Spirits of the Earth

Hakon rests the white lillies upon the freshly laid soil. She presses her bare palm against the cool earth, blinking in confusion as clear droplets landed upon the back of her palm. Curling her fingers in the deep chocolate dirt. She brought her hand up and wiped her eyes.

Oh. She was crying.

She didn't even remember what it was like to cry so freely.

The black ring on her finger caught her eye and the tears flowed more freely. She slowly crumpled to her knees, wrapping the cloak about her head to cover her face, to hide her grief and agony from the world. Hakon felt, in that moment, she would never live as she had. Never feel happiness as she had. Never feel that same warmth she had before him. Before Aven Alveron. Her shoulders heaved beneath the cloak as she sobbed. Her mind was a blurr nothing would be the same... Or would it be the same? That was a terrifying thought. That everything would be as it was before she had him.

Everything changed tonight, everything ended.

" Ansgar, make me new again..."


Hours passed, she grieved there in that garden in the middle of the Reajh until the moon rose high and she fell asleep on the cool dirt and grass. Her platinum hair framed her face akin to beams of white light. She curled her legs beneath the black woolen cloak, curling her knees to her chest as her fingers remained buried in the dirt of the grave and the other cradled her cheek. Her eyes moving beneath her eyelids as she dreamed whatever dreams could haunt and bless a Major, an Adhara and a young woman who lived as many lives as a country at war could offer.

So she slept, a sleep so deep it would take the war itself to pull her into the waking world again. Or perhaps, a simple disturbance could do the trick just as well. She hoped, vaguely, in the back of her mind- that when she awoke... Life would be different yet... Better.

Finally, time off work. It had taken ages to get approved for three weeks leave, but now Yokeda had plenty of time to study new things. But right now, he wanted to just think about everything that has been going on.

He made his way through the city to the garden that was, in his mind, the only spot of beauty in this city. Yokeda went, deciding to simply bring a book that he had acquired from a short stay in serendipity. He arrived at the garden, without any armor on, merely a light grey cloak, thick boots, a padded shirt, and wool pants.

He gazed around, and sighed contently, breathing in the crisp air and savoring every part of the garden, from the flowers to even the dirt. This was his favorite place in Connlaoth to just come and think or read. As he walked into the garden, Yokeda became aware that there was someone asleep in the garden, in front of a grave. He nearly passed it off as a random mourner, until he saw the platinum hair. He recognized it from the time he had served in the military and he had only ever seen one person with that color hair. It was Hakon Kilandre, leader of the Ansgar's Hand unit. Who was she mourning?

Yokeda decided it would be best not to bother her, and laid down on a large rock and opened his book and began reading about the history of sendipity's culture and how the nation got to where it was today. It was fascinating to him, but he couldn't get his mind off of Major Kilandre, what had caused her to fall asleep at a grave?

It was the crackling sound of a page turning that broke into the unsteady dreams and nightmares. That caused her eyes to groggily flicker open as the moon beams offered little light to aide in focusing her vision. She pushed herself up stiffly, groaning despite herself. She reached up to brush the last scraps of soil from her cheek and brush the earthen crumbs from her hair instinctively, still unable to focus uon anything within sight but for the low headstone. Her breath caught in her throat but no more tears fell. Perhaps Ansgar was allowing her a bit of His strength. She would offer Him more tribute soon enough.

Again, the sound of dry paper swishing against similiarly dry paper caught her attention, the Major shifted from her knees onto her backside, carefully keeping the cloak wrapped about her as she narrows her grey eyes- trying to locate the source in the darkness and through her blurry vision.

" State your name." Her voice sounded raw, not like herself- she cleared her throat shortly afterwards. There was a masquerade she had to keep up with. She could not fail especially in the eyes of someone who was literate, often literacy corresponde with intelligence- and intelligence was far more dangerous then any weapon man could make.

