Vanguard-Scoundrel-Ranger

Guild Wars 2 blog/short stories of Sin Harlow, Delita Harlow (deceased), Lady Jaina Tristelle, Lady Anri Batista

[swordreign]

[aesthetic-satanist]

[the-victoriyaclub-com]

💟❤️ “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.” Winston Churchill 

[scoundrelcaptain]

Legacy

"Delita, stay a moment so we might better understand one another. Let's be honest in this moment. When I was a young girl my family had me betrothed to an ideal suitor any girl would dream about. The wedding was fast approaching when my ill mad mother informed my future husband’s family that I was unable to have children, a secret I didn't think would matter because of ‘love’. You see, he was the only son and no legacy would not be tolerated. All at once I was cast aside and branded as unacceptable for noble marriage. My brother is the only one who cared for me after that. I felt hopeless in so many ways but he kept me going. It's probably why I gravitated to friends like Meera. She was everything that spat in the face of nobility and traditions. Time went on and both my brother and Meera went the domestic life style and I knew where I would stand with them, second. The only future for me was the one I carved out for myself. That's why I relocated to Ebonhawke and waited patiently for my opportunity. That opportunity was Anri. I admit my intentions were selfish at first when it came to the guardianship of the girl but I have grown since. I have made peace with the past in more ways than you can know dear ranger. I will never have a child of my own or that family I dreamed about as a young girl. My heart, as cold as it might be, is with Anri. My future, that I alone had to fight for, brought me to her. So when I say I love Anri as my only daughter, I mean it."

The last words he spoke to her,

"And I trust that Jaina, truly."

[headlesssamurai]

[scoundrelcaptain]

City of Ruins

Anri was privileged. She wasn't used to waiting for anything. Lady Jaina Tristelle made sure her scheduling was precise and painfully efficient. And here Anri was, waiting to see the brother of Delita Harlow.

An hour had passed before she was allowed to proceed to the commander's office. Delita barely spoke of his younger brother, so she had to research the man for herself. The result of the search was a mixed bag of loyalty, insubordination, honor, shade and acts of a scoundrel.

She passed through the door into the modest office and immediately smelt the scent of alcohol. Everyone knew Sin was a drinker off the clock, and maybe sometimes on. “Lord Commander Harlow.” She greeted him with the proper title.

He looked like hell. Bags under his eyes, hair a mess, and uniform out of proper order. “Anri.” He responded but there was no disrespect in his tone, only one of friendliness.

She knew better than to harp on the matter so she moved on. “I saw you during the parade for the victory won for Ebonhawke, congratulations.” She was sincere in her praise. The efforts made by the men and women of the Vanguard were of legend. They were a people that had their backs against the wall and still managed to exceed expectations.

“Thank you, kindly.” Is all he offered. Just like his brother he was short with words.

Anri paused for a moment to steady herself and read Sin. She moved slowly to take a seat even though it wasn’t offered to her. “I know you sold your family home. I’ve come to know why.” She sounded emotionless, even to herself. Jaina had taught her to disguise every thought and every move. She had to be careful, even in the most simple of conversations. Though those teachings had value, especially in her life as a noble, it wasn’t what she lived by. Delita had shown her the strength in silence and acting over words. She missed him so dearly she could barely stand it. Delita was a constant reassurance in her life, a true guardian that would protect her. But now he was gone doing just that, protecting her. She wanted nothing more than to lock herself away in grief and to hell with the world.

Commander Sin and Lady Anri carried on with a neutral conversation. She knew he wasn’t the trusting type outside of military service. She also knew he partially blamed her for the death of his only brother. Anri explained to Sin that their families had deep ties long before they both were born. Anri’s father kept many letters and secret journal entries that enlightened her natural bond to the wolves of house Harlow. She intended to make sure they would be allies long after. Whatever he needed she would provide within reason. She was young and had much to prove. In time they would work together because they both wanted the survival of Ebonhawke.

