Closed Frozen Patrols [Orion]

[Alevadra Druva]

Winter 10th, 513

It was a brisk morning, the air was still but with an inhale you could feel your nose hairs freeze for a moment before your exhale melted them. Alevadra had packed the evening before, a saddle bag with clothing, a bed room, tent, the usual sorts of things one would need for a ten day patrol. Enough rations since game would be scarce and Ale was anything but good at gathering, she’d likely end up eating bark, twigs and dirt rather than finding anything actually edible.

After wrapping her chest in a tight, long piece of linen, she dressed in layers, a long sleeved woolen under tunic with a linen surcoat over top, on her chest was the Druva family crest against a field of mossy green. Tightly fitting pants were pulled on as well as a looser fitting suede pair. Her feet were covered with wool socks and thick leather boots were pulled on over. Alevadra didn’t bother putting her cloak on until she’d left her barracks, after all, sweating would ruin the insulation the wool provided and make her become very cold very quickly.

She exited into the crisp morning air with a smile, the sun wasn’t even quite awake yet and Ale very much enjoyed this time of day. It was often quiet and she would find the stables relatively empty. It allowed time for Lyris and her care unimpeded by pages or squires. Of course, today wasn’t just a check up on Lyris, they were to go on a ten or so day patrol. Alevadra and Lyris had been on a few of these patrols already in her time as knight, but never in the Winter. She was apprehensive about being out in the cold, she’d become quite used to the warm fire and her comfortable bed.

The door into the stable creaked open, and the scent of hay and horses filled Ale’s lungs as she stepped through the portal. “Lyris,” The woman called calmly, walking to the mare’s stall. She woke from a light snooze and lifted her head, shaking her mane as she looked over to the knight. “Time to get your saddle up,” She patted the horses rear while making a loud clicking sound with her tongue. The horse backed and immediately started to steal hay from a wheelbarrow. Ale pretended she didn’t notice.

The various saddle bags were dropped as Ale took to putting on the thick riding blanket and hefting the heavy saddle upon the horses back. Lyris shifted her weight as she continued to munch the hay. “Stop it, that’s enough.” Ale finally said, swatting at the horse. With a neigh, Lyris stopped and stomped her feet. “You’ll get food later.”

Alevadra finished saddling Lyris and swung her saddle bags over her, fixing her mane and making sure there were some extra sugar cubes in her pack before taking the reins and walking Lyris out of the stabble. Ale could have easily ridden Lyris to the gate that lead to the Bronze wood, but she opted to walk. After all… There would be plenty of riding soon enough.

[Orion Michaels]

Only a handful of days had passed since Orion had returned to Syliras, and here he was, going out into the wilderness again. This time, however, he wouldn't be under the guidance of his patron. Captain Knight Dinah Lorene had other matters to attend to and had arranged for the adult squire to travel out on a ten to twenty day patrol with some of her acquaintances in the order. She couldn't have Orion wondering about aimlessly while she was busy helping Syliras keep running.

Needless to say, Orion was less than pleased. He was no outdoorsman, he was no survivalist, and every time he was sent out on a long patrol as this his opinion was only further solidified. Still, there was no arguing with Dinah about it. He'd be packing up and heading out into the chilly winter elements once again. 

Orion had risen early and made his way to the stables to see his mount for the journey. As a squire he wasn't yet awarded a powerful Syliran Warhorse which with to patrol and dispense justice upon. That just meant that he continued to despise more and more of the wicked beasts. He and the various steeds rarely saw eye to eye. For the time he would have to find a way to coexist, because he was going to be stuck with the creature for the next handful of days.

The squire waited just outside the gates, leaning absentmindedly against the wall as the rest of their small group began to gather. There were to be eight of them total. Six knights, two squires, and of course, their mounts. With the winter weather approaching, they needed to check and make sure that the safe houses  along the Kabrin Road were stocked and in good repair for those bold enough to traverse during the late season.

At the brown horse's side were several saddle bags, packed to the brim with his winter travelling gear in addition to a broad sword sheathed along the saddle. The squire himself wore woolen underclothes with a plain, unmarked white tunic and a black pair of pants. Strapped at his waist was a longsword, and beside him sat the rest of his combat gear. All he could do at the time was wait and wait some more as the group continued to gather. Most of them were there at that point.

