2019-10-18: Heraldry Lesson

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  • Log: Heraldry Lesson
  • Cast: Hilde, Day Muirwall, Naelle Sylkirk, Skylr Paer
  • Where: Cape of Breath
  • Date: October 18, 2019
  • Summary: An Althena's Guard outing on the Blue Star leads to a tense moment between knights of Hyland and Rolance....


<Pose Tracker> Hilde has posed.

Never had Hilde dreamed she would ever find herself on the Blue Star. Even after rumor and news begin to roll in of travelers being whisked to and from the planet, it had always been her intention to remain firmly within Hyland's borders. She had her duty as the kingdom's Knight-Protector, after all.

But that was then - the Goddess's declaration had changed things. And now, here she is, in a strange new world and far, far away from home.

She would be lying if she said she wasn't concerned, but at least for now, there is little for it.

It was important to first familiarize herself with the region and, as it appeared that she wasn't the only one who had not been in this particular area before, she had suggested others come with her.

The countryside of Meria is, perhaps, a bit more like what they're used to from back home, but on a grander scale. Even a single one of the estates dotting the countryside was a match for all but the largest of Lunar's towns and cities.

At the moment, they've stopped for a short break atop a gently-sloping hill. It offers a good view of the surrounding area - not to mention allowing quick spotting of any potential trouble heading their way.

But, at the moment, there's none of that - it's a pleasant day, all told, and Hilde has a cooking fire going to prepare a meal for everyone. She's quite the fine cook, as it turns out, and that magical pouch at her waist never seems short of ingredients.

"It is...strange." Hilde comments, as she tends to the fire. "This land appears to be missing something...vital, and yet, the people go about their day as if they are oblivious to its absence."

She pauses, to turn something over.

"Are they unaware of it, or is it simply a carefree way of life?" She muses. She wouldn't know - she hadn't had much opportunity yet to speak with them. That's something that would have to wait for another time, when they were a little more sure of their footing.

<Pose Tracker> Day Muirwall has posed.

The sharp click of hooves marks that the Guard contingent has been joined by someone the group doesn't know particularly well.

The young man sliding down from the saddle is surprisingly graceful for someone wearing full plate, complete with a cape with the insignia of Althena's Guard on it. Day turns to the big chestnut warhorse, holding a hand up to help down the slender auburn-haired woman in the peasant dress who was riding behind him, somewhat unobtrusive.

With a low breath, the sandy-hared young man steps forward, looking up into the clear sky - and the sliver of the Silver Star still visible in the day. For a long moment, he doesn't say anything.

"It feels strange, knowing we're on the Blue Star." His voice is low, level and a little throaty, though he doesn't let a lot of feeling into it.

Pale green eyes flit from the moon towards Hilde. Beneath his armour, there's a quiet tension to the way Day carries himself as his eyes settle on her, but he forces himself to look out over the landscape and ease his thoughts. "...It's a land that doesn't know Althena. You can feel Her missing."

<Pose Tracker> Naelle Sylkirk has posed.

Naelle scoffs. "They don't know about Althena here except since we came a couple of years ago and this place is uh, I don't know where we are."

Naelle is across the fire from Hilde, tail swishing from side to side in excitement at the idea of FISHIES.

"Oh, you've both never been here before?" Naelle beams. That means she's got more experience, therefore making her the EXPERT.

"They have some weird stuff that they like, pretend is as good as Althena? only it so isn't."

<Pose Tracker> Skylr Paer has posed.

 Skylr, being a farmer's child, is out with a woven basket in her grip, going to go find wild things that she knows are safe to eat. Along the way, she's found some non-edible but lovely scented flowers that she's tucked into the basket. The horse is what gets her attention first, and she approaches it with a noise in the back of her throat, gently offering out a hand for him to sniff.
 
 "Hello, lovely." She murmurs, patting him gently.

<Pose Tracker> Hilde has posed.

Hilde looks up from the fire at the sound of the warhorse approaching them. The young man sitting astride it catches her notice quickly. She studies him for a moment, and then the woman accompanying him, and then offers them both a nod of greeting and a smile.

Does she notice that tension, when he looks at her? It's difficult to tell - her expression doesn't change, not even a flicker.

"That would explain it, yes." She replies with a nod, both toward him and Naelle. "There is much to this place I never would have anticipated. Not its scope and scale, nor the absence of Her presence."

She looks toward Naelle, then.

