...you seem to be beyond my comprehension.

Percival. Knight General of Etruria. Most trusted advisor of the future king, Mildain. Too busy for your BS. talk to the the lance cuz the knight ain't listenin' part of master seal. image source

[florinaisapegknight-deactivated]

Cat got Your Tongue? [Masterseal Open]

Out of habit, Florina would test herself to see if she was brave enough to venture out into cities. Majority of the time, she chickened out and returned to Ilia with her Pegasus, shame flowing through her veins.

This days was no better as she wanders an unfamiliar city, holding onto the reigns of Huey tightly and looking around for any person that she could ask for help. Her tiny frame trembled as the masses moved quickly, but she hoped that someone— anyone would notice a poor, lost Pegasus knight-in-training.

[knightgeneral-blog]

It wasn't terribly unusual to see pegasi in Aquleia, but something about the lilac-haired girl wandering about the streets with her mount in tow caught Percival's eye. Pegasi were valuable, and many knights wouldn't dare leave theirs at an untrusted station, but she seemed more than anything to cling to the creature as if afraid. 

He approached her, raising a hand in greeting. If someone was lost in his city, it was his duty to aid them, after all, especially someone who struck him as so young and afraid. 

"Miss, do you require aid?" 

[knightgeneral-blog]

wounds [allium | percival]

[fervidxtactics]

Allium look to the man a bit puzzled. No one had ever said they were in ‘debt’ to her for helping out. She only shook her head. “You don’t need to worry about that. I’m just doing what anyone else would do, right?" She crossed her legs now as she watched the man carefully. Tilting her head wondering just who he was.

"My name is Allium, and who are you?"

[knightgeneral-blog]

"Percival, Knight General of Etruria." 

This Allium woman was most certainly astrange one. After all, who went around throwing bottles at wounded people instead of opening them and applying? At the same time, she had probably saved his life. 

"I suppose it is the decent thing to do, but you suppose that all men are decent. An incorrect supposition. Finding kindness is worth gratitude, always." 

And what nationality was that name and garb, anyway? Percival felt slightly uneasy as he sized it up, but couldn't place exactly why. 

[princeofmisery]

Awareness (Lyon-Percival)

[princeofmisery]

"He…he is indeed rather magnificent sir," Lyon replied, “There…there were certainly few as fine in the Keep’s stables…" The severe paladin was rather affectionate to his horse…perhaps that showed he had a less formidable side to him. Could he try and exploit that? How did he get the man to show this possible sympathetic part of him?

Lyon kept his composure the best he could as he was lifted onto the horse. He hated riding large horses, especially at speed, and was always scared of falling off and being trampled. However he had a reputation to promote here. A proper prince would take this in his stride. He put all his efforts into remaining true to his title. He didn’t even squeak when the horse began to gallop very fast. His grip on the saddle was incredibly tight and he deliberately kept his mouth shut so he didn’t give any embarassing cries. He was a prince. He was used to it. He could cope with this… Why did th horse have to go so fast?!

[knightgeneral-blog]

The ride, for Percival at least, was easy enough, though he was unaccustomed to riding with total strangers. His mount took to it well enough, well-trained and efficient, and within the hour they were once again within Aquleia. The high ornate towers and spires rose above them both, dwarfing Percival and his huge mount easily. 

The pace slowed once they were on the street to a much easier gait. In an urgent situation, Percival could have easily kept up the run and avoided the crowds, but there was no reason to exhaust his horse when time seemed little matter. 

"The capital is by far the grandest city on this continent," he said. "Should you need to disappear, it is quite possible here." 

((here's a pic of the city from Hasha:

[knightgeneral-blog]

Wounds [Percival-Knoll]

[watcherofdarkness-blog]

The name Etruria sounded rather foreign, and he was quite sure that he had never seen or heard it before— it definitely wasn’t on any map he had seen before. The only logical choice left would be a hidden village of sorts, but a Knight General sounded far beyond from what a tiny village could afford. He gave the knight a perplexed look. “I’m afraid I have never heard of such a place before. Where is it located?"

Knoll raised an eyebrow at the knight’s sudden question. He didn’t seem to be the kind of person who asked questions out of the blue— there had to be a reason behind it.

