[Lylles Palace] XIV Imperial Legion Fortress

[Riconus Xind'ell]

Well within sight of the south walls of the enchanting Lylles Palace was the mighty garrison of the 14th Allerian Imperial Legion. Despite the amazing craftsmenship of the estate in which it protected, the grand fort was built for strength & defense, and nothing more. Any elaborations that may have once been displayed on its high stone walls had been stripped by the orders of the legion general, and subsequently sold to fund arms production and training.

Only two paths lead in and out of the Imperial outpost. To the north, lay the path that leads towards the Palace, and to the south, comes a path branched out from the road lining the River Lylles. Only after a few paces up this dirt way will a traveller find a sign reading as follows.

UP AHEAD

IMPERIAL GARRISON

14TH ALLERIAN LEGION
THE GRIM WARDENS OF LYLLES PALACE

IMPERATIS VICTOR YANKOV
LEGION GENERAL AND COMMANDING OFFICER

The fortress itself was made of a series of simple rings. Just inside the outer walls was the largest area, comprising of the resident quarters and training grounds of all enlisted soldiers. Rows upon endless rows of wood and stone made up the barracks for both senior and junior legionnaires, while sparring fields and quartermaster offices stood between their barracks and those of Non-Commisioned Officers. Inside the middle ring of walls were the dormatories of officers up to the rank of Cencoris, as well as valuable armoury and provision depots that are always under healthy surveillence. Once heading through the gates of the most inner wall, albeit after a long period of questioning by heavily-armed soldiers of the Elite Guard, one would witness the well-built residences of the highest ranking commanders in the 14th Legion. In between the lavish offices of these officers might be found a building containing importance information such as recovered intelligence or rosters of "special" personnel under the legion's employment, but all structures orbited the impressive three-storey command center/living abode of Imperatis Victor Yankov, the Grim Wardens staunch Vagaran commander.

Of coarse, none of this could be seen without first entering the fortress gate, which was guarded by legionnaires wearing green cloaks to indicate their inexperience with the unit; always would the rookies be given duties as trivial as gate watch. However, still proud of their position, two soldiers marched up to any passerby, their hands firmly on the hilt of their longswords.

"HALT, stranger! Identify yourself immediately and state your business!"

[Klue Malinconico]

Late Junctior, Fall of Era II, Era XI

It was only expected that the painted gelding Klue rode alongside the River Lylles was resentful about leaving the gates of Mystique no sooner than he’d entered them-visions of hay strewn stalls and buckets of oats dancing round in his head after a long journey from Centripax. And being the sort of character he was, the animal was quick to pursue a grudge. He’d begun the short journey by balking and tossing his head, rearing and trying to head the other way, and making a general nuisance of himself. And by now, the beast that was as wily as he was colorful was doing a fine imitation-in Klue’s opinion-of a hopelessly lame beast of burden at the mercy of his owner’s callousness. With a nudge to his flanks and a tug of the reins to get his head up as they passed the sign by the road and more importantly, came into view of the fortress guards, Klue urged him into a canter so’s to distract his bothersome cohort.

”I’ll give ye credit for the effort Mime, but leave off will ye? Ye’ll have yer reward soon enough, an’ I can’t have ‘em thinkin’ I’m a poor relation can’t afford a decent warhorse.” Now given the animal was marked with chaotic swirls of black and white; and with shocking blue eyes; he didn’t exactly look the typical soldier’s mount anyway. No blending into the ranks for Mime. But he was a clever beast, surefooted and uncommonly reliable-save when he’d a chip on his shoulder. Klue would have been hard pressed to find a mount that suited him better.

And fall into line he did as they neared the gate, slowed to a trot while the newly appointed Cencoris took in the construction of the place. It was an impressive stronghold, no arguing, and just what it ought to be. He grinned a little, and it made him look all the younger. He’d admit he was somewhat young to find himself in such a position, and where some managed to look older than they were, he’d no such luck. Klue had a hopelessly boyish face that took at least a pattern off him, even when his expression said different. But youthful or not, his eyes had it otherwise, reflecting an uncommon confidence and ease with himself, and a driving determination.

Having slowed Mime to a walk by then, Klue pulled him up to a stop as the guards stepped forward. And reaching into his pocket to retrieve the papers given him, he handed them over along with his visa by way of identifying himself. After all, surely he didn't look the soldier at the moment, all his worldly possessions draped behind his saddle, hat on his head and lacking a proper uniform. ”Cencoris Klue Malinconico. Reporting for duty as ordered,” he told the pair while waiting to be seen into the fortress.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

"I hope he doesn't plan to get into the cavalry with that horse." said one of the young recruits joking to the other, as Klue and Mime came within range. Both of them one brightening hoped to be might Imperial Cavaliers themselves, but such a promotion was a far ways from them. They imagined Klue to be someone of a similar rank as him- a new recruit making the long trip from the Jade Legion in Alleria Prime, although it was somewhat puzzling why he would have travelled alone rather than in a military convoy. Their confusion was quickly flushed away at the sight of Klue's letter of appointment, signed and sealed by the Kestor Imperatis.

