The Black Knight of Thamasa

[Book of the Twilight]

::Outside the Fortress of Tzen, a camp of soldiers is bustled with activity as their horses are led to the stables, their weapons are checked and lodgings are prepared and designated. One young recruit spoke to his new companion who would be leading him to the inn at town that had been designated as his battallion's lodgings::

Jason: I've waited a long time for a fight like this one. Ever since the Empire re-took Vector I've wanted a crack at them.

Miles: Cool your jets kid. You'll get into the action soon enough. The Empire's had a fire under their britches ever since Lord Leon took this place.

Jason: So were you at the last front? What happened? What was it like?

::The elder soldier replied with a distant look in his eye::

Miles: I was there. I was at the one before that too. I've lived in Tzen all my life. Seen it occupied, re-taken, then occupied again by the Empire.

Jason: You mean you saw the Sands War too?

Miles: Aye. And I helped rebuild the wreck we were left in after those "heroes" had their fun, only to have the Empire pull itself back together like they always do and swoop in on us again. I'm sick of those imperialist pigs claiming they're our protection. So when Lord Leon appeared and destroyed the Imperial outpost, I was the first recruit to sign up.

Jason: You know, not many people know much about him. And I'm sure most of what I've heard is just rumors. Have you met him?

Miles: What do you know?

Jason: Well I know he just sort of appeared from the west. I think they said he was from Thamasa.

Miles: You heard right.

::Jason's attention was caught by a uniformed group walking lithely past them. They didn't seem all that intimidating, being only lightly armored in dark greens and blues. And they seemed to have slim builds. More striking was they appeared no older than Jason himself who had only barely become of age to be in Tzen's army. Their brown hair was a little longer than shoulder length and tied back in a braid. Despite their unassuming appearance, the soldiers around them seemed to have a reverence for them as they passed, giving them a wide berth to let them through and strong salutes::

Jason: Who are they?

Miles: Those are the Mage Knights. They were Lord Leon's original forces. They came here with him from Thamasa. They're the only ones allowed to stay in the Fortress with him.

[Book of the Twilight]

Jason: They look so young.

Miles: Don't let that fool you. They fried the Imperial occupation like meat on a grill. They each specialize in their own elemental magic, and when Lord Leon commands them, it's like they know the Empire's move before they've even made it. A lifetime in hiding in the west has only made them harder. They are his elite.

::The Mage Knights passed by in an orderly fashion by Miles and Jason::

Mage Knight: Good afternoon Sir Miles.

Miles: And you as well Sir Bryant.

::The one who spoke had deep green eyes and a smattering of freckles across his nose. He spoke in a pleasant voice, and Jason still couldn't fathom how someone so young could garner such respect from a hardened veteran like Miles::

Sir Bryant: Do we have a new recruit here. Pleased to meet you. My name is Bryant. And what may I cal you.

Jason: ::slowly extends his hand:: Jason.

Sir Bryant: Keep listening to Sir Miles, and I think we'll be calling you Sir Jason before very long.

::It felt odd to Jason accepting a compliment from someone that appeared younger than he was. But in spite of that he did feel a hint of pride at the comment, and Sir Jason did have a ring to it::

Jason: If you see Lord Leon, tell him I am eager to serve under his colors.

::Bryant grinned::

Sir Bryant: You could tell him yourself. Here he comes now.

::Jason felt a strange sensation as he turned. He didn't need help picking him out of the throng. Not only did Lord Leon command the same respect his Mage Knights did with the men parting to make way and saluting as he passed, he was dressed in fine blue silk with a high collared cape of deepest crimson. He was a handsome man with a slicked back head of reddish gold hair and a well groomed mustache. Keeping in step with him was a page boy taking notes and carrying his effects. The only thing more impressive than his mere appearance was the bodyguard behind him, every inch of him clad in black armor. A pure white cloak hung from him. Two Mage Knights followed behind them. One was carrying a greatsword in their arms. It was almost as tall as he was. The size and the way he carried it in front of him instead of having it strapped to his back told Jason it didn't belong to him. It must belong to the black knight::

Jason: He's magnificent. Is his body-guard a Mage Knight too?

Sir Bryant: ::confused:: Body guard?

::He looked behind at the men Jason was gaulking at and couldn't help but laugh::

Sir Bryant: Oh no, that's not him. That's Lord Reginald. Some Nobleman from Figaro. He's the Liason for the royal family there. ::The Mage Knight pointed to the knight in black armor:: That is our Captain.

