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Post by Ringulf on Dec 6, 2010 11:55:34 GMT -5
Crowley sat at his usual table in the back of the common room of the Boarshead Tavern in Whitbey. He was reading some correspondence and writing some notes a large mug of warmed cider steaming next to him with a plate of pumpkin scones, most likely the last he would get till next year.
He motioned to the cherubic serving girl and she came toward him gleefully.
"What can I get for ya Master Ranger?" she said with a wink and a smile."
"Can you please make sure that the back room is available I will be having several guest for dinner and we need not to be disturbed." Crowley looked up at her from his writings will a smile.
"Of coarse Master Crowley I will make sure there are places set...um how many was you needin?" she asked
"Places for four Wilma and make sure the big chair goes on the side opposite of the door if you would." He said
"I will retire to my room for the bath I ordered is the water drawn?"
"Yes sir and the Barber will be in for your shave in a few minutes" She said efficiently.
"Good when I am finished I will come down to the back room send my guests in to me and we will have our dinner when they arrive, before we get to business." Crowley said as he gathered his papers and headed up the stairs to his room.
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Post by Brandwyn on Jan 4, 2011 15:42:01 GMT -5
Tory approached the Boarshead Tavern with some trepidation, wondering what the fates were going to throw at her now. She figured that any meeting involving Crowley was likely to have major consequences on her life. So far she hadn't experienced anything to dispute that belief, nor was she overly fond of the ranger commander. Oh he was nice enough, most of the time, but she felt like he was studying her all the time and just waiting for her to say or do something that would lead him to Patrick Palisade, her first mentor.
Crowley had as much as told her that her first loyalty should be to the Ranger Corps and not to her mentor, but he just didn't understand. Patrick had saved her from the life of terror and toil she'd been living in Meric with for years and taught her how to take care of herself under even the most adverse conditions. She couldn't help but place her loyalty in him and she walked a fine line juggling that loyalty with that of the Corps and Crowley knew that and didn't care much for it. Thus she always felt like she was walking on egg shells around him.
She sighed, at least Tandar and Ringulf would be there, and Brandwyn too. Tory smiled at the Royal Scout apprentice as Brandwyn patted her on the shoulder at her sigh. "It will all work out." Brandwyn said optimistically to her and then turned her gaze back to Tandar, the worried look in her eyes less than convincing. Tory followed her gaze, also worried about her current mentor. She didn't want to go back to Meric, but she felt Tandar needed her more than she needed him right now, even though she was a little bit scared that he might go over the deep end at some critical moment when they were engaged in a battle or something. He seemed almost fragile right now and she really didn't know what was eating at him, but she did know he wasn't dealing with it.
"I hope so." she said softly to Brandwyn as they entered behind Tandar and were directed to a private room in the back. Tory saw a table set for dinner and made her way to a chair facing the door. She never liked to put her back to a door if she could help it.
She had Chip loosely tied outside the tavern and loaded down with all of her gear. She was prepared in case the meeting didn't go well and she was forced to make a choice between what Crowley wanted or leaving the Ranger Corps. She really had no idea what she wanted or if that would even be considered. Maybe she was being too personal. It could be that this meeting would have nothing to do with her or that Crowley was going to give her and Tandar a new mission that would take them away from Meric. She wouldn't mind that at all. The longer she could put off returning to her home, the better. If she waited long enough maybe that slob that had abused her, Chatelaine Korrin, would have eaten himself to death and then she could see her mother and father without any fear. In her heart though, she knew she was going to have to face her tormentor sooner or later and deal with those feelings or she may end up going down the same road Tandar appeared to be travelling right now.
She drew her heels up onto the seat of the chair, wrapping her arms around her knees and rested her chin on her knees watching the others and trying to pretend she didn't exist as she took in all the details of the room and the faint sounds of the very loud common room they had just walked through. She wished they would get on with things and doubted she could eat anything with her stomach all knotted up like this. 'Where was Crowley and Ringulf?' she wondered as she waited.
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Post by Tandar on Jan 28, 2011 12:47:06 GMT -5
Tandar had mostly regained his composure since the accident at the harvest faire, but he still felt anxious about meeting with Crowley. Not only that, but his girlfriend, his apprentice, and fellow Ranger Ringulf were also invited. Tandar fully expected the Ranger commandant to discharge him from the Corps, but he didn't understand why Crowley would want to humiliate him in the presence of his friends. Patting Ruldor on the head, he left the horse outside the Boarshead tavern and led the way inside.
