Lavian's Adventure Continued

"You look like you need some rest," said the knight, offhand. He pointed toward a nearby tent. "I appreciate your help. Use my tent if you like, I won't be needing it tonight."

"Thank you for your offer. Yet I have much to do tonight as well. I have a friend here, I must talk with first. He is a shady little fellow, I told him to go gather information about what was going on before I left. I want to know what he found out." Lavian stood to her feet, barely catching herself as she lost her balance. She shrugged it off as she stood up on her own. "Once I find him and speak with him then I will be able to rest." She turned and looked at the knight, "And I need no special treatment, I am wounded yes. But it is nothing and I will be all right sleeping out under the stars with the rest of the villagers." She started off in the direction she was dragged from, intent on finding Wick or Dale before the night was over. For the first time in her life she actually wanted to see that annoying little man. Even though it was for selfish reasons, still she wished he was here with her now. He would know what's going on, or at least what to do.

"Then I will accompany you back. I have to keep these people from panicking." They returned to the hill where the villagers were gathered. Both approached the fire around which the elders had gathered. Lavian was intercepted by her host, accompanied now by Dale.

He looked her over, nodding. "Dale has told me how you drove off a squad of these rogues single-handedly. We are truly in your debt. I would gladly have extended an invitation to share further hospitality, but at the time we don't even have a roof to put over your head. Perhaps there is something else we can do for you?"

"Yes, I am looking for the travelers who were with me, have you seen them?"

The elder laughed. "WICK!" he yelled, cupping his hands to his mouth. "WICK!" Dale recoiled in surprise at the elder's outburst. He waited expectantly and shortly the small form of Wick came trudging up, trailed by his mushroom-man comrade.

"Yes, Dewinn" said Wick calmly, "Oh, you found Lavian! Hi Lavian! You look like you've had a time of it! But now we're all safe and sound, back together again!" He eyed Dale dubiously. "Who's this kid?"

Lavian nods in greeting at Wick and his companion, "You could say that I have." She turned and looked at Dale, "The kid? His name is Dale, he is a villager from the town. Yet that is not important." She turned and looked at Wick again, her eyes had regained some of their life, and she was starting to look human again. "Before we split up when the bandits were running up and down the street on the horses, I told you to go gather what ever information you could get. I found out a bit my self, but I want to know what you did. Tell me everything as if I didn't know anything, and please don't tell me you didn't find anything out. You had to have." Lavian looked almost pleading at the last comment, but it was only a momentary lapse. She waited and hoped Wick had found out something, anything. If he had been sitting around the old man's house safe and sound while she was getting stuck full of holes, she was going to kill him. Or at least ignore him for a bit.

"Oh yes," said Wick excitedly, eyes alight, "I found out many things. Yes, many, many things. So many things, you would not even believe them if I told you about them." He paused, nonplussed. "What are we talking about? Oh, I'll tell you everything... Where should I start? How about the beginning..."

"When we split up..." interceded Lavian, afraid of what kind of story might start at the beginning.

Wick's face drooped, "That's not as interesting. When we split up, I went searching for Dewinn. Then I found him. Then I led the elders out of the village." He stopped, looking at Dewinn. "I would have led the elders out of the village, but then I found Cap. So then I lost the elders, so I had to go look for them again. I found them here. Then I lost Cap, so I had to go look for him again. And you, of course. I found Cap, and all these soldiers dressed like that one," he pointed to Thomas standing nearby, "were coming out of nowhere and fighting with the wolfmen, so we had to come back here and see if the elders were safe. And I've been gathering information just like you said. Did you know someone has been stealing Mrs. Tilbur's pies? It's happened two days in a row. I suspect it's wolf men..."

Lavian was almost disappointed, almost. "You said the knights came out of nowhere and started fighing the wolfmen, did you get a good look at the wolfmen? Were they actually Werewolves, or just people with animal furs over their bodies? All the ones I saw were just people with wolf skins on." She was intent on getting to the bottom of this, someone was going to get hurt. It was not going to be her again this time.

