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 Posted: Fri May 01, 2020 6:39 am
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We are the 2nd burmois Shock legion
Al'gaan Daruun
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Al’gaan shook his head at Gypsy’s teasing knowing full well she’d picked up on how he felt at the moment, though that was quickly handled when Brianna had seemingly healed his injuries so easily at such a young age which amazed him, he held her firmly for a time while he watch Cynthia interact with the Gaelan, and only after she had relieved him of Brianna and her offer that he finally spoke up “of course your majesty, once things have settled down I shall be sure to come and visit the castle, my duties have kept me from being able to be present at the castle but rest assured I shall come visit soon.” He paused for a moment and looked at the crowd forming and continued “though I’ll have to keep that in mind the next time I come to the castle” bowing slightly he continued “for now your majesty, i shall take my leave, farewell your majesty” Al’gaan changed back to normal and turned to head towards the south gate to deal with the honor guard. As he moved he’d caught the eyes of many legionnaires who stopped what they were doing to head to the gate, he didn’t have to say anything the entire cohort knew what was happening, and seeing him head that way told them that it was time to give their final farewells to their fallen comrade.
As he approached the honor guard, he spoke up in a loud but clear voice “THIRD COHORT FORM UP OUTSIDE THE GATE” immediately the gates opened up as legionnaires rushed towards the gate past the honor guard and formed up into their individual sections. Al’gaan stopped next to his Primus and placed a hand on his shoulder “alright Primus let’s send out brother home” he nodded and replied “of course commander” the Primus stepped outside the gate and stood by while Al’gaan stepped over to the officer in charge of the honor guard and spoke up “alright move out make sure he’s given a proper burial and return back once it is finished” the officer nodded motioned for the rest to follow as they took off down the path to their garrison, it would be two days before they’d arrive so it was going to be sometime before they’d return.
A’gaan followed them out and barked as they started passing through the gate “ATTENTION!” immediately they reacted as the honor guard moved the cart down the path the Primus taking lead spoke “PRESENT ARMS!” immediately they saluted as the honor guard continued down the path, after some time had and they had passed through Al’gaan stopped as he watched them continue down the track and saluted his final farewell before he turned around and yelled “ORDER ARMS!” the cohort followed without hesitation and just stood there in silent reverence. Eventually Al’gaan walked forward and looked at his Primus and spoke up “alright get them moving I want training to resume” the Primus nodded and replied “at once Commander" and stepped forward and started spouting orders for the entire cohort while Al’gaan went back inside the fort and stood there just inside the gate for a moment while legionnaires went about going back to their assigned classes. Shaking his head Al’gaan made his way up the stairs that went to the top of the walls and looked out across the area watching as the honor guard moved further and further away before he started casually walking along the wall his hands behind him and just walked.
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and we will crush you under our lightning swift attack! |
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Posted: Fri May 01, 2020 8:54 pm
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Cynthia took that as her cue to leave and moved over to one of the empty sword rings to transport out in a flash of soft emerald light with Brianna happily waving at everyone.
Gypsy gave a simple nod as Al'gaan moved to attend to his troops. She approached their guest as Galen came up to her with a nod, "I put him next to you," he told her simply. She nodded again and considered the strange man a bit more, "Give him a full kit and written directions to the mess hall and showers and such. I'll get him bedded down to let all of that settle in his head," she told the commander, gaining a nod in return as he moved away.
She took in a deep breath and held a hand out to Gaelan, "Come on. Let's get you settled in," she told him simply and was rewarded when he simply took her hand and let her help him to his feet. She led him down under the fort, where it always maintained steadier temperatures. The officers quarters were towards the central area of the barracks, though the fancier quarters ringed the barracks and had spelled lighting.
She guided Gaelan to the 'room' next to hers and revealed that he actually had a suite consisting of a sitting room, bedroom, and basic bathroom. There were communal showers and a large mess hall for everyone, but Lareth and Cynthia had both insisted on at least a basic bathroom in these rooms.
Gypsy helped him into the bedroom and onto the bed, followed by a smaller recruit carrying clothing in his size and the directions she'd insisted on. She dismissed the recruit with a wave of her fingers then gave Gaelan a nod, "I'm next door. Galen is on your other side. If you need anything, we're easy to find," she told him simply then left him to rest.
She was determined to get some work done, even though she was going to be experiencing her usual problem before long. Especially if she kept ignoring it...