"That is correct. I take it you have? I am aware that many of our number have, but I was not with the Guard last it occurred." She explains. And then, her attention turns back to Day and the woman accompanying him - though she pauses to smile slightly as Skylr approaches their horse.

"Would you two care to join us?." She offers. "I believe the meal should be just about ready."

<Pose Tracker> Day Muirwall has posed.

"No. I was at Mourningside Abbey at the time the Destiny was moved here," Day admits with a shake of his head towards Naelle. "I only arrived in time for the crusade in Spira."

The horse is a big chestnut stallion, a thoroughbred warhorse with a mail skirt draped across his back beneath a simple saddle. When Skylr approaches, the big equine bows his head a little, nostrils flaring as he snuffles at the young woman's hand.

Attention drawn from the scenery, Day looks back towards both the horse and the girl. His lips part just slightly.

"...He's a little ill-tempered," he admits quietly. "But I don't think he'll do anything."

Hilde's offer is met with a momentary silence as the young knight once again looks out over the horizon. A breeze tousles through sandy hair, blowing a few strands back from his forehead. The seriousness of his expression doesn't break, though there's a perceptible hint of lines around the corners of his eyes. Maybe he's just looking into the sun too much.

Maybe not. "...I suppose there's no reason not to," Day finally concedes, turning and nodding simply towards Skylr in turn. "Thank you for the offer, though I know we haven't really been introduced."

<Pose Tracker> Naelle Sylkirk has posed.

Naelle puffs out her chest proudly. "Oh yeah, I been here since the very beginning of it all. I was on the Destiny during the entire Filgaia campaign and even during the fight with Mother!"

She was. She was not on the front lines at any point until *after* that battle, however.

She does not mention that detail, however.

"And unlike certain other people who will remain nameless like Ivan and Kourin, *I* did not desert and turn away from Althena's righteous commands!"

<Pose Tracker> Skylr Paer has posed.

 "I am Skylr Paer, a... healer with the corps. I primarily assist White Knight Leo as necessary in combat... I was training with the priestesses when everything started to go haywire." Skylr explains. "May I feed him, sir knight? I have some greens that I know to be good for horses."
 
 "Oh, Lady Hilde, I also found some more for our dinner, if you would like."

<Pose Tracker> Hilde has posed.

Day mentions that he was at Mourningside Abbey before everything began, and Skylr says she was training with the priestesses. Hilde nods, taking this in, and smiles when Day concedes.

"A meal is best shared with others, as they say - and besides that, there's plenty to go around." She replies with a smile. He says they haven't been introduced, so Hilde nods.

"I am Hilde - I look forward to working alongside you in the future." She says with a smile, then glances toward Naelle.

"Oh my, you really have seen a lot, then. I am impressed." She observes...and then, chuckles slightly at Naelle's next comment.

"It is alright, Miss Naelle. You don't have to prove anything to me. I am just glad you are still with us." She says. She doesn't seem to hold the way she stood out of the fights back at the Shrine against her. That just didn't seem Hilde's way.

Skylr chimes in, then, saying that she found some more - Hilde sends a smile her way, too.

"Ah, that would be lovely, I think - I was beginning to think we could use a little something else. Thank you." She replies.

<Pose Tracker> Day Muirwall has posed.

Steel plates creak subtly against each other as Day moves more easily into conversation range, giving Naelle a slow nod. "I'm sure Sir Leo appreciates that you stood by him through all of that. The two who strayed will answer to Althena in the end, but for now, I think it's important that we stay together."

When Skylr calls him 'sir knight,' Day closes his eyes and inclines his head, a hint of colour reaching his cheeks. "...You can call me Day, Lady Paer," he says quietly, eyes opening once more. "And I think he would appreciate something to eat that isn't oats. We haven't yet figured out which of the local plants are good for horses, I'm afraid...."

    'Lady Hilde'

Day trails off and looks towards the horizon again. A distance away, the auburn-haired young woman who rode along with him is keeping somewhat away from the gathering, quietly picking wildflowers.

"So long as we're going to be comrades, I suppose it would be best to share these things," he finally concedes, though there's a hint of reluctance that creeps into his voice despite his beft efforts. Turning, he pushes aside a fold of his cape and moves towards where the Hyland Knight has gathered, though his attention wanders to Skylr again. "...I've seen wild chickens about," he admits. "But I've heard that trying to catch them on the Blue Star is supposed to be a bad idea."

