Location Syliran Order Recruitment Office

[Nightmare]

Lasken Tolstoy

Please PM me or the active DS when you return. Additionally, please refer to rule number 4 on the rules to posting in Syliras.

Rules for Posting in Syliras:

4. Do not post one-liners in our city. They will not be worth any XPs. Don't even try and post two liners. ...

Rykanis Dakshata

The old knight nodded to Rykanis. The man did not seem the boasting type, so his simple, matter-of-fact statement of his skills were best taken at face value. Yahal above knew that the Akalak had the prowess to back up their claims. The main issue was his other half. "And what of your darker brother? No need to worry, the knights have a great many of your race in its rank and it is my job to assess future squires. You may speak freely here, in this safe place. What does he think of joining the knights?"

The man leaned in a bit to hear the tall man's words. Truthfully Erik felt there was no doubt that this man was a suitable candidate to being a knight. He would rise from squire to knight quickly and be an asset to their cause. But their constant internal struggle needed to be assessed. If there was no balance, if there wasn't an equilibrium, the two souls would be a danger to the people and the knights themselves.

He peered up at Rykanis, considering the man.

Parzival Druva

Erik looked up from his work and blinked at the older man addressing him. The man seemed familiar to him but he could not place the face to a name. He almost missed the whole dialogue as he stared, considering, "Sorry, pardon me, you said you were a squire? You wish to resume your training?"

Erik scratched his head in consideration. "I see. This actually happens more often than I'd like to admit, but that is besides the point. Are you sure you desire to be a squire still and not something else?" He frowned, alluding to his age. This Parzival should be a hearty grandfather telling children stories over his knee. Being a squire and then a knight though... it was dangerous work and often ended with death. Then he started with his questions "Why did you leave? Why did you return? And why do you still desire to serve?"

The situation was unusual, but the knights could always use a willing heart and able body.

Cantillion

"Magic eh? So you desire to be a mage?" The grizzled man appraised the young man before him. It was difficult to read mages. They came in all shapes and sizes... but this fellow matched the stereotypes almost perfectly. A bright eyed, stripling of a man. "What is your name, son? And is learning to defend yourself the only reason why you wish to be a part of the knights? Or is there something more?"

The knight adjusted his pinned sleeve hiding his scarred shoulder and pondered over the young man's words. There was something on the edge of desperation in them. Interesting. All who joined had different reasons for their choice. If this man had a sharp and stable mind, the mage knights would welcome this young man.

[Cantillion]

.

"Cantillion, Ser," he answered. Ser Erik's following question caught him off-guard. Something else? he thought, racking his brain. Of course there were other reasons to be a Knight. A Knight didn't have to worry about being taken away in the night. A Knight put minds and fears at ease. Zith wouldn't think twice about snatching up Cantillion the Slave, but they might just back off from Cantillion the Knight. The more he thought about it, the clearer his motivation became. "I've been weak," he said quietly, so only Ser Erik could hear. "My entire life, I've been weak. And now, I'd rather not be." His eyes changed from fearful green to placid blue. This was the truth, and he hoped it would be enough.

.
.

[Rykanis Dakshata]