She called for the soldier and the instructor of the fated class then started putting them both through a grueling pace... She started them with a run around the inside of the fort, then more exercises, then she put them in the ring with weapons. She only gave them wood, of course, not wanting another death. After they'd gone through three sizes of swords, she called a break for them to hydrate and eat something. Then she got them going again.
She knew that Al'gaan would be watching and knew that she was also making a new enemy with the soldier that had been angry, but with luck he'd be too exhausted to do anything. Even if he did try, she was harder to kill than most assumed...
She proved that when she put them to using staffs. He tried to go at her back without warning. She twisted, grabbed his staff, and dropped him on his back with the staff now at his throat, "If you knew what you were doing, I would at least have a bruise. Now ,can you be educated or should I let Al'gaan go ahead and kill you?" she asked him, gaining a sneer that she ignored as she got him going again.
She knew she'd be dealing with him again later, but he wouldn't know what hit him when he did. Very few saw her in action these days, a request from Lareth that she was trying to honor as much as possible. He wanted her to teach, not advertise her skills. She couldn't argue with that, but it still rankled at times...
Still, she'd agreed to it and was having to let rumors work for her for now. At least the rumors had her killing more people now than she'd ever done in her life. But the reputation was having an odd effect. Sometimes, she'd have recruits terrified of her. Sometimes, she'd have others ready to kill her on sight. And sometimes she'd have them trying to sneak into her bed...
But for now, she had these two to deal with. After a few more hours, she called another break then had Galen run them through a different set. Yes, it was grueling and seemed like torture all by itself. But she was exhausting them, working the anger out. To the point that when she finally called a halt, they were swaying on their feet.
She looked them both over for a moment then gestured, "Showers. Then you sack out in the special quarters. Tomorrow, you're both on kp," she ordered then nodded to two guards that followed them both inside.
She looked up at the sky and noted that it was almost sunset and had been a very long day for her. But her demonic needs were making her feel as if her skin was being stretched. That meant that she'd have to find someone to bed down with at some point, but she was avoiding it as usual. She'd avoided it before without issue, but time was running out on that one. She'd been doing it for too long, going on five years now. She didn't have too much longer to push it down, not and survive it...
But after losing Kaljire as she had, she had no plans on dropping anyone else in her rather dangerous life.
Then again, plans were made to be broken.... |
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Posted: Sat May 02, 2020 8:53 pm
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Gaelan was given another chance to observe Queen Cynthia's teleportation magic, though she didn't take the time to respond. This trip must have taken her away from some of her duties. It was truly a favor for someone of her status and ability to make even a short trip to help a newcomer with only a sparring match and a single person's voice to vouch for him.
He also had the chance to see the departure of a soldier who had apparently been killed in training during the earlier disruption. The dignity of the event was something that Gaelan had seen before, but only for high ranking officers and those of the Empire's leadership. The war with the rebels had simply been too all-consuming to permit the loss of vigilance that honorable funeral rites required. Given his own rank and uncertain position in this Demon Realm, Gaelan refrained from making any gestures toward the deceased as they departed. However, he did remain still and watched in silence until they were through the gate.
Only then did he take Gypsy's hand and follow her to his accomodations. As much as he would love to begin asking questions and learning in earnest, he knew the value of patience. He still had to digest the knowledge he had been gifted and verify that his full range of abilities were again at his disposal.
The suite of rooms was underground and the way was not too complex. But, Gaelan found himself unexpectedly grateful of Gypsy's hand. His new knowledge would suddenly assert itself at the oddest moments, breaking his concentration and causing him to stumble. It was a difficult thing to imagine that he would find himself being helped into bed by Gypsy... but it happened. At that particular moment the amount of daily life knowledge that the objects in the suite were calling to the front of his mind was a bewildering storm. He did hear and manage to remember Gypsy's parting words, but it took an embarrassing amount of effort.
After she left, he took a short time to gather his focus before taking a seated position on the bed and beginning to meditate. His priority was to accept the new knowledge and fully integrate it with his existing memory. After nearly two hours of meditation, Gaelan had achieved enough stability that he could begin becoming physically aclimated to his quarters.
He walked through each room, touching each thing and reviewing the pertinent knowledge. Then, after becoming properly acquainted with the bathroom, he came to a point of decision. The war he knew was so long over that none of the people here even knew it had happened. The rank and title, duties and community that he had known were gone. No one here even knew enough to want him dead. He was now a nearly nameless person who had merely attracted special attention due to being associated with a curious phenomena.
