PrinceAlexus

Realms of Sun & Shadow

@amorphical

Il remember to include you in my next post at the tavern.
Thr mysterious lady in furs.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

@PrinceAlexus

If that was a question at me then no, I dont have discord.
If that was a statement then... 0.o wow! Thats a lot of people!

@amorphical

a statement, it was a fun few hours for them lol

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Sorry i made a OOC in character build by accident. QQ

@BeastofDestiny Mordu! XD

@amorphical

Your not the person in a discord I'm in, they managed to tag 12'000 people in somthing.

And got so...so many replies.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Royal Guard of Lunaris

Dawn Haven

&

𝕆𝕔𝕥𝕒𝕧𝕚𝕒 𝕃𝕦𝕟𝕒𝕝𝕒𝕣𝕚-𝔸𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕠𝕤

A Collaboration:

The Hall and Royal lodge they had to reach was hard to miss as the largest and most appointed of those in the settlement. Following the road you just had to look where the biggest building was passing an Inn that looked promising, market and rather extensive signs of construction going on. The sounds of men hauling on ropes, the chop of hatchets and hammer of the forge as blacksmith was lit by orange fire and glowing slowly cooling steel on a rack.

“Seen quieter siege camps” Hector gave a look from atop the cart as he threaded it past a waiting load of timber that had been cut and was destined for a roof or some kind of internal framing most likely. The pair of horses behaved well even with the place being a busy environment.

“Alot of gold invested, Prince meant to have a lot of sway in his home land.” Coswain said as he trotted his horse down the street realising exactly how much pull he had when you saw what was months of work from absolutely nothing, this place was a virgin ground next to a lake and they had laid everything from roads upwards. “Make way, behind you” He called to someone who had not noticed then, horses could be unpredictable at best especially in unpredictable places, would make a bad introduction to hurt someone just entering the place.

Daphne looked back at the string of carriages, one of them was unusual, back with some strange material plastered on it, heavy things of the size of the horses and wheels that pulled and rested on. Following up the rear glad to let the others clear the path ahead she pulled her reins tighter to keep control as her less experienced mount was a little skittish with all the new activities around her. “Easy, easy. Calm down, we safe” Stroking the powerful neck of her mind and soothing it as she rode, the animals mood beginning to settle after several reputations of the words and action.

…

“We request an audience with the Princess. We bear messages, gifts and have come from the Capital of Lunaris. Kurios Casteillan, Adonis Cowain, Master Warsmith Hector Honoured as “Stone Breaker” and my Senior Squire Daphne Athenus. ” Coswain said formally showing their sealed documents with the Royal seal, the Lord Marshals and his own rank stamped in wax. A large wooden box, a smaller sealed box of letters both with wax and paper tamper marks intact though ink a little smudged from the rain. His own Honour hame was likely known to those who had been in Royal service but did not use it unless he had to, his friend he honoured as an undisputed Master of his arts, he was not an “Officer” as such.

The grizzled veteran nodded at the gesture, he looked more worn and battered than his brother in everything but blood, they had shed it together however many times in Royal service from far north to border skirmish, siege and more. “Stay with us Daphne, just follow our lead.” He in a gesture of support placed a heavy hand on her shoulder, noting the look of panic as she had never been among the Royal family like this, it was a rare honour for a squire to be placed on such duties.

“Thankyou” Daphne calmed down, she had handled her training, her protocol and all manner of things, but that did not prepare you to face the reality of a situation. “See those to the Princess’s rooms please” She said, glancing at the boxes as the other two did not let her be the passive role and expected her to act like the knight she was training to become. It was both hard but also honoured the trust they placed in her.

…

“My Princess, The Royal guard is here including a Lord Castelian, they have your Lord Father seal, and the Lord Marshal of the Royal Guards. They request your audience your highness” A young man in a smart uniform came up to her in a respectful but also hurry, deciding that keeping them waiting would not be best. Giving her and her aid a bow after he had filled her in on the details he had been given.

