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Post by Ilheod on Jan 20, 2015 19:12:16 GMT -6
Ostia. Considered by many to be impregnable by almost mythic stand points. The largest territory in the Lycian league, and in such troubled times...no more immune to chaos than the other lands.
A village near the Ostian Border had been suffering recent bandit attacks. As such, they had been skeptical when the somewhat large unit of former Bern Wyvern riders arrived. Honestly? Ilheod had little trouble blaming them. After all, in such times good people were hard to come by. Especially any that commanded soldiers...
"Again, you've nothing to worry about. I'm just here to see if we could ask for space to rest our Wyverns and maybe grab some rest ourselves. We won't need anything superb. A stable or barn maybe? I've got some coin as do the rest of the lads so we could atleast offer some incentive."
Standing with his red helm tucked under his armpit, Ilheod felt a slight sense of content as the older heavy-set man agreed upon the mention of coin. He wasn't opposed to resting on the land, but the entire day the sky had been gray with heavy storm clouds. It was never safe to fly in those conditions and even resting in the exposed elements could spell disaster. On the off change a wyvern got sick? Far more disastrous than if a soldier was to. Then again, with the number of riders sitting at thirteen including the captain himself; he knew that accommodations weren't easy. The wyverns were larger than any horse before including their wingspan or the space even folded wings would take up. Stack thirteen soldiers into the mix and it would seem like one barn might not have been enough. The basic one would do however. Each Wyvern could curl up to attempt and minimize the space it took up and each knight was accustomed to sleeping with his mount as part of his bed.
Ilheod lingered for a moment longer as they were shown their way through town. His men followed walking aside their companions in two single file lines. Some villages observed from behind shutters or partially closed doors. Others merely gawked as onlookers displayed various levels of concern for the sight of soldiers moving through the town. The Wyvern Captain had no intention of staying beyond the single day however so he knew in the morning their fears would be disapproved as the riders moved through. When the man showed them towards an overly large wooden barn. A two floor building, though the wyverns would keep to the stables on the first floor. Though their Captain was the last to find a spot just to make sure his lads all had a place to rest. Astraeus and he took one of the corners. They would finally grab some well earned rest. Gods knew his boys had deserved it.
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North of the town, a single sword wielding figure stood with the flat of the blade resting over his shoulder. Ziek squeezed at the hilt a bit while he observed the village. Ever since the noble types had gone all up in arms about fighting others wars they had found it easier to plunder. His boys reaped a double benefit. It was easy. He'd direct the attacks with the thuggish types. Slow dimwitted axe wielding lads that could barely tell the difference between it and a club save for the fact that one was "pointy". Once they had managed to nab some spoils from a village he and his mercenaries would show up. Generously they would tone down their extravagant rates to meet the down on their luck villagers. However if it was true a few soldiers had showed up in his territory, he'd have to kick them to the side. Their corpses atleast. Then he'd tell the villagers about how they had managed to save them from the dangerous mass killers who would take advantage of hospitality only to kill them in their sleep. He grinned to himself as he flourished his blade a bit turning his back as sinister thoughts echoed in mind. Yes..dangerous indeed.... -------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Bandits! Someone help! Bandits!!"
A man had run frantically into the village gates. He was not only devoid of any breath but stumbling over both his words and his own two feet. Ilehod had already gotten a fair amount of rest when he heard the commotion. The man that was frantically scrambling had a swarm of citizens around him already clamoring loudly with a few starting to panic. It hadn't been the first time Ilheod awoke to the call to arms, and to him shouting of bandits was quite the same as such a call. Leaping to his feet quickly he shouted loudly, rousing both his men and their mounts.
"Up and at'em lads! Seems we're earning out stay beyond just some coin!"
Ilheod grabbed his spear and quickly guided Astraeus out of the barn. It was much darker out even though it was just barely entering the eve. The dark storm clouds made it obvious rain was evident. The orange haired captain could only hope it was keen to hold off a bit longer. He fastened his helmet upon his head even as he leapt upon the large wyvern's saddle. Powerful wings flapped twice to propel him into the air. That was when he saw them. Orange glows of torch light revealed what had to be atleast twenty bandits moving in a scattered mass towards the group. Jogging at that. Most were toting axes or blades. Ilheod signaled to the citizens as he waited for his twelve riders to exit their stable.
"Everyone! Stay indoors, and make yourselves scarce. Leave this to me and the lads!"
Astraeus loudly roared as the entire unit climbed into the sky. The black stained armor upon their midnight blue bodies made it harder to track the actual mounts; though Ilheod's red armor stuck out. Taking further to the sky they curved and began to dive downwards as the brigands moved through the field. Ideally he'd fight them off before they actually hit the village. As Ilheod dove towards the first bandit, plunging his spear into the brute's chest quickly he shouted to his men.
"Nightwings, Attack! Defend the town!"
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Shugo
Wyvern Rider
RETIRED
The world is a dark and lonely place. That is why it is our duty to bring some light to the world.