Seeing the mottled gray and green cloak, Wilma came forward to greet the party. "Are you Master Crowley's dinner guests?"
Tandar nodded.
"Right this way," the serving girl directed. She showed them a room in the back where places were already set for the meal.
"Thank you," Tandar mumbled. He removed his cloak, hanging it on a hook near the door, and took a seat opposite the large chair.
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Post by Ringulf on Jan 31, 2011 13:20:10 GMT -5
Seeing the mottled gray and green cloak, Wilma came forward to greet the party. "Are you Master Crowley's dinner guests?"
Tandar nodded.
"Right this way," the serving girl directed. She showed them a room in the back where places were already set for the meal.
"Thank you," Tandar mumbled. He removed his cloak, hanging it on a hook near the door, and took a seat opposite the large chair.
Tory smiled at the Royal Scout apprentice as Brandwyn patted her on the shoulder at her sigh. "It will all work out." Brandwyn said optimistically to her and then turned her gaze back to Tandar, the worried look in her eyes less than convincing. Tory followed her gaze, also worried about her current mentor. She didn't want to go back to Meric, but she felt Tandar needed her more than she needed him right now, even though she was a little bit scared that he might go over the deep end at some critical moment when they were engaged in a battle or something. He seemed almost fragile right now and she really didn't know what was eating at him, but she did know he wasn't dealing with it.
"I hope so." she said softly to Brandwyn as they entered behind Tandar, Tory saw a table set for dinner and made her way to a chair facing the door. She never liked to put her back to a door if she could help it. She drew her heels up onto the seat of the chair, wrapping her arms around her knees and rested her chin on her knees watching the others and trying to pretend she didn't exist as she took in all the details of the room and the faint sounds of the very loud common room they had just walked through. She wished they would get on with things and doubted she could eat anything with her stomach all knotted up like this. 'Where was Crowley and Ringulf?' she wondered as she waited.
Just then The large frame of Ringulf filled the doorway. He entered the room and nodded a greeting to all, them he moved around the table to the side Tory was on and pulled the chair out next to her. He removed his big cloak, Tory saw that it was totally black on the outside but then saw the standard ranger pattern on the inside and noted that the cloak was reversible.
"Good evening all." He said as he seated himself next to Tory at the far end of the table from Crowley's head chair. He looked across at Tandar and Brandwyn.
"Tandar it is good to see you Lad. How are you feeling? I just stopped by the infirmary in the castle where they took Birgitta and Rigel. The boy is fine and it seems as though his mother is out of danger. Her wounds are no longer bleeding. The chirurgeon assured me that as long as we could fend off infection, she would make a full recovery, in fact her condition of pregnancy most likely saved her life as the arrow pierced he extended womb and not any of her vital organs. Little Rigel was in the greatest danger and he, though marked by Uller himself is fit. I do not believe we will need to worry about the two any longer. I have been with Crowley and, as he will tell you, they will actually be better off than they had been yesterday! Ah that reminds me, Crowley will be down in a moment, the butcher...I mean barber has just left him and he is dressing." This last part was delivered with a bit of a smirk.
They chatted among themselves for a bit and in a few moments Crowley came in gruffly with a small bandage on his left ear that showed a spot of blood at the lobe.
"Good evening Rangers.." He said in a brusk manner, "Apprentice Waterton, take your feet off that chair and put them on the floor this is a dinner table not a dorm room! Now, I am glad to see you all, please forgive my tardiness, I sustained a wound at the hands of these incompetent buffoons that needed to be dressed...and wipe that silly smirk off your face Ringulf! An inch further south and the man could have sliced open my jugular!"
Ringulf drew himself up and tried to be to put on a strait face,
"Perhaps we need to screen some of our other service people their could be a conspiracy to try to assassinate our leadership! What better way than to slit your throat with a hot towel wrapped around your face!"
"You know that is not as far fetched as you would make it seem!" Crowley pointed his finger at the big ranger and answered indignantly.
"But let us get down to the matters at hand.
Ranger Polaris, I have to say that you are a fortunate man in the face of the fact that not only could you have killed a civilian bystander shooting into a crowd like that, a crowd that at all costs, we are sworn to protect, you could right this moment, be up on charges before a Court Martial for your lack of prudence in this matter and be subject to expulsion from the Corps and possibly incarceration if it were to be dragged out that far!"
He looked at Tandar sternly.
"It's alright, relax son, I am sorry to tell you that you are going to enjoy all the lovely benefits that come with this line of service for a good long while yet, We need every Ranger we have at the moment, but we must make some hard decisions here tonight."