"They looked like the ones we saw before... that's why they're wolf men and not werewolves. Do you think they are werewolves merely disguised as wolf men? And if you grab them, they'll turn into wolves and bite you?" He formed his hands into fists. "I would pull their teeth for trying something like that!"

Lavian refrains from the sudden urge to pat Wick on the head. "Yes, I'm sure you would." She nodded to herself as she turned away, "That is good, so far there are only humans pretending to be werewolves. Since no-one has actually seen one this conflict, then there is a greater chance that it is only a rumor that they are spreading." She sighed deeply as she looked back to the knight, "Well, it seems there is nothing left for me to do tonight. I think I will turn in." She smiled at him and nodded before turning back to Dewinn. "Are you doing well? I hope the weather out here is not to harsh for you, I'm accustomed to being inconvenienced. (And a bad speeler) I think I will need to get some sleep though, I know I will feel this tomorrow." She smiled warmly at the old man, she was almost herself again.

The old man smiled somewhat graciously. "My home has been ransacked by wolfmen and an unnatural storm rages overhead. But I am well. We will sort things out in the morning." He looked pointedly at Thomas. "I hope the Baron will be so kind as to return our homes to us."

Lavian went to the soldier's tent and, after a warning glance at Wick, fell into a deep sleep.

She awoke to see the light of day cutting a small path through the tent flap to where she lay. Outside she could hear voices. Suddenly the flap was thrown open and a large, broad-shouldered man strode in.

"Geradon, are you here?!" he bellowed, sweeping the tent with his gaze. He was heavily armored, with a mantle draped over his wide shoulders, and even not fully focused, Lavian could see that his face was very scarred. "Ger--" he saw her and his voice choked off. His tone softened, still a rough grate, "H-How... can it be?" He blinked, looking at her in confusion.

Lavian reached up and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes with her arm. She had enough sense to sleep fully clothed, not that she feared herself in any danger. Just tent flaps are a weak defence for voyeurs. Present company included. She yawned slightly as she raised an eyebrow at the man, she was not surprised, it should have been expected. She was sleeping in someone else's tent after all. "I'm not quite sure of what you are alluding to, fair warrior. Yet I'm quite sure that you are incorrect in your assumption." She sat up to get a better look at the man, as she did she clutched her side and doubled over in pain.

She slowly sat up again and looked the man in the eyes, "You are no doubt looking for the man whose tent this is. I'm sorry, but I spent the night here, alone. You will have to ask one of his men where he is at." She was breathing a little heavy and her words were short and icy. It was obvious her wounds were better but the aches and pains were still there. She idly wondered if a healing spell would alleviate some of the pain. She might try it, it would not hurt at least.

She snapped out of her repreive as she realized there was still a big man standing in front of her. She tried to shake the thoughts from her mind as she focused on him.

He looked at her for a moment, uncomprehending. He scowled at her cool manner, finally, and spoke again in a demanding tone. "What is this? Who are you and what are you doing here?" He stood, obviously ill-at-ease and ready to resolve this situation physically in an instant.

Lavian shook her head, she was dealing with a mage here for sure. She reached over and picked up her armor, effortlessly she slipped the armor onto her shoulders. She spoke with the man as she fastened her armor, "Who I am is quite uninformative, as I am sure you have not heard of the Vermillion familly out here. This is a back woods type of place."

She stood with only discomfort, now fully equiped and armored. "I am the Holy Knight Lavian Vermillion. And I am quite sure it is disrespectful to barge in on a woman and to start demanding things from her." She shrugged very offhandedly as she turned a little away. She was only slightly mad at the man for barging in on her and interrupting her sleep. But it was to be expected, that's why she did not want to sleep there, one of the reasons anyways. Regardless, he looked dangerous and she was on guard, her hand was perpetually near her sword on her hip since he entered. She just pretended to be completely absorbed with herself and unaware of anything as she spoke with him. She wanted him to be as annoyed as she was. The nerve of him.

