Closed Moving Along

[Ricky Maze]

Moving Along
Winter 3rd 513 AV, 12th Bell
Location: The Wave Guard HQ

There it stood before him with all of its wonderous glory, the building that served as the hub of his career ever since the day he joined the many others that struggled to keep his home safe. Now of course Ricky worked hard and struggled along to see that he too defending him home, and now it seems that his work here in the Wave Guard started to cause ripples in his career. Unaware of the recent development of the ranks he was told by some "lieutenant" that he was needed at the headquarters of their group, and that he was to head up to the Officer's floor straight away before any patrol was to be done today. Thus he dressed in the azure garb he always wore when he headed to work, and with much anxiety as to what trouble he may have caused he felt a nervous roll within his stomach. Had his training been too little? Did he need to put in more effort than his usual amount? Was there something he did or failed to do without notice?

All of these questions crossed the fisherman's mind over and over countless times, as each step felt all the more heavy as he urged himself forward to face the music. Upon entry he found the usual room that resided on the ground floor and paid little attention to his fellow guard that resided within, none really had much to say other than provide a glance in his general direction as he went past the front desk and onward to the stairwell that led him onward. Ricky could've swore that each step taken to a higher floor made him feel heavier as he carried on up to the barracks. Here though he did give mind to the amount of new recruits he had seen in the mess hall, a hearty smile as he watched the new young ones mess around while they ate their lunch. It was always pleasing to know the younger generations took interest in the city's own well being, thus it gave the man hope for a better future in their grand city.

It took another set of mental urges to go forward as he climbed up to the stairs last floor of the building, where the Officer's of the guard were located as well as the Captain of the Guard himself. Let it never be said Ricky was always nervous when it came to his betters, although he may have something to prove around the Guard; he always found little confidence in showing those capabilities. Hence why he hardly knew much of the Guard's fundamentals in rankings and such, even with the lesser recent stuff Ricky just normally took his routes and kept well to himself half the time. Now that he was a father of course, he hardly had much free time to go out and meet new fellow members really. He took a moment before heading into the Captain's own office to clear his throat, his nerves just about had the better of him now as he kept his hands from shaking. With one deep breath he silently released shortly after, Ricky knocked before entering to provide some respect to the man that awaited inside.

[Eldritch]

Ricky would walk into the office and find a large room, possessing a few tall bookcases, tapestries with the insignia of a cresting wave, a side table with some chairs and a large desk in the center of it all. At this desk sat the current Captain of the Wave Guard, a large barrel chested man with a paradox of a jovial face. His right eye was covered with an eyepatch with the sigil of a trident on it, his hair thinning and grey. This was none other that recently promoted Captain Orin Eckson, the man that commanded the whole of the guard and its facilities.

As soon as he noticed Ricky enter his expression brightened by a few degrees and he immediately stood and rounded his desk. The man would grasp the guardsman's arm and shake it firmly, chuckling slightly as he did. Certainly his grizzled exterior hid the spirit of a man not easily put down and one with at least some optimism.

"Ricky Maze, as I live and breath. Its good to see ya lad! Come on in, take a seat and don't be a stranger." The man said, gesturing to the chair across from the desk.

When Ricky would sit Orin would follow suit, smiling at his guest as he swept aside some of the documents on his desk haphazardly. The man the folded his hands on the desk and leaned forward, green eyes glittering slightly in a pleased light. He hesitated for a moment, before clearing his throat and addressing Ricky again.

"Can I get you something to drink, Ricky? I have some of that hogspiss those merchants drink and some Kelp Beer. Afraid I don't have much in the way of varied taste." The man offered.

It was obvious that he was in no hurry to get down to business, his tone more conversational than anything else. One might consider it odd for him to greet a guardsman so casually, however rankings or not the Wave Guard was still very much a brotherhood of sorts. Guards, regardless of rank still possessed some degree of familiarity. The difference now was that they recognized the need for some manner of structure.

[Ricky Maze]

Upon entrance he found all worry and anxiety swoon washed away as his sight fell upon the Captain before him, the mutual feeling of brotherhood soon to bloom inside his heart as he shook arms with the proud captain. While the room definitely held it's snug tidy form it definitely served its fine purpose in easing in such comfort one desired, for Ricky he felt it had a nice touch of home to it somehow even if it resembled an office. Yet he didn't come here to admire the room around him, no he came here to see the Captain at the man's own request by fault. "Good t' see ya Cap'n." Ricky confirmed with a nod and hearty smile whilst the given chuckle didn't go unnoticed, the old fisherman found himself at ease with someone like Orin in charge.

