Completed Nothing is what it seems

[Accolade]

The small girl gave a loud yelp as she was scooped up and tossed back into the cottage with ease. The door slammed in front of her and she cried out from behind the walls, tiny fist pounding on the door in protest. "Mommy!! " If only she hadn't left her ax in the squire's armor, she might have a chance to escape.

Isabella hadn't expected her baby to wander out as she had, to put herself in arms way in such a reckless fashion. She didn't think the squire the type to harm a child, but she had learned to trust no one. Still she was surprised at his speed and the way he got her child away from harm. Though it wasn't a huge surprise, the order of Knights weren't lacking in skills and to send anyone after her who wasn't up to the task didn't seem like them.

While Markus saw to her child, Isabella started to gather her res again, the gasy element reaching out to the world around her as she sought aid in what she wanted to do next.

Her eyes met with his as he spoke, taking his challenge head on without a twitch of the eye. "You talk but, I see you're bluffing. Did you forget that I was once a part of the order? Knights are trained to be keepers of the peace, not soulless mercenaries. If you really had it in you to kill a small child, the Windoak wouldn't have chosen you."

The mage didn't move from her spot, and instead used their talking session to buy more time to gather enough res right around the perimeter he seemed to be circling. "You're so sure of the Windoak, an entity that you know nothing about. Why? You have my ear squire, make good use of it. Why do you think going back to the city won't be my death?"

[Markus Andres]

Hearing the little girl bang against the door hard and call for her 'mommy' made Markus regret his current position. Had to force a woman from her home with her daughter, take them through the wilderness to Syliras. And she did not wish to go. He had almost just sliced her adopted daughter in two as a part of the mission. But she looked even less shaken than he did. Only reason Markus wasn't breaking apart was his intense focus on the mission. That woman, with her black hair in a loose bun that somehow had not gotten undone in their short skirmish. Still, she looked too intense for him to trust her words. Something was off. Her body was tense. Ready for combat still. Well, Markus was putting her in that position. Standing armoured from top to toe. Bastard sword raised and shield out. Ready to tear out her throat at a moment's notice. She spoke. Saying she called his bluff. It had not been a bluff, it had been dumb luck. Probably been his death too as he would have been stunned by his own actions and she would have made the ground eat him alive. Markus effortlessly tossed his blade to his left hand as she spoke and reached back and grabbed the handle of what he assumed to be an axe. He groaned as he got it loose. It had not gone deep. Barely scratched the surface. Markus looked at the axe briefly. Examining the tool of a farmer like it was worthy of striking a squire. There was a small trickle of blood. His own or a former victim? He almost scoffed at the weapon before holding it up for the dear Isabella. "You should teach your daughter to aim lower, Isabella, if she is to survive out here. Behind the knee would be a good spot when dealing with armoured opponents." He tossed the weapon at her feet before responding to her actual question. "You probably know more about the Windoak than I, its motivations in choosing us. But I must be honest, Tyveth demands it, I did not know anything of the Windoak before I was given this quest. For me, it was a symbol on our banners. I can't speak for intentions and motivations. I can only look at what has been created in its name." Markus hardly had to elaborate on that, she had been a knight, probably still were in name. He may have looked at a stone in the stone garden and felt sad for her death. "Because you are needed. I will only repeat myself, why would my mission be to bring you back? Why not let my mission be to kill the deserter, prove my loyalty to the order by killing one of our own and at the same time show me the consequences should I desert myself? You said it yourself, that is not the kind of squire it would choose! All I know is that it told me it was-" He broke his speech and looked down for a moment, trying to recall the correct words. "-That it was utmost important that you stood before it before the new year. I do not know what comes in spring, but if death was all that waited for you, why give me a deadline? If your presence in the citadel was not of necessity? You know I would not lie, Tyveth strike me down if I do. But if you care for Syliras at all, please come wiht me, you are needed back home." Markus took his sword back in his right hand. Turning around and walking back the path he had just walked. Still wary of Isabella, but if this did not work, he was at an end of the line. He did not know what more he could do if she did not show any honest interest in coming with him to Syliras.