The auburn-haired woman has gained a companion. She's quietly stroking a cucco that has climbed into her lap.

<Pose Tracker> Naelle Sylkirk has posed.

"Oh right I'm Naelle!" Naelle adds, hoping to be called Lady Naelle like some kind of nob.

Oh yeah and Hilde and Skylr are my friends! And White Knight Leo's the boss, of course!" Naelle's voice takes on a tone of reverence as she speaks of Leo. "He's so heroic and Althena chose him!" she adds.

<Pose Tracker> Skylr Paer has posed.

"Sir Day." Skylr says with a nod towards the knight.
 
 She hands off some bits in the basket to Hilde. "Those can just be fried up with the rest, I think. Aromatics, mostly." She tucks a bit of her free hair behind her ear. She then peers around the warhorse, and smiles fainly. "Cuccoos. They're fairly tame when not aggressed, so she'll be fine." She happily divests the warhorse of his bit and bridle and feeds him little bits of greenery and the like. Happy Skylr, Happy Horse.

<Pose Tracker> Hilde has posed.

Hilde doesn't miss that reluctance. She takes note of it quietly, but doesn't comment on it.

"Indeed." Hilde replies with a slight smile. He brings up the chickens, then. "I have seen them about as well, but I haven't heard that yet. I am curious what makes it so."

It will be quite the surprise when she does find out - though, as Skylr says, they're apparently tame when not agressed..

Naelle speaks of Leo, then, and Hilde smiles.

"Yes, Lord Leo is an admirable man. I have much respect for him." She replies, then accepts what Skylr has to offer.

"Ah, that would be perfect, thank you!" Hilde replies, accepting them and putting them in with the rest of the meal.

<Pose Tracker> Day Muirwall has posed.

"It's good to meet you, Lady Naelle." Day nods with a faint smile, a flash of simple warmth showing through his outward reserve and calm.

He bows his head, folding his hands neatly at waist level. "Sir Leo is the boss, yes. I honour all that he has taught me so far. I've learned some of the techniques of Lion's Heart swordsplay, but he is a master of it virtually without peer outside of the greatest knights of Rolance."

For his part, the horse seems to be satisfied with Skylr's offering, lowering his head to nibble at the greens. He somehow manages to do it without swallowing Skylr's hand.

Following where Skylr's looking, Day blinks, eyes finally focusing on the auburn-haired woman in the big glasses. He blinks twice, then nods. "...That's good. I wouldn't want her to be hurt."

Reaching into his own pack, Day comes up with a loaf of rustic bread and a small tin of butter. He settles to a seat with a jingle of mail against plate, sliding his gauntlets off and setting them in his lap before picking up a knife and beginning to carve the loaf into slices. As he works, he clears his throat quietly. "I assume you're also unfamiliar with the Blue Star," he surmises, glancing at Hilde.

His gaze doesn't linger on her for more than a couple seconds before he looks back own at the bread.

<Pose Tracker> Naelle Sylkirk has posed.

Naelle is *actually purring* at this point. "I'm not much of a swordfighter, you know? Mechanic! I smash the enemies of Althena with my wrench and superior knowledge of engineering! Nyahahaha!"

She chatters on for awhile, saying nothing of any relevance or even much coherence, most of which involve stories of mechanical breakdowns and fixing combat damage on the Dragonship Destiny. Lots of casual references to people none of the others know, in a "...and you know how Steev is about spiders!" sort of way.

The reasoning behind her sharing these stories is that they're stories about the Blue Star, except Naelle never really actually *left* the Destiny much.

She also doesn't seem to notice if nobody's listening, and definitely doesn't notice anything going on with looks Day is or is not giving.

<Pose Tracker> Hilde has posed.

"I have much respect for the Lion's Heart school of swordplay - and Leo in particular for mastering it." Hilde replies.

Say what she would about its originator, but the style itself was to be respected.

Hilde gets back to work and, soon enough, everything's all finished! She quickly gets to divvying up the portions, making sure everyone has a fair amount.

She looks toward Naelle, then, offering her a smile.

"That is alright. Everyone has their role - you do not need to be a fighter to be useful. Engineering is, in itself, a useful talent. I may be good with a sword, but when it comes to machinery I'm a bit lacking." She replies. She listens quietly and patiently as Naelle goes on with her stories, though in the midst of it, Day has a question for her.

