Private Tales Forge works.

[Davi]

The eagle had not gone far just out of earshot that the small ones endless questions didn't reach him. He didn't know why he hadn't tried a form like this sooner; it was peaceful and ran far less of a risk of fleas. The bird watched as the fight progressed then grew rather bored when Sol wasn't laid out flat. With a rustle of feathers he took off towards the inner keep.

Finding the spot where he had left his clothes Davi shifted back from bird to man, then once dressed casually meandered out into the courtyard to intercept Sam and the blessedly quieter initiate.

"They're fighting," He didnt waste time explaining who - not when a tornado of fire leapt into the air a second later. Ice blue eyes cut to Zephy briefly before returning to Sam. "Captain is going to be pissed if they destroy the lawn," for a man of battle he was surprisingly fond of flowers.

 

[Elias]

Eli's demeanor soured further and raised his left arm in defense. He pondered the absurdity of Thraah's battle cry, if he could even be so generous to regard it as such, but quickly squashed the thought as the chain whipped towards him. He blocks the chain with his forearm. It coils around his arm and he grabs it tightly. Most others would have suffered awful burns, but Elias only felt a comfortable warmth over his skin.​

​

He muses over the chain for only a moment. Was it magical? Curious that it channeled fire so easily. The thought passed. With his unyielding hold on it, they were connected now, and Elias would not be outdone in strength.​

​

The Dreadlord braced himself against the jet of flame that roared from Thraah's mouth. It struck his chest and exploded in a raging inferno. When the fire and dust cleared, Elias remained unscathed.​

​

He voiced a final stern warning as she dashed towards him and steeled himself to clash with her.​

​

"Stop this."​

 

[Samantha Black]

"You mentioned another Dreadlord earlier. Am I to expect training with them also?"

"Yes, Dreadlord Nevarro-" Sam replied as she lead the young redhead through the gates of a courtyard where Davi appeared right on schedule.

"They're fighting," He didnt waste time explaining who - not when a tornado of fire leapt into the air a second later. Ice blue eyes cut to Zephy briefly before returning to Sam. "Captain is going to be pissed if they destroy the lawn," for a man of battle he was surprisingly fond of flowers.

The inhale she claimed was long and slow. She hadn't thought of that. Holstag did quite enjoy the gardens around Vel Castere. "Well then, we'll be sure to notify the gardeners..."

But she wasn't going to concern herself over the petulant Thraah. Eli could handle her and Eli could determine if she was worth the effort or not. Sam stopped to make introductions, "Initiate Caddel, this is Dreadlord Nevarro. He will be in charge of your physical training regimen during your stay. He is well educated on the physical demands of the forge and will ensure to maintain a comprehensive routine to support your tutelage there. You are to report to him at sun-up every morning."

 

[Thraah]

"BITE ME!"
Thraah kept advancing into a slide tackle right between Elias' legs. One of the perks of being a "shorty" was the ability to do this, it took her weeks to get it right but under him she went and once there twirled into a stand with a short hop.
Now with him bound and her behind him holding the chain wrapped around his arm she was exactly where she wanted to be.
"AHA, Gotcha nerd! Wait..."
He wasn't burned, not even a bit.

 

[Zephyrine]

Zephyrine nodded to the newcomer Dreadlord, keeping her face passive as if the news of Thraah getting into a fight was just an every day affair and nothing to worry about.

She had words to say, but none of them for those present. They had only arrived and already Zeph wished to chew out her friend. She felt guilty at such a thought, but her other friends wouldn't put her in such a position.

"Sun up, sounds good to me." She leaned slightly into her horse, willing for some peace and quiet and no burdens of having Thraah tag along. "You're not... going to have Thraah and I do training together are you? I was hoping to still do the training and tasks alone as originally intended... Not a fan of large group stuff." Now that she was getting more missions at the Academy, she was also thrown into the regular classes as opposed to one-on-one sessions where she was guaranteed full attention for the past few years.

Caddel was being shaped into an unstoppable weapon, a mass produced of armoury and weaponry on the field, but with the Revolution, she had since decided she needed to improve her quality of production.

Davi Elias Samantha Black Thraah

 

[Davi]

Davi gave a deep, long suffering sigh at Sam's pronouncement. He had had an inkling some task to do with the initiates would be coming his way, but that didn't mean he had to like it.

