Private Tales There Will Come A Reckoning

[Drastus Tal'deneshaar]

She thought for a moment before she answered, which the start, nearly gave him cause to frown. He loved the city, but there was too much pain there. Too much hurt. He needed a change, perhaps the past was the change he needed. But the more she spoke, the higher his spirits got.

I think I should like to petition my father, or perhaps my Uncle Tobias, for a tenure of Ladyship of Vel Numera. An elegant solution, wouldn't you agree, Drastus? I could serve my House as a Dreadlord still, I could gain crucial experience and support for any political aspirations of mine, and, perhaps best of all, I could live out in the beauty of the pristine countryside.

Then came the smile, the one that made his knees weak. The one that made him thankful he was seated atop a horse. "Vel Numera, eh?" He asked with a wry grin. "I think it would suit you. There is no real oversight of Paravel.. my brother Valdr will likely pass it onto Kavaros, but I was thinking of heading there for a time. Its a port town, so I get to swim, its still nature.. and.." he shrugged. ".. conveniently located just on the other side of the Jades from Vel Numera."

His turn to smile, before he glanced forward, breaking his gaze from hers. Only a half dozen people ahead of them. Perfect.

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

Kristen smiled and laughed genially. "Yes. Quite convenient. I would fancy a swim every now and then. So long as we conspired together to rid the passes through the Jades of ruffians 'twould be convenient indeed."

Her thoughts drifted to their peers, particularly their noble-blooded peers, in a kind of comparative regard. What would they be doing after graduation to leverage their unique position as both noble and Dreadlord? Alistair was the scion of a minor House and perhaps he'd the ambition to see him far; Ralene simply seemed set on joining the military full time, which would impair her ability to do anything for House Banick; Liliana Kristen could only guess at, but she presumed the haughty girl would do little more than lavish herself in luxury whilst in the Reserve.

Kristen and Drastus, meanwhile, had the potential to transform the North.

She leaned leisurely over the saddle horn and said, "I think we would work well together."

Drastus Tal'deneshaar

 

[Drastus Tal'deneshaar]

Yes. Quite convenient. I would fancy a swim every now and then. So long as we conspired together to rid the passes through the Jades of ruffians 'twould be convenient indeed

The laugh and the smile.. a dangerous combo. So dangerous that the youngest male Tal'deneshaar was willing to risk it all. "Well, I do think as long as I am there, you have full access to use the how you like. Swimming, aquatic acrobatics, lounging even." A smile of his own. "And yes, the forray into the passes to rid it of bandits. I can't believe the Warden Scouts missed them."

She went silent then, her mind wandering to something different, something unknown. It was the great cause of a morbid curiosity. "Pen-" he would be cut off as she read his mind and gave light to what was on her own. With a flair of swagger he had never seen her muster before.

I think we would work well together.

He grinned. "I think this mission is proof we do, i think, we will always work well together." He said it boldly, not a hint of hesitation, and he tried to muster a look into his eyes that let her know that there was more to what he said. Much more. He wasn't sure if it stuck or not.

"In fact, maybe we ca-"

A shadow grew over them before several strong gusts of wind sent any untamed hair flailing about, along with any lighter items or loose garments.

Kristen Pirian

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

A shadow grew over them before several strong gusts of wind sent any untamed hair flailing about, along with any lighter items or loose garments.

​

A great gryphon clad in golden armor descended onto the road beside them, atop its back, a rider clad in the battle regalia of a Warden, though his was different, it was trimmed in gold and bore the noble seal of House Tal'deneshaar, the Lord himself, Rangvaldr. Drast's older brother.

Without missing a beat, the young Lord would swing down from the saddle, his armor blazing silver, blue, and gold, with the visor of his winged helm focused on Drast. "Welcome, Lady Pirian." He would say as he approached, his gauntlets resting atop his belt. "Brother, welcome home."

 

[Kristen Pirian]

We will always work well together.

And it was here that Kristen's face alighted with resounding joy, the sparkle in her eye like a guiding star and the curve of her smile grand. On many occasions did her acquaintances with other Initiates go rather poorly. Some went well enough, but most did not. Likely there were a myriad of reasons for it, some fair and some not. But oh was it a joy to hear Drastus say such of them! For all her difficulty in adjusting to the harshness of Academy life, in the struggle to be at least tolerated if not accepted by her peers, to hear words which bonded her and him so closely together was utterly refreshing.