Crowley looked around at each of the people at the table as he spoke.
"The Woman and her newborn son, miraculously are fine, in fact they are more than fine. That arrow might as well have been fletch with the tail feathers of the bloody Bluebird of Happiness, as they is to become the beneficiaries of the "Ranger's Benevolence Fund"
He saw the questioning looks on many of his listeners as he panned around the table.
"The fund was started by an endowment from King Duncan himself upon the death of the Queen, as a Ranger with a family had given his life to try to defend she and the Princess Cassandra.
It is commonly used to compensate and care for the orphaned and widowed among the Ranger Corps, but Ringulf researched it's conditions and brought it to my attention."
"Even though this will take care of the woman and her son, I would expect a man of your status and means would also have some hand in comforting the pair in the future Polaris, but of that I will say no more as it is a matter of honor not a requirement of the law or the service."
"The next issue is that of A Ranger that has been juggling several torches in the air and is inevitably going to get burnt!
Your lapse of judgment Polaris, could have been a direct effect of the fact that you are shouldering some heavy burdens at the moment and you are taxing the resources your young mind and spirit posses. I for one, wish to formally express my condolences to you on your fathers passing and believe you have been a honorable and caring son to he and your mother, I am sure that it has worn heavily on you and of this I can give you no succor, but you have other burdens too. Apprentice Waterton is in need of a mentor, a stable mentor one that can, in the light of her first mentor, fill her individual needs without distraction. This is imperative due to her formative challenges prior to the service, and her incomplete training at the hands of Palisade.
I will not have this girl, who though despite her manners at the dinner table is showing promise, given less than the Corps owes her." he looked over to Tory who seemed to be a bit red and squirming at the direction of the conversation, and gave her a wink.
" I believe that brings us to your future plans Tandar.
I am glad you have Scout Brandwyn in your life and I feel that she would be equal to the task of being a Ranger's wife if any truly could, and I wish you much joy, however if you are to continue toward that end I would suggest that you make your plans, request a "Nuptial Leave" as is customary and focus your attentions on what every newly married man should.
The life of a ranger is a challenging one and in order for a Ranger to marry, a very strong relationship needs to be formed with his spouse so that they can bear the burden of service. Entering into matrimony during service should not be done lightly though I know of several men who have done it and rose to the occasion.
And or , you may choose to take a leave of absence, a sabbatical from the Corps so to speak, in which you take time to strengthen yourself in any area you may feel you are lacking.
Your recent incident is one that I believe, can only be remedied by wisdom and experience, so sending you to a particular training I feel a waste of time and resources. But that does not mean that you may not need to seek out some other form of instruction to fill the gaps in your life.
Regardless of the path you chose, you will be subject to light duty, full reports and expected to carry yourself as a ranger and represent the Corps as such at all times.
For the present as it is getting close to the Yule season and the Revel at Norgate, that I hope to see you all in attendance if at all possible, I suggest that Apprentice Waterton remain with her previous assignment under, but not officially apprenticed too, Ranger Ringulf in Marshwood fife for the time being. This will allow continuity for her training as well as a companion to support her already difficult apprenticeship and get her a little more solidly based while you make your decision Tandar."
Then Crowley softened just a little bit and spoke less formally,
"Lets face it folks we have all been through the wringer on this one, and the requirements of our future jobs are not going to get any easier, let us not feel we need to rush to a final decision while we have some time with all that is at stake.
It is my intention and desire, that all at this table would in the very near future be fully recovered, fully effective Rangers in the service of his majesty, in order to face the rigors, that by my recent intelligence, we will soon be subject too."
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Post by Brandwyn on Mar 12, 2011 22:35:11 GMT -5
Tory jumped slightly when the door opened, but then relaxed when she saw it was Ringulf who entered. She smiled at him as he crossed the room and greeted them all. She made a mental note that his cloak was reversed, concealing his identity as a ranger and wondered again at the subterfuge. After the last month she had to wonder if Ringulf had really fully recovered or if he was suffering from some mental issues from the mast falling on him.
She was still nervous, but his presence made her feel quite a bit better. She glanced at Tandar and thought that Ringulf’s appearance didn’t appear to be all that comforting for him. Again her stomach twisted up in knots as she wondered what her fate was to be this time.
Then Crowley breezed into the room, taking in everything in an instant as he greeted them.
"Good evening Rangers.." He said in a brusk manner, "Apprentice Waterton, take your feet off that chair and put them on the floor. This is a dinner table not a dorm room!”
