Day of Departure (Solo)

[Carlisle "Hartmut"]

He moved like a flash, darting in and out around his opponent. Swift and deft blade work against a stalwart yet agile lancer. Noticing an opening the swordsman lunged with his blade only for the lancer to twirl his spear and knock the blow aside. “What!?” The swordsman had no time to recover as the shaft of his rival’s spear struck across his flank. Falling back over his opponent’s foot he hit the ground with a thud.

“I believe, that would make 59 to 40.” The lancer held the spearhead to the swordsman’s chest with a confident grin. Setting his weapon aside he offered his hand to the swordsman who took it gratefully. Pulled back to his feet the swordsman brushed the sand from his body and recovered his blade.

“I’m pretty certain that only makes 55 to 44.” The swordsman grinned in return.

“Maybe, but history is written by the victors Carlisle, be happy I gave you even that much credit. Your enemies won’t be so kind.”

“Keep roughing him up like that Khalid and they won’t have the chance to know him as such,” Khalid’s father, Khalas, approached from his hut. “Are you boys satisfied?”

“I have to admit, being on the losing side of the record I am not, but it was a good match and for that I can say I am,” Carlisle’s eyes fell somber for a moment before composing himself once more. “Are you certain you cannot come with us Khalid? You are as fine a confidant as I could want and a strong warrior as well.”

Khalid grinned in reply and sighed, “You have your people and I have mine. Were it so simple for me to leave you know I would; but things are stirring out here in the desert and my time to become chieftain is fast approaching. Still, I would hardly let you go empty handed.”

“Khalid!” Khalas interrupted with a cautioning tone. Whatever he meant it would seem there was a surprise in store for him. His eyes betrayed him as there was still a kind glimmer about them when he motioned Khalid away with a nod of his head. The lancer gave a wave and darted off. When his son was out of sight Khalas addressed Carlisle once more. “You know I am against this right? I think your heart is in the right place but your own people don’t want you back.” He wanted to sound less cruel but it was the unfortunate truth.

Carlisle simply nodded in agreement. “I know. What’s more I keep thinking, what if the prophet really is Elimine’s chosen and I was spared because I believed. What if it’s my punishment for not stopping the nonbelievers in charge? Am I on the wrong side of history and divine destiny?”

“So why do you wish to go?”

“Because despite my fears I have to believe that I survived not by mercy but by purpose. That Elimine spared me in order to ensure that pretender was off the throne and the lands can be saved. He usurped the throne and began a war so devastating as to invite dark fiends into all of Elibe. We are facing a collapse that threatens us all so great the likes have not been seen since the Scouring of old.”

Khalas smiled then. “So you are fighting for glory? To be the great hero that saves the land?”

“No. I have no desire for glory. I only see an opportunity for there to be peace and salvation for Etruria. I may be hated but I accept that. If there are any left holding out hope of my return I owe it to them to do so; and should they not welcome me back then I would resign myself of the throne if needed. May history paint me as a hero a tyrant or forget me altogether I do not care.”

“You know. That’s not what you told me when you first came her nine years past. You’ve grown, and I will accept your determination. Just know that I fear for you as well.” Khalas placed a hand on the prince’s shoulder and offered him a somber smile. “But let us not dwell on dark things, Khalid has already tipped you off so let’s get back to the tribe and send you off properly shall we?” Khalas did not wait for a reply before turning around and heading off.

[Carlisle "Hartmut"]

Carlisle began to follow when something flashed in and out of sight of his peripherals. "Huh?" What was that!? He turned sharply but saw nothing. Turning back he raised his guard but was too late as a young woman came barreling into his stomach throwing her arms around him and knocking the air clear from his diaphragm. "Layla?" He wheezed.

"It can't be true! Tell me it's not true!" The girl whined and buried her head against him.

"Okay. It's not true."

"What? Really!?" Layla looked to his face, her dewy eyes filled with hope. It made Carlisle feel a twinge of guilt over teasing her.

"I mean, that depends, you told me to tell you it was not true, but it really depends on what you did or did not want to be true. This, what you want to not be true, I don't know that which you reference." He smiled as Layla puffed her cheeks defiantly.

"You suck! You really really suck!" She pushed away from Carlisle and turned her back on him with her arms crossed. She was twenty years old... but you wouldn't know it with how she acted.

Carlisle sighed and let the silence linger before speaking up again. "I'm sorry but I imagine what you heard is true, I will be leaving for Bern in the morning." He quickly continued when he saw Layla turning to face him ready to fret. "But we all knew this was coming since I first came here."

"I know, but its been a whole nine years! Why should you have to go fight for a kingdom that's not been yours for almost a decade!?" Carlisle did his best to hide how deeply her words pierced him behind a soft empathetic smile. "I just... I kind of started to think you might always be here."

"The fact you will miss me means more to me than you know, but what was done to my kingdom can not be reconciled without me. If I left Etruria alone for the other nations of the world to deal with I can not foresee any positive outcomes. If Etruria conquers unchecked then they will, in time, find me here regardless and put me to the sword. If the other nations of the world were to come together and overthrow Etruria... what then for them? Another occupation? Civil war? Etruria would utterly collapse or worse allow someone madder than the prophet to rise to power. I must be there, I must be able and ready to rally my people and pick up to pieces of what remains when the wars settle"

"But why does it have to be you!?" Layla protested.

