Completed The Serpent and the Shield.

[Markus Andres]

Markus could understand where the man came from when he explained he did not wish for such a lifestyle with training all the time. "I doubt your time as a squire will be as strict as mine, plenty of time to rest. I am just fortunate that I have... had a master who taught me discipline at an early age. If it hadn't been for him I probably wouldn't be a knight today." Markus looked to Savitaire. Since he was young? Did Markus eyes deceive him and Savitaire was much older than his appearance told him? Probably just exaggerating because he is on the wrong side of the 25 years and can feel his body getting old. For Markus it was almost a year since his master had last taught him anything. That felt like a long time already. If this man was really on the other side of 25 years. It could easily have been a decade since he had last been taught anything. Markus scratched his chin as he thought about it. - That was probably the explanation. But if he was a kelvic... What would that mean? Didn't they age faster? Well, he probably wasn't a kelvic then. Flux was back in the game again. "But main my training was to improve my body physically along with the swordsmanship. If your display of strength by the cart was any indicator, you will not require as much, if any, weight training. So, you will probably get to keep your midday nap." Markus said with an honest smile that soon turned to a small chuckle as Savitaire insisted on Markus needing to spend more time relaxing. "We will see. Reminds me, you can also spend your time getting drunk at the tavern and spend your time with the great people of Syliras. I'll be right back." Markus led his horse into the stables, she seemed eager to get away from Savitaire and was visibly calmer when they turned out of the man's sight. Markus found a place for her to stand as he took off the saddle and extra gear. He looked at her for a brief moment. Examining her majestic body. The powerful muscles under her skin. He patted her affectionately on her equally powerful neck. He saw movement in the corner of his eyes. A squire, Markus recognized her. Standing still and looking seemingly bored. "Squire, if you have nothing to do. Come and tend to my horse. Take good care of her." Markus ordered and spent a couple of seconds watching the squire get to work. Observing if the squire new what she were doing, but after a while he was satisfied and left, but not before giving the squire a respectful nodding of his head. It was rare he pulled rank like that, but the squire needed to either find some way to occupy herself, or learn how to hide from superiors when she had nothing to do. Markus left for the exit where he had left Savitaire. "The privileges of being a knight." He explained. "I found a squire who could tend to her. Are you ready for your tour of the city?" He asked. "It is rare that newcomers are toured by knights. So consider it a great honour." Markus said smiling. "This way. Once the tour is over, I will treat you a mug of ale." Markus promised as he motioned to the right.

[Savitaire]

Savitaire caught the man’s interest, but didn’t say anything, he had lived almost a full human lifetime and was working on another, he was in the prime of his life for one of his race. Yet counting things in the years made him aware that he hadn’t lived nearly as much as he had thought. Since coming to Syliras his eyes had been opened to more things than what his mother so long ago cared to teach him. The place they had gone to watch humans not nearly as grand as the place he resided now. In fact that place had just been a tiny settlement, hardly more than a few buildings, but Syliras was so much more. The Dhani grinned at the Knight “I’m sure my body will be tested by whoever sets to teaching me, even I cannot say what all I could do with the proper instruction.”

He watched the man go leaning against the building, he didn’t like the idea of being a staggering drunk like he had seen on occasion, left one too open for danger. The idea that he’d allow himself to fall so low and to expose himself too much almost made him angry at the thought. No, no one would ever see him in such a disgraceful manner, his pride would not allow it. When Markus returned he fell in to step beside him “I’ll gladly accept the offer and it is indeed a great honor, though I don’t ever plan on drinking so much that I disgrace myself.”

He looked out at the direction of the city, his gaze filled with the thoughts, feelings and realizations he had had since coming. Mostly they seemed sad, as if he realized he had lost something important that could never return. In a way he had, the innocence he once had living alone thinking himself perfectly happy. Yet since experiencing so many new things and meeting such a variety of people he realized that underneath that seeming contentment had been a deeper hunger. Only now was he understanding that he craved more than living as a predator in the woods, though he just wasn’t sure what it was he desired. Yes, he wanted a place his people could live in peace, but there was more and he shook it aside to ponder later.|
|
|

[Markus Andres]

"Hahaha, a single mug of good Syliran ale won't do that to a big man as you. Probably won't even slow you down." He followed with another laughter. "But only the one. I got patrol duty tomorrow." Markus said with a smirk as he continued towards the Temple of all gods. The walk wasn't that far. No where in Syliras was far away if one was willing to walk through a crowd of people to get there. Especially be a crowd at the temple. Especially now that the great lord Sylir had returned. The mere thought made Markus' smile wider. He continued in silence. Letting the quiet build up the anticipation for the temple. For it was a magnificent building within the fortress. Its splendour unequalled in most of Syliras. Only one place could match it and Markus could not speak of its existence to outsiders. They would arrive after a short walk. Dodging pedestrians and knights on duty. But mostly the two huge men could walk freely without too much hassle of physical contact with strangers. But the crowd would be thickening as they got nearer. "This is where you go to pray. But don't worry, the righteous gods and goddesses are always listening for the prayers of good men." Markus said as he stepped through the front door. Into the place and the size and majesty of the place had become mundane to Markus. But to outsiders, it must surely be a place of awe. At least he hoped so. "Temple of all gods, feel free to pray until your heart is content. To any god or goddess you so desire." Markus did not add the gods he personally would flog people for praying to within Syliras. Such prayers were better suited for Ravok. He kept quiet and let Savitaire form his own opinion and let him explore as he desired.

[Radiant]

Markus :

Experience

Skill	XP Earned
Observation	+2 XP
Bodybuilding	+1 XP
Socialization	+2 XP
Persuasion	+2 XP
Intimidation	+1 XP
Leadership	+1 XP

Lores

Lore Earned

Savitaire: Unusually Strong

Savitaire: Horses Don't Like Him

Savitaire Is Not Human

Loots

+6 Shield Points

Savitaire :

I see you haven't updated your ledger with the Summer 512 A.V seasonal living expenses yet, please do so and PM me, then I will give you your grades.

Notes :

Good thread, you two. I'm chuckling at Markus having no clue regarding Sav's true nature.

Markus, since Sav ended up joining the knights, I gave you lots shield points for it, combined with you doing knightly deeds such as assisting the good citizens of Syliras.

Sav, if you decide to return, please update your ledger, PM me, and I will give your grades.

My radiance is not bright enough?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your grade, beam me a PM and we can work it out.