A touch dismaying then, as well as shocking, when the sudden shadow overhead heralded powerful gusts of wind and interrupted him. Kristen shielded her face with an arm, turning her head in the direction of the wind as her ponytail whipped around wildly.

When it was done, she could tangibly feel the presence of something massive nearby, and this remarkably through neither sight nor sound, a sense born solely of intuition perhaps. Kristen lowered her arm and turned her head to look. And what dismay she had felt evaporated.

A ruggedly handsome man sat atop a breathtaking beast (one from the mural, one from the Blades!). A man who shared this handsomeness with Drastus, their likenesses remarkably similar. And when the man addressed her as Lady Pirian and Drastus as brother, this thought was succinctly vindicated.

Kristen gasped in measured excitement. "Oh! Drastus! A fine welcome for us into Tar'shan, indeed!"

She had a notion in mind for whom this might be, given his older appearance, but she did not want to assume and offend by guessing incorrectly. So Kristen mimed a curtsy as best she could while sat on a saddle and asked genially of the gryphon rider, "Good day to you! May we be properly introduced?"

Drastus Tal'deneshaar

 

[Drastus Tal'deneshaar]

It was the start of a perfect moment, cut off by the arrival of wings. He didn't need to look to know what it was, it was a gryphon, one of the most, if not most, majestic creatures of Arethil.

He had spoken to Valdr once in person since his arrival at the Academy, and numerous times via correspondence over the years. He had almost forgotten that if he had grown his hair longer, he would be the spitting image of their father. He also acutely aware of Kristen noticing his brother. After all, the oldest Tal'deneshaar had been sought after by courters since he took control of the House.

Oh! Drastus! A fine welcome for us into Tar'shan, indeed!

"Hey.. its been awhile, hasn't it?" He asked with a sheepish grin.

Kristen Pirian

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

Hey... its been awhile, hasn't it?

It had been many years since the last time he had seen his youngest brother in person and his gaze immediately shifted to the injured arm, as he approached. "I had heard you both were assailed on the road. I have men dispatched to round the brigands up."

Kristen would be able to see some level of pain in the older brothers eyes as his gauntlets grabbed ahold of the arm to inspect the healing. The regret as his golden eyes washed over each scar, each line of torture he had endured. It was as if he failed, or it was a failure of their House to protect its youngest son. His smile faded with each closer inspection until Kristen spoke up.

Good day to you! May we be properly introduced?

The smile returned and Valdr turned from his brother, slapping him on the thigh. "Ah, forgive my rudeness." He said with a slight bow. "I am Lord Rangvaldr of House Tal'deneshaar. Lady Pirian. It has been many years since I saw you last." He approached the side of her saddle, the side with the cleanest ground, and offered up a hand to help her down. "Behind you, is the mighty Argestes, Lord of the Northern Skies."

At the mention of his name, the Gryphon would flare his wings outward and let out a mighty roar.

Valdr rolled his eyes in amusement at his gryphon. "How fare your mother and father?"

---

Spoiler: Argestes roar

---

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

Kristen, unused to gryphons, took a small fright when Argestes let out the roar when his name was spoken. Fleeting, very fleeting, this fright, much like the shock of having a friend pounce upon you from behind when least expected, and once gone it gave way to a brief fascination and awe. That sound. She had heard it before though, hadn't she? Seven years ago.

She accepted Valdr's hand and dismounted from her steed, standing before him in the prim manner which came as effortless second nature.

"Well! Very well. Though I am afraid I know this only through correspondence, for I have not laid eyes upon them since enrolling into the Academy. Yet, House Pirian thrives regardless, and especially so in this new age!"

A little glance to Drastus, then back to Valdr. "Might I presume that you have been informed on what brings us to Tar'shan?"

Drastus Tal'deneshaar

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

Valdr cast a glance at Argestes, before shifting his attention to Kristen and helping her down. "You have nothing to fear of him. He just likes showing off." He released her hand before his gauntlet caught the reins of Argestes, who had started to step towards her. "No, she does not wish to scratch you."

Well! Very well. Though I am afraid I know this only through correspondence, for I have not laid eyes upon them since enrolling into the Academy.