Jason: What?!

[Book of the Twilight]

::Lord Reginald spoke quickly to the armored figure behind him::

Lord Reginald: Seems you're running a fine operation here. And as I told you before the Royal Family of Figaro offers their full support to keep the Empire from rising. Now about those reports of that monster under the Empire's control, it is our belief that...

::He stopped. His page boy had tripped; a gangly youth about twelve. The Lord's effects had fallen and the notes the boy had been scribbling were now stamped with dirt. The poor boy got to his feet and quickly recovered the fallen items. He looked up timidly into the eyes of his lord who looked down his nose at him before backhanding him sharply in the face. The force of the blow caused the little boy's nose to bleed, and with tears in his eyes he nearly dropped the items again::

Lord Reginald: Fool. Watch your step next time, or it will be you trodden into the dirt. Now, as I was saying...

::The Lord had resumed his pace, but stopped when he felt the deathly quiet fall over the soldiers. Every last one had their eyes on him. He turned to the Knight who had stopped following him::

Lord Reginald: L-L-Lord Leon?...

::The Knight spoke not a word. He raised his gauntleted hand and snapped his fingers. The steel that wrapped his fingers echoed all across the area. The two Mage Knights at his side responded in a flash. The first took the boy by his shoulders and pulled him aside, making him drop the items again. The second one handed Lord Leon the greatsword::

Lord Reginald: Wh-what is this?

::The Knight took two steps and swung his sword upward, cleaving the man from his hip to his shoulder. His "noble" blood soaked the fine silk of his tunic and the ground in front of him. But not one drop fell on the black armor of Lord Leon. Reginald was dead before he hit the ground. The Black Knight turned and rested the tip of his sword in the ground::



::The Mage Knight that had the boy with him turned and addressed the soldiers watching::

Mage Knight: Now let that be a reminder to everyone who fights under our banner. Such despicable behavior will not be tolerated in this regeime.

[Book of the Twilight]

::Jason's entire body felt gripped by cold. The only thing more astonishing than the act of cutting the nobleman down in the first place, was the fact that not one man woman or child in the throng raised any sort of objection. The Mage Knight who had spoken singled Bryant out of the crowd::

Mage Knight: Sir Bryant!

Sir Bryant: Sir!

Mage Knight: See to it this boy is taken care of. Give him a room in the fortress and something hot to eat. Make arrangements for this pig's body to be sent back to Figaro with a message explaining his state and enough gil to pay for a proper funeral service.

::Lord Leon and his men left the camp to return to the fortress. Sir Bryant took the boy and one of his subordinates relieved him of his effects. Bryant addressed the lad::

Sir Bryant: Those will be sold and the gil shall be given to you. I can only hope it begins to make up for whatever cruelty you may have suffered at his hands.

::The Boy must have still been in shock because he didn't speak::

Jason: Hold on a minute! What just happened?

Sir Bryant: ::apathetically:: There was a break in the code. Lord Leon corrected it. Striking a servant like a dog in that manner warrants a loss of rank and a week in the dungeons. However, because he struck a child...

::Sir Bryant's hands began to tremble with anger::

Sir Bryant: That kind of villainy is unpardonable here.

Jason: But... he was a nobleman!

Sir Bryant: Then his first duty was to the people he represented. But he spat in the face of that calling. Rank or birth does not excuse such dishonorable blasphemy. Our first duty is to the people. Never forget that Jason.

Jason: But... he was a servant of the Royal Family of Figaro! They could take this as an insult, or even an act of war!

Sir Bryant: If they do, then they should learn that the entire world does not revolve around them. Reginald was punished for his crimes and his alone. The King and Queen of Figaro are well aware of our Code here, and I assure you Reginald's actions were a poor way of representing them. Something Lord Leon will have them informed of. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to find this boy a room and food. Sir Miles.

Miles: Sir!

Sir Bryant: I trust you will train your recruit well in this regime's code of conduct.

Miles: You have my word.

Sir Bryant: Excellent. ::Salutes:: Valor and Freedom.

Miles: ::Salutes back:: Valor and Freedom.

