Topic: A Paladin's visit

Jonathan M DeFranque

Date: 2006-08-26 07:59 EST
Jonathan Michael DeFranque had finally arrived in Rhy'din, and it's in famous Red Dragon Inn. His time off had given 'The First Paladin' a chance to scope out the area, before other's had arrived. It was a strange turn of events, when he met Lady Shauri, who in turn mentioned Sir Briarius. Jonathan had not met Sir Briarius in person, but his reputation had indeed preceeded him in this event, none the less. So what Jonathan who was seeking a place to stay was offered a room at the Ravensheart School for the Gifted, he thought it a blessing from 'Delphyne' and took the opportunity.

The Directions were easy enough, as Lady Shauri was indeed very astute, and soon Jonathan found himself before the school. His pack over his shoulder as he thought to himself in regards to the way he had been recieved. Lady Shauri seemed truly.. Happy to see him, and welcomed him openly. He had also heard someone in the Inn mentioned that it had been a long while since a Paladin had returned. Jonathan had no idea about that, granted there were various classes of 'Holy Warriors' through the realms, that he found it hard to believe that none would openly come to this particular realm. Then again, he himself had not been in Rhy'din for well over twelve years, and even that visit was a short one.

Still all that aside, he was welcomed and offered a room and it would be rude to refuse such a gracious offer. So quietly, Jonathan walked to the main door of the school and took hold of the large rung and knocked loudly and waited. Maybe he could learn something of the area, from here before his work was to commence, and a chance to speak to Lady Shauri again would be nice, and or course the chance to be able to meet Sir Briarius could not be passed. So Jonathan Michael Defranque had begun his visit to the Ravensheart School for the Gifted.

Shauri

Date: 2006-08-26 17:37 EST
The enamored mood had preceeded her every thought that whole day, even before she'd met the Paladin. Angels did that to her. Paladins were nice, too. If there were any other Paladin's currently in RhyDin, she had never witnessed such a display so blatent, the holy aura so strong it was a tangible thing. At least, she hadn't these last few months since her arival back to RhyDin until now. It seemed so odd now that she thought about it.

He had walked into the Inn and you could feel it, several heads turned to look upon his entrance. It was very refreshing to see one, a real one, again.

It stirred her thoughts of training a corp of Knights again. Of course, that wasn't why He was here. The nexus had been the topic of debate, mostly between Kairee and herself batting opposite ends of the conversation. It annoyed Sha'uri and yet she found it rather amusing at the same time.

Indeed, it had been a pleasant surprise to find one who'd heard of Bri with what seemed to be a favorable light. She also couldn't get the name Delphyne out of her mind, wouldn't stop teasing her memory. Where had she heard of it before?

Upon her arrival back to the school, she contacted Melody to help her find Bri while she set up a room for their expected guest, putting him on the second floor of the living quarters, just down the hall next to her room on the other side of the stairs leading down to the kitchen. The room was much bigger then the rooms at the Inn, with a private bathroom to the side, fireplace and quaintly decorated.

After tucking Tina in bed, she went to the administration building to await the arrival. And it would be Sha'uri that answered the knock on the door, the smile warm as she stepped aside to let him in.

"Hello to you again, Jonathan. Come on in. I've sent word to Bri to expect your arival, but I don't know where he's at, currently. I've got some refreshment in the other room to the left there, if you want to wait a bit, or... I could show you your room now. It is late and I know you've probably come a long way."

Shauri

Date: 2006-08-26 17:38 EST
Her gaze shifted briefly towards the library wondering, hoping, but not daring. He, that dark angel, probably wasn't there anyway, gone on that trip dictated by Kairee no doubt. It bothered her though she hid it well. Bernie deserved a life better then that.

Sapphires shifted again, towards another location, checking on that precious little Tina. Sometimes, she didn't fall asleep right away and she would keep her senses tuned until she had. As it was, Tina was not fully into that dream state, anything could awaken her.

The soft hues returned to the Paladin ...

Jonathan M DeFranque

Date: 2006-08-27 07:29 EST
A great many thoughts passed through Jonathan's mind, as he waited patiently at the door. Foremost, the comments between Shauri and Kairee over the Nexus and it's activities as of late. Shauri seemed a most intelligent person, and definitely seemed to have had a grasp on what was going on.

