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Post by Galeron Aeda on Nov 2, 2015 19:29:12 GMT -5
Skalos' horse galloped near the lake side. The sound of the hooves plopping on the mud made him feel safer, since the entire valley that lead to the old dwarven cave was silent. Maybe a bird or some small wild life once in a while, but not much was found outside the caves. His team wasn't very talkative, they were new recruits and they were scared to speak to him. Anyways, the general had heard that his people were beginning to dig out the caves that had been crumbled during the battle. He decided he might as well help.
The thought of Farthen Dur brought him back to old memories. Memories of his training as a soldier, then thoughts of fighting with his brother. There wasn't much to do in Farthen Dur, it wasn't a place particularly exciting for children. Then he began to think of the battle itself. That was where he had recieved the name "Kullcrusher" he found it amusing, he wasn't quite sure if it was literal or if it was a pun. The dwarf sat back and looked up, he saw a bird way up in the clouds.
Then he asked his patrol "Are you guys scared of flying?" out of boredom.
The recruits hesitated for several seconds "Sir, what do you mean?"
At that moment a vein jutted out from Skalos' forehead "Flying... Ever heard of it? Damn, its like ALL dwarves live under a rock."
"Sir-"
"Just forget I asked... And thats an order." He chuckled. Skalos took pleasure in giving the recruits a hard time.
He looked foward again, and unsheathed his sword. The recruits seemed startled by the sound, as they should have been, Skalos gave a slight smirk at that. He inspected his blade nad noticed the small notches it had from battle, the blade had carried him all throughout Alagaisia. It needed to be shapened regularly. If he had a whetstone he'd do it now. It was dwarven made, made by his brother actually, after the battle of Farthen Dur. He was a mere patrol leader then. After that came command of a platoon, then a battalion, then an army. It was easy to lead dwarves, but the Varden was made of all types of races and keeping them to trust each other was hard. As he looked at his sword he began to whistle an old dwarven song. He gave his recruits a look and they all nervously began to whistle along. One or two could not whistle so they hummed. When they continued to whistle and hum, Skalos began to sing in the dwarven dialect.
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Post by Brenton on Nov 3, 2015 2:10:19 GMT -5
What was a peaceful day down on the surface of the land was actually a rough ride in the vast abyss of the sky. Of course not many would know this for so very few could ever reach that high due to lack of ability to fly. This was not a problem for a Rider though and so the man who sat astride a goliath of a red scaled flying lizard now had to duck his head and hope he didn't die too soon. What a shame that would be, the great Konner Derriksson dying by falling to the hardened dirt and sharp stones on his latest voyage to Farthen Dur.
Konner, a platoon of dwarven soldiers are down below by the lake. Would you like to drop down and say hello or go ahead and avoid them for now? The voice was purely in his head but Konner knew it came from his partner in heart and soul, Talon. As they descended ever so slightly, Konner raised his head and looked down to see if he could identify any of the dwarves below. He couldn't but they were sure to recognize one of the knights of Ingeitum. Or at least that was what Konner had started calling himself due to Ingeitum still holding the throne.
Let us descend and introduce ourselves but let us make it a very memorable for the new recruits. They aren't likely to have seen many battles if any and therefore won't be prepared for a dragon to swoop down in their midst. Konner, while often mature and level headed, was feeling rather mischievous today so he was perfectly ready to scare the fresh meat of the dwarven army. As Talon dropped down, Konner braced himself and suddenly a roar ripped from the red dragon's gargantuan maw, spewing a modest amount of flame high enough to not cause any damage to the dwarves.
Before they could react much more than duck, Konner was already ducking off of the back of the dragon and dropping to the ground with his hidden blades released. He was crouched for a second and then burst out laughing, unable to resist the looks of terror on most of the new recruits. That was certainly somewhat expected though.
Peace, brethren! Thou art not under seige. I am Konner Derriksson, knight of Ingeitum and of Du Weldenvarden, rider of Thorn Fireclaw, and assassin of the Hadarac. We but just arrived in the Beor Mountains when Talon alerted me to your presence and I decided to check your mettle. Sadly, if I were reporting to King Orik on the matter most of you would undergo harsh training. Although...one of you seems to be more hardened.
Konner looked over at Skalos and pressed his fist to his chest in greeting. I assume you are the platoon leader at the moment. Therefore give me a second and I will prove my rank. With practiced ease, Konner pulled an oak leaf pendant from his neck along with another of a dwarven hammer and tongs, next he withdrew his knight's sword, dwarven craft, and presented them all to Skalos.
