PM to join Knight in Distress [Bronze Woods] Markus

[Nivel]

66th day of Spring, 514 AV It was a late afternoon, on a fairly typical day in Syliras. Nivel had already done her usual training regiment with Grey and even had an interesting situation that involved a strange horned creature (who she learned was called a goat). The Goat had eaten someones vegetables and Nivel felt she needed to help keep the peace, which proved to be frustrating. The Pycon had difficulties communicating with the goat and the Tall Folk was being just plain rude. It was fairly stressful to deal with, especially after the gruelling physical training Nivel went through earlier that morning. Nivel's clay body was still a sore from the abuse it took, she wasn't quite as sore as a creature with muscle tissue would be but she hurt none the less. Despite all of this, the Pycon was still up for anything the day had left to throw at her, She wasn't ready to go to sleep or just lay around like a big clay lump. Nivel spotted a jittery looking Tall Folk by the city entrance, their erratic movements and constant pacing made the Pycon think they might be fun and exciting. The pint sized squire ran quickly through the rushing feet of other tall folk to talk to them. This Tall folk was distinctly female in appearance at least for a Tall Folk, her brow was distorted to that of a worried expression and her body was noticably tense. Nivel couldn't read these signs and cheerfully introduced herself. “Hello, My name is Nivel what's yours?” It took the women a while to realize she was being spoken to. Still pacing back and forth, she was startled when she saw the sparkling little creature looking back at her. “I..I'm sorry but I'm not in the mood for conversation” she replied as politely as she could, she nervously combed a trembling hand threw her messy hair. “why aren't you in the mood?” Having not experienced worry or distress much in her short life, not being in the mood for conversation was a bit of a foreign concept to the pycon. “you wouldn’t understand...now please leave me be” glared the women, Her patience with Nivel eroding quickly and she tried to calm herself by breathing so she wouldn't start yelling at the curious pycon. “If somethings wrong you can tell me, I'm a Squire of the Order” Nivel said proudly “Its my job to help citizens in need” The women seemed surprised but quickly became angry “Someone I care deeply about hasn't come back from hunting this mourning and they're a knight if they need help it will come from another knight.. Not a squire” She scowled at the pycon but soon softened “I'm sorry that was uncalled for..I'm just very worried” Nivel went silent not really knowing how to proceed, she knew it was her duty to help but the Tall folk was right. She was only a Pycon Squire with almost no combat skills, how could she help? She would need help if anything was to get accomplished. Nivel scanned the area to see if she could spot any patrolling knights that could aid her, she spotted glimmer of armour nearby and waved her arms and shouted to get it's owners attention. "We need your help, Someone is lost in the woods" Nivel cried as the Knight came closer.

[Markus Andres]

'It is called Auristics, ser, not seeing colours.' She protested weakly to the amusement of the much larger sergeant knight. He had found a soft spot he could tease the Vantha mage-knight with and he had relentlessly exploited the small gap to have her cheeks burn red with a mixture of anger and shyness. Her eyes a myriad of colours that often left the sergeant stunned by the brilliant display. The hardness in her eyes vanished and the colours became softer hues as Markus flashed a disarming apologetic smile to Alicia.

"Potato tomato, dear Frost." The sergeant looked away from her as he continued along one of the paths that would lead them to the main entrance. He had left his apartment after the troubles of the day, organizing a patrol the day after. There was some few things he wanted to clear up with his wing and best to be prepared. But being locked inside of his apartment for a full day left him wanting to do something active. It was just his luck that he had run into Frost on his way to the training grounds and decided to accompany her instead. Training or poking fun at the mage-knight, both had seemed like enjoyable prospects.

"What you up to, Frost?" He asked her a bit curious as they came into the main entrance area. The open sky a nice change from the darker pathways. That was when he heard a voice before him, Frost having the advantage of being shorter and more alert to their kin, had noticed it first. Markus only accustomed to the idea of Pycons because of his own squire looked down a moment later. First mistaking the pycon for Ball. Half a mind to reach his foot out and push him aside so the two knights might continue their little walk.

That voice... Unbroken words. This isn't Ball.