Well, it seemed that Yokeda had accidentally woken the sleeping Major. He quickly shut the book, with the clapping sound of the pages coming together echoing into the night. Shame, he had been in the middle of a section about Serendipity and foreign relations. He sat up, and set the book down on the rock. He slid his way off the rock and stepped into the moonlight where he could be clearly seen, and clasped his hands behind his back.

"My name is Yokeda Eldan Blyte, I am sorry to have woken you Major Kilandre, I only came to think and maybe get some reading done by the light of the moon." His face was passive and inactive, but his eyes were curious and darting around taking in every detail of the situation, hinting that his mind was doing the same thing; assessing the situation with great interest. Behind his back, his hands were fidgeting, betraying something that he hadn't felt for years; He was nervous. He clenched his hands tighter together, until the knuckles turned white.

Despite the fact that it was the middle of the night, the moonlight illuminated the entire area, and Yokeda could see the clear evidence that Hakon had been crying in the redness in her eyes, and the fact that where she had laid her head was slightly damper than the surrounding area. He decided to tastefully not bring that up.

Hakon looke down, hoping the darkness would hide her face enough to save her some semblence of shame. Carefully she began to brush her fingers through her hair, stroking out the tangles and debris as she slowly began to lace the whispy strands into a braid over her shoulder," Yokeda Eldan Blyte-" she echoes, clearing her throat again," If you know of me you know of my reputation. I apologize to you for seeing me in such a state."

Slowly she pushed herself into a standing position, pausing as a sudden light headedness washed over her, blood struggling to rush about her body as she briefly flushed and swayed unsteadily. Her hands dropped to her knees, keeping her upright," Forgive me, sir- ugh-" she grunts under her breath but forces herself to straighten completely, now gazing upon the man before her- whatever she saw, she admittedly found it lacking in combative prowess. He seemed the delicate type, but from the thoughtfulness of his words, she assumed he was a  bureaucrat, perhaps that was for the best, it would save him from the draft, along with those men whom fell into the Arms of the Church.

She paused, social interaction never having been her forte as she was usually talking savagely between her comrades or barking orders at some hapless ensign," If... I may-" she starts,"- what bringgs yo uhere so late at night, Sir Blyte?"

It appeared that the Major had quite a bit of pride, understandable, that as a Major, she would feel the need to keep a strong and stoic visage. Yokeda grabbed his book, and held it up to the moonlight. "Well Major, I have just procured a small three week leave from service in order to relax and enjoy myself, and I often come here late at night to get some thinking or reading done in this beautiful place. At night it just seems to feel that much better. Also, there is no need for formalities; Yokeda is fine."

Yokeda's eyes stopped wandering, and focused on the Hakon's face. She seemed to be examining him with a critical stare, and he wondered what she was thinking, after all, first impressions are everything. Yokeda's first impression of the Major was odd, he had heard so much about the fearless leader of Ansgar's Hand, but she seemed to be a wreck tonight.

Yokeda thought for a small bit, whether asking about why she was here would be a good idea, his curiosity gained the better of him. "If I may be so bold as to ask, what has caused you to feel the need to sleep here in this garden?" He asked, his voice holding a casual tone.

His question immediately drew her into laughter, though the sound was forced and hollow it was her natural response to being placed in a rather awkward position. Quickly she covered her mouth with a hand until she calmed down and took a steadying breath, forcing a smile," Well- that is honestly a rather complicated question," she returns cryptically, lowering her hand as she chides lightly," So you're a soldier then? What unit, if I may?"

Hakon's eyes followed the book into the moonlight, briefly wondering what it could possibly hold that would suspend someone for hours. Though she could read and write, it was never one of her interests despite her admiration for those who did hold it in such regard. His rather casual deamnour was off putting. When men knew of her name, they often began to challenge her, as was the case in a patriarchal society, a women who out ranked a man would find herself constantly in battle whether it be social or... Otherwise.

