((Note: “Impatient Veterans” is a collab between myself and
@Becca while the other two sections are my own work.))
“I will try not to fail you, and everyone else.”
-Princess Kouri of Renalta,
Page 2.
Impatient Veterans
It had been a long ride to get to where they were. Kasienka had taken a few minutes to discretely massage her behind and seat areas every time they dismounted, even if it was only to let their mounts drink from a stream. She was not used to riding such far distances. She preferred to be on her own two feet, but that wasn't sensible for this journey. She was grateful that this mare was placid and gentle with her otherwise she would never recover from being in the saddle for so long.
When they stopped outside of a village she was hopeful to see some novel faces. She certainly wasn't tired of the group she was with, but she was tired of hearing the same voices. Of course, silence was far more upsetting than voices. If only they had other things to talk about or songs to share. Kasienka had attempted to share an elven tune, but James's scowl had squashed that effort.
Now she was drawn out of her thoughts by James speaking to her and Hanus. She had her head bowed against his chest while they murmured in waves of different tongues, typically gliding between noble and elvish depending on the word choice. The auburn-haired elf lifted her head to match her glade-colored eyes to the purple which stared back at her. Kasienka nodded her head when James described the feeling after the rumbling of Hanus's voice had finished.
“Yes, but I am... slightly accustomed to it. It is not novel to me. It is something I have experienced in similar lands before. I am... anxious in regards to our search party. They should be back by now, but they are not and this feeling has surfaced.” She stood up straighter, taking all of her weight off of Hanus, and began to dig her toes into the dirt and rubbed her wrists slowly. “If I can gather a large enough group, perhaps two or three others in addition to myself, I will go after them. I do not like such young ones being alone.”
“What?! Really?” James's tone is mixed with surprise and irritation. “Truly?! No. Mikan and her scouting party were five people, you propose to go rescue them with less instead of more? Assuming they are even in trouble, and not simply delayed by the peasants they have to navigate through?” Beatrice caws as she flies overhead of them all--she was aiding in keeping watching. James's contribution to things, it seemed.
Hanus on the other hand raises an eyebrow, and taps his throwing axes. “Kasienka and I are more than most of you. We could move in to investigate.”
“Truly. I believe we will be able to retrieve them if we must. I am not limited to my magical capabilities; I am skilled with my bow and hunting knife if I must use them. Hopefully we will be able to simply pick them out of a pub or some-such and return. I know Hanus will be more than capable in defending me and a companion if he also accompanies us.” She smiled shyly at Hanus then let her face fall blank again as she turns to look at James again.
“And ultimately we should bring it to Princess Kouri to decide. We are her followers and should respect her wishes and ask her guidance.” Before James could rebut Kasienka's statement with some witty quip the elf walked over to Kouri and gave a brief bow, as she was wearing her patched riding pants and not a skirt, before speaking.
“I wish to go to the village from which the scouts should have returned. Furthermore I would like to take Hanus with me, and perhaps one other. I am concerned for their safety.”
James opens his mouth to give a retort, only to watch her leave. Hanus shakes his head with an amused grin as he passes the Illusionist, and leaves James to stand in frustration. He mutters something under his voice and whistles for Beatrice to return to him.
As Kasienka approaches, the Princess turns and faces Kasienka. “No,” Kouri replies softly as she motions her horse over to herself. As the horse reaches her side, she slowly pets him, her tone changing from its typically gentle nature to something more stately. “If they do not return in the next few minutes, we will all go together. I will not leave them behind.” She looks over at Kasienka, and smiles a little. “I said I will try not to disappoint all of you. Give me a chance to prove it.”
“Princess please do not fear that you will disappoint me. The only thing which could disappoint me is having to attend your funeral before I have shown a gray hair. I beg you, allow Hanus and myself to go ahead. If nothing else we should scout for our scout party as odd as it may sound. We have both lived centuries, we will not fall if we move in secrecy not even a mile from our compatriots.” Though she did her best to hide it, Kasienka was definitely growing slightly more anxious. She did not know if Kouri had any skills beyond her magic. It didn't help that the feeling of worms across her skin grew slightly.