"It must be hard going from daily interaction, to naught more than correspondence. Especially since you spent more time outside the Academy." He mused gently. "I would expect nothing less of House Pirian. To thrive, seems to be the status quo for them."

Might I presume that you have been informed on what brings us to Tar'shan?

A nod. "Indeed, I do. It is why I came here to meet you at the gate. You require a knowledge of Orcish, yes? I am not fluent, but I know my way around the language."

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

"Oh splendid! Splendid indeed."

First it was Alistair whose knowledge of Elvish had proven quite valuable during the Canal campaign, and now it was Drastus's elder brother Valdr's knowledge of Orcish proving equally valuable. Kristen had, out of little more than curious interest, made a few fumbling attempts at learning another language a couple years ago. She'd gotten very far, the endeavor's challenge surpassing her mild interest, but perhaps there was merit yet in redoubling her efforts, should time allow.

She glanced to Drastus—specifically to his wounded arm—and then back to Valdr.

"Mayhap some proper tending for Drastus's wounds can be had, and then, if you would be so kind Valdr, you could translate the note we found in Vel Numera?"

Drastus Tal'deneshaar

 

[Drastus Tal'deneshaar]

Drast had managed to zone out of the conversation, after all, he was still in a bit of pain. It wasnt until he heard his name that he re-entered the conversation.

Mayhap some proper tending for Drastus's wounds can be had, and then, if you would be so kind Valdr, you could translate the note we found in Vel Numera?

Drast had turned his gaze to Kristen and well, to be honest, might have been construed as staring. In his mind, he was just casually checking her out. Just a little ogle. "Uhh yeah. Yeah, this healing. I need to get some of the good heals."

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

Valdr continued to watch the pair and their exchange. How... curious. The way Kristen looked at the injury, the way his brother looked at her. He would bite back a smirk, when he was addressed.

Mayhap some proper tending for Drastus's wounds can be had, and then, if you would be so kind Valdr, you could translate the note we found in Vel Numera?

Valdr would bow his head. "Absolutely. I trust my brother has shown you the courtesies our parents instilled in us, that I frequently remind him of, in missives." His gauntlet would scratch along Argestes lower beak. "Take to the air, my friend."

There would come another shriek, before the Warden took a step back and the gryphon unfurled his wings. Turning to get a slight amount of room, the large gryphon would charge several steps before several mighty beats of his wings carried him into the skies.

"I can guide you both to the healer and then you can meet me at the Warden Chapter House. You can either wait with him, or we can discuss this letter." His gaze drifted to one of the guards. "Take their horses to the stables, feed and water them. Re-tack if needbe."

The guard bowed his head. "Yes my lord." He stepped towards the horses and gathered the reins, before leading them away.

Valdr then offered an arm to Kristen. "Shall we, Lady Pirian?"

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

Kristen watched the gryphon go with a hand shielding her eyes from dust and wind, and with no small amount of fascination looking out from beneath her fingers. Majestic creatures, gryphons! They didn't seem real during the Battle of the Blades. And perhaps in all of the intervening years, having not seen any since, they had returned to this mythical state in her mind, for they almost didn't seem real now.

Shall we, Lady Pirian?

She nodded, and she accepted the arm offered to her in natural deference to proper etiquette and courtesy. "Of course, Warden Valdr."

They'd not taken but a few steps when Kristen voiced her decision, having known it the moment the choice was posed to her. "I will wait with Drastus while he his receiving proper care for his injury." And with a look to Drastus himself, she said to him, "It would only be right for us to be together when the message of this parchment is translated. Ours is a shared task, and Vel Numera has placed its trust in us both."

Echoing words in her mind:

We will always work well together.

Drastus Tal'deneshaar

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

Kristen would nod before taking his arm, before which he himself returned it with a bow of his head. He had taken note of her look at Argestes, it was one he hadn't lost even after years of serving with them, witnessing them. "Majestic. Isn't he?" He asked with a nod of his head after the Gryphon.

I will wait with Drastus while he his receiving proper care for his injury. It would only be right for us to be together when the message of this parchment is translated. Ours is a shared task, and Vel Numera has placed its trust in us both.

Something about her answer and the shared look between his brother and Kristen, brought a smile to his lips. A thought that dawned on him more clearly then the two before him. "Very well, he will recover, I will tend to some other matters, and once he has awoken, I will return to translate it."

