Just Another Training Exercise

[Silence Sei]

((Closed to Landain))

In all of Sei’s years in Corone, one thing had remained a constant. There was always one or two people in the ranks of the Ixian Knights that remained overlooked. Regardless of who it was or how they came to Sei’s lordship, the vast majority of soldiers had a bad tendency to disguise the diamonds in the rough. Even now that the mute had conquered most of Corone, one name kept reaching his ears. One Knight in particular was showing not only superb abilities, but also a cunning man.

His name was Landain.

It was easy to remember the names of ones knights when they were a small group of nine. However, Sei had accumulated dozens upon dozens of Ixian Knights in his time, and as such, names had a tendency to slip the telepath’s large mind. Something about the name Landain struck a chord with the Mystic. It was the same tinge he had felt in his heart when he had recruited a young Zerith Dracosius to his cause. Zerith had proven himself more than a capable general, and so the Ixian leader hoped to capture lightning in a bottle twice.

He awaited Landain at Serenti, the town of the upper caste of Corone. Luxurious white buildings seemed to tower above the townspeople, casting a shade over the mute and the cobblestone street all at once. Landain had been informed that he was to meet Sei in Serenti for a training exercise, though there was more to it than that. Sei sought to test the man’s capabilities, to see if he deserved the merit and praise his commanding officers often showered him with.

The townspeople passed by the Mystic in their extravagant clothes; the ladies with dresses just inches from the ground and the guys in long sleeved, button up shirts. Serenti was quite the elegant place for those that had the coin to spend. Coming from a noble family himself, Sei could see the appeal of the high life here. The mute was more of an adventurous type though, and he had left his comfy chateau long ago to live among the people of Corone.

It was the best decision he had ever made.

The mute looked up to the evening sun, a smile gracing his features. Landain would meet him here soon, and the mute would soon find out whether or not the Knight was truly worthy of his rank, or if he deserved so much more.

[Landain]

"Oh doesn't he look handsome, Haryk?!" Kaylessa Agrivar exclaimed to her husband with a bright beaming smile. Landain descended the grand staircase dressed in a deep violet suit. The jacket ended just behind the rear of the legs, standard length for a gentleman's coat. His deep purple trousers ended above the knees. Landain wore a pair of highly polished black leather riding boots and his silken blouse was ruffled at the opening in the chest and at the cuffs. He also wore a short black cape over his shoulders, a silken black Cumberbund cinched his waist, overwhich he wore his usual brown leather sword belt. His favorite rapier fixed in the scabbard at his left side. Upon his head he would cover with a matching deep violet wide brimmed hat, encircled by a two-inch white silk band, stuffed with white and yellow plumage. Landain chose the color purple as it is the traditional color worn to represent wealth. He did not want any confusion as to his station in life. One must always be aware of their station in life, a quote his father, Haryk often told him and his brothers.

"Yes dear," Haryk responded distantly to his wife as he looked over recent dispatches from the shipping company. Haryk ran Agrivar Shipping, a company he inherited from his father and had been passed down from father to son for centuries.

Kaylessa met her middle son at the foot of the steps and looked up into his gray-green eyes with a beaming smile. "Landain, are you sure this is what you want to do with your life?" She was concerned for his welfare, knowing that he is an intelligent elf capable of so much more.

"Yes mother," Landain gave his mother a warm smile. "I have joined the Ixian Knights because I have often dreamed of being a knight in armor charging across some field of battle onto glory fighting for my country. It is what I have always dreamed of. It is what I want to do."

"But son," Kaylessa was about to caution him about the dangers of playing with sharp weapons, like every mother warns their sons, but Landain would not listen to her any longer.

He cut her off, "Father, I'm heading into town to meet with Sir Orlouge." Landain waited to see if he father would acknowledge him. Landain repeated the statement with slight consternation. Haryk never appeared to be interested in what Landain was doing. His attention was always on the family business. Granted, that business generated more than an adequate lifestyle for Landain and his siblings. Landain appreciated that fact deeply, but wished his father could show some interest in what he did. But Landain opted out of working for the company business and wondered if his father ignored him because of that decision. In either case, Landain felt it was time to go.

He leaned down and kissed his mother on the forehead. "Take care of father and Nuala," he spoke while keeping his eyes on his father, busy reading the dispatches. Nuala, his 18 year old sister was frequently visited by suitors. Landain preferred to interview the young men, many of whom were older than he before mother and father would approve. He looked back at his mother, "I love you mother." He smiled at her and walked outside.

A stable boy shod and prepared his black stallion, Donner for the ride into town. At 17 hands, Donner was rather large, but appeared proportionate for Landain's 76" frame, even though Landain was tall, he was also very thin and wiry. Landain kicked his heals into the horse's haunches and leaned forward as the beast propelled himself into a gallop.

Within minutes, Landain and Donner trotted down the main thoroughfare in Serenti. It was not long before he spotted Sir Orlouge, with his orange hair. He did not quite understand his Mystic abilities regardless, respected the man for his position with the Ixian Knights. Remember one's station and you will succeed.

