"So then. You wanted to talk about my goal?" "Yes. It's quite ambitious don't you think?" "Ambition is what drives man kind to progress, without it, we would be husks." "Ambition can also lead to pain you know." "I'm aware." Silence fills rises between the two. "So is that all?" "N-no." the girl stutters. "I want to know more, why, what led you to make such a goal?" "A realization of sorts, I suppose." "A realization?" "I realized after uncovering the secrets of the village, the true disgust of sin, the depravity of it, it led me to began questioning myself. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that I would be prepared to bear the weight of sin, if it meant I would have to kill to eradicate true sin." "So even as a hunter, would that mean you'd stop killing monstrosities?" "Of course not. There would certainly be quite a lot of them on my journey. Including the Higher Orders." (Monstrosities. Beasts that hunt humans, consume them for power and nourishment, categorized by 2 orders and 6 steps. Lower orders step 1 through 3, higher order, steps 4 through 6. as the number increases so does the monstrosity's power and natural abilities. However, step 6, are fiends. Few exist, they command and control the lower ranks, capable of human speech and deadly magic and power.) "So you'd hunt them all?" "If they stand in my way, certainly. But I'll need companions to aid me." "Companions..." "You two seem to be getting along, hehe?" says Auren in a sly tone. "Oh hey Auren. I'd say miss..." "Livian, Livian Alveth. And drop the Miss, it's too formal." "Livian and I are getting along." "That's good to hear. But Morgan, about your goal, it's quite dangerous you know and I don't-" "I'll be ok Auren, I just need strong companions." "OH, ok, if you say so..." "Oh, yes, companions!" says Livian. "There's a Paladin in Ephasus, you should meet with him, he's been looking for someone to accompany on a journey, and considering he's a paladin, his goals line up with yours, I think." "That's great, but, I'll still need a mage of sorts..." he looks at her from the corner of his eye. "A mage... Once we get into Ephasus, we'll talk more." "Alright, I understand." he responds. "If you need to rest I can take over Livian." she jolts from hearing her name. "N-no it's ok, if you need rest by all means, go sleep." "Are you sure?" "Yes, yes, yes. Just close your eyes, I'll wake you up once we get there." "Thanks, I'm quite tired actually, I couldn't sleep much last night." "Then sleep now Morgan, I'm sure you'll need it." "Thank you Auren, I... Do..." he slowly drifts off into a deep sleep. "Hey Miss Alveth, his goal, do you think he can do it?" "I don't know him personally, but his will, it's strong, I'm quite sure he can, but he needs help." "I'm glad. Hey Miss Alveth.?" "Yes?" "I have a request for you."
The cart rides off.
Hours pass as the sun begins to set, they approach the capital gate.
"Hey, Morgan wake up." says Livian poking him. "Morgan, wake up." say Auren joining the poking. "Huh..?" "We're here." "That was... Fast." "Yep, we had zero interruptions." "That's good then." The cart enters the capital. Morgan and Auren's eyes widen as they grasp the vast capital, everyone in the city dressed beautifully, their wealth clearly shown. "Do you know why this city is known as the Capital of Gold? It's because there isn't one person here that suffers in terms of wealth, some acquired their riches through inheritance, others through work, but everyone here, is wealthy." "What about me?" "Ah Miss Auren, don't worry, we have potential work for you, including housing." "Really?" she says happily. "That's good to hear, I was worried about her." replies Morgan." "What work?" Auren replies ecstatically. "You'll work as a book keep for the knights." "A book keep..?" "You'll be in charge of organizing documents and files necessary for us to work, everything that contains information and history of the city or people within it, you'll manage." "Sounds quite..." "Daunting? Don't worry, it'll be easy, you'll have a partner with you to ensure everything goes smoothly." "T-that's good to hear." she replies nervously. "I'm glad Auren is sorted for. Speaking of history, I was curious about the history of this city." Morgan states, however, Livian grows quiet. "I'll explain it to you later, but we'll need to meet up later today, I have some work to do." "I understand, in the meanwhile, could you tell me where that Paladin is?" "Oh of course." The cart comes to a stop, Auren, Morgan, Livian and the other knights dismount. Livian directs Morgan where to go. The prisoners walk towards the prison, secured by the knights. "Goodbye Auren. I'll see you later, hopefully." "Hopefully..." Auren replies. They share an embrace and part way. "Hey Morgan!" exclaims Livian. "Yeah!?" he responds. "I'll meet you later at the restaurant around the corner!" "Got it!" he walks off.