He backed off as Three armoured figures came into view, two muscular older men with grey in their beards and a younger woman who was tall but in shape for speed rather than brute force more unsure of herself. Each had all their chains of rank and office visible and paused giving her a bow as the most senior spoke. “My Princess 𝕆𝕔𝕥𝕒𝕧𝕚𝕒, We live to serve, We are at your command, to live and die in your service if so it be, THis is our Oath to you.”

When she was approached by the young man, she smiled, though her smile faded when she heard what he had to say. Her father was sending guards to Dawnhaven? Why? Was something going on? It was odd that there had been no knights, royal guards, or Lords in this land for months until this announcement. It caused anxiety and anger to bubble up. Was something going on that her father wasn’t telling her about? “I appreciat the the announcement,” she gestured for him to lead the way to where this group with her father’s seal was. She had to at least entertain them for a few minutes but she rather go find Prince Flynn and bother him.

Then she noticed the armoured individuals and her smile stayed on her face. Seeing the trio caused a mixture of emotions to run through her yet none of them showed on her face. “Thank you for your oath,” she appreciated the oath and the service but why where they here? Octavia rocked on her heels a little, “Why have you been sent to serve me? Is there any particular reason?” she was curious if they even knew why they were here.

The trio looked across from each other having assumed they would have been expected, Gloomhaven lay close to the blight? Had Lunaris really been unable to spare protection for the people here? Their own Princess?

Coswain paused unsure now himself but tried to not let it show. “My Lady. The Valor keeps established on Vindacus mountains already getting cold, we fear the passes may be closed this year.

Your safety was a concern as well as this vital settlement, we were sent here to join your household. The Royal Guard and Army are as you well know, stretched at present… We do not expect to be reinforced.” He was uncomfortable admitting their weakness, the winter, the bandits, blight, and more where pulling them more directions and like butter over too little bread. They were trying their hardest but could not be everywhere. He tried to be respectfully frank and honest with her about the situation at present and the problems in Lunaris.

His discomfort at the idea was clear, both he and Hector had served in better times, they could have spared a Paladin detachment and more. The King had them committed elsewhere to more pressing roles. However he would not lie to her about things back home.

“Your Highness, we have travelled recently and can inform you as best we able.” Daphne said obviously new to this, they did not know how many messages, or if any messengers had failed to make it to Gloomhaven.

Octavia’s face sprung with a redness, she was frustrated, since her last letter to her parents was not asking for guards or knights — she requested individuals that could help her prepare by sewing, knitting, or the like. Maybe she added if they could help build Dawnhaven. “I do apologise for my crudeness, though we do not need knights. We need individuals that can help us prepare for the winter. We do not need physical reinforcements here. We need helpful skills or people will die from the cold!” When she raised her voice she covered her mouth in instant regret. She wasn’t mad at the trio standing in front of her but frustrated that her parents took her letter with such a grain of sand that they sent bulky muscle heads instead of anything useful. No, they were useful. Just not in the way she or the town needed.

She began to rub her temples, “I am sorry. I-I didn’t mean to raise my voice at you three. It is not your fault,” she closed her eyes as she inhaled deeply. Attempting to calm herself and focus. With how things were going and communication between her parents and her — Octavia was feeling like she was a black sheep of the family. Something they finally were able to get rid of. It hurt. She knew their lives were busy but she thought they would at least help her a little more than what they have done.

“I’m sorry to leave you in such a hurry, but I need to find Prince Flynn. If you want to be useful, maybe go to the inn and figure out who needs help. I know construction is happening around Dawnhaven. You three are muscular and muscles are needed for construction. My apologies. I will be with you later,” Octavia was trying to hold onto her level-headed energy at the moment but she was having such a difficult time doing so.

The breakdown in communications between the settlement and the Lunaris capital made them want to groan but held their bearing and refrained from reacting, there would be sharp words held over an al at the Inn it seemed. It would have to be a very very careful balance sandwiched between two rival royals, The Princess and the King…”We will try our best to help your Highness, Hector is a man of many talents.”

“I can try my Princess” Hector said with a tone that was respectful but was somewhat unsure having been thrown into the middle of a family argument.

