A Knights Training (Open)

[Morrigyn]

In the northern region of the snowy country of Ilia, up on one of the tall mountain peaks near the edge of the continent, and the known world, lies a small Ilian military base, mostly used for training and preparing the Pegasus Knights for war. This base, only able to house about 15 Knights at a time. Made of cold hard grey bricks, lined up across the entire base, the large wooden gate around the frozen over moat, usually held up to prevent any brigands or unwanted soldiers from breaking in. With small bits and cracks lining the brick walls around the perimeter of the base, not having seen much repair due to the lack of attention in that area, save for the occasional bandits. With the odd blizzard rampaging throughout the mountain, hailing down on the trainees within the base would be storming outside, keeping the young knights in training confined to the inside of the base with heavy iron chains holding down the training equipment as nature coats it in snow. Within the base itself would be warm, candle lit, and tightly sealed against the raging storm. To the left of the main drawbridge would be the knight's quarters, long grey hallways protecting the warm bunks and heavy suits of armor. Beyond the barracks, heading towards the right once you come upon them would be the nearby indoor stables, sealed wooden panels locked by the senior knights able to be lifted open, facing the training yard directly with a Pegasus in the stables for every trainee, and the Knights, including those who have not yet begun flight training. Facing continuing down the hall with the barracks to the left, and the stables to the right, would be the mess hall at the end, two large stone doors blocking any attempting to sneak out any food. The well lit hall housing the many stores of bread, frozen slabs of meat, and sealed containers of imported vegetables lie within. Behind the large counter used to serve the Knights, would be the kitchen, along with the storeroom. In front of it would be the many tables the Knights could eat at. From the main entrance to the right would enter the armory, housing all the lances, swords, axes, and armor for both the Pegasi and the riders. Iron and steel tipped weapons covering the walls of the armory, with shiny breastplates and boots for the senior knights off to the side. Continuing on from the armory would be the entrance to the training yard, sealed off during blizzards with an expansive field for running, training dummies, practice swords and spears mounted up against the walls, and on foot training for the the Pegasi. The final room, proceeding on the same corridor as the armory and the training yard entry, would be the study, combined with the map room. Used for holding mock war meetings, and in some cases real ones, the map room would have been combined with the small library that the base had, in order to conserve space. Holding books and scrolls on the history of the Knights, the world, Ilia, and the different kinds of weapons and how to care for them, would permit the new trainees to learn essential survival skills, along with the senior Knights able to refresh their memories on the basics.

One of the trainees, a short orange haired girl, just barely the proper age to be in training, would be holed up in the study room, a small stack of books nearby describing how to properly care for Pegasi, and their anatomy. Rounded shimmering glasses reflecting off of the candles lighting the room, the loud blizzard raging on outside as the trainee relaxes her muscles, and stretches her mind, her long orange hair put back in a long ponytail with her hair draped over the back of her chair slightly. Letting out a yawn as the day crawls by, the blizzard refusing to let up, she would drag through her studies, the quiet echoes of the senior trainees and knights heard from the mess hall. Running her hands through her hair in a sort of frustration, the base too small to properly stretch on the inside, she would stand up and walk around, trying to absorb the information from the long texts.

[Zachias]

Zachias tightly gripped his heal staff in hand as he trudged through the snow. It certainly felt colder than what he was expecting, but he knew that he needed to toughen through it. Besides, if he couldn't stand even the cold climate of Illia, then there was no way he was going to able to make a good healer to anyone. "Its cold...but I will continue..." he said to motivate himself.

As he kept walking, he noticed what looked to be a small Illian military camp. Granted he could offer his services to them, he still felt nervious about aproaching the camp. After all, he remembers what he heard during his time in the church in Etruria. Etruria is not on good terms with Illia and they may see him as an enemy rather than an ally. "Best head in anyways...it's better to die trying to offer my help rather than die out in the cold" he said. As he entered however, he couldn't help but notice that there were no one outside. "Must be having lunch or something...I guess it won't hurt to stick around...besides, having a healer care for them wouldn't be so bad,
right?" he said. He tucked his hands inside his white robes to keep them warm from the whether.

As he looked around, he noticed that there was a building to his left. "Perhaps...someone that can at least let me stick with them as a personal healer?" he said as he made his way to the building. He knocked on the door, wondering if anyone would notice him, or if they think he's a Etrurian Spy. No way...there's no way that Etruria would be so stupid as to send an unarmed person like me to be a spy for them anyways. Plus, my loyalty is to the church, not Etruria. he thought.