He looked at the clothes that had been brought. They appeared to be about the right size. At least none of the parts seemed to be too small. So, he removed his helmet, gauntlets, boots, and finally his chain armor and belt. The belt lay on a small table beside the bed, the sheaf of javelins rested beside it against the wall, the pouch of valuables and the pouch of magic gems both rested with the belt as Gaelan took his armor into the small sitting room and began to clean them. It was a time consuming task but one he knew well. It was only after completing that task that he gathered the new clothes, memorized the listed directions, and went to take a 'shower', bringing his sword but leaving the rest. He knew how to clean himself but the concept of using artificial waterfalls for the purpose felt rather eccentric, to say nothing of heating the water first. Still, the heat did help with his travel fatigue and the soreness from being carried by the Demon Steed. He was also finally able to cleanse himself of the filth and sweat from his flight as well as his sparring match. Who knew how many eons it had been since he actually cleaned himself.
Finally, clean and dressed in the 'latest fashion', he returned quietly to his quarters. As this was a fort he did not expect to see anyone in the bathing facilities at this time of day and he was correct. The innermost portions of the place seemed quite quiet, though not quite deserted. Some of the officers were likely engaged in management tasks... like paperwork.
The rooms had not been disturbed in his absence and his armor was finished sitting after being cleaned and oiled. It now shone fairly well, for being battle armor that had seen many battles. He took a moment to take stock of his own appearance as well. His pure black hair was clean and bound again in the usual topknot. His new clothes fit well on him, though the shirt was a little loose in the arms and tight across the chest. His muscles did not seem to have lost any tone or definition from his long sleep and his skin was still as pale as ever and still marked with many scars, but their number had reduced by nearly half from the child's healing. He found himself thinking of Gypsy. She had indeed been quite attractive. Her scars told stories that he may never learn but would likely find quite interesting.
Still, he took a breath and steadied his breathing before resuming his meditation. It would be dinner soon enough and he needed to be prepared for that. It would likely be another mess of unfamiliar experiences. And, this time, he would probably be expected to converse. |
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Posted: Sat May 02, 2020 10:14 pm
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We are the 2nd burmois Shock legion
Al'gaan Daruun
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Al’gaan had indeed been watching from the walls, his eyes were focused on the one who’d killed his legionnaire, his temper may have been swayed by Brianna sometime ago but it was hard not to feel that anger start to rise as he watched them. His attention would quickly be pulled away as his Primus showed up who briefly glanced over to the two walking away with the guards “Looks like she’s working them to death” Al’gaan nodded “looks like it” he stepped over to him and continued “anything wrong?” the Primus shook his head “thankfully no, it seems things are starting to return to normal, though the cohort is still bitter about the loss of a comrade” Al’gaan wasn’t surprised, though if anything if anyone wasn’t familiar with Al’gaan they were now and tended to keep their distance from him. Nodding Al’gaan continued "not surprised, once we’ve returned to the garrison make sure they’ve been given time to rest” the Primus nodded and leaned up against the railing “of course, i’ll make sure they’re given some time” Al’gaan nodded and walked by him motioning for him to follow and made his way along the wall. As they made their way down to the ground level Al’gaan glanced over his shoulder “what are your thoughts on the one who showed up” the Primus shrugged “for what little I’ve seen of him seems to be an odd fellow, but outside of that don’t really have much of an opinion of him” Al’gaan grinned and stopped “how unusual, you usually have more of a opinion of someone by now” Al’gaan chuckled and continued “no matter we’ll just have to watch and see” Al’gaan stopped when he noticed that Gypsy was standing there, his Primus noticing where he was looking and couldn’t help shake his head “she’s out of your league commander” Al’gaan raised an eyebrow as he looked at him “how so Primus?” he shrugged “no disrespect commander, but I doubt your charms will ever work on her based on what I’ve seen” Al’gaan grinned and replied “watching have we?” he chuckled and continued “who knows, perhaps just need to use the proper method to get through, after all when has any of us truly ever known someone outside of a battlefield” the Primus nodded in agreement “so is it safe to assume you intend to fight her commander?” Al’gaan shook his head “all in due time” the Primus chuckled and stepped up to him “persistent aren’t we, let’s hope you don’t end up on the ground again like last time” Al’gaan pointed at him as he stepped away “hey now, I told you, you go into that ring next time and see how easy it is” laughing he left the Primus and started walking off towards the Officer’s Quarters stopping briefly when a couple of legionnaires approached noting that they were apart of a group he’d taken under his wing when they showed potential for not only as magic users but also officers “what is it?” they looked at each other before they replied “commander, will you be teaching us while we’re here?” Al’gaan shook his head “we’ll see” he paused as he stepped towards them and put a hand on each of their shoulder “for now focus on your training here and if time allows, we’ll see about additional lessons” they both nodded and left him in peace. Al’gaan stood there and watched them for a moment before he continued walking towards the Officer Barracks.
