Quest Best Hands In The World

[Accolade]

Dinah had turned back to speak to Orion, but the man had already taken off after the spy. It was a bold move for him to do, and more like something a squire would do than a doctor. He was brave and Dinah had respect for that, but she didn't have time to thank him. The Knights headed out, shields raised as they readied for another battle. This time they would make sure to take down each and every one of them, whether they died, or were captured it mattered little.

Lethans laid on the floor for a moment grunting in pain. He was more than pissed with the whole ordeal and didn't trust the Knights to save him. He hobbled to his feet spatting out more curses before he attempted to flee further into the ruins. He had no idea where he was going, or if there was even a way on the other side. However, he didn't get the chance to find out as Orion dashed towards him and in the true fashion of a brawler, smacked the man on the side of his head with the flat of his blade.

The spy was down and out, before he even realized that he had been hit. Whatever strengths Orion possessed, he wouldn't find it hard to drag the man back the way they came. He wasn't much smaller than the doctor and with no more muscles or height either. Perhaps Orion had sensed something, or simply wanted to get back to Dinah and the other Knights, but they were not a lone. There were whispers in the shadows, unintelligible, animal-like in nature. Round, beady eyes glowed in the darkness, peering out curiously at the two men.

Small furry bodies jumped about in the shadows, squeaking even as they bumped into each other and started to tussle. Suddenly there was a louder roar and one that called the other scrappers to attention. This one was bigger, taller as it slowly crept from the shadows to reveal itself. If the good doctor knew nothing of baboons, he was about to get a lesson close up. The leader of the group slowly stepped forward, he snarled baring his fangs as she moved towards Orion and the downed spy. The baboon paused for a moment, seeming hesitant before reaching out to grab hold of the spy's leg. The baboons were hungry and Orion was holding their meal...

[Orion Michaels]

"Really?"

It was the only word Orion could muster initially. Baboons? He took a deep breath and shook his head, an anger combined with amusement boiling up in him.

"Are. You. Petching. Kidding?" How absurd was this all? After everything that had happened already? "I have to ride on that petching horse." He let go of the spy in order to move forward and slash at the large baboon, causing it to retreat slightly and shriek at him. "Shut up! I'm not done yet!" This was all out of control. "Explosions. This gods forsaken man. And now you? Petching baboons?" The other creatures were waiting back, allowing the alpha male to defeat the threat so they could rush in and feast on the remains. Orion just couldn't believe it.

"And now," he said, slashing at it again,"I'm talking to you stupid ass monkeys and wasting my time while the knights are battling more petching bandits! Do you understand how absolutely ridiculous this is?!" Of course they didn't, they were baboons. Orion was quickly learning that the large male was too quick for his slashes and stabs. The doctor was far too worn out by this time to swing with any further force, but he couldn't get this hungry beast to retreat. "Git! Get on out of here!"

I'm going to have to...again?

Once again the transparent res began to flow forth from his body, in total about the same amount as his last use, but this time he would use it differently. Instead of one large spike, he created many tiny earthen blades, not large enough to do anything fatal, but hopefully it would push it away. As the beast lunged at him, Orion solidified the outsides of the res and sent spinning darts of earth at the baboon, several of the tiny weapons piercing the skin of the animal. It howled in pain, lurching backwards to try and get away from the onslaught.

"Get out of here! I've got more where that came from!" Orion spit suddenly, the taste of dirt overcoming his senses. It stirred an old memory. It stirred memories of going too far. But it also stirred desires to do more of it. More res. More djed. More magic. He raised up his hand, ready to continue his assault.

The baboon snarled again, backing up back from whence it came, the smaller of it's brood joining him it retreat. Orion let out a sigh, though it was one more of disgust. "Kill this guy, save this guy, kill the monkeys. No big deal." Orion sheathed his sword and grabbed the spy by the arm, starting to drag him back to the entrance of the ruins. He couldn't help but feel like he was cut out for this stuff. A doctor warrior? Who'd have thought of it?

[Accolade]

With the baboon in retreat, the squire had won the battle against the animal and even learned a bit more about his use of magic. The baboons squealed together loudly as they stumbled over and around each other trying to escape more of the tiny earthen darts. Orion could be sure that they wouldn't attempt another go at him and was free to once again drag the spy along. But suddenly there was a growl, coming from the darkness behind them.