"Because I am the only one left! You know this!" His voice was sharper and harsher in tone with her. It was one thing to lament and complain but please, do not say such foolish things. He collected himself quickly and spoke as softly as usual, "I do not want to get angry with you, my apologies. Khalas and Khalid are awaiting me at the huts though, so I think I should not keep them too much longer."

"Oh!" Layla gasped, "I need to go get ready myself!" And she was gone, off running in a tizzy.

[Carlisle "Hartmut"]

Carlisle entered the village’s largest tent. It was commonly used for celebrations and gatherings of the various leaders within the great desert. Today was no meeting however and his senses were assailed by incense, food, music and colors. Colorful cushioned seats were set in a large ring around the edge of the tent and a table of plates sat before that. Within the ring were the musicians, a singer, and dancers for their entertainment.

Carlisle already knew this was done with him in mind but it still took him aback. He never considered he would be given such a grand sendoff. Across the tent chief Khalas entertained those nearest him and Khalid sat near him. The two locked eyes prompting Khalid to stand and announce, “The guest of honor has come!” Waving Carlisle to him he added, “Come, Brother, let us enjoy your final night here.”

Carlisle found himself grinning as he made his way over. He did not see Percival anywhere but he knew he would arrive eventually. “I knew you wouldn’t let me leave empty handed but I never imagined a celebration.” The two friends embraced before taking seats around the table.

Sipping wine from his goblet Khalid nodded, “Yes, well, there is more to tonight than just a farewell. You will understand soon enough.”

Carlisle raised an eyebrow but Khalid would say no more. The night was filled with revelry and stories. Talks of politics did creep in but if it would sour the mood it would be quickly changed into something about the food or the entertainment. Percival joined them eventually and only relaxed when he had enough wine.

Eventually the music stopped altogether before a small horn blew a very airy and light note. Khalid elbowed Carlisle playfully and pointed his attention to the dancers. The dancers laid on the floor forming a circle and seemed to come alive with the music. The music seemed to build and build playing with the listener’s expectations until the dancers were all standing and the music suddenly stopped. The dancers threw themselves to the floor again but in the circle stood a new dancer, Layla. Noticing the surprise on Carlisle’s face Khalid added, “Impressive huh? Didn’t even notice her enter did you?”

Carlisle hadn’t thought much of the dancers until now but because it was Layla he suddenly noticed how fast and light their movements were. How seductive and intense. His face flushed, was it the wine, or was it her? He had taken to thinking of Layla as a sort of little sister but she wasn’t, she was a woman.

“You know, you’re the only man I would be content to see her marry.”

“That’s not a very good joke, Khalid.”

“It wasn’t. But, maybe I’m okay with it because I know it will never be.”

“Always the protective brother I see.”

“Perhaps.” Khalid grinned and leaned back. “It is almost time for the main event of the night.”

“Yes, about that. What exactly is supposed to happen?”

[Carlisle "Hartmut"]

"What indeed?" Khalid grinned before ringing a large bell that silenced the room as he stood to address all present. "Nine years ago, we invited a pair of outsiders to live among us. Those two looked nothing like those within our tribe, did not know our language and were rather depressed and dour. In other words they could not have been anymore of outsiders if they were dragons." A cheer from the crowd. "But this feast and celebration is not for reminiscence and to dwell on the past, but instead to look to the future."

Khalid nodded at Carlisle and held a hand out to him. Carlisle obliged and with Khalid's help joined him in standing before the gathered people. "Carlisle is an outsider even today. His lot is that of a king cast out of his home but one who will return to glory and a greater future! He is an outsider to all lands, but as of tonight he will always have a home here! Though he comes from a distant land he will become family and my brother!" Khalid turned to Carlisle and grabbed a dagger. "If you would accept this proposal we will become blood brothers."

Carlisle was stunned into silence. Among Khalid's people a bond of blood was among the greatest pacts that can be formed. Though the two did not share family this pact would make the two of them equals. He could never inherit authority as a chief but he would be honored as any of the ruling family was. Carlisle began to laugh. "Yes, Khalid, if not for you and your persistence I would have fallen into the depths of despair when all was lost. I may have lost my family of blood, but if there is anyone I could since call family it is none other than you. I accept your proposal."

Khalid smiled and clenched his right hand around the blade lightly but still hard enough to bring blood to the surface. "Then before the eyes of all gathered here today and before the eyes of the gods, and Elimine, let the blood mingle and become as one." Khalid handed the blade to Carlisle who made his hand bleed without hesitation. The metal burned in his new wound but it was enough. The two men proceeded to clasp their bleeding hands together. Their blood dripped down to their wrists and arms until it reached their elbows. With the first drops falling into a bowl below the ritual was complete. The two men wasted no time in cleaning their wounds and receiving bandages.

It was now Chief Khalas's turn to speak. "Come tomorrow Carlisle... excuse me. Come tomorrow Prince Carlisle will be departing our village, but we will not let him leave empty handed." An array of gifts were suddenly presented. In the scheme of war funds they were few but there were many weapons and other useful trinkets, and even a horse. It was a rare breed that could traverse the desert as well as a plain and it was quite the generous gift, in some ways greater than even the gold.

The night dragged out for a long time but eventually Carlisle was forced to excuse himself from the celebrations. The days to come would be full of many hardships so he ought to get a good night's rest before the beginning. Indeed, tomorrow would be the first of many firsts.

[End Thread]