[The Stone Garden] Tranquility (Open)

[Alexander Vasiliev]

Alexander was deep in thought from what Sighard told him. The Knights, although he may hate them for what they did to his father, payed well, and provided meals. Plus, as a Mage Knight, he had a free excuse to wield his magic for "training" purposes, or to apprehend a "violent" thug. This was good news, good news indeed. Finally, he could forward his magic skills, fix the crime in the city, get a decent paycheck, have a better home, and maybe even become famous! "Relax Alexander, calm yourself" he tried telling himself, "Soooo....Sighard, how did you enter the Knighthood as a Squire?" he asked, trying to seem uninterested, though on the inside he was bursting with excitement. He listened patiently, memorizing every word coming out of the squire's mouth. How great would his life finally be, if he was accepted as a mage knight? It would fix everything wrong in his life, including his inability to use magic. His life would mean something, he would be able to reduce crime, and actually help people without breaking any laws himself. Alexander was now wide-awake, any thoughts of sleep long gone. His mind was now occupied with the idea of becoming a Knight. He ordered another mug of ale, downing some bread with it to avoid becoming too drunk. All he was missing was to pass out on the floor of the bar, and make a fool of himself. That would be quit a sight. Alexander was literally on the edge of his chair, waiting for Sighard's reply, hoping he hadn't missed it with all of his thought processes. He really would need to learn to pay attention... Realizing he was drifting again, he focused on Sighard.

[Jonathon DuFraine]

"Aye, and I would do well to remember yours. I know several squires, but you are by far the most talkative." With a grin, Jonathon recalled Xalet, a much more solemn squire. Or maybe he just didn't talk much. Jonathon wasn't quite sure. In any case, it was always good to meet another friend or two, particularly if said friends were ready for combat; Jonathon often asked those he knew well to accompany him on a hunting trip. At least, he used to.

"For you, the city is safety. For me, it's stifling. Appreciate the compliment and all, but considering how safe you knights keep even the Bronze Woods, living outside really isn't that startling of a feat... I think." As to the offer of work, Jonathon rubbed his chin. "Hmm... Becoming a Knight is hard work. You better know what you're getting into here, you know? I almost joined once, but in the end, the call of the wild..." Jonathon waved a hand vaguely in the air, then took another gulp.

The warmth of the tavern and the similar warmth in his belly were making his head fuzzy. Jonathon gave it a small shake, his long locks going with him. Head cleared somewhat, he continued drinking, but in smaller sips. He didn't want to incapacitate himself yet, and he knew himself to be something of a light-weight when it came to drink. Or anything else, for that matter.

[Sighard]

The question seemed laughable, if only from Sighard's point of view because he nothing except the Syliran Knights. Every fiber of his being, all movements made in his succession is his life were an eternal monument to their structure, and though he was but a piece upon their board he knew he was a collective of a legendary force, one which caused his chest to swell with pride and an expanded grin to compound his already cheery features as he spoke to answer Alexander's question.

"I am a Beleld, of course! My family has served the Knights well since its conception and I have done well to continue the tradition. . ." He caught himself before continuing to spit out useless facts and fictions that was the legacy of his house, instead calmly regaining his composure as he slumped comfortably in his seat. Pride in one's heritage was a positive, but he feared to push the borders of bragging. He continued, calmly, and so as to address both Alexander and Johnathon he cast glances between them every so often.

"But even the greatest of bloodlines confer no immediate advantages to Knighthood. I am to work diligently and serve Syliras with my head dipped low and all that I earn will be from what I have done, not what the tales tell. Johnathon does not lie. It is hard, selfless work that we sacrifice in order to maintain the safe life you know here."

Upon finishing Sighard drunk from his cup and smiled, running his tongue against the wet stubble of his chin to lap the excess ale which dripped and glistened against the reflection of the firelight. His hands pressed neatly at the folds of his cloak.

"It is one thing to keep the order of the city with a blade in hand, but another entirely to keep good relations with the people. If the two synchronize well enough then peace will be kept as it is now."

[Jonathon DuFraine]

Jonathon's head was getting a little... spinny. Dizzy. Confused. Muffled. Everything seemed blurred. Time to go home. "Well, Sighard... Jonathon's voice was blurred, and a clumsy hand patted Sighard's shoulder once or twice before slipping off. "Been plenty of fun, but I think I'll be headed out now..." He couldn't stumble off to the woods in his condition, though! He could get attacked or something!

Fortunately (sort of), the exertion of standing made a lot more blurry stuff go to Jonathon's head at once. His last thought was, I must be more of a lightweight then I thought. Jonathon hit the floor with a dull thud, his candle snuffed. Unless Sighard felt the need to intervene, Jonathon would likely awaken in that same place in the later morning with a headache.

[Sighard]

"I'd offer to buy you a bed, mate, were there any for sale." Sighard's enunciation was only slightly marred by the effect of his drink, which he elatedly gulped down at the fall of his friend. He peered levelly over his mug at the spectacle and gave a hearty chuckle worthy of his adolescent demeanor. The mug dropped easily from his fingers and he hopped from his seat, skirted lightly across the floor, and with the aid of another generous man, helped Johnathon's limp body to a bench and attempted to splay it about as best they could. The effort was rough and disjointed, and there were intervals of resistance where the blacked out man woke up in mild confusion. The sedation of his mead was too powerful, however, and such episodes were evanescent.

The squire had deduced that his time at the tavern had passed. Judging by the deepening shadows and the faltering company he'd found his time had passed. His mother's supper would no doubt be cold and greasy, sitting alone on the table and for a moment he'd felt a tinge of guilt for meandering about past his curfew. A thoughtful wave of his hand was given towards the crowd before he disappeared into the torch-lit corridors of Syliras.

[Chevalier]

Alexander

LORE

• Acquaintance: Jabari
• Acquaintance: Jonathan DuFraine
• Acquaintance: Sighard Beleld

EXPERIENCE

Skill	XP Earned
Philosophy	1
Rhetoric	3
Interrogation	1
Drinking	2

Jonathan

LORE

• Acquaintance: Jabari
• Acquaintance: Alexander Vasiliev
• Acquaintance: Sighard Beleld

EXPERIENCE

Skill	XP Earned
Rhetoric	4
Drinking	2

Jabari

LORE

• Sylira has Trees
• Acquaintance: Alexander Vasiliev
• Acquaintance: Jonathan DuFraine

EXPERIENCE

Skill	XP Earned
Rhetoric	2

Sighard

LORE

• Acquaintance: Alexander Vasiliev
• Acquaintance: Jonathan DuFraine

EXPERIENCE

Skill	XP Earned
Rhetoric	3
Interrogation	1
Drinking	2

Storyteller Notes

Secret :

It's always good to take the time to know one another . Jabari seems to be gone, but I was going to mention that sometimes it can seem like there's not much to do in social threads, but there is. Whether it's about faith, economics, battle tactics or just grilling people you just met for information, there's always plenty to say. Well, unless you're not at all a social character, then it can be hard!