Giving her a respectful bow they all had the same thought that their lives just got more complicated, but returning home was not an option, they would upset someone powerful and their only plan was to ride out the situation and try to make the best of it all. The Inn had ale, food and maybe they could make a plan and at the very least be fed and watered.

…

Leaving the Hall they made their way back to the Inn they passed, maybe they could enquire about room or finding some place to rent too. The heavy door got pushed open into the Inn and found a table near the bar and the fire pit to warm up. “Inn keep? Can you bring food and ales for three hungry travellers, also Construction? The Princess sent us down here?” Daphne called over to see figures behind the bar. Daphne just sighed at the whole situation closing her eyes and resting head in hands, her first truly serious trust turning into a pile of dung.

“Don't forget to ask if they know anywhere we can rent, or land… guess I'm a master builder.” Hector said as Daphne just gave him a gesture back from her point but followed with an affirmative.

“Wine too” Coswain added, he needed a drink to work this mess out and try and find a path of least resistance. He looked around and saw a hooded lady in a thick Cloak, two young lads happily demolishing a meal and he chuckled, they had pitchers of ale, learning the hard way like all young men must if needed. Least the food smelled like it should be far better than their preserved rations they packed on the cart!

Their heavy Lunarian gear shed from travel, the armour glittered in the fire as they cast off gloves, cloaks and such enjoying the warmth of the fire. Now to work out something from this mess.

“Got it oh olden ones” Daphne stayed by the bar wondering if this whole confusion would cost her the knighthood she had worked to achieve.

MENTIONS:
@amorphical
@PrinceAlexus
@The Savant

Realms of Sun & Shadow

@PrinceAlexus thanks i just wanted to double check for my next post. ^^

@amorphical

If you need any reference images, I have them linked in then CS section.

Ban the User Above You

Banned. Birds are not that colour.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

The tavern is in dawnhaven yes?
@PrinceAlexus

@amorphical

The eye of the Beholder, yes.
Its in the settlement.

Realms of Sun & Shadow

@amorphical

You did good :)

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Syraeia Leela “Sy-a” Inn Keeper

Dawn Haven _ “The eye of the Beholder.”

Open for Business

Syraeia Leela was watching the front taking glances towards the kitchen where she was warming up a large metal pot of stew, thick and hearty with some spices, she turned back to chop some onions with a little garlic. Her senses were enhanced by her change and that kind of made cooking easier. A few minutes later the stew was smelling much better and more like the food she smelt at the castle banquets as a child celebrating large events in the borderlands.

Her rather obvious change, the rather eye in the room as it were, also gave her a wide range of vision and clarity meaning she caught the two comers rapidly coming in almost instantly as they did. That had caused her almost constant pain until her mind and body adapted, now she was very hard to catch unawares.

Holding herself back, the mass of the persons spread her need to “feed” as such over a larger group, subtlety, she had yet to truly push or understand her abilities though. Her needs were relatively low and could go unnoticed for now.

“Try the new batch of salted venison, next to tunerac. Hard work, needs a good meal” Her lack of formal education was ever present and not something she could help. Sunni had come in and was helping himself to a meal but the two young lads were talking with excitement…and had also trekked a bunch of mud into the Inn. She gave Sunni a smile and turned to deal with the table.

Pulling her hood up abit more she moved over to the two young men, they looked very muddy, tired though proud of themselves too and from memory they seemed polite enough. “Welcome to the eye, what you having. But I draw the line at the wines.” She said the young men were growing up but not quite ready for that yet especially as she might have to clean up the floor afterwards.

“The stew please” one called out and gestured to the back and where Sunni had vanished into the back. “cheese, meat, bread and some of your sweet treats to share please” The second asked, adding a luxury that they could less often have due to imports bringing an expense. Sunni was paying, so the two young men would be happy, fed and for free. They were least respectful.

“I'll bring your stew out too.” She turned to an older man who had arrived before she was ready to serve. Sunni was in the back and smell was..honestly pretty good coming from the kitchen if it followed what it started as. Or maybe it was just her stew as she had to actively distinguish things due to the acuity.

