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[Talen Stirling]

14th of Spring 513 AV The Denvali settlement sprawled along the northern bank of Zeltiva, its rainbow coloured streets growing swiftly in every directions as more refugees had arrived and they'd settled down. The Denvali had not only brought their people with them, but also their culture. Every house was painted in vivid bright colours, and the streets were patrolled by their own kind of merchants as well as their own peacekeepers. In the recently plagued and depopulated Zeltiva, it seemed a much needed growth to the city. The Denvali tended their own fields nearby, and were known for their hardiness and discipline. Afterall, they'd survived the utter annihilation of their home and come out on top. Their warriors were bound to ancient Suvanese military discipline, for much like Zeltiva their settlement used to have its roots in one of the ancient empires. But of course, much as the differences inbetween those two empires had lead to strife, so did the arrival of the Denvali not only cause peace and prosperity near their borders. When one group grows another may feel that it is at their expense. The sun shone deceptively brightly, accompanied by a cold wind blowing through the sharply illuminated city streets. It was the kind of sun that brought little warmth, but was set low in the horizon to blind you. Talen was walking through a street in the southern end of the Quarter. He enjoyed looking at the brightly coloured buildings and hearing people talking in what was slowly becoming more and more common speech rather than Denvali. The cold didn't much penetrate the shield, armour and scarf he was carrying. As they say, old habits die hard, and with all the things they'd been through lately he did not often leave home without them. He exhaled heavily and looked up the lightly populated street towards the building where his comrades had set up their base. Perhaps he'd find someone to train with, or some grub. With that envigorating thought he hunched his shoulders and almost changed direction, until someone shouting his name pulled him out of his reverie. "Talen! Talen!" A young son of a farmer came running up the cobblestones, waving at him vigorously. "There's a fight down by pops house! 'Em bloody thieves are callin' half our garden theirs!" "Lead the way." Talen pulled the shield off his back for better control of it's weight and set off at a ramshackle sprint after the youth, his blade bouncing merrily next to him. Arriving upon the scene of the scuffle there stood two small groups of people upon a little field inbetween to houses, one Zeltivan and one Denvali. Two men were engaged in a fistfight, whilst another was trying to pull them apart and the rest were shouting curses at each other, neither group understanding anything being said. "ENOUGH! HALT!" Talen roared loud enough to hurt his own voice, but not before one man had knocked his opponent out and others had started fighting. Intending to restore order Talen walked forward to push the men apart with his shield and military authority. Little did he know, he was not the only one.

[Ricky Maze]

If there was ever a time Ricky thanked Laviku for ever having a shield it was now. He had always kept it in his chest of personal belongings so that one day he could hang it on a wall. The azure uniform he wore was his badge of honor amongst the guard as well as the shield, and Ricky took his job to heart based on personal past experiences. Today though he had been instructed to bring his shield for precarious reasons. Now he knew why.

He was instructed to head to the office for a brief notification on his post, and it was then he receieved his instructions. A local citizen concerned about two groups about to break out into a fight, and Ricky was given the task to hopefully bring back the order between the two; and bring in to custody the people who brought about this violence.

So he made quick haste to the Denvali Quarter, the colored buildings a signature that their culture still lived on. It was unexpected how much the quarter really had grown, thus tension between the city local and the Denvali populace started to grow. Ricky had no qualms with the people of Denval, their retreat to rebuild what they lost was only a matter of survival. Zeltiva was only providing the crutch the Denval refugees needed until they could rebuild their home. He knew what a pain it must've felt like too, even with the plague gone and the housing market up Ricky still had to work hard to rebuild his home. He could only afford his bedroom for now, and the rest of the building would come as he could afford the purchases.

He followed the directions to where the scuffle had already broken out, his eyes locked with fearful determination. 'Courage in yer heart mate, and confidence in yer ability.' He told himself mentally as he readied the shield, he had never used a shield in his life before, but to control a angry crowd like this he would have to use it to seperate them at least. The shield had a weight he wasn't accustomed to, though the crest of the guard rested on it. Therefore he had the support of his fellow defender's at his back, although it was more so on his left arm. With a deep breath Ricky made his way into the thick of the angry crowd, he used his shield to get between the people as they feuded one another, and did his best to seperate the scrappers without bringing harm.