[Radiant]

She might not look like it, but Nightshatter was also struggling to keep back Markus' strikes, he clearly had superior physical strength and unlike her, he was not using his Djed. Even for a master morpher, keeping up a drastic transformation such as her massive claws, the squire was slowly winning this fight through endurance, she couldn't keep this stalemate forever and it looked like he was also aware of this. Isabella cursed under her breath, this squire was a persistent one, truly, perhaps the Order made the right choice to send him, he would make a fine Knight, however... he took a direct order from the Windoak to get her back, this presented a problem. As far as she knew, he would succeed or die trying.

"Speak no more of my daughter, squire, she is innocent." Isabella didn't have the heart to involve her daughter into this, silently, he thanked Markus for not hurting the small child. Isabella eyed the axe then pushed it behind her, "..." The deserter went silent as his next words, his order came from divine beings, surely anything she said would not convince him otherwise, who was she compared to the almighty Windoak and God Tyveth? The female former knight sighed as the squire tried to convince her again, he turned his back towards her, she felt offended but it was also deserved, "Wait!" Nightshatter extended her right hand, but then suddenly pulled it back, uncertainty clouded her features.

"If I... return," As she said this, her morphed limbs started to return to their original form, the strained djed finally relaxing as the Master Morpher released her magical manipulation, Nightshatter dared herself to walk towards Markus once she was defenseless, absolutely sure the squire would not attack her, "Promise me, promise me the Order will take care of my daughter, she... she is all that I have left." Nightshatter then proceeded to walk past Markus as she headed to the door where her daughter was, she opened the door and promptly hugged her daughter, the small child crying in her mother's embrace, "It's alright, honey, it's alright, Mommy is here..."

As the girl cried her heart out, Nightshatter turned her head at Markus, "Promise me, in the name of Sylir, Yahal, Tyveth, and Eyris. Do so and you have my word, I will return with you..."

[Markus Andres]

What did it take to convince this woman! Why did she refuse to see logic! Markus meant every word spoken. He had sworn by Tyveth and that was not a god whose name Markus took in vain just to convince a deserter. He suppressed his frustration with the woman. Remain calm, Markus. If she attacks, charge at her. Go left and plunge the sword into her right leg. Should not be fatal. But would in-. He stopped dead in his tracks when she spoke. Asked him not to speak about her daughter again. Markus nodded slowly as he accepted. He had begun to feel dirty for using her daughter in his attempts to manipulate her into coming back with him. It was a cruel trick and it was beneath him.

Markus watched surprised and a little amazed when her arms returned to normal human limbs. He had always been fascinated and afraid of magic. Even the little magic he possessed himself he only used sparingly and always with great care. Was she surrendering? Or preparing to use her djed in an all out reimancy attack? Markus was wary of her intentions. Her words, promising in nature, but she spoke too slowly. He stood there, hope starting to form inside of him. Had he finally convinced her? He lowered his blade as she approached him. He would have to trust the woman. Either he would die here or she would come with him. There was no middle ground. She spoke again: Demanding he promised the knights would look after her child should she, against Markus' belief, be executed or otherwise harmed. Without waiting for his reply, she walked right by him and to her daughter. He sheathed his sword slowly, no use for it any longer. The two hugging closely and over the shoulder of Knight Shatter, Markus could see the tears in her daughter's eyes. The squire sighed as he saw the two in their loving embrace. Reminded of his own days back in Zeltiva. Those days with his mother alive and well.

Would this have been my farewell had my mother been alive?

Knight Shatter looked at him again, he didn't bother to compose himself. He felt like a shyke tearing the two from their life. Even if he firmly believed that Syliras was a better home for the two. She demanded once more that he swore the knights would take care of her daughter. The words came easy for the squire.

