Captain of the Guard

[eriann-the-guard]

In the dead of night the hallways were usually filled with silence. The Captain of the Guard flitted from one post to the next ensuring vigilance over those who would require watch and minding those few expanses where lack of need didn’t afford guardianship. A light swish behind him alerted him. A skirt against the stone perhaps? A socked foot that hadn’t lifted fully from the floor? He turned towards the direction of the sound and eyed the figure in the darkness, “May I help you?” he called, hand coming to rest near the hilt of his blade. 

[eriann-the-guard]

inogen-magiciansassitant‌:

Inogen’s ears seemed to perk up at his answer. Sitting up a bit straighter in her spot she shifted just a bit from excitement. “Well, perhaps you can just tell me what it looks like and then I can match it to what I already know. Or even just do the research to figure out what it is.” 

Eriann narrowed his eyes slightly as he tried to conjure the memory. It had been so long since he had allowed himself to think about her that the vision of her smile and the dirt smudged along her cheek were hazy. Even so his heart ached at the beauty of it. “They were all sorts of colors. White and yellow and - and purple. She really liked the purple...” he muttered, voice softening with each word. 

[eriann-the-guard]

inogen-magiciansassitant‌:

Looking up at Erian when he stepped closer. A soft smile on her lips. She’d found a safe space with the guard. A place where she could be herself, at least the part of herself she was allowed to show to others. “Do you have a favorite? Even if you don’t have much time, you must have some kind of favorite plant.” 

It had been over a decade since he had paid much attention to such things. Guards only had place in the gardens to make sure those that shouldn’t be there weren’t. His father had been a blacksmith and hadn’t taught him much of the fruits of the Earth and his mother had been a kitchen maid who hadn’t seen much of the world around her to know much beyond herbs used in cooking. Mary though, she had seemed to truly have an eye for beautiful things, including her little flower garden. “I don’t know what it’s called” he answered finally. 

[eriann-the-guard]

brangaine-gwas‌:

“Alright …” Turning back to the chest, Brangaine carefully moved the last of the books that had been stacked on top of it to the floor and then heaved the lid upwards so they could see inside. On top were several scrolls, neatly rolled and bound, but she could see the glint of metal beneath them and so starting taking them out to get a better look. “Oh … the ship that brought us over from Ireland had one of these,” she realised, pulling out the complicated looking brass disc. “They used it to navigate by the stars, I think?”

Eriann had done a considerable amount of traveling during his lifetime but it had always been by way of horse, carriage or where his own two legs had been able to carry him. Now, in his later years, he had been completely sedentary here in Camelot and he didn’t desire to change the closest semblance to quiet he had found. “I’ve never traveled by way of ship” he confessed, looking the item over curiously, “Do you know how to use it?”

[eriann-the-guard]

brangaine-gwas‌:

Not having realised there was anyone else here, Brangaine jumped a little and turned to look over her shoulder. She gave a quick, abashed smile, sure she must seem childish to be mooning over a chest in the corner of the library - but something about its situation and appearance, the aged wood barely visible, had hooked her imagination. “Probably. All very sensible,” she agreed. “And nothing like what a chest tucked away ought to hold.”

“Go on then” Eriann ventured, admittedly a little curious himself as to what the contents of the chest might be. The library was a strange place to hide anything but perhaps that was the brilliance of it. Besides, unless there was a potential for harm there was no point in squashing an inquisitive mind. 

[eriann-the-guard]

inogen-magiciansassitant‌:

Of course not. You spend your time fighting and watching over everyone. Ensuring that they are all safe and sound here in the palace.” Licking at her lips, she watched him pull some food from the tray before quickly spinning the book around. “Take a look at this, the very lavender that I grow outside. It’s supposed to be good for healing burns. I know the cooks use it a lot. For if they drop pots or things. But it’s supposed to help with headaches as well.” Flipping a few pages forward she quickly tapped the page. “A-And roses, they are not just beautiful to look at. They can actually physically help heal the heart.” 

Eriann chewed slowly as he glanced down at the pages she indicated to him. The guard had never been one to do much reading, far preferring the training of task that she had listed to anything that might bring him to spend an abundance of time seated, but what nearly resembled fatherly pride bubbled in him at her joy in it. “I did not know you were so interested in healing”

[eriann-the-guard]

inogen-magiciansassitant‌:

It certainly was not the first time Inogen found herself in the chambers of the Captain of the King’s Guard, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. She’d always come to find herself in a small corner, of the rooms, her scrolls and books scattered about her. A small plate of fruits and meats sat in front of her as well. “I never knew there were so many different flowers in the world.” The young maiden murmured. “Did you know this, Eriann?” 

@eriann-the-guard

Years ago Eriann had lost his wife and child. His heart was still littered with cracks and he often felt a deep sorrow for them, which is why he was so happy to have allowed Inogen in. She couldn’t take the place of the daughter that he had lost but he could still care for her as if she was his own - like a sort of patch to fix a much larger leak. It was no longer surprising for him to find her in his chambers nor was it odd for her to be so comfortable. “I have not made much time for flowers I’m afraid” the guard replied, heading over to her and lifting a piece of meat from the tray before her. 