Tory glared at him and for several minutes did not change her posture. She debated on defying him, but finally decided it would only make her look like a baby in front of Tandar and Ringulf, so she slowly placed her feet on the floor, scooting forward in the chair so her feet would reach since the chairs were rather tall and resting her elbows on the table instead.
She followed the banter between Ringulf and Crowley closely, but it did little to make her feel at ease. Then Crowley addressed Tandar.
“Ranger Polaris, I have to say that you are a fortunate man in the face of the fact that not only could you have killed a civilian bystander shooting into a crowd like that, a crowd that at all costs, we are sworn to protect, you could right this moment, be up on charges before a Court Martial for your lack of prudence in this matter and be subject to expulsion from the Corps and possibly incarceration if it were to be dragged out that far!"
He looked at Tandar sternly.
“But you can’t…” Tory broke off when Crowley threw a warning look her way. She glared at him again, but shut her mouth, sat back and crossed her arms on her chest, her feet swinging slightly. No way could he kick Tandar out of the Ranger Corps for this. Tory wouldn’t stand for it. It had been an accident.
"It's alright, relax son, I am sorry to tell you that you are going to enjoy all the lovely benefits that come with this line of service for a good long while yet, We need every Ranger we have at the moment, but we must make some hard decisions here tonight."
Crowley looked around at each of the people at the table as he spoke.
Tory continued to glare at Crowley as if she could bore holes in his head with her eyes. Although his voice softened a bit, she wondered just exactly what he meant.
She was even more confused as he told them about the Ranger Benevolent Fund, having never heard of it before. Then he got down to the matter that concerned her most.
"The next issue is that of A Ranger that has been juggling several torches in the air and is inevitably going to get burnt!
Your lapse of judgment Polaris, could have been a direct effect of the fact that you are shouldering some heavy burdens at the moment and you are taxing the resources your young mind and spirit posses. I for one, wish to formally express my condolences to you on your fathers passing and believe you have been a honorable and caring son to he and your mother, I am sure that it has worn heavily on you and of this I can give you no succor, but you have other burdens too. Apprentice Waterton is in need of a mentor, a stable mentor one that can, in the light of her first mentor, fill her individual needs without distraction. This is imperative due to her formative challenges prior to the service, and her incomplete training at the hands of Palisade.”
Not sure where this was going, but generally not having liked Crowley’s decisions on her life so far, Tory was a bit surprised to find herself defending Tandar. “Tandar is a good mentor! He has taught me a lot of stuff.” She exclaimed. “And Patrick taught me way more than you will ever know.” She said defiantly in Palisade’s defense, although not very loudly.
“I will not have this girl, who though despite her manners at the dinner table is showing promise, given less than the Corps owes her." Crowley looked over to Tory who seemed to be a bit red and squirming at the direction of the conversation, and gave her a wink.
Tory wanted to launch into a tirade, but after a brief struggle with herself, she brought her temper under control and just returned Crowley’s wink with a pout, not sure what he was getting at. She just wished he would spit out his decision about her future and stop prolonging the agony.
" I believe that brings us to your future plans Tandar.
I am glad you have Scout Brandwyn in your life and I feel that she would be equal to the task of being a Ranger's wife if any truly could, and I wish you much joy, however if you are to continue toward that end I would suggest that you make your plans, request a "Nuptial Leave" as is customary and focus your attentions on what every newly married man should.
The life of a ranger is a challenging one and in order for a Ranger to marry, a very strong relationship needs to be formed with his spouse so that they can bear the burden of service. Entering into matrimony during service should not be done lightly though I know of several men who have done it and rose to the occasion.”
Now it was Brandwyn that was red-faced and embarrassed. Tory saw her studying her hands that were neatly folded in her lap and admired her that she could be so composed in light of the direction the conversation had taken, though her face was bright red. Tory saw her glance at Tandar and then quickly look back down at her hands, pointedly not looking at Crowley or Ringulf. Tory cast a quick glance at Tandar too, trying to see what his reaction to the conversation was.
“And or , you may choose to take a leave of absence, a sabbatical from the Corps so to speak, in which you take time to strengthen yourself in any area you may feel you are lacking.
Your recent incident is one that I believe, can only be remedied by wisdom and experience, so sending you to a particular training I feel is a waste of time and resources. But that does not mean that you may not need to seek out some other form of instruction to fill the gaps in your life.
