It's been almost a year since you've been recruited. The travel has been rough, harsh and despite it all filled with plenty of talking and action. On the journey the knights tricked you into eating various Rich and wild meats, which mainly resulted is illnesses that had you visiting Latrines for weeks. They explained to you this was to get your digestive system accustomed to new foods. You were also given samples of Ale Scotch and Mead, more of a test to see where you'd Sit at the tables, closer, or farther from the tankards. Through these trials your bodies have been progressively toned to handle the life you face in the halls, and by the time you've reached them you have been prepared completely for the basic life.
Now Comes The Hard Part.
You've spent the late night in your bunks and beds- with hardly any sleep, you are awoken. The sounds of mighty drums, that must be the size of horses, thundering through your heads and chests. Its a traditional War drum, ' Boom. Bom-boom, Boom. Bom-boom' over and over. ,the beats are so loud and thunderous that your very innards shudder at the concussive sound. It's hard to imagine the size of the Drums and drummer, they must be gargantuan. They warned you things would be different here, That things would be more dangerous, far different than city or town life, and only two of you recruits truly know of what they spoke of, the Farmer and the strange creature Kale found.
Being forced from your bed and the comfort of bed and Sheets, you've been brought out, clothed, bathed, groomed, and properly warmed up with a LOVELY. . . Five. Mile. Run. It wasn't a flat track either. The run had you dodging Archer fire, luckily the training arrows are so blunted and the bows so weak they only leave welts, but they sting like nothing else imaginable, next was the weaving through the sparing yard- catching a wooden training weapon to the gut or chest was bad enough but depending on your luck you could be in for a real treat here. The last stretch of the run takes you on the roughest patch of hilly, brushed and forested terrain you've likely ever dealt with in your natural lives, forcing you to untangle yourself from brambles and thorns, branches snapping and hitting your shins, not to mention dodging snakes and spiders. To say the least you had a VERY friendly, Very enjoyable Five Miles. That has left you winded, wounded, bruised, battered, and for the least fortunate, hardly able to continue walking, having pushed you to your natural limit of pain and exhaustion.
Hiiko Naismith had the best time- and is more than likely in the best shape, and most Durable out of the group So Far, though he was not unscathed, having caught a small blow to the head from a shield in the sparring yard there is a Gash about his left brow. He has two welts on his side from the arrow fire.
Next in the list is Ithill, Naturally lithe and used to fleeing from dangers, she's been able to dodge about and avoid most of the damage, but has a severely sprained wrist from catching a sparring blow on accident. She sports a welt on her Hip as well from an arrow.
Mel and Andel did not have the greatest of times. Mel, luckily being Elven, avoids the greater deal of the woods' dangers, but like the rest has troubles in the sparring yards and arrow yard. Poor Melethiel was taken from the sparring yards after taking a severe blow to the head, and forced to sit by until she could think again. She was allowed to finish her run later. Luckily there was not lasting damage other than a big bump, and a mild headache. . . Andel however was Not So Lucky.
Andel, for all his Street wisdom as the only one who made it through the arrows without being harmed, and nearly escaped the drill yard unscathed, catching a quarter staff to the knee gave him a limp, that's going to last a while. It scored a decent hit to the ankle, so walking is a touch painful. Sadly, that's what he had to do for the rest of the run. Walk the last Two miles. Two miles of brambles, thorns, briers and wooded territory that has left hi scratched, torn, cut, itchy, and more than plenty exhausted.
On an entirely different note was the guilds more unusual recruit. Harstac would've had no troubles in the woods, so his morning test was slightly different. He had to remember a Word, Spar with someone, run to the other end of the training hall, And repeat the word. . . Simple, Right? It was purposely insulting words. And the spars where INCREDIBLY difficult- he has to wrestle with the gargantuan man, Raxxar. Harstac soon found out the big fella is a lot stronger, and doesn't play nice. It must have gotten infuriating, but no matter how he lashed out, the giant was not going to give in- But Harstac had been treated with respect- likely for the first time. Raxxar isn't cruel, or crass. Each fight is a decent spar and wrestle, that results in Raxxars greater strength and experience forcing Harstac to drain stamina wise. The giant can keep this up all day, but bruised, exhausted and likely a touch more frustrated than need be, Harstac was told to stop when the last of the other returned to the halls, and Harstac would be rejoining them- he sports black eye, and several bruises... His muscles Aches, head spun, and every now and then he felt as though his stomach might empty its contents at any moment.
After everyone's Morning test they are lined up, at attention, in front of four men. Xanatos, Kalevos, Ryun and standing with them was Ryi, a very charming lad who was waiting, likely as a humbled test to see how patient and subservient he can be. If anyone actually knew Ryi, they would be laughing right now. A lot.
Ryun smiled, looking everyone over. ” Everyone enjoy their mornin'? No? Good. Your not here to play house or patty cake. Either you here because you asked for it, or because I Put you here. Now then, before I let you lot go and get Brunch, you are going to choose your first weapons and armors today. What you choose today will choose your best friends and your rivals. Choose well.”
Xan then took a step forward, and gave everyone a smile ”You were tested this morning, to see how hard we can be on you right out of the gate. You all.... Did Very well for recruits! Five miles isn't easy, and even more difficult, the winged being beside you all wrestled with a half giant today- something previously only my father could accomplish. Granted, unlike my father, Harstac there could not win, not for a like of attempt and trial. Now you all also have your bruises bumps and wounds. Do not take shame in them. They were well earned and are a mark of progress, a transition, of your lives before and your lives now. Lastly, when you take the choice of arms and armor, bear in mind I can make anything for any of you- and you will be able to change later after your next Tests. Breakfast will be in the main and mead hall. You will have your choice of meal for passing your first tests. I look forward to working with you all. You may now choose your weapons and armor, One at a time- if you'd be so kind.” He stood back, and began to wait for the tired recruits, giving them time to reply.
Now that they are more awake, and capable of recognizing their surroundings, They are standing in the recruit Sparring Yard, where other recruits and less important squires are already practicing, testing and sparring of course. The yard is a clean grassy field, that stretches about the length of a football field, and is dotted with sparring partners her and there. The halls are all made of stone and wood, but have a high vaulted architecture. They can already smell the food from here, the meats, cheeses mead ales and more that await them...
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