Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
4
Renown
Crescent Isles
67 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ezra Windward on Jan 18, 2024 8:33:08 GMT -5
Terror and awe still filled Ezra as he watched Leandros swiftly leap into action to rescue him. He was still frozen in place behind Leandros and his shield as the crossbow bolts fired into it. All thought had left his mind and he could only stand petrified, waiting and watching as the scene unfolded in front of him.
“Are you all right Ezra? If you can take the other, I can handle the leader. You did well, it's time to finish this.”
The sound of Leandros’ voice was enough to snap him from his panic and as he looked to the Knight, Ezra saw the smile shown on his face. The reassurance allowed Ezra to come out of his frozen fear. He managed to reach a shaky hand down to draw the dagger from his belt and hold it readily in his right hand. His muscles felt stiff, but he was able to move now. He could still feel the cold sweat on his brow and on his back. He still had a wrenching feeling in his gut. He lightly shook his head in an attempt to shake these feelings from him, but the effort was in vain. But still, he was unharmed and able to move now thanks to Leandros.
Ezra peeked around Leandros’ tower shield to see Olf, the towering man. He still had his crossbow aimed at Leandros, and Ezra could see the large club hanging from his belt. The man wore no armor apart from a studded leather vest that was open in the front to allow his protruding gut to sit comfortably.
Gathering all his nerve, Ezra said firmly to Leandros, “I can take him.” The look of fear slowly faded from his face and it was replaced with determination. Ezra took a deep breath and let it out all at once to try and relax himself.
Then suddenly, he darted out from behind Leandros, dagger in hand. Olf saw him coming and fired another crossbow bolt in Ezra’s direction. Ezra could hear the whistle of the bolt as it flew over his head. He flinched, closing his eyes for a moment, but did not stop charging the large man. As Ezra grew closer, Olf dropped his crossbow and drew his club. Once he was within striking distance, Ezra flailed blindly with his dagger in what resembled a sloppy cross-slash aimed at Olf. The large man was slow to dodge and the dagger connected with his forearm. It was a glancing blow, but it connected nonetheless. Olf let out a grunt as the dagger cut him. The follow through from Ezra’s unbalanced attack left him reeling forward and slightly off to Olf’s right side. Olf raised his club up over his left shoulder and brought it down in a swinging motion to strike Ezra squarely in the back.
Ezra’s already forward momentum lessened the blow, but the force of the blow knocked the wind out of Ezra’s lungs for a moment and he fell face down onto the ground. Knowing that if he were to stay there, it would likely be followed with a crushing blow to his head, Ezra quickly scrambled to a knee and turned to face Olf again. With a slight glance over to Leandros, Ezra shouted, “I’m alright! I’ve got it.”
|
|
Oath Watchers
IS OFFLINE
32
Renown
Capitol Landing
622 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jan 18, 2024 11:00:28 GMT -5
"Good." Leandros wanted to say more, but this wasn't exactly the best time for a comforting speech. He stands and turns back to the bandits. As he and Ezra rise back up, the younger man will feel a swell of confidence in his chest that seemed to radiate from Leandros.[1] When Ezra goes after the other bandit, Leandros levels his halberd at Altmier before the dwarf can rush the younger man. No words need to be exchanged as the dwarf pulls out a pair of short swords. The man is far more deft than Leandros was expecting. His halberd helps keep a distance between them, but Altmier also proves hard to pin down. It will take some craft to get the man to slip up enough to land a hit. Leandros baits him with a feinted wide strike, the dwarf instictively shifting forward[2] trying to close the distance. Altmier grins widely thinking he had the chance at a pretty devastating blow but before it can land he suddenly finds himself looking at the clouds. The knight had shifted the momentum of the halberd and uppercut the dwarf in the chin with the back end of the halberd.[3] The dwarf lays on his back a second before spitting out a tooth and standing up, wiping his beard, "All right you're tougher than we thought, I'll give you that."
"Then surrender, you still have a chance to end this." "Oh I plan to, I just don't plan on goin back to jail again. I lost enough time in there.""Then I am sorry for how this will end."