Regardless of the path you chose, you will be subject to light duty, full reports and expected to carry yourself as a ranger and represent the Corps as such at all times,”
Tory glanced back at Crowley then, a worried look on her face. Was she to be passed off again to a stranger? For that matter, was Tandar going to marry Brandwyn? As far as Tory knew, the couple hadn’t even discussed the matter, and certainly hadn’t made any formal engagement announcement. Maybe Crowley was getting ahead of himself. Still, Tandar needed some help or a break or something. It was pretty obvious to everyone except him. At least Crowley wasn’t kicking him out or throwing him in a dungeon someplace for the accidental shooting.
“For the present as it is getting close to the Yule season and the Revel at Norgate, that I hope to see you all in attendance if at all possible, I suggest that Apprentice Waterton remain with her previous assignment under, but not officially apprenticed too, Ranger Ringulf in Marshwood fife for the time being. This will allow continuity for her training as well as a companion to support her already difficult apprenticeship and get her a little more solidly based while you make your decision Tandar."
Tory perked up at the mention of the Winter Revel. She had figured she was going to miss that, since she had just been to the fair in Whitby, but now it looked like she was going to get to go to the Revel after all. She was focusing on trying to absorb that information so much that she nearly missed the last bit that directly concerned her.
“Wait? What?” She asked aloud, not sure if she had heard right. “I am to go with Ringulf?” She grinned at the older ranger but then sobered suddenly. “What about Tandar? He needs me!” As much as she liked the idea of staying with Ringulf, she felt Tandar shouldn’t be on his own right now. He was distracted and tended to ignore the simple things, like eating and sleeping.
Then Crowley softened just a little bit and spoke less formally,
"Lets face it folks we have all been through the wringer on this one, and the requirements of our future jobs are not going to get any easier, let us not feel we need to rush to a final decision while we have some time with all that is at stake.
It is my intention and desire, that all at this table would in the very near future be fully recovered, fully effective Rangers in the service of his majesty, in order to face the rigors, that by my recent intelligence, we will soon be subject too."
Tory looked at him sharply. Now what was going on? Was there going to be another war? The butterflies returned and attacked her stomach with a vengeance. Trying to sort out his words, Tory finally asked, “So I am to go with Ringulf but Tandar is my official mentor, right?” She wanted to go with Ringulf, but she felt torn, like her loyalty was once again being tested. Tandar was her mentor and she should be with him. It also seemed as if she wasn’t going to have any say in the matter and although that was the way of things when in service to the government, she didn’t like it much. She had gotten used to her freedom while she had been with Patrick. It wasn’t easy to let that go. Once again she wondered if the Ranger Corps was the place for her.
“I would like to go with Ringulf very much, but my place is with Tandar if he is to be my mentor still. As much as I don’t want to go to Meric, I realize that someday I am going to have face my tormentors there. I don’t want to go, but I also don’t want to abandon my mentor, especially right now when he needs someone to watch his back.” Tory got a wistful look on her face, “Still…it would be nice to go with Ringulf and train with Mylia.” Then she blushed and looked up at Crowley with an apologetic look, “not that I have any say, really. I know you assign the rangers and apprentices as you see fit. If you say I am going with Ringulf, then I will go, but who is going to look out for Tandar? He shouldn’t be alone right now with all that stuff on his mind, especially after what happened.” She hoped Tandar wouldn’t think she thought he needed a baby sitter, but she really was worried about him running around the countryside on his own.
She might not have the right to choose what her assignment was going to be, but at least she had said her peace.
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Meanwhile Brandwyn was trying hard not to jump up and run out of the room. How could Crowley even be talking about ‘nuptual leave’ and the duties of a husband and wife? She and Tandar had only hinted at getting married. Nothing had been decided. It wasn’t fair of Crowley to put them on the spot like this.
Her heart was doing cartwheels though, at the thought she might be able to have several months with Tandar. Would he want to take her back to Caraway to stay at his family’s estate? Or would he take the second option and go off on his own. He already had done that and it seemed to have had an adverse affect on him.
Her stomach clenched, maybe he would break things off with her and take off on his own. She couldn’t take more months of not hearing from him. If he did that, she would track him down, she vowed. He wasn’t going to just walk away from her without a word. She didn’t dare look at him. What if he was planning to break up with her? Would she be able to t see it on his face? Was he as embarrassed as she? She didn’t know how to respond so she just stared at her hands, trying to keep from twisting up the fabric of her tunic nerviously. Her mother had always told her that a Lady was always calm and serene on the outside, no matter the turmoil on the inside. Athough she thought it silly, she still practiced the calming techniques her mother had taught her.