Syraeia chopped off some salted venison, a thick chunk of cheese, some of the fresh bread from the bakers with butter, sausage and other pieces onto a wooden tray for one of the meals turning to pour some thick stew with chunky trenchers of bread. She began to fall into a well practised routine and felt a little bad she ignored Sunni but was running on autopilot.

Thinking what she needed was hard, unused to asking the person who had helped her for help…it felt odd…but she did need help. “Well I can handle bigger stuff, I need some help on the front, take the tankards, pass out full ones and run stuff back to the kitchen so I can have it making coin. Sorry…I'm sorry. It's just been busy later on when everyone wants lunch or so.” She sounded timid still about asking Sunni, he helped her willingly but she was so used to being a lone outcast. "Oh and wipe up that mud" Trying to force some more confidence into her tone.

Pouring two smaller but proper dark man's ales, she smiled. “I'm looking after them.” Her nerves, well she did not call him sir but still, part of her was still little cautious as a blight born was not always treated kindly however much he never had said anything against her. “I am fortunate, many others are not, my home never stood a chance.” She said, blinking a tear from her eye and turning away from him pretending to tally up anything that needed to be restocked in the shelves before the busy time came. It was very different being protected by a kingdom, having access to their resources and the trained and professional guardians.

Syraeia composed herself before balancing the food, drinks and everything to go out . That was one skill she had gained quickly and handed out to the 3 people sitting waiting their meals. 2 bowls, one wooden tray, a smaller tray and two tankards without a pause.

The portions were a little on the generous side but so many hard working men and women, all the construction and labour. The hearty portions had kept people coming back regularly to eat and drink. They needed a proper meal to be able to work and so did their Jobs. So far Sunni had approved, it supposedly built a good reputation and built some words she did not understand yet.

Syraeia walked out checking her hood was in place from a small mirror of glass placed so one could see what was happening in both rooms. “If you need anything, just ask at the bar, we got a fresh shipment recently, salted Venison, some southern wine and cured and spiced Jerky that smells rather good.” She said softly but with confidence, another of Sunni lessons, once you had customers let them know what else they can buy. With a growing efficiency she distributed everything carried across the tables.

Giving a little nod, “gentlemen” she said, giving the boys a glance too, they swelled at the word and the implication. Young men were proud and at a confusing time in their lives. Crossing the Inn she was soon back to the cooking area and wondering what creation Sunni was working on, he had some interesting if perhaps less practical ideas. Closing her eye a second she sighed in enjoyment at the dark, the dark was safe, a place of comfort. Dropping her hood back revealed warm brunette hair tied into an intricate braid down her back with dark wood and a plain stick used to anchor it and keep it from slipping. The gesture moved her senses to their full acuity and ability no longer muted by her hood's cloth and took a number of seconds to adapt.

REFRENCE _ VIKING BRAIDS

“Ahhh” Syraeia vocalised her feeling, her accent was a mix of both kingdoms merged and mutated into a unique form that grew up separately in each of the now many destroyed borderlands settlements, often smaller and independent than ruled by any one man or woman.

Turning to a large account book sat in a safe spot and scribing slowly, cautiously having spent more time than she would admit to anyone teaching herself to write in a now mostly neat looping hand abet slowly. The supply cost she wrote into the column, with notes of the value of stock In another, each letter and number slowly and deliberately formed. “Can you check my tally sometime tonight?” Asking a little more relaxed and calm, almost treating the task like a form of meditation.

Syraeia allowed herself to drop her guard which was genuinely a challenge after scraping a survival for over a year before this, and made small talk, not realising she mentioned how her father who in life was a master blacksmith would have been most upset by some of the goods in the market. She had seen enough growing up to know quality and had been surprisingly fierce about the quality of the kitchen's iron works. Her hand brushed something strapped to her belt, one thing she had refused to sell however starving she was.

Moving the topic on, she started asked about rumours and if anything of note had gone on in town.