[Morrigyn]

Hearing the quiet knocking on the outside door to the study on my small walk about the base, I would place a mark inside of the thick book in front of me. Heading towards the door, trying to move the peep hole, the entire glass object being covered by the harsh storm, I would knock back on the door.

"Hello? Is there someone else out there?" I would call out, trying not to open the door, holding my robe back, grasping a small fruit knife I held just in case of emergencies, gripping the door tightly. "If there is, state your name and business here! This is a military protected base, and all bandits will be swiftly executed!"

[Zachias]

Zachias couldn't help but shudder at the threat that was made, but he certainly was no bandit. Yet, he had to choose his words carefully or risk a swift end to his dreams of being a good healer...and his life! He sighed as he prepared to speak to the voice that came from the other side as he moved his hands out of his robe.

"My name is Zachias, I was just passing through but...I'm also wondering if you would perhaps be interested in a healer being with you. I understand if you wouldn't want me here but I swear upon the name of St. Elimine that I am no bandit!" He said. He couldn't help but be slightly nervious. This was his first time really being away from his church by himself, especially in what is considered to be in the territory that is not on good terms with Etruria. [I just hope that they think I'm telling the truth.../font] he thought.

He pulled out his Heal staff to check on it. Other than the frost that now crusted the end of it, it was still in good condition. Zachias just hopes that whoever it was that answered, that they don't consider him an enemy. Besides, he has no means of defending himself if he is considered a threat. Not to mention, if he truly does want to consider himself a good healer, he would need to keep a neutral point of view, meaning that no matter their allegiances regardless if their Etrurian, Illian, Sacaen, or whatever, he wants to consider himself a friend to any wounded soldier that comes by his way.

[Morrigyn]

"And.... How long have you been out there? Is anyone else with you? And how can I trust that you're a true healer? Even if I did want to let you in, I would have to speak to my senior knights about this." I clench the handle tightly, rubbing the peephole as I lean slightly on the door. "Here, rub off the peep hole on the door, and show me your staff. If you do that, then I'll speak to the senior officers about permitting entry!"

Sheathing the small knife back into my robe, I would await for him to rub it off. Standing not far from the door, I would ring one of the bells in the lunch hall, calling one of the senior officers to the study room.

[Zachias]

So, it seems that they required some proof from him to show that he is who he really is. Zachias didn't blame her. After all, if he was in the same shoes as whoever answered the door, he'd be pretty skeptical himself. He sighed as he rubbed the peep hole and held up his heal staff. "I haven't been here for long and no one else is with me. I pose no threat to anyone here, only to provide my aid to you!" Zachias said.

He whipped some snow away from his face as he continued to hold up his heal staff. His purple hair fell across his green eye from the wind that blew with the snow. Honestly, he just hopes that they'll believe him and get him out of the blizzard. He could hardly feel the rest of his body after all. From the way the voice from inside sounded, it seemed to be a new recruit of some sort. He still didn't blame her for needing to contact a senior member of the camp. Back in his church, he usually had to do the same type of things when a new person entered that needed to be healed or had other types of problems. Granted, he didn't have to deal with any bandits thank St. Elimine but he still had to get an older member of the church for anything.

"Look...just trust me. I have no intention of wanting to fight anyone here since I'm clearly outnumbered anyways, not to mention unable to defend myself." Zachias said finally. He couldn't help but shiver some as he pulled his white robe tightly with his other hand as his cyan cloak blew with the wind.

[Morrigyn]

Taking a peek back through the door, swallowing loudly before I would grasp the keys from the handle next to the door, slowly turning the lock. "I'm going to open the door now. If you try anything funny then you wont be standing much longer!" I threaten the healer, convinced slightly by his staff before swinging the door open, holding my ground slightly against the raging wind, awaiting for him to come in, just as one of the Senior knight walked into the rooms, a lance already beside her arm as she looks inside. "Morrigan! Close that door before we all freeze!" the knight would rush forwards.

"There's a healer... someone outside in the cold, we can't let him freeze can we?" I continue attempting to hold the door stable, the winds quickly rushing in, some of the candles on the inside going out, the iron on the door already showing signs of frosting over, creaking loudly as the winds rush up against the door. Pushing me backwards slightly as I try and find something to get a grip on, I would wrap my arm around the door, holding it out for the healer. "Come on already, this door isn't the lightest thing in the world...!!" I would call out to him, the senior holding her lance outwards as I try to pull Zachias inside. The front of the walkway would already be coated with snow, the bright white flakes coating my boots, the winds shoving my robe backwards with the candlelit flames. "Hurry!!"

