End Of An Era.

[Alexander Faircroft]

Description "Alex Common" Alex thoughts "Myrian" "Fratava" "Others"


The difference between Alex and Garland was as stark as night and day. Mind against matter. And Mind had won, right now though it was easy to see why. Against Alex Garland had faltered at the final hurdle. Alex could see the slow transformation into a battle crazed beast and Alex knew that having rigidity was the only thing liable to keep it in check.

Watching Garland stalk towards that line was something that took what seemed an eternity. One. Two. The steps paused and deliberate, Alex could see the resistance in his form, in his want to lash out. Arms open wide he would have gladly accepted the strike if it came. But it never did, instead something else filled that void, anguish. Pain. The feeling of loss that Alex knew so well. The sound of metal thudding into the earth.

He bet on the right horse. Garlands humanity outstripped his bloodlust. If for no other reason than his want to protect his young ones. He watched the fear fill garland as he recoiled from the line. Alex could see clearly that he wasn’t ready to accept the darkness that lingered within. Alex had long since accepted that fact. He knew where he came from and exactly what he was. He was the spawn of darkness incarnate. Alex spoke just a few words.
“I knew you couldn’t cross it. I hoped you wouldn’t cross it. You’re a better man than that. Stay here and do what you can. I’m going to find out where I truly belong.” Alex offered Garland his hand as he spoke, his words fragile like spun glass.

“This wasn’t a loss, at least not for you.” Alex just offered a weak smile but there lingered behind his eyes a very real sadness and very deep loneliness. He was about to charged off into the world by himself afraid and alone. Just as he went to motion to turn away he felt the clamour of steel around his frame and was almost ready to turn and unleash a blast of strength almost untold but instead it was something he as of yet was still not used too. A hug.
“Nothing to settle, I think in this instance it’s your win. Next time we meet, perhaps I’ll be able to hold a candle, and you’ll be able to keep ‘that’ in check?” His smile shifted a little a touch of genuine happiness plying at the corners.

The sight of garland with bleary eyes was something not uncommon to Alex. The revelation that Garland had gotten Alex something was rather. Shocking. He let the older and stouter squire run off to fetch it. Sheathing his blades in the meanwhile. Something he might need? Would could he potentially need that he already didn’t have. Though as he lifted the lid of the wooden box it became all too clear.

[Garland]

Inside the box was a leather bracer, completely unimpressive at first glance, but two pieces of flexible wood folded and nearly indistinguishable from the leather itself.

"This thing was pretty expensive, there really isn't a black market in Syliras, but there are a few blacksmiths, leather workers, and merchants that keep the more... exotic merchandise under the counter so to speak. Besides, the knights are too traditional, always with the swords and bows." Garland let Alex take the bracer and put it on.

On the bracer there was a button that released the latch that held the crossbow in place, the latch also worked as means to draw back the string and prime the crossbow to fire.

Garland pressed the button and the two pieces of wood extended out, ready to fire if it had a bolt primed . "Flex your hand back to fire, the mechanics of the thing is lost to me. But it works, I tried it myself, almost shot myself with it. Be careful when that thing is primed, a quick flick and the bolt is sent flying, after the bolt is shot or if the crossbow is... sheathed, for lack of a better word, it's harmless, so it shouldn't hinder your fighting."

Garland smiled brightly at Alex, but what just happened troubled him greatly. He acted as if the fight never happened. "It takes a bit of practice but when you get use to it, no one would see it coming before it's too late."

"Do you want to me to set up a few targets for you to shoot at?" Garland had hoped that Alex would like his gift, he wanted his friend to be stay, he had thought of getting Alex armor of some sort, but travelling the world in plate-mail was just plain stupid.

"I wanted to put in some sort of emblem for it but... I didn't know what would suit you the most. I hope you like it."

[Alexander Faircroft]

Description "Alex Common" Alex thoughts "Myrian" "Fratava" "Others"


The thing which Garland unveiled was something Alex had heard about but never actually seen. A cross bow that strapped to one’s wrist and launched with a single pull backwards of the hand. Honestly though knowing Garland it was quite likely that he almost shot himself with it as he said. Tightening the bracer around his forearm he aimed his left hand out into the open and shot the string.

“Garland… You bloody idiot...” Alex lifted his right hand to cover his face, primarily his eyes. A soft paper thin and glass fragile smile across his lips. Genuine and heartfelt. “I told you not too you bloody fool...” Only as he finished speaking did a couple drops of water fall from his chin. With a quick flash of his hand back and forth across his eye he wiped away the remnants.

“No Garland… I don’t think I’ll need any targets… I’m probably going to have plenty of time to practice on the trip out of Syliras. And you’re right something less knightly is often more bespoke in the world outside of these stone walls.” As Garland finished speaking about an emblem Alex pulled the dagger from his back and carved into the bracer. To the untrained it would look like he was just blemishing it. From where garland stood he could see a rather rudimentary but good enough “G” now scratched into the steel work.

“I’ll put it to damned good use Garland. Be sure of that.” Alex noticed how Garland brushed off the battle and was now ignoring it fully. So Alex left him with something of his own. Taking the necklace off he slipped free a single Idol. And handed it to Garland as he spoke.
“Garland… I want you to do me a favour. I know you’re not a particularly godly person, however if you want to tame the animal within. Meditate and inquire after Myri, the goddess of war. She may be able to help you. Secondly Find Revy, have a sit down with her and just let her know that you need help focusing your rage. She’s pretty damned good at that.” Alex sheathed his blades and stood facing garland a moment. He wanted to act like a normal person, but he knew he couldn’t instead he stepped up to him, placed his right hand on his shoulder and spoke lightly.

“Thank you. Brother.” The last word echoing like a bell in the open space, as Alex began to descend the steps back into the city.

[Garland]

Garland would have rejected Alex's gift at any other time, he knew that his gods were important to him and he was in no position to judge, but he knew he needed all the help he could get to keep his beast in check.

Garland took the idol, an idol of the warrior Goddess, Myri. "I've always thought that gods were too busy with their lofty positions to pay any actual heed to us 'lesser beings'."

Garland slipped on the necklace and held the idol, turning it around on his fingers. "I promise, by the time we meet again, I'll have that... thing under control."

Garland was taken aback by Alex calling him 'brother', he had always been a lonely child, he made friends, sure, but only after he stood up against the bullies, his friends were friends because he had power, he was more a symbol than a person, and when he left the orphanage, his true friends stayed with him.

That is... Only one. To have someone to call brother that is more than just someone in your same faction felt... releasing, someone to cling on to at the worst of times, someone that would not abandon you even if leaving you made their lives easier.

Garland just smiled as Alex walked away. "Don't die out there, Brother!" And with that Garland packed up and left.

After a few chimes of walking. "I forgot to buy bolts... Petching hai on a shyke storm!"