"All right!" He roared to the crowd as he pushed and shoved, he used his free hand to pull some of the men off each other when he could; the shield came in handy to cut between two brawlers when he needed. "Cut the damn shyke out already!" He barked his order as his face became flushed, already he was stressed and agitated by being in the midst of this chaos; but he was a defender of the peace. A protector of Zeltiva, no matter how flustered he would get he had to keep in control. No matter what happened he had to restore the peace.

[Talen Stirling]

Despite their, to each other unknown, appearance the fight escalated, the center of the group being oblivious to the arrival of the guards. Talen grabbed and pulled the scruff of one man's shirt, shoving his shield inbetween him and the one he was brawling with. They staggered apart and the main pair of the crowd were visible in front of him exchanging blows viciously. One was a Zeltivan unknown to him, the other a hulk of a farmer, well-known in Denval as a good fighter and an even greater drinker of the local degtine, or "little water". A local brew much superior to the Zeltivan "Kelp beer". Their fistfight immediately took a turn for the worse. The large Denvali farmer on the right landed a thundering right hook in his opponents' face, spraying blood and teeth onto the field. He pulled back his fist for another strike, but Talen jumped forward shoving his shield into the man's chest with all of his weight behind it. The man staggered backwards and away from his opponent momentarily stunned and out of breath. Talen's momentum however, had not stopped and he fell forward blindly, accidentally grabbing onto the other man who'd fought his way in to separate the brawlers for balance. He crashed into the waveguard with a rattle of steel against steel, but the impact with the larger man stopped his fall and he pushed away from him with his free-hand, regaining his balance. He stared for a split second in surprise at the stranger in his armour and weaponry, realised he was a waveguard and looked around at the dirty fighters who stood split up on either side of the two of them. "Back, OFF!" More or less subconsciously his hand fell upon his swordhilt and his eyes scoured the circle of men for anyone who still looked like they were inclined to start a fight. He was furious, and not about to let his embarrasment over falling be seen by anyone.

[Ricky Maze]

A couple of guys here and another couple there, the scrappers of the scuffle were torn apart from one another to the best of Ricky's abilities. His shield being a symbol of honor you'd think the Zeltivan locals would stop their violence, but alas not even that would keep the frenzy from continuing. Thus Ricky shoved the round object in between a pair to divide them when possible, and the rest that required his free hand was done so with flustered authority. Ricky had to throw a few men down and back after he grabbed their shirts with a iron grip, just so he could bring back the peace that stood between the group before this violence ensued.

Then it happened. Someone had the stones to tackle him from behind, thus it spurred Ricky to turn around immediately to catch the assailant. That was when the Denvali Guardsman had temporarily lost his cool. The men the two had worked so hard to break apart had finally scattered from one another, both groups had eyed Ricky and the armored man with looks both intimidated and spiteful. Ricky thanked Laviku that the brawl had finally came to a halt, because now that meant he could finish his part of the job and go back to walking a route. He'd prefer that over a scuffle anyday.

"Right," He mumbled to himself as he collected his thoughts, "All of ya should be ashamed of yer'selves! Pickin a damn fight with these men ain't gonna do shyke but get ya a load of trouble, and now here I am havin to clean up yer petchin mess like the welps ya are actin like!" His voice was raised and his face still flushed, he had managed to keep himself from a blackout; but that didn't mean he was close to being pissed.

"They be buildin on our land!" One of the Zeltivan's defended, as the rest agreed with a rough cheer. Ricky sighed.

'Clearly they picked the wrong man to handle this, either that or they're punishin me.' Ricky thought to himself before he made his statement, "Ye should've taken the complaint to the Lord of Council Office's, from there we could've done this in a more 'civilized' manner."

Ricky hated to do this but he was the authority here, thus he had to put the law into accord. "Thus I hereby place all of ya under arrest."

OOCFeel free to have Talen intervene with the arrest, it should make for an interesting turn out.