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and we will crush you under our lightning swift attack! |
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Posted: Sat May 02, 2020 10:41 pm
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Gypsy finally turned and headed inside, giving a nod to the legionaries she passed along the way as well as a few other trainees. She'd manage to earn the respect of the trainees, though not the legionaries yet. She accepted the fact that they only acknowledged her because she was connected to Lareth, being the king's sister-in-law did hold some weight. Even if she was widowed.
She finally passed Al'gaan's Primus, who winked at her. The wink made her frown in confusion, though she shrugged that off. Then she managed to head inside alongside the commander, "Al'gaan," she acknowledged him with a nod as she headed inside and walked alongside him through the hallways towards the officers quarters.
He'd been put next to Galen and that fact hadn't escaped her notice. Now, they sat with Al'gaan, Galen, Gypsy, then Gaelan. She was wondering how much of that had been deliberate, but shrugged that one off too.
As she paused at her door, she noted the time, "Time for a shower then about two hours before dinner. Those two will be on kp tomorrow, then another day like today. By the time I'm finished with them, they'll either behave or want to kill me or both. But the problem will be solved," she told him, thinking that he'd just want to know the schedule for the problem-children, as she called them.
She rarely thought that anyone would actually be interested in her. But that was mostly because she missed it when someone made a pass at her. One had to be blunt with her, or she missed the mark. While she was beautiful, she was also deadly. So it paid well to be bluntly honest so that one didn't get a dagger in the ribs for one's trouble...
All the suites in this part of the building were laid out mostly the same, with slight differences for each one. But that meant that they all hit the communal showers and ate in the mess hall, unless something was arranged for a meal earlier. She always ate in the mess hall unless her demonic hungers were too close to the surface, though she was ignoring the problem tonight.
She opened her door and gave him a nod as she collected the bag she always had set up for her showers then headed straight for the showers, leaving him to follow or not as he chose.
She got into the showers and noted that it was blissfully empty and headed for a stall, got out her bathing oils and towels, then started up some water before sitting on a bench to start to strip down. That took her the longest. Leather could be a b***h, but it worked for her. Her leathers were finally folded on the bench with most of her weapons laid out with it. She kept a waterproof sheath strapped to one thigh, though, not liking to be unarmed at any time.
She stepped under the water and gave a soft sigh as she started to relax. |
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Posted: Mon May 04, 2020 6:59 pm
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We are the 2nd burmois Shock legion
Al'gaan Daruun
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Al’gaan gave a nod of acknowledgement to Gypsy as she came in with him and considered for a moment as she explained what was scheduled for the two who’d been responsible for the death of his legionnaire and simply nodded. Eventually he stepped into his room as Gypsy took off to the communal showers, standing there for a moment he considered what he was going to do, eventually though he took off his sheathes and armor before he changed forms and grabbed a few things to shower with and simply took off towards the communal shower. As Al’gaan left the officer’s quarters and started walking towards the communal shower he glanced over to the groups that were winding down for the day and noticed that most of his legionnaires were still hard at it, shaking his head he figured they were pushing themselves a bit harder than they should, but wasn’t going to say anything since there was no need. Eventually he stepped inside the Communal shower and simply stepped over to a stall. He turned on the water and changed again, he might not have had armor but he still had a layer of carapace he had to remove before he could step into the shower, the carapace wasn’t anything spectacular but it did help when in a bind, which while not as effective as armor could take a blow or two before it was made useless. Once everything had been removed and resting on a bench next to a towel and a few oils that while scentless at least cleaned him up, which was all that really mattered, he might have been a member of Lareth’s court he was still a war demon and an officer scented oils didn’t particularly interest him as much as they did for some of the members in Lareth’s court.