The man’s piercing gaze stayed on Knoll’s face as he awaited for an answer, as if analyzing his features. “I hail from the Empire of Grado… or rather what’s left of it." He sighed.

[knightgeneral-blog]

So he'd been correct. Ignoring the question -- the man would have no frame of reference for Etruria after all -- Percival rushed to share what he'd seen. 

"I've met your prince. Prince Lyon, correct?"

If Grado was in ruins, then Lyon's fate had to be unknown. Perhaps he was even assumed dead. And this man... Percival knew well that manner of grief. This was not the face of  a man who'd rejoice at his prince's loss. No, this was a man clearly in mourning.

"He traveled to the capital of my land, searching for shelter in the wake of his exile. I escorted him there myself." 

[knightgeneral-blog]

Wounds [Percival + Klein]

[silverxprince]

  Under vastly different circumstances, Klein would have been glowing under the light of such praise.  But for now, his thoughts were on how far away the village was, how slowly they were moving, how quickly the short relief he had offered Percival was fading, how much blood could one man possibly lose?  He wasn’t so much worried anymore as dogged by the thought that they probably wouldn’t make it; not that he was doubting Percival’s ability to survive, but there was only so long one could survive before they ran out of those “hold on & live" tickets— and it seemed like Percival was pushing shortness on both paper and blood.

Either way, he returned the gesture halfheartedly, subconsciously.  It might have been a small comfort, or maybe he didn’t notice.  Klein wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t, but he figured he would have the right to be frustrated by it.  After all, it might be helpful.  He wasn’t though.  He was merely determined to take one more step.  

And just like that, the slight fog that had settled in his mind over the past few seconds shattered when he remembered, once again, that the person responsible for this mess of a man he was dragging around could still be nearby.  Just like that, it went from struggling to put one foot in front of the other to strained senses searching out anything out of place, any noise other than the rasping, moistened, irregular breathing; any movement other than lurching steps; any smell other than metallic life force.  

His own breathing was becoming impeded from the instinctive shortening— he wanted to be as quiet as possible.  Not that it would be helpful, as Percival made enough noise for the both of them, but he hoped… 

Well, it didn’t matter what he hoped.  He focused only on this one task now: getting Percival to safety.

[knightgeneral-blog]

It was a slow slog back toward the village, but the momentum carried Percival, kept him awake, alive. There were too many people depending on his survival. He could not let them down, no matter how he wanted the rest. 

His attention shifted from the ground before him to a rustle in the bushes. He struggled for his sword, but blood made hands slippery and he hadn't the strength to unsheath it. 

"Klein," he groaned as a warning, just as an armed man burst from the leaves. He was heavily wounded himself from Percival's blade, and the silver of his gleaming axe was covered in blood, making the source of Percival's wounds painfully clear.

"Take my sword," Percival urged again.

[pigtailsofjustice-deactivated20]

[ Lost || Percival & Cynthia ]

[pigtailsofjustice-deactivated20]

“Oh, hey there! I thought I was the only one here!”

With a little laugh the pegasus knight completely emerged from the shade to greet the blonde individual. Perhaps he lived around here? Or severed a lord in the area..? A hundred different questions passed but she knew it wasn’t her turn yet. He made the first move and she should follow in the same respects. She was oblivious to his suspicion, but perhaps all the more better as she was able to open up to him freely.

“I’m sorry if this is private property or something like that…my Pegasus was just really thirsty after traveling so far. I’m Cynthia and I hail all the way from the continent of Ylisse. It’s a great distance from here, and…I believe we’re lost… “

“Heh, do you think you could point us in the direction of a nearby town or something like that? I’m on a quest to see the world, so anywhere is fine really!”

[knightgeneral-blog]

"It isn't private; I was just surprised to see a pegasus knight this far from Ilia." 

Her accent wasn't Ilian at all, though. Percival cocked his head to the side slightly, trying to make sense of this. She didn't have Ilian features, either. Just where was this girl from? --Ylisse? 

"Lady Cynthia." He offered a polite bow. "I regret to say I have not heard of your Ylisse -- I am Percival, Knight General of Etruria. And Aquileia, the capital, lies to the south. The city welcomes all travelers... but what brings you this far?" 

