Topic: Order of Delphyne

Sean Jobehr

Date: 2008-01-03 14:43 EST
Just the thought of returning to Rhydin made his snarl come out. Being here made it show in full force!

"Sean, did you grow uglier since you were gone or have you always looked like that"!"

"Such an insubordinate tone could only come from one person." with-out turning around, Sean knew it was Red. He was the only one he knew that could be so casual, always making a joke and never takes anything serious. No matter how dire. Sean figure Red would take a lance through the heart while making a bad pun about it and them laughing at his own bad joke. "Hello Red."

"Come un now Sean! Arentcha happy to be back?"

"You have no idea" okay that came out as a grumble, but it was the truth. As he unceremoniously sat on his bunk in the officer's quarters. "It's been a living nightmare"

"Living nightmare! That's not something I would expect you to be saying, News was you were all engaged and fianc"'d up un stuff." Red's pulled up a heavy wooden chair and spun it around to sit backwards. His face rough and weathered but somehow lit as if waiting for some fantastic story.

"It's called a betrothal. I had nothing to do with it except show up at the party' He would have left it at that. But he looked over to Red as Sean was in the middle of removing his traveling boots. He stopped and just sighed. Red was getting excited about the new story. It was almost enough to make Sean chuckle. Almost. That such a rough and war torn man or common birth was probably the biggest romantic alive, or dead!

"Fine Red. It was an uneventful trip home. I had honestly been looking forward to the quiet, a vacation with the family. I wasn't two bites into the evening meal when my Mother broke into the news like a chirping bird. "Tomorrow you have an appointment at Szuer's to be fitted for new formals. Your engagement party is at week's end."

"I always wished I could get one of Szuer's suits!"

"Shut up Red"

"Yes Sir!"

"I think I must have been the only one at the formal dining table filled with food that lost their appetite. Everyone else must have known. Now, I know its family tradition. But in three days" My mother could have written me."

"Maybe she thought you would run or not return" "Red,"

"I know shut up" but he smirked away.

Red knew Sean was big on traditions, he breathed and ate them. Lived them, hell even bathed in them from what Red would say. Sean took a few moments to remove and put away the rest of his travel clothes while he talked.

"The party went well. We went thru the traditional toast to family and friends, guests and honored. News and so on. Everyone pretending they did not know. Then Father announces the engagement. She was presented as the family name was mentioned. Nicolette LaBrue"

"Ah Ha!" Red got so excited and ah-ha'd so hard he almost toppled his chair, riding it backwards like a stiff legged pony rearing its wooden legs. "I wondered who they would choose! The LeBrue Family. Talk about a political match!"

"And what would you know of Politics Red?"

Red tapped his temple and winked as he looked at Sean. "I pay attention to these things. I read the news flyers, I listen to the gossip."

"You mean you read what is in the bathroom and eavesdrop on the ladies at the local shop in hopes to strike up a conversation." Sean could not hide a smirk. Even if the though appalled him. Red really had no manners. Not even a little.

"May hap! But I still learn about these things!? Red laughed full hearted and rose to his feet. A strong hand landed on Sean's shoulder as Red just grinned and walked away.

Sean Jobehr

Date: 2008-01-03 15:01 EST
As dim as Red could be, he was right. Things like this were always political. The wedding would be in the fall since the troops move in the spring and settle in the winter. Military or Political, the Family would not have a wedding when it was time to march. Military first, Family later.

It wasn't like it was something hard to do. She was an Attractive Young lady. Nobel born, sable haired and fair skinned. She'd been schooled by the finest. As far as women were allowed to be schooled she was at the top. His Mother had gone thru great lengths to make sure there were no blemishes on the family's reputation and Father made sure there would never be a Snag in anything relating to finances or standings. Quite a powerful team those two made. Anyone who married into the Jobehr family had everything to gain and nothing to lose. So of course Father and Mother were the most discerning of couples.

But now. It was back to business! They'd been called back to this stinkhole. He would put that whole mess behind him and not think of it again. It was a business merger his parents would deal with. No details were for him to tsk over.

