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Ostentum (Magic Knight Errant Quest)

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[X] Maybe you could ask Cortaine something.
-[X] How did she get in the Mercebary Business, anyway?

You don't just grab a sword and expect to be taken seriously. Someone has to have helped her get in.
 
UbeOne said:
Emphasis on should. He couldn't wear some armor under his usual clothes?
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I don't think you can wear armor on bare skin and expect it to be comfortable.

Gambeson over his clothes would be great though, but I don't want to ruin Ancillas' image by making him wear armor. He's our Prince in Need after all!
 
UbeOne said:
He couldn't wear some armor under his usual clothes?
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Click to shrink...

He's got no armor to wear. Your fitted plate wouldn't fit him, nor your gauntlets, the mail would definitely not work, and while you might be able to give him your gambeson, it would be pretty loose and baggy and also would look ridiculous.
 
[] Maybe you could ask Cortaine something.
-[] Why hasn't sneeze updated yet?

Okay, but seriously...

[X] Maybe you could ask Cortaine something.
-[X] Why did you become a mercenary?
 
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On the road again
  • Threadmarks
    • [X] Maybe you could ask Cortaine something.
    -[X] How did she get in the Mercenary Business, anyway?


    You quietly sigh as you continue walking, focusing on your surroundings for a bit. The weather has been fair for some time, which is fortunate - no biting cold, only frigid air at the most. You've cleared the sparse woods surrounding the town, and now you're out on the open hills. If memory serves, after a few more hours of travel, you'll reach another much larger forest that you'll be heading through for most of the way to Klause.

    Since you're currently in the open, you shouldn't have to worry about random attacks from nowhere. Even if something came, you could see it coming. Once you hit that forest is when you'll need to watch yourself. For now, you'll try to take it easy.

    "How did you get into business as a mercenary?" You look over your shoulder to Cortaine, hoping to pass time with conversation.

    "Well...hm." Cortaine pauses thoughtfully before answering, "A few years ago I ran into a small group of mercenaries. I was on my own and needed money, so I joined up. I figured it was fine, since I'd been in a few fights before."

    "...Just like that?" you say a bit doubtfully. Joining a group of mercenaries because she'd been in 'a few fights'?

    "Essentially. I learned watching them and picking up tips. Then a few of them retired, including the leader, so it disbanded. After that I just kept on going, alone."

    You huff. Not a very fancy story. And if you're to interpret it right, she has no formal training or real history in combat.

    "Do you...like being a mercenary?" Ancillas follows up on the conversation, still curious about the girl.

    "I don't dislike it. It's work, and I usually make enough get by, so I could be doing worse."

    Usually makes enough to get by?

    "Isn't it dangerous, though...?" Ancillas asks worriedly.

    "Hm..." Cortaine ponders before answering, "I wouldn't say so. Think about, for example, a group of a merchant wagon and a hired mercenary traveling the road. Isn't it safer to be the armed mercenary than the helpless merchant?"

    That is some backwards logic...

    "I see..." Ancillas slowly nods. You almost want to tell him not to so readily believe everything he's told. Either way, Cortaine seems to be done with her story; what a short story it was.


    Travel resumes in silence. None you are really the talkative kind, so there's little chatter.


    Some time later and some ways down the road, you see the forest in the distance.

    "When we're in the woods, stay watchful," you turn and instruct Cortaine, "Keeping Ancillas safe from any beasts is paramount."

    "Beasts, huh."

    "Yes." Suddenly you feel a slight worry. "You know about that, right? The animals, wolves most likely, hounding the roads to Klause?"

    "I know now. I'll keep an eye out."

    ...

    You guess it was a good idea to tell her.

    ...

    You can hardly believe this girl is three years experienced. Really, you don't believe it. Offering protection on a trip Klause without even knowing why her protection is needed...

    "I, um..." Ancillas speaks up and you turn to listen, "I'll be helping, too. My magic...It should be useful. I, know a lot, so..."

    "Oh, really? That's amazing!" Cortaine interrupts, eyes wide, "Wow, with magic and the tough knight, I'm surprised you even need someone like me."

    You don't respond to that.

    Every time she speaks, you have less confidence in her ability. Does she really know what she's in for? Is there, maybe, something you need to say to her? Or something you really need to ask her? Anything at all before you start your trip through the dense woods?

    Maybe you should just stay vigilant...

    [] Anything to talk about? (Write-in)

    [] Vigilant.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • I am starting to regret not going for more help...

    [X] Vigilant.

    We can talk with her again later.
     
    VIGILANT
  • Threadmarks
    • [X] Vigilant.


    Chatter is unnecessary, especially now. You have to stay vigilant.

    As you progress toward the woods, trees gradually overtake the landscape. Before long you're past what you'd consider the forest's boundary; you're surrounded by trees. The single path is wide, likely to accommodate wagons, but on either side of the road is dense forest, and with no shortage of shrubbery.

    The journey continues on, you maintaining your vigilance, as before. You wouldn't expect anything to happen so soon, but thinking that way gets you ambushed. You don't plan on dropping your guard for a moment.

