Topic: Rhy'din bound once more, to meet the Clandestine.

Jonathan M DeFranque

Date: 2011-10-15 18:57 EST
The settlement of "Bont", which is a small farming community, settled to the South West of Rhy'din proper. Roughly a three day ride or so, as the horse gallops.

In the center of the village, we find several tables set about a bonfire. People, sing and dance, as they welcome the preparations for the coming planting season. Music plays on, as the scent of freshly cooked meats, carries upon the light fall breeze. Children are at play, as adults chatter it up, to the likes of having not seen one another in so long, despite the small village feel.

Everyone it seems is enjoying the festivities to no end.

Save one, particular individual. This particular individual, is seated quietly a bit from the others, and does not seem to carry the festive nature that the rest of the gathered are freely showing this wondrous night.

From the looks of the lad, against the rest it was also easy to see, that this young man was not a local by any measure. The blonde hair, settled upon his shoulders, made that much apparent. Of course, toss in the fair skin, and blue eyes and it was a lock.

Fortunately, it was also easy for man seeking this particular young man. The stranger walked up, offering no greet what so ever, and simple addressed the man.

"Sir Jonathan, I presume?"

?""." There was no reply from the young man, who simply stared at the most impressive bonfire.

"Forgive me sir, I am looking for Sir Jonathan Michael DeFranque."

"Then you seek a man, who no longer carries that name, and more so, you have found him. So state your business, and then kindly leave this place."

"Leave this place" Why would I do that, sir?"

"Because, the Order has no place here to seek anyone, and more so if you do not, I can assure you, these locals will see that you do."

"Sir Jonathan, please do not do this. I've been sent here for you to simply view something. Look at what I have, and then make your decision, sir."

The stranger offered a sealed envelope to Jonathan, who bade him to sit.

As the man sat, Jonathan, tore the envelope open, and began to read. A somewhat frown took form, as he went through the traditional "butt kissing" greeting, the clergy so often were fond of using. That was one thing he did not miss in regards to the capital city of Kaitos.

That out of the way, he moved on to the next paragraph. A raised brow of blonde took hold, as the young man somewhat gasped aloud. He read, and read yet again. A shake of head ensued, as he looked directly to the stranger.

"Your crest, show it to me now."

"Sir Jonathan, what do you mean?"

"Do not toy with me. I have not been away from the Order, so long that I have forgotten. Show me your crest, now."

The stranger looked rather taken back somewhat, as Jonathan watched him carefully. Slowly the man reached into his coat and pulled what looked to be a small pocket watch. Its chain still attached to the inside of said coat, as he slowly turned it, so its back faced Jonathan.

Quickly, Jonathan reached over, taking the watch in hand. A trace of thumb against the back of the watch, as the eyes of the man watched the young man intently. The reaction of Jonathan's action was nearly instant, as the watch began to glow softly. His thumb removed, as Jonathan eyed the back of the watch once more to now see what he had waited to see.

It was the crest of Delphyne herself, the Goddess of Balance for the Order. A nod took hold, as Jonathan released the watch once more, letting the man tuck it back into his own coat, as the Paladin addressed him once more.

"So what I have read is true, and we are needed once more, and more so, Delphyne herself, has asked this of myself, and my men."

The other nodded, "Very much so, Sir Jonathan! You are hereby reinstated, and more so, are fully recognized by the Order once more, as are your men."

"I never cared for the recognition of men and women dressed in soft robes, cradled far away in the capital. What I cared for, was doing my duty for Delphyne. They can take their recognition, and choke on it."

"Sir Jonathan! You left the Order, and more so walked away from Delphyne."

"Did I" I wonder. I mean, if she had truly taken her gifts from me, would I have seen her crest' Would your masters seek me out, and ask this of me, and my own" No I think not. Delphyne knows more than they give her credit for. She never left me. I instead, left her servants, and she knows this. So I will respond to Rhy'din once more."

"That's blasphemy!"

"Then go back and tell your masters, for all I care. Or maybe they can come and deal with things themselves, hmm?"

The man said nothing else.

"So all of this is happening in Rhy'din, all at once, right' The Betrayer's return" Ravenlock's descent' Wanton chaos and now, eight murders as well" Incredible surges of power all around, and a host of sadistic persons making wreaking havoc, too?"

"Well, Sir Jonathan, that is putting it rather basic, but yes. The Order asks you to offer aid to the Scathachian Nation, as they believe many of these events seem to center about them. Do what you can, and —-"

"I think instead, we will meet with this "Clandestine Order" and assist them."

"But that is the Order founded by ——"

"I know, and after seeing what they have begun, I dare say this is where we will be needed most. Send word to the capital, this is my decision. Send word to Sean, and Red. Have them, gather their men. We meet on the morrows eve, and make for Rhy'din. "

Pushing from the table, Jonathan rose to his feet and took his leave. The other man, had done the same, save he literally ran for his mount.

Jonathan knew whatever occurred un Rhy'din, it was large enough to gain Delphyne's attentions, and more so must have been dire for her to send him such a vision, as he had spoken to the messenger.

Renna, Ravenlock, the gathering of powers, known and unknown. The rise in heroes, and the brutality each side began to show, told him more than he needed.

The imbalance was staggering, and he and his own would have to offer what aid they could in helping with that.

And it would begin with the Clandestine Order of Scathach.

After over three years away, Jonathan Micheal DeFranque would return to Rhy'din.