Black Knight

No good can come of that man being here. He is a walking nightmare. [ Closed RP | Member of Outrealm Gates ]

[blackknightofdaein]

So I will go ahead and state while I remember that I'm intending on going on a hiatus until a bit after next month. Maybe around the 10th? That seems safe. Colossalcon is coming up, and with that as well as me last minute preparing for that, I've done a horrible job at getting to replies. Sorry about that!!

So from now until then, Zelgius, Shinon, Frederick and Hector may be a bit more scarce than usual even.

Also, welcome to the group Pelleas! I had tried to send you an ask but it seems like tumblr refuses to let me.

[blackknightofdaein]

Go Back To Daein (You Filthy Animal) || Ike & Zelgius

[heroicswordsman]

Wary eyes watched as Zelgius nearly reached for his blade, slowly inching his fingers to his Ragnell. However, the hand hovering at the handle twitched when he heard the Black Knight’s voice again, stopping to stare at him despite the other not making any eye contact.

The more Ike listened to him, the more the disbelief he had was apparent from the look on his face. The same words repeated in his head: ‘No resistance… no fight at all…’ As if he was trying to figure out what it all meant.

"What are you getting at," he spoke under his breath, breaking the silence. "That it was all just… an accident?" Maybe he still didn’t understand it, but he certainly wasn’t the young, naive rookie he was when his father was still alive.

"If that day was all for a challenge, then does that mean you didn’t… want to kill my father?” This time, his voice was in a tone that wasn’t like his; it was louder, more emotional and he couldn’t believe the words that just came out of his mouth either. He refused to believe it. This time, he wasn’t going to hold back his anger. “It doesn’t change the fact that you killed him!”

Ike wasn’t going to go after him, nor did he had the urge to. If Zelgius did not want to fight, then he really didn’t see the point of it. Yelling was fine too.

[blackknightofdaein]

Zelgius forced the harshness of the memory from his mind, standing tall and holding onto the seriousness in his expression. But the pain of the past was heavy, as was his chest at that moment.

"I will only say what I already have, son of Gawain," the knight spoke with a certain strength in his voice. One that was loud, that wished to be heard.

"I approached your father for a fight to prove my worth as his student. Instead I was given his death, and an uncertainty in my skill and choices... That is all."

[blackknightofdaein]

Go Back To Daein (You Filthy Animal) || Ike & Zelgius

[heroicswordsman]

Ike didn’t move where he was, his glare stayed fixed on Zelgius. Even if he did drew his sword, Ike would’ve done the same in a split second- luckily, he always had Ragnell at his side in case someone like the Black Knight would do such a thing.

Not even when Zelgius raised his voice unnerved him- however, there was something the knight had said that got Ike’s interest. “… Mess up? What do you mean?” The only guess he could come up with immediately was the day he had witnessed his father’s death. Just the thought of it made him clench his fist harder. This whole time Ike had thought it was all intentional and would still like to believe that was true.

"How was that a mess up?" His tone changed to something more demanding yet unconvinced.

[blackknightofdaein]

Zelgius remained watchful, his disbelief hidden within. "Hah..." His head turned away, no matter how cocky it was to do so when an armed man stood before him. "You never did understand... Did you? You were far too young when it happened..."

His blade was resheathed, and his fingers slipped away from the handle. It seemed as though Zelgius no longer had any intention of being the first to strike.

"That night I challenged your father to a duel and nothing but. He was my teacher... Just like you, he was the one who made me what I am. But almost as if it was nothing... he left Daein. So I rose to take his place as the strongest soldier in the army, and when the time came that I knew that challenging him one on one was the only way I would know if I had reached my goal..."

Zelgius turned, leaving his back to Ike as he continued. "When I struck at your father, he did not retaliate. He put up no resistance...  No fight at all... I thought I knew him and his movements, and was proven incorrect. I went to your father for a challenge and hoped to provoke him to fight me. That is all."

[archery-and-hairties]

Unnecessary Reunion || Zelgius and Leonardo

The blonde gnawed on his bottom lip, feeling rather self-conscious. He wasn’t quite sure how to treat the other… Even if they had fought together on the same side and Zelgius had saved his hide once or twice, he didn’t know how to act. Which posed a great issue to him.

Nevertheless, this man was an ally and one of the first people he had seen in a long time that he was acquainted with. And it would be for the best to stay on good terms, yes?

"That’s good to hear, sir. I myself am doing quite well, just the usual." Leonardo paused again, before continuing.

"Last I have heard of Micaiah, she was alive and well. She is still working hard with keeping Daein in check… It is safe to assume that she still is doing well."

[blackknightofdaein]

"I see… Very well, then." 

Silence remained for a likely uncomfortable time. If one thing could be said for the knight’s social knowledge, it was likely that it was severely lacking. 

Reaching up and grabbing hold of his own helmet, Zelgius removed it from his head. He felt there was no need to hide for long periods of time at this point in his life. He also knew well that the child would view him no differently without it.