@The Savant _ Cyrus ‘Sunni’ Emberan

Realms of Sun & Shadow

Royal Guard of Lunaris

Dawn Haven

First Day of Winter | 40 Degrees Fahrenheit | Clear Skies

The castle courtyard rang with the noise of the bells and the hammering of drum beats signalling the time of day, the loud noise rang out across the barracks blocks and training halls. Squires jogged alongside the courtyard heading outside to do a lap of the course for physical training purposes, there never was a quiet moment In the Royal Guards and especially when you were a squire, he remembered his training days and the constant tiredness, aches and shouting of drill masters.

“The Lord Castelain is required in the Northen Hall, by order of the King” The man nervously said as he read from scroll among many in his satchel running messages around the castle.

“By the King's Command” the lord Castellion replied calmly unlike some who took joy in fear, he had no such need to be feared to be respected. “We all at Kings request.” He spoke respectfully as the runner left quickly to deliver the rest of the commands, messages and summons to the various and varied residents. Making his way expertly through the long halls passing the Paladins at the gates to the inner layers of the fortress, their nod of head as he passed the only reaction, anyone who was not invited would have been met by steel. The vast gates swung open with a slow and deliberate pace, each one around a foot thick of iron hard timber.

The Knight passed through the gap that opened in the gateway passing a second set of guards who matched the gesture of the first. Marching through the courtyard that opened up to the Northern Hall, one of the smaller gathering spaces of the Castle. The doors opened to see the King, the head of the Guard and the King stood at the end, no one else was present and then he heard two others come behind him as he waited for the King's attention. He risked a glance to the side and saw his Squire Daphne and his trusted brother in arms Warsmith Hector, gruff and rough around the edges but a man more loyal you could not find. He acknowledged both with a short nod that was returned and the King turned to the 3 of them, taking each and studying those chosen by the Guards' most senior officer alongside the Lord of the Paladins, equals, except for the King.

“The Princess is going to be living at the new settlement, this settlement is small and newly established. The blight borders are around 10 miles from the territory.” Pausing and waving to a large map resting on a table, a wider map of the kingdoms and a closer scale map with the known blight territory, rumoured information and previous incidents recorded. “Your command is simple. Protect her, her duty is to save everyone in this kingdom. You will have the authority to act as needed, our resources are highly limited, especially as diplomatically this settlement is. Difficult. Act accordingly.” The King turned away to leave the rest to the guards commander and left without pause or delay.

“So now down to the details.” The guard commander pulled out a heavy bag of gold, scrolls sealed with wax, tubes of maps and 3 sigils on heavy leather cords each bearing the Princess Royal cypher and a bright red sword. Symbols that identified them as personally assigned members of her household and that they are to be treated as appropriate. There was also a matching set of 3 fine long bladed knives, chunky and like many Lumarian items, built to survive their harsh climates. “Your funds, there will be more, but this is your funds to travel and get established. We do not know what is available. You will have to hire and purchase as needed.”

“your letters of introduction, our finest maps of the area as best known. And lastly. Your marks of office.” He gestured and each took and placed them over their necks, marking them formerly now as part of the Royal Household.

“We live to serve” Came three voices at same time, one with a note of command, one thick as any lunarian ever would be and a 3rd softer but firm and confident.

“Honour blades. Each bears your name, take them and do not disgrace them. Each of you is now responsible for her life, honour and our future.” They reached for them, strapping them to their belts around their waists with the clink of steel and sound of leather. Their words repeated and oaths sworn by taking them.

“Right, now that's over, being chairs. Some ale and meat. We have much to discuss. And too little time to do it” The guard commander said, ending the formality of the ceremony. Right down to business as a great map pinned to a wall of wood was dragged over, a table to scrolls scraped on the floor and food and drink was brought from the side chamber.

…

Run. Run, dodge, strike… the wilderness ran by instantly, a blur, dodging, the shouts of men, the sound of horses and the hammering of his heart. Ducking below a rider…the padded mace missed, the counter blow sent him falling to the straw.

The flag. The flag was on the hill…

“Wake up, we need to depart, the stable master has got all the horses shoed and ready” Daphnne shook the old Knight awake who was seeming to sleep under a large oak tree, near the main stables. The sturdy cart sounded as it approached with the sound of heavy horses pulling it and thud of large iron shod shoes on the packed earth.