Posts: 271
Profession: Kid
Affinity: Fire
OoC Alias: Butorega
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Post by Shugo on Jan 20, 2015 19:51:18 GMT -6
"Refreshing", shouted Shugo as he and his mount descended from the clouds. Clean water was hard to find in Ostia with all the monsters around. Shugo had to always wonder if the water was tainted by their presence or if somebody's dead body had defiled it. Rather than do that the young rider thought it would be wiser to go directly to the source. Shugo had taken luna high up into the sky and flew through the dark rain clouds. It was a move that would be marked as foolish for any experiences rider. The chance of getting struck by lightning was great inside the clouds, but shugo was young, foolish, and most of all reckless. After he and his mount got a mouthful of water filled cloud the boy was now ready to find a nice spot to sleep before the rain hit. He remembered a cave that was not too far away, with Luna's wings and his memory they could get to it rather easy.
As the duo descended from the heavens Shugo saw something that seemed out of place. Their was a strange line of lights moving toward the village he saw not far back. Normally he would chunk lights in the darkness to travelers moving in the night, but this time he was not so sure. Travelers did not move in that big of groups. They usually moved alone or in numbers of maybe five or ten. Their were at the very least twenty of them, and that told Shugo something was wrong.
"Luna", shouted the boy giving the beast a order without having to say it. Upon Shugo's command his mount let out a great roar that grabbed the attention of the lights below. Like a hawk Shugo watched them from above and read their body language. It was clear to him from the way they banished their axes that they were not friendlies. Shuo was not one to judge on outward appearance alone, but this time he was sure they were bandits. Giving them no more time to react Shugo moved to send Luna into a dive, when suddenly lights started to flicker out. Something or someone was killing the bandits. Shugo had no idea what was going on, but their was only one way to find out.
with a strong kick to the side Shugo sent Luna into a dead dive. The boy and his Wyvern plummeted to the earth picking up speed as luna tucked her arms in. The white Wyvern hit her top notch just as the duo nearly touched the earth. With a quick pull up and a extension of Luna's wings Shugo had turn the speed of his dive into a bullet like glide across the land. With astonishing speed Shugo and Luna rushed into the mix of bandits. The boy rider gave the order and Luna clamped her claws onto the shoulders of one of the bandits. the Wyvern pulled him off the ground and high into the air before his friends could even react to it. Once they had reached terminal height Luna let him go and let the earth do the job for her.
For Luna it was a standard assault, but for Shugo it was different. As they began to pull up with the bandit Shugo noticed that their were other riders there. Their armor was black and there mounts as well. That was what killed the bandits from before. Other riders fighting agaisnt evil.
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Post by Ilheod on Jan 20, 2015 20:20:56 GMT -6
The familiar sensation of breaking bone reverberated through Ilheod's lance tip. The crunching of the bandit's chest as the spear punched into him with enough force to drive him upwards told him he had removed the brute from the fray. He had recognized the feeling before. Feeling his spear hit a mark that was. His wyvern's large wings spread outwards as he lowered and tilted his body to swoop back into the sky. His unit fought in a specialized harassment style. A focused tactic of hit and run, diving down to strike before continuing the momentum into an upwards climb so they could dive once more. The faint clashing metallic sounds told him that not all of his unit had executed their maneuver flawlessly however. Some must have been blocked or parried. Astraeus roared out loudly suddenly as Ilehod whipped his head to his side noticing just in time to steer his Wyvern to the right. Racing past a white draconic figure, Ilheod and four other riders quickly flew past the newly arrived Wyvern rider. However noticing the bandit trapped within the clutches; the captain could determine that it was not a newly arrived foe.
Turning in preparation for another dive, Ilheod spotted three of is riders on the ground. Immen, Brom, and Seth were thrusting towards the bandits that batted away the spears with the flat of their axes before attempting to land lethal downwards chops to both rider and Wyvern. Luckily the creatures were able to avoid with their armor glancing off the blows. Ilheod pointed his lance to them as he ordered his men around.
"Alexander, Kyle, Horst! Help them out and give them space to get back into the sky!"
Even as he finished belting orders he noticed the man in the back. A lone figure near the rear of the group, save for two torch carrying brigands that stood at his side. The blade upon his back signaled him as no mere thug. No, that man not only looked to be far better armed and armored than any mere bandit but judging by the elaborate dress beneath the armor he easily looked like some mercenary type. Those who stuck out, often stood out for a reason. Ilheod turned Astraeous mid flight and tucked him into a dive. With a slight signal, two of his lads followed in suit. William, a brown haired knight and second youngest in the group; and Alphonse the black haired man that had been in the unit almost as long as Ilheod had commanded it. With their armor helping mask their approach slightly they were close enough to see the shock on the faces of the three as they came crashing down.
The ground shook slightly as the armored wyvern's clawed up the soil beneath them. Snarling, Ilheod's wyvern spread it's wings as if to show it's full size. A sign of aggression in fullest. He pointed his spear towards the sword wielding man even as the man spoke with a grin towards the Bern Wyvern Captain.