"What? Who is lost in the woods?" The lady that the pycon had spoken to overheard Markus' inquiry and came over to get help. Markus recognized some features in the woman, older than Markus by a fair margin, but the eyes reminded him of Carl Braklin. Her face a little rounder and marred by years of hard labour in the fields. But Markus could recognize more than enough traits in this woman to prompt the next question. "Are you related to Carl Stalinsa?" A little surprised the woman nodded and mentioned something about brother. "Pleasure to meet you, I am Markus Andres, Carl's superior." Despite her distraught appearance, Markus noticed a flicker of recognition. The two had spoken about Markus in private.

'Carl is missing! He went into the forest to hunt this morning and still hasn't come back! This squire-' ... "What?" Markus threw a glance at the Pycon by his feet. Another petching squire pycon. Oh gods, they're breeding.. Markus shut down that trail of thoughts and instead focused on the problem at hand instead. "Where did he go to hunt? Did he tell you?"

'I... He did mention the brow!' The worried woman spoke. The brow. Sylir's brow no doubt. If he had gone to hunt there it would not be unlikely that he would come home late. But if this woman was this worried for him, Markus was obligated to check it out. At least just to reassure the woman. He assumed his mantle as a sergeant knight.

"Good that is as good a start as any. I will look into it. Frost, could you gather those available from my wing and have them meet me at the Brow? Sera Anders will probably be in the Stallion, Brock as well. Hushov at the training grounds with her sons. Hales I don't know." Orders came easier now than they ever had. The woman's worry was contagious and despite his rational reassurances that everything was in order... There was that nagging feeling. Sera Frostfawn nodded and muttered a yes ser before she was off to find the knights where he had mentioned them. Markus reached out and patted Carl's sister on the shoulder.

"Don't worry, we'll find him and get him home before long." He tried to reassure her before he was on his way again. Almost forgetting the pycon squire on the way.

"Hey, squire, if you're not on duty, I would like you to accompany me." Markus spoke. Half wondering why he had just invited the pycon along. Perhaps it was curiosity - to see if Ball was uniquely annoying, or it was a general trait amongst the clay race. Markus direction was towards the stables. They would need horses. Order them to prepare another four or five horses for his wing, depending on how many were fit for duty and how many Frost could find. "What is your name?" He asked over his shoulder as he strode forward in a brisk pace. There was a few moments to kill before they'd arrive at the stables and he would have to order people around again.

Might as well get to know its name.

[Nivel]

It seemed the Knight already knew the girl as well as the person that was missing. This is a strange coincidence Nivel thought to herself, thinking just how many other Tall Folk lived in this city. The Knight did have an air of importance about him, maybe he was well known among the city of his knightly deeds. The knight continued to speak with the concerned girl, doing his best to reassure her, while Nivel observed the interaction. The Knight called to his companion that was standing a distance away and told them to round up other Knights to help. With the way things were going, Nivel assumed she wasn't needed from here on, She was only a lowly squire after all. To the pycon's surprise the Knight unexpectedly asked for her assistance. Nivel was taken aback for a moment, One half of her was excited while the other half was dreading the thought. Out of ether fear of faulting on her duty or simply out of a nervous reflex she nodded her head in affirmation. Nivel's invisible friend Ooglaba, had suddenly appeared to reassure her as she had been doing lately when ever the pycon was feeling worried or anxious. Ooglaba took the form of a floating purple crystal about the size of Nivel's head, with strange multicoloured tentacles sticking out of various holes in her jagged but beautiful form. While many would believe that Ooglaba was not the least bit real, Nivel seemed to picture her creation with surprising detail and personality. “Don't worry your silly little face” Encouraged Ooglaba “you can do this!” “Of course” Nivel replied to her friend that no one could see with renewed enthusiasm, Ooglaba was always so good at raising her spirits. “Now hurry up that smelly Human is going to leave you behind” Nivels questionably racist companion was right, The knight with his extremely long legs was already heading out of sight. Nivel ran as fast as her little clay legs could take her, in order to catch up to the Gigantic Tall Folk. She arrived just in time for him to ask her name, between heavy breaths Nivel introduced herself. “My Name...Is...Ni..Vel..It's Nivel.” “Urg..this Human is so rude! Um hello you Ugly metal wearing abomination, be a gentlemen and carry her!” Shouted Ooglaba although Nivel was the only one who could hear. “I can handle...This my..self Ooglaba” Nivel breathlessly replied back “I don't need...the tall folk to..carry me” Realizing that she hadn't introduced her friend yet, Nivel spoke again to the Tall Folk she was trailing. “Oh and um...This is Ooglaba..she..is my In..visible friend” Nivel said as she pointed to Ooglabas location. “eww now it knows I exist, it's going to try and look at me with those funny things it uses to see” She said with disgust. “don't be rude” Nivel shot back before directing her attention back to the tall folk. “I'm... sorry she can be a little..difficult” “Niiiiivel! How could you say that about your dear friend Ooglaba, I'm only looking out for you!” Ooglaba said with her tentacles swinging around rapidly to indicated her dismay. “Oh!..I'm...sorry...your..Friendship means.. a lot to me” Nivel replied. Nivel was still keeping a decent pace but slowing down considerably as her legs were starting to get a bit sore.