"No," he cut in before Sam could answer and after a brief meaningful moment of eye contact, looked back to his new charge. "Thraah is Eli's problem. You are apparently mine," at least she didn't like groups; on that they could agree. He ran a rather critical eye over her then gave an unimpressed snort. "We'll start with a ten mile run first thing, then I'll show you some better muscle building exercises."

 

[Samantha Black]

That long meaningful look said much without any need for words. Though their own time working together was far shorter than that which she'd worked with Elias, Davi was a quick learner and eager to prove himself. His training under Sparrow had set him up well to work with the other Knights in their squadron, but he still likened himself to his namesake: a lone wolf.

Even wolves had to learn to live among the pack, or risk dying alone. Sam wasn't about to miss such a good opportunity to remind him of that. Taking on this pup was just the ticket - at least he was getting the well-mannered one. She began walking again, making way for the southern stables where Caddel could leave her horse.

"When you have finished your rounds with Dreadlord Nevarro each morning you will break your fast and then report straight to Hammerhall. Your schedule for the remainder of the day at the Forges will be entirely up to the discretion of your attending Mentor."

 

[Elias]

"BITE ME!"​

​

No, thanks. Elias mused. Thraah didn't slow down a step, and the Dreadlord lowered his center of gravity to meet her charge. He would grapple her, he thought, take her down to the ground with ease and then use the chain that connected them to strangle her until she passed out or yielded. That was the plan.​

​

The Initiate did the unthinkable and slid between his legs. Eli, skilled as he was in a fight, adapted quickly and used one leg to pivot. As she ended up behind him, he was already facing her.​

​

"AHA, Gotcha nerd! Wait..."​

​

Eli flashed Thraah a disgustingly arrogant smirk. With his unchained hand, he pinched his shirt where there was a large hole, the fabric around it blackened from being singed.​

​

"Ruining a fine shirt is the best you can manage, huh?" He directed at her, them to himself said: "I guess the Academy's popping out duds now."​

​

His smirk fell away and he heaved a heavy, bored sigh.​

​

"I'll give you five more minutes of my time, so try your best."​

 

[Thraah]

"You asked for it."
Thraah pulled tight on the chain and dropped into the splits, yanking his arm downwards and springing up again to deliver a vicious but inventive headbutt.
Elias was acting like he was better than her.
Nothing infuriated her more.
The heat from the gem pulse its own rhythm in tandem with her own elevated heartbeat.

Elias

 

[Zephyrine]

Zephyrine could only nod to the words spoken by Dreadlord Nevarro. Ten miles was more than she was used to, but she was capable. She had been brought up by Proctor Caddel, who excelled teaching the younger Initiates before the real training and lessons began. He had seen her deep reserves of power, and put her to work. She learned to not complain, only to push herself and be critical of where she could improve.

She was at a loss after his passing, but Initate Caddel continued her excellent determination and drive in the name of her adoptive father.

"Understood." Was all she needed to say to the Lieutenant, shortly coming up to the stables where she paused and unloaded her little gear from her steed. She had forgotten it's name after the first day of travel, and merely shrugged when a stable hand came to collect the Academy horse and asked for the moniker. Bags slung over her person, she turned to look to the two older people that escorted her in.

"I was staying in the barracks, you said? If it is alright, I can put these down and have a wander. No training today, if I understand correctly?" Tawny eyes flick from the Dreadlord then to the Lieutenent, waiting for either one to confirm. If that was the case, she wanted to take advantage of this time from Thraah and find a spot to claim for solitary training. She needed to work out the weak points in her recreations as of late, that way she knew what to look for by the time she stepped foot into the Forges.

Davi Samantha Black

 

[Davi]

A glance to Sam.

"Correct," talking had never really been his strongest skill. Certainly not small talk. A muscle flickered in his cheek and then he continued. "Just use your sense - folk will let you know if you're not wanted. If you want feeding be back at sixth bell."

Another stream of fire made its way above the battlements. A few soldiers who were patrolling atop it gave curses and pulled down a flag to pat out the embers that had landed on it.