He definitely had started to set an example Ricky wanted to follow for sure, the example that any man with a hearty soul would want to show in the world. As Ricky found his determined chair to ease in he did so respectively in regards to the furniture, after all it did belong to the head of the Wave Guard after all. All nerve and anxiety was no longer present of course as Ricky no longer worried what this meeting was about, had he been in trouble by some course of action then he surely wouldn't have had such a warm greeting.

With the offer of a drink Ricky flashed a big grin with a chuckle as he looked down to the table, humbled with the manner of courtesy demonstrated by Orin just now. In a sense he felt like a guest but not some simple guest, yet not here on some errand or form of business even if he were at work. Surely there had to be a reason to be called here after all, but Ricky felt that there was no need to press the matter since they both had time to chat for a while. "Oi s'ppose a mug o' Kelp Beer's all Oi need sir, thanks be t' ya f'r the generosity." He expressed his appreciate with a kindness only those worthy would receive, as would only be present to those the fisherman respected in his lifetime. The Captain of the Guard had no doubt earned such respect by being not just a leader, but a figure to follow during the time when Adarin set his scheme into motion. Although not as present as he would've liked, Ricky knew well the efforts of the Guard were stretched. Captain Orin proved to be an individual with a stout heart, just as any other guard that joined their ranks.

Ricky honestly found it different to have a mere conversation with such a figure, rather than be put to work like he normally expected when with a superior. Yet the lax feeling didn't go unwelcomed as he took the first sip of his beer shortly after being given the drink, no instead it settled in with the sensual feel of the light buzz that followed after ingestion. "How's de Guard as a whole doin'? And de new Lord o' Council, he settlin' in nicely?" He inquired to keep the conversation flowing as he felt all the more relaxed, although it were unusual he found himself easily able to look Captain Orin directly in the eyes when speaking. There was trust in the deep blue orbs, yet much of anything else remained hidden save for the courteous outlook he held in order.

[Eldritch]

The Captain would move off to pour Ricky his drink, an odd spring in his step that only added to the duality of this man. He'd pour two mugs, offering Ricky his before seating himself down with a weighty sigh. The older man took a long draught from the strong drink, wiping foam from his lips with a chuckle.

At Ricky's inquiry he would set his mug down and lean back in his chair, folding his hands over his stomach. His friendly demeanor did not lesser, though for a tick a shadow did appear to flicker over his face at the mention of the new Lord Of Council. It vanished a moment later, a trick of the light perhaps.

"The guard is well, my lad, I'd wager its more organized than it has been in years. The restructure after the... the Coup, it seems to have made things a little more organized in the Guard. Gaha! Though, I'd question the decision to make me the captain, much too irresponsible." He said, chuckling light heartedly.

"As for Lord Everto, he's settling in nicely. A friend of mine in the Council Guard is pleased with him. Very pleased." The older man said.

One might note that he avoided his own opinions of the new Lord of Council, Ignotus Everto. However the man opted to segue into another topic, flashing Ricky a million watt smile.

"What about you, Ricky, my lad? I hear you've got a few new responsibilities eh?" He said with a wink, taking another sip of his Kelp Beer.

[Ricky Maze]

Even with such friendly demeanor the hint of change as Ignotus had been mentioned told Ricky well enough, although the words well chosen that came next covered what signs he’d made as well as possible. The answer to his first question about the Guard not only brought Ricky to chuckle a little with the Captain’s remark, but a genuine assurance of his own to follow at least. "Believe me when Oi say dat de Guard ain’t in more capable ‘ands sir." He said humbly with humility as well, rather proud to see such a respectful and honorable leader to follow. The word about the Lord of Council made Ricky wonder how politics must really work, considering others were just as pleased as the hypnotist himself in his advancement. Oh yes, Ricky not only knew but kept the secret as well. Had he not then the safety of his wife and child was something to consider, seeing as the Nuit somehow heard every conversation between walls.