“Wake up Ya old arse” shouted Hector as he pulled the cart to a stop opposite where they were getting the last minute preparations done. “I know ya old but still” He laughed as he watched the squire try to wake him far more respectfully.

“Thankyou Daphne” He said with a softer tone pulling himself up as the cart rolled up, horses in tow that were ready and Farrier and Smith led 4 horses over that had fresh shoes. “All done my lord, about…” He began before payment was rendered and generously for a rush job. A bow and a quick exit as the two men could feed their families well this month, there was still too much work to be done.

“I'm coming, your arse is as old as mine about” He laughed as climbing onto his large dark brown mount, strapped with gear and weapons.

…

What counted for night was falling, well.. the rather tenuous distinction between night and day these past years. There was an Inn what looked like a mile away, the light shined from its windows and a fire burned in what looked to be the hearth as smoke rose. “The horses are tired, we pulling over Adon, they are getting twitchy.” The gruff Knight handled the cart back from another twitch in the reigns.

“My mount is slowing sir” Daphne spoke up as she gave it a kick to try and keep it moving, the ride had a fair distance and man and beast were in need to rest.

“We got the coin. Hot meal sounds good to me” slowing up their place until they reached the Inn hearing a growing sound of people drinking, a rather off tune bard and a large gathering of merchants debating something going quiet as they passed. “Watch the cart, il handle the Inn keep” Coswain dismounted and pushed the door open confidently, sword strapped to side, daggers and more making quite the impression on top of his height and build. “Inn keep I need stabling for horses, my cart and bed and board for 3.”

“My…lord, we will try best, we are packed out, you saw all the traders” the Innkeeper said as the noise began to return to normal, it was just travel and not arrests “tonight” as it were. You never could quite assume. “Do your best, I understand” He said trying to placate the man, Coswain knew honey, and gold got more than fear. “At least tell me you have good ale” He hoped. Palming a few coins onto the bar as he did.

“Service, for Service” He spoke with a hint.

The man looked down, then beckoned his wife over who took them and gave the Knight a smile. “Il get you a room, we have a spacious one left, and our son will get your horses ready for the?”

“Abit. abit after dawn,much as it is these days” He said with a little charm, but not too much but to upset the man. “Free ale tonight to make up sir, we have to get caravans ours before you, they paid and I promised” He said with confidence, returning that he was dealing with a reasonable man. “Get them some stew, it's less fresh but still hot, and 3 ales, keep ir flowing.” He said as Hector and Daphne entered.

“Oi, clear the King's guards a table, they need a seat. We a loyal Inn” he shouted over the noise and some men grumbled but got up freeing up a table near the hearth that was soon laden with stew, rough but filling and thick and tankards of local ale. The in keeper smiled, there probably would be no fights tonight, not inside anyway. The traders outside all bets were off.

“Ya paid did ya” Hector grunted as he bit off some salted meat and cut some cheese that looked a little less appetising but tasted good.

“Kings coin, kings Service. Never fails” Coswain said flatly, he could of demanded the Service but it smoothed the way and they had a hot meal, drinks as well as a roof over their head tonight that was dry.

“It beats the road, I Prefer a roof to the stars” tough people as she, they and most present where. No one turned down a hot meal, a fire and dry roof willingly.

…

“Dawn Haven?” Daphne squinted into the map tracing their route, they had reached one of the passes they would need to traverse, though what Coswain and Hector remembered, a wooden checkpoint for tolls and taxes was a small stout stone keep, walled and barred by a far more solid structure of a wall across the pass.

“We are on the right road. After the Blight came, the King increased security, we are here” He gestured to where they were, his squire had done well enough, just misjudged the distance they travelled. Everyone had to learn the skills through and judgement took practice and experience.

