Lucien Chevalier
Soldier
Posts: 37
Profession: Lesser Noble
Affinity: Light
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Lucien Chevalier on Mar 16, 2014 0:21:47 GMT -6
Lucien smiled warmly towards Eren, his Chivalric nature knowing no bounds. As much as his arm screamed for treatment, the soldier had the mission ahead of himself. "I appreciate it, General, but I won't die from a wounded arm. Our very valuable source of information here however may slip into the nether. Cleric, please make sure his wound is healed. Then I'd appreciate some assistance."
The nurse didn't want to be asking any questions or getting involved too much. One could see she herself hadn't got much sleep and had enough problems in her life. However, she did answer Samuali's question. "Some man with scruffy brown hair, about your length and about three days of beard growth... he didn't want to stick around at all and wasn't compassionate for this man here. Santaruz is s big place, I'm not sure you'd find him. I never got a good look at him."
Lucien sighed heavily and looked towards Samuali as a father would to a son or a teacher to a student. "My lance is but a tool. My body and my mind are my real weapons, as are any soldier's." He laughed, and relaxed in his seat. "If we can get some time tomorrow, I can show you what I mean. It seems like you're carrying my lance like you've seen combat before."
There was a bit of scuffling at the cathedral door, a uniformed guard making his way inside towards the doorway of interest. "I heard a scream from outside, is everyone alright?" He asked, now realizing the very well-dressed company he was in. He also saw the thief sprawled out onto the floor, a knife in his hand. "What's going on here?" He demanded with a bit of caution.
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Post by Eren on Mar 16, 2014 12:28:54 GMT -6
"This man on the floor is a bandit," Eren spoke tersely. He was a little bit tired of all this commotion, and just wanted to relax, have a drink, and get this whole trial affair over with. Plus, he was famished, and Mika must be as well.
"He attacked us earlier, when we were on the road. I believe you can take him away, correct me if I'm wrong, Chevalier."
Eren moved aside, lance still trained on the prostrate thief. His stomach rumbled, and he grimaced slightly. There were too many bandits around nowadays.
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Samuali
Soldier
I am getting better and better, so you better watch out!
Posts: 106
Profession: Wanderer
Affinity: Wind
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Post by Samuali on Mar 16, 2014 14:09:36 GMT -6
It was easy to see that the nurse hadn't got much sleep lately, but see did give a vague description. She also went on the say that it was unlikely that they would find the man. Samuali thanked her and simply got out of the way. Lucien gave him a fatherly look after he was healed and told him with a small laugh; "My lance is but a tool. My body and my mind are my real weapons, as are any soldier's. If we can get some time tomorrow, I can show you what I mean."
Samuali responded eagerly."I am learning that more and more in my journey. I would greatly appreciate that offer tomorrow, I will not turn down a chance to train."
Lucien continued on. "It seems like you're carrying my lance like you've seen combat before."
Samuali answered slightly embarrassed. "Your lance? Oh, sorry. I forgot I was looking at it. And yes I have been training and using it for a while, though i am not very skilled yet. I am working on becoming better though."
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Lucien Chevalier
Soldier
Posts: 37
Profession: Lesser Noble
Affinity: Light
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Lucien Chevalier on Mar 16, 2014 21:14:32 GMT -6
The Cleric had finished healing both men, Lucien feeling reinvigorated for being able to open and close his left hand without any issues or pain. The soldier responded to Samuali. "Very well. Before the trial, we should go to the sparring yards. There are certain things one can only learn through experience, but I'll teach you a bit of what I know."
The pressing issue was the thief knocked out cold on the ground and the suspicious guard. However when the guard got a better look at him, he recognized the profile. "Hey! That's the bandit the captain told us to look for! We heard reports of a skirmish on the road outside of town and a man with a chest wound fleeing the scene. I'm glad you ran into him!" He didn't hesitate to pull the man up into a fireman's carry and start to move towards the door.