::The Mage Knights and the two soldiers parted ways. As Jason was led away by his commanding officers, a hundred questions now swam through his head about just whom he had pledged to serve::

[Book of the Twilight]

::Some Time After the Ball::

::Within the keep, Sir Bryant and Kaworu wasted no time heading up the staircase and various corridors to reach their destination. There were a few girl servants going about their duties happily (after all, servants were treated well here). But they stopped momentarily to swoon at the two as they returned. Being a mysterious Wutai, and in essence a dark horse among the Mage Knights, being the only one accepted outside of Thamasa as such, Kaworu was a hot topic among the women of the keep. And Sir Bryant had his share of admirers as well, though he didn't seem to notice. Or perhaps he was just unsure of how to react, so he pretended not to. Nevertheless, the backs of his ears turned red whenever they caught the ladies whispering about them, and Kaworu's sharp eyes were likely to notice::

Sir Bryant: I will head to the inner sanctum and report to Lord Leon at once. You may return to our quarters and unpack. Use what little rest you can. We'll need it. Our spies tell us the Empire is going to try another blitz soon.

::Bryant couldn't help but notice his companion was a little quieter today than usual::

Sir Bryant: Did what the Count say at the end of the ball trouble you Sir Kaworu?

[Kaworu]

Unsure of what to say, Kaworu was noticeably shaken but he tried to shrug it off. Fearing being sent away with his doubt he put up a bluff of confidence to his mentor.

"No sir, the Count wishes for doubt in me to weaken me. But I believe in you and Lord Leon and what we are all trying to do here. As long as I focus on our goal I will not allow the Count to unsettle me."

[Guinevere]

::Bryant gave Kaworu a half-smile::

Sir Bryant: You're very honest... it's refreshing. Have you met Lord Leon in person yet?

[Kaworu]

"No Sir, just messages sent from fellow Mage Knights. My acceptance and rank under you was delivered my a messenger."

[Book of the Twilight]

Sir Bryant: It's not easy for him to trust outsiders. We as the Mage Knights of Thamasa are a rare priveledge for a commander like him, not because of our skills but our loyalty. He practically raised us. The Code of the Knights has been instilled in us since we were young.

::Bryant noticed the look Kaworu was giving him so he quickly corrected himself::

Sir Bryant: Well younger. I'll admit, some of us were against you joining our ranks, myself included. But it was him who reminded us of the world we hope to create. And that same ideal demanded that you be given a fair chance. But don't let the Count's words stir you. As your commanding officer, you have my word that you'll have your chance to meet him face to face.

::Just as he finished speaking Kaworu could see another Mage Knight over Bryant's shoulder, walking briskly down the hall::

Mage Knight: Sir Kaworu, it's urgent. Lord Leon wishes to speak with you right away!

::He looked back to Bryant::

Sir Bryant: I'm not that good.

[Kaworu]

"Very well."

Kaworu was nervous but at the same time excited to finally meet the Lord that shared many of the same ideals as Kaworu had.

"Will you be accompanying me Sir or am I to go alone?"

[Book of the Twilight]

Sir Bryant: Well Lord Leon did ask for you. I think you can handle things.

::He turned about to leave, but it looked like Kaworu's anxiety was more apparent than he realized because he turned back and asked::

Sir Bryant: Would you like me to go with you?

[Kaworu]

"Only if it is what you wish to do Sir. I am capable of handling my own."

Kaworu nodded to the waiting messenger that would direct him towards Lord Leon that he was prepared to meet the Lord.

[Book of the Twilight]

Sir Bryant: Well we still have to make our report so I might as well. Don't worry though, it's not because I like you or anything.

::Bryant grinned and held up his hand so he and Kaworu could bump their gauntleted forearms. It was true Bryant had been a bit cold on Kaworu's first arrival, just as he seemed to be with everyone. But nothing forged bonds of brotherhood like facing battle together, and they had seen their share so far. The two were led to Lord Leon's chambers. They reached the middle of the inner keep where double doors were thrown open to admit them to a round chamber adorned all around its walls with the crest of the Mage Knights; the face of a white dragon on a blue shield::



::In the center of the chamber was a great round table with the same crest laquered onto its polished surface with relatively simple wooden chairs all along its edge. At the head of this table (or at least the in the chair that faced the entrance) sat the great black knight himself, his massive broadsword strapped at the back of his chair and his white cloak spread about him. Sir Bryant entered first and dropped to one knee, his head bowed and his right fist with its knuckles to the ground. He motioned for Kaworu to do the same::

Sir Bryant: My Lord Leon, we have returned from the Kingdom of Doma.

