"As nightfall does not come at once, neither does opression. It is in such twilight that we all must be aware of change in the air. However slight, lest we become victims of the Darkness"
A new day had crested over the mountains, and he sat nestled beneath the heavy arms of the Vallenwood outstretched. His eyes roamed over each inch of the long stick he held within his palm. Though he remained serene with nature, his mind was of a different mindset. Much brimmed and flowed through his thoughts as he lay there. His leg still sat cast within the split a gentle heart found the moments to prepare for him. Out of all this, this mere twig remained the object of his attention and aspirations. Slowly he seemed to be concocting a design of sorts. This crude timber was but the building block from that which a true artisan of steel could step from to create a masterpiece. His attention was drawn however, as the summers vibrant leaves rustled and the haunting call of a Willowwick Bird sounded, he knew…. Riders approached. Two for that matter, each bares a crest alike each other. Both riders rode high and proud atop their steeds of ebony and white spots. 'Twas not till they were feet from where he sat, did their reigns tighten and the large beasts settled from their long strides to a settle before him. The first rider quickly dismounted. He was tall and gaunt, his skin a deep shade of almond and his hair a fair shade of cinnamon. A handlebar mustache aligned his upper lip and curled aside the edges of his lips. His eyes were a deep shade of sea green, and their depths seemed boundless. Cumbersome plate mail decorated for Court then battle adorned his form, from intricate knee braces to jeweled gauntlets of hazel and silver sparkled in the faint light. Finding a knee before the renowned Assassin his helm quickly fell to his hands as his eyes cascaded to the earthen floor. -
Baltazar: "M'lord.. Tis had been time since we have last spoken. Word I had received from V'Hare brought ill feelings across the Order. We truly believed you had perished from this world. I offer yae good tidings. "
-Ghaleon's hand motioned upward as a smile crossed his features. Quickly, Baltazar found words towards the wounds that inflicted his Lord-
Baltazar: " I see thou hast sustained many an injury since.. "
-His words fell short as the rogue slowly managed to rise, an arm was offered. However, with a moment of hesitation he merely whimsically smiled and fought to stabilize himself… Alone… -
Ghaleon: " I am well Kurigan… Worry not for my well being. At least not at this juncture in mine life. These wounds are nothing. Shall be gone within the week's end. Tell Me.. Why hath yae taken the voyage from Alasonia? Tis twen days sail on open winds, surely I'm nae missed?
Baltazar: " Tis where you go afoul M'lord. We wish your return. The.. The Order that be, as for the others, they shall follow in suit. Your elegance and charm have always worked its way over them indeed. Aye, we traveled upon a vessel known as the Coursayer. The captain is a trite fellow, very moody, much like the dwarves ways. Though he is of human blood. You perhaps would find him fascinating in his own right. All the more, time seeps from our day even as we stand here and speak. Algrath has seen to finding you a place within the Golden Dragons Inn.. A well known and run establishment I believe within this cities walls. Of course, only the highest of standards.."
-Once more Ghaleon's hand rose and his lips moved to interject the mans speech. Lifting his eyes tot he sky he stumbled and staggered till he stood aside the royal knight of Stormbreak and the steed. -
Ghaleon: "Wait. You wish me to return with you? To my lands, I…."
-Baltazar smiled as he moved to embrace the man, his armor clanked and flexed as his arms wrapped about the smaller mans back. -
Baltazar: " I know.. Happiness overwhelms yae. There be neither a need nor a reason to thank me for my actions M'lord Ghaleon. Tis a knights duty. Come. This Captain Hastings waits for us at Restwater Pier. From there we shall sail for a while. Tis then you can account your tales of chivalry Great One."