 

[Elias]

Thraah chose to fight on grounds favorable for the much larger Dreadlord. His shoulder dipped down from his arm being jerked by the chain and he avoided being struck on the chin or face by tilting his head down.​

​

The brunette's forehead cracked against Eli's. Like a brick striking a boulder. His footing remained steady, and though pain jolted through him, it didn't slow him down in the slightest.​

​

Elias released his grip on the chain and quickly unraveled it from around his arm, freeing himself as he took a large step back from Thraah. He took an upright stance with his hands held up level with his chest, palms open and facing Thraah. Patient, he awaited her next move.​

 

[Samantha Black]

Sam watched after the girl, sharing another glance with Davi before he leveled his own answer. Vel Castere was a city that thrived on the thrum of military discipline. An errant Initiate like Thraah would find no welcome for her trouble here, but Zephyrine would likely do well once she settled into a routine.

"You are dismissed for the day, Initiate Caddell."

She remained routed to the spot, allowing the Initiate to take her leave before turning a wane smile to Davi, "I think she'll do well with you. Bit scrawny for the forges though..."

 

[Thraah]

Meanwhile...

Thraah did not let her head hurt distract her even though it felt like it might be bleeding.
This Elias bozo was acting all cool.
Hands up, defensive.
She spat a sizzle onto the ground, rotated her shoulder and held out the chain before dropping it.
Elias wanted to see her moves.
She was gonna show him.

Fighting like Dad didn't work.
Thraah stood tall, straight one foot out.
Fighting like Mom didn't put this knob sack in his place either.
Bending at the waist, Thraah leaned forward slightly and held her arms up high above her head, crossing them at the wrist.
Time to go Momni.

She tipped forward, weight on her hands as they began to spin her round.
Legs straight, the splayed into her spin as she closed the distance between her and Elias in a heartbeat.

Momni had called it the Fire Dance.

Elias
Davi
Samantha Black
Zephyrine

 

[Zephyrine]

Zeph managed a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. It was a quick acknowledgement of being dismissed, and she knew they weren't looking for her to be on her knees with graciousness and thank them both for such an opportunity. All she did was asked someone outside the stables for directions and went on her way, casting one last look at the two that escorted her into the city.

It took a lot of willpower and spite to ignore the going-ons outside the gates, but Thraah's natural personality was soon finding that Zephyrine's tolerance for such grandeur smack talk was not going to do favours if the two caught up soon. Perhaps it was also anger, angry that Thraah would jeopardise this opportunity for Zephyrine.

This was no longer the Academy, and even though she had no intentions to be a Dreadlord, she was serious about perfecting her recreational magic by learning the hard work and determination to create something that takes years to master the skill.

After dumping her gear, Zephyrine was shown where to freshen up and after ridding herself the days on the road traveling, she was hidden away somewhere, a wooden board conjured up from her magic, and daggers fashioning straight into her hand to be thrown. Anger was still present, like an old friend, and her throws kept missing the mark. Her magic didn't slow down, as soon as one dagger had been thrown, another one was made as her hand reached into the scrap material pouch at her waist.

"Fucking.... fire!" She seethed through her teeth.

Davi Elias Thraah Samantha Black

 

[Elias]

The top of Eli and Sam's class were all great for different reasons. They all possessed skillsets unique to them: Edric's nigh-immortality, Sam's versatility, Noel's fine control of metals and her prodigal swordsmanship, Everleigh's toxins... Without a doubt they had been one of the strongest groups that the Academy ever produced. For all their differences and traits that could be attributed to their might, they all shared one thing, and none could deny the impact it had on their growth. They had all been instructed by Mars Pallatrix.​

​

In over a decade, Elias never saw any of his classmates best the old demon. And they had a competition of sorts amongst themselves. Eli was tied with holding the highest record in their little game. Fourteen moves. None of their classmates had ever lasted more than fourteen moves in a spar with Mars.​

​

He briefly remembered a day when Mars had been particularly ruthless against him. It was back when Eli was a scrawny whelp of an Initiate, and in those days they saw several of their peers die in training. Bruised and bloodied, fed up with it all, Elias had unleashed his dreadful flame in a grand, exaggerated flourish. A "final move", you could say. And Mars effortlessly avoided it and went on to beat Elias within an inch of his life.​