"Cencoris....? U-um, sorry sir, I didn't know. Please, next time, just bypass the front gate check."

The iron gates quickly raised upon the legionnaire's instruction, and Klue was allowed passage through. However, not too long after witnessing the vast line of barracks and training grounds that stood infront of the absolutely towering inner walls, a short & stocky elven man wearing a long chainmail tunic stopped Mime in his tracks, before talking to Klue.

"Your papers, please?"

Upon receiving them, he gave them a quick glance before handing them back and observing a small notebook in his right hand. A quick nod confirmed that Klue's arrival was expected.

"Welcome, Cencoris Malinconico. As an officer, you will be boarded in the Middle Ring, and an escort will follow you around for you first brightening, to answer any of your questions. Shield-Daekin Kagner, step forward!"

Klue might not have remembered the name Kagner, but the sight of him might have sprung back a few memories from basic training with the Prince Maverius Regiment in Frigid River. What was once the bulging Vagaran grunt who made everyone in his training unit feel a little more at ease was now standing in front of Klue, as a Legionnaire of Her Majesty's Imperial Army.

"..... Well I'll be a son-of-a-bitch! Klue, you remember me, from the PMR in Frigid River!?" Kagner gave a mighty pat on the back to Klue from his own steed, baffled at how destiny brought them back together in the most unusual of places. "I hear you're moving up in the world, eh Cencoris? hehe. Well then, I'll be your big quide 'til lights out, so what would you like to do first? Drop off your stuff at the barracks? Pick up your equipment at the armoury? Get drunk off our ass at the tavern? You name it, I'll take you there!"

[Klue Malinconico]

”Not t’ worry gents,” Klue told the pair with an easy grin while receiving his orders back into his hands. Officer he might be nowabrightenings, but his nature was unchanged. So tipping his hat in passing, the redheaded soldier urged Mime through the gates with a nudge of his heels, the toolkit behind his saddle clanking and shifting with each stride. As for the gelding, once inside the fortress and amongst other mounts, he took to prancing with flagged tail and arched neck, snorting his ego through flared nostrils when coming in sight of other horses. ”Ye showoff,” Klue countered with a grin, though the animal’s disposition wasn’t so different than his own.

But the pair surely stopped when the elf stepped into their path. Handing his papers over once again, Klue pulled the hat from his head and introduced himself. ”Cencoris Klue Malinconico, reporting for duty,” then took the papers back yet again. Told of where he’d bed down and of an escort, he merely nodded, but smiled wide when hearing the name of his escort and seeing the same appear in front of him. He knew the name well, as well as the face.

Kagner had been a good friend, as well as a surprising ally when Klue’s infant daughter had been thrust into his unsuspecting arms. They’d as much as raised the half elf in the barracks that first cycle or so, and Kagner had made as fine a nursemaid as any. He’d missed the man’s company in fact and had wondered what had become of him. ”O’ course I r’member you, ye overgrown lout,” Klue returned easily, and a chuckle while regaining the breath that Kagner had near knocked out of him. ”Looks like ye’ve moved up a notch or two yerself. It’s good t’ see ye again.” And when asked where to first, he quickly replied, ”All three, an’ in that order, aye?”

[Riconus Xind'ell]

Kagner let out another laugh as Klue joked about his own rising through the ranks, although the progress of Klue wasn't quite as advanced as his. "Meh, I do what I can. You ever see me wearing an officer's pin, you got the right to put a sword through my chest." Kagner wasn't an officer, nor a commander; he knew it, and was quite fine with it. His came simply in the rank he bared now, to have a position of respect and authority, yet not be subject to the endless mess that came with an officer's responsibility.

"Alright mate, let's get your arse to the barracks." A quick trot through the training grounds and endless columns of wooden barracks for the enlisted legionnaires, another gate crossing appeared to enter the middle ring. It did not take quite long to pass through, only a few piece of papers shuffled between the soldiers, and with Kagner's experience in escorting other officers, the two were through the gates only moments after passing it.

