Prepare for the #LodanRespawn2024 Existing characters may choose to be displace from/have memories of different timelines, thereby allowing returning members the option to retcon their whole character. These changes are the result of the "Unnatural Fog" plot device that is running between now and the Respawn. The plot is simple: no matter where your character is, that place is shrouded in a thick fog that suspends time, but not thoughts or memories, so even if they're repeating the same day over and over again, they continue to remember, so each time feels like a new day. For those retconning OCs; this is where new versions of themselves have the opportunity to replace the old versions. Official lore and tree updates will be announced asap
Happens directly after If You Can't Beat'em Join'em.
Rain still beat down on Lodan as the sun's first rays began to illuminate the world. However, in the outskirts of the forest, less rain and less light reached Lorraine and her companion. The auburn haired woman did not stop for a long while after she led Gladys away from the other party but once they were a considerable distance away, she turned to face the blonde woman. "I'm going to let you go, but first we need to talk. Why did you join EIRAL?" Some joined for glory and honor, others to protect, several because they were running away. Lorraine had done so to run away, to protect, and to be free, but what was this woman's reason? She did not seem the soldier type. In fact, Lorraine could have sworn that she'd seen this mousey girl here and there doing chores and nothing more.
Post by Gladys Hayden on Aug 29, 2015 19:54:11 GMT
Gladys blinked at the woman’s question, taking a moment to catch her breath and let some of the ‘I’m going to die’ emotions were off. She answered in a hurry and without pausing, the emotions clear in her voice as she had no filters left to hide them. “I joined because I couldn’t stay at home. Because I always looked up to the soldiers who passed by our little farm house. I wanted to be like them. To be strong. And to make a difference in the world. To see just how big the world is too. I’ve known from the start that I’m probably not cut out for it and they know it too. But they humor me and let me help at least a little bit. For that I’m happy.” She leaned against a tree, not caring about the sopping wet bark. The guard had no strength or reason to protest or hide anything. If she made it to morning, she’s be beyond grateful. All her life she had felt worthless, like nothing. And joining the EIRAL gave her some sort of meaning, a purpose to her pitiful life.
Last Edit: Aug 29, 2015 19:58:11 GMT by Gladys Hayden
“Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Do not bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.” ―William Faulkner
Post by Lorraine Blackmoore on Aug 29, 2015 20:15:42 GMT
Lorraine's steely gaze softened a bit before she closed her eyes for a brief moment. Exhaling slowly, she opened her eyes once more and nodded to Gladys then stepped forward and flipped the sword in her hand to offer it to Gladys hilt first. "Then I have a proposition for you. EIRAL has been corrupted from the inside. Alastair framed murder on the high Commander Faolan Skye and because I knew the truth I was imprisoned alongside him. I cannot go back but you can. If we are going to set things right I will need help from you. Do this for me, and I will teach you how to fight in my style--and I can assure you, I fight better with a sword than anyone in their ranks." It was not like her to boast, but she was confident in her swordsman skills and as far as she knew, she was the most capable of sword fighters but she had put in the hours and the dedication.
"Take this sword. Its twin was lost back on that field we ran across to reach the woods. You may find it there and keep these twin swords as your own. Please, take care of them. They are my prized possession. You will be able to use them as your excuse upon return. Say you were taken hostage. If they ask how you escaped, you show them those swords. Tell them you took me by surprise and fled when you could. There is one last thing. There are another set of twin swords in my room--they were my father's. Retrieve them for me and that will be proof I can trust you. Do we have a deal, Gladys?"
Post by Gladys Hayden on Aug 30, 2015 19:44:11 GMT
Corruption? Framing? Murder? Learning how to fight?
The low ranking guard took the sword from her with a shaky hand, looking down at the shining blade. Had she polished this sword before? It was so hard to tell with how many passed through her hands. Did she know where Lorraine’s room was? Yes, she passed by it many time. A lump formed in her throat as she held the sword, nodding before she managed to speak in a squeaky voice. “I-I think I can do that. I don’t know what’s going on, but I’d like to be able to help make things right. Could you explain it better? Another time I mean? And how will I find out?” The questions came out quickly but with a slow voice. If she were going to do this, to betray the very people that took her in, she needed a good reason.
“Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Do not bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.” ―William Faulkner
Post by Lorraine Blackmoore on Aug 30, 2015 21:28:04 GMT
Lorraine paused a moment to study Gladys to see what she would decide to do with the sword once it was in her hands. When the woman made no attempts to strike with it, Lorraine continued, "I can explain to you now, quickly. My recon team was sent into Sveden to see what was going on against alleged rumors that they would attack. They plan to. We cannot possibly take them on our own so High Commander Skye had planned on asking the anders to aid us. As you can figure, that would be highly controversial since EIRAL has always been human only. Alastair disapproved of such methods so he approached Andronikos with plans to betray the high commander leading to the framing of the murders and him being arrested. Daybreak is already on us so you must go soon for your own safety. I know this is a lot to take in but you must understand. I would like you to go on just as you were in EIRAL but keep track of what Alastair and Andronikos are doing. Whenever you find out anything worth knowing, report it back to me. There's a tavern in the Hovel called the Red Raven. Send word to the woman who owns it and she will find me. We will meet there. Do so when you retrieve my father's swords. Anymore questions?" She paused again then added, "if you truly want to serve the cause of the people, this is the way now, Gladys. It is frightening I know, but I know you can be brave."
The timid guard wasn’t sure how to react to that story. Should she believe it? Question it? Report it to the second in command? She’d have to think about it on a night that wasn’t this one. It amazed Gladys that Lorraine was still calm and able to speak so clearly. Hadn’t she been right there in the explosions? Taking a small step back, she nodded. “Red Raven,” she repeated. “I um. Thank you. For not killing me and all.” Her voice was down to a whisper as tears clouded her eyes. Was this really happening? The mousemaid could only hope that the words being fed to her were true.
“Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Do not bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.” ―William Faulkner
Post by Lorraine Blackmoore on Aug 31, 2015 5:25:37 GMT
Seeing Gladys' tears filled Lorraine with a sense of pity and sadness as she went to pet Felix's head affectionately only to realize that the animal was in fact gone. Covering up the motion by bringing her hands together, she lowered her gaze and sighed before stepping up to embrace Gladys gently. Something about the blonde woman reminded her of the beast, both helpless to begin with, both gentle. Drawing away, she lifted her chin so her head was held high and then she steeled herself. "I cannot kill my sisters or brothers, Gladys. I may not be able to return back to EIRAL but I will forever serve my country and her people. If you do not wish to follow through, I understand so please do not feel trapped or indebted to do so. This is a lot to ask of anyone. I hope you make your own choice and one that you will be happy with. Find yourself back to the headquarters safely." She then swept her hand out to the right. "Just head down that way another kilometer and you should be back on the streets leading back to the old barracks. You should get going now before concern of your safety rises."
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