[lacuna-matata]

[scoundrelcaptain]

(((I like this))

[scoundrelcaptain]

Son of Ascalon

The crows were already circling the Ascalonian ruins. Jaina had suffered an injury to her leg and was crippled to move anywhere. She wasn’t used to physical pain but she held Anri back as the girl tried to escape. They watched as Delita cut down each and every soldier until Alrian was the only one to remain. Delita was on his last leg, covered in sweat, breathing uncontrollably and his body riddled with bleeding gashes. Alrian on the other hand was composed and focused. And then they fought.

From the start it was clear Delita was losing. Each strike had him on his back foot and narrowly avoiding death. Every retaliation was met by a parry and counter with a balanced stance, never overextending or leaving a vulnerability. Alrian viscously barraged Delita was a flurry of swings until Delita’s sword cracked and then shattered. The Ranger spun and created distance between the two, broken sword still in hand.

“Your reputation is well deserved yet again and here the Wolf of Ebonhawke will die.” Alrian pointed to Anri and Jaina, “and they will watch it all. Jaina will follow quickly after you for her traitorous deception.”

Delita was struggling to breath and glanced over at the Jaina and Anri. He reassured them with a nod and a wicked smirk. Then he charged.

Alrian was ready and the shattered sword was no match for his blade. Alrian swung quickly to ward off the wolf. Each swing pushing Delita to side step. Delita was pushed to his back foot with no time to move and Alrian ran his sword through him. The blade entered just under his ribs and then Alrian jerked it up with a twist pulling the Delita in closer.

Jaina shut her eyes tight and held Anri with all her might as the girl cried out.

Close is what the Ranger wanted. Delita held his breath and with one last act he sliced his broken sword across Alrian’s throat. Alrian fell and Delita dropped to a knee with the sword still lodged in him. Delita crumpled to the ground and blood pooled around him.

Ascalon had lost a son.

[scoundrelcaptain]

Leaving a Scent

Jaina wasn’t quite sure where her ‘captors’ had taken them. She knew they were northeast of Ebonhawke among some old functioning ruins high in the mountains. She assumed they would be taken to the sea, but she was mistaken, which made her all the more curious. No matter where they were going she had made it so they could be tracked. Anri laid asleep next to her in their carriage. The girl was tough to convince to follow along but she trusted Jaina. They were heavily guarded by unrecognizable humans and then there was Alrian. No doubt the man was suspicious of Jaina, as he should be. She feigned resisting him at first but after making him swear to not hurt Anri, she agreed. The ruse gave Jaina enough distance when packing to prepare and send one very important letter.

Delita,

This letter should be reaching you from the sufficiently useful Corporal Rahn Landru. I’ve instructed him to deliver this to you personally with full discretion.

Anri and I have been taken but if you do as I have instructed you may intervene and do what you do best. Do not overlook any detail. Our captors are under the impression that I am working with them which is the only way I could even have a chance to get this information to you. Know that I am acting with the sole purpose of protecting Anri and returning her home. These people are well financed, organized, and work outside of any ruling body within Tyria.

Now this is the important part, follow this procedure at the exact time and place I specify:

*The letter continues with painfully long details and notes*

Don’t muddy this up,

Lady Jaina Tristelle

P.S. Bring some extra hands *followed by a lipstick stained kiss*

[scoundrelcaptain]

A Debt to Pay

Jaina kept a watchful eye on Anri as the young girl socialized among her peers at the party. She sipped her wine modestly scanning the crowd for anyone of worth. None came to mind that she was willing to speak to. She had gone over the guest list a dozen times for any potential outliers or troublemakers. Currently all was going well.

Anri broke off from a conversation with a small courtesy and made her way across the room towards Jaina, “Where is he?” She asked abruptly.

Need to work on her conversation introductions… Noted…

“Who?” Jaina smiled and took a longer than required sip of red.

Anri’s brow furrowed slightly.

Good, little emotion but still a giveaway… Progress...