[pigtailsofjustice-deactivated20]

[ Lost || Percival & Cynthia ]

Frustrated and greatly flustered, the pegasus knight soared over the unknown continent, engaged with a heavy battle of self though. She had been sent to an unknown land off the coast of the continent of Ylisse to literally expand her horizons…but lately she had seen nothing but horizons. All the travel, all the exploration, and none of the good sense of direction she thought she had. Being the proud hero in training she always claimed to be, her pride didn’t let her admit to that fault, but instead lead to to endless frustration.

Cynthia wasn’t about to give up of course, but with a brisk neigh, the pegasus hinted greatly that it needed a break. Not knowing what else to do, She decided to comply and flew down to a small field and water hole. Ultimately, she would let roam and relax as she relaxed under the shade of some larger trees. Things were so quiet and peaceful. If anything stirred, you’d hear it, but at that point, Cynthia was too busy being distraught to notice anyone around her. If it was the enemy- ah what a pathetic way to go.

“Everything here looks the same darn it! Where am I?!”

[knightgeneral-blog]

The familiar flutter of wings alerted Percival to an interloper. He left his warhorse at the water and watched as an unfamiliar pegasus swept down to make a landing near the trees. 

What could an Ilian pegasus knight be doing this far from the cold mountains? Mercenary work, most likely, and he had no idea who she might be working for. 

Cautious, he approached her, his hand lingering near his sword, but not drawing it just yet. It was a public area, after all; there was no reason to assume she was hostile. But better to make the first move than to be taken by surprise. 

"Who goes there?" 

[princeofmisery]

Awareness (Lyon-Percival)

[princeofmisery]

“I do know how to ride sir,” Lyon answered quickly, trying not to appear rude, “I must confess though I have never ridden such a…a large war horse as yours.” The last horse he had attempted to ride was a mage’s mount - a smaller and more docile creature. Mage horses had to be naturally calmer with all the magic they witnessed, and it seemed the smaller ones happened to be that way. Not that Lyon knew much about horses.

He looked at the war horse. There was no way he could climb up there. He trod nervously to the horse’s side and looked up…No, definitely not.

“Er, perhaps yes… Please could you be so kind as to lift me sir? My…my apologies…”

[knightgeneral-blog]

"He's very well trained. Among the finest Etruria has to offer, and sturdy enough for armor." Percival patted the horse between the eyes, an oddly affectionate gesture, considering the size of the beast, before stepping toward the prince. 

Without another word, he hoisted Lyon up, hands on the smaller man's ribs. He was easy to lift, so he was placed up on the back of the saddle with ease before Percival slung one foot in the stirrup and climbed up himself. 

"We ride quickly. Hold on." 

Once Lyon seemed secure, Percival stirred the horse on toward the capital. 

[knightgeneral-blog]

Wounds [Percival + Klein]

[silverxprince]

He didn’t say anything at first.  He refused to swear to something like that.  He didn’t know if he could keep it, whether he meant to or not.  The thought of simply abandoning Percival was unbearable, but even if he didn’t do it to save himself, leaving him was the smart option.  He could warn others about what had happened, maybe spare someone else this fate rather than share it.  But even knowing this, his automatic instinct wasn’t that of logic— it was that of assistance.  His first response would not be to run away or even to defend himself; it would be to keep Percival from further harm.  

Perhaps that was a fatal flaw, but he was more than alright with it.  He simply had to try to keep out of mind just what he would be leaving behind.  He rolled his weight back and did his best to help the knight up, mindful of his wounds.  They definitely needed to get to the village, fast. But fast wasn’t about to happen— and Klein really wished he had carried more of the little vials with him.  

It nearly broke his heart to see Percival in such a state: torn apart, breath jagged and windy, and all the while it seemed he was trying to scrape together the last of his stolen dignity.  The archer was doing everything he could, yet it still didn’t feel like it was enough.  

“We’ll be okay, General Percival,” he murmured when he was able.  “Just worry about keeping your consciousness.”