"You best call your boys back before my boys send them into permanent retirement."
The man laughed a bit, before flipping his blade and suddenly lunging at the captain with his sword catching a slight glint even as he lunged. Ilheod flourished his spear and caught the blade moments before it could meet his mount down the center of the skull. The two Axe wielding Brigands found themselves being punished heavily as the two knights at Ilheod's side had quickly sprung to action and were already lunging at them.
"Why should we? Think of all the loot to be had once we finish you lot? The villagers will grovel before us!"
Ilheod scoweled as the man leapt backwards and prepared for a second round. This obviously wasn't going to end any time soon. Atleast not as soon as it /should/ have. In the back of his mind he still had a lingering thought towards the single wyvern rider not of his unit. He had to hope the lad could atleast handle himself.
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Shugo
Wyvern Rider
RETIRED
The world is a dark and lonely place. That is why it is our duty to bring some light to the world.
Posts: 271
Profession: Kid
Affinity: Fire
OoC Alias: Butorega
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Post by Shugo on Jan 20, 2015 20:45:41 GMT -6
Are these them, thought Shugo to himself as Luna turned around for another go. Shugo had heard tales of the Bern Wyvern riders from Valin, but he had never really meet a unit of them. He did meet Captain Eren, but he was simply one man. He had never seen a full unit in action. Despite being out class weapon wise they were holding their own against the brigands. It is what you would expect from Wyvern riders. Still it was not time to look in awe at their formation and skill. Shugo still had a job to do. These bandits needed to be eliminated before they attacked the village.
Shugo gave the field of battle a quick glance. It was clear to him that standard Wyvern Knight tactics was not going to work now. The bandits had made adjustments to Shugo and the others style after the initial attack. Now if Shugo wanted to get a quick kill in he was going to need to use another tactic. "Luna go low", shouted Shugo as he ordered his mount to fly toward the ground Luna flew down a bit ways from the bandits and glided just above the earth. Shugo then dismounted rolling as he fell to mediate damage. Shugo had learned a lot while on his journey for justice. The young rider then began to move to attack the bandits from behind while Luna flew around roaring as loud as she could. Her actions moved as a distraction as Shugo attacked a bandit from behind on foot.
"Come on down little lizard, I got something for you", spoke the bandit as he held his axe. Shugo took a deep breath and sprinted forward from behind the bandit. Luna's roar was so loud the man did not even hear the clanking of the young boy's armor. A quick stab to the right position on his back sent Shugo's dragonspear clean through the bandits heart. Upon completing his kill Shugo gave a whistle to let Luna know to return to the ground and then pressed forward to assault another bandit.
"Hey is that a kid", shouted a bandit as he moved to engage Shugo. The young rider stayed calm as the brute approached. As soon as he got in spear range Shugo struck out at him. The bandit however was skilled in facing against those who used lances. He dodged Shugo stab and hooked the lad's lance with his axe. He then pulled Shugo forward in an attempt to throw him off balance, but Shugo simple loosen his grip and slid his arms down the shaft of the lance and moved to the side to avoid begin pulled. Still with the bandit close and one hand on the shaft thigns looked grim for the young rider. However the bandit had not counted on his White Wyvern which descended from the sky and pinned the man to the ground. Once quick chump form its jaws and it was all over. "Good job Luna", spoke Shugo as he remounted the Wyvern and took back to the sky.
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Post by Ilheod on Jan 20, 2015 22:50:49 GMT -6
They had been fortunate to once again house surprise on their side. The Nightwings specialized in obtaining the first strike. In situations where they were out numbered, and lacked advantage in arms their biggest asset became their stealth. The unit's aptitude for striking and soaring back to the air before the enemy had a chance to respond. Thin out their numbers first. It was a tactic they had practiced for years, and before the collapse of Bern had rigorously run training maneuvers within the skies. With the bandits at less than half their initial strength, the unit had been able to supplement their weakness in arms now with numbers. As Immem, Brom, and Seth battled in short but intense bouts with the bandits they were able to draw their attention. In a single decisive swipe, the three weakened brigands were cut down by the ambush of the freshly arrived Alexander, Kyle, and Horst. However Ilheod was further occupied at that moment.
Steel upon silver-infused steel began to ring out as the swordsman held his own with remarkable skill. William and Alphonse had made short work of their foes thanks in no small part to the snapping jaws of their mounts. However this swordsman was gifted. He darted, ducked and wove his way between Astraeuses snapping jaws and the tipped spear of Ilheod's lance. The swordsman was utilizing the fact that Ilheod could not strike in spaces where his wyvern stood, and forced him to block otherwise harmful blows to his companion. The middle-aged captain however could see the signs of fatigue.
Such constant motion wore away the body's endurance quickly. Coupled with the staggering force of each blow Ilheod implemented into his parries by sweeping his lance into the blade and he knew it would only be a matter of minutes.The mercenary knew it as well from his slowly souring expression. The captain and his wyvern fought as a seeming extension of one another. Where one could not strike the other would assault. Where one would have been harmed the other shielded them. Ilheod with his spear blocked for Astraeus, and Astraeus shifted his scaled hide often deflecting blows upon his scaled armored hide that were meant for Ilheod's legs or lower torso. As they dueled, the swordsman gave notice to the lack of brigands he had left. Swearing under his breath the man hopped back as he suddenly scowled.