Orion could feel a heavy, smelly breath against the back of his neck and new at once that whatever this was..it was much bigger than the baboons he had fought before. Thinking quickly, Orion snatched his sword free of the sheath and turned it on whatever was behind him. The moment that he turned, he saw a flash of fur and felt a heavy smack across his chest that sent him tumbling backwards and to the ground.

Although his gaze was blurred from the sudden attack, the squire was pretty sure that what he looked at appeared to be a giant baboon. It looked unnatural, deformed and even it's snarl seemed off. The sound of the creature awoke the spy at it's feet and sent him into a rage. The man yelled loudly finding Orion's sword on the ground beside him and swung it at the giant defensively. The baboon howled rearing back and smacking the spy across the chest and sending him tumbling right into Orion.

The spy was quickly losing it, and even if Orion tried to calm him it wouldn't work. The man stumbled to his feet shoving against Orion in defiance. He stepped on the squires boots when another howl from the beast send him backwards. Suddenly the ground began to shake beneath them and before either man could move the floor gave way and sent them downward. It would take them a few ticks to realize what had happened but when they did they could look up and see the giant rush off above them on the upper floor.

The Spy grunted, whimpered as he slowly pulled himself from under Orion and leaned against the wall. His leg looked even worse now, but it wasn't fatal as of yet, but if Orion couldn't find a way out things could end badly..for both men. If he looked around, Orion would notice that they were actually under the ruins, in a cave like structure with a tunnel leading in two directions, what he did from there was his choice. Escape would be the smart choice, and with the spy awake now, he could walk on his own. But which way to go was the question..

[Orion Michaels]

"Well that the gods that over, I can't believe that happened," he said, eyes scanning the darkness they left behind, hoping to catch the approach of any further creatures, animal or otherwise. "Look at you," he remarked, looking down to the injured man. "Talking all that good shyke, blaming me for all your problems, and what do you know? I'm saving your life, vagik. How's that feel, huh?" This man had done little to endear himself to the good doctor. He was disgusting, a liar, and a rat, and that was Orion's opinion after such a short time with him. "Running off like you're some big shot, trying to get eaten by baboons, and-" Orion felt something warm on his neck, and it caused him to take pause and sigh.

"Baboons," he whispered, drawing his blade again and whirling around to defend himself against whatever it was. Tall, muscled, much like the other baboon, but something about it seemed so off. It was..warped. Twisted. Dangerous. It didn't give Orion any chance to contemplate its origin though, as a heavy paw collided with the doctor's chest sending him crashing to the floor, stunned by the pain of its powerful blow. Worst of all, he lost grip on his blade, and it clattered to the stone floor beside him.

Though his vision was blurred, he could still recognize the spy getting to his feet and retrieving Orion's weapon. It was quite surprising, but if this man had been defeated by Orion in combat, what chance did he have when wounded against the beast? As he started to drag himself back up, another force collided with him, as the baboon sent Leathans crashing into Orion. Both men slid across the floor, but quickly worked their way back up.

The spy seemed to want to blame Orion for this, and shoved him, but another attack from the animal sent them both reeling back again. Only instead of falling to the ground, the ground fell from underneath them. In a cloud of dust and rocks they crashed to the floor beneath them, finding themselves in a tunnel which ran underneath the ruins. Dazed, confused, bewildered, and with a spy underneath him, Orion lay in a bed of rubble, trying to figure out just what had happened. Leathans wanted nothing further of the doctor being on him, though and forced himself out from underneath Orion.

"Quite a situation we're in, huh?"

The spy scoffed in reply, more concerned with his leg which couldn't escape from more and more trauma.

"Well," he began, dusting himself off whilst he stood. "Which way do you think we should go?" Orion began to dig through the rubble, pulling small pieces of stone away until he uncovered his sword and shield. No way he was going to be attacked without those.

The spy shook his head and motioned to the right.

"Left it is. Let's go." Orion strapped the shield on his arm and held the sword low, but at the ready. "Let's get out of here. I've got some medical equipment with Dinah, so if you stick with me, we can save that leg." He nodded, hoping to convince the spy to cooperate. Then, with a deep breath and a slow exhale Orion made his way down the decided tunnel, eyes darting around nervously.

"Gods I hope nothing jumps out.."

[Accolade]

Leathans was besides himself and had made a rival of the doctor. He didn't like him, but he had to respect the fact that the man had saved his life...even though he would never admit it. He continued on behind Orion, limping the whole time.

