Annika, can I offer you a drink? Now, we must also introduce you to Viktor. He is our resident craftsman. I know he's nearby because I heard him in the audience." Darian takes a sip of the cool drink with a sigh, then sits down.

"We have been doing wondrous things here in Gwynnin, but our goals are more grand than this one town. It has been suggested in our past conferences that we make a trip down the river to the old city of Rathess. As it stands, it is a ruin, but perhaps it can be rebuilt. Or at least we can incorporate some of the wonders left behind from the First Age into our expansion of this town. I would like to go there and see the place for myself, so to speak. I can only do so much with these blind eyes of mine. From what I have heard from our mutual friend Aysik, the old Solars had remarkable medical technology. Perhaps there is a way to restore my vision, so I can see the glory of the sun for myself instead of having to rely upon my memories of past Exaltations.

"The question here is, would you like to join us in our expedition?"

 

[jaydude]

"I can't say that I'm not relieved that you know Aysik as well. I wasn't sure how I was going to tell you about him and make it all sound believable." Annika says to Aredin, also looking a bit more relaxed than she was earlier.

She follows Darian into the private rooms and takes the cup of wine offered to her before she sits down. Having been more or less accepted by Darian and Aredin, she is now completely at ease, crossing her legs and lounging nonchalantly in her chair as she sips her wine and listens to the high priestess's suggestion.

" Of course. I don't know anything about that city - I've never traveled this far east before - but if it really is a holdover from the First Age, there are bound to be some objects of value there...assuming they haven't all already been looted." She says in reply.

 

[Rykon]

Aredin pours himself a glass after their guest was served. "None of us have solid intelligence about the situation on the ground there. This is why we need an elite team of Exalts, including ourselves, to see what can be done with the place. That said... the potential of giving my beloved her own sight is too good for us to pass up." He would reach over to grasp Darian's hand with a gentle squeeze, knowing most body language would be lost on her. "That's not even beginning to factor in what we could do for our people... So in summary, like I was taught in the trade of finance, to get great rewards, one must often take great risks. This is one of those times." Aredin paused to take a drink. "There's not many I wouldn't take for her. Thankfully she's here to reign in my stupidity," He finished bluntly.

 

[Psychie]

Darian lets out a laugh. "You are hardly stupid; after all, you made the good choice of asking me to marry you!" She returns the gentle squeeze of her hand.

 

[jaydude]

Rykon Psychie
"Er, am I being a third wheel here?" Annika asks with an amused look, though she also appears happy for Aredin and Darian and their love.

 

[Rykon]

Aredin smiles at Darian's comment, "That's true, I can at least make some good choices every now and then." He took another sip of wine and then addressed Annika. "Well, back to your business here. Only thing I can think of now is you mentioned followers. If they are here just make sure everyone has talked to the census officers at the gates and has received their papers, yourself included. I assure you it's not that intrusive, just some basic questions." He paused again for another drink. "Do you have any questions for us?"

 

[jaydude]

"No, I have no questions." Annika replies, now looking slightly troubled. "Though I should probably let the two of you know now, however, that my followers...they're thieves, and they come from a city with lax standards when it comes to bureaucracy, to put it bluntly. While I can assure you that they won't dare try and steal from your people on my watch, they're not really used to having to follow laws or deal with red tape, especially when it involves giving up personal details to the authorities. Our profession isn't one that encourages trust in the system, I'm afraid."

She sighs. "Hopefully there won't be any serious issues. Now that you've accepted us as allies, I should have an easier time convincing them to go through with it. And if I can't, the worst case scenario is that we decide to camp outside the town, or take up residence somewhere else that's rarely visited by the public, and serve you as recorded, but unregistered, unofficial citizens."

 

[Rykon]

Aredin seems unchanged in his expression, "I was orphaned at eight years old when my parents and my twin brother were devoured by raksha. I had to slit a man's throat within days of this just to stay out of chains. I took every coin in his pocket and ran. I know your struggle and theirs very well. This information we use to ensure no one goes hungry or sick without care. If they need counseling, distractions, or employment these are small obstacles to the two of us. You are in good hands my friend."

 

[jaydude]

"Wow, and I thought I had it bad, growing up poor and ending up on the streets when I was 12." Annika replies, looking at Aredin with sympathy. "I believe you. I'll talk to my people, and persuade them to get their papers."

She smiles "Though you don't need to worry about providing us with counseling, distractions, or employment. We can take care of ourselves; we're used to living rough. Although...some of us might want to spend a night or two doing some carousing at the King's Inn."