[knightgeneral-blog]

"I'm conscious," Percival replied, not realizing in his state how obvious the thought was or how slurred his words were. His eyelids were drooping; his resolve was beginning to fade entirely. Finally, he allowed himself to lean fully onto Klein and stagger back to his feet with the archer's support. 

"Thank you," he managed as they began to walk. One bloodied hand worked its way down to Klein's fingers and weakly grasped at them. "You're..." 

He wasn't sure what he wanted to say. There were a million sentiments running through his head -- the fact that he'd trust no one but Klein to replace him if he died, that Klein was his best friend, that he was still terrified something was going to come out and kill them both and that it wasn't his own life being lost that frightened him about that... 

"You're... an exemplary knight." 

He fell silent after that, able only to keep breathing and awake. 

[knightgeneral-blog]

wounds [allium | percival]

[fervidxtactics]

Allium heard the man’s voice as she took her eyes off her satchel, with a handful of herbs as well as roots to mix into a tonic. The way he questioned her made the tactician wrinkle her nose lightly.

“Well…more like smashed it on you. I couldn’t get it open and it was the only way.” She had another contraption in her hand to mesh the herbs together. “I’m sorry if it seems…odd for me to do that.” Reaching into her satchel, she pulled out what seemed like another healing liquid, pouring it into the herbal mess and pressing it again. “Maybe it was panic since you seemed on the verge of death.” She handed the smell little base to him. “You should drink this…it’s an energy tonic. It’ll help recover more of your strength.”

[knightgeneral-blog]

It was a strange situation, but Percival supposed he was, in an odd way, in the woman's debt. Reluctant, he took the drink and sniffed at it. It smelled like a vulnerary, or at least similar to one, if a bit more harsh and pungent. He drank deeply, not making even a slight grimace at the taste, and immediately felt his strength returning to him, little by little. 

He looked over to the woman, still a bit suspicious. "I... am in your debt," he said, his voice betraying nothing outside his usual cool demeanor. "May I have your name, my lady?"

He would give his once he had hers, though she might recognize him, were she from around the city.

[libertymaiden-deactivated201307]

Escape (Micaiah | Percival)

[libertymaiden-deactivated201307]

Micaiah stared at the man as he gently cared for her bird. She held her tome-wielding arm as she slowly approached the knight. “Yune,” she started, “is the name of my bird you are stroking. I am Micaiah.” She let go of her other arm, taking it upon herself to allow partial identity to be known. Rather addressing herself with her proper title, she put aside any formality regarding herself. 

She studied her bird’s actions. It seemed to take pleasure in resting on the knight’s shoulder instead of fearing him. Micaiah took this as a sign of the knight not particularly being on the evil side. With this, she began to slowly and steadily trust the man. “Tell me,” she began again. “What is your name…and where do you come from?” Micaiah wasn’t about to question where they were; the both had the impression that they were lost and were probably not going to help with pointless answers.

[knightgeneral-blog]

"Micaiah... and Yune," Percival repeated. He bowed carefully, as he would to a lady. She didn't look like one, but something about her reminded him of his prince. He couldn't resist the instinct. 

"I am Percival, Knight General of Etruria. I make my residence in Aquileia..." 

She didn't appear to recognize the place names. Another traveler? Or perhaps he had ended somewhere strange himself this time. The thick fog made it near impossible to recognize his surroundings, so it was entirely possible. And if that was the case...

"Am I correct in assuming you don't know these places, Lady Micaiah?"

[knightgeneral-blog]

At the sight of the general his prince so trusted, Percival bowed cordially. 

"General Roy. A pleasure to see you again." 

[libertymaiden-deactivated201307]

Escape (Micaiah | Percival)

[libertymaiden-deactivated201307]

Micaiah shuddered, absentmindedly backing away from the knight. She did not know whether or not she should make a break for it or stay in place. However, as she squinted, the knight appeared to look more stronger and faster than she was. Was she going to take the risk and attack? Her Thani tome may help her, for certain armored knights cannot withstand much of its power. Yes, that may slow him down if she planned an escape. There was one problem though. Where would she run? She was unfamiliar with this empty town. 