When a woman began to approach, horse in tow, Orion could only assume that she was one of their squad, and with the majority gathered, he began to get himself prepared, at least until he looked at her fully. At that point, he froze. Such unusual hair colors, a swirling of dark blue and purple. It sent memories racing back to the surface, of the bright blue hair of one he used to know so well, of the strange looks she received for standing out so. It didn't bother him to see someone using the dyes of fabric and plant to alter the hue of her hair. It just wasn't something he'd expected see again. So many thoughts, so many questions, so much emotion, all from the appearance of one person.

For all the pride he took in his appearance, his posture, and his charming and witty ways, he was a complete mess. Orion stood there, staring at the newcomer like the slack-jawed idiot he was. 

[Alevadra Druva]

It had been at the personal request of Captain Knight Dinah Loerene that Alevadra be one of the knights to watch over Orion Micheals, Sera Loerene’s Squire on the winter patrol. Sera Loerene was a well-respected and knight and as such, Alevadra happily agreed to assure the Squire was taken care of. Sera Druva had yet to have a squire of her own, though she found herself often stepping in when it seemed one of the youths—At least, it often was the youths that needed it—seemed to be struggling in their training. So accepting such a task was minimal, she didn’t expect it to be overly difficult in any regard. So long as he had half a brain to wear wool—it would be smooth going. There was little information given to Alevadra about the squire other than that he was an adult and wouldn’t need his hand held like some little whelp. That was a fact Ale found quite relieving. Sera Lorene expressed that he was quite charming and witty—easy to get along with. It wouldn’t be impossible to find him among the group of eight, after all, he’d be the only squire without a knight. The other squire that was coming along was still young, but they were with their patron, and as such, Ale had little concern for their well-being. The air was brisk, plumes of steam clouded forth from Lyris’s snout. It would warm slightly once the sun was up, it would be several bells till then though. Ale approached the group, it appeared she was one of the last—if not the last, to arrive. Among the group was one man whom Ale assumed was Sera Lorene’s Squire. With the assumption, Alevadra tugged Lyris’s reins towards Orion, her hooves clopping up to him and his horse. “Orion Micheals?” She asked, looking over the man for a moment. Her certainly wasn’t quite what she expected from Sera Lorene’s description. Lyris made a huff, tapping her hooves uncomfortably. “Sera Alevadra Druva. Sera Lorene told me about you,” She smiled slightly, her attention moving to check that all her necessary gear was packed. After digging about in a few saddle bags, Ale looked back to Orion. “I hope you’re ready, the winter patrols tend to be quite the adventure.” Alevadra looked around the group, only recognizing the others in passing—it appeared there were no knights Ale was on friendly terms with. Ah, well, at the very least, 10-20 days of travel together would bring them all closer. “Looks like everyone is here,” A young squire, probably in his late teens sat upon a horse, beside him was his patron knight. While she was quite underwhelming in stature, she was able to fairly easily saddle up onto Lyris, despite the full plate armor. After shifting a bit on the leather saddle, a glove covered hand moved and patted the thick winter coat on Lyris’s shoulder. “You alright there, Orion? You look a little… Unsettled.” One of the older knights who was leading the patrol had saddled up and turned his horse to look at the group. It was time to get moving if they wanted to make it to the first safe house before the sun began to set.

[Orion Michaels]

Orion's jaw tightened somewhat as the woman turned to face him and made her way over. It was just his luck. It was far from the time to have a flashback of any kind. Short of stature, hair unnatural, and direct in their questions. It was as though a specter of his past had returned in the form of a knight. It wasn’t polite to stare, and it certainly wasn’t respectful, but he couldn’t tear his eyes from her face.

Amazingly enough, she seemed completely unfazed by his gaze, despite the fact that he’d almost turned pale at her appearance.