​

"Inherited family powers? Secret techniques? Hah! I'll show you a secret way to pick your teeth."​

​

As Thraah prepared for her big move, Elias readied himself for the worst. What would it be? Fire again? Or perhaps there was more to the Initiate than he had seen thus far.​

​

Despite being prepared, Thraah's agility exceeded Eli's expectations. The first spin, he barely managed to raise his hand in time to block a kick. The second spin he avoided by leaning and stepping back. Taking advantage of his height and superior reach, Elias very simply jabbed the point of his foot towards Thraah's midsection. He kicked from just outside of her range without any power, intending only to knock her off balance.​

 

[Davi]

Davi folded his arms across his chest.

"So was I when I first got here," perhaps not quite as bad as the girl, but he'd definitely been lean rather than bulky like he was shaping out to be now. He crinkled his nose. "I'll do what I can," he wouldn't make false promises, not when they depended on another. Especially not when he didn't know their character. He glanced over his shoulder to the noises of fighting still happening beyond the gate then back to Sam, seemingly disinterested.

"Dinner?"

 

[Samantha Black]

Sam would be lying if she said she'd expected Davi to fill out the way he had. She'd been convinced he was the sort of build that would always be lean and lanky. To watch him pack on bulk after being fed three solid meals a day and not having to spend his every waking hour under constant stress and anxiety had been nothing short of satisfyingly surprising.

She eyed him, a pleased sort of smirk settling more into her eyes than it did on her lips.

Wasn't expecting miracles with the redhead. Especially not when they only had her for a month.

"Thought you'd never ask," Sam turned and began heading off in the direction that would take them home to their flat, Elias could catch up when he'd managed the firecracker, "you cookin? Cookie's still out on mission."

 

[Thraah]

"FUUuuuUCKKKKK!"
Thraah tumbled and rolled onto the dirt.
Then lay there.
"OH COME ON!"
She did not bother to get up.
This overgrown parsnip was not going to kick her when she was down.
He was messing with her.
Keeping her out.
For what?
Oh yeah, for not kissing ass.
Thraah was many things, most of them unwelcome but she was not stupid. This bozo was better than her and immune to fire. Did not have to see that twice to figure it out.
So was that it?
Fire couldn't hurt him.
Could anything?
He shrugged off that headbutt.
He likes the stupid city though.
Likes its stupid walls and its stupid...

"HAHAHAHAHAHAH!"
Thraah rolled onto her front and stood up only giving herself the lightest of dusting offs before fixing Bozo with an all too energetic look.
"FUCK YOU, AND FUCK THIS GAME YOUR PLAYING WITH ME."
Thraah pointed her arm at the grand gatehouse. The symbol of the Cities prestige, it's craft and it's uptight, fuckboys who think that they're better than everyone else.
"I DON'T NEED YOUR PERMISSION!"
A spark ignited at the tip of her outstretched hand.
"I DON'T NEED YOUR APPROVAL!"
The spark became a ball, bright and condensed like the sun. Heat displaced the air, the earth turned black around her.
"AND I DON'T..."
The orb became the size of a cottage.
"NEED TO LISTEN..."
The orb was bigger, tall as the wall and just as wide. Grass ignited in its light the earth and gate walls began to glow orange with heat. The roar of it sounded like a mass of hungry lions.
"To you!"

The ball dissipated into harmless wafts of heat.
Thraah dropped her hand.
"I'm going inside now to find my friend."

Zephyrine
Elias
Samantha Black
Davi

 

[Elias]

Thraah lay on the ground for a moment, and it seemed that was the end of their bout. Elias crossed his arms and waited another moment to gather his thoughts. If there was one thing any generation of Initiates understood, it would be that might makes right. Maybe now she'd listen, and Elias was willing to play nice.​

​

Well, maybe he gave himself too much credit in understanding the younger Initiates.​

​

He watched with renewed interest as Thraah directed her fury towards the gatehouse. The Dreadlord whistled and his brows shot up. Alright. He'll concede and admit that Thraah displayed an impressive showing of arcane might.​

​

Elias kept his gaze trained on Thraah's wrist -- staring at the mass of fire was too much of a strain on his eyes, and he listened to her shout over the roaring flames.​

​

He breathed a tiny sigh of relief as she let it go. Today wouldn't see a needless death. Huzzah.​

​

"I'm going inside now to find my friend."