"Curse these riders to the darkest of hells! Back boys! Let's get out of here!"
Ilheod's shouting voice cut him off almost as he ordered retreat.
"Not by my graces you don't! Riders, don't let them escape so easily!"
Most of his riders took to the skies to prepare for dives and to run them threw. However Ilheod took notice to the direction the man had taken to fleeing. A small crumbling stone building by the looks. Though it wasn't far off in the distance, he hadn't noticed it prior given the direction they had arrived from. His own Wyvern's wings flapped with powerful gusts as he pressed off the ground. His clawed legs sank violently into the corpse of one of the two slain body guards; bone collapsing beneath the weight with a sickening wet crunch as it leapt upwards. Ilheod felt uneasy as he gazed towards the crumbling fort. If they had originated from there, the act of pursuing could easily turn into a ambush. Worse yet, if they had archers hiding and ready it could become a slaughter.
Quickly reacting, he made a call he knew would end in the safer path. He held his spear outwards to signal a halt even as his riders moved into formation behind him.
"Hold! Upon some tact, it seems we could easily be stumbling into an ambush. Give them pause to return, and let them lick their wounds. We'll wait before examining such a place. Especially with the possible storms. Were lucky it didn't break into anything serious yet. Groundwards lads, and we'll head back to town to make sure none got through."
As they lowered to the ground, Ilheod noticed Alexander approach. No sooner had their mounts touched the ground that he moved to his captain with a look of concern. He looked to the skies as he spoke to Ilheod.
"Sir..what of the other rider? What do we do?"
Ilheod thought upon it for a moment before looking up to the other rider for a moment. As the twelve riders fell into rank formation behind him Ilheod called out loudly.
"Lad! Fly down here. I would speak with you."
As he spoke small droplets began to cascade down from the swollen black storm clouds. Naught but a drizzle, it still let a series of metallic impacting tinkling sounds as the armored men and wyverns awaited the others decent. The storm had finally started to set in it seemed.
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Shugo
Wyvern Rider
RETIRED
The world is a dark and lonely place. That is why it is our duty to bring some light to the world.
Posts: 271
Profession: Kid
Affinity: Fire
OoC Alias: Butorega
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Post by Shugo on Jan 20, 2015 23:18:44 GMT -6
It seemed the bandits were on the retreat, the little of them that remained. However Shugo was not going to simply let them get away. "Every one of them that lives is another villager dead", spoke Shugo as he kicked Luna in the side. The wyvern gave off a disgruntle growl but took to the sky. Shugo was not going to let those bandits get away. Sure they were not attacking the town, but they would regroup and attack somebody else. What if a merchant went to that fort to get shelter from the rain or if somebody was lost. No, Shugo could not stand their presence. Shugo had to take them down. While others retreated Shugo pushed on. The danger of archers did not even cross the young Wyvern rider's mind, but the sound of thunder halted his advance. Shugo may not be experiences nor was he fully trained, but he knew better than to fly in a thundering night sky. His advanced was blocked by the clouds and the battle was over.
"I would like to speak to you", spoke a voice from below. Shugo looked down to see a rider dressed in red. "He must be the leader of the knights", spoke Shugo as he rubbed Luna's head and asked his Wyvern to descend. With great vigor Luna descended to the earth. She did not want to be in the rain and like Shugo she feared the heavens wrath. Descending from the sky the mighty white Wyvern landed onto the earth. Luna was a head bigger than most of the Wyverns around her and her white scales made her stand out. From the ground it almost looked as if she was standing their alone, but from her back jumped a lad clad in heavy crimson armor. With the rain pouring down Shugo removed his helmet and revealed his light purple hair and cheerful expression.
"So you are the leader of the knights", spoke Shugo with glee and excitement. The boy's mood had done a complete 180 degrees from before. Earlier he was upset about not finishing off the brigands and now he was excited to meet actual knights. His ability to switch between the two emotional states was a testament to his time on the battlefield. Shugo began to look around at all the knights. He had never seen so many riders before, thought he had seen many more Wyverns. When Valin had taken him to the valley he saw an entire swarm of them. One for every color in the rainbow. These Wyverns thought, they were all black, along with the armor of their riders. "Are you all the Nightwings", asked Shugo as he remembered a tale Valin had told him.
