Kyro
The "Before" years
[M:5]
Strength does not lie in one's arm or mind, but in what they fight for...
Posts: 29
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Post by Kyro on Jun 3, 2010 12:20:05 GMT -6
The full-blown desertation of the younger couple had left Kyro numb, subduing all of his emotions for an instant as their own apparently simple choices had calmed the turmoil he himself felt. Here, though, was another--how that word pounded in his head--group, roughly as young, oddly, with the same intent: to join the Bernese rebels, fighting against Kyro and everything he had thought he had stood for. He had pledged when his father died--mere moments after the fact, before the news itself had arrived--that Bern would have another soldier in its service to the end. What "Bern" stood as turned out to be the conflict. Running off on tangents seemed to be a coming habit. The introductions registered as a bare imprint; the question arrived in time for attention. "I-" And, of course, the moment one distraction was tossed aside, another took it's place. The brown-haired boy, Eric, had silently dropped from the horse and taken a position between the mount and the swordsman, Abel. Observant eyes flicked over the scene in a way that surprised Kyro; perhaps the youth could take care of himself after all...he even seemed to notice the Bernese man's reaction to the sudden pronouncement, as his hand fumbled with something that most wyvern riders wouldn't recognize on sight immediately. A tome! Everything snapped into focus as the thought exploded into the rider's thinking, as he realized he wasn't necessarily safe after all. Of course the kid would be a mage, came one furious reaction. Never assume you're safe anywhere on a battlefield... Or maybe it was alright in this case: the thoroughly frightened voice that came out showed either inexperience or quite a bit of surprise. Likely both... "It's three on one, and we don't want a fight, sir," the subject of Kyro's thoughts warbled.
That was enough for several days of thought. "On your way. This isn't a battlefield at the moment, but be ready the next time it is." A gesture toward the other end of the plains, and the Bernese rider finished, "I have no idea where their camp would be, so good luck finding it. Good day." Wheeling furiously, wyvern and rider flew back to the camp, an extra night of pondering added and little resolved...yet.
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Abel Caritas
Myrmidon
Whatever happens, keep moving on.
Posts: 120
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Post by Abel Caritas on Jun 3, 2010 17:27:53 GMT -6
Abel almost drew his sword, but the wyvern rider seemed to decided against attacking them. Whew, he thought.
The rider gave them meager directions and headed off. "Eric, think before you act," Abel said as he turned. Fighting a wyvern is not on my top ten list." He looked at Eric. "Now lets get to the camp before he changes his mind.
As they traveled, Abel told them to keep their traps shut when they got there and to let him do the talking. He was afraid of various problems they could cause.
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Abel Caritas
Myrmidon
Whatever happens, keep moving on.
Posts: 120
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Post by Abel Caritas on Jun 22, 2010 11:36:47 GMT -6
They came to a small group of trees. "I here talking," Abel whispered,"let me check it out. Stay here." He slipped through the trees and then hid behind a bush.
"Please Sarah don't leave me." Ops, I've invaded on someones goodbye, Abel thought. He doesn't look Ilian. And I think she might be a Bernese rider.
Abel slipped back to his friends. "I think I found some friendlies, but they're having a moment. I say we wait a minute or two then come crashing through the wood so they know we're coming. Then hopefully that will help soothe their nerves with a distraction and then we can ask for better directions. Any questions?"
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Eragon
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"I'm coming for you Morgoth..."
Posts: 17
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Post by Eragon on Jun 23, 2010 15:46:08 GMT -6
Eragon was on Bane's back, flying. "Don't worryBane, we'll be in Bern soon. When we get there we'll stop and eat."
Eragon noticed a figure in the sky. As he got closer he noticed that it was another Wyvern Rider. Bane must have noticed him too because as soon as they saw him, Bane sped up. Eragon was going to tell Bane to get closer so he could talk to the man, but Bane was already getting closer. The man eventualy was close enough to talk to.
"What's your name?" Eragon asked.
Maybe he's one of the people who will be training me in Bern, oh wait, I forgot, we're already in Bern.
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Eric
The "Before" years
[M:0]
There are worse flames than mine where you're going...