"This is ridiculous..this is insanity. Crazed mercenaries, baboons and now I'm stick with you..what are you some kinda squire or something? You wanna be a knight huh? Wanna play with the big boys?" The spy scoffed before letting out a chuckle.

"So what happens now, you take me back to your city and they give you a big pay off? They gonna make you a hero for your daring rescue, huh?" his words were load, and mockingly comical. "I have had enough, Ravok is bad, but this? This is just as bad, if not worse. And I refuse to risk my life..MY LIFE. For people who don't even care if I live to see another day."

The spy was livid now and he was ready to put the whole thing behind him and walk off. He owed nothing to Syliras and would just as well wander off and find himself a new home and never look back. The problem however, was that he was injured and couldn't possibly defend himself against whatever else was out there.

He needed help..

"I'll tell you want hero. Here's your chance to really make a different. I'm getting out of here, I'm done. I have a contact not too far from here. I know he can get me out of here. You get them there save and I'll make sure you are paid for it..I'll even let you come along if you want." He paused a moment watching the doctor's face to see how he would react. "You can't be happy here, this place is shyke. Get me out of here and I'll pay you."

[Orion Michaels]

For once he could agree with the spy. This was absolute insanity. He'd dealt with some ridiculous things over the years. Powerful mages in the woods. Degenerate thugs in the streets of Sunberth. Angry women in every square inch of Syliras. But the events which had unfolded today had to of topped them all. The sum of their parts was just..unfathomable. It couldn't have been expected, but what he had come to expect was the lip from this man. Always had something to say about something Orion was doing, even though they were just barely acquainted. "Doesn't matter what I'm here for. Right now it's getting you out of here alive." Straight forward. Basically true.

The man rambled on, trying to get a rise out of the doctor, complaining about everything and anything he could. Orion did what he could to remain silent and let the man go on. It hurt, he knew it. The leg injury, plus whatever else he had obtained during the fall? Maybe running his mouth off was the only way he knew to cope with pain. Orion wouldn't indulge him. He couldn't indulge him. At least, not until he tried to buy Orion's services, for Ravok.

"Doth mine ears deceive me, or hast thou spouted some absolute bullshit from thine mouth." Orion turned his blade on the spy, a glint of anger and annoyance burning in his eyes. The nerve of this guy. Syliras wasn't perfect, no, it wasn't even close. But he'd traveled on long roads. He'd lived in Sunberth. Despite the short comings, and the heavy handed ways the knights could have, there was no better, no safer of a place to live than there. Even though he would have his doubts from time to time, in the end he recognized how useful they were, and to hear him suggest what he had. It stirred him wrong. "Trying to buy me? Maybe I should have aimed that spike at your throat so I wouldn't have had to hear that. Perhaps I didn't hit you hard enough to let you realize your situation? Or is it possible I've hit you so hard you can't quite remember what the right thing to do is?" He shook his head and flourished the blade, reminding the spy just who was in charge of things here. "I've heard enough of you. I think it would be best if you just don't speak the rest of the time we're here. Otherwise I'm going to offer you up as a peace offering to that freaky baboon and go one living my life. I might shed a tear for you, but no promises." He took a few steps around to get behind the spy and gave him a soft, but directive, shove forward.

"Come on, Susan. You're holding us up. I've had my fill of your mouth. You've got to be attracting every horrible beastie in the Bronze Woods. So just stop it. We're going to Syliras. No more bitching from you." If the man gave him no more problems, he pushed him forwards, speaking. "I'll get you taken care of. I can assure you Syliras is much better than Ravok. In case you didn't realize it, we're out in the petching wilderness, not in the walls of the city. Don't try and blame this on Syliras." If the man didn't, cooperate, perhaps he'd get to knock him out again. That was ..most appealing.. to doctor. Nothing was worse than annoying patient.

[Accolade]

"Susan?" the spy scoffed. "What, you making jokes? You wanna be some kind of comedian?" Leathans was becoming more irritated with the doctor and his joking was only adding to the fire of hate that he already had. It was a slap in his face, he thought, that Orion decided not to join up with him. The last thing that he wanted to do now was go to Syliars, but he figured that he would give it one last shot.