“Royal Guard, open up and give us passage” Hector shouted as they rounded towards the gated some minutes later. “Open in the King's Name" His loud and thick tones echoed out and sounded clearly. “Probably half asleep” He grunted as they sat before someone looked down from the wall. “Open up, tell the captain to be down by the gate”. The shout was returned and they soon opened the gate, and a woman in armour was waiting, hair cropped short with a captain's chain of office and what looked like burns down her neck and exposed hand. “Castelian, how can we aid you. I am Captain Asaura” She said, grasping his forearm in a warrior's greeting.

“Honours be Captain Asaura. Lord Castellan Coswain. Water for our horses, a fire and some information about the road ahead. My Senior Squire Daphne and Master Warsmith Hector.” He gestured to the small group he travelled with. “Not seen you since you where a Squire” Grunted Hector returning the greeting respectfully.

“And still a Grumpy bastard” She replied with oddly affection, he had been a hard master especially to blade maintenance but a good one during her years in the training halls.

“You're still an arrogant one” He spoke but there was no heat and more laughter than offence was drawn. “Still can kick your arse, Captain or no”

“Captain, Thanks in your honour for the hospitality of your keep” Daphne said as she pulled their horses over to the drinking place, water from a high and cold stream, very fresh and crisp.

“My men will handle it, warm up, grab a meal, you can see how things work here Daphne squire of Coswain.” She said kindly. Her appearance and job, even Lunarians cold, and unforgiving showed kinship and aided each other in the battle against their harsh home. That and she suspected anyone who was a squire to a Lord Castelian was likely to be prepared for more than mere line soldier. “Least one of you is civilised” The captain gave Daphne a smile, women in the guard had to stick together, you had to be better, faster , but those who did pass often achieved status and success.

“We can trade information. We have the latest updates on the blight, you know the road.” Daphne said more boldly and taking a risk, she felt like she had to show her metal and be more than a mere side character.

Watching, Coswain just gave a nod. She was learning that sometimes a favour came for a favour, be it coin, information or other services. One could not just take and not give, Lunaris had its quirks and strange aspects and this was just one of many.

…

The party travelled on heading to gloom Haven, a slow ride taking it easy on their horses, the pace was steady and winded its way down the road. Finally they reached the warning markers of potential dangers. Thick wooden posts each hammered with a deformed skull of a blight afflicted beast or human were marked with red slashes across in paint.

“That's it… Gloomhaven is, Daphnne?” Coswain asked his squire and tested her skills, she needed to become a master of navigation, she was good. But to survive and thrive in times currently, good was not good enough. They had to be the best, he had lost too many good men and women, who were “good enough”.

Consulting her map, trailing the route from the capital, to the Fort and other places they had passed on their ride. “We here, at our current pace, we should be able to make it by time our horses tire” Checking the scale and getting nods of agreement from both the older soldiers confirming she was correct.

“Good, you a little optimistic but close enough” Hector's tone grumbled out as normal, he was a rather hard one to please, gruff and rough. He did like her in his own way. “Past here, keep your sword ready, those markers. We are lawfully able to do whatever and anything we need to protect the kingdom.” His thick accent and tones took even native Lunarian to double check what he said in their mind.

“Close enough” Coswain spoke, past the markers as they turned down towards the sign indicating gloom Haven. “Keep your eyes open, let's go, i'd rather not camp by the road here” He commanded as they picked up their pace more heading down the dark road, the sound of iron shoes ringing out as they headed to greet the princess and her prince.

“You worked with the Princess before? Any information we know ahead of time” Daphne asked as she rode one handed with a second on her sword by her hip. Glancing to the shadows by a large group of trees with deep shadows running into the blackness.

“No, maybe a decade ago or more, I spent my time under the Marshal and not the Paladin orders command of late” Coswain explained with an easy tone, he did not keep his hand on sword but did keep it close and ready. “Less chat, more speed” He commanded.

“aye boss” She said slightly flippantly but got no rebuke as they picked up the pace, 3 armoured soldiers did not get bothered by a group of less reputable folks selling “protection amulets” against the blight. Much as her grip reached to draw her blade and turn to them, she was gestured to carry on, speed and safety was more important than a few charlatans today.

…

First they saw the large lake stretching out before they saw the town it was named for, a place looking like a jumble of fresh, current and planned construction mixed up all together. It only took a few questions to find where the hall was likely where the princess they were dispatched to protect would be.

