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Post by Nadia on Jul 22, 2018 13:56:41 GMT
*scratched on a piece of paper with a small pencil*
Well finally did it. The others didn't want to help so I did it myself. But my preparation was off, let my feelings get ahead of my thinking and didn't plan my exit very well. Tripps trying to humiliate me is amusing, I know I messed up and so what the act was done it didn't matter if I got caught or not. They can do what they want, this Militia is not what it should be anymore. This would never have been tolerated, a guardsmen going off alone so much to another town making friends with elves and wytches. Wilkes has it all wrong talking about Raiden. That guy is so full of himself it's sickening, flirting with everything in a skirt, I don't even know what Aries sees in him. Ever since Wilkes got with that footman, now Rookie, he's had his head in the clouds; he's not Sergeant material and I've not been shy telling him that. Sure he'll make a big show of how he can be now, on me probably, well its too late.
Tripps trying to get Wilkes to stop Borgio seeing me, yeah good luck with that, you idiots have no idea about him. When someone has gone to the depths of the Abyss to find you there is nothing they wouldn't do for you. I remember him telling me that on the day he came back to Yew. Of all the men I have dated he is the only one who has stayed true, not been killed or disappeared never to be seen again or go off with some Rookie, Bladius. Siuan was lucky I didn't stab her when I saw her but that was in the past and he got with that other wench anyway. Would have liked to have seen Siuan's reaction to that, payback is a bitch.
These cells are rubbish and small, all that space out there and this tiny thing. I get it it's meant to be cramped, good thing I'm short. I bet they're all fawning over Aries now instead of seeing I did my job in trying to rid Yew of a traitor.
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Post by Nadia on Jul 22, 2018 17:36:17 GMT
I can't believe it, I wont. Why Borgio? Why are you doing this to me? I thought you would stand beside me, at least you would when everyone else is being so damn foolish. I wasn't wrong was I? No, I'm never wrong about these things. Just this damn Militia going backwards. Allowing people to be friends with such things because oh we're allies. I'll wait for you Borgio, I know you'll see sense.
Tripps was trying his best to get to me, going on about how I should have kicked the others out of the division and they're all sleeping around still. He left before he could hear me shouting how I didn't get my division by default like he did. He's nothing like Sineal and he'll never match Master Garret. I told him if Lewis was still here I wouldn't be in this stupid cell, he would have said straight that I was doing my job, infact she would have been dead long ago. She's still alive not like poor Nina... killed by a Sergeant and covered over so not to cause an embarrassment. 
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Post by Nadia on Jul 26, 2018 12:39:26 GMT
I don't know what the hell Kros was thinking, the bloody ejit... When I saw him there outside the cell I thought he'd come to gloat or get pay back for the time he was in here and I tortured him. But no, he said about breaking me out and sailing me to some island. I had expected that kind of talk from Borgio not him. I looked past him to the shadows and there just as I thought an Advocate was standing and heard everything. I was taken out of the cell and portalled to Cove quicker than you could imagine and stuck in a tiny walled cell that Raiden obviously thought was amusing. Really? I've been tortured by Undead, enslaved by Yellers and you think a little walled cell would upset me?
But I was to be surprised again when that Watchman who was an elf took me out and put me into one of the other cells. She explained to me she had been indisguise, I wasn't sure what to think but she fed me some chicken and said she understood what it was like to be imprisoned. But there was also some fortune in me being in Cove, as luck would have it Samuel was there in the tavern, just the man I needed to see.  I know Trinsic are neutral and knew they would be exactly the people I needed right now. Wilkes is too embroiled in being Mister Nice Guy and his friendship with Raiden is too much for him to have anything but a bias attitude. I hope he's not at the trial or leading it.  After speaking to Samuel he tried to get me transferred to Trinsic but sadly his lack in any rank didn't help and despite the crime occuring in Trinsic his plea fell on deaf ears. That and all the Officers were either asleep or busy else where, maybe he'll have more luck another day but I doubt it.  He did however give terms that I wasn't to be harmed or at least beaten senseless. I did warn them if they hurt me too much that Borgio would bring the fleet round and level the place... I've not seen him since the other night.. he wouldn't abandon me, surely... The Watchman was questioned then about moving me. Apparently she'd done it against orders. I'm not sure why she'd do that for a stranger, maybe she has some hidden grudge against Aries too. I don't blame her the goody two shoes is sickening and people fawn all over her like she's some princess.  At least with Samuel on my side I'll have some hope of a fair trial. I can't believe the Militia has come to this.. buddying up out of fear that Vesper might get the better hand, is that it? When did we become so pathetic and dependent on others? When did we lose our integrity? All I can think of is it's these new guards who served under Bladius, he has a lot to answer for...