 

[Rykon]

"Well, we will need thieves and assassins in our employ to help gather information from neighbors and rivals to protect our interests as we expand. If you or your companions would like to pursue professional service in this capacity, just let us know... or Ram, our acting Marshal. I'm sure the military would love capable scouts." Aredin offered before emptying his cup.

 

[jaydude]

"You know, I was actually starting to think along those lines myself." Annika replies with a grin as she finishes her own cup of wine and puts it back on the table. "It's a bit of a cliche, but it seems that great minds really do think alike. I believe that I'm really going to enjoy being your ally. Very well. Once I've registered myself and my people with your census officers, we - that's to say you two, this Ram, and myself - can talk about how we can best aid you."

 

[Rykon]

"Please do. I'm but a humble fisherman's son, and I was taught to run a tight ship." Aredin stated with a smile. "I'll let Marshal Ram know we have a meeting this evening to discuss how we can best proceed."

 

[jaydude]

"Very well." Annika says, standing up from her chair. "If there's nothing else the two of you want to talk to me about, I'll leave and get the official stuff sorted out for me and my people. If you need to get a message to me, I'll be at either the King's Inn, or around the Nomads' camps."

She looks at Darian. "Thank you very much for the wine, High Priestess."

 

[Psychie]

"You are quite welcome." Darian rises up from her seat with a smooth motion. "Well, I have many things to check up on for the wedding coming up. It is lucky for me that I don't have to worry about the stresses of getting the proper gown. One worry down, many more to address. Thank you for such pleasant conversation, Annika. I look forward to getting to know you better over the upcoming days."

 

[MasterDAF]

Viktor wiped the sweat from his brow, transferring it to his forearm and plastering his hairs down in the process. His hand began to cramp, one of the consequences of holding a microscopic chisel of golden essence tightly between his fingers for over an hour. Sighing, he let his back straighten and released the golden chisel, then watched it disappear into thin air as he massaged his palm with the opposing hand. The two wedding rings of orichalcum lay suspended within a vice-grip in front of him, a constant low source of heat beneath keeping them soft enough to engrave without getting so hot that they melt. So far, he had managed to delicately carve the words "From the ashes of broken dreams, two suns-" into one of the bands, while the other's surface sat pristine and untouched.

He had finished the majority of the work on the rings a couple months ago, but there were still a few details he wished to impart upon them before their presentation for the big day. Yet amidst the hustle and bustle of working to improve Gwynnin's infrastructure, and the myriad of small tasks required to continually upgrade the small city's offered amenities, Viktor quickly found his services under constant request. Koharu often worked alongside him to provide scatterings of First Age insights for his more challenging projects and acted as a liaison between himself and the public when he was busy, speaking with the citizens about required work to be done and deciding which jobs to accept in the immediate future.

Even so, with work always at a dull roar, he had to recruit and train a small cadre of artisans and handymen just to keep the more mundane jobs from spilling over and swamping his workshop. On odd days of the week he would set his newest charges to train their skills under the watchful eyes of his right-hand blacksmith Sahlaynah, designing plans to either build or repair an object for use in the city, and usually being forced to redo it when she was unhappy with their finished product. On even days of the week his assistant would act as their supervisor, leading them to accepted jobs around Gwynnin that tested the skills they had most recently honed. Viktor would be free to craft in (relative) peace, and usually chose these days to work on minorly magical tasks and requests. Though he completed a little of the work he wanted on the rings during these windows of opportunity, most of the time was relegated to examining small artifacts and texts to better help him complete the more complicated tasks requested of him by the citizenry.

Three days a week Viktor let the assembled trainees relax, with their only requirement during this break-period being to find someone within the town who could use their crafting expertise to fix an issue and make use of their skills to right the presented issue. The individual task each one accepted was not required to be large in scope; in fact, Viktor preferred they take on tasks that would not last longer than a single morning or afternoon (if not shorter). He wanted them to have relaxation time to spend with their families and enjoy the fruits of their labors, but he also felt it was imperative that they continue doing odd jobs both to keep their skills sharp and to tackle the smaller individual jobs that might slip through the cracks.