Lucien was a little surprised at the man's speed of action, he probably knew himself a squirming man was harder to carry than one hanging from his shoulder. "No, Berrata, you're right. I'm also glad the guard showed up. I'm in no temperament to be hauling a ruffian to the guardhouse." Lucien stood up, replacing his headband and gauntlets as well as his shield, preparing to step out back onto the street. "Thank you so very much, Sister. St. Elimine bless you." he remarked, bowing his head. She gave a similar response but with no word.
"Say, how about we find an inn for us to stay the night? Lucien questioned the two with a bit of elation. "General, could you pick something out for us? I trust the boy, but I think I'd prefer your tastes." he joked.
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Post by Eren on Mar 18, 2014 18:38:31 GMT -6
"My tastes? Oho, sir, you flatter me. Throughout my travels, I've been living sparsely and thriftily, as my income is no longer steady. However... I do enjoy a good night, in good company, with a good meal and good ale. That would be a nice change of pace.
Very well, I'll be right back."
With that, the Dragon Knight saluted and strode out of the church, inquiring from locals as to the most affordable of the high-class inns in Santaruz. Eventually settling on the interestingly-named "Valiant Rabbit Inn", Eren booked the three rooms and three meals.
Returning to the church, Eren hoped they hadn't wandered off... He had been abrupt, after all.
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Samuali
Soldier
I am getting better and better, so you better watch out!
Posts: 106
Profession: Wanderer
Affinity: Wind
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Post by Samuali on Mar 18, 2014 19:03:04 GMT -6
"General, could you pick something out for us? I trust the boy, but I think I'd prefer your tastes."
"My tastes is a hole in the ground, and that is all I need." Samuali said back only half jokingly. Eren took off to go find a inn. Samauli decided to walk out of the church and look around a little. The city fascinated him and wondered around, but kept the church in his sight. "What a wonderful place this is..." He said to himself. In the corner of his eye he saw Eren come back to the church and he started waling back to the church, a fair distance away.
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Lucien Chevalier
Soldier
Posts: 37
Profession: Lesser Noble
Affinity: Light
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Lucien Chevalier on Mar 19, 2014 13:52:03 GMT -6
The noble remarked before Eren headed out that, "I'm typically very frugal in these hard times, however I think there will be plenty of hardship ahead for my mission. We may as well live well for tonight and appreciate the string of victories the heavens have given us!" He held the door open for the two, knowing that Samuali wanted a bit of fresh air. He felt a little worried about the boy and his mental state, having to go through such hardships at such a young age. However, he must have a special mission the gods have for him to play... he would ensure that the time he had with him was well spent.
Chevalier walked calmly into the main body of the cathedral, embracing the beautiful architecture and paintings, the boy returning to his organ playing. He entered a pew and knelt down, looking at the enshrined symbol of St. Elimine at the head of the church. The devout soldier spent most of his time in there praying, then taking a bit of time to head outside of the church to see just how banged up the cathedral was on the outside. Being able to take in the grand scale of the church, the graffiti was more like blemishes or scars on a beautiful object. This made him feel a bit more at peace. He had a bit of a rush of energy when Barrata and Samuali returned to him.
"So, General, we're all here. Did you find somewhere suitable?" Lucien asked, following the pink-gloved military man. "Lead the way, please. We don't have much to do until the trial tomorrow."
--(TIMESKIP)--
Again the three were at the main doors of the government building, a small crowd gathering who had heard of the circumstances of the trial posted by the newsboy all around town. One could tell that they were concerned citizens also looking to get rid of the bandit problem outside of the Santaruz gates and investigating to see if this would be one step closer to safer travels in a desperate time where it seemed there were bandits lurking around every corner. The guard from last night at the cathedral was there and recognized the three.
"Ah! This way! The trial is about to begin, so we'd like for you to take your seats at the front near the judge. You're just in time!" he exclaimed to the group, they being ushered through the small group of people inside. They took their seats with no particular interest in what was going around. Compared to the city, this courtroom was rather dull. They could see seated to the right was a badly beaten thief with more bruises than Lucien had given him in their fight, and the father and son sitting next to him. They were all bound and looking very tired in stark contrast to the group who had a good night's rest and fill at the Valiant Rabbit Inn.
