2017-05-04: Resolve

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  • Log: Resolve
  • Cast: Kourin White Knight Leo
  • Where: Adlehyde Refugee Camp
  • Date: 2017-05-04
  • Summary: White Knight Leo encounters the deserter, Kourin, and learns from her why she abandoned her post. Kourin finds her spine.

===================================<* Adlehyde - Refugee Camp *>====================================

Located in the northeast quadrant of Adlehyde, the refugee camp fills what used to be the fairgrounds -- and, before that, a military training site. The paths that make up the fairground remain, but many of the buildings here were severely damaged when the Quarter Knight Berserk smashed his way into the city. The paths are sometimes cut across and scarred, when some Metal Beast smashed their way through. The buildings often have broken walls and roofs, in varying states of repair.

The plaza remains, but it has become the headquarters for the relief efforts. Althena's Guard has placed a statue of the Goddess here, where their priests and soldiers hand out food, medical supplies, and more throughout the day. The workers of the Adventurer's Guild are also helping -- with a large tent on the other side of the plaza, where they serve out food.

Despite what could be a dire look, it's hard to miss that the refugee camp here is very well supplied. Tents are often new and in good repair; families may have lost their homes, but they aren't hungry; repairs to buildings go quicker than they could, thanks to stockpiled tools. If someone asks why, inevitably, one name comes whispered back to them: "Hawthorne."

BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MQRL7xws7w

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<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.

        Althena's Guard has been busy this past week. The Destiny is at an undisclosed location somewhere in the Adelyn Ranchlands, and Guard personnel have been doing their part to ensure that the new refugees' needs are met. They're a common sight in the refugee camp, especially near the giant statue they erected of Althena--the first one on the Blue Star.

        Leo is not there at the moment. He's walking down an aisle between tent-rows, taking in the general mood of the place. As a veteran of multiple conflicts back home, he's seen just how desperate things can get when people are driven from their homes. Whomever this Hawthorne person is, they were both prescient and compassionate. Perhaps a little too prescient, in a way that hasn't escaped the White Knight.

        A few children run past, playing tag. Two boys, and a younger girl, perhaps the sister of one of the boys. Leo looks lost in thought for a moment. Nevertheless, he's still on the lookout for trouble. That's just the way he is.

<Pose Tracker> Kourin has posed.
Kourin's managed to cobble together a disguise - buying or bartering for a long, drab duster coat and an equally drab wide-brimmed hat. The effect of the disguise is somewhat spoiled by the rapier, out of place, hanging at her hip.

This alone might not be enough to betray her presence, though and as the Guard have been so busy of late, she assumes the lack of bounty placed for her simply means they are counting her among the casualties of the attack on Adlehyde.

Unfortunately for Kourin, anyone familiar with her knows her dog, Spirit--a dog of a distinctive breed not found locally on the Blue Star, making him unique and making his presence a dead giveaway that Kourin is somewhere nearby. Spirit is currently running after a group of children playing in the refugee camp--two boys and a girl--with Kourin watching from nearby, keeping after her dog from a distance to make sure she doesn't lose him.
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.

        Leo stops in his tracks, studying the dog for a moment. He still looks as stern as ever, if a little distant, and Kourin might be forgiven for thinking he just didn't notice her. This changes in an instant as he turns on a heel, taking three swift steps towards the wayward mage.

        "Guardswoman Kourin, correct?" He looks right at her, and through her. His lips pull tight. "Black Mage Porthos was worried you'd been killed. What in the Goddess' name are you doing /here/?"

<Pose Tracker> Kourin has posed.
Kourin freezes in place, terrified. "S-Sir! I..." Her mind races, looking for an excuse, any excuse, to explain her presence here to the commander of the Guards she's so recently deserted. Who is clearly not happy to see her.

Then Spirit does the unthinkable--he recognizes White Knight Leo and dashes over, tail wagging, eager to demonstrate what a Good Boy he is.

"Spirit, no!" Kourin calls, too late, too late.


<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.

        Leo is notoriously stiff-necked. Some Guards have theorized that he might keep a metal pole down the back of his shirt to ensure that he stands straight and true at all times.