“Onwards” came the call and they began their new quest.

…

Syraeia Leela “Sy-a” Inn Keeper

Dawn Haven _ “The eye of the Beholder.”

First Day of Winter | 40 Degrees Fahrenheit | Clear Skies

Syraeia Leela “Sy-a” recalled her long journey that brought her to this place, an painful and also strangely one she even survived wiping down the bar with a damp rag and some dab of a caustic potion that helped it cut through the grease, dirt and spilled ale that built up. “Food be awhile, the stew is still cool” She called out to someone as they entered glancing back to a pot of stew over a fire that was licking the sides of the pot in the stone hearth. It would take some time to heat properly.

A grumble was the only reply she got, a Lunarian probbly, some of them were on the more rougher side but also loyal, hard working and also genuinely self reliant and hardy folks.

“That's better” Saying to self as she cleaned the counter to her satisfaction, it gleamed in dark wood veined with a reddish wood. She had no idea of its origins but probably not the cheapest that could be acquired. Given the man who she was told who funded this place, well that was a given that he probably did not cut corners when building the Inn.

Her journey here was part of a convoy, wagons were escorted by soldiers who cleaned them through guarded passes, keeping the ever present risk of banditry that had risen since the chaos and the blight had impacted the kingdom's resources to handle multiple problems at once. Her first impressions of the new settlement were to be surprised that the place was built so quickly, even early on the pace of change was rapid and work was proceeding with vigour.

A harried looking man directed her and the items she had been given to take over the Inn. He barely looked at her but that was nothing new or surprising, he handed her a heavy iron key for the door, her deed and contract as well as a pointed roughly where the Prince's Hall, the market where she could acquire anything that had been overlooked.

The first few weeks had been, well crazy, the pace of change was rapid, getting used to the Inn, its routine and having to learn her basic business ledger and maths. A surprising kind Sunni had taught her that, Blight born, she did not expect anyone to treat her more than something to be avoided.

Sunni had surprised her and took his time to teach her the skills to properly manage her new business. Accounting, how to order supplies and many other skills she lacked, he has been slowly teaching her. On a quiet spell she has been learning the foundation skills of business between serving pints, meals and signing in guests. She took slowly but with growing confidence as Sunni showed to be a skilled teacher, and able to break down seemingly advanced topics into smaller step by step lessons each building on the last.

The owner is socially foolish but hides a high degree of intelligence. To her surprise he even helps out at the Inn when he seems to feel the need, running the bar, failing to chat up women, and men.. or just helping her watch the front while she is busy in the getting new batch of stew on

So now as she looked over the bar at her Inn, her Inn…though someone else owned it, it was…Hers. Hers to manage. A rather extreme change in circumstances for someone who had scraped a living in backstreets, the people passing fed her needs she barely understood in a way that she knew she needed. It was like trying to start your life from an entirely new set of rules.

“Ale, coming up.” She kept her hood up to help blend a little today, everyone knew but it was less obvious as she handed over a tankard of dark ale as the coins were dropped onto a bowel on the counter. “Food is still warming up” She said to the regular whom nodded and found a table near the fire, the bright light hurt her sensitive eye somewhat but she had grown to tolerate it, her senses where intense, overwhelming at times, feeling the need to enjoy the cool, the pitch black and the almost void. It was soothing.

That would not be for a while. It was quiet for now but trade would pick up, Gloom Haven lacked for some things and the Inn did not lack. Wines, ales, various meats and meats brought in by Sunni filled the stock rooms in the back, there was even spices and other things that were never part of her regular life before her transformation.

If trade kept up, she could buy herself one of those nice fur lined cloaks she saw at the market, her mother had one that her father had saved up for months to buy and always had been interested in it.

Well if the figures in her accounts added up, her maths was passable now, but the accounting side she was still mastering how to resolve without any left over on double entry accounts Sunni had called them.

She would look rather good in that cloak… pride, well people might respect her more if she dressed well. She was determined to make the best of the hell she had been put through.