The laughter startled him, it was quite unexpected; he hadn't thought the question was so funny. When she flipped the conversation and asked him a question, he took mental note, she was changing the subject. He must have accidentally trod on a sore subject. "Yes Major, I am currently part of the infantry, though I control my own battalion." His face showed rare emotion and he smiled, thinking of his men before it settled back into an impassive mask.

Yokeda then followed her eyes to the book, and he rotated it so the spine was facing her and the title was legible. "A brief history of Serendipity. I find learning fascinating, knowledge is the most dangerous thing in the world. That's why in some ancient nations, only the most powerful people in the country were allowed to read. Through knowing history, we can avoid the mistakes of our predecessors."

As he spoke, she reached up, carefully unfastening and refastening the pendant that held her cloak against her throat, watching his with a vaguely sympathetic smile," I see- so are you of nobility? It is rather unexpected for mere foot soldiers to know how to read let alone have particularly idealistic opinions such as you," she comments vaguely. Even if her words were blunt, there was truth to them- as harsh as it may be.

Carefully she considered him, he was... Unusual, perhaps her dearest cousin the Duke of Vythe would enjoy having an inquisitive body guard. Or one that was at the very least literate. Then again, Daemion did not enjoy a thing in the world but for spoiling his dearest sister Elenoir. But- who knew? She watches him, taking in Yokeda's stance, form and visage now- her mind no longer awhirl of emotion.

He shrugged after her comment, "Yes, I do happen to be of nobility, though I prefer not to view myself as a noble, because then you go around thinking that you're better than someone simply due to your position in life. I would also like to point out that I happen to be a lieutenant, not just a common foot soldier." He answered, with only slight inflection to his voice.

Though he wouldn't show it, the comment about mere foot soldiers peeved Yokeda quite a bit. Not because he believed himself to be so much superior to the foot soldiers that made up the army, but because it sounded like Hakon believed that she was, and that really irked him, because he hated people who acted superior.

Seeming to catch a stray note of annoyance in his voice, her eyebrows rose carefully but she said nothing regarding this rather discreet observation," Forgive me, it is not often I have the chance to converse with infantrymen," she admits quietly. The Major suddenly began to move, placing one foot in front of the other to approach him, at first somewhat unsteadily but with increasing confidence hntil she stood before him.

Her hand appeared from beneath the cloak, extending toward him to shake his hand. Perhaps he would notice the callouses and scars upon her palm, akin to a man'd but still somehow effeminate. She offers a vague smile, a tired one that crinkled the corners of her eyes," I never had the opportunity to shake your hand, I do applaud you sir. You've treated me with exceptional open mindedness,"

Yokeda returned the smile, showing perfect white teeth. "Well, I'm glad that I've caused you to reconsider. If you ever want to get to learn about the other units, I can tour you through the job of us Infantrymen sometime." He spoke with clear emotion now, his impassive visage melted away.

He met her outstretched hand with one of his, and gave a firm handshake, paying attention to the fact that she had several scars and calluses; likely from years of fighting. "It's an honor to shake your hand Major, it's a joy being complimented by someone as prestigious as yourself."

As he relaxed, he seemed to allow his visage to change, which caused the Major to smile. She never wanted anyone to feel as if they had to wear a mask about her even though she kept her own held high. She pressed his hand, attempting to convey some warmth and camaraderie," Please, I'm just a cavalrymen who wears especially thick armor," she muses quietly.

Her eyes flicker to him, searching his face, as if looking for something familiar," You wouldn't happened to have fought along side me, would you?"

Yokeda took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.  He nodded to her to show that he understood and appreciated the gesture. "Well, if you've participated in any battles in the last seven years, then it is most likely I have." He then looked down and chuckled softly before raising his head again, "And what battles they have been." 