There was only talk of others though, as the fisherman did note in turn that opinions seemed withheld with the good Captain. Yet there wasn’t the need to push the issue of course, Ricky understood the fact that silence was good by now. In time there would surely be more chances to speak and deal with all things related to their Lord of Council if necessary, for now it was just the consideration of letting a sleeping dog lie around. The topic to follow next was the one that brought a modest smile from Ricky, as he knew well by now just about every other guard heard. That and some days the late nights with a crying baby left proof that they were long when work rolled around, yet all the same Ricky still felt ever so proud to finally call himself a father. "Aye," he nodded with few chuckles as he took a sip of his Kelp Beer and continued after a moment, "Me young boy’s spritely as ever too. Never been happier t’ finally ‘ave a family o’ me own." There was a definitive pride in his posture after he confirmed that, a sort of shine in his expression as he practically lit up with pure joy.

"De Guard’s always been like family too Oi guess, in a sense we’re all kin by our duty we take upon ourselves." He stated with a humble grin just before another drink of his beer followed, this time an actual drink rather instead of the few sips he took before. He’d founded not only the comfort he needed but the sort of confidence that only Kelp Beer somehow brought in every man, and although the taste wasn’t so great the bubbly buzzed feel that any strong beverage gave sure worked wonders on the drinker. Intoxication was something many should avoid to some depth, but for a light conversation such as this, Ricky definitely could allow himself some much needed kick back feels to enjoy the time here.

[Eldritch]

Captain Eckson chuckled when Ricky remarked about the Guard being in capable hands, taking a swig of his beer and wiping a bit of foam from his lips after the fact. He leaned forward conspiratorially and though his voice was lowered when he spoke his eyes twinkled with a bit of mischief. The captain had been something of a spry old man in his day, well known for his joking nature.

“Good that you think so, but between you and me Ricky my boy, my wife would beg to disagree. Ha ha!” He replied.

The man favored Ricky with a hundred watt smile as he spoke of his son, a sort of look that told him that he knew exactly what Ricky was talking about. He leaned back in his chair, seeming to reminisce about times long gone by though that didn’t last for long and before one knew it he was back in the real world. His smile didn’t diminish as he responded to the recent father.

“Oh, they are certainly happy and spritely when they are so young Ricky, and it does my heart good to see more young parents around. Careful though, turn away one tick and they will grow up on you. It seemed like only yesterday my own little girl was a slumbering babe, but now she’s out on the sea’s living her dreams.” The man said a quick glance over his shoulders to the window behind his chair that had a view out on the Bay.

“Anyway, I suppose you are wondering why I called you up here Ricky.” The man stated rather than asked, his eyes searching the other man’s for a moment.

[Ricky Maze]

The notion that the good Captain held in regards to leaning forward brought Ricky to do so as well, in of course a manner of interest as to what might be said in likely such secretive manner. Of course when the fisherman heard the statement of Captain Eckson’s wife, a laugh rolled out in turn as amusement filled the presence of their conversation. It was good to literally be able to sit down with one so down to earth, refreshing even considering much of the days Zeltiva had faced were dark ones not so long ago. Time and time again it seemed as though danger threatened the inside of their walls, rather than threaten to penetrate from the outside like any other. In terms of threat he found that the city was no doubt rather unstable with the political struggles that carried on, as a city that had fighting from within could only end up destroying itself after all.

So the point of the Guard? They were that dividing line meant to uphold what fragile peace they could, even if it meant stopping the internal affairs of the city somehow. Yet even charged with a task such as serious as this, somehow to be able to see the good and joy in everything still remained for some. Those hearty enough to bear the city’s burden remained strong and enduring thus proved to be the face of the city in terms of guardians and protectors. "Oi believe ya dere sir," Ricky nodded with a content smile to the thought of his boy, "ever since day one, Oi ain’t stopped countin’ ‘ow many days he grows." He admitted with a wholehearted chuckle to follow, already bittersweet with the thought of Martin one day already growing into a younger version of his self one day. He nodded in understanding to the Captain as he mentioned his own daughter who’d become a sailor, proud to feel similar as a role model for the next generation as Orin no doubt did time and time again. That was Ricky’s own role now as both parent and Wave Guard, he was meant to be the next teacher to guide the younger generation into a better, brighter age than the one they faced now.

But of course their conversation had to reach its point somehow, and that point was more so relevant to the summoning of Ricky. He was called here for a reason after all and it seemed he would learn that reason soon enough, well anxious and ready to hear the words of his leader he gave a big humble grin to Captain Eckson before he responded. "Aye, de t’oughts led t’ killer anticipation sir." He admitted modestly with a sincere nod just before both men met eyes with one another, although something rather difficult for Ricky to do somehow it was quite easier with Orin. Probably due to the fact he held no regards of vulnerability even when their eyes made direct contact, or maybe it was because Ricky truly felt comfortable and trustful towards the man. Whether or not these factors really mattered what was important was that within the deep crystal blue hues of his eyes reflected something, hope to better serve his brothers and maybe even his captain by carrying out whatever task or mission he held for Ricky. There was no absolute determination but a passive outlook that proved he was willing to accept whatever was to come, in order to show that he too properly belonged among the ranks of the Wave Guard.