    Cortaine seems to have picked up on the mood - for once she doesn't look completely relaxed. You aren't sure if you'd describe her as 'alert', but she does seem like she's being serious. Ancillas is...expectedly nervous, but doesn't say anything.

    You regret that the prince has to fret like this, but this is necessary. The journey continues on. Every now and then a few words are exchanged, but nothing that isn't inconsequential.

    ==

    Some hours into your silent travel, a noise disturbs your small group - Ancillas' stomach, rumbling uncharacteristically loud. You stop briefly to eat, not commenting on the rumble or Ancillas' red face, instead maintaining your vigilance. You share with Ancillas some food, only barely remembering to not offer him dried meat, instead taking that for yourself and giving him some tack. You note that Cortaine is eating leftover bread. You decide not to comment on that, either.

    The ride continues...

    ==

    It's dusk, and night will be here soon. You're relieved to have made it this far safely. For now, though, it'd be prudent to look for a spot to rest the night. The trip is long enough that you can't reasonably make it without sleeping outside. If you sleep tonight, you'll be able to make the rest of the trip tomorrow. Plus, you can tell the prince is tired.

    About a half an hour later, a simple camp is ready at a small clearing just off the road. You sit down, eating a bit more hardtack as Ancillas and Cortaine do the same.

    You sigh softly. The first day has almost gone by with no incident. You relax a bit as you sit around. Though, not too much. Vigilance, you remind yourself.

    The quiet sounds of the forest fill the silence between you, before Cortaine finishes what's left of that bread and looks quickly between you and Ancillas.

    "So...if you two don't mind me asking, what are you heading to Klause for?"

    "We're traveling north," you answer quickly.

    "Apparently," she deadpans, but shrugs it off, "What for?"

    "We, uh..." Ancillas answers, this time, "I'm going back towards...home. Miss Lethis is...keeping me safe."

    "I see," Cortaine nods, "On a trip away from home, huh?"

    "Yes." You cut in firmly and say nothing more, creating an awkward silence. She seems to understand that her questioning is unwanted and abandons the endeavor.

    Ancillas' faces contorts a bit as though he's conflicted, before he looks over to Cortaine.

    "Um, Cortaine...wh-what's your hometown? Can you tell us about it?"

    "Eh?"

    "I was...just curious." Ancillas shuffles awkwardly.

    "Hmm...well, I'm from Haud. It's just an ordinary village, small, kind of poor, that kind of place. We had a big family too, so even less money to go around."

    "A big family...do you have many siblings?"

    You throw a careful glance to Ancillas as he brings that up. In your mind it should be a prickly topic, but Ancillas seems fine...

    "Uh-huh. I've got eight brothers."

    You throw a bizarre look to Cortaine as she shares the count of her siblings. Eight? Meaning her mother had nine children? And all boys except for her?

    Ancillas stares wide eyed. "R-really? Wow, that's...what was that like...?"

    "Crowded - no, hectic, I guess. Things weren't always great, but I'd say home life wasn't bad."

    Ancillas nods and gazes down in thought. He still seems curious, but is either refraining from asking anything or can't think of what to ask. Regardless, it's late, and you've got something else to talk about.

    "Regarding our rest tonight," you speak up between the two of them, "Cortaine. You and I will alternate watch - me, and then you." You may doubt Cortaine's usefulness in a fight, but at the least her being here allows you take turns watching camp while the prince rests.

    "Alright," she says with a nod.

    "Um," Ancillas starts haltingly, "What about me?"

    "Hm? Er, you'll rest. Don't worry, we'll keep you safe; I guarantee it."

    "I...I see." He nods stiffly.


    A short time later, it's completely dark aside from the crackling flame at the center of the clearing, and the camp is ready for your group's rest tonight. As planned, once sleep time starts, you'll be awake for around half the night. Then you'll switch with Cortaine to get some sleep.

    Before then, is there anything you've left to do, tonight? Particularly, anything you need of the others before they actually go to sleep? Anything to talk about, or...something?

    [] Anything to discuss/do with Cortaine or Ancillas?

    [] Start the night's watch.
    -[] Maybe you could do something to pass the time?
    -[] Stay vigilant for your vigil.



    Man has it really been that long since my last update?
     
    Last edited:
  • Threadmarks
    • [X] Anything to discuss/do with Cortaine or Ancillas?
    -[X] Cortaine
    --[X] There's this woman, Idunna...
    --[X] Describe her, and tell Cortaine to keep an eye out and to not trust her.

    [X] Start the night's watch.
    -[X] Maybe you could do something to pass the time?
    -[X] Hum a song, any song.
     
    [X] Anything to discuss/do with Cortaine or Ancillas?
    -[X] Cortaine
    --[X] There's this woman, Idunna...
    --[X] Describe her, and tell Cortaine to keep an eye out and to not trust her.

    [X] Start the night's watch.
    -[X] Maybe you could do something to pass the time?
    -[X] Hum a song, any song.
     