Yokeda's brow furrowed; as if trying to remember something. He snapped his fingers, "In fact, I think I remember a specific battle about two years ago, when my battalion and I joined up with another group to exterminate what was supposed to be a 'Small group of mages'. It turned out to be roughly two thousand mages, all of them quite capable. The troops were out numbered, and then out of nowhere, rode in a cavalry force that mowed down the opposition. They left before we could get a chance to thank them, but I believe that the lead rider was mounted on a massive six legged warhorse. That wouldn't happen to be you would it?"

She blinks, vaguely seeming to recall a battle of such. Long, long ago- the mountains towering high above her unit as Mages seemed to descend upon all sides. The manical fear that came with purely fighting for survival- when order and drilling meant nothing but the instinct from years of training became the only thing to keep an individual sane....

She cracks a smile," I do remember that- from long ago-" she murmurs wistfully," I still cannot believe so many of us managed to survive, I suppose that is why training comes before all else, hm?" She shrugs gently, releasing his hand as she steps politely back, allowing him his space," Yokeda, perhaps you would be willing to join me for a drink?@

His grin widened, he had come here tonight to read and maybe think a bit, now he had made acquaintance with a great soldier. Yokeda was glad to be talking with someone outside his unit for once. The Major had a point; If not for the rigorous training, the brain forgets what to do in the heat of battle and defaults to sloppy maneuvers and ineffective tactics.

"Major, I would be delighted to accompany you for a drink." Yokeda tucked the book into his cloak and dropped his arms to his side, projecting a relaxed atmosphere.

She smiles again, increasingly relaxed as she drops her hands to her side, carefully closing her cloak around her once more- the effects of sleeping on cold earth with nothing nut her cloak was certainyl taking effect. She felt sick- weak. Nothing a little Matron's root couldn't curse, she was sure. Moving slightly past him, she paused, just beneath an arch of branches and foliage, taking a momrnt to look at the great tangle of brush and blossom above before focusing back upon Yokeda.

" Kilandre-" she spoke after a moment," It is only fair you have the right to address me by my name, if you allow me your name," she tilts her head and smiles vaguely

Yokeda looked down and exhaled, his breath crystallizing in the cold. He then shivered slightly, it was a cold night. He then looked back at Hakon, "Well then, Kilandre, I appreciate that." He looked over her, and saw that despite the fact that she was trying to look strong, a nap face down in dirt in the middle of the night probably wasn't the best for you. He figured that she of all people could overcome whatever was ailing her.

He stepped forward, "So where would you suggest we go to get these drinks?" Yokeda spoke with a friendly smile.

Hakon smiles faintly, cocking her head slightly away as if staring beyond the gardens," There is a place where Officers go on particularly uneventful nights, the Crest. I suppose it is an officer's club- but I see no reason why it needs to be exclusive, so perhaps we can break a tradition and drop a few jaws by bringing you in for a warm meal, hm?" She offers a surprisingly warm smile, though tired and perhaps delirious as it may be.

Damn. She really wanted some food and drink in her belly as well as a warmer cloak to hug about her right about now. No- this was not the worst weather she had ever endured, but if she could avoid discomfort, she tended to do her best to do so. She began to walk away," Come- lets head out Yokeda,"

Yokeda's eyes widened slightly, he had heard of the Crest, but had never gone personally. What she had said was true, it wasn't against the rules for lower ranking soldiers, but it was very rare that you would see one there. He felt that to just sit down somewhere it was warm and out of the wind would be nice for both of them. After all, Hakon still didn't look or sound too good.

He laughed briefly, a clear sound that pierced the night. "Sounds great Kilandre." He broke into a steady gait, easily catching up with Hakon. As he walked along, Yokeda place both hands on his spine and pushed, and as his back popped, he let out a sigh of relief, that had been bothering him for a while now.

Hakon slowed her gait enough to allow him to catch up in mere strides, her eyes flickering briefly to him before focusing back upon the dark path before them, in the relative silence of the Reajh's night- her woolen cloak hissed against the linen fabric of her tunic and culotte combination. In the moonlight, forced into dappled reflections by the foliage overhead, her platinum blonde hair flashed a near brilliant white before diving to black sporadically. With each step it seemed the woman was shutting down whatever emotion she had displayed with that grave, leaving it behind.