Sighing he stretched slightly as he stepped into the shower and stood there for a moment, it felt good to feel the water on his skin. After a while he started to wash up, all the while humming a gentle tune he’d heard once in the past, he couldn’t remember where he heard it, but ever since he did it just stuck with him. As he cleaned up one of his hands came across an old scar he’d acquired once, wasn’t all that big but it was a reminder of how fine a daggers point was. It was a reminder of times past when war was a constant thing, he’d been created to fight, as were many war demon’s way back then, how few there were left of his generation when those wars did finally end and peace was firmly secured for the realm. He’d been fortunate to see it through to the end but what few scars he had were earned on the battlefield bar one, that single dagger wound to his left side, a reminder that he couldn’t afford to left his guard down for even a moment, to the dismay of those who’d sent an assassin to have him removed that he was able to survive such an attack or that he’d been able to find out who’d sent the assassin to begin with, he’d been particularly ruthless to the cowards that didn’t even give him the honor of a fight on a battlefield, and instead resorted to such things. Shaking his head, he leaned up against the wall of the stall once he’d rinsed off and just relaxed as the water ran down his body.
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and we will crush you under our lightning swift attack! |
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Posted: Mon May 04, 2020 7:16 pm
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Gypsy heard someone come into the showers but didn't really pay much attention. Instead, she simply collected her oils and started cleaning up. Thankfully, the stuff could be used for everything, so she didn't have to carry much. She also didn't have any scent to it, finding that she rarely liked anything with scents. She found that it dulled her senses at the wrong times.
She gave a small hiss as the oil found a small cut along the back of her waist that she'd missed earlier, but she ignored the sting and finished cleaning up. Done and rinsed, she turned off the water and moved out to dry off at the benches in the center of the showers.
She carried her own scars, many of them obviously from someone trying to kill her in various ways, and most of them obviously old. She hadn't gotten any healing from Brianna, so she had small cuts that barely touched the skin, several bruises, and the slice across the back of her waist. But she ignored it all, thinking to treat it later.
For now, she simply collected her towel and started drying off.
She did note the items on a bench from someone else showering, but didn't think about it. She'd stopped thinking about it about three years ago...
She simply dried off her skin then started on her hair, which fell past her waist now in waves of fire tones.... |
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Posted: Tue May 05, 2020 6:12 pm
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Posted: Tue May 05, 2020 7:00 pm
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Gypsy raised an eyebrow at the question then seemed to ignore it until after he was dressed. By then, she had her things gathered together and the other legionaries had come in and moved on. That was when she acted.
One moment, he was watching his troops move past him. The next moment, he had a dagger moving towards his face that was easily dodged with another one landing in the wall nest to his neck right where he'd moved to. In short she'd faked him out then planted a blade right where he moved to.
When he turned back to her, she was simply folding her towels and getting into her clean leathers; this time a set of pants with a haltertop and boots. Her hair, she left loose to dry for the moment. She finished arming up then tossed her things into her bag and approached him with a calm expression.
While the other legionaries were peeking around their stalls to watch, she held her hand out for the daggers, "For beauty, I can't say. For weapons skills? That one I can honestly say that I'm better. Compliments on my skills make sense to me. Compliments on my looks don't. If you're interested in getting laid, say so outright. I'm not good with subtle," she told him in a low tone that usually went right below the waist.
But she'd made her point...
She collected the weapons he handed her, sheathed them, then gave him a wink as she headed into the hallway.
Behind her, the two guys in the shower stalls actually snickered as she left, unable to help it... |
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Posted: Tue May 05, 2020 11:36 pm
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We are the 2nd burmois Shock legion
Al'gaan Daruun
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Al’gaan was impressed though him clearing his throat got most of their attention immediately and shook his head before he took off after Gypsy “impressive, my apologies it is a firm belief that one’s skills in combat is as equally beautiful as battle itself, though having a form to match is never a bad thing. Though I imagine even if I had gone out and spoke my mind, we both know you aren’t that easy. Though, being subtle is but a curse of being a soldier who walks on a daggers edge but also from being a nobleman within Lord Lareth’s own court.” Al’gaan smiled as he pulled out a dagger out of his vest revealing it, which surprisingly had his noble crest stamped upon the blade, which only showed that he walked a very fine line as a soldier and within the nobility. As they approached the entrance to the officer’s quarters and simply allowed Gypsy to go through the door first before he went through himself.
