Lucien Chevalier
Soldier
Posts: 37
Profession: Lesser Noble
Affinity: Light
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Lucien Chevalier on Mar 5, 2014 9:18:40 GMT -6
The thief scurried away, constantly falling over and dashed out of sight with a line of blood trailing behind him. Whether he bled out or survived was uncertain. However, Lucien was bleeding himself. He mounted his shield on his back with the strap and examined his wound. It was pretty nasty, but not too threatening. He would need conventional bindings to keep him from bleeding too much and then to see a healer. He was more disappointed that he'd have to get the scratches out of his shield, replace the leatherwork on his gauntlet, and clean his spear.
"Excuse my unkempt appearance, General. I'm Lucien Chevalier of Etruria. I served the King... not the Prophet." he bowed his head a little, tightening the bind on his gauntlet as a make-shift tourniquet. "No need. I don't hold standing in this area and your act of protecting us was of your own honor. You have my gratitude, General."
The soldier looked back to the three he was protecting and was glad to see them unharmed. Samuali didn't even have to fight for himself. "Are you all doing alright?" he asked as a courtesy.
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Samuali
Soldier
I am getting better and better, so you better watch out!
Posts: 106
Profession: Wanderer
Affinity: Wind
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Post by Samuali on Mar 5, 2014 15:19:59 GMT -6
Samuali took one deep breath, then let it out. Again. In... Out. With this he calmed down and became once more alert. "I am fine now, Lucien Chevalier of Etruria, thank you for asking." He looked at the father and son that they were escorting. Noting that they were shaking still he spoke softly to them and lowered his lance. "Hey, your safe now... We won't let them get to you." Samuali thought it was ironic that he, the youngest, was trying to calm down a older boy and man.
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Post by Eren on Mar 5, 2014 18:56:44 GMT -6
"Perhaps I could accompany you to your destination, then? I’ve really no place to be, and I cannot in good conscience let a wounded man, a young man, and two civilians go alone after they’ve been attacked by bandits. In fact, I probably should be stopping for provisions soon, and I would venture to guess that you’re heading for an area of settlement, yes?"
Eren cleaned his axe meticulously before replacing it. He surveyed the two corpses on the ground with desensitized apathy, shaking his head briefly and readjusting his headband. Wiping his brow, Eren waited for the soldier’s response, his pink gloved fingers fastidiously rearranging strands of hair in an almost obsessive manner.
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Lucien Chevalier
Soldier
Posts: 37
Profession: Lesser Noble
Affinity: Light
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Lucien Chevalier on Mar 6, 2014 8:54:05 GMT -6
The soldier was glad to hear they were pulling themselves together, despite death being so close. Their problems were not over yet and they would be hunted down if Lucien couldn't find out who was behind all of this reckless banditry.
The father and son took Samuali's words to heart - the situation kept on getting worse and worse as the hours went on... they must've been thinking, "Why couldn't things be different?"
Lucien knew a through cleaning of his appearance was in order, but that would have to wait until later that evening. For now, he wiped the blood off of his lance on the ruffian's shirt-tails. He stood back up and pointed to the two bodies. "These men need a burial, but because of our urgency, lining them up on the side of the road should suffice. When we bring our report to the guardsmen, I'll make note of the burial detail."
He started dragging one over with both arms, but remembered his wound and completed the task with one arm. He may be a noble, but he was unafraid of doing work of his own. It was a leadership trait he tried to suppress in the Etrurian Army since it distracted from his command position, however the men were inspired by it.
The soldier took a step away and pulled out a handkerchief, wiping his brow and neck. "This time I'll be leading us towards Santaruz. I don't want to put any of you in danger. It's by the heaven's graces that the brigand didn't swing when he saw you, Samuali."
He turned towards Eren and smiled. "That would be most helpful, General Barrata. So you were fighting for Ilia at one point? Have you been in any engagements against the Prophet's army?" he asked in interest. He started walking down the road towards Santaruz, his battle-worn appearance getting on his nerves a bit as he went along. He could really use a bath and a polish brush to his gear when he stopped in town. But before that, he had to make sure this was sorted. He wouldn't let his pride of appearance get in the way of him completing his duties.
--
The small party of five reached the outer gates of Santaruz, the large Wyvern and its rider gathering interest. Lucien was a bit jealous, swearing to himself that he should've taken it upon him to purchase a horse of his own. He felt like he was the enlisted man in this situation. It was a quiet sort of jealousy, him gritting his teeth and biting his thumb every time he looked at the Wyvern.
A sergeant approached the group, him especially noticing the colors of Etruria on the soldier's plate and the Bernese colors of the Wyvern Knight which gave him a bit of worry, not to mention the Wyvern itself. "Halt! What business do you have in Santaruz?" the sergeant barked, as per his military bearing.
