Cebrail
Soldier
There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.
Posts: 64
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Post by Cebrail on Jul 27, 2010 0:37:41 GMT -6
Cebrail nodded. Like the night before, he had made food for himself and the men. Before Balthier went off, he quickly caught up to him and handed him a small plate and fork.
"Omelette with onions and potatoes. You need to eat first." He walked off and woke the men. They were to gather their things and make the final preparations. He looked for Reylan but couldn't quite remember where he fell asleep. "You, find the cavalier Reylan and wake him. Tell him we move out shortly." The soldier ran off in search of the cavalier. Cebrail wanted to check on the injured first. Many couldn't walk, let alone stand. Distressed, Cebrail found Balthier saddling horses with the other mounted men.
"Balthier, a large portion of our cavalry are still able, while the rest of us are not. I know I said to take some with you to scout the road, but we may need some to pull the injured for us." He counted the cavalry and came up with 12. "I think 4 should be enough." He hoped the mage would understand. They wouldn't be able to move the injured without someone pulling the cart. No one other then a horse would be able to do so in their current condition.
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Balthier
The "Before" years
[M:0]
Everything you think you are that puts you above others is a lie.
Posts: 68
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Post by Balthier on Jul 27, 2010 7:17:08 GMT -6
Balthier panned his foot, turning to see Cebrail catching up to him. Upon being handed the food, he bellowed. "Ah, yes! Good man, you are." He smiled, gladly accepting the food and digging in slowly. "It's very good, Cebrail." He noted, with a mouth full of food. "Onions are my favorite."
As he listened to the plight of the wounded, in accord with the other men, he sighed. "Yes, I suppose there's nothing to do about that. We'd do well to send more with the wounded than with me. We can't help the chance of another attack, and if it happens, we don't need any more wounded." He strode over to the campfire, Cebrail following. "I can hold my own, and these men, I'm sure." He said with a glint in his eye. "We shall split even, six and six. I may not even need that many simply to scout, so if you think more would be helpful, say so." He paused for a minute, his gaze aloof in the camp. "Santaruz is one day's journey; the earlier we leave, the better chance we arrive at nightfall. The sooner we get there, the better... Obviously, of course, seeing as we don't want a run in with any more bandits."
He gathered the rest of his small things, situated himself comfortably on his horse, and turned to Cebrail. "My team will leave now, one mile ahead of yours. If there is trouble, I will send a bird with a note to alert you of it. Find Reylan quickly, you will not have much time."
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Cebrail
Soldier
There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.
Posts: 64
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Post by Cebrail on Jul 27, 2010 9:16:26 GMT -6
"One mile? Alright then. I'll inform the others." Cebrail walked away with half the cavalry following closely behind. "The other men are already helping the injured onto the carts. I want you guys to attach the saddles to the carts and make sure everything is ready to move." He hoped Reylan would go with Balthier, but for now, he couldn't be found. There was still the matter of the gold left over from their supposed Captain. Unsure what to do, he kept it packed in a sack. He would bring it up later.
He went to the burnt out campfire and wrapped up what was left of the food. He put it on a cart with other supplies they would need. Looking around, he noticed his lance on the ground, still covered in blood from the previous night's battle. He grabbed a ladle and poured some water over, washing away the horrid memories.
OoC: Sorry it's so short XD I wasn't sure what else to do...
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Balthier
The "Before" years
[M:0]
Everything you think you are that puts you above others is a lie.
Posts: 68
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Post by Balthier on Jul 27, 2010 9:51:56 GMT -6
OoC: It's okay, I didn't think you'd even post. I thought Reylan would post, then I'm gonna time skip to about halfway to Santaruz.
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Post by reylan on Jul 27, 2010 9:59:49 GMT -6
OoC: Here's your post, kind sir.
IC:
Reylan awoke with a shudder. A tree isn't exactly the same as a bed, he thought angrily. Slowly stretching his muscles, he stood up and began gathering his equipment. His horse whinnied sadly, indicating that it was tied up too long. Sorry about that... I couldn't let you run off while we were sleeping...
As he walked towards the center of the makeshift encampment, he noticed that Cebrail had already awoken.
"Good morning. Are you ready for the trek?" Reylan asked eagerly. He wanted to leave as soon as possible. The sooner they arrived at Santaruz, the better. Reylan then quickly scanned the area for Balthier. "Where is Balthier?" he asked, sleep still clinging onto him like sap. Cebrail explained that Balthier had gone ahead with a small group to scout out the path, and that we would be trailing behind him by approximately one mile.
Reylan hadn't bothered to take off his armor before he slept, so he was already prepared for the hike. Mounting his horse, he trotted over to Cebrail once again to give him a status report.
"All the soldiers in my group are fully ready for the trek. I'd like your group to stay perhaps a quarter mile behind mine, if possible. However, I'll let you make that choice. I personally think it'd be safer if we were in separate groups. Sellswords don't normally attack during the day, much less during the morning."