Hanus glances between them, and allows his hands to slip off of his throwing axes. There's a hint of his nobleman's past as he mixes body language--most prominently, his hands--with his words. “Princess, we have vowed ourselves to your cause, worry not for how we feel of you. We will travel just to the edge of the village, to see if we cannot spot our comrades. You can deny us this if you wish, but the two of us will arouse far less suspicion and anger than if we brought all of you.”
The Princess simply stands quietly, and lowers her blue eyes to the ground. She mumbles a reply. “Go, then.”
Hanus looks to Kasienka and nods. “Gather your horse, I shall get Krasnyy. We will not have long if they are in trouble.”
Kasienka felt a twinge of guilt as Kouri wilted, but knew it was for the best. She wished to grab the princess into a hug, but knew she would only be pushed away. Instead she spun and moved to sprint over to Dirge and swing herself onto her without any perceivable effort. She gently nudged her bare heels against the mare's flanks and trotted over to Krasnyy, waiting for Hanus to lead them.
By the time Dirge and Kasienka reach Krasnyy, Hanus was already atop it. Before the two can leave, however, Beatrice lands beside them and caws at them. It seemed they were going to be followed. Hanus shakes his head, but looks at Kasienka and motions toward the village. “[Dark Elven] With due haste! Move, Red!” Krasnyy jumps to life and starts moving as fast as he can--still somewhat slower than the maximum speed of a horse, but with his head held high.
Kasienka urged her horse after Krasnyy, not caring that Beatrice followed them. She rode with a practiced expertise that betrayed her fitness, but for now she had no reason to hide it. Even with the grave circumstances she wanted to giggle at Krasnyy's expression. The lizard already held a special place in her heart she never thought a reptile would take.
They rode until the reached the outskirts of the village, then they slowed to quiet their entrance. It was at this point Kasienka would motion to dismount and continue on foot. It was easier to hide a cloaked man and barefoot woman than it would be to convince Krasnyy to be discrete. She could only hope Krasnyy wouldn't take Dirge as a snack during their excursion.
“Krasnyy.” Hanus points at Dirge, Krasnyy's eyes follow it. They continue to follow his hand as he lowers it and taps the throwing axe at his waist. “Yesh', i ty umirayesh'. (Eat, and you're dying.)” His Dark Elven sounded guttural and authoritarian as the lizard lays down on the grass underneath it, appearing to understand and wilt away from his tone. He pats Krasnyy on the head, then turns and nods to Kasienka. “I will follow your lead, Krasivyy.”
An Old Flame; Unquenchable
Mikan’s group is quietly led into the church of the Vampire, who continues to walk—though every step sounds like it echoes somewhat. The doors behind them creak as they move, the militia commander behind them all staring at them with an empty look as he shuts them inside. The air was cold and unsettling. Cold enough, that they could see their own breath when they exhaled, and upon looking around at the darkened interior, there were hints of ice forming upon the walls and pillars. The vampire lifts a hand, and moves a wooden alter aside. Underneath is a basement, likely built into the Church—a reliquary. A place to store all manner of holy things, though it was heavily refurbished, implying that the Vampire had been doing his work for at least a few weeks now.
He descends the steps, one by one. As the scout group follows, they find themselves in a small room—only a few feet in width and length, and only about six feet from floor to ceiling. The Vampire himself, imposing in stature, has to lean down so he can fit in the space. Within the room was a table, and upon that table, a few documents—though one thing stood out beyond all else: A black-leather tomb, which looked blasted by flame. The pages were yellow from extraordinary age, and it hummed with an undisturbed magic that seemed positively ancient.
The Vampire walks around the table, then kneels in front of it. He appears rather almost like he worships the book from the way he looks upon it, though his silver eyes are quickly pulled away to look up at the group who has travelled with him into the basement of the church. “Your trust is appreciated.” Mikan glares at him, but quietly sits down. She looked rather uncomfortable being there, and her eyes constantly darted around the room, as though she was looking for something—anything—that could lead out to safety. She speaks after a few moments of silence pass between them.
“So, uh... What’s your name?”
“I have gone by many names. You however, may simply call me... Valedroma. I was once a Baron, but that title holds no meaning when I am lord of no land, does it?”
Mikan’s eyes seem to finally light up with recognition, though she makes no remark on it—almost as though she would rather keep that secret to herself.