"It is reassuring to hear that everyone is well. I will presume that you are no longer traveling with her after hearing your last answer… What have you been doing since the war’s end?"

[archery-and-hairties]

"A friend of the maiden... It seems it has been a while since I last saw any of you."

Leonardo narrowed his eyes, recalling seeing the man in front of him on the battlefield. He had helped keep Micaiah safe, and he was grateful for that, but otherwise, he hadn’t spoken with him much. After all, he was one of the four Riders, and was once a very important General of Daein, which made approaching the other difficult for himself. He took a moment to recall his name. 

"Ah, yes, it has." he answered, before giving a slight inclination of his head in respect. Why was he even communicating with an archer like him, even if he was of noble upbringing-? It didn’t matter for now, anyways.

"Quite some time has passed… May I dare ask how you fare?"

[blackknightofdaein]

Zelgius took note of the archer's hesitation in responding, but it came as no surprise. No matter what the knight was to someone, whether it be friend or foe, he was commonly feared. A man of his size and power often was.

Having traveled with the Dawn Brigade only a brief time, and having done so at the request of his master, he did still appreciate the treatment he received from most of the members of the group. They may have became an enemy to him in the end, but he held no actions against them. Seeing the familiar face still seemed refreshing.

His voice came muffled through his helmet, but was no less understandable. "I have fared well, all things considered. And you, sir? I am to be certain the maiden is living well, also?" 

[ichijoux-deactivated20140908]

Faces From the Past || Zelgius and Mist

"I-I… I still can’t forgive you for what you did! You’re still a horrid person!"

Mist’s voice was shaky and with every step forward that Zelgius took, Mist would feel more at risk around him. However, she suddenly came to a halt. Her legs were frozen. Why won’t they move?!, she thought. Being the timid girl she is, she wanted to cry. She wanted Ike. Where was her big hero when she needed him? Taking a risk, she held her staff out in front of her and pointed it at Zelgius, though not exactly straight since her hands were trembling.

"Stay back! I’m warning you!"

[blackknightofdaein]

Zelgius stood in place, watching the young girl calmly. Would she realize that he meant no harm, or continue to cower? "I expect forgiveness from you no more than I expect it from your sibling, child of Gawain. Your anger is justified. However..."

Zelgius' brow lowered, his eyes remaining on hers. Was he amused by her threat? "What do you intend to do? Fight me off on your own? It seems a foolish thought."

[blackknightofdaein]

[ High-Pitched Screaming ] || Gatrie & Zelgius

[gatrieinthehouse]

"… W-wasn’t that… the Black Knight?" He tried his best not to make his voice crack again. "The same guy who killed Greil? Is that-" His eyes widened for finally realizing it. No way. It couldn’t be! Was this really the same guy?!

"I-I thought Ike already defeated you!" At least… He was sure that’s what happened.

[blackknightofdaein]

Zelgius scoffed, turning his head away from the knight. "How expected of the lot of you to view me as nothing but his father's killer... You all know so little, but act so high and mighty..."

"It would not be the first time your leader had thought such a thing... He may not be a fool, but his strength greatly outmatches his intelligence."

[blackknightofdaein]

"Hello Dark Knight. Or Black Knight. Or Fifty Shades of Grey Knight or whatever you call yourself."

You’re deader to me than Ike’s father.

[blackknightofdaein]

Go Back To Daein (You Filthy Animal) || Ike & Zelgius

[heroicswordsman]

"If there are reasons for him to track me down, then I have my own reasons to retaliate. It’s difficult not to when he picks the fight first." His eyes narrowed, not taking any of his threats lightly. "You can do whatever you want with me, but leave my friends out of this."

[blackknightofdaein]

Zelgius stepped closer, his eyes steadily kept on Ike. He knew of the boy's temper when it came to him, and he figured he could draw his blade at any second. He would not have that. Nor would he accept Ike's claim that Sephiran had started any conflict that was between them, no matter the truth.

"Do not lie to me, son of Gawain... Sephiran has no reason to fight with you. All conflict was between you and me, and that is all!"

"I have told you time and time again that our quarrel has ended... I expect no forgiveness of you, and do not blame you for your hatred. It was my mess up that caused all of this... I have no desire to harm your family. But you must understand that just as you will, I will do all in my strength to protect mine."

[heroicswordsman]

"I’d love to, but he keeps trying to find me. You, on the other hand, do it on purpose."

[blackknightofdaein]

"Any reasons he has for tracking you down are just... He has his reasons. But you have no right to speak with him, let alone lay a finger on him. I would be happy to kill another friend of yours for each hair on his head damaged."

[blackknightofdaein]

"Stay away from my friends and family."

"Stay away from Sephiran… and then we will talk."

[gatrieinthehouse]

Gatrie shuddered slightly when he heard his voice, taking a sharp intake of breath. Whoa, this guy even sounded as intimidating as he looked! It was hard to keep his cool around someone like him.

The fact that he knew who he was made Gatrie almost jump, only taking a step back. “H-how do you know that?!” He nearly shouted, his voice trembling. “I-I mean, we’re pretty well known but-!”