[Zachias]

Zachias quickly shuffled in the room, careful as to not spread around more snow than what is already inside from the blizzard. He breathed a sigh of relief when he entered the room, but still felt nervous. He took a look around and found that it was indeed a young squire that let him in with a senior knight...with her lance pointed right at him. "Umm...thanks for letting me in I guess" he said, clearly nervous.

Zachias gripped his heal staff, clearly showing signs that he is nervous. "So...should I just...stay here or...provide aid or something?" he said, still quite concerned about the lance that is pointed at him. Though granted, it looks like nothing compared to some of the lances that he saw from other soldiers in Etruria, but even an iron lance can be quite threatening in the hands of a skilled fighter. "I'm...obviously skilled in the healing arts but..." he still had no clue as to what to expect. Here he was in the middle of pretty much nowhere in Illia in a dangerous situation. If the knights think he isn't worth their time, he could easily be sent away back outside in the blizzard, or worse. "...I don't consider myself very good...But I'm still capable in healing any wounds you or your comrades might acquire during your training exercises, or in combat" he said. Zachias needed to prove he is worth being here. After all, he needs some experience if he hopes to help everyone he meets.

[Morrigyn]

Slamming the door shut as soon as he stepped inside, quickly locking it back up before leaning on the wood, back arched slightly as I look towards the staff clutching priest, at least thankful that he wasn't lying, still concerned about how the seniors were to react. Letting go of the frosted handle, shoes sliding in the snow slightly, bunching up and catching into my robe. "Apologies Captain... I couldn't let him freeze outside, even brigands deserve to die warm. And he could be of use during training, we don't have a proper healer!" I would attempt to explain, the senior keeping her stance at the ready, nudging her head to the side slowly. "You there. I'll need to run a security check before I consider letting you stay. I'll need you to remove all items from your possession for checking, including the staff, and I'll need to keep you under a surveillance. If you resist, then I'll send you back outside. Attempt to attack or assault anyone, and I'll run you through right here. Understand?" the officer would glare, slowly lowering the lance, placing it back up on the racks with the rest of the weapons. "And as for you, recruit, you get to keep watch on him. Make any mistakes, and we'll have to provide the usual deductions." I would nod slowly before getting back up, still huffing from keeping the door still.
"I understand ma'am.... I'll increase my studies and practice to compensate." I would sigh, brushing off the snow from my robes, closing the book I had been reading, leaving the mark inside as reference. "Hand over your possessions, and stay here while we inspect."

[Zachias]

Zachias could only sigh as he relinquished his heal staff to the senior officer. He knew that she was only doing it to protect the rest of the knights in the training area from harm, but he still didn't like the fact that he had to be kept under a close watch. Not to mention, that same staff was given to him by the elders in the church right before he left! "Very well...do what you must" was all that he said. He then continued to stand in place, waiting to see if the senior knight or if the young squire wanted anything else from him.

Zachias only looked around to see what was around him. The young squire who let him in seemed to be the one whom is now the one to watch over him. He couldn't help but feel slightly terrible. He added some more unnecessary work for the poor girl whom already seems to be trying her best. He decided to remain silent during the rest of it. Perhaps, it would be for the best for him for now anyways. Not to mention, he didn't know if it would be safe for him. But, Zachias figured that his chances are better here than out in the Illian climate where he is nor accustomed to. Besides, the squire did make a good point anyways. An squadron that has no proper healer in their ranks is as good as dead. Yes, vulneraries can do wonders, but they can only go so far until they run out or become unreliable for more serious wounds that someone like him can take care of.

[Morrigyn]

Taking the staff carefully before heading off, ringing the same bell in the mess hall, heading down the hallway. "All senior officers, come to the armory for inspection!" she would call out, having taken the keys to the door behind with her. Leaning back on the door I had been up against, I would let out an exhausted groan, rubbing my forehead with the sleeve of my robe, my arm almost completely covered by the massive sleeve. "...So, a healer...?" I would ask before standing up, sliding the wooden chair back under the table, placing the stack of books back up on the shelves, sitting up on the table. "I just hope this doesn't cause much trouble. Training's as rough as it's been in a while with all the recent blizzards."

Stretching my legs out as I look towards Zachais, I would rub the back of my head. "I suppose I should introduce myself...? I'm Morrigyn, a recent trainee from the capital. I would give a slight bow up on the table, balancing one of the chairs on its hind legs, pushing it back and forth with my boots. "Where do you come from? I don't mean to pry, but if I'm supposed to be guarding you I might as well make it less awkward."

Already tired from the lack of anything to do, I would grab one of the practice lances from the racks, careful not to hit any of the shelves as I idly twirl the lance in my hands, training my hands to adjust to the girth of the lance.