[eriann-the-guard]

caoranach‌:

They circled each other briefly, her eyes never leaving him. When he finally approached her his movements were slow. Not lethargic, but measured. He was being cautious and that was his first mistake. She could see the muscles tensing in his arm, his fingers curling into a fist, his body shifting back to gain momentum. It seemed to happen in slow motion for her. Dodging the blow would be as easy as breathing, but she was no ordinary beast. She moved with the confidence of an animal that had never been hunted, a creature that had never been injured. When his fist came soaring towards her face she did not dodge. Instead she raised her own hand in one swift motion, catching his fist in midair, just inches away from her face. His hand collided with hers, and while he’d been slow she was pleased to find that he’d put some strength into it. The shock of catching the blow caused a slight ache in her wrist, and she smiled at the discomfort. “A gentleman, you say? A gentleman should know better than to tease a lady.” She pushed his hand to the side, kicking at his shins. “Would you like me to hold back as well? Would that be more ladylike of me?” She would certainly have to hold back regardless of what he said. Mortals were such delicate things, and she was rather amused by this one. Wouldn’t want to accidentally break him.

Eriann had hoped that she might be skilled and was delighted in finding that it was just so. The slightest of smirks graced his features for a moment at her words, but were one not paying attention they would have missed the guard schooling his features back into the practiced impassivity he normally wore. He skirted away as she made to kick out at his shins but even so he wasn’t near quick enough and she still caught him. While he kept himself from toppling into the dirt he knew that there would be some pain from the blow later in the day. This woman was clever and it felt as if she wasn’t even trying. At least not yet. “A lady would not risk the bruising of a man’s pride in such a way” he quipped, knowing full well that he had been the one to invite the lady to fight and hoping that she might pick up on his teasing despite not an ounce of it creeping into his tone. Though this was far from the best time to admit it, it was definitely worth noting that a lady with a touch of ferocity and wit to her was a tantalizing thing. His next punches were just as calculated but they lacked in the slowness of the one that had proceeded them. 

[eriann-the-guard]

brangaine-gwas‌:

Having found herself with time to spare, Brangaine had been exploring the castle library. When she found the chest tucked away in a dark corner, with piles of scrolls and books on top, she couldn’t help the curiosity that bubbled up inside her. Carefully removing everything from on top, she lifted up the lid and peered inside, murmuring, “Now, what have we here …”

The library was not one of his typical haunts. Though every area of the castle must be equally as protected this area was the one that brought up the most doubt in his mind. Most that would choose to invade them couldn’t read nor would they use the scrolls kept here as means to gather information, especially after much of it had been destroyed in the storm. One of his men was unable to take duty tonight after the arrival of his new babe so the captain had taken it himself. As it was so rare for him to find himself here his rounds about the room were also a bit of an exploration. He quickly found that he was not the only one doing so. “Scrolls to be translated or rewritten most likely” he said, approaching the young woman and answering her preponderance, “or perhaps those yet to be put away”

[eriann-the-guard]

merryshieldmaid‌:

Merry shifted the weight of her swords while she waited, making sure her grip was comfortable and balanced. When he was ready, she gave her own return bow, a little surprised at the formality; it seemed more the sort of action she would expect from the knights rather than the guards. Moving into an opening stance, blades held defensively across her body ready to swing out in a parry or attack, she stepped slowly around, circling him, wanting to get a feel for the way he moved and what tactics he might favour before she attacked.

The way she held her blades was indicative of someone who was comfortable in the use of them, but he had expected as much of anyone who was willing to spar with him before his guards. His eyes trained on her carefully in anticipation of attack but when none came he watched the way she moved about him and found an opening, swinging his blade to test her agility. 

[principedeimercenari]

A man, a drink and his thoughts.

“Helen…”  Was the only thing he could think of soon as he landed on this foreign land, the only person who kept him sane and controlled, if it weren’t for her, he could’ve gone made a long time ago.

“… I can’t leave yet, no…” He said softly before looking back down on his cup of water, he chose to abstain from water as of late. Then he drank it down before looking over to the side, he noticed some figures in the tavern eyeing him. Then he looked away, he didn’t want trouble.

[eriann-the-guard]

The guards had expanded their breadth and number as of late and Eriann was still working what the best rotation to put his men on. Tonight he made rounds between where he had set up guard stations to see how they were functioning and make appropriate adjustments. Stationing someone near the tavern was a decent way of training the newer men as it seemed there was always some sort of activity but rarely something extremely out of hand. It was with a frown that the captain noticed his man wasn’t stationed at his post. With a sigh he headed into the interior to seek out the familiar tunic of the castle guards. His man was eyeing an unfamiliar man suspiciously when Eriann clapped a hand on his shoulder. “To your post” the Captain said in a monotone before he himself turned to the stranger, “Pardon my asking sir, but where is it that you hail from?”. Camelot attracted a lot of attention so foreigners weren’t uncommon. Sometimes simple questions could save a lot of trouble. 