-If he didn't hold such high regards for the man, the Assassin would have laughed cynically in his face. Though his mood was different this morn, much more was at hand within his heart and mind to change his conduct. Simply pulled from the mans unearthly might, an inaudible groan came from his lips as the pains from within returned. His hand clutched the large warriors shoulder as he looked to the other rider -
Ghaleon: "Baltazar.. I.. I wish not to return.. I feel sorrow for causing you this journey.. It seems you've come across a continent for nothing. I wish not to leave here. Not now anyway. There is more for me here then merely dreams.. There's a whole life I've yet to live. "
-Scratching his head he tugged at the mustache upon his lips, he was known to do this when something vexed him or he didn't agree with the parties popular vote. Still, he stood idly for the moment and listened as the Assassin pontificated to him. 'Twas not till, all the lung was expelled from Ghaleon's lungs and his words silenced in the days air that he found will to respond.-
Baltazar: " So then you resign you post? M'lord.. The Order needs you. If not for them.. If not for them What of the people M'lord.. THEY NEED YOU. I can not stand here and listen to you prattle on about wishes you hold that seemed to stem from madness itself. Perhaps Lord Auldron was correct…. You.. You seek this woman. Your wife, I believe she be. For what? There is nothing correct? NO love. NO retribution. Nothing. Still you fight for her, as you fought before. Tempered and ill directed. Why M'lord? Tis answers I seek that shall staunch my questioning. "
Ghaleon: "Lord Auldron? Ha.. Let me tell you of the Dark Fae. And his true nature dear friend. He is a coward and not to be trusted as always was. He has found himself a new home within this realm and seemed to weasel his way into everyone's hearts or business.. Trust not all he issues forth. I shall find a moments time to conduct council with him myself.. As for the people. Yes.. I owe them. and shall always. Tis why I've come to my decision, nae as lightly as you wish to believe… However first.. The other matter you have so willing addressed publicly within the Court these trees hold over us.. Yes.. I have lost Munroe as my love. However, for how long? I shall never know. Only keep my post within these woods and wait. So.. As for Stormbreak? What is to become of it? I shall tell you Baltazar.. I will indeed.. There is another more fit then I. Kael shall succeed Me.. He will be notified as we return to the city limits. I shall speak with him. Alone? Tis clear enough? I will hold title till this festival is to end. Then I shall relinquish my standing to the boy. I leave him within your hands friend. Do care for him as I would. He is still young with years. "
-The warrior nodded, he seemed to be convinced by both the conviction within this warriors heart, and the power of his words. -
Baltazar:" If this be truly your wish. I can nae stand against it. I uphold your wish and shall see the boy sworn in myself. You are truly one of noble will and intent My King. I shall miss the days of serving at your side. Please. Do keep word with us. From the common to the Heads of the Seven House's daily wish to hear of your welfare. Do not rob them of what they crave. Such knowledge is what has kept the Capital together through thick and thin. With, and without you to lead it. As well, I give M'word, M'lord. I shall watch over your son and protect him. He shall stand at the head of all tables and rule as his father has. "
-Grabbing the reigns the large warrior mounted the beast and looked down to his fallen king, the idol of millions to worship, still only appeared within these lands as a simple peasant.-
Baltazar: " M'.. Ghaleon. Is there anything else I can help thee with? Perhaps some gold or plunder from the Capitols treasury? "
-Shaking his head he laughed faintly as his eyes rolled. The stick tapped against his hand as he looked to it then the warrior.. -
Ghaleon: "Aye.. Two feats. First... Procure a Magi and send word to Browwen Anvilsplith.. "
Baltazar: " The Dwarven Blacksmith within Stormbreak? For what reason doth we need his assistance M'lord? "
Ghaleon: "I wish a blade to be crafted… My last weapon of choice. I shall give the specifics of what I wish. Tell him and Cerius, they should work together on this task. I shall need it forged by the weeks end. Four days the latter should be well enough for me to be aquainted with its weight at least. As well, while I wait for this weapons arrival. I wish you to teach me to fight.. Please Kurigan. "
Baltazar: "Tell me M'lord. What is it you wish to achieve with this blade? Aye.. I shall.. Though I do not know why you wish? You've been known to dance with a blade so elegantly. I will not question."
-With a trim smile he tossed the stick aside he had taken to marveling over all day and ran a hand across the steeds mane.. His eyes light with conviction as his lips leered to a dark grin-
Ghaleon: " I intend to win Baltazar.. To win indeed… Now go. You have much to do. I shall venture to this in within the hour. Have my son waiting for me there. As well. I will need a set of.."
-For once the tables had turned, with a wide smile, the mustache seemed to crunch between his nose and lips as the man laughed-
Baltazar: "Worry not M'lord. I shall see to it. I believe we have what you seek within our wares. Aye.. Fair well till we meet once more M'lord.. Good Journey."