        Nevertheless, he is not so stiff-necked as to ignore a Good Dog who is in need of petting. The White Knight reaches down to administer said pets with efficiency and care, before turning his attention back to Kourin. Apparently that was time he gave her to explain herself.

        "Is everything well?" he says, ever-so-slightly suspicious.

<Pose Tracker> Kourin has posed.
Kourin swallows hard. "N-no, Sir, it is not," she admits. "I believe...I believe that I..." She swallows again, straightens ramrod stiff herself, and, eyes straight ahead, declares clearly. "I believe that I must resign my post, sir!"
<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.

        Leo's brow furrows ever-so-slightly as he processes what Sephilia just said. A frown slowly appears, looking as thoughtful as Leo's frowns can theoretically get. Ah, he thinks, I know what's wrong.

        "Guardswoman Kourin," Leo says, taking a step closer. The frown gives way to an expression that's more stern, but also more determined. "This was your first time in the field, was it not? Your first time seeing the true face of war... and against such ruthless monstrosities. You're not sure you can continue, can you?"

        Leo doesn't give Kourin a chance to answer. "Stand up straight," he says. It's a command, but a gentle one. He spreads an arm, his cape blowing in a sudden breeze. "Look at this camp. These people lived to see another day thanks to us, and to Althena's grace--no one, not even the Destroyer, will stop us from seeing that Her will is done. Justice to the wicked, solace to the innocent. We need people like you, Kourin, to bring peace and order to this world. I would be happy to see you return to us."

<Pose Tracker> Kourin has posed.
Kourin continues to stand at attention. "N-no, Sir. I-I mean...yes, Sir, it is my first time in the field. But...I...I intend to continue to stand...for what I believe in, Sir. It is...it is simply that I do not believe the Guard stand for what I believe in any longer." She's terrified. She's trembling. She can't believe that her voice is working. Her heart is pounding, so fast she thinks it may explode. And yet...she is speaking aloud, and she is standing tall in front of her former superior, and she is reinforcing the choice she made when she deserted--irrevocably, most likely.

Spirit saunters over to her, sensing her distress, and sits by her feet, nuzzling at her hand gently.

"I...am sorry, Sir, to disappoint you."


<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.

        Leo's answer is short, confused, and deliberate. "What?" He doesn't feel he needs to say anything else. He's now staring at Kourin, his eyes slowly narrowing in suspicion.

<Pose Tracker> Kourin has posed.
Kourin swallows hard again. "I left...I left before because...I was too frightened to face this. I slipped away. N-now...now I know that was wrong. I should have...I should have come to you and resigned in person..."

She's not sure that's what he meant, as she explains--an explanation that doesn't seem to be really necessary. What she said was clear.

Kourin trails off.

"I deserted, Sir. And...I intend to stand by that decision."

<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.

        Leo is not a cruel man. He is not the sort of commander who expects absolute obedience without granting respect and dignity in return. He would not ask any of his people to do anything that he, himself, was not willing to do.

        This is probably why he looks like Kourin just spat in his face. "Explain yourself," he says. He's already coming up with theories, of course, but Kourin is right here, and she can damn well answer him.

<Pose Tracker> Kourin has posed.
Kourin closes her eyes, then speaks. "I...I have seen the Guard act with cruelty in executing the edicts of Althena, even here. I have seen...I have seen the faith of those here on the Blue Star, who neither know Althena's goodness nor have any reason to, having not shared in her blessing, denigrated. I have...I have spoken to those who have suffered as a result, and asked myself if I can stand beside them as a comrade if I truly stand to oppose injustice." She pauses. Her cheeks turn a bit pink. "I have spoken to Sir Hiro and some of his companions, and believe them to be honorable." She opens her eyes. "I have...concerns about Althena's commands. I remember the hymns to Althena that I sang as a child, Sir, and...I wonder if they could truly be sinful. I...I saw, in Neo-Vane, ostentatious displays of wealth, and I saw, in my childhood, those too poor to afford clothes. Is that just?"