Within a few steps, his other arm wrapped around the shoulders of his youngest brother, to steady him. "Welcome to Tar'shan." He would say as they entered through the gate. "A pity you will not be able to make it to S'agara, perhaps another time. I'm sure our other siblings would love to see you.. but, duty is at hand."

Tar'shan was very much loud, once through the gate. Banners hung every which way, large groups of children ran through the streets playing games, not just human, elven and dwarvish too. Orcs, even some tall draconic looking beings and more walked the streets either clad in the Warden Regalia or just in groups amongst friends. If she had ever heard the rumors surrounding House Tal'deneshaar, it would in this moment she realized they were true: they housed non-humans. And by the looks of it, she could tell it had been for years.

They would pass by the Lusty Roulette, an average building with magickal letters glowing atop its sign. Even now, she could hear the singing and hear laughter. "Lusty Roulette." Valdr would say. "Its.. a questionable place, but its income supports our donation to the Northern Army."

They would pause on the corner, now near the center of the town. Across the way stood the only stone building, gryphons etched into the pillars, with what appeared to be a modified stable attached. "The Chapter House."

Drast would remain quiet the entire trip thus far, leaning against his brother some with each step.

---

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

Into Tar'shan proper they went.

Yes, a pity indeed that this was a venture brought about by business rather than leisure. Kristen would have loved to continue on through Vel Ehn, to visit S'agara as Valdr said and to be properly introduced to more of the Tal'deneshaar family. As a child visiting Vel Numera, it had been hers to wonder what lay on the other side of the Jades—all the things that mere spoken word could not properly convey.

Like the sight of those dragon...people. Dragon-men? Dragonkin? What would they be called? Kristen didn't know for sure, but her awestruck gaze followed the first one she saw, her head swiveling as they passed so she could continue to gawk until their parting paths ensured she could no longer.

And there was of course plenty more to see. Always the local flavor of things—the architecture and design of the town as well as the character and culture of the people who inhabited it—was fascinating upon first glimpses.

Lusty Roulette...

"Vice," Kristen sighed a little, "is never too far from those who might seek it, so it does ceaselessly seem."

Then, at last, the Chapter House.

"Local home of the Wardens," Kristen said with some admiration. She had begun to wonder what tales the mothers of Vel Numera told their children at bedtime: was it stories of the Guard and the Dreadlords, or was it stories of the Wardens to the east? Whose values did they want to instill into their children?

This pondering did not last long. Kristen looked across from Valdr to Drastus on his other side, noticing his somewhat labored look and recognizing then that his energy, for he was usually so full of witty remarks and lively comments, seemed to be down.

"Drastus? You are feeling well, yes?"

Drastus Tal'deneshaar

 

[Drastus Tal'deneshaar]

Drast had remained quiet almost the entire time, his focus was entirely placed in each step. His brothers aid, was a boon, and he leaned heavily upon the larger man. His thoughts wandered, the Lusty Roulette teased him, and all the while he could feel waning strength in his legs. It seemed like a dream until her voice cut through the fog.

Drastus? You are feeling well, yes?

He looked to the other side of Valdr where Kristen stood, the very visage of an angel framed in worry. Worry, for him. To say he wasn't embarrassed would be a lie, he never wanted her to see him like this. But, he also wasn't all-powerful and his body bore the proof of that fact.

Sweat dotting his brow, he offered a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Better now, Kris."

Valdr would help him through the door where various Wardens had already begun setting up a recovery room for him. An elven female, clad in the Warden regalia and bearing facial tattoos of her Clan was preparing a set of instruments and spells.

He was lowered onto a cot and made to lay down. Respite at last. Any concern they would need to put him in a magical sleep was erased as exhaustion took hold and his eyes closed.

Kristen Pirian

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

Valdr wasted little time in getting his brother into the entryway of the Chapter House. It was a quick process and while his brother had felt as if he were walking, Valdr would release Kristen in order to support his younger brother with both hands. The healing in Paravel had been just enough to keep him from dying, it seemed the traveling had undid all of that.