-With a yank of the reigns the beast reacted, and turned.. Entering a full gallop both riders paced each other down the small common trade path cut through the forest of the Vallens.. Shaking his head faintly he lifted his eyes deeper within the forest as he retreated as well.. -
Ghaleon: Thank you.. Then it is done.. For once.. All is put aside for another… Indeed I do question why…"
-Turning his cloaks billowed about him as he moved with steadily down the path. His injury, was another factor to deal with-
-Several Hours later. Within the arms of the Golden Dragons Inn-
-The assassin paced about within the room that was selected for him. His eyes continued to roam about the walls as he moved in a faint circular way… He seemed that of the great predatorial tiger, waltzing about the bars that captured it from his open life.. Only wishing one moment to spring free and strike his captor. After one hour of waiting the boy was brought forth. Dressed as he had always kept himself, Kael appeared as a young squire, dark leather bands bound together tightly, made up for what armor he didn't chose to wear. His eyes looked to the man before him as his lips curled into a leering grin. Shaking his head brown locks fell about his face as he pushed back his cloak-
Kael: " Why dear father. It pleases me to see you still breath. Shame I could not make the arranged burial. Though I see it would have been in true vain anyway. Aye? So, why hath yae summoned me? More trials for me to endure? More rites of passage to become a man? Or do you still wish this rogues path for my life? Whom should I kill or plunder father. Say thy name and I shall come calling."
-A his hand gestures and smirks were elaborately played out and slow. Still, his actions and mannerisms held more youth rebellion and mockery then actually strife within them. Still, his father was no impressed. Motioning towards the chair set forth for him he sighed and looked to his child. His son-
Ghaleon: "Sit.. We must talk. I shall not lie to either of us nor to any other and say I have lead the best of lives, nor raised my children in the ways I wished. You have lost a sister from the malice that swells within me. I care for you only to learn from my mistakes and grow child. For you hold the darkness as well within yae. Yae must learn to over come it as best as yae can, even better then I though I kept it held. I am a fool. Travel not toward my path or the same fate and misery shall befall you as well M'son.. Please. I tell you this with words of love, and genuine care as your father. I know you never wished to be a thief. Nor learn the trade in full, more so. I noticed how you took to the world I once left. How your eyes became as bright as stars. As you stood before all as the son of a King. I wish to offer you more Kael. An offer that bests any I've ever had. I. I wish you to rule the Capital. I wish you to control StormBreak. I have spoken to Baltazar, he will second my wish within the Courts Meeting. Yae shall speak on my behalf and for yaeself. Worry so child. For if you fail to convince them, the Heads of the Seven Households may elect another. Still, I believe in yae lad. I know you can lead the lands to times of greatness. Yae are smarter then me, and more fit for the roll. I merely lied to myself for several years thinking it was what I wanted for meself. All the time knowing, I wished to pass it on to a man more fit then I. Kael, son. That man be yae. Take the throne M'boy. Make your father proud. "
-Whatever wit Kael held seemed to slither and slink away as his eyes broke to tears. He bound from the chair his father told him to stay within. Wrapping his arms about his fathers neck, he cried both of joy and loss as he held onto the man for sometime. Slipping from his grasp he wiped his tears away and sniffed twice-
Kael: " If this is your wish father. Then I shall uphold it. "
-The assassin smiled once fully as he pulled from the boys tiny arms-
Ghaleon: " You shall return home after the festival. Till then I wish yae lay low. If anything is to occur. I wish you not to become involved.. Understood? Make me proud King.. Make all the lands proud. Now go.. I have other business to do, and you still have the life of a lad to live. Take care my son. I shall see you off, when you must leave."
- Nodding the boy started to retreat as he kept his eyes upon his father. A smile crossed his lips as he moved from the room and for once held a meaning within his fathers eyes. -
Baltazar: "M'lord.. Tis had been time since we have last spoken. Word I had received from V'Hare brought ill feelings across the Order. We truly believed you had perished from this world. I offer yae good tidings. "
Ghaleon: " I am well Kurigan… Worry not for my well being. At least not at this juncture in mine life. These wounds are nothing. Shall be gone within the week's end. Tell Me.. Why hath yae taken the voyage from Alasonia? Tis twen days sail on open winds, surely I'm nae missed? 
Kael: " Why dear father. It pleases me to see you still breath. Shame I could not make the arranged burial. Though I see it would have been in true vain anyway. Aye? So, why hath yae summoned me? More trials for me to endure? More rites of passage to become a man? Or do you still wish this rogues path for my life? Whom should I kill or plunder father. Say thy name and I shall come calling."