Once inside the middle ring, larger barracks lined the walls, made of large stones and kept together by a mix of pebbles & mud. After a minute or two passed, they found themselves on the southwest side of the ring, facing a building whose sign on the top read: 8th Regular Infantry Cohortis. It was hear that the Cencoris and his Daekins were settled in. Kagner quickly dismounted, heaved all of Klue's possessions on his shoulders, briefly adding, "I hope there's nothing fragile in these bags." After passing by the closed doors of the daekins, Klue entered his dorm to find a plain bunk bed and a large chest sitting in the front. It was a humble room, but at the very least, it was all his. Behind him, Kagner asked for directions.

"Alright bud, where do you want this stuff?"

[Klue Malinconico]

Grinning wide at Kagner’s comments, Klue merely nudged Mime into a trot beside the other’s warhorse, his bags shifting and rattling with every stride. ”How many are here in all?” he asked as they passed through the middle ring of the fortress, his own calculations having fallen short due to the number of barracks and the distractions around them. ”And anything of int’rest going on in th’ province I ought t’ know about. It’s been awhile since I’ve been in Lauryl, having wandered a bit meantime.”

Whatever the answer, he threw a leg over the saddle and dropped to the ground when they arrived at the appointed dorms, shaking his head in wonder while Kagner shouldered both of his bags. Overstuffed, both of them, and the one containing his toolkit was not only uncommonly heavy, but ungainly for all the gadgets and sundry tools inside. ”Not especially fragile, no, or my mount would ‘ave made short work of it by now,” he added with a shrug as they stepped into his room.

It wasn’t much, but it looked comfortable. And the privacy was appreciated. There were surely benefits to his rank. ”Just toss it on the bed. I’ll unpack it later.” And when dropped, the more awkward of the bags would land with a heavy thud, sounding off like a box of junk. ”Say Kagner? What ever became of Bimmy?” he asked of his dwarven bunkmate and friend back in the PMR.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

Considering how often he escorted officers around on their first day, Kagner was quick on the ball when it came to frequently asked questions such as troop numbers and relative stories to the legion. Hence, Klue's answers were given without a moment's thought, something particularly unusual with the strong, yet not quite as intellectual, legionnaire.

"There's about 10,000 Imperial Legionnaires in the fortress, give or take a couple. You're one of 20 Cencoris that command the various Cohorts in the Triumpant Defenders.

As for things happening around the province, and new incident just recently came up. Ya see, those idiots in Eth'angor are screwing everything up for the rest of Lauryl, since their political sceme seems like it's in shambles- I dunno, the whole story hasn't been released to the public. Nevertheless, this group called the Pale Children burned a bunch homes in Mystique a little while back, and killed a bunch of innocent people, so we might be called in to 'deal with' Eth'angor. Xind'ell and Yankov have both already condemned that city as a rogue state, but waging a war against them would cost money, and the Imperial Army's already emptying their pockets on what's happening in Narim. Plus, the provincial government seems to think diplomacy is the best way to act against those little bastards, so it might take a bit to get their damn blessings on us running those esh'lahiers into the ground."

After dropping off everything on Klue's bunk, Kagner took a bit of a breather, wiping his forehead of the sweat induced by the beeming summer suns. However, the mention of Bimmy forced a turn in the shield-daekin's face, as though his heart had just been broken at the very sound of his name. Quickly, he rose from the bunk, and tried to avert the discussion until later by suggesting a trip to the armoury.

"Bimmy.... well, that's a story better left for the tavern, when we have a tall mug of ale in our hands. Let's say we head out to armoury, to pick up your equipment, k bud?"

[Klue Malinconico]

Kagner had never struck Klue as being high handed in the book learning department, but he’d never doubted his friend’s good sense once he’d gotten to know him. And all things considered, it made for a smarter man. So ten thousand then, he’d thought. A substantial number at that. As for Ethgan'tor, he’d never had occasion to learn much save for rumors and a broken string of conversation here and there. For all that he knew, he couldn’t rightly say he knew where the place was, or even ‘if’ it was-save that some said so. But word of this group, the Pale Children, meant they were trouble-makers of the highest order and would surely need dealing with one way or another.

”Diplomacy?” Klue repeated with a shake of his head. Why anyone would want to practice diplomacy with a band of killers was beyond him, long as there were ample resources t’ do otherwise and keep innocents safe. In his mind, it only showed them that causing trouble gained them something worthwhile, and further encouraged them to otherwise up the ante in the future. "If I ever get a notion to take up government politics Kagner, ye can run that sword through me so's t' keep me from it, aye?"