Orion was a tick slow to react, shaking his head quickly back and forth to try and get his senses about him once more. Sera Alevadra Druva. One of the main knightly houses of Syliras. He’d had minimal interaction with their kind, and he wasn’t entirely sure how they felt about those outside of their families. ”Dinah..I mean, Sera Lorene tells me you’re to watch over me.” A frown touched his lips at her next statement. It could be a horrible thing, but she didn’t seem repulsed. Maybe his reputation hadn’t preceded him for once. ”I trust she did me no favors,” he deadpanned, turning his attention to his mount, well sort of.

His attention was more than split at this point as he finished loading his saddlebags. It had been some time since she’d invaded his thoughts, and now he was displaying an uncertainty he’d wished to bury long ago. Why was he so petching dramatic?

”Ah, don’t worry about it, Sera. I mistook you for someone else for a moment. The light struck your face and you resembled someone from my past,” he replied softly, looking back over his shoulder at the petite knight. ”Believe you me, I’m glad it’s you.” If it had actually been her, Orion wouldn’t be going on this patrol, after all.

”Just let me know when you’re ready. I believe I’m prepared.” With his saddlebags full, Orion placed a foot in a stirrup, placed his hand across the saddle and pulled himself up and on top of the horse.  Full mounted, armored, and equipped, at least he was physically ready for a trip with the distinctive Druva, his handpicked keeper for this trek into the wilds.

[Alevadra Druva]

Orion caught himself saying his patrons first name. Seemed a silly slip up and one that could be taken quite poorly in the wrong company. Luckily for Orion, Ale’s patron had been on a first name basis while they were alone and returned to the strict “Ser Frent” while in the company of others, or when referring to her patron. Surely Ale had at one point said Patrick when she meant to say Ser Frent, though the occurrence wasn’t familiar in her mind. “Yes, she thought I was a good pick to watch over her squire.” Sera Lorene had done him no favors, she was honest and to the point with Ale, which was the way she preferred it. The young Druva had taken all of Sera Lorene’s words to heart but would still do as she always did. Use her own judgement. So when Orion said “I trust she did me no favors,” Ale let out a small laugh and bobbed her head. “No… No… But worry not about what she told me,” She shifted her foot in the stirrup, adjusting how she sat upon the saddle, her gloved fingers rested upon the front of the saddle, looped around the reins. “I prefer to experience people on my own and judge their character to my own opinions.” Second chances weren’t something Alevadra particularly believed in, but she did believe in giving everyone their own chance to prove themselves despite popular opinion. “Ah, I believe that’s the first time anyone has mistaken me for another. I suppose I should be grateful not to be them as well with a reaction like that.” She hummed, giving Orion and quizzical look before dismissing the conversation entirely. Alevadra could only pray to Tyveth that whatever had just gone with the squires mind would not affect their patrol… If it did, well, it would be a long patrol of uncomfortable glances and pale faces. “I am ready,” Her eyes moved to an elder knight who was leading the group, a man in his mid-forties by the name of Ser Henry Linton. His hair was beginning to pepper and the scruffy bread he had only foreshadowed what was to become of his thick black hair. “Sera Druva, are you and your squire ready?” He asked in his stoic, deep voice, cold steel eyes matching the warm brown of the Druva. “Yes, Ser Linton, we are ready.” He nodded before speaking again. “You two will take up the back of the patrol,” The woman just nodded in response to Henry, glancing over to Orion. The group of eight began to leave mounted in pairs of two, leaving about fifteen feet between each pair. Lyris began to get antsy. “So tell me, Orion,” Ale started as she spurred Lyris to move forward out of the city. “Do you have any amusing tales? Because if you don’t I fear this will be a very long and dreadfully dull excursion. Or at the very least, I hope what Sera Lorene said about your socializing skills if true.”

[Orion Michaels]

To watch over? More like babysit. Orion was sure that Sera Druva was there more to keep an eye on him and make sure he didn’t do anything stupid more than any other role. She wasn’t there to mentor him nor was she there to teach him. Just keep the big oaf out of trouble. ”Well, I do hope you’ll take good care of me. I’m quite a delicate fellow you know? Perfect for the knighthood.” He managed a half smile whilst seated upon his saddle, looking over and down at his keeper.