Granted it was not exactly what he was here for, it was within the realm of chance to learn more about the happenings within the area as of late, especially given the increased activity around the Red Dragon Inn alone.
Also the way he had been greeted, and the talk of Paladins by those he had passed, he wanted to learn why others had not been around, and why they were so scarce to begin with. There were other things as well, but for the most part those ran about his head a bit. Hearing foot steps, the young Paladin straightened himself, and waited.

"Hello to you again, Jonathan. Come on in. I've sent word to Bri to expect your arrival, but I don't know where he's at, currently. I've got some refreshment in the other room to the left there, if you want to wait a bit, or... I could show you your room now. It is late and I know you've probably come a long way."

A warm smile and a low respectful bow were given to Shauri, as Jonathan replied in turn before moving inside.

"Lady Shauri, again it is truly a pleasure to see you once more, and thank you once again for your hospitality. I sincerely appreciate it more than you know."

Jonathan reached for his travel bags once more, and moved inside the door. A moment was taken as the young man, moved aside the door and set the bags down and offered a friendly smile, once more.

"A refreshment would be divine, so long as I am not imposing on you in regards to it. Also if you like, we could talk a bit. Granted it is late, but I find myself truthfully not so spent. I am sure you have questions, and I know I do as well. So perchance a drink and some talk might be in order? Unless you are tired, then by all means we can wait till the morn."

Shauri

Date: 2006-08-27 09:18 EST
"Oh I'm fine, Jonathan. Thanks but... I think I could dance til May!"

She chuckled and moved to the doorway ahead on the left, pausing to the side and motioned him in towards the waiting room and to a couch before the cozy fireplace where a coffee table of Mahogany, decorated with an offwhite lace doily, held a tray with tea and some cheese and crackers.

"Please, make yourself comfortable."

Realizing she still had her dark, mystical cloak on, the string was untied and the shimmering cloak removed, draped over the back of a nearby chair, covering as with a blanket of Night, while she followed him in and sat down at one end of the couch. The midnight blue of her dress lent a brightness to her sapphire eyes as she poured him a cup, then one for herself. A motion of her hand indicated the cheese and crackers, as well as the sugar, creme and honey.

"Help yourself. If you need more then this, It would be no trouble to provide you with a proper dinner. A snap actually."

She smiled mirthfully. Her own cup was lifted and she studied him, watched him keenly over the rim of her cup while she took a sip. Those eyes saw much and her senses knew even more. The cup was slowly brought down and her gaze was curious.

"Tell me about Delphyne. Have others of your Order come to RhyDin before? What is it that really brings you here?"

Briarius

Date: 2006-08-27 22:35 EST
The Headmaster enters, his black garb seeming to suck in all of the light. It was obvious the man was a necromancer. He had all of the trappings of one of the death casters, but the symbol of the life-death cycle made it also clear that he was not your typical necromancer, but more of a user of death's energy as a natural part of existence. He smiled at his guest and his pale blue eyes watched the knight.

"Greetings good sir and welcome to the Ravensheart School for the Gifted!"

Tina Storms

Date: 2006-08-29 19:38 EST
:: She shifted in her sleep as she dimly heard a few voices..they were quiet and calm so she drifted for a little...and thats when she heard Master Briarius::

"Greetings good sir and welcome to the Ravensheart School for the Gifted!"

:: She shot up a moment and then her eyes adjusted slowly...pushing back the covers a little she moved from her bed sleepily to ease her curiousity of who was visiting::

Shauri

Date: 2006-08-29 22:08 EST
"Ah and here he is. Jonathan, meet Briarius Ravensheart. Bri, this is Jonathan DeFranque, Paladin from Delphyne."

Her smile faded, though did not disappear as she felt something... and realized Tina was up and walking around.

"If you'll excuse me, I think my girl is up out of bed."

She didn't wait for an answer, just got up and moved to find Tina wandering around in a half sleepy state. She picked up the girl and hugged her close.

"Wanna meet a Paladin?" she smiled warmly.