Meantime, he’d sat on the edge of the bed and pulled off his boot, tilting it upside down to flush out a stone that had been tormenting him for the better part of the brightening. Only when shoving it back on his foot did he noticed Kagner’s reaction to his mention of Bimmy, and his own grin dissolved into a marked frown. Whatever the news of their dwarven friend’s fate, he expected it wasn’t good. But given the other man’s attempt to stall, Klue stood with a mind to let him. It was surely a subject he’d want to return to, but it could wait till later when they were past all the particulars of getting him settled in.

”A’right then Kagner. To the armoury,” he said and pushed his hat back on his head while waiting for Kagner to lead the way.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

Without further mention of Bimmy, Kanger crept out the door and back into the hallways, lined by empty rooms of the daekins below the new cencoris. While his captains were off training the troops, Klue eventually made his way to a large armoury with the guidance of his husky Vagaran comrade. However, once entering the armoury, well-built of stone and a variation of concrete, there was only a small room that those looking to check out equipment to stand in; obviously, the majority of the space was occupied by the vast quantity of weapons and armor for the thousands of legionnaires of the 14th.

A human boy, barely out of adolescense, stood behind the counter, reviewing papers of different soldiers, and giving them the appropriate equipment based on their rank and unit type. After a few minutes, the boy had dealt with the other legionnaires, and Klue was asked to step forward with his papers in his hand. Only after a brief moment of analyzing the Cencoris' documents, the boy turned around to a group of men just as young as he, and shouted out "Officer, Human, Regular Infantry!". After only a few moments, the group approached the front desk with a large box, and a list sitting on its top. It read as follows:

Weapons & Armarments

-Three standard issue trousers
-Three standard issue woolen shirts
-Five sets of undergarment (for human race)
-One pair of standard issue bracers
-One pair of standard issue shinguards
-One standard issue chainmail shirt
-Three Pilaii
-One standard issue Imperial Longsword
-One standard issue training sword
-One standard issue spear
-One standard issue training spear
-Scalemail to the elbow on the left side, finishes at the shoulder on the right
-Pauldron on right shoulder (neck guard for officers)
-Steel greaves worn under pants.
-Steel plated boots and gloves
-Kite shields (divided into red and yellow with imperial symbol in centre)

Dress Uniform

-Kneeish high black boots, loose trousers to the knee/just below, thigh long stiff necked coats (grey)
-Shako for headdress (Officer issue, worn in tricorne)
-Warming undergarments
-Full length formal cloaks with hoods
-Imperial Legion insignia on the back of the cloak (Officer issue, cloak edged with red and yellow)
-Legion crest on right side of the chest
-Full length greycloak

Rank Insignia Pin

Cencoris: Three gold bars on red background, worn on collar with dress uniform, worn on shoulder in armor.

"One more thing, sir." said the quartermaster, as he reached underneath the counter to pull out an officer's helm, an open-faced helmet of polished fine steel, used exclusively by the Imperial Army. Unlike the enlisted legionnaires whose helmets carried a bald top, this officer's cap bore red plumes that stretched from the front to back. Kagner slowy approached Klue with a finger pointed to the small changing rooms to the left.

"Why don't you get your equipment on in that change room, and put your regular clothes in that box- a runner will pick that stuff up, along with your dress uniform, and drop it off at your barracks later. After that, we can drink until the suns come up next brightening, alright?"

[Klue Malinconico]

Well stocked, were the most of Klue’s thoughts when he trailed Kagner into the armoury and fell into line, pulling his papers out so’s to present them when his turn came. It had been awhile surely since he’d been in uniform, wandering through civilian life as he’d been for a good while. But he’d always taken to it during a time he was compelled to wear one. Felt natural in a sense. So when his turn came, Klue presented his documents and watched the group dash off to gather his equipment.

And there was quite a lot of it, he noted as the whole of it was presented to him along with weapons, both for training and the genuine article. And he couldn’t help but recall with a slight grin the first time he’d tried to sort through the variety of gear, working out just how it all went. He knew now, so would surely not appear the fool he’d made of himself once of a brightening. And considering he was to be a leader of men, it was surely a blessing. Taking the helm in hand with a nod of thanks, he turned round when Kagner approached, then glanced towards the row of rooms meant for changing.

He grinned again. ”It’s th’ best suggestion I’ve heard all bright’nin’,” he said and was off, ducking behind the door of one of the rooms. It took some time, but soon enough he reappeared, outfitted properly and set the repacked box aside of the wall. Then adjusting his insignia pin for good measure, he rejoined his old friend. ”A’right then. What are we waitin’ for?”

[Riconus Xind'ell]

OOC: I know, I know, late again. School's giving me a lotta $#!+
---

Kagner smiled at the sight of Klue now in full officer armarments, knowing that such a role was to come in the Eunesian soon enough. He made sure to remind him of the simple etiquette when it came to headwear, seeing as how most times, it was the most recognizable way to identify a superior commander.

