J
Jakers
Guest
Original poster
E N C O U N T E R
O V E R
O V E R
BATTLESCARS were once fearsome wounds that not even fine healing Rewrition can completely restore some of the lost skin. Until an extremely skilled healer is seen, they remain marks forever; the body a history book of the owner's previous battles. Some wear them with pride, whilst others look for the finest healing to wipe away the past.
BATTLESCARS Received:
UNGARD - Projectile scar, right leg
VANIELA - Stab scar, lower body
VIKTOR - Stab scar, lower body
CELTHRIC - Projectile scar, upper body
BATTLESCARS Received:
UNGARD - Projectile scar, right leg
VANIELA - Stab scar, lower body
VIKTOR - Stab scar, lower body
CELTHRIC - Projectile scar, upper body
As the fights ended one by one, with Captain Ardus roaring for healers and pointing to the injured as each ended above the voices of the growing, excited crowds, the injured Argent applicants eventually felt their wounds close up thanks to the needle-pierced hands of Healing Rewriters, and the soothing balms and bandages of professional medics. Their work was lightning-quick, their response time incredible, their badges green with the major working class crest. Though those who'd lost a lot of blood still felt airy-headed and weak, broken bones crunched back into place, parted skin and muscle folded back together, and bruises and grazes were slowly erased. Only few who had suffered injuries close to being extremely lethal held scars after the work of the doctors.
As the fights ended, the crowds looked disappointed, before slowly dispersing away towards their sworn duty once more. There had been roars when moments of battle had been to exciting for words to describe. Even the mundane battles of metal versus metal had been an elegant dance, a show of skill and passion.
As the fourteen recovered, Ardus patiently waited with folded arms until everyone could stand once and think straight once more. For some, this took longer than others. But once the fourteen were ready, the leather-encased hand of Ardus slowly wiped over his face, stroked his short beard, before returning to his folded arms once more.
"Congratulations." Ardus simply stated. He let the word sink in for a moment. "Not one fight was a bore to watch, and you've all shown skill to some degree... some more than others. Some of you have even fought against unfair odds. But even with those who I feel like could've done better, I would not call one of you a liability on the battlefield. Just know that a true enemy answers a surrender for nobody." Ardus explained. Suddenly, however, he looked up. "However. The skill you all possess in your own unique forms isn't why you've all exceeded my expectations. You've all exceeded my expectations because fourteen people are still standing in front of me."
He let the words sink in for a good, long while, giving time for those to understand.
"This was not just a test of skill. It was not just a test of fighting through pain.." Ardus eventually continued, his voice low and quiet. "This was also a test of self-restraint."
"In this first phase, it isn't uncommon for at least one person to fall to animialistic desires and strike with the full intent to kill, such as aiming a sword strike to the neck or a crossbow bolt to the brain. When this happens, that person leaves. Because they've failed to understand orders. And although I did see one person aim with the intent to kill today, I believe it isn't their fault they did that; that is a topic I'll drop for now. Listen closely."
The wind blew. Everyone in earshot of Ardus fell silent, looking to the floor, looking to their badges of Argent. Even the stone table filled with laughter and remarks fell quiet.
"When you go out there, you may fight against people who you can see are on the wrong path. Who's minds are still within the state of repair. It is this self-restraint that will stop you from eliminating the few good people left in this world. If you ever can see someone that has a good chance of being reformed, you should not aim to kill them. It is the corruption we aim to completely extinguish, not humankind. We gather what we can and then strike with all we have in due time."
Ardus looked up.
"But now, with all that aside, I hereby announce by my heart and soul that all fourteen of you are now deemed worthy of joining us. With the power bestowed to me, you may now all consider yourself members of Argent."
Those around Ardus, at this sound of this sentence, paused whatever they were doing and thumped a balled fist at their heart to turn and salute all of the fourteen. Some had different ways of saluting than others, with some putting their heads at a low bow, with the people around the table raising their mugs to honour their new brethren.
For the first time in the facility, a true wave of camaraderie could be felt within the mossy walls of the Argent Foundation. The few sane people left standing, the few people with the desire and skill to fight for their world, were gathered here today. Here to spill blood with their brethren till victory or till defeat, and here to die or live in the arms of each other.