1. Inspiring Presence An aura of energy begins to radiate from your person, filling your allies with hope and strength. You begin to inspire those around you to continue fighting, filling them with the will to continue going. Anyone who you consider to be an ally standing in your immediate area will feel their strength grow. For the next three post any ally affected by this spell, including you, will deal double damage with their physical attacks. (does not effect spells) 2. Shaa's Flinch 3. Rising Strike
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
4
Renown
Crescent Isles
67 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ezra Windward on Jan 19, 2024 18:22:27 GMT -5
Still knelt down on a knee, Ezra suddenly felt a radiance from Leandros that filled him with optimistic strength. Suddenly, he did not feel as scared. Suddenly, he felt as though victory could be achieved. Suddenly, he felt as though his lack of experience no longer mattered and that he could defeat his opponent.
Olf raised his club high above his head with the intention of bringing it down onto the young man’s head, ending the altercation. Because of the clarity and confidence that he felt from Leandros, Ezra was able to see this attack coming. He rolled to his right just as the club came down where he was but a second ago. When the club hit the muddy dirt, it sprayed wet mud around it and left a divot in the ground. As he came out of his roll, Ezra found himself again on one knee, but closer to Olf’s left leg. He slashed sideways into Olf’s achilles heel with his dagger. The strength behind his cut seemed effortless and the blade cut through flesh and tendon with ease.
Olf let out a scream in pain before falling down onto his left knee. He dropped his club to the ground and quickly reached out with his massive left hand, grabbing Ezra around the throat. As he pulled Ezra closer to gain more leverage for his chokehold, he added his right hand and tightened the grip. Ezra reached up to pull Olf’s hands away from him, but the giant was too strong.
Ezra’s vision first began to blur, then the edges began to darken. He could feel his resistance fading as the consciousness began to fade from him. He knew that if he were to allow the darkness to take him, he would likely die. He gasped for air, but none filled his lungs. Even through the boost in positive energy flowing through him, he could feel the panic of suffocation creep into his mind. The darkness was closing in, then all at once the grip on his neck loosened. After a couple loud gasps of air, the darkness ebbed away and Ezra’s vision returned to normal.
He looked into Olf’s eyes and saw fear, a trickle of blood rolled down from the man’s frowned mouth as he let out a final breath. Ezra’s eyes lowered to the man’s chest, where his dagger was still dug deep and both of Ezra’s hands were still tightly wrapped around the handle. Ezra too let out a breath as he saw what he had done…
Ezra relaxed his hands from around the dagger’s handle and they fell to his side. His eyes became wide and he felt a guilt and shock for what he had just done. Olf’s lifeless body slumped forward, leaning onto Ezra, who fell backward.
After seeing Rob get crushed in his side, seeing the fearless Knight engage Altmier, and then seeing Ezra kill Olf; Pip, the halfling woman who was flipping the dagger while sitting on the tree stump leapt up into a standing position. The grin on her face quickly turned to a look of fear and she turned and ran away into the thickett.
|
|
Oath Watchers
IS OFFLINE
32
Renown
Capitol Landing
622 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jan 19, 2024 21:02:13 GMT -5
Leandros wants to let Ezra learn on his own without needing saving, but the protective instinct in him kicks in when he sees him lefted off the ground. Before he could turn to run to his aid, Altimer tries to use the gap in focus to slow the knight down. The two shortswords lash out, but cheap bandit weapons just glance off the knight's greaves.[1]
The knight looks down to the dwarf as he scrambles to his feet. Altmier looks ready to strike again, but Leandros is done playing nice. Ezra is in danger, time to finish this. The next moment of the fight seems to go in a flash as the dwarf charges in.
The dwarf is hoping his speed can get in, but Leandros proves to be much much faster with his halberd despite appearances. He cries out in a gruff roar as the hammer side of the weapons cracks him in the head. Altmier managed to somewhat soften the impact with his swords, but they shatter against the strike and he is sent back into the dirt tumbling over himself.
Before he can rise he finds himself pinned down, the halberd stabbed into the ground and the arc of the axe head holding his neck in place. "DO YOU SURRENDER?"
The soft knight seemed to be showing how he partially got his nickname as The Lion of the Landing as he roars at the defeated bandit.
"Fine, fine, I do!"
"Good." Leandros leaves him there for the moment as he goes to Ezra offering a hand to heal him.[3] His voice is immediately much softer, "Are you all right?"