Finally she glanced at Tandar and then quickly back at her hands again. What was he thinking? What would his decision be? Why did she have to be here? This was an internal ranger matter. Although she longed to hear Tandar’s answer, she felt like she was a third wheel and had no business hearing ranger business.
She sat quietly and waited for Tandar’s response.
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Post by Tandar on Mar 23, 2011 19:22:03 GMT -5
As Ranger Ringulf entered the room, Tandar pressed his lips together and nodded in greeting. He wiped his slightly sweaty palms on his trousers just in case Ringulf wanted to shake hands. "I've been better." The news of Rigel and his mother lifted a weight from his shoulders and he felt somewhat better about the turn of events. The statement about them being better off left him curious though. Ringulf was obviously waiting for the Ranger Commandant to arrive and explain the situation in full.
Tandar sat in silence until Crowley arrived. He stared down at the surface of the table in front of him while the Ranger Commandant lectured him, listing all the potential consequences. When Crowley's tone lightened, he let out the breath he had been unconsciously holding. It seemed he would not have to face a court-martial, which was a huge relief. Tandar also made a mental note of Crowley's suggestion to compensate the victims of his careless actions. When his attention was drawn to Tory, he realized what a bad example he must have been setting and that he had not been a very good mentor at all. He promised himself that he would make it up to her as soon as he got his life back together. A pang of jealousy struck him when he heard his apprentice would be under the care of Ranger Ringulf. He liked and trusted Ringulf, but he could not help feeling that Tory would rather be with Ringulf, that he wasn't likable enough, that perhaps she even despised him. He sensed that she preferred Ringulf's company, but how could be blame her? After all, he had practically ignored her during the trip to the faire. Some of his fears were washed away when she protested the commandant's decision, but Tandar still wondered if she was genuinely concerned about him or if this was all an act put on for his benefit.
"I do not have plans to marry at this time," Tandar told Crowley coolly. He intentionally avoided looking at Brandwyn when he said it, unsure of what he might see in her eyes. "I wish to take a leave of absence."
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Post by Brandwyn on Apr 24, 2011 21:53:49 GMT -5
Brandwyn didn’t look at Tandar while he was talking, but instead focused on a spot on the back of her hand. Her initial response was a gut wrenching twist deep in her stomach, but then she tried to take a step back and look at it from his point of view. He really did not have any plans to marry. The two of them had not discussed it and she figured they were still quite a long way from that even if that is where their relationship was going. She had to graduate first. Ian wouldn’t let her get married until she completed her training. So, though his statement sent a shiver of fear through her, she had to admit it was accurate.
When he said he wanted a leave of absence Brandwyn thought that maybe it would be possible for her to get a bit of time off her training and maybe they could spend it together. She longed to get him away from the others and find out if he wanted that as much as she did. She decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and glanced at him, a hopeful look in her eye and a smile of encouragement on her face, but he seemed to be avoiding her eyes. This sent another shiver through her, although she tried not to let it show.
Deciding that she needed to know what he was thinking, Brandwyn cleared her throat and, with a hesitant glance at the ranger Commandant, she asked Tandar, “Where will you go, back to your parent’s estate?” Brandwyn looked at his face and tried to read what was going on inside him, but once again he seemed closed off from her. She wondered if he even knew yet what he would do or where he would go.
She knew he needed to know that she was here for him no matter what, so under the table she slipped her hand over to rest on his leg and gave it a gentle squeeze, then withdrew her hand again, resting it on her own leg, out of site of the others around the table just in case her touch made him uncomfortable. If he wanted to, her hand was there for him to clasp, but she wasn’t going to force herself on him or hang all over him. The only thing she could do was to support his decisions and make sure he knew she still loved him and was concerned for him.
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Post by Ringulf on Apr 25, 2011 8:28:27 GMT -5
"Well that is certainly a possibility Tandar..." Crowley said seemingly a bit taken back.
" With all the events that have transpired, reports I have received and the general scuttlebutt, which I normally only listen to with half an ear, I thought you two might have been a bit farther along in your relationship, and I half hoped you where as I saw it as one possibly strong cord in a slowly fraying string. Wishful thinking on my part I suppose, forgive me if I put any undue pressure on you both.
But it remains that that bow is gonna have to be unstrung temporarily to fix the frayed string...so Tandar your leave is granted, Tory you will go with Ringulf and Mylia for the time being and Brandwynn please resume your excellent work with Master Ian, send him my regards.