As Al’gaan approached the door to his quarters he paused and looked at Gypsy and spoke up “rest assured while I’ve no doubt bedding you would likely draw many an eye I’d likely not care to have directed at me, that is something I don’t intent to partake in without having earned it first.” Chuckling a bit, he opened the door to his quarters and bowed slightly before he went in to deposit the oil and towel, and changed on the spot so that he could put his armor on as well as return his sheathes to their place, taking a moment to correct a few misaligned pieces of carapace before he continued and paused when he heard a knock. Not bothering to look he continued “what is it?” his Primus came through “daily reports for you commander” Al’gaan glanced over his shoulder while he adjusted a few pieces of armor “very well let’s hear it” the Primus continued “cohort is proceeding as planned minus the loss of the legionnaire. A runner came in not to long ago from the garrison, and all is well, though a note was provided from Tribunus Eos to be handed off to you on arrival” Al’gaan sighed, stopping what he was doing he turned around and stepped over to receive the note and had a look at it. Shaking his head he stepped over to the desk and pulled a piece of paper along with a pen and wrote something on it folding it he handed it off to his Primus “have a runner deliver that note to the garrison, and make it quick I don’t want my entire legion marching for no reason” the Primus looked at Al’gaan confused and sighed “even though it is nothing to be alarmed that light show where our guest came from stirred him to action and intends to march the entire damn legion to investigate, I swear he makes some of the most foolish decisions when I’m not around” the Primus’ eyes grew large and nodded “of course commander I’ll have a chat with the garrison commander and see about dispatching a rider that way immediately, it’ll be faster” Al’gaan nodded as he returned to his armor and finished putting the rest on, the Primus leaving to find Galen. Al’gaan had a feeling he was going to have to have a chat with him once got back to the garrison, it was clear he needed to season up some more before he would allow him to command the legion in his absence.
Once he had finished putting everything on he sat down for a moment knowing full well that Galen would likely enjoy this once he’d heard why a rider was needed and just sighed, it was odd that he would be so reckless considering that the Primus wasn’t with the first cohort, or for that matter that the entire third cohort wasn’t there for training purposes. He was likely going to have to rotate him out of the legion and get a competent replacement, with all the legionnaires he was tutoring to be officers, it was likely that he’d be able to rotate officers up which could potentially free up someone to take the lower command positions within his legion once everyone filled in the voids.
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and we will crush you under our lightning swift attack! |
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Posted: Wed May 06, 2020 11:28 am
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Gypsy just shook her head as she headed to her room to lay down for a little bit before dinner was called. She set her shower bag on the bed and repacked it, in anticipation of her next shower, then put it back beside the door. That done, she dropped onto a chair in her sitting room to wait for dinner.
As she waited, she mentally went through her schedule for the next few days, easily noting that not much changed from the way she usually ran her life.
She considered what Al'gaan had said and had to shake her head again. He really didn't understand...
While he had to watch his moves when getting involved with most females because of his rank and station, it was different with her. Getting involved with her only carried the risk of Lareth's wrath... Her brother-in-law was strangely protective... No matter how many times she told him to back off...
Still, Lareth did understand her demonic needs and knew that she really didn't have much choice. So he'd unwound enough to leave her alone about minor flings.
If only he knew...
She was forcing herself into almost complete celibacy... She was starving that part of herself because she didn't like it. Probably counter-productive, but she was doing it anyway. For her, there was no sense in getting anyone involved with her when there was the chance that she could kill them with it. And no one had expressed any interest in getting involved with her on a permanent basis, so she hadn't gotten involve with anyone in five years.
Besides, with Al'gaan, getting involved with her on any level would only increase his reputation and standing, considering that she was Lareth's sister-in-law...
She finally shook her head a bit and noted that it was almost time for dinner, apparently she'd thought her way through the wait time. She got up and brushed her hair then braided it, but simply let the braid fall down her back instead of coiling it against her head. After all, she was only heading to bed after this.
She finally opened her door to catch Galen snickering at Al'gaan over something before they headed towards the mess hall, with Galen teasing Al'gaan over whatever it was. She just shook her head over it and let them move on. She also knew that Galen would tease him about the incident in the showers as well...
Thankfully, the mess hall served you at the table. With real plates. Everyone had a couple of options to choose from for each part of the meal. And everything was served with a low-alcohol ale. They reserved water for when working. Everyone got ale with dinner, without exception. Although, one could ask for something else if needed. But the ale wouldn't make anyone even tipsy. It was used for the flavor, and for the health benefits. |
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Posted: Sat May 09, 2020 10:06 am
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Gaelan's meditation ended when he noticed a small burst of activity in the hall outside his room. At this time of day, any notable quantity of people moving in the same direction likely indicated that it was time for food. It wouldn't be appropriate to not appear in the clothes provided. And, lateness would not be suitable to his temperament anyway.
In short, he was out of his element and uptight about it. The only odd thing about this reality was his awareness of it. In his view, it was simply a thing that was to be expected.