The man muttered under his breath. He broke into a vicious smile. "Well, knight, you aren't one of mine and I don't like your attitude. I could break you in half, woman. And if I couldn't, there's always the soldiers outside this tent. If you have trouble with colors, I'll help you..." he pointed to his sleeve, "this color is blue, and this color is yellow. Every soldier who wears," again, pointing, "this color, and this color, is loyal to... me! Now I don't see anyone out there in piecemeal, so I'm guessing you didn't bring your army. So get your hand away from your sword before I really lose my patience with you." He began to advance on her.

Lavian removed her hand from her sword, mimicing the man's vicious smile, "So a test of strength is it then?" She cracks her knuckles on each hand, "We going to arm wrestle, log throw, or just punch each other's lights out? Though I am not in the mood to be attacked by your army, I would be more then happy to have you try to break me in half. I'm always up to a challange issued between warriors. It is the most fun to wipe the smile off of someone's face. And there is no dishonor in it. Unlike having others do your dirty work for you."

The burly man rolled his eyes. "I don't have anything to prove, but I like straightforward wrestling." He pulled a battle axe from across his back and threw it to the tent corner. "If you want a lesson, I'll give it to you. I could use a good laugh." He dropped into a lower, crouching position and spread his hands.

"Deal, just nothing lecherous. Also excuse my lack of expertise in this wrestling thing. I got the basic idea though, you grab and throw around your opponent. I think." Lavian grinned a bit as she dropped in the the same position as the man. She was not going to play tournament style, no chance was she getting down on her knees. She tested the waters a few times as they circled, feinting and smacking his hands. Normal wrestling foreplay.

Lavian watched the man as they circled each other. At first, they merely watched each other. Neither fell for the others feints, neither made any move that might allow the other an opening. Finally, he lunged. She attempted to repel the maneuver, but he caught her below her center of gravity and threw her down, hard. With a graceful roll, she avoided being injured and managed to get to her feet immediately, only to be grappled by her massive opponent. Arms locked, he began to push her off balance. Using brute strength, she pushed back, holding him off.

He squinted at her, "you're very strong. Stronger than anyone I've ever challenged before. Strength alone... is not... enough." With a twist of her arm he ducked behind her and forced her to her knees, applying painful pressure to her arm. With shock, she realized that she couldn't escape his hold. "Do you yield?" he asked, casually.

Lavian hrmph's, she had been beaten fair and square, by skill. "I concede my defeat at your skill. You are still not stronger then me though. Just a lot more knowledgable. And there is no dishonor in losing to a better opponent. I yield." She smirked slightly, it's not often you can lose to such a skilled opponent. She is not likely to take up wrestling in the near future, or ever. It was still an entertaining challenge. "Heh, next time I will get to choose the weapon." She was a master swordsman, but they're a dime a dozen these days. She just might lose that battle as well.

The man maintained the painful hold for a long moment, digesting Lavian's words. He released her arm, leaving her on her knees. "You don't look or sound like an Imperial soldier. Just what I'd expect from a spy..." A sharp blow struck her behind the ear, neatly rendering her unconscious.

...

She awoke, shackled, lying in the back of a wagon. Her head throbbed from rough treatment and her most recent injury.

"Hey, kid, stay away from there," came a shout. Lavian turned her head, ignoring the ache, to see Dale wandering in the vicinity of the wagon. Before he could do anything other than open his mouth to say something a soldier grabbed him and dragged him away. He growled and fought, but to no avail. Above her, there was a shout and the wagon began to move. She gave a tug on her shackles... they seemed to be very stout.

A soldier jumped in the wagon, pulling her into a sitting position. He sat down opposite, looking her over.

Lavian eyed the soldier for a moment, she knew what had happened and was not to happy about it. But it did not matter, she didn't even know what she was spying on or who she was spying for. No matter what she says right now, they will still haul her off to jail, let her sit there for a bit, then start questioning her. Nothing new. She held back the urge to ask, 'are we there yet' as she sat in silence. She idly looked at the what she could outside the wagon, she had no doubt that it would be a long ride to whereever they were going. So she might as well make the best of it.