 With a small sigh, she eyed the knight, realizing he didn’t seem too fond of the weather either. His armor was unrecognizable, as well. She began to take a few steps towards him, without hesitation. Her bird, Yune, fluttered suddenly away from Micaiah and onto the knight’s shoulder. “Y-Yune!” she called out while reaching her arm out.

[knightgeneral-blog]

The little bird settled itself on Percival's shoulder, much to his surprise. It seemed surprisingly content there, a bit like his own prince's little bird often was, so aside from staring for a moment, he made no effort to shoo it away. In fact, he offered it a hesitant little scritch.

"Yune?" he repeated, careful to keep his voice low so as not to startle the creature on his shoulder. "Is that your name? Or--" He looked back to the bird with a soft, secretive little smile. "Is it yours?" 

Perhaps it was unwise to not reach for his blade, but the girl had made no move he could see to attack herself. And she seemed young, certainly not dressed in the fashion of a war mage. He could fight if need be, but there was no reason to open hostilities himself.

[libertymaiden-deactivated201307]

Escape (Micaiah | Percival)

Micaiah quickly sauntered down the deserted town, her blue scarf flowing rapidly as her faithful companion, Yune, flew beside her. It was dark; the sky was foggy and the maiden rubbed her hands together to get a little bit of heat. She was lost. Micaiah did not know where her other allies were; she didn’t know where she was going. All she knew was that she was freezing, she was alone, and she was starting to worry. 

“What’ll I do?” she breathed aloud, her breath catching in the cold fog. “I’ve always wandered around…alone. But now I feel even lonelier than ever. I have friends, this time.” Her running came to a halt, and she sighed as she placed her worn out body on the frigid, rough surface of an abandoned house.

“Little Sothe, little Sothe. You’re grown now…” She gazed up at the unclear sky, barely seeing even the twinkle of a star. “Now I wish you’d come and get me.” For awhile, the lass sat there wondering what to do, until she finally lifting herself up with a bright idea that came to mind. 

“That’s right…I could use my light magic to guide me through the darkness.” Micaiah held her tome close, about to cast a light spell before she heard the sound of faint footsteps coming towards her direction. She froze.

Could someone, she thought, actually be here in this abandoned town?

Micaiah hesitated for a bit before calling out the first name she would ever think of. “Sothe…?”

[knightgeneral-blog]

The fog was thick enough that Percival could barely see five feet ahead of himself. At least it wasn't raining, but it had still been a bad decision to go on ahead of his allies, and now... 

He realized slowly that he had no idea where he was. The damp chill in the air had already begun to seep beneath his black armor and boots, settling in his bones. He had to force his jaw still so his teeth wouldn't chatter. 

A few careful steps into the fog and he heard a voice. He turned and saw a hazy outline of silver and red. Was that a woman? He was almost reminded of that girl from the desert who whispered about the future, but there was something... 

He approached carefully until he could almost see her fully through the mist and the darkness -- the tome in her hands, the hesitant expression on her face. 

"Who goes there?"

[princeofmisery]

Awareness (Lyon-Percival)

[princeofmisery]

“Thank you very much sir,” Lyon replied, his mind racing with thoughts of what he could do in a city. If he got a staff, he could offer his services as a healer. Perhaps a teacher of magic? He was sure there was something he could do.

He turned to look at the paladin’s mount and stared wide eyed at the size of the animal. He had seen war horses before, especially the huge beasts used by great knights but…that was the biggest horse he’d ever seen! He could tell even though the horse was a short distance away.

He didn’t know what to say without seeming impolite. ‘I’m scared of your horse’ wasn’t exactly the best way to win someone’s favour, or at least he didn’t think it would.  He clasped his hands inside his cloak and merely nodded in reply

[knightgeneral-blog]

"Something the matter?" Percival asked, catching the way Lyon stared. "Do princes in your realm not know how to ride?" 

He supposed Lyon was a bit on the short side. "Is it just that you need a leg up?" He looked down and spotted the heels on Lyon's shoes. "...No, I see you aren't exactly outfitted for conventional riding. Hold a moment." 

He made a quick, loud clicking sound with his mouth, prompting the horse to speed to his side. 

"Can you at least get up, Your Majesty? Or may I have your permission to lift you?" 