1. Greaves HP used 2. Momentus Cleave 3. Minor Healing
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
4
Renown
Crescent Isles
67 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ezra Windward on Jan 19, 2024 23:51:40 GMT -5
Ezra pushed the limp body off of him and Olf fell onto his back. Ezra lifted himself to both knees and stared down at the man, his dagger was still buried deep into the man’s chest. Ezra stared at the dagger, it looked unreal to him. It looked as though it wasn’t possible for that dagger to be stuck into a real person’s chest. His breathing began to rapidly increase and his eyes widened in horror at what he had done. He lifted his empty hands and looked at the blood that was on his palms. It rolled down in drips along his forearm as he lifted his arms. The world around Ezra began to blur and fade into the background as he became hyper-focused on this instance.
Suddenly, Ezra felt the warm embrace of a healing spell and the soft, yet strong tone of Leandros’ voice ask, “Are you all right?”
Ezra searched his mind, but he couldn’t find the words, “I-I-I….” He stuttered, unable to collect himself at the sight in front of him.
Growing up in the sheltered life his parents provided for him, Ezra had never seen anything like this before. When he thought of Knighthood and the adventures that awaited him, he knew there would be conflict, even death, but he had always imagined it to be glorious and honorable. Never did he imagine it would be this… The lifeless eyes of a man that had been talking no more than two minutes earlier and a bloody dagger buried in his chest. He had always imagined being the brave hero who stood against evil, not the murderer of bandits who were trying to make ends meet. He thought back to the Knight who had rescued the trader by only drawing her sword. That was what Ezra wanted to be. Not this… Not anything like this…
|
|
Oath Watchers
IS OFFLINE
32
Renown
Capitol Landing
622 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jan 20, 2024 13:47:08 GMT -5
"Take a moment." Leandros quietly offered Ezra a handkerchief before motioning to one of the stumps around the bandit campfire.
He stands and gives the younger man some space. The knight puts a foot on Altmier's back as he retrieves his halberd. Leandros bends down and starts to bind his arms behind his back, removing any other weapons he might have. The dwarf is then pulled up to sit against a rock before his ankles are bound.
Altmier grumbles something that Leandros ignores as he finally comes back over to sit near Ezra. He is careful to make sure he can give his attention to him while still keeping an eye on the dwarf.
"Fighting monsters and great beasts is easy...but unfortunately there are plenty of people who are just as bad as the supposed monsters....and not all monsters are as evil as we are taught....being a knight is being able to find that distinction....even when you are left with no option it is never easy...You were not wrong to make that decision...but you are not wrong to feel this way either. Do not feel rushed to speak, this is something that I am sure weighs heavy on you in this moment...I have the time to wait here until you are ready to speak or leave."
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
4
Renown
Crescent Isles
67 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ezra Windward on Jan 22, 2024 8:48:57 GMT -5
Ezra accepted the handkerchief from Leandros and used it to clear as much blood from his hands as he could. This effort was mostly successful, but there was still a faint stain of blood on them. He then laid the handkerchief carefully on Olf’s face. He then took a deep breath and gathered himself as he stood and shakily made his way to the tree stump Leandros had indicated.
Sitting on the tree stump with his gaze turned downward toward the ground, Ezra replayed the events from moments ago in his head. Was there something else he could have done? Did this man need to die? Was that what a Knight would have done in that situation?
He was snapped back into reality by Leandros’ words of wisdom. It was comforting to hear the more experienced man say that his decision wasn’t wrong, but he still felt guilt over what had happened. There was a moment of silence from when Leandros finished speaking to when Ezra spoke. “I…” When he began to speak his voice was shaky and his throat felt dry. He gulped deeply and cleared his throat before continuing, “I’m ready to leave this place.”
His statement was a true one. Ezra had reflected on his actions long enough. Now, being in this place only brought him pain. Even through his emotions and feelings of guilt, he knew he needed to leave in order to recover. Those emotions were still with him as he stood from the stump. His body felt like it had been worked over and his legs were heavy as he walked over to where the bogskippers were tied up. He felt physically and emotionally exhausted as he grabbed the reins of the bogskippers and turned toward Leandros. He felt the lump in his throat as then then stated in the same shaky tone of voice, “Should we take these back to the farm?”
|
|
Oath Watchers
IS OFFLINE
32
Renown
Capitol Landing
622 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jan 22, 2024 14:04:07 GMT -5
"We should." Leandros stands again giving a nod to Ezra. "I am not familiar with bogskippers, so just take it easy with them. Not sure how they are when domesticated."
The knight smiles before crossing the camp to hoist the dwarf to his feet. Altmier has given up his fight and accepts being carried like luggage as they head back towards the town. What sense is there in putting up a struggle now?