He gave Cebrail a parting nod, then rounded up his group. "All men, listen up. I'm not even close to a commander, but if you want to escape this place, pay attention. We will be in the middle group, approximately one mile behind Balthier and a quarter mile in front of Cebrail. It's the best way to ensure a safe passage to Santaruz. Come! Time is on our side!"
With his group fully equipped and ready for the trail, Reylan flicked the reins on his horse, his vassal following steadily behind him.
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Balthier
The "Before" years
[M:0]
Everything you think you are that puts you above others is a lie.
Posts: 68
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Post by Balthier on Jul 27, 2010 11:55:15 GMT -6
---
Balthier was turned around on his horse, not on the saddle, and leaning his head against the horses head so he could lay down properly on his back. Strangely enough, he was able to sleep as Eidelwiess knew exactly where to go - home.
The journey was both long and boring, especially seeing as the path to Santaruz was nothing but nature. No towns did they pass, nor any other civilization.
Balthier lazily opened his eyes, looking behind him at the few cavalry trailing his horse. He noted that they were least halfway to Santaruz, and time wasn't quite on their side as they had hoped. The sun was well into the sky; even so much to say as past midday.
However, it failed to worry the mage. He was currently carefree, aloof in his midday slumber and enjoying the comfort of his horse. He thought of Reylan and Cebrail, and hoped they were in line with him accordingly.
We should make Santaruz in time... as close as we'll be to Santaruz's borders, they'd be fools to attack. But that hasn't stopped them in the past. And it didn't stop me... Balthier thought to himself. He was excited upon the return to his homeland, and again to meet Marquess Santaruz. They should receive supplies enough to extinguish any remaining Eturian soldiers they might pass. Plus, it looked as if the group needed rest. More so, from Santaruz, they'd be able to communicate with any family they might have.
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Post by Mana on Jul 27, 2010 12:37:57 GMT -6
OoC : Can I join?
Since leaving the town, she just wandered without exact destination. Mana had get through forest and river alone on her way here. There was no place she could call home now, her tribe was slaughtered, her mother died and maybe Rein died too. To make anything worse, she didn't know where she was now. She were very hungry, she hadn't eaten anything since yesterday. Her face was pale, her eyes looked empty, and her body was weak.
"Mother..."
"Brother..Rein..."
"Everyone..."
Then she saw a group of soldier in front of her. They were not far away, but she couldn't ever see them clearly because her eyes were heavy. Her legs moved unconsciously and she started walking towards them.
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Cebrail
Soldier
There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.
Posts: 64
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Post by Cebrail on Jul 27, 2010 12:52:58 GMT -6
OoC: Of course you can. It's an open thread and I invited you It was early afternoon. The caravan of wounded soldiers were moving slowly. If Reylan and Balthier kept the same speed, Balthier should have been about a mile ahead while Reylan should only be about a quarter. They were moving at a reasonable pace and hadn't encountered any problems yet... A young girl was not too far on the road. She appeared slow and weak, near collapse. Cebrail had been leading the third group and noticed the young girl. He ran forward and introduced himself. "My name is Cebrail. Are you alright?" He held the girl up by her shoulder, she looked as if she was about to fall. "Come here, you can rest on one of the carts. Men! Bring her to the cart. Bring her some food." He looked back towards the young woman. "Come with us, you'll be alright."
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Post by Mana on Jul 27, 2010 13:11:20 GMT -6
A soldier helped Mana, he took her to the cart and then gave her some food and water. She would never refuse this offer, she didn't even bother the soldier watching her and just ate the food quickly until nothing left. She felt refreshed and better after her stomach was full. Now, what she need was just a little rest.
She noticed the man who helped her before was still sitting beside her. "He is the one who helps me." Before she closed her tired eyes, she wanted to talk to her savior. "My name is Mana. Thank you Cebrail." Even her voice was weak. After saying that, she closed her eyes slowly.
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Balthier
The "Before" years
[M:0]
Everything you think you are that puts you above others is a lie.
Posts: 68
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Post by Balthier on Jul 27, 2010 13:34:35 GMT -6
Balthier still lay on his horse sleepily, his arms resting behind his head in a relaxed manner. His horse still trotted, as did the rest of the company behind him.
He lazily opened one eye and called to the soldiers behind him. "We're no more than 2 hours from the gates of Santaruz, where we will find safety and supplies. You all deserve rest, so continue, we're almost there." He closed his eye to rest once more, when a soldier called out to him.
"Sir! We received word of a small swordarmed girl accompanying Cebrail and his troops a mile back. She supposedly had been wondering this land in search of something, and Cebrail took her into the caravans to help aid her." He finished, getting back in line.
Balthier laughed. "I see, what a Samaritan. Such a good man, he is..." He drifted into a half-asleep state, and watched as clouds covered the sky and it began to drizzle. "Just two hours..." He snored slightly.
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Cebrail
Soldier
There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.