Tina Storms

Date: 2006-08-30 12:55 EST
:: She returned the hug sleepily and slowly she nodded::

Sha'uri....whats..a...Pal...Paladin

:: She woke a little more curious thinking maybe its something important or special..her eyes slowly adjusted to the lit areas of the room and her large green eyes looked about::

Shauri

Date: 2006-08-30 14:56 EST
"A Paladin is a leader, a Champion of a cause, a Holy Warrior. They are so dedicated to their cause that nothing can sway them from their beliefs, at least not easily. It would be rare. They usually bring law and order, structure and purpose to a chaotic place and help those in need. They are great protectors and many revere them. And there are some who don't and would take pleasure in causing them to go against their beliefs just for the fun of it because they are too weak minded to understand and appreciate the dedication these paladin's put into their cause and the lives of those around them. It is an extremely difficult thing to live the life of a Paladin and they should be respected. Paladin's are usually aligned and in service to a God or Godess. They uphold that diety's mythos.. their beliefs."

She finished explaining as she walked back into the room with Tina in her arms.

Tina Storms

Date: 2006-09-02 09:54 EST
:: She nodded sleepily her mind tired from the couple of weeks of school...never has she learned so much::

So...he protects and helps...people like me?

:: She turned her sleeply gaze to Master Briarius after spotting him and gave him a sleeply smile and then she spotted the man and shyly she hid still feeling uncomfortable around strangers::

Jonathan M DeFranque

Date: 2006-09-18 06:51 EST
"Oh I'm fine, Jonathan. Thanks but... I think I could dance til May!"

Jonathan smiled warmly once more, and bowed respectively to Shauri. He then complied with her direction, and made his way into the waiting room. His eyes scoped the rather cozy room a moment, as he once more smiled to the young lady. He did not know quite what to make of such a fine reception, or even if he were truly worthy of one as well. Still, he was more than thankful for their hospitality and comfort.

"Please, make yourself comfortable."

Remaining as he was, Jonathan folded his arms behind his back and politely waited for Shauri. His eyes following her fuid movement, as she slipped off her cloak and settled it upon the chair. When she settled into the couch, Jonathan followed suit and smiled pleasantly once more, his eyes watching her once more, as she poured the cups. Taking note of the brightness in her eyes, and the graceful movements, she truly looked as she had said. Someone who could dance until May.

"Help yourself. If you need more then this, It would be no trouble to provide you with a proper dinner. A snap actually."

"Thank you so much, Lady Shauri. This is far more than enough for me, once again I truly thank you for all of your hospitality."

His cup gently lifted, as a slow sip soon followed. His eyes closed a moment, the liquid warming him near instantly. The favor attacked his senses with a delicate grace, as he found himself smiling once more. His eyes settling upon Shauri once more, noting she too had been watching him. A most pleasant smile offered to the Lady, once more as he nodded a bit.

"Tell me about Delphyne. Have others of your Order come to RhyDin before? What is it that really brings you here?"

Jonathan set his own cup down in turn and turned more so, to be able to face Shauri better, his hands folded upon his lap, as the young knight replied.

"First off, thank you so much. This has been an incredible reception, and I am truly thankful. Second, this is easily the best tea that I have ever had. That aside, she is the goddess of balance and the founder of our order. We exist to preserve balance in the realms that is sorely lacking, be it good or evil, we believe a delicate balance is required in order for things to progress as they were meant to be. Others of our order have indeed visited this realm, granted they were not under orders to do so, and I myself was here a few years ago when I was younger."

A moment taken to quietly gauge Shauri and her reactions. Jonathan offered a pleasant smile once more and continued.

"In regards as to exactly why I am here... There are those in our order who have grown concerned over recent activities in regards to the Nexus. We have registered several spikes in power if you will, many that have actually come from within the Red Dragon Inn, itself. And others that have been registered in various areas around the City of Rhy'din. We have also noted shifts in the planes, that may or may not be related to the Nexus itself. "

"The head council in the home capital of Kaitos had decided to dispatch a small investigation group to look into these concerns. My role is that of protection, and since I was in the area to begin with, I was sent ahead of the group and was asked to do a bit of recon. I must admit I was surprised my presence would cause such a stir."

"So in a nutshell, or so to speak that is what I am doing here."

Jonathan M DeFranque

Date: 2006-09-18 10:04 EST
"Greetings good sir and welcome to the Ravensheart School for the Gifted!"

Jonathan noted the voice the rose instantly, he then saluted and bowed deeply, he still had not spoken a word. He waited a few moments, and rose once more, as Shauri spoke.

"Ah and here he is. Jonathan, meet Briarius Ravensheart. Bri, this is Jonathan DeFranque, Paladin from Delphyne.