"Hold on a damn tick!" he demanded as Orion shoved him forward. "Don't tell me that you like living there? I've heard the stories, yea..that's right. I'm a spy remember. I know all about your city and the crappy life you live. You're telling me that you really want to stay there? Come on hero, tell me why you like that city so much, and what do you care about being a petching Knight?"

They continued on from there, both men stating their cases and reasons for what they believed. The tunnel that they walked through was bare and nothing else approached them save for a few insects and bugs. Finally the men would catch the scent of fresh air and a light shining dimly inside the cave-like tunnel. Perhaps the men would rejoice at finding the a way out, or maybe they would just grunt and continue on. Either way, they would step out into the forest and quickly realize that they were in fact a long ways from where they had started.

It would be hard for either to tell exactly where they were and which way they needed to go to find the Knights..or to escape them. Suddenly there was a familiar thumping of hooves on the ground, and they would turn to see one of the Knights heading for them on horseback. It appeared that the battle had gotten them separated as they finished off the fleeing mercenaries, which was lucky for Orion. Leathans turned to the doctor, seeing his last chance at escaping slowly disappearing.

"Last time hero, you really want to spend the rest of your life here? They can offer you nothing! Let's ditch them and get out of here."

At the last moment the spy decided to run for it and the Knight raced after him. Leathans was quickly caught and knocked out with the handle of a long sword. The Knight returned to pick up Orion, though the doctor would sadly have to walk the way back with the unconscious spy on the back of the Knight's horse. It didn't take long as the other Knights had all been racing to find each other. For Dinah, it was a good sight to see Orion alive, and even with the spy.

The Knight that accompanied him, told Dinah of where he had found them and about the spy attempting to escape. They talked for a moment, out of ear-shot of the nosy doctor, before Dinah returned to speak with him.

"Well it's good to see that you are still alive and well. I must admit, things didn't go as planned. I never intended to put you in this much danger, but it's good to see that you made it back." The Knight looked over Orion with a smirk, seeing the doctor bruised and battered while carrying a sword and shield. It was most fitting, she thought. "You handled yourself well, and you were brave, more so than some squires I've seen around the city..." she paused then, staring the man in his blue eyes as she contemplated her next words. "We could use someone like you in the order."

[Orion Michaels]

“Me a comedian? Well, I’m glad you think so, too. I’m sure I’d be at jokes than you are at being a spy..or at beating a doctor in combat, if I might add,” he remarked coolly. Anything to get under the man’s skin. He was easy to goad, easy to provoke, and if he could keep him engaged and arguing with him, at least he would keep moving. More importantly he’d not think about his wound. Orion couldn’t afford to deal with an incapacitated spy. He was already worthless. If he couldn’t move either, well, that would cause even more problems with godsforsaken baboons out and about.

The man had an interesting inquiry which caused Orion to pause and contemplate his words. He’d never once mentioned anything about being a knight, had he? He was just a doctor. A cook and a doctor. And probably the best lover Syliras had to offer. Probably? Try most certainly… But a knight he was not, right? “It’s certainly been a miserable life. No dangers. No one trying to kill me. Endless coin. Endless booze. A nice room to call my own.” The room part might have been a stretch. Though he had lived better than most by paying to rent two rooms rather than one, it was quite expensive to move up. He had to imagine it was the same as anywhere. “What’s wrong, Susan? You don’t think I could be one? I mean, if you think on it, I tracked down the Knight’s mark, defeated him in solo combat, then protected him from a gigantic and horrible beast. Now I’m going to deliver him safely to Syliras where I’m sure he’ll be rewarded greatly for whatever service was requested of him.” He stepped in front of the spy, stopping his movement long enough to poke him square in the chest. “So tell me this? What’s so awful? Safety, money, housing? I don’t need to go to Ravok for that.”

He didn’t need to go anywhere for it. Throughout this whole process Orion had begun to realize something. He was more than capable of protecting people, even though he had failed in his past, on more than one occasion. It was quite disappointing that the one person he’d successfully defended from doom was this bastard. Innocents perished while this man flourished. Maybe, just maybe, he could change that. One had to start somewhere.

The knights approached, victorious he was sure, and that caused Leathans to give one last ditch effort to get Orion to defect. “Listen here. It’s Ravok which has nothing to offer me. You would have me follow you across the Wildlands when you don’t even have the ability to fell me in combat? Is that what Ravok has to offer me? Incompetent fools who would turn tail and run at the slightest sign of things going awry?” He took a deep breath and spoke through gritted teeth, anger beginning to well up inside. “You may think little of the knights, but at least they have courage and honor. It’s a very different picture to look at than that of a wretch such as yourself. Let’s just go.”

