[PK] WEATHERED METAL

[Morphine 823]

 

 

 

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Spoiler

 

 

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Crested over a hill within the Ferdenwald lingered a hobbling figure. An aged warrior, still holding onto life, never faltering in his duty. Approaching a clearing in the woods, the man settled his gaze upon a runestone nearby.

“This will do.” The elderly knight took a seat upon the foundation stones, facing the forest, and breathing a heavy sigh. From a small pouch strapped around his shoulder, he withdrew a small wooden pipe. Alongside this, was a small tin containing a special mixture of herbs, mostly used for Trials of Spirit during an Unblooded’s time before joining the tribe. However, on this occasion, the man felt it was best that he spent his final moments among the ancestors.

After some time, two figures appeared from the dense forest fog, approaching the weary knight. They were dressed in traditional Reinmaren warrior’s garb, but from a bygone era. One dressed in a slate blue color, and the other in deep forest green. 

The first one spoke. “What might a son of Ferdinand be doing out here when there are battles to be fought, blood to be spilt?”

The knight answered, “You give me more credit than I deserve, friend. For since the days of my youth, has not one moment, such as this, been more relevant to my duty and oath.”

Followed by the other. “How true is this, I wonder? Are you surely resigned to such disbelief in yourself?”

 

And once again, the knight responded. “He who rests, rusts; such are our words. Yet, I have done much resting, and the rust consumes me. I could think of no better place to petrify than among the stone markers of past greats.”

 

“Bah! You wallow in the mud, and for what? Do you think yourself no more important than the smith? The cobbler?” The two figures spoke one after the other, as if with perfect coordination.

“By the armor you adorn and the cross you bear, you have devoted your life to something greater; your tribe. This is expected of all Barclay kin, but it is by no means mundane or irrelevant.”

 

“A look back on your life will give you solace. Do not squander your memories, let them speak to you. And in doing so, you will see as we do."

 

The fatigued knight kept to himself for a moment, giving past reflection on his life. Imagery became almost ethereal, as if happening right in front of him. As an observer, these were merely shadows of the past, but ones that held firm to the man’s heart and mind.

 

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I can recall the first moment I tasted my own blood. Upon the high ridges of the Langkette Mountains, overlooking Kanunsberg, a bloody fight ensued between our Reinmaren forces and the native Franks. Total savages they were, and held no mercy behind their sunken eyes. I was tasked with leading a party of soldiers to find The Roach; an elusive Frank leader specializing in alchemicals. He was a true threat to the peace and wellbeing of Reinmar and her people, and as the Prince’s second son, I was to do my part in squashing this insect. As our party lingered through some dense patches of woodlands atop the mountain, we were quickly ambushed from above. The sound of arrows flying past my head would, as I soon learned, be a comfort compared to the many of them that pierced my armor and body. Several of my fellow Reinmaren had also been wounded in such gravely manners.

It was from that moment on I saw the path I was headed down. A path carved by the sword, and paved in blood.

 

 

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It would be many moons later, after the death of my father, Prince Ferdinand, that The Roach would find himself a cornered animal, with nowhere to run. A small impromptu council comprising my brother, Leon, and many of Reinmar’s greatest warriors, decided this man’s fate. I always had a fascination with fire, the purity of it. I could watch the tongue atop candles, dance in the wind for hours. It was truly a spark of life, and yet, a volatile energy that could consume cities. I wanted that power unleashed upon this pest, and thankfully, so did my brother. Many would say it was the flames upon the pyre which burned the Roach that day, but I would argue the flames inside each of our hearts were enough to singe his rotten soul.

The sight of his body, torched and blackened, had left me numb. I’ll never forget the smell.

 

 

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So much time had passed. Our people made a great journey across the realm to a place we could call our own. In my adolescent years, I studied under my grandfather in Numendil, learning the ways of alchemy. I was a poor student, however, as my ambitions never took flight in the field. And after the estrangement with our mother, Leon, myself, and my sister Gertrude, strengthened our bond as siblings. I was never as close to my sister as I was with my brother, but we loved each other unconditionally ever the same. I began training under the tutelage of Sir Varik von Wesenburg, my master and Herrenmeister. This would lead me to becoming a page, and eventually squire. As a squire, I was stabbed in the throat by a murderous burgher in Kretzen, but thankfully saved by the wonders of Reinmaren medicine. Concluding the majority of the trials, my path to knighthood was all but complete, save for a final duel between me and my master. It was an honorable duel turned grueling brawl, but that was his way. I never doubted his approach.

It was also around this time I met a mountain of a woman, who later became my wife, Aloisa. Our time together was fleeting, as we both took many responsibilities, but there was enough time to foster a fruitful marriage.

Wherever you are, Aloisa, know that our son is living his best life, and that my love for you never faltered.

 

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The reflections dissipated like a fleeting mist, as the tired knight’s mind returned to the two warriors standing before him. With whatever strength he could muster, the man rose to his feet and straightened out his back, drawing his sword and shield in formation.

 

“You have done more than enough, Albert. Your past shows it.”

“It may not be the story of the ages, nor a ballad for the histories, but you served your people with full dedication. Do not concern yourself with the attention of the realm, or your lack of renown.”

“I see that now. Thank you both.”

The two figures nod before turning and drifting away into the dense fog throughout the forest. Crows gathered along the branches, and their caws echoed off in the distance. The Ritter stood like a statue, unwavering. He had felt reassured in his purpose. From this moment on, no matter how much rust had formed, he would not rest. Like the Ferdenwald, he stood firm and with conviction, guarding the unmarked runestone.
 

 

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In reality, Albert never did rise to his feet. He stayed slumped beside the runestone, as if he drifted off to sleep. And while he may never wake, his post would not be abandoned.

May he rest well.

 

 

Spoiler

Thank you to @BuilderBagel for the opportunity to play my first Barclay! Had a lot of fun with @ViewerDiscretion_ @Solour @Timer @ookipi@The Blind Dwarfand the rest of Reinmar!

 

[Sarven 2619]

Gottfried welcomed his nephew to the seven skies, the suns smile on his lips

[MercyAzalea 405]

⫸⋙✦⋘ ᛁ ⋙✦⋘⫷



⫸⋙✦⋘ ᛁ ⋙✦⋘⫷

"And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."

 

Ivona von Ostturm stood unmoving, the weight of the news settling upon her like a distant memory. Though she had not spoken with him more than was required, the bond of their shared oaths was unbreakable. They were brother and sister of the Order of St Tylos, forged in the fires of service. Grief stirred within her chest, quiet and unspoken.
 

Yet the tremor remained, a reflection momentarily taken of all whom she had lost. Adalwin had only just been added to that list; and Sir Albert joining swiftly after. Her hand, steady by all appearances, quivered faintly at her side. A stubborn remnant of the past; of battles fought and lost. She clenched her fingers, willing the memories away, but the weight lingered. Still, she stood tall, her chin lifted. For the sake of her fallen brother-in-arms, she would endure.

She would remember.

 

 

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"Wer Rastet, Der Rostet."

 

[BrightLights 18]

Spoiler

erm awesome post alert?