"If you'll excuse me, I think my girl is up out of bed."

"Sir Ravensheart, it is an honor to meet you in person. There are many in our Order who hold you in such high regards, sir. Your accomplishments, are spoken of fondly by those in the University. I must admit, I was amazed by some of the tales. You have done a great deal of good for the masses. Thank you for accepting me in your home, sir."

Jonathan bowed once more, as he rose his eyes settled to the doorway and the small bundle in Shauri's arms. A warm smile, as Jonathan approached them slowly, he saw the girl's tension and felt it as well. He smiled warmly and kneeled before Shauri and Tina.

"Well hello there, M'little Lady. My name is Jonathan Michael DeFranque and I am a Paladin for the 'Order of Delphyne', and I promise you have nothing to fear from me in any way, and if there is any way I can help you, you need but ask, young Princess."

He remained bowed before the ladies a moment longer, and rose to his feet slowly, and looked to each of the gathered and smiled once more.

"Thank you all once again."

Briarius

Date: 2006-09-18 19:44 EST
The Headmaster is obviously taken aback. He smiles at the praise.

"I only do what my heart tells me is right."

Shauri

Date: 2006-09-18 19:47 EST
"First off, thank you so much. This has been an incredible reception, and I am truly thankful. Second, this is easily the best tea that I have ever had. That aside, she is the goddess of balance and the founder of our order. We exist to preserve balance in the realms that is sorely lacking, be it good or evil, we believe a delicate balance is required in order for things to progress as they were meant to be. Others of our order have indeed visited this realm, granted they were not under orders to do so, and I myself was here a few years ago when I was younger."

It was a sweet smile she gave, one that was really hiding her embarrassment for the wrong, but thankfully unspoken, thought that Delphyne was just a place, and not a being. Half right isn't all wrong, right? The Order of Delphyne was sort of a place ... wasn't it?

She felt at ease, even homey, hearing of another God that stood for balance, her own father being one of them as well. Being quite familiar with the delicate balances, even beyond good and evil, she knew there were other factors involved ...

"I think I can understand your Goddess... Balance is often a delicate matter with variances that are often overlooked by most people. For example.... Chaos vs Law."

It was a delicate shrug of her shoulders given as she let him continue the rest of his answers. Though, it was what she felt was out of whack in RhyDin, generally speaking. Hadn't it always been that?

Yet as he continued she began to doubt herself. Rather, she began to see a connection not he, nor they, could have possibly known. As he continued to explain his visit to RhyDin, she seemed to sink deep in thought as she absentmindedly sipped her tea.

"So in a nutshell, or so to speak that is what I am doing here."

"Shift in the Planes?", she was concerned, maybe even worried and certainly intrigued by the thought.

"Perhaps, it's possible...." a pause as if she were debating what she would say about it. She stuttered her flow of words as if thought and speaking were suddenly difficult to do at the same time with the way her mind raced.

"Maybe... or... well, I'm not sure how to put it. I don't know what... well, what consequences there were ... or could be ... that is... I mean, a whole Plane of existence muting back into a ... universe, then ripped away by something, leaving a system... I guess it's possible ... especially if portals were in place between said plane and RhyDin.... any of the many RhyDin's. It could possibly cause or add to the problem. It's a complicated subject when talking about the parallels."

No more could she say as Bri walked into the room and her smile was back again. She wondered how much Bri overheard their conversation and wanted to test theories with him on this. But ... later as she made those introductions and left to get Tina.

Entering back into the room, Tina in her arms, she answered the girl with a soothing whisper, the warm smile widening to show pearly whites.

"Especially so..."

She watched Jonathan approach, appreciative of his care for the girl, though she could never get used to the kneeling before her thing, amazingly enough ... there it was the slight blush and the only sign to that touch of embarrassment beneath that gracious visage.

"Tina, say hello Jonathan. Jonathan, this is Tina Storms, our Princess here at Ravensheart." a soft chuckle as she hugged Tina briefly and set her down.

"Well, actually, she was an orphan when I found her at the Inn a few weeks ago. Lady Wyheree had been paying for her room, but I couldn't leave her there. We've been caring for her here ever since."

Her gaze shifted to Bri, lingering with contemplation upon him for a moment before returning her gaze to Jonathan, who was standing by now.

"Anytime, Jonathan. Perhaps Master Bri will allow you to bring back the rest of your men when they arrive in another week."