Posts: 64
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Post by Cebrail on Jul 27, 2010 13:52:13 GMT -6
The girl had fallen asleep and fell onto his shoulder. She reminds me of.... He shook his head. Now was no time to think of her. He moved her head and laid her head on the cart. He took his bag and lifted her slowly so she could use it as a makeshift pillow. He had already sent a messenger up the path and hoped that Balthier and Reylan had received word about the young girl.
He began to wonder about how long it would be until they reached Santaruz. Everything was turning out relatively well. They continued at a reasonable pace and the injured continued to rest.
She slept peacefully. Cebrail looked back often, she was a newcomer and obviously not from around the area. For whatever reason, he felt...it was important to help her. If they were getting help from Marquess Santaruz, maybe he could petition to help her as well. He was needed here in Lycia...but maybe...if she needed help, he would be there to help the young girl.
He shook his head. He hadn't gotten more then her name and he was already willing to help her with whatever problems she possessed. "Not good at all...." He stared to the road ahead, his thoughts adrift.
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Post by reylan on Jul 27, 2010 13:57:39 GMT -6
Reylan moved his group along the path at a steady pace, scanning the area for any suspicious activity. Directing his horse forward, he noticed the sky was graying. Looks like we're in for a storm, he thought warily.
Reylan continued on the trail until he saw a messenger trotting along behind him. He guessed that Cebrail had sent him a status report.
"Reylan, please wait. I have a message from Cebrail. His group reportedly found a girl armed with a sword not too far back. A myrmidon, by the looks of her clothing. She seemed rather weak, so Cebrail is giving her food. She doesn't seem to be aligned with the Night Crawlers, so perhaps she could join us. Her name is Mana."
Reylan nodded in response. "If what you say is true, then I'll happily allow her to travel with us. I'd like to meet her once we arrive in Santaruz. Give Cebrail my thanks." Mana... I'll be sure to remember that name.
The messenger nodded and trotted back toawrds Cebrail's group a quarter mile back. As the first drops of rain fell on Reylan's face, he began to wonder how far they were from Santaruz. The thought of exploring a new city excited Reylan. He was eager to find out exactly where they were, but he assumed that Balthier was carrying the maps. He pressed onward, the wind gradually picking up.
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Balthier
The "Before" years
[M:0]
Everything you think you are that puts you above others is a lie.
Posts: 68
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Post by Balthier on Jul 27, 2010 14:12:51 GMT -6
Balthier was wide awake with the now furious storm. "Man, I absolutely love storms. There's nothing better! My brother loves them too, I suppose my entire family enjoys the rain." He said aloud, not caring who heard.
He looked to the sky as the rain fell on his face. He rested his arms still, laying on his horse, and watching his surroundings while listening to the thunder above him.
He looked towards the cavalry behind him, and then hopped off his horse. He motioned for the whole crew to halt advance. "The gate of Santaruz is only past this hill. Night will fall in an hour or so, and to be caught in such a storm that late would be bad. We've arrived in good time." He walked a bit, stretching his legs.
"Here, we will stop, and wait for the rest of the crew. A girl has joined Cebrail's party, so be cautious. I do not trust easily, and I don't expect the others to either... but I digress." He laughed a bit, waving off the seriousness. "Rest a bit. The others should be with us any second, then we will cross the hill and into Santaruz!"
He looked behind him and frowned at the hill. Marquess Santaruz... I need your help this time. Please...
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Post by reylan on Jul 27, 2010 15:28:35 GMT -6
By now, the storm was at its full intensity. As the winds howled through the horizon, the sunny sky was soon darkened with ominous stormclouds. As rain poured down heavily, Reylan's visibility greatly dropped. He couldn't see anything out in front of him. He was tempted to seek shelter under a tree branch, but he couldn't afford to lose track of the others, much less in a violent storm.
He steadily approached a large hill, which Reylan guessed was the one Balthier had referred to earlier. He'd not dare to cross it in this weather, but it appeared that he had no choice. He halted temporarily at the bottom of the hill. Once we cross this hill, Santaruz is barely a walk away... I wonder how Cebrail and Balthier are holding up? And that Mana girl...
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Cebrail
Soldier
There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.
Posts: 64
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Post by Cebrail on Jul 27, 2010 23:16:18 GMT -6
Cebrail hadn't really been paying much attention, so when the sunny sky mutated into dark storm clouds, he was a little surprised. The heavy rain created a thick wall that he could barely see past. Great...Everything was going so well too... He thought. He quickly reached into his bag, without disturbing the girl, and grabbed two cloaks. He used one to shield Mana and the other for himself. He chuckled to himself. She must be tired...through a storm and she's still sleeping. He stopped and signaled the caravan behind him.
"This rain may cause problems for us. Please, check on the injured and our supplies. I don't want the rain to damage them. Once we proceed again, watch your footing."
The men slowly walked around the carts and checked the food, weapons and their injured comrades. After a minute or so and a confirmation that there was no serious damage, the group pressed onward towards Santaruz.
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