The soldier tried to get her attention, but Lavian didn't feel like being very social. He sighed, speaking to her even though she was ignoring him. "Don't you fret none missy... The Baron'll change his mind 'bout takin' you in... He jes' don't like surprises and you were goin' 'round soundin' like one of them Imperials... you know..." He feigned a clipped accent, "I emeh em-perial soldya! Looket meh!" He chuckled to himself and a soldier walking alongside the wagon snorted, laughing at his fellow's antics. The soldier half-stood, continuing, "looket meh! Looket meh! I haveh pole in meh--" he stopped abruptly, looking from the laughing soldier to Lavian. "Well, anyhoo, you jes' sit tight. We caught that wolf monster that was goin' 'round killin' everyone and The Baron's real pleased. I'm sure he'll be lettin' you go..."

Lavian smirked slightly, she was trying hard not to laugh. Finally, someone was being a bigger dork then her. For a moment her heart dropped, she knew she had been a kid once. Everyone has, but she could not remember any of it, she never had any time since she could remember to have fun. She had to grow up fast in a world that was trying to kill her. She smiled up at the soldier, "Do they really talk like that?" She was still sad deep down but she was beginning to feel better, she just had to forget about the bad times. She had to have fun sometime, somewhere she knew it. "I don't think I ever met anyone who sounded like that! They must be really funny to talk to?" She was interested in these 'imperial' people he was talking about. She showed no interest in his conversation about the Baron though, she was sure no harm would come out of that situation.

The soldier alongside snorted again. The wagon soldier leaned forward, "You might think that, but it's really pretty nice. Kinda... senz-shoo-wus." He looked her over. "So, tell me about yourself. What's a pretty thing like you doing running around this sorry place, without a nice feller to watch out fer ya'?"

The fields the wagon passed through were all very much the same, providing Lavian no real diversion. The day passed, the wagons in Lavian's caravan stopped for food, and the procession continued. Dusk came. Lavian had managed to move enough during the day to prevent stiffness and she was doing well despite being shackled.

The large man finally made his appearance, with the young soldier whose tent Lavian had used following at his heel. "I am called Baron," said the man, gruffly. "General Geradon here," he nodded towards his younger colleague, who made no move, "informs me that you are a knight errant from across the channel. He also claims to have given you use of the tent because you were wounded in battle with the raiders." The words came stiffly, as if this Baron was uncomfortable with them. "I... must apologize for my aggression... There are not many who would... challenge me. I... if Thomas vouches for you, I will release you." Thomas was already climbing into the wagon and he unlocked Lavian's shackles, extending his hand to help her from the wagon. The Baron gestured to her. "Please, come with us." Lavian, seeing little reason not to follow, went along.

They traveled past a great number of wagons. "Supply Train," said the Baron, satisfied. Soon they came to a strange wagon, looking like an armored box on wheels. Guards were stationed, but they stepped aside for the Baron. He opened the door, letting Lavian see inside. It was a cramped space, smaller than a normal covered wagon. In the fading light, Lavian could just make out a tall humanoid figure with what looked like... a wolf's head! It was slumped over, laying against the far wall. "This is the creature that led the raid on Ze. It was working with a bandit leader named Skale. We caught it, but he escaped. Two of my generals are... missing and another is badly wounded from the fight with this monster. I believe that they are intelligent and seeking to destroy my kingdom. This isn't the first time they've attacked, but it's the first time we've had proof." He stopped, breathing heavily. "I want you to come to the Castle with me. We can always use skilled knights like yourself, especially if this attack is the first in a series of emboldened wolf raids. We need to make ready... the pay for a general is very generous. Will you accompany us?"