[knightgeneral-blog]

wounds [allium | percival]

[fervidxtactics]

For Allium, she had already felt quite lost in this area. She had been trying to get directions from nearby travelers, but only one had mentioned of a village that was nearby. She was nervous being in such an unfamiliar area, but alas there was not much the tactician could do. She sighed as she patted her satchel and walked forward. “Perhaps I can replenish my supplies before traveling again. I’ve not much on me, but I’ll see what I can do.” 

She looked over the distance and could see smoke coming from the village in the distance. So she was close. Looking around, Allium spotted a hill that went down the direction. Down she sent and landed on the bottom. Almost there. Just as she continued, something caught her eye or rather the smell of it caught her. She put a hand to her mouth as she moved closer to where the figure lay on the ground. Blood was strong in the air. 

Quickly, she ran to the body and knelt down for a second. She moved him roughly to see if he was still alive. “Hey—Hey! Don’t die yet!” Allium would hear shallow breathing from the man. She removed her satchel off her shoulders and began digging through it. First throwing a book, various herbs ontop of it, and finally pulling out an Elixir. She tried to uncap it, but to no avail it wouldn’t release. “Damn it, come on!” Again and again she tried. She looked over to the man and furrowed a brow. “I’m really sorry about this.” Allium stood up and held the Elixir up high. Her grip was tight and steady. Just aim for the back and it won’t hurt as bad.

The sound of glass shattering upon the man’s back as the healing properties of the Elixir spilled over him. She sighed in hopes that it did it’s job. For now, she knelt down again and began to quickly go through her herbs, finding anything to help mend the wound and wrap it up.

[knightgeneral-blog]

Percival was forced back into awareness by the sensation of something -- something hard -- slamming into his back. A rock? Were his attackers trying to defile what they had to think was a corpse? 

Wincing against the pain and the harsh sunlight, he rolled his head to the side. No, that smell -- that was the smell of a potent, rare potion. He'd used them before in the direst circumstances -- and it was running all over his back? 

He caught what he could of the cool liquid and slapped it into the wound, letting the healing properties do their work. It was enough that he felt stronger, no longer on the verge of death. 

His vision was no longer fading at the edges when he spotted the girl kneeling at his side, digging through a sack of... something. 

"You... dropped an elixir on me?" 

[knightgeneral-blog]

Wounds [Percival + Klein]

[silverxprince]

  The archer suddenly froze, tensed up; the thought honestly hadn’t crossed his mind that Percival’s attacker might still be in the area.  Foolishly, it hadn’t even occurred to him that there was an attacker— he’d been too surprised by the man’s terrible injuries to apply the obvious logic.  He could have been dead now, certainly— him and Percival both.  

Was he really this naive?  This incapable, that after only a short time of peace he could be so easily caught off-guard?  But these thoughts were promptly interrupted by Percival thrusting his weapon at him.  He knew what that meant.  Fiercely, he rebelled against this.  Because no, no, no, he would never leave this man behind.  There was nothing at stake, and even if there was, he’d be tempted to just let the world burn if it would help him.  

“Have you gone mad?!  That would never do!  E-even if I could bring myself to leave you, how could I explain that?!  That I abandoned you when I’m perfectly able to help?  Stop fighting me and move!”  He snapped, throwing formalities to the wind and glancing around in agitated paranoia.  As Percival had said, the enemy might still be around— so they would have to be leaving quickly.  It was a situation that was increasingly more precarious— certainly not the time for him to care that he was of a lesser rank.  And on this of all points, he would be stubborn.  He would not be moved.  If he had to shoot the offending person or people himself to get Percival’s cooperation, then so be it!  He was prepared and willing, even eager to the thought.  

[knightgeneral-blog]

Somehow, despite his trust in Klein, Percival hadn't expected Klein to insist on staying. He'd assumed Klein would act the soldier he was supposed to be, and even if that left him dead, it was all right. But Klein was still there by his side, refusing to leave. The action a trusted friend, of course, would want to take. 

He couldn't walk. Even blinded by pride, he knew that. He grasped at Klein's arms, trying not to let the pain show. 

"Help me up, then," he choked. "If they come back... if you're in danger, swear to me you'll leave. Don't die for me, Klein."