Posts: 21
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Post by Eric on Jun 26, 2010 19:22:55 GMT -6
The end of the conversation also ended most of Eric's tension; for some reason, the thought of combating a trained soldier (especially one of the almost legendary riders of Bern) had held incredible weight compared to defending his home against a few rough bandits. All that remained of his tension shifted aside as Abel commented on the pupil's reaction. "Think before you act?" he muttered furiously, cautious of invoking another round of sage advice from the swordsman.
An extra round came anyway. Eric bit back a much louder retort at yet more blunt statements about the entire party's need to let Abel talk. As if he couldn't tell when to talk or not! What was he doing now, if now restraining himself? He had trusted his companion to show him things, to teach him of the world, but that didn't mean slamming him with a dozen... A memory flashed to part of what encouraged him to leave; frustration simmered into sulking as Eric thought of the patience the man had shown in such a short time. In all honestly, Abel had been patient, too.
Eric reached a decision: he would voice complaints to Abel, but at a better time, maybe when he had thought about it. In the meantime, the group had suddenly come upon the only stand of trees visible for miles, a random of an almost-forest that seemed to be oaks. So much like Rone. Not quite as close together, maybe, more windblown, probably from the plains surrounding... The mage-in-training's reverie evaporated as the green-haired Ilian galloped into said trees, dissolving further as said Ilian flew back at equal speed, announcing, "I think I found some friendlies, but they're having a moment. I say we wait a minute or two, then come crashing through the wood so they know we're coming. Then hopefully that will help soothe their nerves with a distraction and then we can ask for better directions. Any questions?"
What a way to end the report! "How do we know they're friendly?" As it always was with Eric, the tide didn't stop there, instead continuing as if a switch had been tripped. "What exactly do you mean by "a moment," and why should we wait or let them know? If they're friendlies, we could just let them know which side we're on...then again, if they're friendlies, what are they doing out here having a moment or whatever? That guy from Bern would have seen them and done something about it." Suddenly, the pupil made his own decision, brushing lightly past Abel. "Just go and talk to them. Waiting won't do any good either way." Walking quickly revealed the couple: really only a pair, barely older than Abel if older at all, and hardly as battle-fit as the arriving trio. Confidence absent in the face of the powerful wyvern master locked in place. "What are you two talking about that you're hiding behind some trees?" Eric called.
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Kyro
The "Before" years
[M:5]
Strength does not lie in one's arm or mind, but in what they fight for...
Posts: 29
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Post by Kyro on Jun 26, 2010 20:24:56 GMT -6
There's no way around it, I need to sleep on all of this, Kyro thought wearily as he left the new trio behind. It seemed to be true; the exhaustion that had clouded the Bernese man's mind earlier had come back with the new overload of confusing information. Both groups Kyro had just spoken to seemed unanimous in flying against the Ilian leaders. Why? Would all of Elibe be seething against him until he fought alone, dying or surrendering for a cause he found himself torn in belief... He had had it. The only choice was to-
Flap, flap, came that all-familiar leathery sound, scattering Kyro's thoughts and causing him to lose his thread. 'What's your name,' had been the last question any warrior would expect to come out of a man with an eye patch, but so it had come.
The red-haired rider wheeled Aiyer effortlessly to face this other newcomer fully, now noting purple hair and young features in addition to the eye patch that glared ironically in the bright face. This one seems too young to have any injury like that. What has he been through, not to mention simply wandering over to an armed soldier without so much as raising a weapon. But for the question...he might as well answer. "I am Kyro, rider of Bern. If you will allow me to be blunt, you have flown into a war zone, looked at the first person you meet and asked for introductions. The camp might be a safer place for this." A turn toward said gathering stopped midway as all of Kyro's doubts came chaotically back. Father would never have questioned this! he combated furiously. All the time, he would have known exactly what he wanted and stuck to the end. He became a hero because of it! And I can't follow his example because... Another stop; this time because an answer had struck. Just like his father, he had always known where to go. Losing his way had delayed it, but not any more.
A heart could guide. For people like Kyro, however, only agreement in heart and mind could spur action. More information would come later. For now, he was content to rest and prepare for the excursion he now knew would come.