[eriann-the-guard]

caoranach:

She thought about smiting him then and there, but where would the fun be in that? “Their captain, then,” she said, not sure if she was impressed or disappointed. So this was the man that lead the guards of Camelot. The man who trained the warriors that fought and killed her children. Her gaze hardened, though she remained perfectly still. It wasn’t until he crouched into a fighting stance that she reacted. She circled him slowly, gracefully, her movements calculated and elegant, like some feline toying with its prey. He was clearly larger than her, but her strength was ancient and powerful. Magic that was as old as time itself flowed through her veins, and she barely noticed as a small crowd began to form, the guards backing away to make space for the two of them. She would not move until he did. His strength was of little consequence to her, but his skill might yet impress her. She wanted to see how he would attack before responding. She arched a teasing brow and the corner of her lips turned upwards. “Are you going to just stare, or do you believe that the lady should make the first move?” 

As she moved his eyes surveyed her every movement, noting that the beauty of each movement greatly resembled that of a predator stalking their prey. The captain was not content with the role of meek field mouse but he would play the part if need be. There was certainly something to be said of a woman who could stare down a man she could undoubtedly ascertain was a skilled fighter and spur him on to attack her still. Until he knew what she was capable of he would not show his full range of skill. Eriann moved slowly towards her his lips raising until his expression matched hers, “If you don’t wish me to be gentlemanly than so be it” he replied, knowing full well that the statement was a lie. He had hoped that she would be the first to attack so that he could learn a bit more of her and that was undoubtedly what she was doing with him. His movements were purposely slow as he edged closer and threw out a punch. Any skilled fighter would easily be able to block the blow while anyone lesser would have been caught in the chest. 

[eriann-the-guard]

merryshieldmaid:

A flicker of surprise rippled through her at his response; she had not come across many who thought so broadly. Even despite having a female knight among their ranks, even those in Camelot had seemed to mostly assume a woman could never been a threat to them. The man who had trained her had scoffed at her to begin with; it had taken weeks of persistence to change his mind. “That’s wise.” She looked over at the guards a moment longer, then nodded and moved closer, drawing her blades from where they hung at her hips. “Alright. It has been a while since I sparred properly, I would find it useful.”

“A blade please” Eriann asked the youngest among them. He was a wee little thing, no older than twelve years old. The captain wanted to be certain that he was nearby as the sparring went underway as he believed it beneficial to not only harness ones own skill but to learn from the skills of others. In this field of work loses usually equated to fatalities and he wanted to be certain that before he set him on his first official guard duty he was as prepared as he could possibly make him. When he returned Eriann turned back to his opponent and bowed to her before backing into a fighting stance. 

[eriann-the-guard]

atlanteanguard:

He shouldn’t have been drinking. The moment Elias set foot in Camelot he was back in duty, ready to serve his princess. But the sight of the kingdom was too much for him. Though much had been rebuilt and restored thanks to King Arthur’s efforts, traces of the damaged caused by the great storm were still visible. While he had been off chasing bounty hunters Cyra had been caught in the greatest storm ever to hit the kingdom, and he’d left her alone. By the time news of the storm had reached him the damage had already been done. He’d abandoned his post, abandoned his leader and his love, and for what? To drench his hands in the blood of bounty hunters and mercenaries. He’d convinced himself he was making the world safer for Cyra, but what difference could one man really make?

He was watching the guards training when the captain spoke to him. Clearly half drunk and weary, Elias arched a brow. Clearly the man must be joking. “Maybe another day, captain. Though I’m grateful for the offer.” 

Eriann nodded to the man before turning back to his men and pairing them off for the next bit of sparring. Slowly, he approached fence surrounding the training yard. People came and went from Camelot all the time so it was unsurprising that the Captain did not recognize this man. There was something about his gaze that seemed so haunted. It was something that Eriann recognized because he had seen it in himself. This man had seen and done much that other men never would. As he came closer the slight scent of alcohol that lingered about him was simply a confirmation. “Are you a guard or a soldier?” he asked, though it wasn’t much of a question. Without a doubt he had to be one or the other if not both. 

[eriann-the-guard]

princess-of-babylon:

Sana simply smirked back at him was she rested her body against a post, making herself comfortable to watch the proceedings. She had to admit, the men in this part of the world were far more comfortable with women’s eyes on them. Or if they weren’t then they hid it well. She watched the fighting session under way, being briefly reminded of the tournament that her father had held to find a worthy suitor for her. And look how that panned out. She raised an eyebrow when she heard the man’s words, “Would it be that much of crime if I did?” she asked him. 

Bodies fell to the dirt and the sounds of flesh hitting bone filled the air as the Captain walked between his men, pausing them every so often so that he could guide them towards a better technique or commend them on something that they had done well. At first he didn’t answer the woman’s question, eyes surveying her as he showed one of the younger lads a fighting stance that would allow for more stability. A small flash of pride shone in his eyes before he turned to her and gave his answer, “If it were, we’d have made the arrest already, my lady”

[eriann-the-guard]

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

@saoirse--forwyn

[eriann-the-guard]