"The farm is likely just outside of town or somewhere nearby, some of the townsfolk should be able to give you directions. I'll take this one to a guard or some sort of authority figure. They should be able to hand down a sentence for him."
Most of the walk back to town is quiet, wanting to give Ezra every moment he needs to process things. It is a heavy weight to carry. He can only hope in time Ezra is able to better bear the burden, but the first one is always the worse. Not to say that any of them are easy, but the reality of its necessity is a little easier to work through.
Like a dog awaiting its owner, Byrr is just outside the town limits awaiting Leandros. He smiles and pats the horse's neck as they pass by.
"Good work Byrr, I wager they couple got home all right?" The horse chuffs almost offended to even be asked. Leandros chuckles and shakes his head, "Such attitude...in any case, Ezra if you'd like I believe there is a small tavern here, once the bogskippers are returned home, I am more than happy to buy you a meal."
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
4
Renown
Crescent Isles
67 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ezra Windward on Jan 22, 2024 23:09:14 GMT -5
Ezra carefully untied the reins from around the tree they were tied to. Gently keeping tension on them and leading them along the road behind Leandros, Ezra remained quiet. His thoughts were still on the situation. Leandros’ words were comforting to an extent, but every other scenario played out in his head. Was there anything else he could have done? If he had struck Olf with a knee to the gut, would that have forced him to release his grip? Olf would certainly be alive right now, but would Ezra? The different possibilities and scenarios played over and over again in his head until the two ended up near the edge of town, where Byrr was waiting for them.
Ezra took comfort that the couple had safely returned to their farm. Maybe the violence was not for nothing after all. His spirits were lifted even further at Leandros’ offer to him, “...in any case, Ezra if you'd like I believe there is a small tavern here, once the bogskippers are returned home, I am more than happy to buy you a meal."
”I’d like that very much.” Ezra said sadly, managing a grin but still avoiding eye contact with the Knight.
“If you don’t mind Sir Leandros… I’ll let Byrr lead me to the farm with the bogskippers while you take care of…” Ezra paused. He genuinely was not sure how he should feel about the dwarf. It was because of him that he was put in the situation to kill in the first place. Should he hate the man for simply being a bandit? Or should he forgive the man? Should he take pity on him for having lost a friend and now heading to his imprisonment? This was unfamiliar territory for the young man and so he simply continued, “him.”
Ezra hoped that Leandros would allow his steed to lead him. He enjoyed the comfort that Leandros brought him, but after everything that had happened, he just needed some time alone with his thoughts.
“After we drop off the bogskippers, we’ll both meet you back at that tavern.” Ezra added, pointing into the town.
|
|
Oath Watchers
IS OFFLINE
32
Renown
Capitol Landing
622 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jan 23, 2024 10:33:13 GMT -5
"You heard him Byrr, lead the way." The warhorse started to clop towards the other end of the town towards the farm.
Leandros waited a few moments to let the group head out before returning to his half of the job. It took a minute or two of looking around town, but eventually he did find the town masters house. It was likely the best option this town had for guards and a jail.
He makes his way up the slightly creaky steps, softly wrapping his gauntleted knuckles on the door. On the other side of the door there are sounds off shuffling and huffing before a gnomish man opens the door straightening out his moustache.
"Y-yes? I wasn't expecting visitors?"
"Sorry good sir, I know this likely wasn't planned but this is one of the bandits that has been accosting your villagers." Leandros jostles the dwarf.
The town master looks a second before waving them in, "Ah yes, yes, I had heard about what happened. I would've prefered them dead, but this will do."
"One was killed, the other ran, but this one is the leader of that band."
He motions for the one guard in the room to take the dwarf. Altmier is transfered over as the other guard leads him downstairs. The gnome rubs his chin in thought as they clear out of the room.
"So, what would you like us to do then good knight?"
"Oh whatever justice you decide for him is up to you. I am sure the family will want some recompense."
"Were you able to retrieve the skippers?"
"Yes, a young man I met on the road is returning them with the help of my steed."
"Ah that one is yours? A fine horse, I was wondering where they acquired such a horse."