Grabbing a fresh change of clothes and toiletries he would rinse the road from his skin and get ready for dinner here. He wondered who else had news, and who else would have the cannons to show back up to the barracks.

He'd find out soon enough.

Jonathan M DeFranque

Date: 2008-01-03 19:54 EST
Nine months past, in a closed hearing within the Court of Query, on the World of 'Kaitos', home of the 'Order of Delphyne'.

"Jonathan Michael DeFranque, First Paladin of the Order of Delphyne. You stand before this commitee facing several charges. The most severe being 'Dereliction of Duty', and 'Consorting with a known Hazard to all the Order stands for, namely one Kairee of the Red Dragon', and 'Violation of Directive Seven - The Disclosure of mission parameters to non-disclosed parties'. You face these charges sans counsel and furthermore, the first charge should have been applied to your entire team, yet here you are. Are we to understand that you will bear these charges alone, Sir Jonathan?"

Blue eyes cooly panned back and forth, as Jonathan visually drank in the commitee, that the young man stood before. His stature stoic, as the soldier simply nodded slowly, answering with a calm, yet determinly strong voice.

"Sir, that is correct. I stand here and face these charges, on my own stead. I was the mission commander, my men were and are my responsibility. I made the choices, and they knew not what I did. This all stands on my shoulders, sir. I am prepared for whatever consequences arise from this hearing."

The young man's words easily were mimicked by his demeanor, as Jonathan stood in the centre of the room, and regarded each of the commitee members in such a way, that some of them could hardly believe the confidence this young man radiated. The charges read once more, in detail for the recorder's sake. Jonathan listened and simply nodded to each one, as he stood perfectly still, arms clasped behind his back, his blue eyes shown with a fierce determination.

When it was finally said and done, and young man still stood with the same fiery demeanor, yet inside he was truly beginning to become fearful. Fearful of losing all he had worked for, fearful of hurting his friends and comrades in arms, fearful of hurting Sean's Military career and family prestige, as a result of his own actions. So many possibilties came to mind, as Jonathan Michael pondered more so.

Red would be fine, he always was. He thrived on situations such as this and more than likely would have insulted several commitee members, and then flirt with the few ladies in attendance. More importantly, Red would be more inclined to forgive Jonathan in regards to the Lady Kairee. While Jonathan knew he hadn't done anything improper, as a man. Improper as a Soldier and Commander was another story entirely, and one Sean would be hard pressed to forgive Jonathan for such a transgression. Ever the Military man was Sean, and his family was a testament to that.

Every Jobehr male had served in some capacity in the Military, and his own Father Lord Duvalier Jobehr was one of the few to attain the rank of 'First Paladin' within the Order, and in fact had served in the field up until last year, finally retiring at the age of 62, and with 45 years of Military service no less. The man was an icon in every way, and Sean was his son. Hearings like this were no place for someone like Sean, and Jonathan knew that all too well.

One of the first things they were taught in the academy came to mind- 'Always take care of your men, on and off the field, for you are indeed your brother's keeper in many ways'. Jonathan was doing exactly that, he knew he had no family to concern himself with, no reputation. He was a soldier, albeit a chosen one, bordering on being considered an 'Avatar', the highest position any soldier could attain, but that was a matter for another time.

Jonathan M DeFranque

Date: 2008-01-03 20:44 EST
"Now that the charges have bene read and the accused has waived his right to counsel and furthermore waived his defense, entering a plea of 'Guilty' we will enter the disciplinary phase. The maximum penalty of course is thirty years in prison, but let us not get ahead of ourselves. Sir Jonathan, please excuse us. We have much to discuss, Thank you."

Once he was escorted outside the hearing room, Jonathan was seated at a bench and provided a proper detail, as two guards were stationed with him. The young men often tried to make pleasant conversation, and Jonathan tried his hardest to comply. In the end it was a failed effort, as the trio just sat there waiting. Jonathon still pondering his fate, and wondered what the commitee was thinking at that very moment...