"Isabella, I will do everything in my power that the order take care of your child if anything should happen to you. If they refuse, I will take care of her myself." Markus paused, the first bit had been his own honour and he would do all in his power to keep his promise, but what came next- "I solemnly swear to keep my oath, may lord Tyveth curse me to live without honour in the eyes of all. May lord Yahal curse my life to be without faith. May Eyris curse me to forever be stricken from history. May lord Sylir's memory curse me to live a restless life without ever finding peace. I solemnly swear with these great gods and goddess as my witnesses, that I will keep my oath to you." Markus had subconsciously straightened his back and held his right hand over his heart. "You have my word, Isabella." Markus relaxed a little, his dark green eyes had not wavered from knight Shatter for a single moment as he made his oath. Markus could feel the tension in the air still hanging thick. He looked to the sky to determine the time of day. They could leave right away, but knight Shatter had expended a lot of energy. They would probably also need to pack. But he had demanded too much from the two already. He would give them their time.

"I believe I was promised a cup of tea earlier?" Markus said with a cautious smile on his lips.

[Radiant]

When Markus spoke his solemn Oath, very fitting for one of Sylir's crusaders, a look of motherly relief could be seen marring Isabella's features, the single mother then hugged her daughter tightly, whispering hushing sounds, telling her daughter everything would be alright. The little girl's sobs dimmed down for a moment before she drifted off to an exhausted slumber, in Isabella's arms. The former knight then stood up, carrying her daughter bridal-style, she was silent for about five ticks before she slowly turned around at Markus, "I accept your oath, squire Markus, I know you will not speak the Divines' names in vain," For if he did, Yahal would surely strike him down himself, Isabella would salute as well if not for her daughter's presence in her arms, she opted for a respectful nod instead, "Then I give my word, I shall return with you to Syliras and make no attempt of violence upon you and the Order."

"A tea... no, Squire" Nightshatter slowly shook her head, fighting off her own exhaustion, all for her daughter, "Though I look calm, my heart will not truly be rested until Ser Loren Dyres or Ser Petri Alvikal speak to me that the Order would spare my daughter, let her live in peace, do whatever they need to me, I don't care... but please, she must be safe, she doesn't know about this, she is just a child." A tear fell from her right eye, she was not so calmed after all. Isabella would then proceed to sit her daughter in a comfortable chair, before moving to quickly pack her necessary travel belongings, leaving the rest behind, "I had enough of living in exile and fear, I... want to go home, and even if it will result in my death, at least I can die in the presence of Sylir." The God of Peace and Civilization might be slain, but... he would always live in his followers' hearts, the Windoak being a testament to his glory, he would return, Nightshatter knew of it, evil would not succeed in this land, someday, the foul Rhysol would get what he deserved.

After a session of packing, Nightshatter would proceed to heave her backpack, carry her daughter, and gestured for Markus to lead the way.

OOCYou can go ahead and skip the journey, to the scene where they returned to Syliras.

[Markus Andres]

"Thank you, miss Shatter, I know it can't be easy for you. But Syliras needs you."

The woman looked exhausted. Sad and exhausted. But she did not complain. Markus nodded respectfully when she gave her promise not to do anymore violence. It meant a lot to him, though he wished that she had made that promise before she had tried to kill him half a dozen times. It was rare Markus forgave people for trying to murder him in cold blood. But these were extreme circumstances. More over, he had not expected her to demand such an oath of him. But the squire was firmly convinced that the oath was not necessary. His harmless request for the tea was denied. Isabella wanted to go right away. Not waste a day. Markus was surprised. She looked like sleep might take her any second and she wanted to go that very moment? A grudging respect for the deserter started to form inside of him. He found her worries unfounded, why would great men like Dyres and Alkivel hurt her child? It was laughable really and more than an insult to the grandmaster and lord knight. But he let it slide, she was in an emotional upheaval.