The noble stood erect and motioned towards the man and his son as well as his own wound. "I am Lucien Chevalier of the former Kingdom of Etruria. I was attacked by bandits on the road outside of Santaruz, leaving two dead on the side of the road to be buried. These men were captured and I have brought a witness forward for their trial." The grizzled man looked a bit more sternly at the group, being able to notice the details of everyone as he was now closer... including pink gloves? "Very well, sir. You are permitted entry. The church here should be able to take care of your wound. We'll be sending out patrols in that area to ease your concern." Chevalier bowed his head in thanks and made a quick signal to the group to move forward.
Inside of the gates was a spectacular scene. The rumors of Santaruz being one of the most beautiful cities of Elibe held as true as the noble could've hoped. If not for the distractions of reality, he could certainly see himself wanting to visit around much more. "The sights surely are something to see, but let's make our way to the government building. I don't want to hold either of you up in your business."
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Samuali
Soldier
I am getting better and better, so you better watch out!
Posts: 106
Profession: Wanderer
Affinity: Wind
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Post by Samuali on Mar 6, 2014 15:20:06 GMT -6
"Now that is something amazing." Samuali had never seen a city so large and beautiful before, at least from the inside. He suddenly felt very out of place. He was walking with two criminals, a wyvern knight that was also a general, an important noble, and in a huge city. Then there was him, a sandy child that was not only the shortest but the youngest as well. To add on to his discomfort he remembered that he was a witness as well and most likely had to talk in front of a large crowd. Samuali became very self aware suddenly and wondered if this was just an advanced trick to have him arrested as well for almost attacking the noble. He tried to push the thought out of his mind.
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Post by Eren on Mar 6, 2014 18:10:06 GMT -6
Eren nodded repeatedly, taking in the beautiful city. He had conversed avidly with Chevalier about his military past, detailing his involvement in the defensive rear-guard corps. However, as he had told the soldier, he unfortunately had never engaged the Prophet's army.
"As you probably know, sir, my loyalties were always for the country I fought under. However, now, as a retired officer, I cannot help but feel some regret for the deplorable condition of my homeland. That is not to say that I approve of the Rebellion... I feel quite ambivalent."
Eren's brow furrowed as he contemplated Bern's situation. He wasn't very familiar with the Prophet or the Rebellion... As a member of the rear-guard, he was far away from the chaos of the front. He was thoroughly confused.
"Sir, would you mind explaining the present situation, with its historical context? I'm afraid I have not been exposed to much news, certainly not once I left the military..."
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Lucien Chevalier
Soldier
Posts: 37
Profession: Lesser Noble
Affinity: Light
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Lucien Chevalier on Mar 11, 2014 20:46:47 GMT -6
The noble was slightly distracted by the scenery himself...
He turned to Eren and nodded in agreement. "I still serve Etruria, even if it does not have a King. I'm recruiting lances to join in the fight against the False Prophet and restore the Monarchy to Etruria." Lucien chortled and went on, "I have a good feeling that the rebellion in Bern is being spurred on by Etrurian spies. I've heard plenty of reports of men identified as bandits under Hargus as supporting the revolution. I have good faith in Ilia and the current Bernese government to put down the traitors and restore order."
A grand building at the end of an open and green park marked the location of the government building where they were certain to find a court. As they walked along the path marked with complex designs of bushes and flowers as well as water fountains, Lucien retorted. "In what regards? The Prophet has been fighting to control all of Elibe and Bernese rebels are aiding him in that whether they are aware of it or not. I sympathize that I would not want to see my home a battlefield, but I'm trying to reclaim mine since I've been ousted from my country."
The talk of his homeland wore on his mood, despite the scenery. He was quite content being at the top of the stairs and greeted by a woman with large glasses. "Pardon. I bring two men to be tried for banditry. They were intent of thievery and murder." The soldier looked behind him to Samuali and placed his hand on the boy. "This boy is a witness to the act and the General also witnessed a second bandit attack trying to kill the man and his son." She nodded silently, pushing the glasses up to her face before burying her face in the book she was carrying. Two lightly armed guards in Santaruz uniforms escorted the man and his son down a long hallway.
Chevalier looked back to Samuali and Eren, smiling with some relief. "I'm not sure what we'll be doing as far as accommodations until the trial is over, but General - I appreciate you escorting us into Santaruz even into the government building. Will you stay with us?" Lucien asked. He had nearly forgotten about the wound on his arm at this point.
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Samuali
Soldier
I am getting better and better, so you better watch out!