Somehow she's still standing. Her knees feel weak, but she's being held up by... something she's never quite felt before...

Conviction.

Until now, the only thing that's given her this kind of conviction is her faith in Althena.


<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.

        Leo allows Kourin to voice her thoughts. He doesn't yell at her, or demand her to cease what is undoubtedly a stream of lies, misunderstandings, and propaganda fed to an innocent young Guard by parties that mean to exploit her. And then, as Leo expected, she names a name that he recognizes--and everything clicks into place. His face twists into something that's not quite a scowl. "I /see/," Leo says, which may give Kourin the false hope that he's about to let her off the hook. /No such luck/. "When did you first contact the Destroyer's Consort, and what lies did he feed you? I'd /thought/ him possessed of a strange sort of honor, misguided though he may be, but it appears he is dragging good people down with him."

        "Guardswoman Kourin," Leo says. His voice is hard, but not yet angry. "We are given dictates by the Goddess Herself. That you choose to turn your back on her in favor of that /scoundrel/ wounds my heart, but I am White Knight, and the White Knight is not cruel. You have been lied to!" Leo takes a step closer. "Look around you! These innocents have food, shelter, and safety because of our hard work! Pentagulia would be a den of sin and banditry if we hadn't made it safe for pilgrims! The world is a cruel place, Kourin, but we have been bringing light and justice to it. Turn from this path you are on, and we will welcome you. Stand with the Destroyer and her minions, and we will not."

<Pose Tracker> Kourin has posed.
Kourin steels herself. "I have not turned away from Althena or her teachings, Sir. I do not deny that there is good that has been done by the Guard, but...I...believe the situation is not so simple as we have been led to believe! If...if you would only speak to Sir Hiro, you might see--"


<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.

        "/Enough/," Leo snaps. His patience has finally reached its limit. He gestures with a hand in what is unmistakably a command for silence. "I will not stand by while you repeat lies from one of the Destroyer's minions! Do you not understand what is at stake here, Kourin? /Two worlds/ are now in danger of succumbing to Malevolence, and you--!"

        People are staring. The kids who were playing tag earlier are now looking at Kourin, frightened--the little girl runs away and ducks behind the legs of a nearby adult, who puts a hand on her head protectively. Several Guards have taken notice.

        Kourin may want to consider a plan of escape.

        "You would throw it all away for a man who is already hopelessly in the thrall of the Lord of Calamity!" Leo pauses, takes a breath. "You're not in your right mind. Come with us."


<Pose Tracker> Kourin has posed.

Kourin takes a step back, glancing around, indeed, looking for a plan of escape.

"I will not, Sir."

Spirit growls, low, threatening--he will protect his Mistress, but she places her hand on his head--they're not going to stand and face the commander of the Guard in the midst of a Guard patrolled area.

"I...had hoped to do this without...confrontation..." she says, taking another step back.

<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.

        "You chose poorly," Leo says. His eyes are narrowed, and his lips are curled, but there is a faint sort of sadness in his expression, alongside the anger. This isn't wholly Kourin's fault. She is being used, just like Ronfar is. "Very well, then! Guardsmen!" The civilians start ducking into tents. Somewhere, a child starts crying. The Guards have now fallen into a line behind Leo, except for the ones that are undoubtedly cutting off other avenues of escape.


<Pose Tracker> Kourin has posed.

Kourin turns and bolts, a quick blast of magic icing the ground behind her to slow pursuit. She runs through the gaps between tents, dashing with surprising speed and grace as she flees everything she has ever stood for.

She'll have time for sadness later.

In Kourin's wake, she leaves occasional patches of ice, sometimes creeping up onto the walls of the tents she's dashing between. She knows better than to keep to a straight path. As she runs, she sheds the coat and hat--she needs to change her visual profile, and that disguise is no longer any use.

It didn't suit her, anyway.


<Pose Tracker> White Knight Leo has posed.

        The Guards give chase. Leo hangs back a moment, watching Kourin place her countermeasures before charging off as well. What ensues is possibly a harrowing chase for Kourin, and a frustrating one for Leo.

        In the end, she gets away.