"Worry not for your child. She will be safe within Syliras' walls." The squire spoke confidently.

They were fortunate that the orders had specified she should be left alive, otherwise this farewell to their ancient home would have been much worse. Markus was glad he had been persistent and kept his cool the best he could. Markus took a look at the house, for him it was a hole in the ground, but for those two. It was their home and for the little girl, the only home she knew. Now he was taking her away from it against her will.

... His mind wandered as he saw them pack and he wandered around as aimlessly. Picking up the dagger he had tossed. The axe as well before handing it to miss Shatter when she came looking for it. As soon as they were ready, miss Shatter carrying her daughter in her arms and a heavy backpack on her back.

"I never got the name of your daughter? But she is more than welcome to ride on Alluia." Markus offered cautiously once more. Whether or not she would accept the offer, they would be off. He just wanted miss Shatter to not over exert herself. He was quite worried for her. He was responsible for her after all.

Halfway across the Sylira region much later

Markus looked weary. Armour worn loosely around his clearly diminished size. The food had not been as plentiful during their winter travels and the travels had been rough. Sometimes he had been amazed that they had even made it this far. But stepping through the gates to Syliras, he was full of pride. The Windoak had commanded and he had delivered. Now there would just be the last stretch to the Windoak and they would be done. What was protocol now? Did he ask permission to see the Windoak? Did it already know he had returned? He didn't know, but he couldn't delay any longer. The Windoak needed to know he had returned with Mage Nightshatter. He gave the reins of Alluia to a guard by the gate. Quickly explaining the situation. Having completed his own quest, he could understand. The next request was a bit more risky. But he took the chance.

"Could you send someone to tell Ser Degan that Squire Markus Andres has returned from his knighting quest and request a meeting with him, ser?"

[Radiant]

Truth to be told, Isabella could pass out as any moment, but Markus would bear witness today the resolve of a mother who moved on for the sake of her child. Most of the time, it could make a woman do something very extraordinary and mind-boggling to the senses, Isabella slowly shook her head politely at Markus' offer, "It is fine she can ride with me," Isabella had a windrunner horse stored somewhere near, she would ride it together with her daughter, "Her name is... Joanna, Joanna Shatter, Squire Markus." The former knight introduced her daughter as she brushed a strand of hair from her daughter's features.

Their long ride home went rather uneventful, mainly Isabella explaining to Joanna about how they would go home into her mother's hometown and that she had a misunderstanding with Markus, the daughter took it calmly enough, but she still had this look of distrust towards the squire, it was to be expected of an innocent child.

.........

.....

...

At long last, they finally arrived in the Fortress City, Isabella's eyes glittered with excitement combined with anxiety as her eyes bore witness upon the great jewel of Sylira region. The former knight would keep silent as Markus performed his duties, only speaking in few words if spoken to. At his request, however, the guard simply said, "Ah, Squire Markus... Lady Kaylana, Lord Dyres' advisor, sent a messenger, commanding me to inform a squire named 'Markus' to go straight into the Grandmaster's Suite when he arrived," The guard then gave a look at Nightshatter and her daughter, "Along with the deserter, as for her daughter, I shall take her to the Soothing Waters for treatment. If you'd please, madame?" The guard then requested for Isabella to hand over Joanna, Isabella gave a hesitated look, but then he gazed upon Markus' face and remembered his oath, with heavy hearts, the former knight whispered something to her daughter, in which Joanna nodded as she hugged her mother then followed the guard. Isabella herself parked her horse on a free stable near the Traveler's row.

"Right, let's get this over with..." Nightshatter then would proceed to follow Markus wherever he went, making a light comment, "To think Lady Kaylana expected you to see the Grandmaster directly just after you arrived... you must be quite the squire, Markus." The Konti Seer had amazing clairvoyance ability, since over a century ago, she had served Syliras, she was one of the key figures that helped Syliras stood strong even to this day, defying evil and cahos.