"Now remember Klue, when we're outdoors, or indoors without a higher officer being present, you keep that bucket on top of your head, alright? But always have if off indoors when a higher officer's present, or when you're getting sloshed in a tavern, like I'll be generously 'instructing' you on soon, hehe."

As the two walked outside, the occaisional salute was put out to Klue, and soldiers performing stationary chores mearly stood at attention until the Cencoris was out of view. Before long, a large tavern came into view, littered at the front by whores shouting out to legionnaires; legionnaires who, despite their heathen urges, still halted their actions at the sight of an officer. Klue was no expection to the womens' advances, all of which were quickly put away by Kagner's large arms.

"Outta the way, damn it! If we want you dirty wenches, it'll be after drinking the three kegs of beer, not before!"

A moment later, and Kagner had pressed Klue through the door and into a busy tavern, filled to the brim with men wearing red capes and chainmail. It was a blend of commanders discussing with eachother matters of great importance to the legion, as well as common soldiers either singing or fighting along with the rest. Kagner quickly found a small table in a dimly lit corner of the pub, paying for a pitcher of hard ale from a cocktail waitress on the way. Sitting down, he finally got down to some idle chit chat before they both had to resume the serious lives of being legionnaires under Her Imperial Majesty.

"So Klue, you're finally back in the military, huh? Why'd you leave in the first place?"

[Klue Malinconico]

Only able to view himself from mid chest to the toes of his boots, the new Cencoris was satisfied enough with the fit of his new uniform to conclude he cut a dashing enough figure…not lacking for confidence as it were. Now there was living up to what it represented, but he’d do his damned best with no holds barred. With a mind for Kagner’s counsel, Klue fit the helm on his head, running the tips of his fingers along the plume for good measure. Outdoors, or indoors absent higher officers…Always off in the presence of a higher officer, or always when three sheets to the wind. ”Aye,” he returned with a broad grin after making the final adjustments to his helmet. ”I’ll hold ye to it, Kagner.”

It was a good feeling being amongst soldiers again, for as long as he’d been out of their company…And a familiar one given he’d always felt at home in such an environment. And in taverns too, he concluded while weaving his way through a path cleared by his broader shouldered friend. Once finding a table and seating himself, he smiled at the girl passed by to get their drinks, then faltered a bit at the other man’s question.

”Why’d I leave,” the redheaded soldier repeated with a frown, then shrugged. ”It wasn’t that I wanted to Kagner. It was my daughter, ye see. Cateryna,” he added with a proud grin that couldn’t be denied. ”I wasn’t expectin’ she’d come completely int’ my care. But there I was on th’ trainin’ field in Frigid River, an’ th’ woman that bore her came chargin’ onto th’ field and pushed her into my arms. She didn’t want her, an’ if I didn’t take her on by myself, she was after abandonin’ her. She’s a half elf, my daughter, and two eras old. But she fit in th’ palms of my hands then. I didn’t know what t’ do, ye see. There I was all she had an’ I had no choice but t’ do it. I wanted to, ye see. But t’was overwhelming and I didn’t know how t’ care for a babe. I didn’t think I could manage it in th’ military, and I wasn’t sure they’d keep me on. S’ I took a leave of absence till I figured things out. I have now, sharin’ her care with a woman in Port Alyxandrya who’s as much of her mother as can be. So Cat spends time with her, then with me. I’ll buy a house near th’ fortress and hire a caretaker, so that when Cat’s with me, she’ll have care while I’m on duty or otherwise taken away from home,” he finished, though it was surely the shortened version of a much longer story.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

Kagner could fully understand what he was going through, considering he ws sure that somewhere in the empire, there was a woman looking for him, his baby in her hands. But it was far too unnecessary to worry about which whores he might have planted his seed in, and the very thought quickly escaped his mind with a large gulp of beer.

"Meh, don't worry about it, bud. We all got things we have to do, and sometimes the army creates more obstacles than once imagined. You'll never see me with a kid though- it's not entirely a great idea for a simple legionnaire to settle down like that.

Besides, having a kid would mean that I couldn't always be on the battlefield against bandits and raiders, killing their men and stealing their women! You officers have the advantage of doing both, hehe."

In only a few moments, the ale in Kagner's large mug had vanished down his throat, and another one was ordered from the beer wench passing by. After giving her a crown in her hand, followed quickly by a slap on her posterior, he turned back to Klue, to delve into the unfinished conversation they had at the barracks.

"So.... I guess you wanna know about Bimmy, eh?"