Her gaze steadily seemed to harden, her lips slowly dipping in to the familiar imperical frown and furrowed brow that earned her the rather bitter accusions for being unapproachable. Alas, a light remained, and her thumb occasionally brushing over a platinum ring resting near the base of her finger upon her knuckle seemed the only subtle indications of any disturbance from this statuesque mask. Not to mention a rather sallow coloring coming across her face as they picked up the pace. She would never admit to light headedness before anyone, so to do so now would be a sin.

Eventually they left the great Gardens, boots hitting cobblestone and thudding out a tune as they began to move down the wide, empty streets of the capital.

Once he caught up to her, Yokeda's eyes briefly glanced over and witnessed Hakon resume a face of rigidity. And as the soft sound of their walking turned to a steady 1-2 rhythm as they exited the garden and stepped onto the cobblestone, Yokeda also began to reconstruct his facade. With each click clack of shoes on the cobblestone road, the emotion seemed to drain out of his face. Becoming more neutral and blank until it became an impassive mask.

Yet, his mind was still fast at work. He hadn't missed the fact that despite returning to looking tough as nails, she was subtly fidgeting with a ring. Other than that, it seemed that she had completely brushed away any emotions she had been feeling back in the garden. That was most likely for the better, it wouldn't do to have a well known major show up at the Crest looking like an emotional wreck. Yokeda could only imagine what she was truly feeling like. Something that was clear though,
The emotional weakness exhibited earlier was gone, this was the Hakon Kilandre of reputation.

She allowed silence to deacend and briefly revelled in it, focusing upon the moment in order to appreciate the companionship she had somehow acquired. From the corner of her eye, she could appreciate the man at her side, matching her gait from years of marching seperated merely by their allotted skills in combat. His back was straight and rigid, she could see the emotion draining from his face like water into thirsty ground, she appreciated his subtly. Men of lower standing or intellect would likely have drilled her for context upon her utter failure to keep face in the Gardens, so much so it likely would have broken that glassy mask and well... She wasn't planning upon being court-martialed for something so petty.

Reassured and comforted by the steady snap of the soles of his boots upon cobblestone and the steady rhythm that naturally came with years of drilling being pushed into the subconcious, the Major turned her head toward Yokeda, offering the barest shadow of a smile," You hold yourself well." She comments idly, slowly tilting her head- several wisps pf white-blonde hair falling before her lips," Yokeda Eldan Blyte-" she spoke his name as if testing it upon her tongue, tasting its flavor to see if it was pleasing. She found it quite adequate,"- If it is not too much trouble, what is your current rank?" She tilted an eyebrow, often rank told of achievment, stories that men could flaunt. And even if said stories were exagerated, she always enjoyed them.

In the small period of silence, he had been pondering several things, from information gained that night, to things he had learned of long ago. When Yokeda snapped out of deep thought, he noticed that he had subconsciously synchronized his strides with Hakon. He had noticed this happening before, but that was when he was marching with his men. He figured that the major was extremely well trained and that was why. He looked back ahead of them into the night. His eyes had adjusted to the light, and he could recognize where they were going.

His eyes left the path and shifted over to the Major and he returned the smile. "You flatter me Kilandre. You carry yourself just as well."He then turned his gaze back to the path ahead, "As for my rank, it's no trouble at all." He paused slightly and laced his fingers together behind his back, "I am a Lieutenant. I've been one for about five years now." He continued walking, but he bowed his head, thinking of everything that had happened in the past five years.

" I see."

Silence descends against as she mulls over his words, not particularly impressive, but it was likely he could have been swallowed in the great sea of men and women clamouring for rank within the country, some falsely promoted, others wrongly kept in their place. The system was never perfect, she had to stop herself from thinking it was, lest she fall into that same trap.