Once Drastus was unconscious and being worked on by a team of healers, Valdr would lead Kristen away to another area of the Chapter House, a makeshift waiting area. "We have some of the best healers in the north here taking care of him. Raesell," he nodded to the Elven woman. "Served alongside our father for many years. She will allow nothing bad to befall him." He gave her shoulder a squeeze before sitting down. He wasn't sure if he was consoling her or himself with those words.

But some things could not be ignored. And Valdr had seen much, noticed more. "Lady Pirian, if I may be so bold, how... acquainted are you with brother? You've been at the Academy for a year, yet there seems to be quite a bond."

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

The fragility of life was a dreadful thing to behold. And yet this fragility made life more precious. These were but two of the thoughts going through Kristen's mind as Drastus was taken into the Warden Chapter House, as he was laid down and made to rest on the cot. Kristen hardly had the attention to much notice the healer's elven ears, the sight of them gracing her eyes but awareness of it not coming clear into her mind until later when Valdr mentioned her name.

We have some of the best healers...she will allow nothing bad to befall him.

Kristen nodded. A bit stiffened by concern, this motion, but the reassuring hand on her shoulder helped assuage these worries. "That is good. That is...very good."

She wrung her hands for a moment, left over right and right over left, then sat down beside Valdr.

His question was taken at face value by Kristen: a brother simply wishing to know how his brother got on with his peers at the place of his tutelage. 'Twas normal. And she'd have good things to report, until her earliest letters back to her own family.

She smiled pleasantly and answered, "A bond indeed. Would that we could have met properly sooner than we had! My enrollment into the Academy was highly unorthodox, far later than any other Initiate as I am...as I am sure you know." Somewhat difficult, calling attention to the fact that Valdr's very brother had been taken at a young and tender age, but Kristen pressed on. "Many of my peers hold this against me, finding it sufficient cause to ostracize and belittle me." And she brightened. "But not Drastus. He accepted me, and he treats me fairly. Though this is our first mission together, already am I certain that I shall look back fondly upon it."

Her eyes flicked elsewhere for a moment. Pondering wonderfully.

Back to Valdr. She said again, "A bond indeed."

Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

Valdr watched the young woman go through the various stages of worry and concern, each movement and look just another hidden message that she didn't realize she was conveying. Or, perhaps he was just being hopeful for his little brother. He could only fathom the torments he had to endure over the years, not to mention the strain of being a necromancer.

As she finally relaxed some and spoke of her bond with his brother, he would smile lightly. "Indeed, I remember when word came that you had been sent. It was a bold choice given your past experiences, though I am sure it has been of some benefit." She had been a captive before, freed, and was now a captive of the Dreadlords. He knew her parents would never had allowed it if they didn't have good assurances that she wouldn't be tormented.

"His acceptance of you does my father proud, he taught us to accept first. It gladdens me to see our two families.. bonded so well." His gaze shifted to where his brother lay. "I'm sure he will look fondly on this too." His hands clasped on his lap. "So then, tell me of your magick."

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

It was a bold choice given your past experiences, though I am sure it has been of some benefit.

And to this a small and sound nod. Deeply Kristen knew that had it not been for the very past experience in question, she would never have agreed with her parents to be enrolled into the Academy. Perhaps an arrangement in Elbion would have made, or perhaps she would have kept her magic a secret until her dying day. But for all the trauma she had suffered being taken hostage in The Blades, it had at least awakened in her a sense of duty, of responsibility, that she never would have gained otherwise.

Yes. Some benefit. Some incredible benefit, most assuredly.

An inquiry, then.

"I place great faith and reverence in Aionus, the Sentinel, and He has shaped my gift of magic to be that of the Divine. I will confess that I am a novice, absolutely, and that I have much to learn—Drastus, by comparison, has spent tenfold the time that I have developing and honing his gift! My strongest aspect of Divine Magic is Conjuration, calling forth manifestations of Aionus's essence, but with time and devotion I may yet unlock other aspects." She smiled. "Blessings I would be most keen on."

Mayhap if she already had access to them, blessings from Aionus, Drastus would not have come so perilously close to...

She banished the thought. Giving no further ground to entertain it.

Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

Valdr nodded his head as she spoke, mulling over her words for a small time. When spoke again, it was with an entertained expression. "So the priestess and the necromancer? What a pairing of companions to face some fell beings and tarnished souls." Another laugh, playful, though even his demeanor seemed to relax some.