"Yes, that is correct. This is my first time on this world, though I've heard stories circulating from the travelers." She replies with a nod. "Other than that, however, I only have what I have managed to pick up since our arrival."

<Pose Tracker> Day Muirwall has posed.

As he carves off another slice of bread, Day nods slowly towards Naelle. "You have a skill a lot of people don't. Althena created people with many different talents. In a lot of ways, armies aren't carried by warriors - it's the people who repair things, heal, transport the supplies and pitch the tents." He inclines his head deeply. "I'm sure She appreciates everything you do in Her name...."

Naelle keeps nattering on. With quiet patience, Day listens to the catgirl's stories, head canted a little to one side. But his gaze eventually drifts, first towards Skylr, then towards the young woman who came with him.

But soon enough, Hilde's distributing food. Day offers up his bread to the lunch spread, setting the butter down within reach of the gathering. When Hilde answers him, he glances at her again, then looks down to the parcel of food offered to him, accepting it with a simple nod. "I see," he says quietly.

In contrast to Naelle's verbosity, the silence that Day offers up hangs for a few seconds. They feel like an eternity.

"Knight Hilde," he says finally, a bit more slowly. "Do you remember a knight with a blue and red shield with a white pegasus? A trippant pegasus, specifically."

<Pose Tracker> Naelle Sylkirk has posed.

Naelle has settled into fooding. "What's trippant?" she asks with her mouth full.

<Pose Tracker> Hilde has posed.

Hilde nods at Day's words, offering Naelle a smile.

"Indeed. Those are wise words - you should keep them to heart." She says. The food is passed out, and Day adds some bread to the mix.

And then, after some silence, he asks her a question. She goes quiet. She looks toward Naelle briefly as she asks her question. She doesn't answer it herself, however.

She says nothing for a time and then, quietly...

"...Yes. I do." She replies. She's difficult to read.

How could she forget?

<Pose Tracker> Day Muirwall has posed.

Day clears his throat. "It's a term in heraldry," he says, voice quiet. "It's when a hoofed beast like a stag or a pegasus is shown walking to the left with its right forehoof raised."

He lets things hang a moment before his gaze returns to Hilde. For the first time, he finds himself able to look her in the face. His expression is like stone.

"It's called an attitude, actually," he explains to Naelle, then, reaching back to unsling the shield hanging beneath his cape. "There are a lot of ways to depict a beast. For instance--" He rests the shield against his knee, face forward.

It is a large kite shield, quartered in red and black. There is a white pegasus on it. This one is rearing up.

Day taps a finger against one of the white horse's wings. "When a horse rears like that, it's called a beast forcené. It's different for a lion - a lion posing this way is rampant. But my family's coat of arms has always been the winged horse. My brother's was trippant."

He looks to Hilde again, shoulders tensing a little beneath his armour, then settling. "...We're servants of Althena together, Knight Hilde," he says quietly. "But I also haven't forgotten."

<Pose Tracker> Naelle Sylkirk has posed.

Naelle tilts her head to one side. "Nya? Why are horses different from lions? Lions are better, they're cats!" This is not a related thought, it's just a declaration.

"I want a coat of arms now. Mine will be a lion rampant, holding a wrench!"

<Pose Tracker> Hilde has posed.

Hilde notes that stony expression. She has an idea what this is leaning up to, particularly when Day begins explaining to Naelle the various heraldic terms.

And then, this all leads up to the way he looks at her pointedly. She notes the way he tenses.

"...Ah. So then, you must be..." She goes quiet for a moment. "...I see."

She has nothing left to say after that. What could she say?

<Pose Tracker> Naelle Sylkirk has posed.

Naelle poses rampant, holding her wrench. "Rawr!" she declares. "I am fierce!"

<Pose Tracker> Day Muirwall has posed.

"Heraldry has many obscure rules," Day concedes with a dip of his head.

He moves his hand over the face of his shield. "Most noble houses have a coat of arms. This one is mine. But I'm not here as a partisan... I'm here to serve Althena, nothing more."

Turning quiet eyes to Hilde again, Day simply nods - and while there seems to be no loathing or hatred in his face, something behind his eyes is stolid, like a brick wall of hurt.

From over in the field nearby, the auburn-haired woman, cucco in her arms, looks on with her lower lip lightly bitten in worry.

<Pose Tracker> Naelle Sylkirk has posed.

Naelle loses her balance and falls over with an exclamation of "Nyaaaa!"