"Thirty years! Have you taken leave of your senses!" He is an Avatar! The young man has been chosen since he was a boy, we cannot allow such a sentence to be handed down, let alone let the public catch wind of this!

"Agreed, counselor. If in fact this became public, imagine the ramifications. A 'First Paladin' no less, a candidate for 'Avatar' in this ordeal. Imagine what the church will have to deal with, let alone the Military. Whatever is done it needs to be discrete, and quickly commenced."

"You speak wisely, but know this....He was sent there, they knew what Kairee was to some degree, they understood the boy was only human. What did they expect to happen, as they tossed him, and his men to the wolves no less!" Rhy'din! That place is chaos abound, and look at what has happened!" There are far more to blame that just Sir Jonathan. We ne—"

"What we need to do, if in fact fine a way to help this young man, this 'First Paladin', this...Dare I say it prematurely...'Avatar'" That, in fact is what we need to do Ladies and Gentleman of this fine Commitee."

"Hold, sir!! Who dar— Lord Duvalier Jobehr!"

No other words came forth from anyone at that moment. In fact the only sounds heard were several gasps from the commitee members themselves, as the Veteran entered the chambers from a seldom used entrance towards the rear. A series of bows and salutes came forth, as Duvalier made his way towards the center of the chamber. Dark eyes of a steely design looked around the chamber, as Lord Jobehr soundly cleared his throat.

"I am here to speak on behalf of the accused, one Jonathan Michael DeFranque.

"Of course, S—Lord Jobehr, please. The floor is yours!"

"I thank you, Counselor Guisse. Ladies and Gentleman, I have had time to look further into the matter in regards to the actions of the accused, and I truly believe without a doubt the young man acted in the best interest of his own men, and in regards to the mission itself. Now before you say anything, please allow me to explain.

The mission was to in fact investigate the abnormalities in regards to the Nexus, specifically within the realm known as Rhy'din. As one of you touched base on, those who assigned the mission knew full well that Kairee of the Red Dragon was somehow tied to the Nexus itself, and did not divulge that information to Sir Jonathan, my son, or their comrade Red. In fact not one of the mission members knew this. And yes, I do have documents to support what I am advising you of, for those who are in fact curious.

So I put this to you all...If Jonathan and the others were to lead a recon team to look into this Nexus issue, and happened to come across something or someone verily tied to the same thing they were sent to investigate in the first place...What do you think would happen? Now I add, that this thing they encountered was an enchantress no less, and a fetching one! Jonathan fell, this much we know, but he fell to his own humanity.

He did not endanger his men, he in fact purposely left then unawares, as he tried to get close to the Lady, which was tied to the Nexus, which was part of his original mission parameter. He never lost himself to the point that lives were in danger, that the mission was completely compromised, granted it had been scrapped none the less, due to lack of activity. Which he soley accepts responsibility for. Now I can go into further detail, but as I speak to you all, each of you are being handed a small packet, please take a look at some of the details. I will give you a few moments." Silence took the stage, as each read his or her own packet. Some reacted openly, others shook their heads. One flat out face palmed himself, as his jaw went agape. After a bit of time, Counselor Guisse addressed his peers quietly, and then addressed Duvalier himself.

Jonathan M DeFranque

Date: 2008-01-03 21:23 EST
"Lord Jobehr, we have read what you have presented and understand this requires more looking into, than we were first lead to believe. Sir on behalf of this commitee, I thank you. But the fact is he must be punished, there must be a consquence for what he has done. At least the portions he had control over. But we cannot risk this information leaving this chamber, let alone subject Sir Jonathan to an openly viewed punishment, we—"

"I do have a suggestion, Counselor Guisse. If the commitee would permit?"

"Yes, please. We would hear your suggestion!"

"Larpa...Detail Sir Jonathan to Larpa."