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Post by Ilheod on Jan 21, 2015 8:55:53 GMT -6
Ilheod waited for the body to land. He noticed the boy's hesitation. It wasn't until the rolling clap of thunder that he opted to lower himself. Atleast he was smart enough to recognize the dangers of it. Good. As the white wyvern lowered it's self he noted the boy all but vanishing from sight. He must have truly been just a lad. Lad or no, he had slain two bandits with the help of his Wyvern. Meant he could at-least fight. Ilheod waited a moment longer as the lad began to remove his helmet and speak excitedly. he merely nodded as the boy exclaimed to his status as the leader of the knights. He'd let the lad get it all out at first before speaking. He wasn't in a mind to repeat himself because of another's excitement. However he was a bit surprised, though he showed no trace of it, as the boy asked him if they were the Nightwings. Sometimes he forgot that his unit had gained some reknown beyond the borders of Bern. Then again the midnight blue Wyverns and black armor was somewhat a trademark of theirs. He had never seen it within any other unit. The older man nodded once more as he responded before he turned to gaze at Alexander as the soldier cleared his throat briefly to grab his captains attention.
"Yes, Alexander?"
"Sir, permission to check on the village?"
As he waited for Ilheods response, the knight captain turned to look at the young boy again for a moment. If the child truly posed any notion of threat he wasn't about to believe it was dire enough that he couldn't send most of his men back and handle it on his own. He nodded before taking a brief moment to look away from the boy and face his riders.
"Immen and Brom will stay with me. The rest of you, follow Alexander back to the village. Make sure no one got harmed and no brigands got through. If so, tend to it swiftly. Dismissed!"
Simultaneously, ten knights clasped their closed fists to their breastplates and wrapped their knuckles to the plating twice before responding with a tone typical of soldiers.
"Sir!"
While Alexander lead the majority of the unit on foot back to the village, riding atop the mounts that sprinted swiftly over the landscape; Ilheod turned back to the purple haired lad. His gaze ran him over once more as he nodded before speaking more directly.
"Aye, were part of the Nightwings. I'm their captain, Ilheod Donsen. Former knight-commander of the western Bern watch. My unit's split up at the moment. Two squads away from Bern, this being one of them. Tell me lad. What're you doin' on your own fighting brigands? Obvious you've some knowledge about you how to fight, but why are you on your own out here? Seems out of place it does, a boy and his wyvern striking it out alone to fight bandits."
Doubtless the boy was questioned often, but they were still ones he would hear the answers to. It was plain the lad could atleast handle himself, if he had tamed a Wyvern and could handle a spear.
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Shugo
Wyvern Rider
RETIRED
The world is a dark and lonely place. That is why it is our duty to bring some light to the world.
Posts: 271
Profession: Kid
Affinity: Fire
OoC Alias: Butorega
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Post by Shugo on Jan 21, 2015 10:01:36 GMT -6
Shugo looked at Ilheod a bit confused. His question made no sense to the boy. He was a wyvern knight, of course he was fighting bandits and defending villagers. This is what Wyvern Knights were suppose to do. Valin had taught him this and so did Eren when they fought along side each other. For Shugo this was the core of being a rider. Defending the innocent and putting the wicket to the spear.
"Well I am a rider", spoke Shugo as if that statement had more meaning than just the words. "As a Wyvern Rider it is my duty to defend villagers and take down bandits. My spear is the sword of the innocent and bane of evil. That is what my father taught me when I first learned to ride. As for why I am alone it is because I got separated from him a while back. I am not sure where he is at the moment, but I decided to strike out on my own for a while. Rather than waste time simply flying around in circles I decided to move to help people, and it is for that reason I ended up here of all places. I heard that their were monster attacks and brigands so me and Luna came to take care of trouble." Shugo paused for a moment to pet his White Wyvern on the head. Reaching into his bag he pulled out a piece of dried fish and tossed it into her mouth as a snack. "Also I thought all young Wyvern Riders left struck off on their own. That was what Valin did and I assume that it was part of the tradition of the riders."
Answering all of his questions Shugo decided it would be good to ask one of his own. "If you don't mind me asking, but why are you all in this region? I thought the knights of Bern mostly patrolled, well Bern, and not the outskirts of Ostia. Is their some great threat here or is it something political?"
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Post by Eren on Jan 21, 2015 10:20:09 GMT -6
The weather was rapidly deteriorating; as Eren flew, the thick clouds suddenly began to split, and the heavy rain began to fall, sad and solemn. It was a grey rain, cold and slimy, in accordance with the horrid Ostian decor. The rain wasn't a particular problem, but they had been flying a while, and the Dragon Knight didn't want to overexert his midnight-indigo wyvern. Plus, water wasn't good for his armor. It was better to avoid damage at all costs... He recalled clearly that time when the wind gusts sent him flying off of Mika. Granted, the winds were very strong and the rains torrential, but... It was better not to take risks.
So Eren descended, spiraling down until something strange came into view. There was a town, and, in the center of it... Something large and white. Something very familiar. Something that reminded him of a young lad he'd fought with many times, a boy, even, but with the spirit and heart of a grown man. Shugo was his name, Luna was his mount, and Luna was the only white wyvern he'd ever seen.
This invited investigation, so Eren sent Mika into a bulletlike descent, waiting until the last moment to pull out of the dive and alight gracefully. Hopping down, Eren saw not one but two familiar faces. One was Ilheod, the Wyvern Lord he'd met in that forest... And the other was Shugo.