[Talen Stirling]

The waveguard shouted at the group of men, who stood panting and throwing threatening glances at the other side but at the moment too humbled to speak up. One man was laying on the ground with another bent over him looking at his broken teeth and bruised jaw. The Denvali looked positively furious, but seemed to have enough respect for one of their own not to act out of line. Threatening murmurs were exchanged in their native tongue, and Talen snarled at them in Denvali to shut up before they got themselves into even more trouble. He gave the Waveguard a calculative look as the man continued talking. He was content with waiting for him to finish, being used to following orders and other people's lead. This stranger was tall and large, but did not seem threatening or intimidating in his appearance. Talen at first glance thought he liked the man, a guard like himself but calm and sturdy. There'd been so many weird strangers and creatures there was something familiar about a man like this. The Denvali answered the Zeltivan cheer with threats and curses, and Talen turned to tell them to shut up and follow suit to the barracks, yet never finished before the Waveguard spoke again. He blinked in momentary disbelief and stared at him. Had he said that he them all under arrest? This was the Denvali Quarter, and their people who'd been in a fight. Even if their chain of command was not as clear-cut or their society as strong as it had once been this was their place and their lands that were disputed. "No. These men are within our territory and under our jurisdiction." He said it with a steeled certainty he wasn't sure he felt. However, he could not let his people be taken away by strangers within their own lands. Denvali justice still had strength and they would be dealt with accordingly, but not by these Zeltivan pampers. Adarin had spoken about how they could not trust the strangers, and how they needed to make sure their people were safe and thrived. Most importantly however, he knew some of these men, they were needed amongst their families. They tilled crops, built houses and had lived, traveled and died with him and his kin. He turned to the waveguard and matched his gaze with a bold stare. He had no right to come here and challenge his people.

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky stared at the armored man with a tested look, his bold interjection felt like a challenge on the Wave Guard's authority; and such a thing couldn't be easily overlooked. Ricky had to think quick and hard, and somehow try to find a way to make both groups walk away seperately.

"Aye, these people are of the city. Therefore it falls on me to escort them back for proper punishment." Ricky stated in confidence, his authority may have been tested just now; but for the sake of Zeltiva he couldn't just let it wane. Then what would the people of the city think about their guard? It was a tricky situation, one that had all eyes focused on the two guard, and silent curses at each other.

This was a situation that could go either way, and Ricky had to figure out just exactly who he was dealing with before he could decide on his next action. The peace hadn't been brought back just yet, and since he represented his guard and the city Ricky was heavily tasked to ensure that it was. "Ricky Maze of the Wave Guard, might I ask yer's sir?"

[Talen Stirling]

The men around then murmurred, and some of them looked as though they might slip away if things weren't dealt with soon. None of them were probably keen on receiving punishment, although the Denvali would have little luck running anywhere. Talen knew them all, and if not themselves then their families. The waveguard seemed nervous. Instead of becoming furious he simply seemed resolved, which was puzzling to Talen but fortunate. "In our Quarter it falls to the Denvali to give punishment." He said it without much force but as a statement of fact. He looked around at the Zeltivans, catching a man who had been slowly edging away from the crowd in his steps. He wondered how long they'd hang around waiting to be arrested. A shivering wind rippled the grass, and the waveguard continued with polite inquiry. Perhaps they'd still settle this peacefully. "Talen Stirling... The Watch." He hesitated a bit, the momentary realisation that he wasn't even sure what his position within their organisation was called anymore striking some of the air out of him. What would become of them, if they no longer had order within their ranks? They would have to hold on to what they had always known. "Sir., We've guarded Denval for centuries. Even if this is not the place, it is still our people. I'm not about to let strangers take them away on our own lands. We look after our own, even those that break the peace." He felt a little more self-assured after his speech, the weight of tradition and experience supporting his resolve to see this through.

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky glanced over to the group he had placed under arrest, his attention equally split between hearing out the guard while keeping an eye on his folk. What Talen pointed out was actually correct, the people were in the Denvali Quarter thus his authority here had been limited. Yet he couldn't just let the people be punished without the guard to represent.