[Zachias]

Zachias could only nod as the young squire, whom introduced herself as Morrigyn began to make small talk with him. Granted, she seems to look younger then him, but he knew that even as a recruit, he could see potential with her. "Umm...well met then Morrigyn..I come from-" he paused. If he revealed that he was from Etruria, he may encounter some uncessisary..."issues" to say the least. But then again, what harm could he do? Besides, he's not a big fan of Etruria since he believes that many of the people have become blind in what St.Elimine really wanted for Etruria.

He sighed as he continued. "...I come from a church in Etruria, but I personally don't follow the same ideologies that they do, so I don't wish to view anyone as my enemy" he said. Zachias only stood still to see if the senior knights wanted anything else from him, or if Morrigyn wanted something from him. Though he couldn't help but feel guilty in the fact that his arrival here dumped more unnecessary work for the young squire in training. Then again, his arrival could spark something else to happen that needed to happen. Not to mention, he can get the experience that he needs to get better in the healing arts and the Illian encampment here could use his healing arts. "I understand how you might feel...but I do admit, training is hard enough, trying to train in the middle of pretty much nowhere in a fierce blizzard like this must be tough" he said, hoping to keep with the small talk.

[Morrigyn]

"Er.... The Church...? I haven't heard much of what happened, but from what I do know, a lot of...
unfortunate things happened to those who opposed the church." I would nervously let my hair out of its ponytail, flipping it over my shoulder as some of it curls back upwards. Having quickly put the books back in order "Well, either way, the weather isn't so bad once you get used to it. The blizzards are frequent, but we learn to adapt. Especially in the harsh weather." I would sigh quietly, the senior from before would walk back in, another one of the higher ranking officers next to her. "We've confirmed that there's nothing here dangerous. You can have your staff back, but we don't currently have a proper bunk ready for another person. We can provide a small area near the mess hall if you would prefer that to the stone. You'll be under surveillance by at least one person at a time, and you are not allowed to enter the Armory unless its an emergency. If you can abide by that, we'll send a letter to the military commander in the Capital informing them of your situation."

Listening to the officer explain the rules to him would have me exhausted already, despite the lazy feeling from the blizzard outside. Tapping my fingers on the table quietly, dampened by the thick robe covering my hands, I would lift up a small steaming cup of liquid, sipping it quietly to give me a small pick-me-up.

[Zachias]

Zachias nodded. It was true of what he said, but he couldn't help but feel slightly guilty of Etrurias actions. "Thank you. I promise that I will not cause any trouble while here" he says to the senior officer as he grabs his heal staff again. "Honestly, I'm fine with anything. Just the fact that your allowing me to stay here away from the elements for now is more than what I can ask for" Zachias said.

He turned toward Morrigyn as he attempted to continue make small talk with her. Honestly, he was quite surprised at her response to the blizzards. He personally would likely never get used to them. But then again, living in Illia pretty much her entire life, it's no wonder that she's used to them. Zachias then sighed. "You know...I sometimes wonder if what St.Elimine would say if she say where Etruria is going now. Though they claim that their doing it for her, I sometimes think that it's only to make a profit for themselves." He sighed again. To him, Etruria just doesn't feel what it's supposed to be. "But anyways, enough about that. Is there anything else that you'd like to know about me?" Zachias asked. He brushed his hair, which still had some snow in it from the blizzard that now began to melt away. Honestly, he didn't mind being here one bit. Granted, its not nearly as fancy as the church he was in back in Etruria, but anything out of the blizzard is more than shelter enough for him.

[Morrigyn]

Bringing in a small cot with a pillow, one of the seniors would toss the light bedding at Zachias. "This is yours. Keep it clean, and don't wet it." she would huff before heading back to the mess hall, along with the other senior, the sounds of conversation once again filling the seemingly cold empty halls.

"Well, there's the not that much else I could ask. Um.... How experienced are you as a healer? The injuries here aren't serious, but in the event of a real fight against brigands..." Asking the male had made me slightly nervous, seeing as how most of the Knights were female, I wasn't quite used to seeing a male around the fort that I wasn't supposed to spear on the end of my lance.

"I guess I should ask if there's anything you want to know about me? Seeing as how my question was... disappointing?" Inquiring of him would hopefully get me slightly more comfortable, listening to the raging storm outside slowly get louder and louder, some of the chained down equipment outside would be banging against the other loudly, sending light echoes throughout the halls, a small hill of snow forming bellow a tiny, hole in the ceiling, letting in only a few flakes of snow every minutes.

With the base dark from the day slowly dragging by as the storm rages on, the already dimly lit place would seem a bit darker, with the windows and the stables boarded up to prevent snow from drowning the base.