He got up, donned his sword belt, and left his room. The directions to the mess hall had been simple and the walk was a short one. The room itself, when he arrived, was not impressive. However, it was eminently practical and seemed designed with all the particulars of its purpose in mind. In short, it was a well designed space for soldiers to eat and socialize. The only part that seemed odd to Gaelan was the fact that there was only the one mess hall, rather than having those of higher ranks eat separately.
He knew that by spotting a couple of those who had been giving orders outside earlier, including Gypsy. She had groomed herself but left her hair bound like a rope that descended along her back. It looked attractive and practical, though it was an unfamiliar way of managing hair.
Gaelan stopped after coming in and observed for about a minute. In that minute, he saw how the soldiers ordered their food, what the food appeared to be like, and how it was served. He then moved to sit at the same table as Gypsy, though he sat opposite her and one seat to the side to keep the spots immediately next to her and opposite her open. This was the place she lived. It would be unusual for her to have no friends or acquaintances who might want to eat with her. Though leaving those spaces open was a sign of considerate thinking, it also allowed the possibility that Gaelan could learn more about the internal structure and social conventions of these Demons.
"Greetings, Gypsy." He said with a barely perceptible bow at the neck before sitting. Small talk was not something that he had done a great deal of, but he did know how to begin a conversation. "The rooms provided for me are quite comfortable. Thank you for your hospitality."
The next few moments were spent placing his order. The food he chose had more meat and fat than the other choices, options that contained more energy and resources needed by the muscles. A body in unfamiliar surroundings is a body under stress and a body under stress must be supplied well. |
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Posted: Sun May 10, 2020 12:19 am
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Gypsy nodded to Gaelan as he sat down and nodded to his words. She waited a moment as her food was set in front of her then the trainee moved on to take care of someone else.
Her meal probably seemed extremely light for the work that she did, but it was required for her survival. A small rare steak with roasted potatoes, and a glass of bloodwine. She'd be getting a full bottle of blood in her rooms later, but the bloodwine would keep her contained for the moment. She had to stay with bottled since donors from other races were rare these days, no matter how much negotiating Lareth did.
But she didn't comment on her meal at all. She simply started with cutting her steak, "I'll make sure the recruits get you some better fitting shirts by morning. If you want a set of fighting leathers for practice and sparring, that can be arranged as well. We have a working blacksmith and leathersmith. We also have some classes going on the current forms of fighting, if you want to learn them. I spoke to Galen, the commander of the fort, about setting you up to teach your fighting techniques, if you're willing," she offered, her voice calm but a tad more alluring to hear.
She really was running out of time with her demonic needs and would have to address that soon, but she was still in denial about that.
There was a burst of laughter from another table and she looked over to see Galen and Al'gaan in full swing. Most likely with Galen teasing the hell out of Al'gaan for the incident in the showers.
She shook her head with a small smile over it then returned to the conversation, "We also have several classes on current Demonic Law that you might find interesting. I'm not sure what all Cynthia gave you, but sometimes it helps to have someone explain the details. Any other preferences you have, just speak to either myself or Galen about it," she added then took a bite of her steak, added a touch of salt to it, then continued with her meal.
The food here was always some of the best. They only ate better up at the castle. It made it a bonus to be at the fort and in Lareth's army. They got the best equipment, best support staff, best healers, best teachers... Lareth made sure that he took care of his soldiers. In return, they took care of him...
She took a sip from her glass and let it move down her throat, making sure that she showed no reaction to it other than as if to a good vintage. That part she succeeded in. It was with other issues that she was having problems with. |
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Posted: Sat May 16, 2020 11:33 pm
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Gaelan nodded at Gypsy's attention to detail and foresight. It hadn't taken more than a glance for her to notice the fit of the shirt. Then again, judging by the glances from some of the other females in the room, it seemed more noticeable than he had initially supposed. It also seemed to him that he shouldn't be gathering so many glances that start at his chest and drift downward... for the sake of a tight shirt alone. Curious.
He listened attentively and with no sign of impatience as Gypsy continued, describing some of the available facilities as well as equipment and activities that were available to him. Studying current fighting methods would be of use, for a wide variety of reasons, and teaching his own would assist in establishing his value and repaying this kingdom's hospitality.
The brief moment of raucous laughter from the other officers did nothing to break Gaelan's focus. Though, he was curious how discipline was being maintained with such conduct from the officers in the presence of their subordinates. Still, it was a minor concern at present. The degree to which Gaelan had been welcomed by this kingdom was a larger issue.