This was ARGENT, the world's retakers.
After the salute ended, a small ceremony of sorts occurred. The fourteen were guided onto the decorated birch-wood platform some may have noticed when walking inside, that stood proud near the entrance of the facility. The ceremony was nothing fancy, and it was quick and hastily organised, though a good amount still turned up to watch. Going up to the applicants one-by-one, Ardus handed the official badge of Argent to each member slowly with a stern, yet deep look.
The badge was shield-shaped, made of a fine black fabric that could easily be attached to any sort of armour. At the middle of the fine black badge was the capital letter 'A', embroided in silver and sewn in an intricate shape. For the badges of new applicants, this was all the badge had to offer, with no other patterns on it other than the letter A. This, as Ardus explained, was to indicated their position as a 'ZERO-CREST MEMBER', where they were acknowledged as a member of Argent, but had yet to do anything for Argent. If they lived through and successfully completed their first mission, they would be promoted to a 'ONE-CREST MEMBER'. The system was simple enough for anyone to understand, and much simpler than any military rankings of any city. Perhaps too simple, but like the foundation itself, this system was makeshift.
Once the handing of the badges was complete, Ardus took a stand in front of the platform to look at the fourteen. The spectating crowd dispersed, and the vibe of the surrounding area of Argent in a flash turned back into one that was bustling and vibrant like it previously was.
"And that is that. Apologies for those after my own heart, who find such ceremonies painful to stand through." Ardus admitted, his lips almost going into a smile. "But it is still a mandatory ceremony and one you should stand through with pride. As explained, your first assignment will be given to you by Commander Konnor Sturgens himself. You will go as the fourteen you are now, accompanied by three higher ranked members that will lead your mission. Complete this successfully and you will be considered a one-crest member; you will be informed more from there."
Ardus paused.
"Now, however? I'm done with you, and it'll be unlikely I'll see any of you for quite a while." Ardus seemed to actually find difficulty finding words for a slight moment. "...It is always a proud moment of mine to see new members. But it is a prouder moment to see a whole group of fourteen without even one person I've had to dismiss. It isn't a first, but it is still a rare moment. You all keep that in mind and hold your heads high."
Ardus's pose went relaxed as he started to come to the conclusion of his talk.
"Tomorrow morning, at ten o' clock sharp, you will go to the briefing room. This is the building is over there." Ardus pointed to a small yet cozy looking wooden building not too far from the entrance and the ceremony platform. It didn't look busy at the moment. "At the briefing room tomorrow you'll recieve your first mission from Commander Konnor Sturgens. If you turn up late, consider yourself already failing the mission."
"Some of you I would like to talk with more, but I have duties to return to." Suddenly his body stiffened, his face taking his fully serious tone again.
"However, before I leave, I have a set of strict orders that I don't expect even one of you to go against. Is this understood?"
A long pause followed, before Ardus gave his orders, the first true smile he'd given to the fourteen visible within his bearded face.
"Make yourself at home."
With that, the four-crest Argent captain turned, his brass-tinted boots making marks in soil and pathways as he made his leave. As the figure of the man faded into the crowd, the fourteen were now looking at the interior of Argent, with badges in their hands.
It was early evening, and up to them how they wanted to spend their time before they'd get their first real assignment instantly in the following morning. Ardus had already informed the places they could sleep, and given a brief run-down of all the areas they could visit. People of all sorts were there to be talked with, some more eager for conversation than others.
Til' next morning, the fourteen new Argent members were free to get used to the area and follow Ardus's final orders in ways they chose. Hot stews were available in the dining hall, and though only one small mug per day was allowed, a commodity thought impossible by some was also available: real, true-tasting ale. Areas where mounts, pets, and other such beasts could be stabled were available (though the tiger would be carefully watched).
Even to those who cared little for the facility and its ruler, a slight sense of accomplishment and experiencing something new could be felt as the air turned a pleasant shade of cold, and the clear sky went a pleasant shade of gold. The fourteen were now a part of Argent, willing or not. What they would do with this title, from this day, was in their hands only.
A R G E N T
III XI I X VI. IV III I X IV II.
III XI I X VI. IV III I X IV II.
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