Here the conversation shifts into talk of horses, something Leandros could speak on for hours. He manages to reel himself in after about five minutes and politely apologize for rambling. Eventually, he manages to pull himself away and head to the tavern to meet Ezra should he decide to rejoin him. He could keep an ear out for Byrr, the heavily armored horse would be hard to miss.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
4
Renown
Crescent Isles
67 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ezra Windward on Jan 24, 2024 22:59:32 GMT -5
The soft clopping sound of hooves on firm mud was all that could be heard as Byrr led Ezra to the farm. Ezra led the bogskippers by the reins, but their footsteps were remarkably silent on the marshy ground. The young man hung his head as he walked silently behind Byrr. He let the reality of what had transpired sink in. He could rationalize his actions in his head, just as Leandros had done; but it did not make him feel any better about the situation. Taking a life was a heavy burden…
After a short while, Byrr stopped at a wooden gate attached to a long wooden fence. Beyond the fence, Ezra could see a small farmhouse. Byrr stomped his hoof twice on the ground, indicating that this was the right location. Ezra nodded in thanks and led the Bogskippers through the gate and along the dryer, dirt walkway leading to the farmhouse.
Once he arrived at the door, Ezra knocked. The same older man he had met on the road before answered the door. “Hello.” Ezra said simply. He felt as though the man could see right through him. That he surely knew that Ezra had killed a man to retrieve his bogskippers. A pang of guild rushed through him and he avoided eye contact with the man.
The man, who indeed had no idea what Ezra had been though, smiled widely at the sight of his bogskippers behind Ezra. He called out to his wife, who then also came to the door. The man walked outside and took possession of the bogskippers by the reins.
“Oh! Thank ya boy!” The man said happily, still smiling. “How did you manage to get them away from those dag-nabbed ruffians?” The smile suddenly faded from the man’s face as he looked from left to right, searching for something before continuing, “And where is The Lion of the Landing? Did something happen to him?”
Ezra looked shocked for a moment and there was a silence. He had thought the man would surely ask him why he felt the need to take a life in the name of saving the bogskippers, but no. Instead the man only asked where Sir Leandros was.
“I- uh…” Ezra stuttered, revealing the shock he felt at the question, “Sir Leandros is back in town. He captured one of the bandits and is turning him in to the authorities there.”
The smile re-appeared on the man’s face and he again said happily, “Oh good! Well send him our thanks!”
Ezra nodded and managed a grin as he watched the man return the bogskippers to the pen and both he and his wife return to their home. He knew he should feel good about this victory. He knew that he and Leandros had helped this poor family. And yet, he would not allow himself to feel things things knowing what he had to do to accomplish it. He felt as though he shouldn’t. How could he? He ended someone’s life, how can that be a good thing?
The walk back to town was silent again as Ezra and Byrr walked along the muddy path. Again, Ezra was left to his thoughts. This time alone did help him, but he still had trouble reconciling how one tragedy could lead to a happy outcome.
Once back in town, Ezra asked one of the locals for directions to the tavern. He entered and looked around for Leandros, hoping to sit with him and share a meal.
|
|
Oath Watchers
IS OFFLINE
32
Renown
Capitol Landing
622 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jan 24, 2024 23:38:08 GMT -5
They may not be knight and steed, but Byrr seems to walk with extra confidence to try and pick up the young man's spirits. Of course, he can't know the inner thoughts or what Ezra is struggling with but he can sense someone feeling down. Much like his knight, Byrr seems to concern himself with the other.
As they arrive back at the tavern, Byrr settles next to the hitching post without direction. Inside the tavern, Leandros has grabbed a table that offered as much privacy as the room could. It was a wide open dining room, but a corner offered a bit of space away from everyone.
Two tankards rest on the table, Leandros filled with ale he was taken a few sips at and the other empty.
"Sorry, I wasn't sure of your tastes and did not want you to feel forced to eat or drink anything you don't like." He smiles softly.
A kindly elven woman with brown braided hair smiles at the both of them and offers to take their order. Leandros opts for a pan fried blackbird, a simple meal for a modest tavern. He encourages Ezra to order whatever he liked, ensuring the cost was on him for this first time.
For the time, he is willing to let the young man eat and enjoy the quiet. He can obviously tell what is weighing on his mind, but pushing Ezra now might be too much. Leandros can wait however long he needs to talk, even if that means meeting again another day in the future.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
4
Renown
Crescent Isles
67 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ezra Windward on Jan 26, 2024 13:27:42 GMT -5
Ezra took a seat at the table across from Leandros. The elven woman asked their order and Ezra responded, “Uh.. I’ll take the same.” referring to Leandros’ order of the pan fried blackbird. “Can I just have some water?” Ezra added, holding his tankard up to the woman. She accepted the tankard and then flashed a warm smile to both of the men before leaving to prepare their orders.