It was only a small portion of his credentials but for most it more than verified he was who he was. Lastly, Konner stripped his gauntlet from his hand and flashed the Gedwey Ignasia. Verification is always such a hassle but protocol and such must be followed. Forgive me for the scare I gave to your men. Konner started placing everything back where it went while waiting for a reply.
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Post by Galeron Aeda on Nov 3, 2015 7:11:00 GMT -5
When the dragon landed with the rider, Skalos continued on humming. Then he sniffed the air and laughed "I think one of them might need a fresh change of trousers." He continued humming as he inspected each object he put out. He looked at the sword and then the hammer and tongs, "Did you forge that sword yourself? If so where did you learn of Dwarvish craft? And I don't mind the fright, I jest with the recruits as well." He looked to the dragon and said "Well met Jurgencarmeitder. Excuse me I'm not the best at greetings. My name Skalos, Skalos Stonetree. And these are..." He soon realized he did not know any of their names "Eh! Just call them the recruits."
The Dawrf took hold ot the riders sword and compared it to his sword. It was a fine craft, his brother had given him an eye for such waepons. He nodded in approval and gave back the sword. Skalos felt it hard to draw his eyes away from the intense red dragon. He never truly understood why they were so brightly colored, might be that dragons didn't have to blend in, they were strong enought to take on anyone. Skalos put his sword back on, adjusted his eye patch, and began ti stroke his long red beard.
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Post by Brenton on Nov 3, 2015 17:20:32 GMT -5
((Sometimes I hate waiting on slow internet connections and even slower old laptops. Ugh the troubles I go through just to post on multiple sites daily.))
Konner burst into a deep rumbling laugh as Skalos Stonetree broached the one subject that all dwarves asked him the first time they met. How did he have a dwarvish craft sword if he was a human? And no matter how soon he told them he was actually from Farthen Dur originally they always assumed he had made the sword himself. With a small shake of his head, the rider simply nodded in acknowledgment of the inquiry.
The sword was crafted by two dwarves here in Farthen Dur on my 16th year of birth before I was knighted and appointed as an assassin. Their names are Bradokk Blackbeard and Theros Stonemind. Bradokk crafted the sword and Theros cast the enchantments upon it but they both knew that they could never speak of me due to my position. Therefore most dwarves don't know I am officially from Farthen Dur.
Konner fell into a short introspective silence as he remembered his names at the dwarvish city within the mountain. Perhaps you heard tale of a young lad called Kullborn? As a lad, the dwarves didn't trust me like they did each other so I was dubbed Kullborn for my immense size and strength in comparison to them. Of course now most of them would bow to me because I am in Orik's court.
Slowly he walked over to each recruit and muttered an apology and then stopped at the one who needed new trousers. Sorry lad, you failed this test. With that, Konner drew back his hand and slapped the back of it against the dwarf's face. A calming aura passed from his skin and into the dwarf who then crumpled at Konner's feet without any known reason. As Konner lifted him with magic he turned to Skalos and spoke again. Follow me and we can continue our conversation. I must report to the king as soon as possible and return this recruit so he doesn't get too embarrassed when he awakes.
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Post by Galeron Aeda on Nov 3, 2015 20:22:56 GMT -5
(Same here. At least I can use my phone which is what I'm doing right now, but my computer is slow as hell. My thumbs hurt from all the tapping. This is a real pain in the ass, pardon my french.)
Skalos was about to say 'Any person born in Farthen Dur is a friend none the less...' Be he guessed he was wrong. The dwarf instinctively pulled out his sword, and the recruits followed his lead. "Any problem of his is a problem of ours, rider. I will not turn a blind eye while my men are being unjustly beaten. What is the meaning of this? Explain yourself?!" He shouted the last words in fury. Blood pumped through Skalos' veins, he was more than ready for a fight. He could see the recruit stuggling in the air.
The blow dealt to him was vicious it sounded like it was hard enough to rip to skin off his face. Luckily te slap wasn't as strong as it sounded, and his cheek was as red as the berries that grew high up in the mountains. That slap could not go unforgotten, but maybe starting a fight was not the way to go... No, a fight was the right thing to do. But , what match was one dwarf veteran and a couple of recruits against a rider... Nothing to a rider. Skalos prefered to lose his life than to lose his honor. He would not mind losing his life for a simple recruit, he would die protecting one of his own. It was possible that Konner had a reason to apprehend the dwarf, but he should have warned Skalos beforehand.
"Sir, he has a dr-dragon." A recruit stammered
"All the less of a reason to run. Stand your ground, maybe we can give 'em a good couple of bruises, or broken bones... Unless you wish to submit like milk drinkers." The insult gave the recruits some determination and increased their want to fight. Silence flowed into the valley once more. Even the lake was still and silent. Whatever happened today Skalos did not plan on dying today, he still had much to do, and many years left to live.