Tandar please file the appropriate paperwork with me before you leave and let me know your course of action, understand if we need to recall you into active duty for some reason, we need to know your whereabouts.
If there are no more questions this meeting is concluded officially, though I will remain for a while to field any personal questions, and remember we are all here to support each other, nothing said tonight should pass from this room and each of you in this room has a responsibility to the other to make sure we work to common good of all and primarily of the service."
He then looked around at the silent faces and awaited any questions.
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Post by Brandwyn on Apr 25, 2011 9:15:09 GMT -5
Tory glanced at Crowley and then to Tandar, who looked pretty miserable. “Tandar, I want you to know that I think you are a very good mentor. You really helped my marksmanship improve and in just these few short weeks you gave me a more normal and well-rounded training schedule than Patrick did – not that I think there was anything wrong with his way of teaching – but I feel like I have the basics down now and I am not quite so insecure in my abilities as a ranger.” Tory shot a glance to Crowley then back to Tandar. “Thank you for that and don’t think you are a bad mentor or anything. I am proud to call you my mentor.” She stared at him intently, hoping he could see she was sincere.
However now she wasn’t quite sure who her mentor was exactly. Was she still Tandar’s apprentice or was she Ringulf’s? Turning back to Crowley she said, “Soooo… let me get this straight… I am still Tandar’s apprentice right? I am just out on loan to Ringulf for an undetermined amount of time?” She raised an eyebrow at Crowley.
“So how will Tandar know what training I am getting so he can pick my training back up when he comes back to active duty? Will I need to send him regular reports like the rangers send to you?” She realized she had a few questions brewing, “Most importantly, does this mean I don’t have to go back to Meric right now?”
Tory glanced at Tandar again, “It’s not that I don’t want to go with you, Tandar. It’s that I don’t want to go to Meric. I hope you can understand that.” Tory’s hand slipped to the hilt of her Saxe knife unconsciously. “I am afraid of what I might do to Korrin should I run into him there. If Patrick hadn’t stopped me last time…” her voice trailed off and she crossed her arms over her knees again before realizing that she had her feet on the chair again and dropped them back to the floor, scooting up in the chair. “I just think I need some more time before confronting him, that’s all.” She looked back at Tandar, “Maybe this break will be good for both of us!” She smiled encouragingly at him. “You’ll see.”
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Post by Ringulf on Apr 25, 2011 11:02:53 GMT -5
"Yes Apprentice your mentor is still Tandar but as he will not be available during his leave of absence you will go with Ranger Ringulf and his apprentice and you will travel, train and report directly to him.
I will make sure that when Tandar is ready to take up his duties once more that he is briefed and you will have an opportunity to show him first hand your progress, none of those things are your concern really the service says you go with Ringulf for now so just follow orders, learn your lessons, be attentive and obedient and ask lots of questions, I know Ringulf loves that..."he said with a little smirk. "...and eventually all this will sort itself out.
Ringulf who had been rather silent through all of this finally spoke in a soft low voice.
"Tory it seems our roads go on together for a bit longer, you know me, you know what to expect , we will help each other and Mylia, our titles are not as important as our relationships and though you are not my apprentice per se I will be teaching both you and Mylia at the same time. you are both relatively in the same place though you may have slightly different needs, trust that they will be attended too. When Tandar is ready you will be too."
"As far as Merrick not Merrick, Marshwood or Ni Hon Ja you just go where Ringulf goes and keep your emotions in check. you are not alone when you are in the corp but you are supposed to stand up to whatever comes your way with discipline, training and common sense. I'm confident that you can achieve that and don't worry one day the knave that wronged you will have his comeuppance too" Said Crowley showing a bit of guarded tenderness but now, having almost concluded this affair he was more interested in maintaining his thick Commandant's skin.
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Post by Tandar on May 18, 2011 14:07:42 GMT -5
Tandar pressed his lips together and nodded stiffly after Crowley apologized for prematurely bringing up the subject of marriage. It was an awkward moment, but it quickly passed.
“I won't be going back to Caraway. I plan to be on the move.” His response was for Brandwyn's inquiry, but Tandar directed his answer toward Commandant Crowley. “I will submit weekly reports," he added, "to keep you informed of my progress and whereabouts."
Tandar found Brandwyn's touch comforting, and he reached for her hand under the table, squeezing it lightly before letting go. As the meeting concluded and Tandar stood to depart, Tory complimented his work as a mentor. The corners of his mouth to twitched upwards in a small smile. "Thank you, Tory." He gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder as he went to retrieve his Ranger cloak. Polaris was about to put it on, but thought better of it and tucked it under his arm instead.