Lavian stood quietly as she took it all in, it was a quicker process then she expected to get her out. "I'm still not sure where I am, I have never even heard of this kingdom before." She bluffed, she could not even remember being told what the kingdom's name was, she know she was told before thou. Something about an 'Aldersgate' or something. "Yet I have seen what these 'raids' do to the towns, and witnessed first hand on how ruthless they could be." She would not mention what they did to her, or how she got in that position. It wasn't to knightly to be dragged around by your hair. "Although I have no use for money, and cannot guarantee that I will be able to stay with you once this mission, so to speak, is over. I would still be happy to lend my sword to anyone who needs its service." She said it with all honesty, she was not wandering the world looking for money, nor handouts for that matter. She merely wanted to help protect people and to become one of the best Swordsmen ever, like her father. She only hoped the the Curse put upon her would not hinder the Baron's Crusade, as long as their armies are human and not monsters. "But for now my sword is yours to command, and I will try to be a good little soldier from now on." She grinned at the Baron, "But I warn you, this would be my first time in an actual military setting. Holy Knights such as my self are an extremely rare breed these days, sometimes we feel more at home in the church then giving or taking orders. You do have a church at your castle, right? I'm sure you have a Paladin or two there, I would like to meet one, it's been a long time since I have had any contact with the church..."

The Baron closed the door to his wagon. He frowned. "There is something of a church city in Aldersgate. There is... a rift between the friar and myself... but all that will be put to rights now, with the proof that the wolves are coming. I have never commanded church knights myself, but I know them by reputation. You could help me, as a church knight yourself. I have been trying to convince them to more vigilantly guard our northern border... now, they may finally give their strength of arms to our cause." He turned suddenly. "Thomas, I leave you in charge here. We are going to ride ahead."

The Baron summoned a large contingent of soldiers. Some were mounted on horses, as Lavian was, and the rest rode chocobos. They left the rest of the Baron's army setting camp and rode off into the falling night. The Baron remained close to Lavian. "You know," he began, "when I first saw you, I mistook you for a woman I once knew. She was very beautiful." A look of sorrow crossed his hard, scarred face.

Lavian was quite pleased that she did not have to ride one of the god-forsaken beasts, a Chocobo. She did not know why but she really disliked them, her sister Keiko once told her that they grew up on a Chocobo farm. Of course Lavian cannot remember any of it, she just knows she can't stand the beasts and has never ridden one yet. Horses and flying creatures are more her style, she once got to ride on the back of a Black Gryphon. It was like nothing she had ever ridden before, it's fur was so black and soft she felt like she could just melt into it. It's strong wings carried her swiftly through the air, it was a fluid and graceful movement. Beautiful in comparisen to the gait of a horse or chocobo.

Lavian pulled herself out of her daydreaming as the Baron spoke. She did not know how to feel about having to 'convince' the Paladins of the Church to aid the Baron, there might be more to it that he is not telling her. She was not eager to find out exactly what went on between the friar and the Baron. She found it quaint that the castle would only have a friar, but it might be an out of the way kingdom that this man rules over. But they must have a sizeable amount of Paladins there from what the Baron was speaking, or maybe this country is difrent from where she came from. Or maybe he was simply referring to normal knights who are commanded by the church? She didn't know many Paladins, infact, she knew none besides herself. Maybe this country has alot of them, unlike the one she came from?

Lavian sighed as she tried to shake the thoughts from her mind, she would find out soon enough. "I'm quite sure the Church would be willing to help in the present circumstances. They should, after all, be as willing to save the people as the people's own Baron. I'm sure of it." She ignored the comment about the other woman, she did not know where the Baron was going with this. Nor did she know how to handle it, so she just pretended she did not hear it. She could surmise that something bad had happened to the woman, but she really did not want to know. Some skeletons are best left in the closet.

The Baron seemed to regain his composure. He responded to Lavian's comment, "The church has long said that what is happening to the kingdom is the work of bandits and murderers. One of my missing generals led a crusade for many years to drive all the thieves from the city. But I know what hurts my people, and it's not a threat from inside." He quieted, an angry, dangerous expression on his face. "We should talk about this some other time. Today we have the proof. I don't want to sour this victory."

They rode on in silence. The night passed, and the dawn revealed to Lavian a large city, spread out before her. To her left, in the distance, she could see a shimmering lake and a palacial building. Beyond the city itself, she saw a grand castle. The Baron rode ahead and gave some orders to guards on the street, sending them scurrying. He came back for Lavian, dismissing a fair number of the soldiers with them. They skirted the town, a handful of soldiers leading the way. They passed a section of the city that was old and dilapidated. A few faces poked out of broken windows and ramshackle sheds. They rode on, passing a series of buildings connected to a large corral. The Baron stopped at the stables, giving orders to a truly immense man who stank of manure unlike anything Lavian had ever had the misfortune of smelling. At twenty feet she wanted to gag. Done, the Baron returned and they set off once again.