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Post by Nadia on Jul 27, 2018 10:06:01 GMT
Had a visit from the new Inquisitor wanting my written statement. He took me into the Covian's torture room to take it from me, perhaps for some privacy from the on lookers. What a room it was all set up for torture, so many implements I could put to use back in Yew; it put our own cells to shame. I thought back to that time of Kros being in the cells and others like him, whips no longer seem to be used these days despite our laws we let people come to Yew and mock us. Footmen allowed to get away from not wearing their coif because the Sergeant takes a liking to them.
I was told I would have to plead guilty to avoid hanging, if it was not for Borgio returning perhaps I would have taken that option instead of living in a time like this. But listening to the Father's words gave me an idea, he said my case would be looked at properly and the actions of Aries investigated. Perhaps I could count on the church after all they at least haven't grown soft.
Back in my cell and I see the fake elf again and Hoagie. I great him with a smile, and a teasing line of rubbing his head, his looks have changed a lot in these years bald head and bushy beard. He seemed unsure of why I was in the cell and I sensed a certain dislike to the idea of it. I told him about Aries and her being with Raiden and how she left the Waywatchers and if she was that committed to him then surely she'd leave Yew as well. I said that I would have if I was her and that her reluctance was suspicious. Perhaps she was spying on them all as they were all so fond of her. Hoagie seemed to think on this and the fake elf lass ate the idea up like a sweet pumpkin pie helped to put the doubts in his head. Aries was after all a Waywatcher and that ability and want to gather information doesn't die out easily. I just hoped there was enough time left for those words to sink in and be spread about to others.
I settled back down for another night, seems I am not to be moved until Sunday when I am taken to the Yew courts. I hope they give me a chance to wash and change before then, this robe is really beginning to smell bad and sores have developed on my wrists from these chains.
(forgot to take screenshots, everything in italics is Nadia's internalised thoughts).
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Post by Nadia on Jul 28, 2018 0:23:29 GMT
I could feel the time drawing nearer... although it was hard to tell night from day in that cell so I decided to check. One of the younger Covian churchmen came to see me and I decided he would be the right one to give my information to. My confession didn't start off too well, still had the memory of Hoagie coming to see me and I couldn't help but tease him. The young Churchman wasn't having any of it though so I turned serious again, as he came closer to the cell I whispered to him in the hope he might do something....maybe it will work maybe not he's a low rank with little power but at least it might stir something, rumours to the church are like drops of dew to a parched ground. The young guardswoman in cell was interesting, not sure I've ever met someone so pious but when she said she had been training to be a Templar it became clear. Bless her she asked what I meant about Hoagies second head.. she blushed so red.. I can see why she's friends with Aries both young and innocent. I hope they never have to face what I have... 
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Post by Nadia on Jul 31, 2018 16:56:36 GMT
Cove? They were going to let Cove church have me? This is exactly what I've thought, Yew are losing ground we are becoming weak and now even our church seems to bend to the will of theirs. How did that even happen? Probably that new inquisitor who didn't know how to run a court case and when poor Sam asked to see the evidence he was thrown out. Larynda didn't bring up about the elf or the Wytches.. it all seemed to fall apart and again banging on about Raiden. I caught they were ordered to marry or serperate so can guess what the outcome of that will be. Aries will get her wish in the end.
When I heard that judgement I knew something was wrong, there was no way I was allowing Cove to get their hands on me not after the near disaster in their cells so I turned to Samuel in the hope Trinsic could offer me safe haven. Afterall I committed the crime in their town and they were denied me as a prisoner.  Samuel wasn't sure what his Governess would say but put me up in his old house for the time being. I promised I would stay there and I had no intention of making a runner. For now Trinsic is the safest place for me, under guard by two of their Paladin. Poor Sam was being laughed at for the attack happening there but there wasn't many of the Watchmen on duty and with the lands at peace they had no reason to suspect an attack would happen. I did apologise to him for causing so much trouble and at least now I am showing them I mean Trinsic no harm.
I was allowed to have Borgio come and stay with me that evening. It felt good to be held by him and I felt my tension disappear again. How anyone could think I would risk ruining our life together. I knew he would be there for me after it all. In the morning I was moved from the house and taken to Paladin Island where I must spend the rest of my time learning about the virtues from their teachers. I already know the damn virtues but the Paladins are kind and friendly and much better to be around than the church. They have given me the end bed and put some screens around to give me some privacy. I am learning about humility first... fitting I guess. They have suggested a pilgrimage of the Shrines after, maybe I'll ask Sam if he wants to come along or Borgio but he'd rather us sail than walk.