He wondered how much Dinah had actually told Alevadra. There was plenty to say about the squire, both good and wicked, and the truth of the matter was simple. Dinah had hardly scratched the surface on the two extremes. Orion had acted both from the kindness of his heart and from the malevolence of his soul. Reality had shown he was neither of those, but instead a strange admixture of the two opposites. Hardly befitting a knight many would argue, but those who’d stood before the Windoak knew so very well that their opinion was meaningless in the decision.

”I’ll try not to disappoint then, Sera. I can be a little rough around the edges, but I do hope you give me a puncher’s chance. I’ll grow on you. Maybe.”

It wasn’t entirely true that he’d mistaken her for anyone, but what was he supposed to say? You vaguely remind me of a dead woman? They had a long trek before them and wouldn’t do anyone in their party good for him to create an awkward situation right off the start. He was thankful when the head of their group spoke up, allowing them to drop the conversation all together. He wasn’t sure what the appropriate reply would have been.

The squire waited, letting Alevadra speak for them both to their senior. If for no other reason than to spite Dinah for sticking him with a guardian, he was going to try and play his part proper. Sera Druva would have nothing but praises to sing back to her if he had his way. When the pairs began to depart, Orion waited until Alevadra began before giving his legs a squeeze to get his own mount started, getting it in motion beside her. Before he could speak, the knight requested a tale from him, and a genuine smile appeared on Orion’s lips.

”A tale from me? Hmmm..,” Orion sat in the saddle in mock contemplation, bringing a mailed hand to his chin. ”Perhaps sometime along the trip, but I don’t think we’re in quite the fair situation, Sera.” He shook his head to emphasize his point, blue eyes twinkling with an almost mischievous look within them. ”No, see here. You know some mysterious amount on me, but I didn’t even know what you looked like? Surely you can share a little on yourself before you begin the dangerous journey of talking with Orion Michaels.” He tilted his head slightly to the side, raising his eyebrows in an almost challenge, almost invitation to the knight.

Rolling back and forth in his saddle with the motion of his mount, Orion was already feeling more at ease. The nerves from only a short while before were settled, and he could focus both on the patrol and the unique woman before him. Dinah wouldn’t pick just anyone to watch him, so there was surely to be something about this Druva. He had a dozen or so days to find just what that was, and try Orion would.

[Alevadra Druva]

Ale let out an audible snort when Orion referred to himself as “delicate”. “Your idea of delicate and my idea of delicate clearly differ greatly.” To Ale, Orion was anything but delicate, of course, she could only judge his stability on physical information, any emotional baggage or mental fragility was something the knight knew nothing of. “You have nothing to fear, fair maiden, I’ll be sure you don’t break a nail.” Ah, well, at least Sera Lorene had been right about that. He did have some social graces, so at the very least, Alevadra would not be watching over some awkward, blubbering baboon. Instead, she would be watching over an amusing, albeit cocky squire. She wasn’t quite sure how she felt about that, so long as when it came down to it, he fit into the squire role. The creeping discomfort of familiarity skittered over her mind as his demeanor began to remind her of her Patron knight, Ser Frent. Sera Druva had grown to miss Patrick Frent terribly, even though it had been years since his death, Ale still visited the stone garden to remember her mother and her patron. Ale cleared her throat, drawing herself back into the present and leaving the bloodstained past behind. “Right. That’s quite a request from a squire.” Ale wasn’t know to share information about herself. There were a few things: the fact that she loved horses, had a adoration of honey, dyed her hair odd colors for reasons she kept to herself… In general, Ale wasn’t a terribly complicated human being, it was just that actually getting to know her wasn’t something that happened. “Well then, Orion Micheals, since it is such a dangerous journey to talk to you, perhaps I should keep everything from you to better protect myself? Or better surprise you, perhaps.” Ale smiled, looking forwards to the pair ahead of them. “Well, all I know of you is what I’ve been told. I prefer to hear from the source… Gives an interesting perspective. So lets make it a game. I’ll tell you something, you judge how great of a morsel it is, and then you share something of equal value, hmm?” There were many things Ale could talk about. Adventures, friends, family, favorites and least favorites… Personal quirks. There were things, though, that Ale would avoid talking about like the plague. Ser Frent was one of them, as was Jasme Druva. “I’m Alevadra Druva, 2nd Wing Commander of Black company, Victor Druva’s only daughter. I was raised by two knights and my life has never been anything but the knights code.” She motioned to Orion, as if to silently tell him it was his turn to tell her something. “Oh,” She motioned to her hair. “Blonde.” A smirk was on her lips, attention forward again as she shifted slightly on her saddle. Her full plate clinked slightly as a hand moved to adjust a pauldron that wasn’t quite sitting right.