Ezra found it hard to look Leandros in the eyes while he sit there. Instead, he simply looked down at the table. He traced the wooden grains with his eyes, examining every knot and gnarl. It wasn’t that he didn’t feel supported by the Knight. In fact, he felt extremely supported. Everything Leandros had done and said was in support of him in either his growth or his feelings about what had happened. Yet, he couldn’t help but feel that Leandros must be disappointed in him. He knew he had not reacted well, neither before, during, nor after the action. The more experienced Knight must think he was weak, unfit for adventuring, or unworthy of his guidance.
“I’m sorry…” Ezra blurted out weakly. He lifted his head to look at Leandros before continuing, “I should have been stronger… and braver. I should have done better…”
He then hung his head again, looking down at the table. As he did so, the elven barmaid returned with their food and Ezra’s drink. She set the tankard down in front of Ezra and then set a plate down in front of each of them. Steam rose from the fried bird, indicating how fresh and hot it was. The smell was pleasant and the herbs were both visible and fragrant.
After setting the food down, the woman flashed another warm smile at each of them. Seeing the young man’s hung head and sad expression, the smile faded slightly from her own face. “Is there anything else I can get for you?” She said kindly.
|
|
Oath Watchers
IS OFFLINE
32
Renown
Capitol Landing
622 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jan 26, 2024 23:14:11 GMT -5
"I think we are fine for now, thank you so much Eloise." Leandros smiled brightly, the barmaid blushed slightly looking between the two before hurrying off.
Leandros gave her a moment to get out of earshot before gently nudging Ezra from across the table.
"Keep your head high Ezra. You did fine today....I cannot force you to just get over what happened....nor would I ask you to. It is not an easy thing to do...in a way...and I know it is crass to say this, but it is a good struggle to have. Taking a life should never be easy...You find ways to deal with it, but it should never be something you do without care. There are people I've killed that stick with me."
He pauses to take a drink. It had been awhile since he thought about the events surrounding Vikram and Astrid. Likely his greatest regret so far, no matter how inevitable it may have been.
"You not only saved yourself, but likely prevented future harm. It seemed that group may have been more far gone than I had hoped...and I should apologize to you. You are a bright young man that shows promise, I was curious to see what you could accomplish, but I sent you into that group alone when I should have known better. My mistake has put this burden on you and I am sorry."
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
4
Renown
Crescent Isles
67 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ezra Windward on Jan 28, 2024 18:35:50 GMT -5
Leandros’ words of encouragement made Ezra raise his head and meet Leandros’ eyes. When the Knight spoke, it resonated with Ezra and it made him feel comforted. Clearly he knew what Ezra was going through and it made him feel as though he wasn’t so alone in his feelings. He then glanced down again at the table as Leandros apologized to him for sending him “… into that group alone when I should have known better. My mistake has put this burden on you and I am sorry.”
Oddly, this statement took Ezra’s mind completely off the incident. Instead, he took in for a moment that this Knight was apologizing to him. He was a young adventurer who had just botched his first mission, endangered himself, Leandros, and the bogskippers, and killed a man… And this Knight was apologizing to him…
Ezra shook his head back and forth slowly and a genuine smile appeared on his face. “Sir Leandros… You don’t need to apologize to me.”
Ezra scanned the air above Leandros’ head, searching for the words to speak next. A moment of silence passed before he continued, “Thank you for your kind words. And thank you for your guidance. I… Not only would I not be alive right now if it weren’t for you, but I don’t know how I would be able to get through this without your words and your guidance.”
Ezra paused again and took a drink from the tankard that was filled with water. “You are a true Knight. Brave, wise, and kind. And even though I put you in such a dangerous situation, you still managed to end that conflict without taking a life. That’s what it is to be a Knight. Thank you for showing it to me yet again. I think I needed the reminder…”
Ezra looked down to the table again, feeling somewhat embarrassed at his little speech. He took another drink from his tankard of water and grabbed the leg off the bird sitting on his plate and took a bite. “That’s what I’ll be someday” Ezra thought to himself. He allowed himself to feel the renewed hope. He felt as though this was another hurdle for him to get over on his journey to Knighthood. Although the feelings certainly weren’t gone, he did feel a modicum of hope that he could move past this and continue. He felt as though his dreams of Knighthood were not outside of his reach. He could accomplish his goal.
|
|