Rykanis had more or less been expecting for the subject of his other side to be brought up. It was somewhat inevitable when dealing with an Akalak, and it reminded him of the events of years ago, when a similar question was posed during another job interview. That one had been quite different, taking on a job as a spy, in a empty restaurant, with no other patrons there. He also recalled the wine he drank then, quite nice. If there was one thing Riverfall was known for besides Akalaks, it was wine. As the question was posed, Rykanis demeanor changed slightly. The changes were subtle, something only a fairly observant person would notice, and indeed one who also knew what to look for, but the small signs were there as control was shifted. The way he held his body was a bit stiffer, more strictly enforced and not loosely held, as Rykanis' posture was. He also seemed to stare back at the man with a look that saw him more as a object to be examined, than a person to interact with, as his main half did. His smile was also a bit more forced, a bit more put on, more of a affectation of being in high spirits or happy. When he spoke, it was not bland, nor hollow, but his words were more crisp, more prepared, more thought out. When Rykanis spoke, it was generally with little thought or planning. He generally tended to let Rykanis take the lead, but in occasions such as this, when he was being directly adressed, he usually took over and responded upon his behalf. His words were no less true than Rykanis' words, but perhaps their spirit seemed a bit less open. "And what of your darker brother? No need to worry, the knights have a great many of your race in its rank and it is my job to assess future squires. You may speak freely here, in this safe place. What does he think of joining the knights?" Unlike Rykanis, this side paused before speaking, listening to the words, mulling over his response before speaking. He did not openly admit or draw notice to the fact that he had changed over, but neither did he deny it. "I am in concord with my other half, in regards to this. Our talents would be a good fit for the knighthood. Although I am unsure if all of our particular qualifications would find use here... After all, we are more than just a large body to break bones and cut flesh. Perhaps such other more nontraditional uses, and of their being utilized, would need to be investigated more fully." "Admittedly, I do not fully know of the intricacies of the various aspects of being a knight, nor of the different kinds of knights, of their varying duties and areas of expertise. But I suppose the knighthood would be a good enough place to utilize most of our capabilities." He would pause for a moment, letting his eyes wander for a bit taking in the surrounding room, before turning back to the man. "But you know, all of these questions aimed at me... What of you? Do you have children? A favorite wine? A preferred weapon?" While most of these questions seemed more or less random or esoteric, in fact they were directly related to many things. Mostly directly tied to things important to most Akalak's, at least to most proper ones.

[Aventis]

11th of Autumn, 514

Brick. Crack. Half brick. Crack. Brick.

As Aventis wandered, for the quite possibly thousandth time, down the roads of the Dyres District, he felt himself feeding his somewhat vexing habit of cataloging stones and patterns as he walked. He always had a habit at hand when he was nervous. You see, today was the day. Today, Aventis becomes something bigger. Or... So he hoped. Unlike the countless other times he would walk down this road and count bricks or remember right to left foot crack-stepping ratio, he was counting bricks and remembering said ratio with an intention. Today was the day that he did not walk past the Squire Recruitment Office. Aventis stopped, a tad light headed, and leaned against the nearest wall, inhaling the air he had inhaled a thousand times before. Today, with a purpose. One slow step at a time, one nervous step at a time, he approached it. He had never been this close.

He stopped again, leaning just a step outside of the door. He made sure his second arms were hidden under his cloak, he made sure that his dull rapier looked sharper from the fresh spit-shine he gave it a few moments ago, inhaled deeply, and opened the door to the office.

He took a moment, adjusting to the new light, quickly identifying the man to whom he will speak to. Quickly, quietly, he approached the man. He inhaled again, trying to keep his cool, to seem strong.

Aventis, usually 6"3, stretches out to 6"4, and looks down at the robust knight, hoping that his various scars aren't too prominent. He stands there for a moment, the man looking expectantly at him, before opening his mouth and speaking in the deepest and manliest voice he could muster.

"HiI'mAventiceI'mstrongandI'dliketobeasquireplease." He blurted.

Nailed it.

Aventis

[Nightmare]

Cantillion

Ser Erik frowned a moment and gave him a penetrating look. His eyes bore into the man before him, as if he sought to discern the inner thoughts of this green eyed boy. It was not the answer he was looking for, not the idealism he was fishing for. There was a chance that he would learn patriotism and idealism. But the fact remained that all sorts joined the knighthood for all sorts of reason. The more he thought of it, the more he liked the idea.

Erik nodded to himself a moment before continuing, "The knights are more then just a source of strength. By joining, you make yourself apart of something bigger. You become the arm of civilization itself. Once you become a knight, there is no turning back. There is no quitting, only retirement or death." He gave the young man another hard look.

"Now then" He started briskly, "report to the squire dormitories at noon. Your patron will meet with you there." The one armed knight expertly penned down a room number for the squire. "



Rykanis Dakshata

Erik nodded at the other brother's words, a ghost of smile spreading across his lips. The old knight did not catch all the changes that came over the akalak but it was enough that he saw a distinct difference of character in the man's posture and way. He was certainly dealing with a different person. His eyelids narrowed a bit as he looked over this new person critically. Akalak had this unnerving habit of being two people in one body, with one at the lead it was concerning to many to see the other soul come to the fore.