[Orion Michaels]

So she had some humor about her. That was going to be a good thing for their trip. He couldn’t deal with the stuck up, better than thou sort of knight. He’d met the type before and he didn’t get along with them. While she seemed dutiful, she also didn’t let it absorb her personality. ”Wonderful. Getting my nails done in the bazaar isn’t cheap. I’d weep for days if they were to chip.”

Perhaps he’d overstepped his bounds with Alevadra. He needed to be careful, it seemed. It was one thing to treat his patron without the respect a higher ranking knight deserved. It was another to do so to a stranger. ”Forgive me if I’m a bit bold,” he said, grinning sheepishly. ”Sometimes I forget my courtesies. A byproduct of being an ancient squire, perhaps?”

The game Druva suggested was one Orion had played many times in his past, though it had usually been in the corners of dark taverns. Beautiful women engaging in wordplay with a man equal parts sugar and venom. At least there was no booze involved this time; that’s what had gotten him in trouble so many times in the past.

”I can’t say it’s a bad choice, avoiding conversation with me. Breaks my heart that you would consider it though.” He shot a cheeky grin Ale’s way. While there were some glaring differences, there were also some striking similarities between her and the woman he’d momentarily taken her for. It was both bothersome and soothing; he wasn’t sure what to make of it. ”I’ll try and be mostly truthful,” he replied, looking up to the pair ahead of them for a moment. It was his first full patrol without Dinah at his side. He thought it would be quite different, but with Alevadra Druva keeping him company, it didn’t really feel out of the norm.

He listened thoughtfully as she started off with something very plain, very safe. He wasn’t surprised that she was a hereditary knight. She carried herself like one who’d been around the blade and order her entire life, though the way she did her hair was fairly different than the rest of the knights. He opened his mouth to speak, reveal a small truth of his own, when she added the bit about her hair color. The simplest of things could disarm him, and as if he wasn’t struggling with the resemblance enough already, she was blonde?

”Orion Michaels,” he replied slowly, his eyes avoiding hers for a moment. ”Son of a doctor, raised by a doctor, did doctor things my whole life, until I was a cook. Until I was a masseuse. Until I was a doctor again. And then a squire.” It always amused him when he paused to think back on his varied experiences. Not one of them had made him feel accomplished, at least until this most recent undertaking. ”Black,” he said quickly, pointing to his hair, casting a sideways glance at Alevadra.

”I’ve only been a squire since Spring of this year. It’s been quite the experience.” He adjusted himself in his saddle, trying to find a comfortable position to rest in. While he appreciated the protection that the plate armor provided, it was also exhausting to ride such long distances in it. ”I never thought I’d pick up a sword, and here I am in the best of company. Life’s pretty unpredictable, is it not?”

[Alevadra Druva]