"Larpa"! You mean that backwatered Village at the crossroads, the one beset by bandits, and agricultural issues? Th—"

"Larpa is near the border, its out of the way, it's small, and in fact we do have a contigent heading that way in a weeks time. But the thieves wi—"

"The thieves will meet with Delphynian Steel! It's perfect! A summary demotion, and a new appointment to the Larpa contigent! If anyone place can humble someone, it is Larpa. He will be busy indeed, a grand suggestion!"

"It is settled then, Sir Jonathan Michael DeFranque is to be demoted to 'Border Watcher 2nd class' and assigned to the Crossroad village of Larpa for an undetermined amount of time.

Duvalier bowed respectfully, and exited the chamber via the main entrance. Upon his exit, Jonathan sprang to his feet in total attention, as the Veteran approached, and embraced the young man in a tight hug.

"Jonathan, you have done my family such a service I cannot hope to repay it, but I have done what I could for the moment, it will be a long road, son. But I promise one day you will return to us, and I swear Sean shall not hear a word from me, save what you will have him know...I must go, son. But again, I thank you, and swear you have a place at our table for as long as you breathe. Be strong, as I am sure the Goddess is far from finished with one such as you."

Following that, Jonathan recieved his orders, and demotion and left for Larpa a week later. What transpired there, however. Is a tale for another time.

Jonathan M DeFranque

Date: 2008-01-05 09:40 EST
Present day, the Village of Larpa. Inside the office of Magistrate Johenosie, ranking Official within the Village.

"Good afternoon, Magistrate. Again I thank you on behalf of myself and the Order for taking the time to see me, especially on such short notice. I assure you that I shant take too much of your time, as I know you are indeed a busy individual."

A bow most respectful was given to the Magistrate, as Lord Duvalier righted himself once more, and awaited a reply of some sort. Truth be told, he half expected not to be seen at all, especially given the manner in which many of these outer rimmed magistrates conducted themselves and their operations. Many were of a cocky variety, and loved to keep themselves upon the small pedistal the Order had handed them. Of course there were those who were the expection of course, but again that is for another time.

Duvalier raised a brow, as he regarded the Magistrate once more. Given the way Johenosie was frozen in place, coupled with the somewhat open mouth that remained for a good half minute or so, one would think he had died. Of course we know that could not happen, as we would not rightly be able to continue, right' In any event, the Magistrate regained himself after a bit of time and came to a attentive stand. A severely serious salute was given to Duvalier, and with the speed of a cheetah Johenosie was beside the Veteran, pulling a chair for which he could have a seat. As Duvalier seated himself, Johenosie requested refreshments and then promptly seated himself in behind his desk across from Duvalier once more.

"Lord Jobehr, what a true surprise! You honor us with your presence. After all you were one of the heroes that made their stand just outside this village, in the Shale Valley. There is no need to thank me, I am here to serve as are we all. So how may I help you, Lord Jobehr, more so how may I serve the Order?"

Duvalier nodded to Johenosie, as the Magistrate spoke. He recalled what the magistrate had touched on, in regards to his service. That seemed like a lifetime ago indeed, as Larpa had been liberated decades ago. Still, this was not the time for a fond recollection. Duvalier offered a sincere smile to the Magistrate, as he set a folder upon the desk before him.

"That is good to hear, Magistrate. Also it is refreshing to see the changes that have occured in this Village. I see the added Military numbers, not to mention the agricultural incentives have brought more people to this region, and by the looks of the budget reports for this year, he changes will indeed benefit this village immensely. You have much to be proud about, Magistrate. The Order has indeed noticed your work. However, I am not here to stroke your accomplishments anymore than that, my friend. I am here for another purpose."

Talk about the look of a proud father of sorts, as Johenosie was literally beaming in reaction to Duvalier's words. Of course, when the other purpose was mentioned, it was back to business as the Magistrate nodded sagely. Refreshments were brought in, and set on the desk. With a waves motion the server was dismissed. After pouring a glass for Duvalier a glass, and then one for himself, he replied.

"Another purpose, Sir?"

"Yes, I am here for Border Watcher 2nd Class, DeFranque."