Posts: 106
Profession: Wanderer
Affinity: Wind
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Post by Samuali on Mar 12, 2014 15:46:41 GMT -6
As Samuali watched the father and son get escorted down a long hallway. Lucien did not mention the part about Samuali almost attacking him, so that meant he was in the clear on that. Still, he had never seen such a large building used for law reinforcement. In his village there was no major crime, and most punishments were dealt by the parents. Judging by the way things ran so far he had no idea what the procedure was. "Sir, what is going to happen now? I have never done something like this before." Samuali asked Lucien, a little nervous.
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Post by Eren on Mar 12, 2014 21:01:04 GMT -6
"I still serve Etruria, even if it does not have a King. I'm recruiting lances to join in the fight against the False Prophet and restore the Monarchy to Etruria."
Eren nodded; although he didn't have much experience with Etrurian affairs, it seemed only right that Lucien would try to restore power to its rightful owners. It sounded like something he would do.
"I have a good feeling that the rebellion in Bern is being spurred on by Etrurian spies. I've heard plenty of reports of men identified as bandits under Hargus as supporting the revolution. I have good faith in Ilia and the current Bernese government to put down the traitors and restore order."
What?!
"What?" Eren replied, completely flabbergasted. The rebellion... Etruria's doing?! "But sir, what impetus could the Etrurians have for supporting and instigating unrest? Wouldn't restoring Bern's power reduce Etruria's sway? That seems illogical..."
"In what regards? The Prophet has been fighting to control all of Elibe and Bernese rebels are aiding him in that whether they are aware of it or not. I sympathize that I would not want to see my home a battlefield, but I'm trying to reclaim mine since I've been ousted from my country.
I'm not sure what we'll be doing as far as accommodations until the trial is over, but General - I appreciate you escorting us into Santaruz even into the government building. Will you stay with us?"
"Indeed, sir. It would be my honor. However, I would recommend we find a healer; minor or not, your wound should receive treatment. I'd be glad to assist you in paying for it, if you'd like."
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Lucien Chevalier
Soldier
Posts: 37
Profession: Lesser Noble
Affinity: Light
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Lucien Chevalier on Mar 13, 2014 11:30:03 GMT -6
The soldier chuckled in his retort. "How does a bloody civil war stabilize and strengthen Bern? Eight years of near constant war and banditry has left the country crippled. This is just to put Ilia out of action, I can tell." He turned away and thought about what the Prophet could possibly want from conquering all of Elibe. He maybe desired to be worshiped as a God.
With a reassuring look, Lucien answered Samuali. "We just have to stay overnight and tomorrow we enter this same building and sit around and tell the story until the judge can give deliver justice to whoever is behind these bandit attacks, whether it's the father and his boy or someone more heinous. Either way, I don't think this will be over soon." The dull pain in his arm was starting to bite, the dried blood and the long day wearing at his senses as well as his composure. The wounded soldier took a deep breath and started walking down the steps of the government building, the two following rather closely behind. It was nice having company, although the circumstances were not the best.
"You don't need to pay, General. We'll be heading to the church where they do this out of the kindness of their hearts. I need to place an offering to the Gods besides for blessing us in battle today. It could've gone much worse." The sun was starting to set in the West and the whole sky was lit with oranges, reds, and purples. The reflection off the pond they were walking by was very soothing and awe-inspiring. Lucien could see himself spending time here for luxury, perhaps some other time.
A large spire jutted out in front of them with a bright light coming from behind a stained glass window that resembled the markings on St. Elimine's tome, "Aureola". However, as they got closer, a few of the windows were broken with wooden boards covering up the holes and painted on the side in red of the entry was "HERETICS!" under neath was written "The Prophet guides us! Repent!". There was wear on the writing from where the clergy tried washing it off to no avail. A fire was penting up in Lucien as he saw even in the beautiful Santaruz, agents of the Prophet were everywhere. "Come, let us go inside." he commanded with a short temper. He pushed back the doors onto the inside, where it was a stark contrast to the vandalism on the walls.
It was heavenly. The story of the Scouring was painted on the ceilings from one side of the church to the other in stunning detail and a soft organ hymn was playing, a young boy practicing. To their immediate left there was a doorway with "Clinic" written above it. The sound of a man groaning was heard inside. Chevalier removed his headband as well as his gauntlets and his weapon, hanging them next to the doorway. "I shouldn't be long..." he explained, the cut on his arm opening up with the gauntlet being removed.
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Samuali
Soldier
I am getting better and better, so you better watch out!
Posts: 106
Profession: Wanderer
Affinity: Wind
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Post by Samuali on Mar 13, 2014 16:16:18 GMT -6
The church was a beautiful place, though it could do without the vandalism outside. He wondered what "The Prophet" was, the man were talking about it earlier but he had not been paying attention. "I shouldn't be long..." Lucien told him as he went to the clinic, leaving his gear behind. Samuali inspected his gear idly, taking in the design. Something felt wrong, it might have been the smashed glass, or the part where the organ seemed slightly out of tune, or it might even be the looks of the people as they walked in. Samuali shivered.