[Eldritch]

The grizzled old Wave Guard smirked at Ricky, standing and heading towards a nearby chest and opening it up. From here he produced a beautifully exquisite looking longsword, its scabbard possessing a cresting wave motif that matched the duel cresting wave cross guard well. The center of the hilt possessed a large oval sapphire, which gleamed in the light as it caught the sun. When the Captain pulled the weapon from its sheath it slid out easily and smoothly, a gleaming steel blade that appeared almost flawless in its design being presented out.

“Ricky Maze, you have long shown yourself to be an exemplar among your fellows, a leader and a friend to the Wave Guard. I need more good folk such as yourself to keep Zeltiva safe. In recognition of your service, loyalty, and skill I would hereby grant you a promotion to Sergeant within the Wave Guard and grant you this blade to serve as your symbol of office.” The older man said, spinning the blade around in his hand and presenting the hilt and the scabbard to Ricky.

Once the newly promoted Sergeant would take the weapon the man would walk around his desk and open a drawer, producing a silver pin with two cresting waves upon it that signaled the bearer holding the rank of Sergeant in the Wave Guard. The Wave Guard was mostly a volunteer force, to be promoted within the ranks was not a frequent thing but it was always cause for celebration. Captain Eckson held out his free hand to Ricky smiling softly to the younger Wave Guard.

“Congratulation, my boy, you’ve earned it.” He said warmly.

OOCRight, another post from you should wrap this up.

[Ricky Maze]

As the captain rose to head over to the chest Ricky stood in turn and found himself rather amazed at what had been retrieved from within, a finely honed sword not just beautifully crafted but crafted for him in honor of his rise in the ranks of a Wave Guard. Promotions weren’t often and this was true, but to see that he had been given a higher rank amongst his brethren elevated Ricky’s own spirit even further. Upon the presentation of his newfound weapon Ricky took it with awe as he felt that he wasn’t worthy to carry such a blade. Yet he’d been with the Wave Guard long enough to earn it, so he in turn deserved such an honor even if he felt it weren’t so. Rather proudly he gripped the hilt of the blade for just a moment; the finely etched carvings of waves in their elaborate design not only pleased the eye but the hand as well. He could feel the better difference in the grip with this blade compared to his old longsword.

"Th… thank ya sir!" He praised in high appreciation towards Eckson as yet another item was handed to him, this one a symbol of his status and rank within the Guard. It was the emblem that he’d noticed other guards carry around if not pinned to their uniforms, the silver etched with two crests in the form of waves yet another invaluable item handed over to him in honor of his promotion. As his deep blue eyes rested on it he couldn’t help the beam on his face as he admired the glint of the silver pin within his palms, unable to hold in the amount of pride he felt he did his best to avoid showing any tears of joy before the man. Nevertheless with glassy eyes Ricky once again proceeded to show his appreciation towards Captain Eckson, a firm yet hearty grasp at the man’s hand as they proceeded with a shake. "Thank ya so much sir! Oi’ll keep up de work an’ effort Oi put forth, rest assured Zeltiva can count on me." He promised with a hearty chuckle to follow afterwards, and then sure enough he was sent off to have the day for himself.

It was a day spent celebrating at home with his wife and son in admiration to his given rank, and with it a reassured purpose to continue his duty as a guard.

[Eldritch]

Ricky :

Skills
Observation +1
Interrogation +1
Investigation +1

Lores
-Captain Eckson, Leader of the Wave Guard
-Promotion: Sergeant of the Wave Guard

Loot
+1 Longsword and Scabbard of excellent craftsmanship. This blade, and its matching scabbard are of superior craftsmanship and clearly the person who made it spent painstaking effort upon it. It possesses no magical or divine qualities but it more sturdy than lesser forged blades of the mundane variety. The scabbard possesses a cresting wave design, which is echoed in the crossguard as well. In the middle of the crossguard a large sapphire is embedded.

Notes :

Short thread, but it was never supposed to be long. Have fun with the new rank and sword.

If you have any comments/questions/concerns about your grade please PM me and we will work something out.

Keep on writing!