"Shugo. Ilheod. Well met, sirs. It seems that the winds of Fortune have swept us together once more. I am glad. But why the drawn weapons? Why the worried countenances? If it is a misunderstanding, let me mediate. If it is not... Enlighten me as to what it is. If there's fighting to be done, you can count my strength in. That much you can count on."
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Post by Ilheod on Jan 21, 2015 11:21:30 GMT -6
Ilheod listened to his tale. He would be false if he had stated it was the first he had heard such a tale. Nor, he speculated would it be the last. Ilheod knew it was only fair, that after having answered his questions that the boy ask one of his own. The older male shifted his stance and adjusted his spear so it rested with the butt pressing to the ground and the shaft leaning upon his shoulder with it pointing skywards. Astraeus adjusted himself, the large wyvern tucking his tail around his rider slightly as he shifted and leaned back somewhat. The captain rested one hand upon the Wyvern's neck with his armored fingers rubbing at the exposed scales under the mount's neck. The creature closed a single eye in contentment. Like any cavalier, or pegasus knight; a wyvern rider tended to his mount not only as an animal but a comrade. A life long friend. Astraeus had been his first and only wyvern, raised from youth even as Ilheod had grown up growing along side the scaled beast. He looked to the lad for a moment, before speaking plainly to him. It couldn't hurt to reveal their true story. After all, unlike most they were not ashamed of their choices since the collapse of Bern.
"Aye, it's true were housed in Bern. However after it's fall, and the rebellion started we lost most communication with the actual forces. I could have taken my men and flown to the capital to investigate. However we are responsible for the defense of the people in Western Bern. The Nightwings keep to their duty. So we defended the people from bandit raids, and many a conflict. Till I noticed the brigands weren't acting like normal Brigands. They were too organized. Too well equipped. Acting with actual tactics. So I took to investigating it. Learned there's some mercenary lord out there rallying half a countrysides worth of bandits, and I went after him. I took two squads with me and left the rest of the garrison to defend the villages back home still. Our goal is to track down the bastard, slippery as he is. However we stop on the way to help any village or town we see that's got ruffians workin to harm em. Seems only right. However I-"
Before he could finish, the approach of another drew his attention. A sight he recognized almost instantly as a familiar Dragon Knight. Eren. It seemed that nature had a knack for bringing others into encounters by merely throwing around some sour weather. As he landed, Ilheod lifted a hand to prevent the two men still with him from taking it as any sort of threat. They hadn't gotten to see Eren as at the time Alexander had lead them off to send word to the rest of the unit. When he spoke Ilheod couldn't help but think back upon their last encounter. He adjusted himself by standing up a bit as he nodded to the male, answering in kind.
"Worry not lad, weapons are merely drawn because your late to the spectacle. Bandits had attacked, so me and the boys fought em' off. This lad decided to join, so I've been learning some about him. How've the winds been treating you? Seems like it's been far too long. I see the pegasus lass isn't with you this time. Hope all's well with her."
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Shugo
Wyvern Rider
RETIRED
The world is a dark and lonely place. That is why it is our duty to bring some light to the world.
Posts: 271
Profession: Kid
Affinity: Fire
OoC Alias: Butorega
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Post by Shugo on Jan 21, 2015 13:50:57 GMT -6
"Eren", shouted Shugo with excitement as he laid eyes on the Dragon Knight. It had been awhile since Shugo had scene him. The young boy ran up and gave he old comrade a hug. Shugo was usually more reserved than that, but he had known Eren for quite a while and he missed him greatly. To Shugo Eren was like a distant uncle that would visit from time to time.
"Yeah you missed most of the fighting", spoke Shugo as he switched back to a more mature state. The young boy turned to look at the fortress were the bandits had retreated to. "We ended up taking out a good number of their units, but then they retreated to that stone structure over their", spoke the lad as he pointed his spear in its direction. "I was going to give chase, but the weather made me retreat. I had no idea what they had waiting for me in their so I was planning on using my altitude as cover to try and sneak in from above, but with the threat of lightning in the air that plan was scrapped entirely. The only option left to me then was to descend. Oh speaking of which", spoke Shugo as he turned back toward Eren and Ilheod. "I had no idea that the two of you knew each other. If you don't mind me asking when, where, and how did you meet. I am curious to the fact."
Shugo found it surprising how how all three of them were connected. Shugo and Eren had done some jobs together in the past and as a result he knew him, but from what he was getting at Eren probably worked with Ilheod as well. This was a good sign. Eren does not choose his allies lightly. If they were going to assault the bandits together then he knew he had a decent alley at his back. The danger would still be their, but at the very least he had help to relieve it.