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Post by Eren on Mar 13, 2014 18:15:58 GMT -6
"Beautiful."
The Dragon Knight began to walk around the church, marveling over the detail and amazing architecture. He was a big fan of art, and often wished he had artistic skill. However, he'd never had the talent...
Eren admired the art immensely, but he was quite tired. Settling into one of the pews, he sat erect and spread his arms out, beginning to rest. Closing his eyes, the Brigadier General began to think and reflect in the quiet hum of the church.
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Lucien Chevalier
Soldier
Posts: 37
Profession: Lesser Noble
Affinity: Light
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Lucien Chevalier on Mar 14, 2014 22:09:49 GMT -6
A crash and a woman yelling could be heard in the clinic and it riverbed through the church, forcing the boy at the organ to startle and look to what it was, although he couldn't see.
Inside the clinic, there was a rough looking individual who had a large wound in his chest and two small knives attached to a leather chest-rig that was taken off by the cleric and set across the room. He scrambled to grab the weapons when he saw Lucien enter the room, knocking over an elixir that was set on the table next to his bed.
When he reached for the knives, his arm seized up in pain and he dropped one. "You damn noble! Come to finish me off, ye!? The Hill Gang isn't to be screwed with!" The thief just then widened his eyes, giving away his colors to the man. "I'll have to kill you, pretty-boy!" He grimaced at his pain, but was deviously joyous to see he was unarmed.
Chevalier didn't call for help, he didn't call for the nurse to run - he didn't say a word. He calmly unhitched the shield off of his back and raised it forward. He was tired. He was wounded. He didn't want to have to deal with this, but he knew if he captured this man alive, he may have another key towards pulling a thorn out of Santaruz's side and help protect the people of such a beautiful city-state. "If you drop your weapon, you won't need any more wounds to be healed. What will you do, attack me and manage to escape into the street with an open chest wound?" Lucien smirked, looking to what the man's reaction would be.
The bandit started sweating, thinking it over, also looking past Lucien to see if he could make a break for it. It was all he had, he couldn't manage to take on a fully armored soldier with such a grave wound, but he could take his chance with the outside world. "Th-This knife's got poison on it! If you get close, I'll sink it deep in you and you'll be a dead man! Back off!" The wounded man started shuffling towards Lucien timidly, trying to concentrate.
The noble called his bluff and full on charged him with his shield forward. He did a half-circle with the shield to catch his eyes and then delivered a full-on right hook into his jaw, knocking the man out as he crashed into the wall and then onto the floor motionless. The nurse scurried to his side to make sure the KO'd thief was OK.
The noble just sat down on a chair, dropping his shield onto the seat next to him. He examined his left arm again and the gash had intensified, causing him quite a bit of pain. His knuckles on his right hand also ripped some outer layer of skin and he wiped the small cut onto the cloth bit of the man's chest harness. As much as he appreciated the heavens sending him a gift of having this man as a potential prisoner, he wanted to curse them for getting in the way of him getting a good rest. The guards would have to be called and escort this man away for questioning, but Lucien didn't have the energy in him to be standing out in the streets and yelling at the top of his lungs for them to step in and take the bandit away.
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Post by Eren on Mar 15, 2014 11:55:24 GMT -6
"What...?"
Eren got up quickly and strode into the clinic, where he saw a man... Wait, that was the thief from before. Well, he was spread-eagled on the floor, out cold by the looks of it. And Chevalier's arm was still dripping.
"Excuse me, cleric," Eren said brusquely. "But could you please leave the thief for now and heal this righteous fellow beside you? And Chevalier, don't worry. I'll watch this one."
With that, Eren stationed himself firmly in front of the door, lance drawn and pointed at the downed thief. What a hassle this was. At least Chevalier was getting medical attention, he conceded to himself, and they'd caught another one of the bandits.
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Samuali
Soldier
I am getting better and better, so you better watch out!
Posts: 106
Profession: Wanderer
Affinity: Wind
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Post by Samuali on Mar 15, 2014 19:28:45 GMT -6
A commotion in the clinic drew Samuali to the door, right behind Eren still holding Chevalier's weapon. In the clinic the thief that Samuali thought bleed out was lying on the floor, cleared knocked cold. Eren had the thief covered with his lance and Chevalier was still bleeding, and unarmed. "how did you, with out a weapon?" Smauali unknowingly asked out loud. Samuali recalled how the thief had barley been able to escape, it was very unlikely the thief could have made it to the city without help. "Cleric... Did someone bring this man here? Could you give a description?"
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