He waited outside the room for Brandwyn. He needed to let her know that he needed some time alone. He didn't want her to get the wrong idea and form misconceptions about spending time together. Polaris touched her arm and led her aside as she came out. "Brandwyn, I—" he began, struggling to find the words. "I need to do this by myself. We can't see each other until I return to duty."
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Post by Brandwyn on May 20, 2011 13:55:21 GMT -5
Crowley said to Tory, “I'm confident that you can achieve that and don't worry one day the knave that wronged you will have his comeuppance too" Said Crowley showing a bit of guarded tenderness but now, having almost concluded this affair he was more interested in maintaining his thick Commandant's skin.
Tory gave him a tentative smile, “I expect he will someday, but I would prefer not to have to deal with him ever again.” She watched Tandar and Brandwyn go out, seeing the look on Tandar’s face she lowered her head and took a deep breath before she stood up to follow. She looked up at Ringulf and then slowly smiled. She was going to be with he and Mylia again and she wasn’t going to Meric. She wanted to see her parents, but was very relieved not to have to face her tormentors again just yet. When she returned to Meric, she wanted it to be as a full ranger with all the authority of that position so no one there could push her around. Tonight she would have to write a letter to her parents and let them know what had been happening, from here it would take only a few days to be delivered, especially if she hired a courier to deliver it.
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Brandwyn slowly stood as Tandar retrieved his cloak and followed him out the door. She knew what was coming, she’d been expecting it. She let him lead her aside to a quiet corner of the hallway and wrapped her arm around his waist as he tried to find the words.
"Brandwyn, I—" he began, struggling to find the words. "I need to do this by myself. We can't see each other until I return to duty."
Although she was expecting them, the words cut through her guts like a sharp, cold knife. She buried her face in his chest and clung to him for several minutes until she could trust herself to speak. How should she answer? She was hurt and angry, but yet she could understand his need to work things out on his own. She couldn’t bear to hurt him, however, even though a part of her wanted to lash out at him and shake some sense into him.
She raised her head, reaching up to place a hand around his neck she pulled him to her and gave him a long, passionate kiss. Stepping back just a bit she said, “My feelings for you have not changed. I will give you as much time as you need, but I ask three things of you.” She stroked a fingertip across his cheek. “First; that if your feelings for me change, write to me or come tell me in person and don’t string me along. Second; write to me at least once a month, even if it is short, just so I know you aren’t lying dead in a ditch someplace and Third; You better be at my graduation from Scout School or I am going to hunt you down and haunt you for the rest of your life.” She said with a grin. Tears were swimming in her eyes, but so far she was keeping them in check as she memorized every curve of his face and his stunning green eyes. She had a feeling that the memory of his face was going to have to last her for quite a while.
She kissed him on the cheek then, a very light kiss and whispered in his ear, “I love you, Tandar. Always remember that.” Then she slipped out of his arms and flew out the back door as silently as possible, rushing to her horse to canter away into the night before she lost all her composure.
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Post by Ringulf on May 27, 2011 11:18:04 GMT -5
She kissed him on the cheek then, a very light kiss and whispered in his ear, “I love you, Tandar. Always remember that.” Then she slipped out of his arms and flew out the back door as silently as possible, rushing to her horse to canter away into the night before she lost all her composure.
"Let her go son..." Ringulf said from behind him.
He placed a large hand on Tandar's shoulder.
"That one loves you very much, when it is time you will find her faithful. As for your apprentice, Tory will be fine for the time being with Mylia and I. You have done well with her and I will uphold your teachings, when you return you will find her ready, of this you have my word."
Ringulf moved to face the young man and extend his hand to him.
"Good Hunting Polaris! May that star guide you back to yourself soon! And as for our other "Star" I will look after little Rigel as well. If you correspond with me I will keep you informed of all, Farewell."
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Post by Tandar on Jun 16, 2011 21:38:14 GMT -5
As Brandwyn buried her face in his chest, Tandar awkwardly patted her on the back until she sufficiently recovered. Their lips met and they kissed for what seemed like a full minute. When Brandwyn pulled back, Tandar’s hands fell to her waist and he listened intently to the three rules he had to commit to memory. A brief kiss and a moment later she was gone, leaving him standing alone wondering if he should follow.
“Let her go, Son,” Ringulf said as he approached from behind.
Tandar was comforted by his comrade’s touch. He firmly shook the offered hand. “Thank you, Ringulf … for everything.”
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