[Kaworu]

Kaworu followed Sir Bryant's lead and dropped to one knee, head bowed with his right fist with his knuckles to the ground.

[Book of the Twilight]

::Lord Leon made the motion for them to rise and they both took seats at the round table across from him. Not a word was uttered by the black knight whose every inch was wrapped in steel. But still, Sir Bryant nodded his head. He had warned Kaworu of this; that a previous war had claimed their Captain's vocal chords, and that telepathy was now the only form of communication he possessed::

Sir Bryant: No sir, we are unharmed. We didn't give him any grounds to accuse us of anything. He has no reason to believe that we are his enemy.

::Kaworu felt a strange tingling sensation in those moments where Bryant was silent, like the low buzzing of a fly that has come to be accepted by the home dweller who has given up hope of swatting it::

Sir Bryant: My apologies my Lord. Perhaps my tongue was sharper than it needed to be. If you feel punishment is necessary, I will accept it.

::Again there were no words spoken aloud by Lord Leon::

Sir Bryant: Yes Sir, I brought him as you requested.

::There was another brief silence, then Bryant turned to him::

Sir Bryant: Sir Kaworu, Lord Leon wishes for you to deliver the report of what happened in Doma. I will translate for you.

::Though neither of them were certain if "translate" was the correct expression::

[Kaworu]

Kaworu nodded and spoke.

"My Lord, the Count's Ball was an attempt to gain three seals of approval for his bid to be the King. We are unsure of the status of his bid as the one known as Guinevere, referenced as the Witch of Webs, revealed that there is a true living member of the Doma Royal Family. This heir is known as Princess Iole Ovidia Blakeney la Doma. A Burmecian attempted to escape with this Iole and a large scuffle between the Count's assassins and other guests who know this Iole and Guinevere. After this the Count wished for us to give our consent for his bid of power but we declined on your behalf my Lord."

(OOC: Holy crap Ive been so busy, sorry about the late responce >.<)

[Book of the Twilight]

::Lord Leon's helm moved up and down as he nodded his approval of his Knights' actions::

Sir Bryant: He expresses his gratitude for your loyalty, despite what the Count told you. For this reason he--

::But the Black Knight raised one gauntleted hand to stop the young knight. Sir Bryant looked first to his captain, then to Kaworu with and unreadable expression. Kaworu was caught off-guard quite suddenly as a new voice filled his ears. It sounded more like it had flown in on the wind than come from the inside of the armor before him. It was low and whispy like the whistle of the wind::

For this reason I feel I can trust to charge you with a special task. A foundling was taken in a short while ago. She was found near the coast collapsed from exhaustion, but otherwise unharmed. She barely speaks. She claims she is one of your people, but she does not bear your look. In fact her appearance is quite strange. She looks more like those of the Eighth world. The ones called Sorceresses. There's a strange abnormality in her eyes, and her hair is as white as bone. She hasn't even dained to give us her name. Perhaps she will answer to one she calls her own. Does this girl sound familiar to you?

(OOC: Don't stress man, we're all a little tied up in things right now. The other group just barely caught up to where we're at).

[Kaworu]

Kaworu was confused as to what the Lord had said.

"My Lord, I do not know but I would very much like to meet this foundling as I am not of Wutai descent. Wutai is my home but I was found and raised there by a married couple as if I were their own. Perhaps she knows something of my birth."

Questions and nervousness began to fill Kaworu's mind as he had given up looking for his place of birth long ago. Even just the idea of an answer or two, even a hint, had made him anxious.

[Book of the Twilight]

::Again that low brittle voice filled the corners of Kaworu's mind::

Then i trust you shall take this task with zeal. Go to her my lad, and see what you can learn, both of her and yourself.

[Guinevere]

::Bryant and Kaworu were quickly escorted to the chamber where the foundling was being held. But once they reached the door, Bryant stopped just short of turning the knob::

Sir Bryant: It seems Lord Leon trusts you more on this one. Besides, based on what he said, she doesn't sound like the trusting type. Better you go in alone.

::Without giving him much room to say otherwise, Bryant inched the door open and pushed him inside. Kaworu's sudden forced entrance must have started her awake, because he soon found himself backed against the wall with a stilleto at his throat, staring into those glassy black eyes, like two pools of tar in the middle of that deceptively smooth and youthful face framed by white hair that was held up by a black ribbon::

Nyx: Who are you?