From her thoughts, her trance, she recognized the area and paused near a nearly arched stone doorway lit by candles in glass containers. A simple sign hung above the doorway, sporting a simple sword and shield with an ornately fonted text proclaiming it not just a fancy doorway, but the 'Crest' itself.

Turning slightly to him, she reached out, briefly her hand touching Yokeda's shoulder," Are you comfortable, entering such a place?" She asked, genuinely- furrowing her brow. Truly she did not wish to drag a man into such a place if it caused him discomfort."

When he heard those two words, Yokeda knew what she was thinking, and it was the same thing everyone thought when they found out his rank. But the trurh was, that he simply had no desire to move up through the ranks. He had even had offers to be promoted, but he declined. He felt that his place was as a lieutenant.

Then they came up to the Crest. Yokeda had gone by the entrance several times before, but this was the first time in years he had truly examined the doorway. After walking around in the complete darkness, the lit candles seemed like they were ten times brighter. They exuded a cheery glow, and a welcoming warmth.

Yokeda chuckled, "If something like this could make me uncomfortable, I would have quit being a soldier a long time ago." 

Quirking a gentle eyebrow, she flashes him the smallest of smiles- carefully dragging open the door and entering the warm room. It was a well lit bar room, set up akin to your average taven, a bar on the far side of the room, tables everywhere. Yet there was an air of cleanliness and class that surrounded every patron. Many wore uniforms displaying medals or pins of rank, some casual wear or even the occasional armor clad patron, seeming to be enjoying a drink with their companions before heading off once more. As they entered, very few seemed to take notice but those that did offered the Major surprisingly jovial smiles- something must have happened, as quickly eyes turned upon them and the room fell silent.

They seemed to be the center of attention for several seconds far too long before many focused back upon their drinks or conversation. A voice called out," Major Kilandre!" the bartender, a squat woman with a face as red as a cherry and just as round was frantically waving them over," Major Kilandre, c'mere 'n' gi'e yer dearest ma'am a kiss!"

Hakon's stony visage broke into the barest hint of a smile as she strode to the bar," No matter how many times you proclaim yourself my mother, dearest Dolores, you will only ever be my favorite bartender- is that not title enough?"

" Ye' know 't'will ne'er be!" the squat woman cackles, wiping a pint out with a rag as she focuses upon Yokeda," Thi' yer celebratory prize?"

Flushing slightly, the Major shook her head, musing," You know I will never partake in that sort of nonsense, Dolores- but... What are we supposed to be celebrating, did another parade happen without my knowledge?"

Briefly the cherry-bartender seems to gape before breaking into a wider smile (if that was at all possible), shaking her head- ginger pixie-cut bobbing enthusiastically with her movement," Na', na'- I cannae believe ye 'aven't 'eard, but bein' sucha lass as ye are, I s'ppose I shouldn' be surprised in th' least," the woman breaks into another bout of raucous laughter which sends the Major's eyes flickering to Yokeda, she quirks an eyebrow, silently inquiring to him to wonder if he had heard anything of what had happened.

When they stepped into the Crest, there was a clear air of order, that was unlike any tavern Yokeda had visited. Almost as soon as they stepped in, he recognized a few faces; people he had fought under or alongside in some of the recent battles. Then the room went silent, and the bartender called Hakon over. Yokeda followed her to the bar, and examined the squat woman. She seemed to have a good relationship with Hakon, and from what he heard, her name was Dolores.

He stood to the side as the two caught up, and when the barkeeper referred to him, it took an extreme amount of discipline to keep from smiling a bit. The cherry-faced bartender had a great, outgoing personality. Despite the atrocious speech that was unfortunately all too common in Reajh, he felt like the barkeep was a great person. Yokeda could see how she had befriended the Major.

Yokeda returned Hakon's quizzical gaze with an equally confused look and a slight shrug. He had no clue what was going on either. But whatever it was, the barkeeper seemed to find it hilarious that the Major didn't know. So he assumed that whatever it was, it had something to do with Hakon.