His thoughts were interrupted by a quick, cold, wet, tap on his shoulder. Then several more taps on his hair and on his face. The silence was then overwhelmed by the rain. A lighting bolt flashed across from the valley. It took several seconds for the thunder to roar across the valley, bouncing back and forth between the two ends of the basin. The horses became wide eyed and began to panic. Konner seemed to have a clear reason for abusing the soldier, it was a point that wasn't getting across to Skalos.
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Post by Brenton on Nov 3, 2015 21:44:56 GMT -5
Konner held up a hand for peace and showed with a calming gesture that he meant no harm to the dwarves in his presence. Of course he also had his mind set that if they attacked he would drop every one of them with out leaving any bodily harm. This would not go well for them if they chose this path at the moment.
Skalos sheathe your sword and stand down lest I be forced to defend myself as if I were attacked. This recruit looks injured but in truth is simply asleep. The blow sounded painful but that was magic meant to put him out long enough for me to return him to clean up and let me talk to him about being prepared for anything. If I truly meant harm to him then he would have died. Dwarf lay your weapons down, under express orders of a knight of your realm. You commit treason by drawing them on me in the first place and I would prefer not to enact justice.
Konner knew Talon was barely containing his wrath at this show of violence. Best to be civil while they still had the chance. It started raining as Konner simply stood there at a relaxed attention. He would not die and these dwarves had to know this.
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Post by Galeron Aeda on Nov 4, 2015 6:54:52 GMT -5
Skalos put down his sword and put it across his back. "I can't say we didn't respond accordingly. Us dwarfs don't comprehend magic as other races do, neither did it look like a friendly gesture. We needed a warning is all. Apologies for the confusion." He said the last words grudgingly, apologies weren't needed. But if he didnd't usually elves or humans got offended 'So sensitve' he thought. "Well now, let us continue." Skalos jogged back to the horses to catch their reigns "Woah, easy" he whispered to the flailing horse. He lead them to Konner and began trailing behind the rider. "So you were born in Farthen Dur. I remember rumors of the "Kullborn", but I thought it was just mindless gossip. Strange though. You probably got picked on by other dwarfs didn't you?"
Another bolt of lightning hit a mile or so away. The horse began to panic once more. The dwarf walked toward it and petted its neck. I seemed to calm down... Until the thunder came roaring past their ears. The horse panicked once more. Skalos stopped stroking it in frustration but kept a tight hold on the reigns. He then began to think 'A human.. Born in Farthen Dur.'
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Post by Brenton on Nov 4, 2015 16:01:01 GMT -5
Konner chuckled at the fond memories of his childhood. Then they seemed like absolute nightmares but the man had grown up and his skin was thicker. Kullborn...a name as ironic as any I have ever heard. Considering I am one of the few to have successfully taken down multiple kull and survived. Still that is my name from childhood. I was born to one of the highest ranking human soldiers and a middle class human woman. They lived in Farthen Dur as part of the Varden. So that is why I was born here instead of a human settlement. It certainly gave the other dwarves plenty of reason to torment me. Yet none of them bothered me much when I Orik started training me. He is the one who had my twin knight swords made as well as my assassin blades. He made sure I was trained as his personal knight and therefore I repay him by not getting vengeance on the scum who belittled me back then.
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Post by Galeron Aeda on Nov 4, 2015 18:56:53 GMT -5
"Must be tough, holding in those grudges... It's a little worrisome once you notice dwarves can live more than double the lifetimes of humans. I'm not sure anyone could stay angry for that long. But if it's an order from the King, then I suppose you must hold it in for that long. Speaking of King Orik, I would be serving under him if not for Nasuada. Now I'm heading the Varden army. It's been tougher than it seems, sure we're at peace now, but how long will that peace last? And if these races turn on one another, what will become of the army? Where would I be? These are the questions I usually keep to myself, but you shared something equally as personal with me."
Skalos Stonetree felt fine int the cold rainfall. It reminded him of his time scouting the Beor Mountains. The dwarf used a thick, callused, hand to move the drops of water from his eyes. He continued speaking "So moving on from that mushy talk, hows good old Orik putting up? He was a friend of my brothers, I talked with him a couple of times. Never seemed like king material to me." His beard bobbed up and down shaking water droplets off as he chuckled.
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Post by Brenton on Nov 5, 2015 13:37:59 GMT -5
King Orik, last time I was in the dwarven terrain, was complaining about one thing or another. I think he gets weary of being king sometimes because people look at you different when you have power. Of course I only come here for the occasional drop off of rare metals found only deep in the Hadarac Desert or to restock supplies. I just happened to be heading out to continue training the new riders and thought an update was in order.