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Post by Ilheod on Jan 22, 2015 10:13:27 GMT -6
It was obvious the younger boy was not only acquainted with the other wyvern rider, but close. Ilheod, who was used to normal interactions between riders like any other soldier shifted a bit and adjusted himself to a more firm poise by no longer leaning back on his wyvern but standing straighter. His spear however remained pointed skywards resting atop his shoulder. As Shugo eager explained the situation to Eren, Ilheod turned to his two remaining men. He spoke quiet enough not to over talk the boy but loud enough to be heard over the slowly growing volume of the rain cascading upon the multiple bodies of armor. Even while he spoke, both men snapped to attention before their captain. While the rain had started to pick up, Astraeus would periodically look skywards. With his wings tucking in his claws had started to knead up the ground with impatience. Dirt now starting to become mud broke up and was torn asunder underneath the large wyvern's grasp. It was obvious he wasn't fond of storms.
"I think we'll join you shortly, atleast until the storm passes. Head back to the stables and meet up with the others. Let them know that as soon as the storm clears out were headed to the ruins. Expect two extra hands with us."
A brief wrapping of armored hands to their chests in salute and the soldiers lead their mounts back into the town leaving just the red armored captain and the two other riders. Ilheod turned back as the young boy looked to him, asking how he knew the newly arrived rider. So many questions. Then again given his seeming age could he really be surprised? Ilheod looked to the other man for a moment before back to the talkative lad with him shifting his helmet, moving to attach it to the saddlebags upon Astraeus. Ilheod paused for a moment before elaborating further to the lad.
"Well. Funny enough, it was bad weather that forced us to meet the first time as well. My unit and I had split up to gather information on a particular brigand, and some had gathered up to report back to me. That's when I met him, and this lass who rode a Pegasus. Odd girl that one. However we had taken refuge in a cave after a moment. Strange site to see wyverns and pegasus huddled around the same fire, don't expect I'll see it again any time soon however if the lass isn't about. I believe that was the only time I'd encountered one on the same side as myself. Well, does that answer your question lad?"
While speaking he had finished attaching the helm and re-secured the saddle bags. Ilheod moved to the front of his wyvern, clasping either side of it's jaws lightly to lower it's head. He pressed his forehead to that of Astraeus for a moment. The wyvern had a warranted dislike of storms, worsened by an accident during one of their past battles that had involved them almost being smitten from the sky by lightning. So at times, especially if combat was about to happen or had just finished he had to help calm his companion. The clawing into the ground mercilessly slowed, until stopping all together. After a moment of prolonged contact he lifted his head and tugged lightly at the strap he normally used for an extra grip upon it's back. He lead it slightly to the side of the two before speaking in a collected tone.
"I'm heading back to the stables in the village, if you two wish to join me. Astraeus is not likely to allow much more time in the storm, especially if it worsens like it's sure to. We can draw out a plan there as well, save from the elements."
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Kaen
Squire
"What will my path be?"
Posts: 14
Profession: Unemployed
Affiliation: None
Affinity: Anima
Profile: Kaen
OoC Alias: Kaentheblack
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Post by Kaen on Jan 22, 2015 16:26:24 GMT -6
"Captain?"
A man called out to Ilheod. The first to spot the large figure approaching the company. The cloudy sky made it hard to discern, but the trained eye could notice it was a wyvern. Flying openly and somewhat slow for one of it's size, one would believe it to be wild. Except the chance to see a wild wyvern this far in Ostia was second to none.
Whatever stance the company took, the figure kept advancing towards them. The familiar sound of wings flapping were accompanied by the echo of thunder in the distance. An armored figure rode the wyvern, which was completely unarmored and unequipped for combat. The rider was slim, short and knew nothing about riding efficiently upon the beast.
*THUMP*
The wyvern finally landed near the company. And the rider finally revealed himself. He was a young man, or an old boy. Not older than 17. He was lightly armored, with only plate covering his chest, arms and legs. He wore no noticeable crests or emblems that would explain why he'd shown up. He could be an enemy for all they knew. His features were soft, and his violet hair was almost completely darkened under the cloudy sky.
The wyvern looked nervously at the sky. Expecting lightning to hit at any second. It stood it's ground, however, trying to look at mighty as possible as it's head slowly shook with each thunder in the distance. It's red scales were common in Bernese lands, and it's approximate wingspan marked it as it being relatively young. Around 5 or 6 years of age. Yet, it stood proudly, bearing it's fangs at nearby wyverns.
"Uhm...hello? I am looking for uh...Captain Ilheod?"
The rider spoke in an indecisive tone. Looking around at the dark-armored wyvern riders. Was he some sort of errand boy? Scout? Not with such a slow riding. He gulped, noticing the old battle-scarred wyverns around, and his eyes noticed the weapons nearby. Seeing trained soldiers made him feel uneasy. If they decided so, they could kill him right now. Escape was impossible as well. He knew they rode faster than him.
The boy retrieved a small folded parchment from a pouch strapped to the wyvern's saddle. He held it close to his chest, as if it was some charm to protect him from harm. He waited to see the people's response.
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Post by Eren on Jan 24, 2015 22:46:17 GMT -6
"Bandits? If there's bandits around, I've got a sharp lance and a razor-edged axe for them. And Mika's hungry, too."