“Delita where is he? I thought you said you sent him an invitation for tonight.”

“I did my dear, but you know he’s off doing vanguard work in the desert.”

“That’s not good enough. He’s been gone for too long. How am I supposed to get any better during training without him?”

“Apparently Landru needs to elevate his exercises with you.”

Anri tensed and raised her voice, “It’s not the same. Rahn just goes off a handbook, he doesn’t have the experience of Delita. I miss him Jaina, why can’t you get him to come home?”

“I know Anri…” Jaina missed him too in her own way. “Return to your guests and we will speak on this later.”

Anri bit her lower lip and soothed her shoulders back into a proper display. She then wrapped arms around Jaina’s waist and hugged her for a moment. Jaina brushed her hair slightly and rested her chin on the young noble’s circlet.

“Off with you little wolf.” They parted and Jaina was back to her watch. The brief interaction had shown her emotional connection with Anri. A vulnerability Jaina had to safeguard.

As soon as Jaina was getting comfortable with her solitude a sudden voice spoke just behind her.

“She’s grown up in such a short amount of time. You’ve done well Lady Tristelle.”

Jaina recognized the voice but didn’t believe it. Her features stiffened as she slowly gave an impassive look. “Inquisitor Alrian… Never ruled out the possibility of your survival after the Lake Doric.” The man was not the typical White Mantle zealot. He was calculated, reliability and carried out his own will personally. He was admirable at afar but clearly wasn’t aligned with the current rulers. Jaina had wanted to believe that he has fallen in battle like Confessor Caduceus. Their rebellion and assault on the crown had failed. They let greed and foolish belief doom the cause. Jaina herself had broken off all ties and burned any loose ends. She didn’t care for their religion, she wanted a seat at the table if they succeeded. Much had changed since then... Anri had changed her.

He advanced towards her and looked over her features. His hand lifted and brushed across her cheek. “A crafty mirage to maintain. I was wondering where the scar went. Tell me, does the wolf still live? I know he does and resides within the Batista estate with you. Curious turn of events given your history, though he probably doesn’t know the gravity of the situation.”

She turned her head away from his touch. “The business between you and I is finished. That fight has concluded and so have we.”

“We’re not finished yet.” He gestured across the room to Anri. “We still need her. Surely you know of her importance.”

“Why do you care?” She spoke in a hushed tone, “The Mantle is done, you have nothing else to gain but to crawl back into your hole and await another generation to try again.”

“I serve humanity. The White Mantle was a tool, effective but not necessary.”

“Serve humanity? Alrian who do you work for?”

“Hand over the Flame of Ascalon willingly and we may talk at a greater length.”

She answered truthfully. “I don’t have it, nor do I know where it is.” That made Alrian laugh aloud. Jaina glanced around to see if there was something ridiculous happening in the background but found nothing. “I fail to see the jest.” She responded sharply.

He cleared his throat and calmed his humorous expression, “My dear the Flame of Ascalon is not a relic or weapon. The Flame of Ascalon is a person, a bloodline. In this case our Lady Anri Batista.”

[le-immorte]

[won-der-land89]

[scoundrelcaptain]

The Fate of Wolves

During the time of war, before the treaty in Ebonhawke

The front room of House Harlow whispered silence as Osric and Reah waited patiently. They had been called by one of the most influential families in Ascalon, Lord Orbeck Batista for an urgent meeting outside of the Ebonhawke military court.

"This is dragging on, how long are we to wait?" Reah commented, she had forgone her usual evening beverage for the meet.

Osric smirked and shrugged to his wife, "As long as it takes. You think Orbeck means to waste our time?"

She rolled her eyes, "He's your friend, you tell me."

"Lads in arms during our youth.” He recalled younger days, “Never would he call such an occasion without a weighty worth."

Moments later the door was opened and a middle aged man with peppery red hair entered. Orbeck was wearing his usual military court outfit and he bowed to the pair. "Sorry to keep you waiting, we had to take the back way. My guards will wait outside, Reah always a pleasure, sorry we never seem to have the time for proper conversation."