[blackknightofdaein]

Zelgius wasn't sure which category Gatrie fell into. Was he one of the many who had forgotten Begnion's head general in a matter of years like so many others? Or was he truly just this dumb? 

"You fought at Ike's side for years... and yet you cannot remember the face of his greatest enemy when you stand before him. It speaks a lot of you mercenaries."

[ichijoux-deactivated20140908]

"Well, well... And what do we have here? Could it be the little daughter of Gawain? I might have mistaken you for your mother if I didn't know better."

"—! Y-You are…"

Mist couldn’t believe her eyes. The Black Knight, devious as the devil was stood before her. She frowned and took a step back, trembling inside. She couldn’t believe he was right there! Her hand was up against her chest as she spoke out a little frightened.

"W-What do you want?!"

[blackknightofdaein]

"How funny that you would expect something from me... What do you think of me, daughter of Gawain? After all this time, do you still fear my blade?"

Mist stepped back, and Zelgius took one step forward. "You have nothing to fear. I am no longer on the opposite side of a battle... I am on no one's side but my own. What reason would I have to see your head fall?"

[blackknightofdaein]

[blackknightofdaein]

IT'S YOU MY KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR

is there no escape

[blackknightofdaein]

"Hey... You're that one guy with the sword." Gatrie was hesitant, even to approach him. It took him a while to say something, first noting how bigger the other guy was compared to him. He didn't think there was any other giant in armor that was taller than he was! And yet he was, standing before him. Still, why did he look so familiar...?

Zelgius looked over to the knight in blue armor as he greeted him from what he must have assumed to be a safe distance. He chuckled at the thought of how easy it would be to strike from this distance. Of course, he was aware of this fool’s origins. At least that he called the base of the Greil Mercenaries his home. 

"Impressive observation." He wasn’t so sure that Gatrie would catch on to the sarcasm, but he didn’t mind. "You are of the Greil Mercenaries… and the distance you keep from me is proof enough that you fear me. So why do you speak to me?"

[blackknightofdaein]

Careful Fear and Dead Devotion || Zelgius and Sephiran

[gaybirddad]

Their eyes met in the strained silence between them. Sephiran waited for his knight to coax himself from his thoughts, and took the silverware without a word. “Very well, then. Thank you, Zelgius,” he spoke softly and looked down at the tray as his knight averted his gaze. The heron took the knife and fork into separate hands and pondered. The knight’s tension and concerns were silent, but they could not be more obvious to the chancellor. After having spent several decades together, there was little left unknown between them.

If there was any constant in their companionship, however, it was the silence that so often settled over them in their troubled times. Was it fear that kept them from consoling one another? If so, a fear of what? Sephiran had allowed silence to speak for himself too many times. They had been granted a second chance, from some twisted miracle. After having spent two years knowing true despair—he had no intention of squandering his blessings this time.

The heron’s arm brushed against his knight’s as he picked up a sliver of melon with the fork. But, instead of just lifting it to his own lips, he smiled faintly. “Zelgius,” he called softly, and waited for the man to look in his direction. The moment the black knight opened his mouth to respond, he popped the melon into the man’s mouth with a chuckle.

"You are worth more than the leftovers upon a plate, my friend. I am grateful for your gesture, and I want you to grant me one more selfish request. Eat with me. I have learned a meal is best when shared, thanks to you," he stated with a smile.

He left the fork in Zelgius’ mouth and used the knife to break one of the biscuits in half before picking it up and taking a bite. The subtle sweetness and crumbly texture was exquisite. Sephiran had lived for over a millennium, but still, he could not fathom how the knight managed to create such delicacies. ”You will have to teach me your techniques someday. Your culinary skills are paralleled only by your skill with the sword.”

[blackknightofdaein]

After years of learning that one's feelings are best kept to themselves as a knight, hiding his emotions had become second nature to the knight. Any hate, sadness or affection Zelgius felt toward others was always known to know one but himself.

His feelings toward Sephiran however were never easily masked. Not even Zelgius quite understood what he was feeling when the two stood close. It was a feeling matched only by that which he felt in the presence of his first teacher, Gawain. Only much, much stronger.

Fumbling of words and racing of the heart were the two most common occurrences in his master's company. The knight found that silence and distance were the best ways to avoid his odd thoughts becoming discovered. Whatever was going on in his heart didn't feel professional.

This time Zelgius was not so lucky. Sephiran's arm brushed up against his, and as his met the soft eyes of his friend, and as the melon held to his mouth touched his lip, he knew he couldn't hide anymore.

Everything had froze in place at that moment. What was wrong with him? His armor was off, but he felt as though he was overheating. Quickly Zelgius pulled the fork from his mouth. He chewed and swallowed the melon almost nervously and tuned his head away once more.

His heart was beating so loudly he feared it could be heard in the silence. He couldn't bring himself to look back at his master's face. "It-- It's nothing..." He coughed. "I would be happy to teach you all I know as... as you did for me."