Realizing that the pause had gone for much too long, the red-head shook himself and nudged his mount onward. "Come with me if you want to live," he called behind him, never waiting to see if Eragon would come.
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Abel Caritas
Myrmidon
Whatever happens, keep moving on.
Posts: 120
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Post by Abel Caritas on Jun 27, 2010 18:39:22 GMT -6
"Wait Eric!" Abel called out as his young friend ran back toward the people. Am I being a good role model? he questioned as he realized Eric had been bitter. Maybe I should keep that in mind as I travel with these two. I'm alway's thinking of how to help people and not giving my friends the attention they deserve. How do I expect to keep my friends if I treat them like my armor?
Abel ran after him, hoping Orion would follow. "Eric, don't be rash. I get your point." Great, if he dies I'll never forgive myself. He broke through the foilage, finding Eric questioning them. The Saint help us, he thought as he prepared for a possible fight.
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Eragon
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"I'm coming for you Morgoth..."
Posts: 17
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Post by Eragon on Jul 11, 2010 14:14:05 GMT -6
"Kyro? What a nice name..." Eragon said, replying to the man,"I'm Eragon, from Sarcae."
Suddenly Kyro flew off on his Wyvern, Eragon followed. He had Bane fly faster to catch up with Kyro. Hopefully that little murderer, Morgoth, will be here. I'm getting tired of chasing him everywhere, we can settle this here, if he's here, and I can go on with my life and maybe settle down, somewhere in Bern perhaps.
"Kyro, does there happen to be a man, a shaman, in your camp? His name is Morgoth, he's sort of a 'family friend'." More like a 'family friend killer'.
Suddenly, something strange happened. Bane looked at Kyro's Wyvern like he was in love with it. The weird thing is that I'm pretty sure that Kyro's Wyvern is a male, creeper... That disturbed Eragon very much.
"Kyro, just wondering, is your Wyvern a guy?"
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Abel Caritas
Myrmidon
Whatever happens, keep moving on.
Posts: 120
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Post by Abel Caritas on Jul 19, 2010 16:40:48 GMT -6
OoC: Ignores Eragons weird post.
IC: After some quick explaining and excuses, Abel and Eric were on the road again. "Well, that went well," Abel said with a sigh. "Good thing my hunch was right. You know what Eric, I'm beginning to think helping people is going to be a lot harder than I thought. Fighting for them and rescuing people I can handle, but my people skills are in the toilet.
Abel situated his armor. Every time I do something for myself it ends in ruin, he thought. But I seem to do well when I help others. The only problem is like with all jobs, you gotta start somewhere.
"You'd think it'd be easy to find-" Abel paused as they came to a top of a rise. "-an army." He stood silently as he took in the vista. What lay before them was a medium sized army. There was men everywhere, people forging weapons and armor, runners with messages, the works.
"Wow, they look prepared," Abel speculated. "Though it seems they have an extreme amount of wyverns. Very few foot-soldiers. Even less mages I reckon, considering their fighting Ilia. Well, we better go ahead and get there before it gets to late."
Once they made it to the edge of camp, the guards hailed them. "What business do you lads have here? This is a war zone ya know."
"We wish to help free Bern so that it's people may suffer no longer and do as they wish," Abel said confidently.
The guard stood there a second, as if deciding if Abel was serious. "Well, I'll take your names and send ya off to the Commander. We've not many foot-soldiers, in fact Commander just sent off some men to recruit more."
"Well, it sounds like you'll need all the help you can get. I'm Abel, and this here is Eric."
"Well, Abel and Eric, follow me. Just don't expect such a great attitude from everyone."
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Eric
The "Before" years
[M:0]
There are worse flames than mine where you're going...
Posts: 21
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Post by Eric on Jul 29, 2010 15:24:40 GMT -6
I hope they don't expect to stay hidden, Eric thought, this place is sheltered, but not very good cover. Wonder what they'll need us for...or what they'll need me for. Abel should be fine, I guess. The excessive number of wyverns had caught the pupil's attention as well, although it didn't seem excessive to him; he had made sure to listen to stories and ask for information in the dozens of inns dotting their way here. Everyone (apparently) knew of Bern's wyvern riders, so their presence in force only made sense to Eric. They did, however, seem to be low on magic users, which was where he assumed he would come in.