[Markus Andres]

Stuttering the reply came, but Markus understood her much clearer than he had ever understood Ball. Nivel. A strange name, but compared to Ball ... he had no complaints in that regard. He had already introduced himself in its presence, so he did not want to reintroduce himself again. Anyhow, the two were in a bit of a hurry. He didn't want it to get dark before they reached their destination, finding a knight in the darkness was no easy feat. Although made easier by the simple fact he could just sense if the person he looked at was a knight or not. Then the creature behind him surprised the sergeant knight. He slowed mid-step and turned to the clay figurine that worked its legs furiously to keep up with him. Its friend? What the petch was it on about? Introduced its invisible friend?

What? Markus decided against mentioning it, although the very concept was foreign to him. His pace resumed to its previous pace. Listening to the pycon talk behind him, talk as if engrossed in a conversation between two different people, it was a bit unsettling. The apology was ignored. Figuring it was best not to entertain her little quirk. He shook his head subtly as he tried to figure out what it was with that petching race that was so unbelievably odd and infuriating. It was like dealing with a child, but where he might have found a human child endearing, here the opposite was true. Perhaps it would grow on him.

The sergeant sighed lightly. Why had he invited it along to help him as he focused on the task at hand. Supplies would not be needed, he could handle the short duration without worrying about supplies. That was one thing he would not need to organize at least. The Pycon needed not eat. Frost would probably bring along something to drink. He turned a glance over his shoulder. It was falling behind again. Short legs, he was reminded of Bob Barton then and despite of the relative need for him to act quickly, a smile appeared on his lips as he pondered what had happened to that crafty little midget. The fond memory of the annoying man caused Markus to kneel and offer the Pycon a hand for him to carry it in. Whether the creature would accept it or not was up to it.

"We are in a hurry little one, quicker this way. Unless you have a mount of some sort you could use." He would simply speak as he offered his hand. Should it accept he would turn and get to the stables in a fast walk. Once more, pondering why he had brought the strange squire. Who had an invisible friend at the age one became a squire? ... Did pycons even age? Was he dealing with a child pycon? Many things he had never asked Ball. Probably never would ask either, there wasn't much reason for him to sate that curiosity. The stables wouldn't be that far and once he got there he would seek a stable master or whoever was in charge.

"I am sergeant knight Markus Andres under ser Urisu, I will need a horse. A knight is missing and I am going out to search for him. My wing will be arriving shortly so prepare another five horses." The man nodded and spoke a simple yes ser before heading for the stables. Found a horse who looked suitably experienced, well fed and rested. Markus saw the man begin preparing the horse. Blanket, saddle, tacks, everything in the right order. Experienced, more experienced than Markus, by far. It was good Syliras hired people to positions they were fit to hold. Efficiency. Good simple efficiency.

"You will be riding with me." The sergeant simply informed Nivel. "Speed is important. But so is preparation. Don't rush into things before giving it as much thought as the situation allows, Nivel. Who is your patron?" Shifting from a lesson into a simple question for the pycon.