"I am glad to see you thrive since I saw you last.. Glad to see you and Drastus thrive. I must admit, I had my worries about his attendance to the Academy, especially after the Revolution." He leaned back in his seat before he noticed the fleeting and yet solemn look on her face. "Kristen, what happened to my brother has no bearing on you. These things are fated to happen. Placed upon our path by the gods. And, they will see he manages to push past."

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

So the priestess and the necromancer? What a pairing...

Kristen smiled at this. Yes, spoken so, such a pairing did seem to contradict certain norms. Norms of elsewhere, it ought to be noted. Vel Anir venerated no gods and spurned no form of magic. Her dear beloved home had its flaws, and the morose light of this may have faintly touched her smile in the process of its fading.

Valdr gave her assurances then. Affirmations of perseverance and faith.

"I thank you for your kind words, Valdr. Yet...my longing remains," she said, speaking of the aforementioned lack of blessings. "Mayhap you speak true, that Aionus has set forth for me these tribulations to endure, such that it might better my spirit by delivering me to the things I need rather than the things I desire."

She sighed.

And said again, "Yet my longing remains. There should be more to this gift of magic than solely wielding it as a weapon."

Now a sort of wan smile became her expression. She knew that if a Proctor heard her say that, Revolution or not, she'd catch a veritable inferno of a beating for uttering such blasphemy.

Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

He scratched his jaw as she spoke, leaning forward where he sat. "Trials come to each of us, regardless of our rank or standing. Our beliefs, or lack thereof, influence how we see them. I am very traveled, I'm sure you will be in a few years too, but I have seen miracles performed by every god. I can't say who is true and who is false, but all have their merit."

One of his Wardens would approach them, setting down a tray of snacks and chilled mugs filled with water, before departing. Her final words were curious, dangerous even for one of her standing. "Those who wield magick purely as a weapon cannot support a just cause. Magick can be destructive, but it must be tempered with purpose. To abuse your gift, is to betray it, to betray yourself. We don't need tyrants, lording over the masses with their power, we need servants, protectors. For too long, Dreadlords have been synonymous with corruption, tyranny, hate. A title meant to give our enemies pause, now torments our people. You and Drastus need to try to alter that image."

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

Kristen watched briefly the Warden come and go, her lingering eye on the tray with the snacks and the mugs not lasting long either. What thirst, what appetite she might have had retreated once Drastus's condition worsened. She believed Valdr, of course. She believed that he was in capable hands. But, and perhaps this was a thing most primeval, she was certain her stomach would make no demands of her until she saw that he was indeed well again.

Kristen did not need to ruminate long on Valdr's words. "I love my home of Vel Anir," she said as solemn truth. And slowly she nodded. "But I know that not all who likewise call it home are good, and certainly among this number are a fair lot of Dreadlords."

And she thought of Selene, of Zana, of Evangeline, of their combined examples to which she aspired, and she took heart.

"Yes. I should like to become that which my own parents wish of me: an example of what a Dreadlord can truly be in this new age of the Anirian Republic."

A humble smile. In that regard, she knew she had a very long way to go.

Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar

 

[Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar]

Valdr would watch her ignore the food and drink, allowing it to go untouched for some moments. Before long, he would speak up. "You should eat. Whether it is adrenaline or concern tapering your hunger, you should keep up your strength. He won't take it as a betrayal, I promise you." His words were spoken lightly, and so he would take one of the chilled mugs and take a pull from it.

At her words on what she aspired to be, he would only offer nods of affirmation, of acceptance. She had the drive to become what they needed, it was a good thing. Something to be celebrated, admired. If anything, her humble smile prompted one of his own.

Still, the two would sit in a companionable silence for some stretch of time, perhaps both were just deep in thought about the injuries of Drastus. Valdr was more concerned with other pressing matters, some that required an end to this threat to Vel Numera, so that he may head back east.

Boots would announce the arrival of the same Elf healer that had tended to Drastus. She would offer a bow to each of them. "Lord Valdr, I have finished healing the wound. He should stir in some moments, the limb is still going to be tender. Nothing strenuous for a couple days."

"My thanks, Ara'halla." Valdr would respond reverently with a bow of his head. She would smile before departing. His gaze shifted to Kristen. "You may be the first to see him, bring the food with. It will make you his favorite sight to awaken to."

Kristen Pirian