She cut through his words swiftly, "Who would be following you here to visit us?"

"Skipping straight to the point already..." Harlow remarked about his wife.

Orbeck smoothed out his coat and rested his hands behind his back, "It's quite alright, she's right to suspect this unusual secrecy. I know the Harlow name doesn’t deal in the shadows nor cares for its methods."

She crossed her arms not letting down, "One in such high regard shouldn't be seen in the wolves den if this is that sort of discussion."

"To the point then.” He sighed, “The Duke has decided to lower the enlistment age once again. Apparently his hands are tied and Kryta won't be enough in the coming years."

Osric furrowed his brow and glared at his friend, "I thought that discussion wouldn't be concluded until after winter."

"His mind is made up with the support and pressure of many in our court. Although conflicted on the matter, he has no choice. The Ebon Vanguard has to stay united above all else."

"Outrageous, gods! We're to send our youth to death even earlier? And you Orbeck? When will your babe of a child, Anri, be clad in too large of armor as fodder for the front?"

"Reah...." Osric attempted to quell the rising rage.

"It's clear now this war will not end with us, so yes it is up to our children like it was for us. And I mean to see they grow old as we are and not let our nation be lost forever."

"Ascalonians are a people not a place.” Reah replied hastily.

"We'll not abandon our home, not while these walls stand. You want to live under ministry rule? To be lost among the melting pot of Reach in a few generations?" The usual but true response to any that suggested another migration to Kryta.

It must have tasted like toxin to Reah upon hearing those words, "Damn your pride Orbeck. Your perspicacity always seems to end with death."

Osric growled lowly, "Six, what do you need from us?"

With strong words Orbeck answered his friend, "Allies. The call must go out."

Reah knew there was more to it but spoke anyways, "The Settlement and Rurikton already send who they can, there is no one else."

"Elona and Cantha owe our people. It was our heroes that saved their nations."

Osric was in no mood for a history lesson, "You know the state of those nations." The desert gates had shut since the last trickle of Elonian refugees made a trek by land north. Those able to fight from Elona were enlisted to the Vanguard to become citizens.

Lord Batista paused for a moment to consider his words but there no easy way to say what he needed. "You two are going to Cantha. I'm asking the both of you as the only ones the Duke and I can trust as emissaries."

A nation with shut borders to all the world. Never has an Ascalonian party been sent to Cantha since Ascalon City was overrun. Cantha has a debt to Ascalon, it could be possible. But that didn’t stop the emotional rage at such a request.

Reah looked as though she was about to strike, "To leave? To abandon our house and sons so they can die in the fields?"

Orbeck shook his head, "To give them a chance for their families and future. I have the royal seal from the Duke that will grant you passage. Once at sea and past Orr you'll fly the banners of Ascalon, they would not dare refuse to hear you out."

The wolf clenched his fists, "We refuse then. Send another."

"Did you not listen?” It almost sounded like a plea, “There is no one else that can do this.”

Was the list of trusted allies really so shallow?

"You can't make us go." In reality he could one way or the other. Whether by military order, blackmail, or coercion with threats... The list could go on and on.

"I can’t, but I trust you'll discuss this at length. Harlow’s do what needs to be done, and I'm sorry it has to be this way. You have my word your boys will be looked over." The silence dragged on for what seemed like an eternity. "Reah... a word before I leave."

Reah passed a reassuring nod to her husband. He could trust her not to do anything rash like assault the lord of house Batista.

Harlow couldn't hear what they were discussing but it was brief and before he knew it the room was just the wolves.

[scoundrelcaptain]

[time-lost-traveler]

Enchanted forest.

©️ me

[hellocoraco]

“When I say forever, I mean forever, I do As long as the world keeps turning and turning As long as gravity keeps my feet on this Earth You’ll be my one You’ll be my all You’ll be my one, my all, my universe,…”

My Universe -  The Shires

[ylfra]