​

"I don't care. Just don't waste our time." Elias walks through the gate and into the city.​

​

---

​

​

"It's Sol! Black, you here?" Eli called out as he entered the squad's flat. He held two large gourd-shaped bottles of ale and could smell something pleasant coming out of the kitchen from the entryway. "Who's cooking? I've got ale!"​

 

[Zephyrine]

It took well past two hours before Thraah found Zephyrine, who had abandoned her jacket and rolled up her sleeves. A light sheen of sweat clung to her forehead, grunting as another dagger was thrown at her wooden target. Her sixth one.

Zephyrine tested the limits of her magic by doing this, but she did not feel the exhaustion, the taxing ache at her core. It was cavernous, still plenty to wield. Daggers of all shapes and sizes were embedded into the other five targets, and also littered the grass at the base of each target.

"Done already?" Her voice was steely, words sharp. Just like she had been that night on mission with Thraah and the lamia.

Thraah did her own thing back then too. And what did Thraah risk that night?

Zephyrine.

Vel Castere was her moment. Her chance to work on her magic and understanding. Her time to get away from the Academy. Her taste of freedom, something she will devour the moment herself, Larkin, and Kor were ready to leave and never return.

 

[Davi]

Davi's only reply to Sam with the slight curve of his lips.

Over the past few months he had found a quiet comfort in helping Cookie in the kitchen. Learning how to cook had steadily improved his relationship with food. There were still occasions where his stomach would twist itself into knots and he would find himself unable to eat a mouthful, but they were far fewer than before. Cookie seemed to have sensed his need for something, even if he hadn't known what, and had dutifully begun teaching the younger lad the basics. Six months in and Davi was perhaps the second best cook in their unit.

He was just setting the sizzling pan of paella on the table when Elias entered.

"I hope you left your little protege outside, Sparrow will kill you if you destroy the curtains. Again."

 

[Samantha Black]

That was a good smile, she'd learned.

Fern was there setting the table - an unusual sight to see considering she was more often than not out on mission. The oldest of the squadron second only to Captain Holstag himself, she spent more time in her room with her studies and hobby than she did socializing. Her quietness gave Davi's own a run for its money, but she was as kind as they came and never turned away a conversation, even if she never seemed to have much to say unless you got her on her topics of interest like plants or gardening.

"Hello Sol," she greeted him with a soft, tired smile as he strode in but said little more as she continued her way about the table.

"And I hope you brought enough for everyone," Sam stepped out of the kitchen behind Davi with two side dishes in hand, "I think we're all here but Cookie tonight."

 

[Thraah]

Covered in dirt and holding her head Thraah took her palm away to check if the bleeding had stopped. It wasn't bad but head cuts always bled a lot.
"Yeah, that bozo was just goofing with me."
She looked up to the sky as the light shone down, bright and harsh midday sunlight. No real shelter except indoors.
"But enough about him. You made it.
You got here, forge town. You get to start your training."
Thraah expected Zeph to look happier, be excited or something. But she looked pissed. Dagger throwing pissed.
"What's wrong?"

@Zeph

 

[Zephyrine]

Daggers weren't enough weight to exercise her anger.

Smaller throwing axes formed into her hands and with great succession, threw them true to her target. After the fifth, she paused, shoulders visibly rising and falling with her panting breaths as she exerted herself with anger.

"What's wrong? Thraah. These are Dreadlords and Knights, not the Proctors back at the Academy. These people deserve our  respect regardless!" She still didn't turn to Thraah, eyes burning a hole at the brazenly empty bull's eye of her target.

"I am  lucky to have them agree to me being here. They could have stuck me in Vel Anir, but they didn't." Zephyrine seethed through her teeth. Another axe came to existence in her hand and with deadly accuracy, found that middle point. "I wanted to be alone."

And she had half a mind to turn away Thraah after causing that stir outside the gates. Throw her anger to the Initiate to drive her away.

"I am  mad because now I have to worry if you are going to ruin this for me. It isn't a full day and already I regret not stopping you from barging in on my opportunity."