Jonathan M DeFranque

Date: 2008-01-11 18:59 EST
Jonathan! Jonathaaaaaaan! I have news, Sir Jonathan! The declaration of news caused Jonathan to lift his head, and look about the large garden he and the others had been tending to that early afternoon. As far as he could see, the voice seemed to come from the air itself, of course he knew that was not the case, as the voice was most definitely recognizable. T'was little Jeanne, the weaponsmith's daughter, but still the soldier could not see the young girl by any means, nor the little puppy that followed her everywhere.

Stabbing his shovel into the ground, the paladin grinned a bit to himself, as he thought back to the hide and seek games the children liked to play in the gardens. Reaching into his pocket for a hand towel , he then wiped his brow a bit and waited for another sign. Of course that didn't take too long, as stalks of corn began to shuffle violently, in a winding trail that looked to be directed to Jonathan himself, in response Jonathan braced himself and waited. And nothing happened... "Jeanne, where are you?" Nothing. No reply, not a response...Nothing. "Sir Jonathan!! This is no time for games! I have news!"

And in a near instant, the Paladin was started into a somewhat jump! It would be hard to believe, but it did in fact occur, and he was in fact taken by complete surprise, by this little girl and her uncanny abilities, of which more detail will come to light in furture readings. But for the moment, Jonathan recovered enough to somewhat chuckle, as plopped into an indian sitting position in front of Jeanne.

"Now Jeanne, my little Pucelle. Now that you have scared half the courage from my body, and nearly caused me to soil myself, what news do you speak of my dear?"

Plopping into an unceremonious indian sitting position in front of Jonathan, the young girl's eyes narrowed deftly, as she then looked left and right more than one. Her little puppy nearly doing the same in turn, which would look rather amusing, save the dead serious look that was plastered across Jeanne's face. Leaning closer to Jonathan, the Pucelle began to speak in a hushed tone.

"Sir Jonathan, someone has come for you! It's a Lord!"

A most puzzled look came across Jonathan, as he listened to the girl for a moment longer. His mouth opened in question, but was rightly cut off my Jeanne.

"It's Lord Duvalier! Do y— Keph! Keph!"

All Jeanne could do was break into a fit of coughs, as Jonathan stood quickly, then breaking into a dead heated run, kicking dirt square into her face! All that was left was the literal cloud of dust, that was left in the young Paladin's wake.

Two weeks later..

T'was early in the evening that night...The snow cast a rather serene blanket on the city itself, as roofs alike cast a near magical glow, due mostly to the atmopshere, and light of the moon. To him it didn't matter, as eyes of blue simply watched in amazement. From one extreme to the next, so they say. Just weeks ago, he was on boder patrol, a Border Watcher 2nd Class. But tonight, he returns here...To where it began and ended all too ubruptly, if you will.

The throngs of people didn't make it an easy for the coach, as they passed the Northern Gates. Still foward progress was better than no progress, and he planned to keep moving forward until this was all settled somehow. Leaning back in his seat, the young man closed his eyes and faintly smiled to himself...Sean and Red were here, waiting. Still they had no idea, and he could not wait. Others would no doubt be present as well, in some capacity or another. Lady Kairee and Lord Braxeus...His head shaking a bit, as he gave thought to that pair of beings. So much went awry the last time they had arrived here. This time however things would be much different, oh yes.

The coach came to a slowed stop, finally coming to rest in front of the grand fountain in the centre of the Market Place. The driver came about and opened, the door, as the young man exited quietly enough. A tip of coin passed to the older gentleman, who rightly went to work attempting gathering the young man's gatherings. Before he could begin, he was stopped and given further instructions on where to deliver the parcels. The young man nodded in assurance, as he slid on his sword belt, then hoisted a duffle bag on his shoulder.

The coach continued onward, as the young man glanced around the market more so. Scores of people came and went, as he blended along them, content with seeing what was to be seen.

Jonathan Michael DeFranque, First Paladin of the Order of Delphyne had arrived.