The Fortress

At the edge of the forest, she quickly removed the petticoats and voluminous skirts with a snort of exasperation. Her mother's tears and dramatic sighs had imposed the wretched garments on her. "Wonder if the orcs are impressed by attire," Agathilea pondered sarcastically. Sliding into her fitted black pants, she breathed a sigh of relief. Next came the heeled boots, which she replaced with some sturdy leather ones. Pulling the carefully placed diamond tiara off her head, she liberated her hair, gathered it into a simple ponytail, and tucked her hibiscus flower behind one ear. "Much better," she thought. Straightening her shoulders and re-arranging her gear, she strode toward the fortress.
The monks at the monastery showed her to a small guest room and quietly served her a light evening meal. Grateful for their hospitality, she wandered to the courtyard and looked into the star-filled night. Turning to her thoughts, she began to contemplate the lessons offered at Voln. She would find her way to the Legion soon enough. A little training with the monks would help, as well as catch her up on the current events of the fortress, for the monks were eager to share all the latest news (and sometimes opinion) with newcomers.
Several weeks later, she arrived in King's Court and met Squire Legionnaire Krystalena and her husband, Orssus. Orssus immediately gave his help at the Warrior guild, thoroughly informing her about training and promotion. They returned from the guild, and she shared a little history with Krystalena and listened to the empath’s childhood stories, stirring a kinship with the woman. Suddenly, First Legionnaire Aureliano politely introduced himself. Her surroundings faded away as she listened, attentive to every word, every inflection to the strong warrior's informative summary of the fortress's Legion, service, and defense. He took her hand as they visited the ballistae, where patiently he instructed her on loading, aiming, and firing. Then he guided her to the Drake and patiently explained each step, the team effort involved, and the intricacies of building the ammunition for the Drake. Several lessons ensured that she would not forget the routine. Several days later, she swore allegiance to her Sovereign, the Fortress, and the Legion. At first, the drills took concentration. Within a few weeks, she felt as if she had been doing them all her life.
Tonight, kneeling at the statue of Kai, she noticed a sense of peace within. She looked up at the big eyes staring down at her and gratefully whispered to him of things to come, her dedication to him and the fortress, and her desire to be half the warrior towering over her. The wind rumpled her hair suddenly, and she realized that not once had she been encumbered by dreams since arriving in Ta' Vaalor. Smiling, she touched the statue in quiet homage and headed out to berserk through the ogres in the old fort just west of NeartoFar forest.

OOC: And so we begin! Thank you to everyone who had a hand in my storytelling!

Agathilea Rassine Vaalor