When a few of the men had taken a few feet away from the main group Ricky snapped and pointed at them, and directed them to the front and center of the group. None may have wished to face punishment but those who would cower to get out of it would have little luck. Ricky was as sharp as his blade when it came to his job, and he wasn't going to let anything slip past him. He would look to Talen and occasionally glance over to the group once more, his voice still full of confidence and resolve.

"Aye, it is the law that the Denvali handle punishment in their own corner," Gasps and curses came from the group, and Ricky raised a hand to them to signify to be silent. "However! I believe that should they be punished then I at least be present to hear it. As a city guard and citizen of Zeltiva, I would prefer to see what punishment they will be given; Should it be an accordingly punishment fit for their crime then I can accept."

The men were all against him either way, to be punished was something none of them wanted. Yet the looks he received were that of a traitor to his city, or so Ricky felt anyway. They may think what the could of him, but Ricky's hands were completely bound here. He would do what he can to help his city, but there was only so little he could do at this point.

[Talen Stirling]

Talen felt baffled at Ricky's sudden agreement. There was no clear border inbetween the Denvali Quarter and the rest of the city, and this being a dispute over land it was in truth no clear-cut case whose jurisdiction this land belonged to. The Zeltivans were outraged, and seemed furious at their kinsman for his decision. Talen thought they feared a harsher punishment from Denvali authorities. Perhaps that was likely, given his leaders views of strangers fighting with their own people. He scratched his neck and looked around at the men, reconsidering his options. This didn't feel like a victory, and this strangers dedication to resolving it peacefully impressed him. He didn't seem so different from his brothers in arms, perhaps it would be better if they could make a deal that worked out for the both of them. It was nice for once to find an ally amongst all of the strange people and places he'd seen since everything started to spiral into chaos. "Hmm... Tell you what, you'll take the Zeltivans back to your justice and we'll take care of our own. Trust me, we take these things seri--" He was cut off by a sharp movement and a cry out from one of the Denvali - One of the men who'd edged himself away from the group of Zeltivans made a run for freedom. Talen didn't know if Ricky would stay and watch the others or run him down, and decided to go with action rather than hope the other guard was swift. He thought he looked too big to move fast anyhow. The escapist didn't look like an athlete, skinny and with mouse-brown curly hair and brown-gray clothing. His feet tore into the dirt as he set off, and let his shield drop onto the turf as he gained speed. The added weight of sword and armour slowed him down, but with practice comes perfection and he'd spent his entire youth running to and fro wearing his gear in Denval. There were two ways to catch a man trying to escape you. Endurance, and Haste. Either you ran until he made a mistake or ran out of breath, and caught him then. Or you moved so much faster than him you caught up to him. Usually, Talen would go for endurance. Experience had taught him that the front runner usually had the hardest time, and obstacles would impede his escape sufficiently for him to catch up... Not that most of his experience came from catching criminals, but rather play with his friends in the streets. This time, however, he didn't have the luxury of time to spare for such a race. He let his weight fall forward and moved his arms in tandem with his legs, breathing in sharp intakes and exhales, picking up enough speed for him to gain on his opponent. As well as enough speed to make it hard to turn, and impossible to dodge. The two of them turned one corner, Talen running a wider corner with leather boots now sounding a quick rhythm upon the cobblestones. The air in his lungs felt cold and harsh, and he prepared to tackle the escapee at the next corner.

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky allowed a small smile and nod when he began to hear the words Talen said, the fact that the guard would allow him to take his locals back for the proper punishment proved Talen was good at heart; and some ways similiar to Ricky. To be honest Ricky himself thought about just taking the Zeltivan's into custody while Talen handled the Denvali, he just didn't think to challenge the law of the place should it fall under jurisdiction of the Denvali Quarter.

Alas when he cut himself off and ran for one of the Zeltivan's as they tried to bolt loose, Ricky's smile soon faded away as he watched Talen charge after the escapee. Ricky felt miffed at himself for letting his sights go for just one moment, but then again he was one man that watched a full group, so in truth he was overexceeding his capabilities here by taking the job solo. Of course Ricky wanted to take off with Talen to catch the coward that though he could escape, but someone had to stick around both groups to keep them in check. He made sure to keep a watchful eye on both, as he waited for Talen to return with the runaway.

OOCSorry this came late, I greatly appreciate your patience!