They finally arrived at the grand castle. The Baron gave a command and the soldiers began to disperse. "I have business to attend to, in preparation for the arrival of my trophy. You'll have a room to rest in, if you need it. I will want to test you on your abilities tonight. Until then, you are free to do as you wish." The Castle gates opened.

Lavian could still smell the man in her enhanced smell, she forgot how much she hated stables. It was not the first time she had smelled something so bad, nor would it be her last. Yet it's still overwhelming every time she smells it. She really could not concentrate on anything else untill the Baron spoke up again. Lavian nodded to the Baron, "Yes, thank you. I think I will have a look around the town for a bit, if you don't mind?" She turned her horse around, "When do you wish for me to return?"

"I think all preparations will be underway by nightfall. Be back by then." He strode to the Castle doors, not looking back. A soldier was coming forward to take her reigns, but she spurred her horse back towards the town.

Lavian rode down the cobblestone street into the main part of town. She was reminded of Ze, except that the houses were larger and much closer together. She rode down the path, the sun rising higher at her back. Ahead, a man was pushing a cart from house to house. A small child ran from the house he was coming to and took something from him. While watching the exchange, Lavian had come to a cross-street where she could see some shops by looking up its length.

She paused a moment, further ahead were more houses and off to the side street there was more activity in what looked like could be a shopping center of some sort. She had to decide, to continue on or to turn; it was a harder decision then one might think. In one direction, a multitude of possibilites, and in the other a slew of others. What was she actually looking for? Was she looking for something in particular, poverty, crime, illness or even hatred? Or was she trying hard not to find it wishing what the Baron said was true. She wanted to know something, anything about the situation she was thrust into. What it could be was eluding her. Lavian sighed as she turned her horse and started up the street towards the shops. There is usually much more activity where money is spent rather then were the body rests. She was not ready to rest and neither was the town so she steered clear of the residential area. She slowly rode up towards the shops, hoping it would be more lively then a peddler and a boy. She didn't have any money to buy anything nor for someone to steal so her only worries were for the people. She knew nothing of this place nor of it's culture or customers. She had hopes they were not too far from her own.

There wasn't much activity going on in the morning heat. She passed a grocer's, then a clothing store. A shopkeeper looked at her curiously through his window as he wiped it clean. A man walking up the street went into an herbalist's.

Lavian hrm'ed, she would have thought more people would be out right now. She remembers little farming villages that were more crowded then this, but then again they were farming villages. Farmers always got up at the break of dawn and were outside before the sun had time to settle. She did not spend much time in large towns, she had no use for them. Sure, they had alot of stuff to buy, but why would she want to? She did not need a new 100gp silk dress, or a new necklace. It was all stuff she had no intrest in, so towns like that was of no intrest to her either. She was starting to get bored.

The sound of a hammer striking metal reached her ears as she approached another crossroad. To her left she could see some activity taking place as people went in and out of another shop, and to her right she could see the open air smithy.

Lavian shook her head, this was a waste of her time... She turned her horse around and headed back in the direction of the castle. She might as well see if they have any baths or anything she can waste away the day in. Disgruntled, she headed back off to the castle in search for a bath. She turned her weary horse back toward the castle and made her way down the street.

It took Lavian a few hours to bathe and then an hour or so more to fix her hair. She did not put on any makeup as usual, she just put on her normal clothes and armor. She felt extremely naked and uncomfortable without her trusty armor and sword. Fully equipped she headed off through the castle in search of the Baron, she was mildy interested in how he was going to 'test' her. That and of course she was hungry; her stomach rumbled as she walked down the halls. She was hungry enough to eat a horse and had room enough to do it too! She was a growing girl after all. A growing six foot tall plus girl to be exact.

The grumbling in her stomach decided Lavian's course of action. She made her way down the stairs and followed the faint scent of cooking to the kitchen. The cooks were busy preparing a great amount of food. If they noted her presence, they did not show it. She wandered through the large room, full of bustle and steaming pots.

