Oriah stood by herself in the recruitment office, facing a rather cheerful but heavily scarred man she had been told went by the title of Ser Erik. Marrick had, in addition to explaining all that he knew of squireship and knighthood, suggested she approach this man directly.
The Benshira had spent day after night after day contemplating her decision. Having come this far in her efforts to live true to both herself and Yahal's will, it was at once comforting and unsettling to find the choice so readily made. Of course, the squire had inspired her a significant amount. More so than she would care to casually admit, for the emotions and bonds that had begun to form without her awareness were anything but casual. But there was more to it, and Oriah knew this as sure as she knew her own name.
Out in the deserts, where anyone who was not a friend was a foe, the difference between right and wrong had been easy to distinguish. There was no sense of evil, aside from the occasional slaver who passed through in vain hopes of snaring one of their hardy lot. There was only life, or death. It was a simple matter to choose.
Here, in a world beyond the scorching reaches of Syna's overwhelming love, things were not so clear cut. People had more inclinations to lie, steal, and cheat. But this did not dishearten Oriah. On the contrary, it filled her with surety, with purpose. Because up until her timely departure from her Tent, she had never truly understood why she bore Yahal's favor. What protection did she need from her own family and friends? The only protection she cared for was from being burned, lost, or starved, and none of those hazards were covered by her mark.
But, now, in the face of a possible future fighting alongside Squire Corvis--and keeping him safe, more importantly--and upholding Yahal's teachings in the most indisputably noble form she could presently think of, Oriah felt nothing but peace. And excitement. This was what she was meant to do, she was sure of it. This was the path she had been shaped to take.
"Ser Erick," she presented herself to the knight with as much earnestness, respect, and conviction she could muster, head slightly bowed. "I am Oriah Azari, devout follower of Yahal, native to deserts of Eyktol, and I wish to offer my services to uphold and protect all that is good and just. My skills may only be worthy of squireship at present, but I am willing to work tirelessly to prove otherwise."
She was unsure of what more to add, so she kept her mouth shut. Better to be brief and to the point, than to ramble on to someone as seasoned as Ser Erik himself.
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