[center][color=FA8072][h1]Dawnhaven's Best[/h1][sub][i]Featuring: Captain Darius Holt[/i][/sub][/color][/center]
[hr][hr][sub][b]Location:[/b] Eastern Gate[/sub]
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Captain Darius Holt arrived within moments, two younger Aurelian archers at his back, their boots crunching over packed snow as they ascended the battlement steps. Coswain’s voice carried across the wall, but Holt barely spared him a glance. He was sure the Lunarian noble knew how to command a wall, but here, Holt made the calls.

When the newcomer stepped into the light and named himself a blademaster of Xal’ara, Holt’s jaw tightened.

Xal’ara. The Desert Jewel, they called it. An ancient city of stone, half-buried in sand, blessed by the relentless heat of Aelios. To Holt it was little more than a nest of vipers—beautiful from a distance, poisonous up close. Even the Church could not cleanse the rot from its streets. 

Still, anyone hardened by that place often came out sharper than most. Dangerous steel, if it could be turned the right way.

And Holt had to admit—this one did carry himself like a blademaster. The stance. The way his eyes measured every guard in sight. Dangerous, yes, but if he were pledging himself to the Prince, then perhaps useful too. 

[color=FA8072]“You’ve marched a day,”[/color] He said, voice flat. [color=FA8072]“Then you can stand another minute.”[/color]

[color=FA8072]“Plenty come to Dawnhaven claiming loyalty to His Highness,”[/color] Holt went on, his gaze fixed and unblinking. [color=FA8072]“Some mean it. Some don’t.”[/color] He studied the man for a few silent beats, searching for the tell. 

[color=FA8072]“Still… A blademaster of Xal’ara could be valuable. Dawnhaven needs every sword it can get.”[/color]

Finally, Holt gave a sharp nod to the men below at the winch. The timbers groaned, the gates opening slow and heavy. [color=FA8072]“You’ll have your chance to prove yourself.”[/color]

He motioned Farrion through. [color=FA8072]“Head to the tavern in the square. Eye of the Beholder. You’ll find warmth and food. Your name goes on the list. When there’s a home to give, you’ll be assigned one. Until then, make do at the Eye.”[/color]

One hand resting easy on his sword hilt, his brown eyes never left Farrion as he approached the threshold.

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[sub][b]Interactions:[/b] Coswain [@PrinceAlexus], Arthur [@TimelessParagon][/sub]