"Excuse me, miss," said a finely dressed man as she rounded a corner. "I couldn't help but notice you wandering through our kitchen. If you please, we are very busy preparing for tonight. If you are so inclined, there is a dining table set in the throne room." He motioned her toward a door. Following his direction, she passed through a hall and a small door that led into an even larger chamber. A few knights were milling around in the room near a table laid out with meat and bread. Bellowing at them was the Baron, who was also stuffing his face at such a pace that he would surely choke.

Lavian raised an eyebrow as she walked up to the Baron and put her hands on her hips. "Well, it seems that I am missing out on eating food." She grinned slightly as she looked at the Baron from the opposite side of the table. "Is this a private party, or is anyone invited?" There she goes again, she might not actually know any manners at all. Either that or she's just not to keen on the notion of using them at the appropriate times. She didn't want to out and say 'hey, thanks for inviting me to lunch', but she wasn't too happy at the prospect of missing the ability to eat food. Especially free food, free makes all food taste better. She did have enough manner to not be openly condescending or malicious, her manner was more teasing. Even though she wasn't sure herself if she was teasing him or just annoyed at not having someone sent to tell her, 'There be food here.'

The Baron grunted acknowledgement. He gestured to the spread on the table. As he finished chewing, he remarked, "After you've had your fill, I'll take you up on your test. What sort of weapon do you want? I prefer the Broadsword... its the finest of the weapons we make here, although it could be too heavy for you." He pointed to an array of weapons along the wall, primarily spears and swords. He motioned to an armored man standing near the table. "Captain Stone will spar with you."

Lavian nodded once to the Baron before sitting down and filling her face. Between bites she was able to say, "Yes, it would have to be a sword. I've had Togami ever sence I was a kid, never had to use any other sword." She stuffed her face a little more then paused from eating, "He's done fine over the years, but if I do have to pick a sword other then my own." She paused for a moment thinking it over, she was not quite sure what type of sword she wanted to use. "Any sword would do really, as long as they are one handed. I don't like having to use both hands." She shrugged slightly as she started eating again. She did not eat to much, as she did not want to stuff herself before a battle. "Hrm, finest sword you guys make huh?" She glanced over at the Captain, "I bet he knows how to use them really well then." Again she shrugged, "I guess it will be ok." She stood up and stepped away from the table, "Where shall this test take place?"

"Right here, of course. This is the throne room. Most of the action takes place here." The Baron grinned, which made his craggy face seem all the more harsh. "Take a moment to ready yourself." He gestured to the swords along the wall.

Lavian took a few moments to look over the weapons, weight was the very least of her concerns. She could probably pick up the Baron and swing him around like a club. Ok, maybe not, but she would still love to try. She smiled at the mental image as she reached for the Broadsword, when in Rome. Whatever that means.

Very well, this is as good a place as any really." She swung the sword a bit to get the feel of it. It was definitely not the biggest nor the heaviest sword she had ever used, but it was not a Rapier. She looked over at the Cap'n, "Ready when ever you are."

The Captain stretched in anticipation of the contest. He also carried one of the heavy Broadswords. "Make your move," he crooned.

The two circled, sizing up their competition. Lavian had to concede that the Captain was quite good, possibly as skilled as she, unless he was holding back. She gave him a simple attack, which he parried easily. His counter attack slapped the sword from her hand and threw her feet out from under her. :: Stone scores :: She stood, a little shakily. He waited while she retrieved her sword. "Good!" called the Baron.

She tried to feint the same manuever and then strike through the Captain's defense, but he was prepared and again parried the attack with ease. His expression was cold, like his namesake. His return was not quick enough and Lavian threw him off-balance. As he reeled, she moved in to strike again.

She moved in to disarm him and perhaps take him off his feet, but he again moved surprisingly quickly, evading her attempt. He stepped back, then in again, bringing the blade up to her neck while she ended her step somehow overextended. "That's another one for the Captain," guffawed the Baron.