People barely spared him a glance, focused as they were on their work. Smithies forged armor and weapons--completed sets of armor struck him the most, especially since they all seemed different from the armor worn by most of the soldiers they passed. By the time they had arrived at the command tent, the mage-in-training had put together the reason: these "rebels" were creating their own insignias and even a flag, which flew above the said shelter. All of them would have the proper trappings Eric had seen in armies so far, all to their own.
The tent itself was spacious, allowing for several floor mats, a small table, and a larger table that held a map, various instruments, sheets of statistics--so Eric guessed, since nothing else would make sense--and a man in the new armor poring over the sheets.
Their guide cleared his throat. "Captain Maugrim, these are Abel and Eric, two new recruits. They're here to see the general."
The captain slid a glance in their direction before remarking, "The general has business elsewhere currently. He has given me authority to handle any recruits and minor incidents until his return." Despite his callous body language, the officer's voice was friendly and welcoming, if a bit distracted. Waving the sentry back to his post, he returned to the sheets, marking something before turning toward the new-arrivals with a warm, tired grin. "I hope you'll excuse me, I have some...projects in the making, and I had to finish something before attending to you-" a formal bow preceded, "I am Captain Joseph Maugrim, of the Bernese Liberation Army. While Collins told me your names already, would you mind introducing yourselves? We will need to know where you're from, what you can do in addition to who you are."
Eric could believe this man had been working; dull bags sat under his eyes, although these were the only sign of any weariness. He must work hard, the pupil thought, taking in what might be his future commander. Nice enough, though. Maybe this won't be so bad. He almost cleared his throat, decided against it, thought to step forward, also decided against it, and finally just stated, "Eric Manuelson of Rone. I can do magic." Kicking himself for that lame statement was also determined unnecessary, but would likely be done later.
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Sarah
The "Before" years
[M:0]
Those with wings can fly away from their problems...
Posts: 30
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Post by Sarah on Jul 30, 2010 7:16:15 GMT -6
Sarah looked down and kicked lightly at the ground. She wanted to join the rebels, she wanted to help liberate Bern. But...she couldn't abandon Hal, or her family. She felt torn, confused and, not least of all, angry. "I'll go back with you. But eventually...I'm going to help to rebels. I can't fight with Ilia, Hal. But I'll fight with you. For now." she promised.
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Abel Caritas
Myrmidon
Whatever happens, keep moving on.
Posts: 120
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Post by Abel Caritas on Jul 30, 2010 10:42:37 GMT -6
"Abel of Lycia,"Abel told the captain. "I'm quite the skilled swordsman. Not a master yet, but I'm fast and know what I'm doing."
Maugrim look at Abel intently for a moment but then seemed to let go of whatever he was gnawing on. "Alright, like I said, I've no time to deal with specifics at the moment. Vornd, take these gentlemen to the arena. I want them tested. Then take them to section three eighty-nine. And get Quek for the lad."
A man in armor came in, who Abel assumed was Vornd. Tested? Why would we need tested if we're going to be grunts? Abel wondered. Unless they're in desperate need for ground officers. But then that would require more than just a physical test.
Vornd lead them through the sea of tents, stopping once to send someone after Quek. Soon they came to a large fenced in area where dozens of people were practicing. Vornd disappeared for a moment and then returned with a brawny man.
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Hal
Soldier
Wings of Courage
I've got 99 problems and Elesia caused every one.
Posts: 215
Bern Fame: 1
Lycia Fame: 1
Affinity: Light
Profile: Hal Kailas
OoC Alias: Kenshin
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Post by Hal on Jul 30, 2010 16:10:52 GMT -6
'For now' hit Hal like a bag of bricks. He never wished to fight a friend in this chaos. "For now..." Hal mumbled to himself. "Oh yea, I almost forgot. You must be hungry so I had brought this for you." He had pulled out the ration she had saved for her and started to give it to her. "What's so great about them stupid rebels?"
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Drew
The "Before" years
[M:0]
Change the world, one swing at a time.