[Markus Andres]

"Yes ser." Markus replied surprised.

Kaylana? He wondered why the Konti Advisor would want to see him? Maybe lord Dyres would be present as well? But Markus saw the mother and daughter make their farewells. He had gotten attached to both of them as they had travelled. Even though he had not wanted to, the little Joanna had grown on him. A part of his life was over now, time for him to finish the job and step into the world of the knights, it seemed. He would let miss Shatter compose herself before he would head for the Grandmaster's suite. He heard miss Shatter make her comment and Markus could not really understand why he would be important. Sure he had met the woman once before and had a pleasant if brief conversation about a problem at the mines. Though Markus had performed his duty, he would not consider it admirably.

"Perhaps." Markus replied, the usual confidence gone. For he had just realized, that last year when he had seen the advisor, he had been clean, well shaven, hair groomed, armour pristine condition. None of those applied to him today. He had stubbles, he was tired. Body ached in different places. His bum hurt from riding Alluia. He almost envied Joanna would get to spend her time at the soothing waters. Markus could spend a day or two in their waters just relaxing. But he brushed those thoughts aside. Today was the big day! The day he made his oath to join the ranks of his master and the proud knights.

Still, his vanity wished that he looked more presentable.

Through the hallways until he made it to the suite, the guards stationed outside looked at the pair. Markus looked much like a vagabond knight, his companion, though attractive, was up in the years.

" I am Markus Andres, squire to Ser Stern Mason. I was told miss Kaylana wanted to see me."

The guards nodded and opened the doors into the suite and announced his arrival. Markus had seen the grandmasters office. This was more splendid than what he had imagined. Certainly had his squire dormitory beat by several leagues. Markus stepped in and looked about for miss Kaylana. When he spotted the advisor, he bowed his head in respect for the advisor and then straightened his back.

"Miss Kaylana, I was told you wished to see me, and that I bring miss Shatter here." He tried to keep his voice respectfully neutral, but his curiosity was clear for anyone to notice. Even if they did not possess clairvoyant abilities.

[Radiant]

After Markus' short answer, Isabella would simply keep silent as they entered the Dyres District, fancy architectures marring the district where Loren Dyres made his home. The guards, already informed of Markus' arrival, would open the door for the duo to enter. Inside they would find Loren Dyres sitting on his desk, beside him, stood Kaylana Natra, his personal advisor and Konti Seer, also the Priestess of Avalis. The Knight noticed her first, Kaylana gave them both a calm smile, "Welcome, Squire Markus..." she turned her eyes at Isabella, "Sera Shatter." She still called her by the title, causing Isabella to wince, feeling unworthy.

"Lady Kaylana, Grandmaster Dyres," Isabela bowed her head low at the two most important figures in Syliras, after Markus greeted them both, Loren himself would gesture for them to be at ease before him, then the Grandmaster spoke with his authoritative deep voice, "You have returned, Kaylana told me about you and Shatter," The Grandmaster then put both of his hands to his desk as he joined his hands in front of his lips, "You have done well, squire Markus, go to the Windoak Courtyard, Petri will be waiting there for you, as for Shatter, you will stay here. I have much to speak to you." The Grandmaster said simply and he would put all questions on hold should the squire asked him.

"Understood, Grandmaster." Isabella obeyed as she gave a look at Markus, smiling at him, "Go now, you deserved it."

Kaylana would escort Markus to the Quarter's doors then she would close the door where Markus must make his own way to the Windoak Courtyard. Once there, before the great tree stood Ser Petri Alvikal, Lord Knight of Syliras in his plate-armored glory, holding the grip of his longsword, Petri would notice Markus then silently gestured for him to kneel before the Windoak and prayed to it. After Markus had done so, the great face etched into the fragment of Sylir would slowly come to life,

"You have done well, Squire Markus Andres, from henceforth, You are anointed as one of us, Swords of Sylir, I hereby bestow you my mark..."