The unspoken question was obvious as she gazed to Bri again.

Briarius

Date: 2006-09-18 21:57 EST
"Oh...of course."

The Headmaster looked at Tina briefly and smiled.

"...and if you need any assistance, you need but ask."

Shauri

Date: 2006-09-19 18:45 EST
Her hand slipped gently over Tina's shoulder, though it was a subconscious act. Her gaze danced with mirth between Bri and Jonathan, obviously pleased. Her voice held a touch of that sing song melody.

"Why do I feel like champagne? Anyone else want some?"

She focused her magic upon the table, summoning a tray with a very exceptional bottle of champagne and a bottle of sparkling white grape juice, and four glasses. Moving over to the couch, she sat down and began to pour.

Tina Storms

Date: 2006-09-19 19:45 EST
:: She looked at the sparking grape juice with interest a moment before turning to the Paladin and Master Briarius::

thank you....I promise not to be a handful.ohhh.....Sha'uri I...am getting close to the...end of that book!

:; She smiled happily::

Shauri

Date: 2006-09-19 21:33 EST
Her eyes light up into a beaming smile, proud of the girl.

"See? Already? I can't keep up with you. Already.. that is something to celebrate."

She poured her a sparkling grape juice and handed her the glass.

"Here you go, hun. Now be careful. Anyone else?"

Tina Storms

Date: 2006-09-20 16:44 EST
:: She carefully takes the sparkling grape juice and takes a sip smiling she hums away listening to the adults now that she was awake::

Jonathan M DeFranque

Date: 2006-09-26 05:20 EST
Jonathan smiled warmly as he listened to the various exchanges. This was something he truly missed since leaving the Capital city of Kaitos. Living from outpost to outpost, and mission to mission made him very fond of moments such as this.

"Again, I thank you all for your hospitality and assistance. It means a great deal. I am sure my comrades will appreciate it just as much, there should only be a few so we should not be too much of a burden, and I will gladly assist you here in your School as well."

Eyes of sky blue set upon little Tina as Jonathan took to a knee once more and looked to the child with yet another warm smile.

"Princess Tina, was it? That is a very suiting name, for you are indeed as magestic and pretty as any princess could hope to be. And an avid reader as well? Reading is a wonderful way to pass time, I find myself doing a great deal of that lately. I must admit, being here makes me wish I had been able to at least have attended a place such as this. Granted I am thankful for my course in life, and I love what I do. I imagine an atmopshere such as this would have been a joy."

Rising once more, Jonathan bowed to Sha'uri, his arm set across his chest as he did so. As he rose, he found himself smiling yet again and feeling much more relaxed.

"I would truly love a glass, thank you."

Briarius

Date: 2006-09-26 07:36 EST
The Headmaster watched the exchange and smiled.

"None for me thank you."

Tina Storms

Date: 2006-09-26 12:29 EST
:: She blushes and giggles behind that glass of hers smiling to the man::

I love reading! I can learn so much from those pieces of paper its amazing...going into world and places without ever having to leave...learning about magic...ohh its so exciting!

:: she giggles again and sips at her glass::

Shauri

Date: 2006-09-26 20:53 EST
That smile couldn't be wiped from her face, watching that little giggle bug get so excited.

She suddenly got the mental image of Tina in about ten years ... and Sha'uri beating the line of men away with her mother's infamous ugly stick.

If it weren't so soon after, Sha'uri would've shared that thought with Bri, hoping he'd get a laugh out of it. She knew someday he might. Just not now, though. Or had that thought already occurred to him? She wondered as she caught him smiling yet perhaps it was for the little chatterbox Tina was turning out to be tonight. It was good to see her be outgoing, far better then what she'd been when she first arrived to the school.

"All right then."

She inclined her head graciously, pouring another glass of sparkling grape juice. It was hard to tell if Jonathan meant the juice or the champagne. Some paladin's drank light alcohol, such as wines and ale's, some didn't at all. She couldn't remember if he had or not earlier in the Inn. In light of that, she picked up one of each. Then holding them out to him one at a time respectively, she smiled quizzically.

"Juice or Champagne?"

Waiting until he took one, she then made sure she had that Champagne. Then she lifted her glass, a silent salute... then sipped the bubbly liquid, wiggling her nose as it tickled. It was her turn to giggle.