Posts: 6
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Post by Drew on Jul 31, 2010 0:38:55 GMT -6
"How much farther... did you say it was?" Drew was about to collapse from exhaustion. When they had stopped at a village to resupply, a local at the inn they stayed at had informed them of a force called the Bernese Liberation Army. They three companions, having no prior information to the status of the rebellion, made a hasty leave of the village. For one week straight, they had traveled at a breakneck pace; eating and sleeping had dropped to a very low priority. Alysia and Griz, who were well versed in the ways of travel, were even having difficulties. An inexperienced traveler like Drew wasn't coping well at all. His body was demanding sleep to the point where pointed rocks looked like a Lord's bed.
Griz's voice brought Drew back from sleep's doorstep. "If the man at the inn was telling the truth, then we should be seeing a camp of sorts anytime now." Drew did a quick scan of the horizon. As far as he could tell, there was nothing even remotely resembling an army nearby. Alysia, who was leading the three of them, came to a stop.
She held up two fingers. Drew vaguely remembered Alysia telling him about the signs they would use. Two fingers... what did it mean again? As he was pondering the possibilities of what the sign could mean, two wyverns passed overhead. Drew suddenly remembered what two fingers meant; "Be captured." Being captured wasn't such a bad thing if it meant sleep.... Then the realization of what that implied hit Drew. He opened his mouth to protest to Griz, but he held up a hand. The two wyvern riders had descended to an altitude that permitted talking.
One of the riders called out, "Identify yourselves immediately! You are in the territory of the Bernese Liberation Army! You have fifteen seconds before you will be treated as hostiles!" As if to demonstrate what that meant, both riders pointed their lances towards us.
"General Osroth, Commander of the First Battalion of Knights, is reporting to the army for duty." Griz looked at the wyvern patrols, and they descended quickly. One of them jumped off his wyvern and yanked off his helmet.
"General, is it really you!?!" The patrol's eyes sparkled with admiration and respect. Alysia stepped forward looking a little too proud for her own good, in Drew's opinion.
"And I'm his daughter, Alysia. We've come to join the Bernese Liberation Army. We can't stand to see Bern in this state any longer." The faces of the patrolling soldiers grew grim. Those were the faces of men determined to fight. "Yes, we will free our Bern, together! General, I beg of you to help our ground forces! They are little and number, and we would be honored to have you!" Drew had to wonder, was Griz really that important a figure? And where would he fit into all this? Regardless, as long as we was becoming stronger and freeing Bern, he would do anything.
The soldier who had rushed to greet them snapped a salute. "Yes, sir! I will now proceed to take you to our camp. Please mount the wyvern." He led Drew, Alysia, and Griz to his wyvern, and signaled to the other patrol. The other patrol left with a flap of the wyvern's wings, presumably to continue the assigned patrolling route.
As they were mounting up, Drew noticed that the wyvern wouldn't be able to fit them all. He also saw he was the last in line. He got the terrible feeling that... "And who's this third fellow here?"
Griz glanced down at Drew as if remembering he was there. He laughed and said, "Don't mind him, he's my apprentice! He'll run behind us, he needs the conditioning anyways!" Too tired to protest, Drew sighed with resignation. He had figured something like this would happen anyways.
"On that thought, travel would be faster if our load was lighter! Take these." Griz dropped his supply pack from his place on top of the wyvern. Drew's face transformed first into surprise, and then into horror at the realization that he would have to carry the immensely large supply pack as well. As the wyvern lifted off the ground with Griz and Alysia, Drew got the distinct feeling that the walk to the camp would be a long one indeed. He prepared himself for the journey, with the goal of freeing Bern never leaving his sights.
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Sarah
The "Before" years
[M:0]
Those with wings can fly away from their problems...
Posts: 30
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Post by Sarah on Jul 31, 2010 18:30:05 GMT -6
"They're fighting to restore our home to its true glory, Hal. The Ilians took everything, and now we have to sit and watch them take over our home. If we don't do something, they'll just keep edging us out of importance. Before long, Bern will be...well, something besides Bern!" Sarah sighed and rubbed her eyes. "Let's just go back to the camp. Hopefully nobody says anything." Sarah smiled at Hal. "Thank you, for the ration. I'll eat it when we get back."
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