Lavian waited for the next pass, letting the Captain take the first attack. His attack was a simple one, clearly intended to draw her out. She came on powerfully, and their swords locked. He was prepared for her next move but she read him too well and with a jarring throw she took him off his feet. He rolled with the attack and was immediately back on the offensive.

The next pass was uneventful. She was ready for his hasty attack and he evaded her answering flurry.

Pretending she was about to swing mightily, she moved inside his defense and swept the blade from his hand. He produced a dagger from his sleeve and attempted to count coup, but she caught his arm and twisted it, throwing him down heavily. He lay on the ground, winded. He made no effort to get up.

The Baron walked over, surveying the damage. "I think the Captain is finished for now. Well done. I would say that you are more than qualified. Tonight there is a victory celebration of sorts, as General Geradon will be arriving with our trophy. We will be eating in the Dining Hall. You are welcome to attend."

Lavian simply nodded in acknowledgment to the Baron, she had severely underestimated her opponent. Or overestimated herself. She could not blame it on her weapon for it was only a tool. It can only be as good as the person who wields it, that should not have been a problem. And it wasn't, she could not place her finger on what the problem really was though.

She put the sword back on it's rack heavily, almost as if she did not want anything to do with the sword anymore. Her mind went back to the first attack again, how did he do that? It was a simple disarm move, not too technical, but then how did she end up on her back? She was not impressed by her role in this battle, nor how it turned out. He was a skilled warrior, granted, but he got in to many really good attacks. She would have to train harder, a Vermillion is much better then that.

She started to leave the hall but then stopped and turned back looking at the Baron. "Sir, do you have a training grounds of sorts? I feel I am a little rusty in some aspects of combat. I would like to pass some time there practicing if you don't mind?"

The Baron clapped her on the shoulder. "Rusty? You bested Stone... he's one of the kingdom's finest. I think you'll be a fine general, you just need to get some experience." He looked at her with pride. "The college is closed today, but there are no maneuvers on the fields either. If you want to go to the college, I'll give you my personal seal to get in. Captain Stone! Assist Lady Vermillion..." He leaned over and scratched something on a small parchment and jabbed it with his ring. He offered it to Lavian.

College? She nodded as she took the seal, "Thank you Sir. I'm sure I will be able to perform to your expectations." There was a Knight and Soldier Academy back in the town she came from, maybe they were similar in nature? She was not sure but she had hopes there would be weapons training there. She was not sure what to expect of this college but she would definitely give it a try. "Then I will see you at the Banquet. I will take my leave untill then." She nodded once more before turning to leave. She was not going to change or anything, her attire was good enough for her. She was going back to her room to sit, she was tired of being out and about. She needed some time by herself.

Lavian did almost nothing constructive between the battle and the banquet. She made sure she was presentable, she got all the dirt from the floor off of her, and she fixed her hair as well. That was about it, she did not feel like doing anything else, she was fine there by herself.

There came a knock at the door to Lavian's chamber. A young maid let herself in. She smiled nervously. "Excuse me, I was to see if you were prepared. There are many dresses to choose from in the wardrobe. Is there anything you need?"

"Dresses? I'm sorry, but I don't need a dress. I'm a Knight, not a Lady in waiting. I shall go like this, unless the Baron objects?" Lavian had never worn a dress in her life, she definetly did not want to start now. She did not like how normal clothes made her feel, it was like she was weak and vulnerable. It was like one of those going to school naked dreams every time she was without her armor. She would go fully armored and armed. Like usual.

The maid gawked. "You... wish to attend... like that?" She turned away, trying to recover. "Very well, my lady. Whenever you are ready, then?"

Lavian was directed to the very same room she had been fighting in earlier in the day. Now the room was decorated with hanging curtains and tapestries. A long, elaborately decorated table was set, with ten or fifteen seats to a side. The Baron was standing at the end of the table, observing the front of the room. From where she was standing, just outside the side entrance, Lavian could not see what was happening, but she gathered that people were being announced. "... and his granddaughter..." There were a number of people who had already been seated. She observed that they were much older, mostly men, and very well dressed. The Baron saw her peek out and waved her in.

Lavian Continued