[b][u]Paulus Ordo[/u][/b]

It was as though Paulus had swallowed a firecracker. His stomach seemed fit to burst and the resolve had built over the weeks seemed to fizzle away in a miraculous show of sound and sparks. It was actually happening. He was going to war. The parade ground seemed to disappear. Hours seemed to past by as he absorbed the notion. In reality this was only a matter of second, and he regained awareness as orders began to be barked about preparations to be made. 

A week long voyage was just what Paulus needed. There was something soothing about the ocean, the way it rocked. Almost like cradle. As the ocean air filled his lungs, he would spend time on the deck mentally going over every maneuver, technique, and drill. Slowly, he regained his confidence. He was the son of a soldier going to feel his destiny. This was a time to rejoice, he knew his father was watching him, praying to the saints for his son's safety. 

Once on land Paulus was, not unpleasantly, surprised to find he would not be rushing into battle just yet. Of course, his relief did not stem from the fear of battle, but from the reassurance that he would have extra time to train and bond with his fellow Dragoons. At least, that's what he told himself. The scouting work was a nice distraction for Paulus. He was used to monotonous work, and was able to zone out and not worry about his fate. Occasionally he was practice maths in his head, or try to remember the words taught to him of great poets and philosophers. He was sure his accuracy in either subject was lacking. Nevertheless, it aided in calming him. Soon, he was forced to face his fears as he returned to Tomis. He found his bunks and sat there for a moment, his eyes glazed over. His mind was in sort of a zen state, and he did his best to push any thought out of his mind. Eventually fear did creep in, but he found himself more relaxed after that moment of meditation. There was no point in sitting there, though. He might as well combat his fear, and the best way to do that was to train. He left the barracks, and searched the citadel for someone who could show him the way.