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Post by Nadia on Aug 2, 2018 23:00:53 GMT
Borgio came to see me today he told me about all the goings on in Yew. I can't say I wasn't angry at first to hear Wilkes has just allowed Aries to waltz back into the division when she left of her own accord and Sparrow being accused of attacking a Covian. She's not silly enough to do something like that and be recognised... no maybe that job falls down to me. I said to Borgio about how maybe I'm just getting to old to be in a division that relies on an athletic body and clear mind. I've so much baggage that I carry on my shoulders the slightest irritation sets me off these days. The Paladins have me performing some meditation techniques every night before sleeping and first thing in the morning. I don't know if its that or the sun and warm air but Borgio said I seemed calmer, I think it was just because he was sat beside me for a time. I told him about the lesson I had on Honor as that will be the first shrine I visit. Its not honourable to use poison on an opponent because it weakens them in a false way instead of through the use of swordmanship. Its not honourable to disarm an opponent because taking away their blade equally gives you a false advantage. Its not honourable to hide and sneak and attack from the shadows because your opponent should have fair warning and attacking an unarmed opponent is wrong. Borgio said it is just the Paladins way to fight like that, in a real fight you can't count on the other person not to fight dirty... what I did wasn't a real fight though... 
Tomorrow I will gather some supplies for the journey and Samuel will be joining me along some of the route to ensure my safety as I will be without weapons. Borgio has agreed to sail us to the other shrines that are located on Islands.
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Post by Nadia on Aug 4, 2018 22:07:03 GMT
Started on my pilgrimage today... I didn't expect it to effect me but the further we travelled the more the teachings of the virtues weighed on me. I had never really taken much notice of them before.. I figured they were just made up to let churchies and people like the Paladins feel all holy about themselves. The young initiate with me kept making it more pointed with her constant reminders of the real teaching behind them. Her knowledge on that might be good but she was worse than a trainee when we were faced with any real danger. Running off when she was injured and not knowing what to do.
We walked with Sam first down to the first shrine south of Trinsic where Borgio met us with a ship so we could sail to the next three shrines.  At each shrine I read out the teachings I had been given and we spent a while reflecting on what it meant and how I had failed to abide be the virtues in my crime. Its funny thinking on it as that now... so determined in my duty to do what I thought was right. Sam also seemed reflective about his past and Borgio tried his best to support me and ease my worries.  When we reached the main land again we settled down for a late meal before finding somewhere safe to stay the night. Sam didn't much fancy trying to sleep in a tree so we headed down to the hunters huts and slept there ready to continue our journey the next day.
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Post by Nadia on Aug 12, 2018 21:59:50 GMT
*settles on a chair back on Paladin island*My feet and back ache from the final stretch of the pilgrimage. The land part turned out to be far treacherous than the sailing despite the Islands we visited, perhaps it was because Borgio wasn't with us or my lack of weapons that made me feel so vunerable. Elsie did her best to defend against the monsters we faces as did Samuel but it was too much for the young Initiate when she found herself toe to toe with a Gargoyle. I tried my best to heal her but it was too much, like many of the monsters in these lands they have become stronger and more vile. I will offer a prayer tonight for her soul.
We walked from Minoc to the first shrine in Compassion desert where I explained the strangeness of Compassion. Its a false virtue but we so often ask for compassion on ourselves for our wrongdoings.. I realised that was what I was asking to be forgiven which requires Compassion and the Avatar church does not believe in it.
We then walked the long trek North into the Yew woods. It felt good to be within them again, the familiar smell of the trees and the land beneath my feet. I realised the closer we got to Stonekeep how much I missed being home. I missed my house near the sea where I spent the evenings with Borgio. I recalled to Samuel much of what had happened in Yew, about the border wars with Nihon and where I had been captured and taken as a slave for their fields. That was a long time ago when I was still a footman.
Our walk to the final shrine was the longest by which we were both bone tired and aching. Spirituality.. I stood on the steps, closed my eyes and muttered the mantra that was told to me by the Paladins. When I opened them I was stood on the platform in the middle of the pond and I felt a lightness, all the weight from my shoulders had lifted away and there was complete calm.. peace. I stayed there for a time in that quiet moment as everything else faded away and then I saw it clearly... myself as someone else.. someone I used to be with bright golden hair and a genuine smile. I thought it was Aries at first but realised it was a younger version of myself before I became a Waywatcher.. before I became a Rookie... was it possible to turn back time and become who I used to be? - Maybe there is hope. The image disappeared and as back standing beside Samuel he look confused and I decided not to tell him what I saw only that I'd meditate on it.
Finally we returned to Trinsic tired from our journey and hungry. I thanked Samuel for guarding me and went to tell the sad news to Elsie's Commander and said my prayers before turning in for the night. 
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