    Dream and awakening
  • Threadmarks
    • [X] Anything to discuss/do with Cortaine or Ancillas?
    -[X] Cortaine
    --[X] There's this woman, Idunna...
    --[X] Describe her, and tell Cortaine to keep an eye out and to not trust her.

    [X] Start the night's watch.
    -[X] Maybe you could do something to pass the time?
    -[X] Hum a song, any song.


    "Cortaine," you call to her suddenly.

    "Uh-huh?" she sits up slowly.

    You've decided you should inform Cortaine of Idunna's existence. You explain that there's a suspicious woman you've run into a few times on your travels. You describe her distinctive features: the silvery hair, the odd colored eyes, her...suspicious behavior.

    "Keep an eye out for her - and if you should see her, don't trust her for a second," you instruct Cortaine on the Idunna handling procedure. Just in case, for whatever reason, she shows up while you're sleeping...or really, at any later point on your way to Klause. It's better for Cortaine to be informed.

    "Huh. Alright, I understand," she nods stiffly.

    "Good. I'll be starting my watch, then."

    "Got it. I'll be getting some shut-eye."


    The night's watch begins. Ancillas fell asleep quickly, and by now Cortaine is probably asleep, as well. You really are glad Ancillas seems to have no trouble sleeping outdoors, since it's not something you'd expect from a prince. Either way, surely he'd more comfortable back home at the capital.

    Regardless, your night vigil begins, leaving you alone in silence.

    ...At some point you decide to start passing the time somehow. Your mind rests on the thought of music. It's been some time since you've heard music, though. You start humming the most recent tune you remember - some lute melody a man was playing at a town you stayed at some weeks ago. You don't remember all of it, but it was a simple song, and you hum a while to yourself that way.

    After a bit you try remembering something else, but you were never one to actively seek out music to listen to. At most you've heard music in passing from the occasional bard, and you've been to one musical performance in your life. That was quite some time ago - you only remember one of the pieces played. It was grand and elegant - you don't remember if it had a name, though you remember it was dedicated to one of your country's generals. Softly you hum it to yourself, keeping the silence at bay a while longer.


    Some hours pass. You hum quiet rhythms to yourself to try and pass time, though you're running out of enthusiasm for humming the same four tunes over and over. Whenever you stop you note just how quiet it is. Even the ambient sounds of the forest seem subdued, tonight. You only hear the lightly crackling fire. Eerie.

    Judging by the moon...you'd say it's around time to switch. You wait just a bit longer before you tread slowly over to Cortaine and nudge her awake.

    "Bhnhnn, huh...oh," she whispers as she sit up lazily. "My turn?"

    You nod and she gets up fully.

    "Alright...you can count on me, don't worry. I've got good eyes and ears," she boasts, "And apparently a decent nose."

    You offer no comment, instead getting ready to sleep.

    "Oh, but I sing like a dying cat. Your singing voice is a lot better."

    ...Did she hear you? Either way, you wouldn't compare humming and singing. Whatever. It's time for your rest, now. Hopefully it will go uninterrupted. You remind her to stay vigilant, then lie down with a simple sheet, laying your pack under your head...

    --

    Slowly you lift your head up, pulling your face out of the snow. You're cold. Not just from the snow, either. You feel as though you're freezing straight through your core. What's going on...?

    Try as you might, you can't get up. You can hardly move at all. Your arms and legs just won't listen. The most you can manage is struggling to hold your head above the snow in which you lie, to try and see around yourself.

    Despite your blurred vision you can see you lie in a field of snow, with more snow steadily falling. There are many dark shapes lying in the field, covered with snow as you are. You struggle to focus your eyes - finally, through your hazy eyes and the falling snow, you realize you're surrounded by bodies. Much of the snow around you is stained red with their - and     your - blood.

    What     is this? What's happening? The questions swirl around your head as your strength fades further. Your head falls weakly, face burying back into the snow, where blackness finally claims you.

    --

    "Hey, Lethis!" you're shaken out of your bizarre dream by a hushed voice. You shoot upright and look around, simultaneously reaching for the longsword at your side.

    "What? What's going on?" You hurriedly ask Cortaine, as you recognize that she's woken you up in the dead of night. Looking around, you don't see anything, but...

    "It's- well..." She nods to the side, indicating the way deeper into the forest. "I heard screaming."

    "Screaming?" You look that way, as well, staring into the darkness of the thick forest, but hear nothing. Quickly you check for Ancillas. He's still asleep, though he's stirring a bit, likely from you and Cortaine talking.

    "I don't think it could have been far, for me to hear it through the trees like that..." Cortaine goes on, looking out into the woods, "It...sounded like a woman. I think."

    Your face twists with displeasure. Nothing has happened to your group, but the screaming is a bad sign. What should you do...?

    [] Investigate!

    [] Stay here, be prepared to defend the camp.

    [] It's nothing, go back to sleep.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • [x] Cortaine guards Ancillas while you go and investigate. Focus on discretion.
     
    [x] Cortaine guards Ancillas while you go and investigate. Focus on discretion.
     
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