After the courtroom was occupied with those from outside to witness the trial, the judge had walked out from a back room and took his seat behind a large pedestal. He dropped his gavel three times, catching the attention of the whole room. He went through a bunch of words the city probably had him say before the meat of the trial was brought forward. One after the other, Lucien, Sam, Eren, the father who's name ended up being "Erik", the son who's name was revealed as "Thomas", and the thief who's name was brought forward as "Gerard".
Lucien stood up to the witness stand as he was directed to by one of the courtroom guards and he gave his testimony. He cleared his throat before speaking, being sure to also announce his suspicions. "Your Honor, I was on the road from Laus to Santaruz taking a nap when Erik came to me saying he needed help in his farm with a caught calf. He had roped in his son, Thomas, and this boy looking for work, Samuali, into attempting to capture and rob me. I quickly put an end to their attempts and took the three." He paused, the courtroom silently accusing the three of the heinous crime of banditry. Chevalier continued.
"I will say, Your Honor, that I do not believe the three to have done this on their own free will. When walking towards Santaruz we were ambushed by three men, two of whom, are dead now thanks to the assistance of Brigadier General Eren Barrata. They added more to give me reason to believe that Erik, Thomas, and Samuali are innocent men roped into banditry under threat of death. The true bandits that have been giving the Santaruz people grief are the "Hill Gang" to which Gerard had spoken of in our exchange at the cathedral. What you come up with I trust in your judgement, Your Honor." The noble wasn't used to talking that much in quite some time. However, he didn't miss a beat and calmly walked back to his seat. Eren and Sam would have to give their testimonies as well.
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Samuali
Soldier
I am getting better and better, so you better watch out!
Posts: 106
Profession: Wanderer
Affinity: Wind
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Post by Samuali on Mar 19, 2014 16:25:29 GMT -6
Lucien had finished his testimony and sat down. Samuali was directed by the same courtroom guard to get up and give his testimony. Samuali walked up to the stand and gave his testimony.
"Your Honor, I was traveling through the area when Thomas approached me and offered a job to help take care of a bandit. I accepted and was given orders to strike the bandit from behind when Erik lead him past my hiding place. Lucien Chevalier came past and out of suspicion, I allowed my self to be taken by Lucien Chevalier."
Samuali paused for a moment, trying to recall an important event.
"Later we were escorting the Father and Son when we were ambushed by three men, one was Gerard, the leader said something about missed payments and not leaving witness and attacked. Brigadier General Eren Barrata swooped in and helped Lucien Chevalier defeat them. I trust in your judgment, Your Honor."
With that Samuali returned to his seat, he noticed some of the crowed seemed to believe that Samuali was part of the trouble. His speech was hindered a little by nervousness, and he hoped that it did not show too much. His face showed his concern. Eren was up next.
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Post by Eren on Mar 23, 2014 17:20:48 GMT -6
"Your Honor, my testimony will be short and concise.
I was flying on my wyvern, Mika, when I saw what appeared to be a robbery. Landing and confronting the belligerent, I killed him, while Chevalier dispatched of a second. The third, only wounded, escaped, but we later found him in the clinic of the local church, and Chevalier incapacitated him for capture.
I know nothing of any bandit situations around Santaruz, but I will say that these men are clearly attacking the innocent.
That is all."
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Lucien Chevalier
Soldier
Posts: 37
Profession: Lesser Noble
Affinity: Light
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Lucien Chevalier on Mar 26, 2014 22:20:51 GMT -6
The Judge brought all of his evidence together, including the testimonies from Erik and Thomas in which they stated the truth that the three already knew. However, they added in that they were indeed pressured into banditry by the Hill Gang and the farm they raided from was derelict from one of the gang's victims. As such, they used it as a raiding spot. The father had no pride in his words, but did list off what he knew with precision. He had his time to wish for a different outcome. He now had to face the consequences of his actions. The Judge shuffled in his chair and brought together his own findings.