Perhaps I'll take a short break, and head over to the Olfonson ranch to see how their stable is coming along. With any luck, Sahlaynah and the crew should be close to finishing it. "Koharu!" he shouted out, knowing she would be somewhere within earshot. She seemed to fancy herself his personal bodyguard, regardless of how many times he told her he could handle himself, and made it her job to stay relatively nearby whether he wanted it or not. "I'm heading out to check on the progress at the Olfonson ranch!" As if by magic, she stepped out from behind one of the furnaces and made her way smiling towards the storefront. "I'll ready a pair of horses," she replied.

 

[jaydude]

"Likewise, High Priestess." Annika says with a smile, her tone more akin to that of an amicable business partner than a new friend, before she leaves.

Exiting the temple, Annika makes her way back to her followers near the Nomads' camp. The news that Annika has - for now at least - secured an agreement with Aredin and Darian is met with great applause, as well as much handing over of silver; many bets had been made about whether or not this long journey would prove fruitless. Talking with the census officers, Annika confirms that the process is - as Aredin had assured her - simple and unintrusive, and she is able to persuade all of her followers to go through with it with her.

Her earlier claim about some of her followers wanting to spend some time at the King's Inn turns out to be a considerable understatement. Having spent so many weeks on the road, the thieves waste no time booking up every room in the place, buying and consuming lots of alcohol, and laying the foundations for an evening and night of raucous partying. Annika firmly reiterates to her followers that none of them are to cause trouble for the people of Gwynnin - meaning no thieving, no fighting, and especially no forcing themselves upon anyone, woman or man - and travels to the inn to both participate in the festivities and keep an eye on them (and her group's funds). Fortunately, while the thieves do get more than a bit loud at times, no serious trouble takes place, and the King's Inn does great business this evening.

 

[Sherwood]

Two days have gone by since Annika has arrived in Gwynnin, and the party atmosphere for the wedding continues unabated. When Ram is approached with word of the assorted rogues and thieves that have arrived in town, he is a bit grumpy, but is a bit mollified when he hears that they are under the direction of the new Solar in town and that there is not about to be a new crime wave.

Aysik sends word that he is due to arrive in Gwynnin soon, along with his apprentice, Dunbar. They are planning on giving a 'wonderful' wedding gift, but are not saying what it is. They plan on being in town the day before the wedding.

 

[jaydude]

For the last two days, Annika's rogues and thieves have generally kept to themselves at their camp outside the city, as they wait to receive their next set of orders, whatever they may be. Annika herself has spent the time trying to establish a good business relationship - if not a sincere friendship - between herself and the Lord and Lady of Gwynnin. While she has made no secret of her goal of becoming the greatest thief in Creation, she has assured Aredin and Darian that she will not steal from them and their people, or deliberately antagonize them in any other way, and that she is more than happy to be their ally as long as it's in her best interest to do so.

 

[MasterDAF]

Almost done with the engraving work on the wedding bands, Viktor decided to take a break and leave the workshop. He left Sahlaynah in charge; the crafting trainees were just reviewing the basics involving building foundations and external frame construction, nothing she couldn't handle. He wanted to accelerate plans on the raising of a new manse somewhere inside the city boundaries, although he wasn't sure exactly where. Once he had run it by his fellows to get their thoughts on it, and it was inevitably given the green light, he wanted his workers ready and able to jump on the task.

He made his way to the city walls, with Koharu following silently at his side, and climbed up the stairs at one of the eastern posts. Standing atop the wall, he contemplated the city's defenses and the actions that would be needed to further reinforce them. Some kind of essence-based weaponry would really go a long way to securing this area from attacks. "Koharu, I don't suppose you've got the blueprints for an implosion bow inside your head? You know, like the ones used to defend the outer regions of the Lookshy Promontory." She looked up and away for a moment, giving the appearance of thinking, though he knew she was simply running an analysis of her data. Turning back she shook her head. "I'm sorry," she responded, "it must've been corrupted all those years ago."

Viktor sighed and shrugged his shoulders. "Oh well, it was a long shot anyways. I'd hate to have to figure it all out from scratch though." He rubbed his chin. "There's always trading favors...perhaps, for the right price, Maseo would be willing to send us a couple of their broken ones. If I could take them apart and see what makes them tick, then maybe we'd be on to something." His gaze swept out over the small camp beyond the wall, and an idea occured to him. "Then again, maybe we won't have to."

Koharu looked at him in confusion. "Why? How else do you plan to obtain one?"

Viktor shot her a roguish grin. "You'll see. C'mon, let's take a walk." He headed down the stairs and began working his way towards the outlying camp, and the ruffians who no doubt inhabited it.