" Yer kidding."

Major Kilandre shook her head, and seemed to be starting to ask what exactly was going on but instead received a rather hasty pint instead," Drink up, gal, i's on the house, trus' me, sweety, ye'll wanna be a little tipsy fer this- wha'll it be fer ye' hun?" The squat woman leans directly toward Yokeda, and if her somewhat sultry admile and purposeful squeezing of her rather uh... Bountiful cleavage was not clear enough that the bartender was coming directly onto him, it had to be that wink and her next words," 'm free in an 'our if the Major'll lemme have ye,"

" Oh please Dolores, he's as tightlaced as I am," Kilandre interjected weakly, clearing her throat as she clearly attempts to come to his rescue... To no avail.

When asked what he wanted, Yokeda thought for a brief moment, "I'll have ale if you have it." When the bartender started coming onto him, despite Yokeda's best efforts, the slightest hint of red tinged his face, and he cleared his throat, "That's very flattering, but I must politely decline."

He glanced over at the Major, and for a brief instant, his eyes pleaded silently for help. Then he looked back over at the bartender waiting for her to tell them the news.

She shoots him a sympathetic smile and quickly chides," A-actually, if you tell us what exactly happened, I'll take him out on the town- since you insist I find myself a uh... Male companion any way," Oh if only Dolores knew, but this drew a squeal of delight from the squat woman as she trundles off before slamming a pint of ale before Yokeda.

" Aye told ye, ye need a man t' keep ye warm at nigh', bu'- very well," she snorts and laughs lightly, leaning against the counter," Word on t'e street says ye-" she reaches out a pudgy finger, jabbing Hakon in the chest enough to nearly make the Major wince and tip over,"- 're the next General of Connlaoth, hun,"

Though she rubbed her sternum painfully, the Major looks up with wide eyes of shock," Youre... You're joking."

When the drink was plunked in front of Yokeda, he took a small sip at first, then upon finding it enjoyable, he took a large swig. It was at that moment that the news about Kilandre becoming a General was told. His eyes widened, and he nearly choked on the ale in surprise, but he managed to swallow, and coughed slightly into his shoulder.

He smiled broadly and turned towards Kilandre, "Congratulations on the promotion!  I wonder what you've done recently that has attracted the attention of the Grand Duke himself." He stroked his chin thoughtfully and murmured, almost to himself, "I only wish I could go to the ceremony."

Now with a pain in her back as well as her sternum, Hakon winced and bit her lip, furrowing her brow," This is ridiculous, it... What?"

This was incredible, stupid... But incredible. She had worked her entire life to be something more and now she was a General?! Shaking her head, she flashes Yokeda a wavering smile," Eh? Why not? Did I scare you off already?" She mocks gently, trying to work off the shock with humor.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

As a general, Kilandre would become one of the most powerful women in all of Connlaoth, with major influence in all of the large military movements. He laughed for a moment, "You couldn't scare me off,  you should know that by now," He sniffled slightly, being out in the cold was starting to make him come down with something, "I thought events like that were invitation only. Are you saying differently?" He arched an eyebrow questioningly.

Hakon Kilandre shrugged slightly, taking a moment to completely down the pint she had been given before answering," I'd rather not have a ceremony at all," she muses. Welp, that meant only one thing, this was likely the last time she would be able to get drunk on bad alcohol... Both a good and somewhat sad sentiment. Hakon grimaced before focusing back upon him," Tell me Yokeda- will you spar with me?" The question was sudden but there was something she had to know.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The odd question came out of nowhere, and caught Yokeda off guard. "What? I suppose so, I've no objection to a friendly spar." He yawned slightly, "Shall we spar in the morning? It has gotten rather late, and while I may be a soldier, I'm still human and I very much need some sleep, and I imagine you need some rest as well." Though he may not have shown it, Yokeda was excited about the prospect of getting to spar against a general. It would be a wonderfully educating experience.