After all, the queen herself had come and aided him with magic. He had been healed by the young princess, who he had also been allowed to hold in his arms. At this point he could hardly be shocked if the King himself were to appear and offer him a drink and a spar. It was more like being welcomed into a home than the kind of welcome that a government generally offers to unknown people.
The food was good. Gaelan acknowledged its quality. However, he ate without altering the dishes and without expression. His thoughts were elsewhere. There was something about Gypsy that made him feel like she was... unstable. He had thought that her earlier signs of arousal were simply a part of her inheritance. But, he was not detecting any of the same kind of symptoms from the other demons. While they were certainly descended from similar lines, there seemed to be a significant qualitative difference between them and Gypsy.
"I will examine the classes and the smithy tomorrow, then. I should also become familiar with the fighting leathers you spoke of as I am not familiar with fighting in armor lighter than chain." He said after clearing his mouth of food. His voice was strong and confident but there was a subtle undercurrent of concern and curiosity there as well. "The knowledge I was gifted is extensive. But, it largely attends to the realms of common knowledge and communication. Details specific to disciplines seem to be missing. I suspect that the complexity and difficulty of the spell would have been prohibitive if such details were incorporated. It was a masterful and difficult spell as it was.
The imperfections were fairly few and seemed to indicate that she had crafted the spell alone and on short notice, an amazing feat that requires both discipline and talent. This realm is quite fortunate in its queen."
Gaelan was unlikely to ask awkward questions in a public setting. Gypsy held authority here and he had no intention of undermining that. However, now that he had a grasp of the language, he was willing to admit that he wanted another chance to converse with her in private. The number of questions that he had seemed to grow by the moment.
For this moment, he finished his meal while listening to Gypsy's reply. The quantity of food was sufficient and the quality was good as well. Though, the meat and other ingredients were mostly unfamiliar. It was just one more part of the world that had changed. |
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Posted: Sun May 17, 2020 1:10 am
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Wolfe Garm I'm carrying you through on this one until you're back on your feet.
Gypsy gave a nod then looked over at the other table as a recruit moved over to collect her dishes. So she didn't notice the recruit giving her a very appreciative look-over while she was assessing just how bad Galen was ribbing Al'gaan. Apparently the incident in the showers was funnier than she guessed, though she really wasn't sure why.
The recruit left as she turned back to Gaelan to continue the conversation, "We can get you fitted for a set of leathers tomorrow as well. The leathersmith will need to take plenty of measurements to get them right, but by the time you put them on they'll fit like a glove and move like a second skin. You might get a few slices in a fight wearing it instead of mail or full armor, but the ability to move really comes in handy," she really did love her leathers, to the point that they were almost the only thing she owned.
When it came to Cynthia, though, she had to give a small half-grin, "We're very lucky to have Cynthia as queen. Luckier than you know, in fact. She led Lareth on a heavy chase for three hundred years before she finally gave in to letting him bed her. From there, it took him less than a week to figure out that she was the one he needed as his queen. There's alot more to the story, but most of it is actually part of Demonic History now, so it's really part of the class here.
"She is as powerful as you're guessing. She's had alot of time to learn different magics and can even mix them into completely different spells. She is very different and very old, so she's really had the time to learn her art," she had to give a shrug of one shoulder as well, "She's also a great mother. They let me hold Brianna's twin brother once. Thankfully, Lareth had good reflexes and Merrick wasn't traumatized, but I was banned from holding the kids. Maternal, I am not," she added in a wry tone.
She finally gave a heavy sigh as she watched Galen and Al'gaan head out of the mess hall, though where Galen was taking him, she had no idea and wasn't sure she wanted to know. She had heard rumors of a brothel that was supposed to be within easy ride of the fort, but no one had confirmed it with her yet. So there was no telling where they were going. Most likely, Galen wanted the company...
She shook her head over the odd friendship then set her empty glass down and got to her feet, "Come on. I know where the stores are and can get you some better fitting shirts, at least. No sense in having all the females losing their minds over your muscles," she pointed out, having a feeling that he was going to wind up with no less than ten offers to bed him by lunch tomorrow.
Hopefully, he understood it when someone made a pass at him better than Gypsy did when it happened to her. Most of the time, she completely missed it. To the point that it had become a bit of a joke lately...
As he got to his feet to follow her, it was easy to see the appreciative looks she got from everyone in the room, even a few of the females. Gypsy was an attractive female, though so were the other females at the fort. But Gypsy was the only demon/vampire hybrid in the demon realm, so she carried a different kind of attraction: both a taste of the exotic, and that of the untouchable because she'd turned down all offers for the last five years... |
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