 

[jaydude]

The camp consists of about three tents containing the group's supplies that surround the remains of a campfire, with a handful of pack mules hitched nearby. At this moment in time, nearly all of Annika's thieves, their leader among them, are lounging about the camp - either chatting, playing card or dice games, or simply sitting down and taking a load off - in the absence of anything better to do.

Approaching them, Viktor and Koharu will notice that the gang's membership is roughly split evenly in terms of men and women, and that all of the thieves are clad in simple, light traveler's clothes common to this part of Creation. All of them have their weapons - knives, cudgels and one or two short swords - close at hand, either attached to their belts, or simply resting on the ground within reach of their owners.

 

[Psychie]

Darian can feel the level of excitement growing as the big day draws ever closer. So much to do, so little time. It is also good that Aysik and Dunbar will be joining us for the celebration. It has been too long that they have been out and about. I know that their work for Yu-Shan is important, but I miss them. She then goes out to her sitting room and calls for one of the other priests. "I would like you to send messengers out to my fellow Solars, asking them to please join me and Aredin for dinner tonight, so we can discuss some plans for the future."

"Of course, m'lady. I will see to it."

With that done, Darian pulls out a hairbrush from one of her pockets and begins to brush her hair. I must look my best for my love tonight.

 

[MasterDAF]

As Viktor and Koharu near the scattered thieves, he looks back to his guard and tells her, "leave the speaking to me." Then he casually shrugged his arms back in a motion to show that he has no weapons hanging from his hip (though a knife is fitted inside each boot). If unimpeded, Viktor approaches one of the groups throwing dice and nods curtly to the assembled players. "What's the buy in?"

 

[Rykon]

Aredin was grateful for the peaceful dreams this calibration, as well as the free time from many citizens abstaining from petitions to join in the celebrations. He had felt some small measure of remorse in avoiding the public as much as he later realized, but he had found something that demanded his focus. It was morning, his daily ritual at its final stage with his meditations. He grabbed hold of the spark of memories he had channeled now again, this time more deliberately as he had the day before. He felt his consciousness slip out of the confines of his control, the perceptions of his waking dreams no longer subject to his whims.

Back here again?

A dull dark expanse stretched before him, reflecting the light of a sky wreathed with a blackened sun adorned in a white rim, stars revealing themselves around the circular curtain of light from the great sun. Footsteps echoed on what sounded like a polished marble floor. No walls were in sight, just himself, the sky, and a dark stranger wreathed in the same glorious white outline as the sun. His blade was drawn, so was Aredin's. The two simultaneously reached out with their left hand then drawing it to the chest in a fist, making a sort of duelist salute.

You challenge me again? To what end?

Who are you? Why was I brought here? I must know these answers.

Must you? You seemed so sure of yourself before.

Was it you that taught me to ride?

How could I teach what you already knew?

The voices seemed to blend in an indistinct echo within the room. Just focusing on the discourse seemed to strain the young lord. As if compelled, he stepped forward, blade in hand. Each step left a rolling echo like distant thunder in the bizarre space. The two clashed, steel ringing upon steel as each weapon whipped and tore through the fabricated air of this internal realm. With a step, Aredin rolled to avoid the second swing and lunged. The stranger instantly curved the path of his strike, turning away the opposing blade as 'his' point drove toward Aredin's throat. He rolled and stopped. Pacing, the young lord drew a fist, throwing a lazy swing to the face masking yet another lunge to the gut. The stranger parries again, this time with 'his' crossguard before driving the pommel into Aredin's gut as 'his' off-hand clenched Aredin's fist in a crushing vice. 'He' headbutted the young lord leaving him clattering to the ground in a sea of pain. With a stomp on the sword hand, 'he' drew his blade across Aredin's throat.

You fight like a homeless va-

Aredin stood back at where he had first entered, glaring in silence which seemed to interrupt his gloat.

Right, but no excuses anymore. You were chosen. All chosen were made to fight. You disgrace the purpose of its creation.

What does that even-

Wake up.

What?

Wake- up!" Aredin's eyes snapped open as a messenger shook him. "It's noon my lord, the lady sends a message." Aredin grumbled mind in a half haze as he took the note and unfolded it. "Dinner. Plans... Got it." He groaned slightly, stretching his back in a series of light pops. Damn I ain't that old yet. 'He' couldn't have whipped my ass that badly could he? With a small shiver, yawn, and rubbing the sleep from his vision Aredin stepped up to finish getting ready before taking his usual route in the town before dinner.

At the appointed time, the young lord would arrive on foot.