Konner finally made it to the cave entrance, hidden to all who didn't know its location. He stepped inside, followed by Skalos and Talon in the rear of the group. Slowly they progressed, mutterings of Kullborn mixed in with the occasional salute or half whispered Argetlam.
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Post by Galeron Aeda on Nov 6, 2015 6:55:24 GMT -5
Skalos got the horses inside and toed them up to whichever structure he found. Once he completed the knot, he gave it a hard yank to make sure it was sturdy. He gave the horses a couple of stroked across the neck, and continued following. It had been years since the Varden general came back to Farthen Dur. It did not feel the same. The place had stayed the same, it was Skalos had who been changed. He had killed, he had waged war. It was hard to come back from that to the peaceful days he had at Farthen Dur. Stangest part of it was that Skalos enjoyed war, he enjoyed fighting. He had always been like that.
The dwarf looked to the people around him and hear dthe murmurings of Kullborn. This enraged him. How could the rider do nothing about it? To be hated since the moment you were born, what was it like? None the less, Skalos stayed calm though.
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Post by Brenton on Nov 11, 2015 23:40:23 GMT -5
((Sorry for taking so long to reply. I got lost in several characters for my book.))
Konner wandered through the chambers, finally reaching a room that he knew belonged to the soldier he still held aloft. When they entered he deposited the dwarf upon the ground and waved a hand. Letta The spell ended and the dwarf awoke to see they were inside once more.
Forgive me for the attack. I brought you in here so you could change and not be embarrassed. Enjoy your reprieve but then return to work. Skalos will return as soon as we are finished.
With that he turned and walked past the dwarf commander. The trip to the king's chambers was a rather arduous process. Slowly he collected his thoughts and then moved onward through the tunnels once again.
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Post by Galeron Aeda on Nov 25, 2015 18:29:06 GMT -5
Skalos had another chamber up higher waiting for him. He couldn't wait to dry his big red beard. It was soaked and everytime the dwarf took a step, water drops fell on his boots and the floor. Slightly frustrated he got both hand and bundled up hi beard as if choking it. Then he squeezed as hard as he could, releasing a waterfall from his rust colored hair. He then stumbled around the puddle making sure he wouldn't trip and fall. Skalos stuck behind the Rider, the dwarf was used to all the walking required.
Along the way he said "So, Konner, how many riders have you trained? It must be a frustrating to some degree, no? Teaching a person that knows nothing of magic sounds exhausting." His voice sounded like a rough stone scraping against another. At that moment his stomach rumbled. He hadn't eaten since dawn. He couldn't wait to eat something other than some stale bread.
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Post by Brenton on Dec 9, 2015 11:13:09 GMT -5
Konner looked over at Skalos as he asked how many riders he had trained. With a brief smile, Konner dipped his head in concentration and thought carefully about it. I have only trained a few Riders since I became one myself. Most of our newer members already had a mentor by the time I found out who they were. I have trained an entire brotherhood of Assassins in that time though. Back then it was basically just me in this land. Now there are three main outposts plus the one in the Hadarac. As for teaching magic, it isn't as difficult as you might think. Everyone has the potential to learn the art but so few ever realize they have the magic deep within themselves. Probably the hardest thing to do is to teach a human the Ancient Language. They always think that the Common Language should work just fine and I feel like they would die if not for us being there to help them out.
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Post by Galeron Aeda on Dec 11, 2015 19:47:03 GMT -5
Skalos nodded as Konner talked. At the end he responded "I would say something about Humans being stubborn, but I don't think that a Dwarf is any different. Sure we're all bad at something, but that doesn't make us bad people... But in honest all honest opinion... Dwarves are the best!" He chuckled. His rough voice bounced off the cavernous walls. Skalos kept walking and looked forward, wonder how long was left. He could see the chamber doors some distance away with a couple of dwarven guardsmen at the front. They held polearms twice or more their hieght. One instantly recognized Konner and gestured the other guard to open the door, but once they saw the big bearded Skalos, they crossed their spears and said "Konner who have you brought with you?" The door was left open with Orik at the end of the room.
A vein on Skalos' forhead popped out, and his teeth began to grind. "If you're going to ask a question at least take the responsibility of asking the question yourself!" His voice boomed. "I am Skalos, General of the Varden! And a loyal Dwarf soldier!" The two guards men began to look worried, but they kept their spears crossed. Skalos sighed while straightening his beard. He gestured toward the king with an open palm and said"Now if you don't mind, he's waiting for us."
The gurds looked at the king and saw that he was waving a hand at the two travelers. While the guards had their backs turned to Konner and Skalos, the general pushed through their spears and moving them aside and moving into the middle of the main room.
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