As he approached the mystic, Landain pulled the horse to a stop and dismounted. He removed his headgear with a flourish, bowing at the waist, "Sir Ourlage, Landain Agrivar as you requested, sir!" He returned to an erect position and waited for instructions from his master.

[Silence Sei]

“At ease, soldier,” Sei waved his hand down to the very formal Landain. It had been their first meeting since the mute had knighted the man, and he could see now why he came with such high recommendations. His appearance was pristine, wrapped in the garbs of noble. His very posture told the Mystic how seriously the green haired man took his position. Even his horse had been well groomed and stood very obediently behind his master.

“And please, call me Sei. While I appreciate your enthusiasm, I would rather be considered your friend before your Lord.” The mute scratched the back of his head, a mannerism he had picked up from his more aloof brother Steppenwolf. “As you may well know, Lord Agrivar, I too am from a noble family with high expectations of me. I can understand the pressure you must have been under to inherit the family business.”

There was a very brief look of confusion on Landain’s face, eyebrows furrowed for a tenth of a second. Sei could tell the younger man was a bit surprised that the Mystic had reviewed him so thoroughly. “As such,” he continued “I think it should behoove you to treat me as an equal on the field. After all, a loyal knight defends the code, but a loyal ally defends everyone.”

It was an old Akashima proverb, one Sei particularly liked and tried to apply into all of his knights, especially the rather outstanding ones. The corners of his mouth raised slightly, forming a friendly smile that showcased his pearly teeth. “This is, for all intents and purposes, a training mission of sorts to bring you up to par with the strongest of the Ixian Knights. That being said, it will be no easy task. You will fight, you will sweat, and you will show me that you have the physical and mental fortitude to be considered one of the best we have to offer. Do you think that you can do that, Lord Agrivar?”

Soon, the dragon would take yet another fledgling under his wings.

[Landain]

"Yes, m'lord," Landain immediately responded and then, half a second later, "err, Sei." Landain was not accustomed to this sort of informality. It was how he addressed his siblings and peers and he did not perceive Sei Orlouge, a peer. He was after all his superior. This was something foreboding and would take time to grow into like a brand new suit of clothing. "You must also be aware," Landain paused and uttered hesitantly, "my friend. I will not inherit the family business, unless something happens to my two brothers, Nylian and Jonas. Nylian has just wed to his betrothed, Lythira Nordhein. I'm sure it is without delay they will produce a suitable offspring to ultimately inherit the business when he is finished with it. Sir,....err....Sei, I feel no such pressure to inherit the business any longer." With an air of relief and sigh of exultation Landain continued, "In fact, I feel free to explore the world and do those things, I've been dreaming of since I was a boy--to perform quests, to conduct training missions or cut down foes by the swarms who stand in my path." He smiled at Sei. The smile felt uncomfortable, but it was his best attempt to convey how at ease he truly was--uncomfortable at best.

"Sei, my friend, how may I, a humble servant of the order, best support my brothers? Will I need my armor? My mount, his name is Donner," Landain looked at the horse's head stroking the beast's dark neck. "He is a noble steed. I do worship the ground he trots upon. He is a good and loyal friend, energetic and quick. What weapons will I require, my friend? My rapier?" Landain gestured to the light sword at his side. "A Lance? A longsword? Or my sharpest weapon of all?" Landain smiled, his haughty lips secreting almost a hint of condescension, "My wit?" Landain was sure of himself. Whatever Sei Orlouge offered, he knew he could perform it. Landain wasn't aware of his cheeky flair. It just happened. To him, it was his charm and confidence. To some, it was offensive. He'd gotten into more than a few fistfights over his confident smile.

[Silence Sei]

((Sorry about taking so long with this, I have had a pretty hectic schedule, as well as could not think about where I wanted to take this thread. I have a pretty good idea now though.))

“You may need all of those items and skills, and you may need none of them. We will have to see how this training of yours plays out.” Sei had already figured out several strategies for the mission at hand, and Landain’s unique set of skills seemed to fit in perfectly with most of them. The Mystic smiled, his white teeth having a pearl like quality. Two large butterfly wings tore through the flesh of Sei’s back, slipping out through the slits in the back of his gi. The wings were a bright orange color with spots of black in each rounded ‘corner’ of the appendages. A blue ‘trim’ highlighted the rest of the colors quite nicely, and added to the royal visage that was Sei Orlouge.

“Concordia is only a few miles away. I will be keeping in contact with you through my telepathy. Your mission is simple; we have received reports of a hunting lodge in Concordia that is just a front for the Knights of Dawn.” Sei closed his eyes for a minute, his mind racing back to the ‘Night of Debauchery’, in which many members from the Knights of Dawn attacked the Ixians, slaughtering quite a few of their soldiers in the process.

“I warn you though, if these rumors are true, the Knights of Dawn are bigots of the highest skill and caliber. I will be your eyes in the sky while you investigate from the land. If they find an elf snooping around, they will be quick to swarm you with whatever numbers they have left. It is imperative that we nip this in the bud, and bring these ruffians to justice as soon as possible.” Sei nodded to the knight and jumped into the air, his wings carrying his fully body weight into the sky as he began to take off towards the direction of Concordia.

“I am counting on you, Lord Agrivar.”