Almost instantly the spy tried to escape, but Orion didn’t have to do anything as the approaching knight sprang into action and dealt with the rather troublesome man. Orion was relieved that it was no longer his responsibility, though he wouldn’t have complained if the knight had allowed Orion to disorient the man again. It felt good the first time, that was for sure.

“A sight for sore eyes,” Orion remarked of Dinah, grinning as she walked up to him. “You know, the hero usually saves the damsel, not the villain, so if he has to be the one to kiss me, I’ll have to decline any signs of affection.” Never a serious moment with Orion, was there? He had to joke to ignore all the pain. Gods, he was beat up. He’d never ridden a horse as long as he had this day. He’d never engaged in sword to sword melee. He’d never fought a baboon. He’d surely fallen before, but not from the ground giving out. What a mess.

Then she said something ridiculous. Orion nearly blurted out agreement, but he knew there was emotion and adrenaline involved. He needed to step back. He couldn’t just commit to a complete change of life like that. So he’d answer in the only way he could. “I would look quite handsome in that armor, wouldn’t you agree? I feel like it would be kinda dangerous to throw me in a dorm with all those teenager girls. I can assure you I’m more trouble than it would be worth.” He smirked and glanced over to where the spy sat unconscious. He couldn’t actually do this, right? “If you can give this man who doesn’t know how to use a sword, can’t ride and won’t take anything seriously until the end of the season to think on it, you might just have an old man in your midst…”

[i]Orion. You’re so petching retarded. You’re a doctor, not a knight.[i/]

For now, at least, that would hold true.

[Accolade]

Dinah might have had a wise comment to Orion's continuous joking but this time she didn't mind. She was glad to see that he was the same, and would have felt bad if she had caused him to lose his way. But Orion was exactly the same if not even more boastful than before. This made it a bit easier to ask the question. A question that she wasn't sure would go over so well. But the doctor answered yes and without much hesitation or doubt.

"Well women do love a man in uniform..and there are other perks to joining the order. But you are sure about this?" she added to make sure that she heard him right. "I won't lie to you, it's going to be a tough road ahead and your boyish good looks might come to harm."

He needed to hear this now, and get a good understanding of what she was asking of him. There was a saying amongst the Knight hood, Knights die, for a good cause, but they die. Dinah understood this and if she was going to take Orion under her shield, then he needed too as well. "But as I said, the order could use more men like you. Sure you're a bit older than most squires, but that just gives you the chance to be a leader to them all. Think you can handle that?"

Dinah spoke with the squire more, taking in his answers and offering advance on things one should know upon entering the order. In truth Orion should feel lucky to be taken in under a ranked Knight when most were too busy or just decided not to bother with new recruits. But she saw something in him that could possibly be a good thing for the city, but only time would tell. They headed back towards the city after their discussion and the spy was taken away to a part of the castle that Orion wasn't allowed to see as of yet.

It was very late at night when they returned and Dinah gave Orion his first order. To go home and rest up, because the next day he would be written in as a squire and then the real training would begin.

[Accolade]

Orion Michaels

Experience

Skill	XP Earned
Rhetoric	+ 4 XP
Seduction	+ 3 XP
Running	+ 2 XP
Long sword	+ 5 XP
Shield	+ 5 XP
Massage	+ 4 XP
Interrogation	+ 4 XP
Observation	+ 3 XP
Spelunking	+ 2 XP
Riding (horse)	+ 2 XP
Recimany	+ 2 XP
Intimation	+ 3 XP
Tactics	+ 1 XP
Acrobatics	+ 1 XP

Lores

•	Lore Earned
•	Good old Murf, you got a friend in me
•	Getting rid of the third wheel
•	A date with a Knight
•	I'm a doctor, not a babysitter!
•	Winning a ridiculous baboon fight
•	Working with the Knights - combat medic
•	Dinan Lorene - patron Knight
•	Joining the Order - A reason to fight
•	I now hate spies

Notes :

Awesome thread! I know it took a while to get there, but I hope the XP makes up for it! Congrads you are now a squire! You have been awarded 45gm for your work with the Knights and for the massage combined. Now subtract 1 cm for your drink .

The Sylir has spoken

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your grade, please send me a PM and we can figure it out.