[Nivel]

OocSince this post contained a lot of dialogue most of which marcus can't even hear I thought I would bold the important stuff Sir Marcus knelt and offered Nivel a hand, while advising her again to hurry. “Thank you so much” Nivel replied with gratitude “I do not have a mount of my own yet, I believe ridding dogs are harder to come by than horses” “About time” Grumbled Ooglaba, which Nivel promptly decided to ignore. Nivel enjoyed her friends company but she could be very tiresome as well. With Nivel in his hand, Marcus headed onto were he needed with swift determination. Nivel found the ride turbulent but in a different way than riding on a shoulder. She wasn't swung around violently but Marcus's hand was a bit sweaty and uncomfortable. Nivel knew enough not to complain especially at an urgent time like this. Lucky for her she had Ooglaba to do all her complaining for her. “How does that sweaty apish human hand feel Nivel?” Taunted Ooglaba “stop it Ooglaba, what is your problem with Tall folks?” Nivel whispered to Ooglaba. “I dunno, I just don't like them” “well keep quite about it for the moment, there are urgent matters at hand” “okay I'll talk about more pleasant things...like pond scum” “see that's the spirit!” “...Nivel..ugh..never mind” They arrived at the stables and Marcus told the man working there what he needed and the man responded quickly and efficiently to his request. Watching the man get the horse ready made Nivel wish she was big enough to ride a horse, Dogs are fine animals but horses just seemed so mighty and majestic. Nivels other choice for a mount would most definitely be a bear, no one would dare trifle with a Pycon knight ridding a bear. Marcus brought her back to the situation at hand which was getting more dire by the moment with a moment of shared wisdom. You need to get serious Nivel.. people are counting on you. “My Patron is Sera Grey Baxter” Nivel recited with machine like efficiency. Grey was possibly one of the oddest Mage Knights or even just knights in general. She was known for wearing masks nearly every waking moment, and was often the target for many strange rumours. Few Questioned her skills, dedication or honour but it didn't stop people from feeling incredibly uneasy in her presence. The fact that she was patron to a Pycon squire didn't help her reputation. “I will go and retrieve her Sir Marcus Andres, she should be a valuable asset in our mission” The serious tone Nivel was using was cartoonish in execution but Nivel was convinced she was conducting herself in a serious and dignified manner. She followed this with a quick bow before jumping out of the mans palm. “I'll meet you at the front Gate, If I'm held up go on without me.” Before giving Marcus much of a chance to respond she was on her way. Nivel moved like she had never moved before with Ooglaba hovering behind. “ooh you sounded so commanding back there, I'm sure that walking meat bag was impressed” complimented Ooglaba “Thank...you very much...but I must focus...on..the...Task..at hand” Replied the focused Nivel, not even talking the time to look at her friend. “I see you're busy right now. We can play later” Ooglaba chuckled “Try not to have to much fun with out me!” “I..Woon't!” shouted Nivel happily with an inner smile that only Ooglaba could see. Finally arriving at the doors of Grey's living Quarters, she knocked but heard no response. The Pycon didn't have time to wait and did her best to pry the door open. She ended up getting her arms stuck in the process alerting Grey to her presence. “What do you need Nivel?” The Pale faced Patron said in a stern voice as she helped her squire into her room. Grey was not masked at the moment and allowing her plain features to see the light of day. Nivel was one of the few individuals she felt comfortable seeing this side of her. “There is a Knight missing and Sir Marcus asked me to help me find him” Nivel pleaded Grey raised an eye brow at what she was certain was a tall tale. The Mage Knight had done this song and dance with her squire before, but including another knight in her little games was new. “Please tell me you did not bother this man?” Grey sighed “Do you remember my thoughts on this matter?” “Knights don't have time for silly make believe games” The Pycon recited with frustration “but..he really did-” “That is right” Grey interrupted in a stern motherly fashion “Now leave the man be, I am certain he has many important things he needs to do” “But he really does need us to help him find this person! Please we need your help.” Pleaded the Pycon, becoming more flustered by the moment. Noticing how upset her Squire was becoming she wondered if maybe she was telling the truth. “Fine, I will come but only so I can apologize on your behalf.” “oh thank you! Now hurry! I can't keep him waiting.” Nivel shouted with urgency while making exaggerated arm movements. “Be patient little one I need to put on my face” Grey said as she grabbed one of the masks displayed on her shelf and her bladed fan which she never left her room with. Nivel and Grey arrived at the Front Gates to a small crowd on horse back. Grey was a bit taken a back, as the childish Pycon's story was becoming more and more feasible. She none the less approached the knight she vaguely recognized as Sir Marcus and addressed him in a formal and respectful manner. “Greetings Sir Marcus, I am Sera Grey Baxter. I am here to apologize on behalf of my Squire for involving you in her silly delusions, she is only 2 years old but her behaviour is still inexcusable for a future knight. I do hope she has not kept you from your duties”