"You will see for yourself that the knights are not merely muscle and sinew with no brain or strategy behind them. Nor are our mages decrepit souls who are on the edge of madness. There is much to the knights beyond the veneer and lacquer of our shields. " He gave the metaphor a particular tone and inflection that hinted at a deeper current beneath. "Whatever your skills may be, your superior, your patron will assess them and determine a suitable place in the knighthood." He smiled, "But I can already see that both of you will be an asset to the knights. Perhaps you will rise quickly."

"As for myself... Haha" He chuckled softly, "I am just a simple solider doing my part. That should be enough for now."

He set down the quill he was writing with and softly blew on the still drying ink. "Here my friend, take this. It is directions to the squire dormitories. Many squires are young, but I am sure the Chaperons there will find you suitable arrangements. Your patron will arrive at the noon bell to meet with you. I wish you luck Rykanis Dakshata, I am sure the knights will sorely value your help."

With that the Akalak was the Knighthood's newest squire. "Oh, and please remember, once you become a knight, you are something bigger then yourself. You can not quit being a knight. You retire or you die."

Aventis

Aventis, in the future please make sure to keep your posts in Past tense and not future tense.

The man behind the desk blinked at the young squire slowly then settled his quill down. "I see. Please take your cloak off and take a seat. Aventice was it? And why do you want to be a knight, son?" The grizzled man gestured to a squat, wooden chair. "Tell me about yourself, Aventice."

Erik affixed his full attention on the young man, noting his appearence, his mannerisms, and his posture. The man seemed scared, nervous. Many were. The fellow was tall, with strong, broken features. Brown haired and not what most would consider handsome. But, the knights cared little about attractiveness.

[Aventis]

OOCOh, yes. Of course. My apologies.

Upon the knight's request to remove his cloak, Aventis' face flushed, colorless. Whathe now faced was a decision. For the entirety of his life, Agent is had made the greatest of efforts to hide himself. If he took it off... He couldn't say for sure. But he didn't feel safe without it.

Although, he thought, a new start begets new philosophy.

He took a deep breath, dragging the soft fabric down his top shoulders, successfully revealing his bottom ones. After yet another deep breath, he sat down, resting all four of his arms on the knight's table, relaxing. He avoided the question for a moment, letting the knight take it in, as he understood was both customary and polite, before telling the knight what he wanted to know.

"My name is Aventis. For a while, now, I've been wanting to do something worthwhile. Something bigger than myself. I want to make a name. But not my name. And just a few moments ago I decided to be a knight. I want my name to be synonymous with honor, with dutiful respect. I understand the dangers... And I accept them. I want to be a knight, ser." He said surely. "That's... About all. I am here now. That is all I can say."

Aventis

[Ssharathassorin]

Entering the old part of the city was nice, it was like opening a doorway to the past, and through it did the huge human-form Dhani stride, confident as ever, he walked up to the main desk where he assumed people began enrollment and simply waited in line until it got to him, although the line wasn't as long as he expected it was still some length as he approached closer and closer.

It wasn't until he was a few persons off he began to become nervous like a young boy who snuck into the line for another piece of food, but he wasn't, he was making a life choice and became a little too soldier like as he said a little too loudly, thumping his chest then saluting very very well thinking about what his name would be in common "Sorin Ssarathas wishing to enlist as a squire of the knights of Syliras, SIR!!!" This quickly died down however as he had just saluted and shouted at a simple enlistment clerk with unerring enthusiasm!

[Cosimo Nayt]

Cos believed that he was ready to apply to be a Mage Squire. No. He didn't believe he was ready,He knew he was ready. His father had taught and repared him for thisday for several years. Sure,he still had lots to learn, but he believed he knew more than the other fresh recruits. Of coursse, he wouldn't boast about it. Hopefully. Strolling over to the Dyres building, Cosimo jumped over the threshold and walked inside. Once in, he observed a sparsely decorated room and several other recruits. Like him. Cos didn't even know what race several of them were. "Ahem. Name and Purpose of being here please!" a person stated and stared at Cosimo. "Cosimo De Nayt. I'm applying to follow my dream of becoming a Mage Knight. First, though,I need to be a squire." "Follow me please!" the person at the front desk stood up and led Cos through alleys and passageways to the deepest part of the city. It looked to be very ancient. Once there, he was confronted by a wrinkled man who was missing an arm and part of his ear. Interesting.