“Your boldness was expected, Orion, perhaps that’s why Sera Lorene requested I watch over you, I’m not as easily ruffled as some.” It was true, in the grand scheme of things, Alevadra was fairly relaxed with the squires, while she still expected them to behave and act like a to-be knight, she wasn’t one to punish for the little slips. “Boldness is fitting for a knight, just be mindful of when you use it, your lip could get you in a load of trouble, surely it already has,” Ale eyed him a moment before looking away to the woods that grew nearer and nearer. “Luckily for you, Orion, I am not one to fear dangerous adventures, so I will humor you.” Alevadra let out a light laugh as he claimed to be “mostly” truthful. “By Tyveth, I hope you are truthful… Surely you don’t want to be on my bad side. I may not be terribly impressive, but let me assure you, I’m not one to displease.” The woman winked, letting on that she had no actual intention of harming him, but did expect him to remain honest. “A cook?” Her face twisted, as if there was a piece to a puzzle that had wholly vanished from play. “A doctor to a cook? That’s quite the change…” While she was curious as to why one would go from being a doctor to a cook, her prying would end with that comment. “You have a very colorful life, Orion.” She cracked a smile as he mentioned his own hair color—despite the fact that she could see it. “Unpredictable is an understatement.” Ale said with a sigh, she’d thought—as a child—that by now she’d be out on grand adventures, quests to better the world, protect the weak and helpless… And yet, here she was, slapping thieves on the wrist and patrolling the bronze woods. Ale couldn’t help but wonder if her anchored life was partially to blame on Victor, his own fear of losing his last connection to Jasme. “Hmm,” Ale pushed some strands of blue and purple hair from her face as she thought of what to say next. Something more personal? Perhaps a little, it was a game after all, giving away too much would ruin all the fun. “I hate swimming, I greatly enjoy the company of horses and especially riding—So patrols are quite relaxing, honestly… I greatly enjoy sweets, probably more than I should.” She thought for a moment more before raising her hand with a quick “Ah!”. “Here’s a valuable tidbit, my most beloved memory was when I was a squire in the bronze wood.” Of course, Ale wasn’t about to tell the memory, that would be giving away too much. With an amused look, brown eyes shifted back to Orion’s startlingly blue ones with a small nod to indicate she was done. As she nodded to the man, they passed into the thick of the woods, following along the path, Ale’s attention appeared to pique as she glanced around, taking in the cold and barren woods.

[Orion Michaels]

"It's good to know. I'll try not to be the one to ruffle your feathers, Sera." Truth be told, Orion was glad that he was dealing with a Sera rather than a Ser. He managed to get under the skin of most men he met, even though that was (usually) not his intent. She seemed willing to jest with him, but exuded her authority in a manner that was powerful without being overbearing. "Your observations are impeccable," he replied, a wry smile crawling across his lips. He'd been punched, kicked, and slapped more times than he could remember. Sometimes he was just being a cad, other times he was saying a truth that others didn't wish to hear. 

"If Dinah has really told you anything about me, you'd know it wouldn't be the first time I got on the bad side of a pretty woman," he quipped, "but I promise you nothing but truths, Sera." The journey out from the city and onto the Kabrin was rather uneventful thus far, but with their close proximity to the city such a thing was expected. A trip out and back without any serious conflict would be considered a successful one, yet the energy he got from not only Alevadra, but from the other knights as well suggested they sought something more exciting. Orion's thoughts were mixed on the matter. Was it not foolhardy to seek danger in a world where it waited for you around ever bend?

His eyes lit up with amusement as the knight reacted to his admission of previous professions. It was an unusual thing to be sure. Both the events of his life and his own impulsive whims had left him jumping from profession to profession as he blindly wandered through his life. "You're curious, yes? Feel free to ask me about it," he offered. "But, if you ask me a question, I get to ask you one." It was a fair exchange, or could be, depending on the inquiry. "Up to you."

Her next offering highlighted some differences between the squire and the knight, mainly related to the beasts they rode. "Interesting. I'm of the opinion that this entire breed is out to end me. I'm certain my demise will be at the hooves of a horse." He patted the horse on the side of its neck earning a snort in reply. Lazily they moved along, hooves plopping against the earth as they began to enter the woods. 

Blue eyes scanned back and forth as the road wrapped around foliage, searching for - well, Orion wasn't quite sure. It was a rather serene sight; there shouldn't be anything which caused them any trouble. These patrols were meant not only to prevent anything from setting up camp, but to root out those who tried.

Orion was unsure of what to share with her. It seemed best to keep it superficial - he was an intensely personal person, at least historically. He was used to sharing half-truths, exaggerations, and the occasional falsehood. Yet he actually wanted to tell the truth here, if just to make a good impression on a knight Dinah seemed to favor. "I've a weakness for fine wine, and it's a difficult vice to satisfy  on a squire's pay." He grinned and then raised his armored hand to his face, pointing to the scars that ran across his left brow and eye. "I got these on a patrol out here. Filthy Zith attacked us. Needless to say, I might be a little jumpy to the sound of flapping wings."