The deep indigo wyvern gave a low growl, then moved over to Luna, nuzzling Shugo's wyvern and giving a quiet, happy yelp. It seemed that she was happy to be back with her friend.
"So, Ilheod, Shugo. Been keeping busy, I imagine? I've been raiding bandit strongholds, purging Bern, and working as a maverick for hire. I even led a squad of novices for a while. It was quite the adventure. But I agree. We'd best get inside and formulate a plan, so that we can beat the innards out of those bandit scum you mentioned."
Suddenly, Mika grew stiff and alert, her jaws snapping as she looked skyward. It seemed as if she'd noticed something. The 'thing' was another wyvern, which came careening downward like a kite with a cut string. It looked to the Dragon Knight as if the approaching Rider had little to no experience with a wyvern, much less any sort of training or combat experience.
"We've got company incoming."
Just then, one of Ilheod's men called out as well. Perhaps he had seen Mika react as well.
"It doesn't look too dire, though. Seems like a kid, actually. Looks like Shugo, except without the grace and confidence you have, my boy."
Eren clapped Shugo on the back. He didn't give compliments lightly. He was quite proud of the young Rider, with whom he had partaken in many raids, and in whom he had complete trust.
When the new arrival landed, standing in a hunched poise and speaking in a manner betraying his lack of confidence, Eren smiled grimly. It was a young one. With a young wyvern.
Mika growled menacingly. Eren snapped his hand out in a gesture, and the wyvern instantly stopped, instead resorting to glaring at the unfamiliar red wyvern with steely eyes.
"Don't be alarmed. We're not going to hurt you, although the bandits I hear are roaming about might. You're lucky to have caught us when you did. What do you need, young sir? I'm not Ilheod; my name is Brigadier General Eren Barrata. Finest Maverick Dragon Knight in all of Bern. But anyway, I'll not delay you from your errand; once you've done what you must, feel free to join us in the warmth if you can stay. I'm interested in how one your age is already riding solo flights.
Anyway. I don't wish to have to clean rust off my armor joints again; I just did not a week ago. Come on, Shugo. Let's get to the warmth. Ilheod, and maybe the new man, will follow when they're ready."
With that, Eren began to walk away, with Mika following him. Soon, they arrived at the large, barnlike building, and Eren stripped his armor off inside, laying them out and cleaning them and his weapons meticulously, not speaking to the rest of Ilheod's unit, and waiting for the others to arrive.
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Shugo
Wyvern Rider
RETIRED
The world is a dark and lonely place. That is why it is our duty to bring some light to the world.
Posts: 271
Profession: Kid
Affinity: Fire
OoC Alias: Butorega
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Post by Shugo on Jan 25, 2015 18:14:42 GMT -6
"Oh a newbie", spoke Shugo aloud as the young rider landed. It was his first time seeing somebody new to the entire Wyvern Rider business. When Shugo first started to ride he was taught how to do everything by Valin personally so he did not have much trouble finding things out, and secondly he did not have such a young mount. Him and Valin ventured into the Wilds to find Luna, though he imagine raising one up from a younger age would be far less difficult than getting Luna use to him. It is funny when Shugo thinks about how many times Luna saved his life in the past because before that she was trying to eat him as a snack. Still it was educational for Shugo to see this. one day he would be teaching some other lad how to ride a Wyvern and fighting from the sky. He needed to know or more clearly see what a fresh rider was like.
"It doesn't look too dire, though. Seems like a kid, actually. Looks like Shugo, except without the grace and confidence you have, my boy", spoke Eren.
"Grace", spoke Shugo taking offense to the word. Grace was a think for women and girly men. Grace was not a word suppose to be used to describe warriors, thought Shugo himself barely counted as one. He still however took pride in the fact that he could hold his own in a fight. "It should be something like awesome or skilled Eren", spoke the boy halfway pouting. "Not graceful, grace is a word used for women. I am a man.", spoke the boy as he attempted to hold his chest out.
As the duo arrived toward the young rider Luna began to hiss. She never liked new people, Wyverns and men alike. Shugo had to scratch the back of her head to calm her down. Him and Luna were no where near like Eren and his mount. All the Wyvern Lord had to do was stretch out his hand and immediately their was a calmness. Luna on the other hand was more likely to grab shugo by the arm and toss him on her back than listen to him. She was far too overprotective, but then again that what made her and Shugo such good partners. Shugo could not count the number of times she pulled him out the fire, or even kept him from getting hurt because of his foolhardy trust.
"Hi the name is Shugo", spoke the boy as he walked up to Kaen. Luna kept a keen eye on the boy and his mount the entire time. She expected something to go wrong. The boy held his dragonspear tightly as he looked the young man over. "A bit young to be fighting", spoke Shugo ironically, but before he continued Eren called him along. It was probably for the best. Shugo was already being hypocritical, thought he did not know it, and he did not need to waste any more of their time. If anything Shugo needed to get out the rain. It had been almost a month since the last time he had done any detail on his armor and the task was far overdue.
"Right", shouted Shugo as he rushed off. Luna followed behind giving the pair one last malicious glare.
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