“So, we have gone along with your plans. Why have you brought us down here?”
“To offer you a deal, of course.”
“What could we possibly offer you? We are just--”
“You can drop the charade. I know you travel with the Princess of Renaltan Fables. Secrets like that do not tend to remain as such for long... Especially when one learns it from a King’s Ranger.”
“... Where is the King’s Ranger?”
“Safe.”
“That’s not a good enough answer!”
“It’s the answer you will have to live with, Green Fox. I do not really wish to harm him, or you. You should know that.”
Valedroma’s voice grew momentarily gentle, as Mikan’s green eyes simply stare straight at the floor underneath her. Though she refused to look at him, he continued to stare directly at her. He speaks first, after an uncomfortable moment of silence between them.
“... The offer is still there for you, if you wish to take it when all is said and done.”
“How can I take an offer from a beast that takes an entire village hostage?”
“Because I seek no harm upon them, either. I have done no permanent harm to them, and can cure them with ease before I leave. I merely needed a bargaining chip. Something to convince you and your compatriots to come down here, for, if you had looked upon me, and seen what I am, would you have even given me a chance to explain myself?”
“Maybe... The Princess probably would have.”
“She is far more open minded than I had originally could have hoped for, then.”
“Look, I... We do not have all day. Templar are surely approaching now that you have shown such obvious power and control over an entire village. We have hours, at the most—stop wasting our time! What do you want?”
“Aside from you?”
There is a certain, odd sincerity to his voice. Finally, however, his eyes relent from staring upon her, and glance over her compatriots. They seem to momentarily pause on Dean, though, move on sure enough.
“It is rather simple then... I want to create an alliance with your Princess. In exchange for guaranteed land in her reborn Kingdom, I will swear fealty to her as one of her nobles. I will return your King’s Ranger unharmed, and where possible, give you aid in your journey. I have resources at my disposal, and I can make them yours. Though I will not travel with you, I can bestow gifts upon you all... All I wish is a return to what I once was. To what my kind once were. I no longer wish to scurry in the dark and threaten vagrants simply to survive. We have similar enemies—Templar, Silver Shields—I am no enemy to you. If anything, I am an ally, and I will gladly release all of these people.”
Mikan blinks, and looks up at him with disbelief. “... Do you really think the Princess is going to make a deal with you if you hold this entire town hostage?”
The Vampire mulls that over for a moment, and raises his eyebrows. “I will let them all go, save for the King’s Ranger, in exchange for simply being allowed an audience with her... As a gesture of good will. To prove that I am not so evil, and that we are not so different. I am simply more desperate than you are. After all, would you not take prisoners if it enhanced your position, Green Fox?” His eyes look upon the group once more. “If you have further questions, I will now answer them, now that we are no longer being watched by our enemies.”
The Enemy of my Enemy...
A few minutes had passed since Kasienka and Hanus had left the group. It seemed Kouri was about to gather the group to action, when Beatrice descends from the skies and lands in front of the Princess. The bird looks up at her and squawks, getting her attention as Kouri grabs the reigns of her horse. James runs over to her and points to the east. “There is a patrol of Silver Shields on their way here! They are maybe one hour away at the most, Princess. We should cut our losses and run.” Marcus glances toward James and raises an eyebrow. “We are going nowhere without the guidance of the King’s Ranger in town. At the very least we need to enter the village and recover him, wherever he may be.”
As they speak their words, Kouri mounts her horse. She looks down at the pair, and then points toward the town. “We are moving out, together, right now. We are going in to find our people, and then we are leaving. James, keep Beatrice spying on the Silver Shields. If we have to, we will set up an ambush in the town. We have waited long enough, we cannot just stand by and do nothing.” Momentarily, her eyes wander toward Jaquaar. Their conversation had seemed to reassure her somewhat, in spite of Kasienka and Hanus choosing to leave her when she needed them most. “Kaiser will stay by my side and keep me safe, so I want everyone focused on finding our people. Understand?” Kaiser stands ever ready by her side, his ears twitching as he listens for any sort of trouble nearby.
Marcus walks around the group, ushering them to their horses, while James immediately goes for his own horse, sending Beatrice to the skies to keep an eye on the approaching Silver Shields. It seems that they were finally going to act as a group, and move in toward the oncoming danger.