"Information reports compiled with witness testimony tells this story as true. With Ostia ceasing to exist and Laus being constantly invaded with hellish creatures, the road between Laus and Santaruz has been a perilous one. The Santaruz guards have found the location of this hideout and should help to find and destroy these pests who have been preying on refugees." he took a breath and eyed over some papers at his podium before continuing. "We have appointed Sir Darius as the Retainer for Lord Helman to guide his entourage to exterminate the bandit camp and bring back any offenders. A posse is being formed under the leadership of Deputy Reinhard for any volunteers. Those guilty of banditry charges who join the posse are given reprieve of their sentence. The party leaves in three hours out of the Laus road gate. God speed, gentlemen."
The long string of words was a lot of information to take in for Lucien and a few others in the courtroom. The Judge did seem rushed in his actions, but it seemed that banditry was commonplace outside of Santaruz. The noble looked over to the three accused, Erik and his son talking amongst themselves. Two guards ushered Gerard away... it didn't seem like he had the same chance that the two had.
A third guard walked over to the family and spoke with them shortly before escorting them towards Lucien, Eren, and Samuali. "Well, I'm glad we found the damned spot due to your quick work, Chevalier. I'm Sergeant of the guard for the West Gate and I'll be the one seeing Sir Darius out of the gate in three hours." He paused, taking a glance back to Erik and Thomas who were beaten by lack of sleep, but determined. "I know you all can stand your ground in a fair fight, especially you, General. Would you be interested in joining Deputy Reinhard's posse? We already have a couple volunteers." he said in a light tone, gesturing to the two behind him.
Lucien sighed and stood up straight. "I'll do whatever it takes to see law, order, and peace restored to the roads. The brigands will give themselves up or fall at my hands." the soldier stated with gall, his temper flaring a bit. It seemed as if the whole world was crumbling in Elibe and any step he could take to return it to normal he would gladly take as his honor and duty.
The noble looked towards Samuali and Barrata who have been with him all the way 'til now. "I'll ensure the protection of those who protected me, however. I do have a debt to repay you, General. If you wish to step away from this, I'm with you until my obligation is repaid."
Placing his hand on Samuali's shoulder, Lucien looked the green-haired youth in the eyes. "You have a bright future ahead of you, Samuali. However, despite your age, you act and have the will of a man and as such I should treat you as one. Would you join me?"
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Samuali
Soldier
I am getting better and better, so you better watch out!
Posts: 106
Profession: Wanderer
Affinity: Wind
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Post by Samuali on Mar 27, 2014 17:35:52 GMT -6
At last the trail had ended. Samuali had been given the clear. He gave a small sigh in relief. Apparently a posse was being formed to go and get the problem at the source. Also that the Father and Son would get a chance to be released if they came. Samuali milled about a little bit until one of the guards walked up to the group, escorting the Father and Son. The thief was no where to be seen. As expected, the guard asked if they would join the posse. Lucien clearly stated that he was in. He then put his hand onto Samuali's shoulder then looked him in the eyes.
"You have a bright future ahead of you, Samuali. However, despite your age, you act and have the will of a man and as such I should treat you as one. Would you join me?"
Samuali was surprised. He was expecting him to tell him not to go. But the words were of inspiration to him. "With Honor, Sir!" Then in a lesser epic voice he asked "But, could you perhaps show me where i am on a map first?"
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Post by Eren on Mar 29, 2014 14:46:25 GMT -6
"I would be honored to strike the bandits from this beautiful land. With our combined strength... We shall be victorious." Smiling, Eren gave a quick salute, before checking his weapons. Samuali's comment, however, made him stop for a second.
"I agree. Knowledge of the terrain can give a strong tactical advantage... Although I won't be getting any use out of hills or forests in the air, it would certainly be a boon to our ground-based force. Holding the best ground can change the tide of battle in a heartbeat."
"If I may, along with the map, could we find out who we'll be fighting with, and the approximate strength and type of our enemy? That would also be very helpful in planning our attack."