Markus would feel a calming sense of peace washed over him as a warm touch grazed his right shoulder, then if one looked upon it, one could see the intricate mark of a Windoak leaf emblazoned upon Markus' skin. Petri Alvikal then approached Markus then put his sword on Markus' shoulders, "I, Petri Alvikal, Lord Knight of the Syliran Order, hereby knight you, Squire Markus Andres, you are now one of us, a Knight, crusader of justice, upholder of peace, you are now 'Ser' Markus Andres." After that, Petri would give Markus a chance to have any last words before he gestured for the new Knight to leave the tranquil Courtyard.

OOCSylir's gnosis mark would only be truly be active after the Djed Storm in Spring 512 A.V as Glav Navik ascended back then.

Also, the actual power of the mark is only usable once Founders posted the official write-up.

Make your last post and I will respond then grade the thread! It has been a short, but epic time with you, Markus!

[Markus Andres]

Markus eased when told to. This was the second time he stood before the two. It was an honour and a privilege to stand before them again. Hearing the words of his supreme commander aimed directly at himself and that he, once more, had been the topic of conversation between Kaylana the highest ranking advisor and grandmaster Dyres himself was enough to make Markus' knees weak with an odd mix of worry and pride. Worry that they would say that he had been too slow in his mission. But the grandmaster dispelled that worry with ease. Telling him he had done a job well done. Markus' back straightened once more, despite him telling him to be at ease. His pride could not go any higher. This was, without a doubt, the greatest moment in his life.

"Thank you, ser, and yes ser." Markus nodded firmly and glanced to Isabella. Wondering what would become of her now. Her worry that she would be executed seemed to have been unfounded. Otherwise they would not let her be alone with the highest ranking target in the city and the most trusted advisor. Markus gave her an equally firm nod and a disarming smile and mouthed a silent 'told you so.' in her direction. How she had argued that it would be her death to return to Syliras. How wrong she had been. Markus gave a firm nod to those present and left the room escorted by miss Kaylana. Hearing the doors shut behind him he stood still for a second, both guards undoubtedly looking at him as he stood there and composed himself again. He ignored their glances and briskly walked towards the courtyard. The second highest ranking superior was expecting him and Markus didn't want to keep the man waiting.

Markus fell on his knees before the Windoak. Hands together before the splendour that was the Windoak. A majestic thing which power and abilities Markus could never fathom and to dare to do so was almost blasphemy in his mind.

"I am grateful to be allowed before you again and it is an honour to serve your will. I thank you for the opportunity to serve you and my sword and shield will be yours, forever." His eyes closed as he spoke, but when the voice of the Windoak responded him, he could not help but to look at the face of former divinity. Hearing his name spoken from the lips of the Windoak, hear the praise. First from the grandmaster. Then the Windoak. The day could not get any better. His weariness gone, the aching muscles forgotten as he knelt before the Windoak. He felt the peace wash over him as the Windoak marked him. He felt tranquillity. At peace with himself and the worry for Shatter and Joanna vanished.

He heard the steps of the Lord Knight, felt the blade touch his shoulder. Today was a day he would remember forever. Every single moment etched into his mind permanently. The words of the lord knight. He was no longer a squire in the eyes of the order. No longer a little kid in his own eyes. He was a knight. Upholder of the peace that Sylir had sacrificed his life for. That the Windoak had strived to return to the world. That Dyres and Alvikal worked to restore. A genuine smile crossed his lips and a joyful tear rolled down his cheek.

Thank you ser. It is an honour and a privilege to serve alongside you. Markus paused briefly. Best not bother the lord knight now about Joanna. Best wait until he knew for certain what miss Shatter, or as Kaylana had called her, Sera Shatter, fate would be. Markus nodded tot he lord knight and left when he gestured for him to leave. First order of business, find Joanna and Sera Shatter. Then his former master Stern Mason and tell the news. Then, the soothing waters and rest. Lots and lots of rest.