[Jaymz]

84th of Fall, 514 AV

Today was meant to be a regular day for Jaymz. He would wake up in his apartment that he shared with no one in the Maiden District, stretch out all of his restless muscles, and make himself a quick breakfast. In fact, he did do this. Afterwards he would pull on his one set of clothing, a pair of loose pants, a simple shirt, and would probably leave behind his sandals, he wouldn't be needing them today. He did this too.

Today he planned on going to the Windmount Track for running. It wouldn't be necessary to bring shoes as, well, horses don't wear shoes. So he left the Maiden District at a brisk pace, barefoot, walking with purpose. His head held high and his eyes up, making him seem even taller, which was unnecessary as he already towered over the average citizen. It was the Dyres District to his right that caught his attention that day though.

He stopped in his tracks, surprising the few people who were walking behind him. They went around, shooting glares at him as they did so. He ignored this. Something was compelling him today, something, an outside force, made him stop in his tracks and take an interest in the military district.

Tanroa, I understand what you intend. I will apply for the knights today. Jaymz sent a quick prayer to the goddess he worshiped. It was his time. Everyday he walks right past the Dyres District, not feeling the desire to go inside. Of course he had been slightly interested, but he waited for a sign. And today he got it.

Walking inside the Dyres District, he was instantly stopped by a man, still shorter than him, but obviously someone more experienced.

"State your business." The man demanded in a gruff voice. Jaymz lifted his usual scowl to a half-attempted smile then let it drop. Smiling was uncomfortable, unnecessary.

"I suppose, I intend to apply to the Order of the Knights." He explained shortly. The gruff man with a hint of stubble and obvious definition just grunted and nodded, then walked off. Jaymz assumed he was meant to follow, and did so.

The man led Jaymz through the Dyres District, further and further into the castle until he stopped short in front of a small building with the door open.

"Through there, you'll speak to Ser Erik. He'll be sitting at the desk." The man that led Jaymz through told him, then walked off. Jaymz studied the little building, the people around, the door. It was nice, not nearly as run down as the Maiden District. The floors were a gray stone and the floor to ceiling windows were a nice touch. Jaymz had never been in this district, even though he had lived his entire life in Syliras, and was impressed. The ceiling was decorated and everything looked typically clean.

He wasted no more time and instead entered the building, where immediately a man could be seen behind a desk, writing with his left hand, as the right arm was missing. Jaymz scoured the man's face, noticing his impressive collection of scars and the part of his ear that was missing. He was obviously a veteran of the cause.

Jaymz walked in further until he was standing in front of the man at the desk, and stood up as straight and tall as he could.

"Hello, Ser Erik," Jaymz recalled the name that the man who led him here had used, "Today it is my intent to apply to the Order of the Syliran Knights. I wish to aid in the protection of the wonderful city I live in." He used his usual calm, collected voice. Not booming but not too quiet to be heard either. Usually he spoke slowly, making clear that there were spaces between each word. Some might consider the slowness in his speech a sign of simplicity or ignorance, but that is not so.

[Zydrunas]

20th Winter 514 AV

There was a strange level of fascination that existed within the Dhani when he first saw them. Men clothed in metals, the shining pauldrons and the upholding of the laws of the city and playing the guiding hand in leading the people. It was much different to the dream state of a city he last visited, the bright colours fading away into duller shades - but still equally pleasant, if not cold. Questions lead him only to more questions, and a want for answers pushed him enough to this very point. Zydrunas gave a rock on his heels, a lean in through the door of the recruitment office and hovered there for a moment - deciding if he truly wished to sate his curiosity or if it was growing into something much more interesting. It was only then that he took that final step in, fingers brushing away the dusting layer of 'snow', and let the door click shut behind him.

Clearing his throat, he gave a firm step across the office - remembering the respectable, silent nod and meeting of the eyes to the wizened looking knight. There was of course that momentary pause as he noticed the missing arm, the brow pinching slightly and his head tilting - cat like in movements - before he continued forward once more. It was only then, with a clearing of his voice but his accent still heavy of his home region, that he spoke.

"I am Zydrunass," he paused, flexed his jaw for a moment with a wince to his speech, "And I am here to pledge to joining the order. The way in which you aid the people and be their sss-heild... it be appealing and a thing I would like to try and do. Protect. Help. Do good." There was a smile - though it was a nervous one - "While I am not a local, I hope there will be... consssideration?"