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Lucien Chevalier
Soldier
Posts: 37
Profession: Lesser Noble
Affinity: Light
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Lucien Chevalier on Mar 30, 2014 18:44:15 GMT -6
The guard heard the eager men volunteer themselves. Erik and Thomas were a bit more relieved knowing they had strong allies to ensure their survival. The two men were guided by a guard to follow him, most likely to take them to get outfitted. People began filing out of the courtroom slowly - the sun rising to just before noon. They had quite the day ahead of them and Lucien was looking as impeccable as ever having repaired his damages last night before he went to bed. His image came before his sleep, afterall! Nodding his head, the noble knew just where to look for a detailed map. "If we want to find a map with enough detail to ensure good awareness of the battleground to come ahead, we should go to the city square. It should be at the base of the clock tower or whatever monument is there. That's typically how many cities have them." he explained. They had a bit of time on their times before they had to get to the gate, but Lucien would rather talk with the Deputy as well as get good information so they were prepared for their fight. He walked outdoors, where he asked information from a guard at the door where the city square was. The man gave him simple directions and the three headed out in that direction. -- The city was an excellent sight in midday when the sun shone on all that it had to offer. It was in extremely stark contrast to Laus which had fallen into disrepair in the face of the evils that had come out of Ostia. He could only imagine what Worde and Thria looked like. As they closed to the city center, a very large column was in the square on top of a small ornamental structure. At the very top of the column was a statue of the Champion, Roland. The party closed in on the structure, where there were no doors and very wide openings where some people moved inside to look at the detailed map of the surrounding area of Lycia. There was also a map of Elibe that was in less detail on the opposite wall. "Say, Samuali... what exactly did you want to find out on the map?" he asked the young lance. He looked at the large map of Elibe and saw it had been updated with some new markers he didn't recognize. Times changed and they did so quickly. The Elibe he knew of 10-15 years ago when he was Samuali's age would never be the same again. He turned and looked at the regional map and caught the attention of Eren. "I see you're studying that map pretty closely. What can you tell me, General? Do you think the odds are in our favor?" He didn't know too much about topography other than getting from point A to point B using a sketched map from a guide.
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Samuali
Soldier
I am getting better and better, so you better watch out!
Posts: 106
Profession: Wanderer
Affinity: Wind
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Post by Samuali on Mar 30, 2014 20:22:50 GMT -6
Samauli studied the map. He was way off where he thought he was. He muttered under his breath at his difficulty of telling direction off stationary hills. His view went back over to Nabata. He held his finger over a spot in the desert, his true home. He continued tracing along his route, many key points along the way. He had come a long way, but he was not done yet! Lucien addressed him.
"Say, Samuali... what exactly did you want to find out on the map?"
"Just to see where i was now, i have been map-less for some time." Samuali then walked behind Lucien to the local map. "So where is the location?"
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Post by Friedrich Reinhard on Apr 1, 2014 16:46:44 GMT -6
Another beautiful day in Santaruz. Unfortunately for Friedrich Reinhard, it would have to be spent hunting more bandits. He had been appointed by the court to fulfill his duty as a Deputy of the Guard and lead a posse out to the bandit hideaway and destroy it. He was told a group of two men and a young boy had left the courthouse for the city center by some guards that saw them leave. He made his way quickly towards the square. Friedrich never seemed to really walk anywhere, rather he almost marched everywhere he went. A brisk pace and barely ever bending his knees, Friedrich's commanding aura was bolstered by his tall stature, nicer-than-most armor, and the scar on his eye. People might have found him purely intimidating if it weren't for the smile he would crack when actually talking to people or the manners he practiced everyday.
Arriving at the square, Roland's Monument stood tall and proud. Friedrich stopped to admire it for a moment. "A fine place to spend a fine day...", he thought after letting out a sigh. He continued towards the monument's base where the party of two men and a young lad were standing. He approached and cleared his throat before beginning. "Gentlemen, I am Friedrich Reinhard, Deputy of the Guard. I have been given my orders to lead the posse out of Gate Laus in three hours so that we may rid ourselves of these peasant bandit scum and make trade and travel alike safe once more. I assume you are my volunteers.....it's a fine day for hunting bandits.", he finished with smile on his face. "A tad young for this work, eh?", he jabbed at the young boy. He glanced back over at the two men, stopping at the blonde man as the smile disappeared from his face. He stared for a few seconds without a word before shaking his head. "Forgive me, you just seem like someone I've seen before.", he apologized. "I'm told the two other men that attacked you lot are joining us. Such insolence and usury that only bandits would be so low. They'll be a great help to us."
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