"Time to find that Paladin." As Morgan walks around the town, he's bombarded by merchants and the wealthy. Women trying to get money from him, merchants trying to sell him wears, yet he's uninterested, yet telling them no isn't enough. His walking pace picks up as he tries to escape them, they match it. He walks faster, and faster, yet they keep following. "Enough!" he exclaims. "I'm not interested in anything, I'm busy with a job so please, can you leave me be." The merchants and people walk away irritated. "Damn that's annoying. Why is everyone so obsessed with money here." he says to himself. "I know right, it's an annoyance." says a random man standing next to him. "Sorry sir but I'm not-" As Morgan is about to decline the stranger, he notices the man standing tall, glad in thick steel armor laced with gold engravings, a large warhammer strapped on his back. His hair Blonde with strands of white, his eyes an azure blue. "Wait. Are you-" "A paladin, indeed I am." "What are the chances." Morgan sighs. "Lady Alveth sent a letter not too long ago, saying a man clad in black and grey, wielding a polearm is searching for me. I take it that's you?" "Yep. That's me. So how much did she tell you? " "Enough. She mentioned you're looking for companions on your goal. Said we have similar ideals." "That is true. So how many companions do you have?" "Zero!" replies the Paladin with a gleaming smile. "Z-zero, how?!" "I'm the last Paladin in the city, unfortunately the others... They succumbed to their desires, abandoning their oaths." "I'm sorry." "You don't need to apologize, it was their choice after all, but that's what happens in this city, even I have my moments of doubt, but I won't fall." "What happens in this city?" "Indeed. If you want me to elaborate, we'll need to go somewhere quiet, unfortunately saying anything that goes against the rules of this city is considered treason." "That serious. Very well, where to?" "There's a nearby restaurant, they have private dining rooms, we'll go there." "Very well you lead the way..." "Oh, where are my manners, I am Eric, Eric Rein, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." "Morgan Estus, it's an honor to meet you." The two shake hands. Shortly after, they walk to the nearby restaurant, greeted by hostess who guides them to their room. Eric's armor so large it makes the room feel even smaller, yet Morgan isn't bothered by it too much.
"So then that conversation." "Yes. You see Ephasus is a city built upon its thriving wealth, however the truth is, this city was never wealthy, not until around 10 years ago." "That short?" "Indeed. This city was originally run by the church, we ensured everyone's protection and provided homes, we weren't a city, we were more a settlement, however, then came Sven Allengard." "That being..?" "The current ruler of the city." "I see." "When he arrived he promised the people infinite wealth, stability, riches beyond their dreams, at first the people were hesitant, but after 1 person sided with him, more would follow, even the Paladins, they were driven by greed." "A city built on sin then." "Yes. Not too long, he would garner full control over the settlement, forming the city of Ephasus, the so called city of gold, in reality, it's the city of greed." "Is that where your goal comes in?" "Yes. I want to rid the city of its current ruler, and free it from sin, even if the people will hate me." "Would the people not hunt you afterwards?" "Hate, but not hunt. You see, after Sven gained control and the settlement became a thriving city, the nearby 6 cities began forming too, they became more and more powerful, and so, they all wanted something from the other, but they couldn't come to fair agreements. So while everyone indulges in their care free greed driven lives, a war has been brewing silently between the kingdoms." "I see. I understand now." "So then, what's this goal of yours?" "I want to eradicate this land of its sin." "All sin? My, aren't you brave. Not impossible, but it will be a truly difficult quest." "So I've been told."
As the two are talking, a girl draws the curtain to the room back, and walks in. "Ah, Lady Livian, welcome." Greets Eric. "Hello Eric, glad to see you're doing well. And hello to you too Morgan." She takes her seat next to Morgan. "So then, I take it you explained the true history of this city to Morgan." "Indeed I have, after all, every book in this town will say that 'The wealthy city of gold, Ephasus, was single handedly built from the hands of Sven Allengard, and the people he brought to it would live prosperous lives' or some lie like that." "Tsk, sickening." She scoffs. "How is Auren doing?" "Quite well, she's quite the fast learner, however she worked herself so hard that she's sound asleep in her quarters." "I'm happy to hear she's adjusted." "I'm glad too." "By the way, a question for both of you. What would happen to the people if it's ruler is gone? Obviously someone will have to watch over them, but who would?" "Well..." Eric says as he begins thinking. "It would probably be some of the knights." "The knights? But aren't they sworn to service to the ruler?" "On paper, yes, but in truth most, if not all of knights that serve on ground actually disagree, we've been around since before his reign. While the upper knights, those that work for the ruler directly, live and die whenever he orders them to." "So our best option would be to stage a coup d'etat?" "Unfortunately yes." Eric responds. Silence fills the room, the three of them all thinking deeply, until Morgan speaks up. "Well then, I want to know, Eric, are you prepared to aid me?" Livian stares at Eric then at Morgan, Eric looks up at Morgan, sternly, slowly converting to an eager smile. "Of course, what sort of paladin would I be if I didn't." The two now smiling, Eric and Morgan's attention now draws to Livian "Great. How about you, Livian?" Tension rises within her, she feels pressured. "Oh ah, I'll... I'll think about it..." "No worries Lady Alveth, but we still have some time, we'll need to organize it, careful preparation is in order for it." replies Eric optimistically. "Thank you. Eric. Unfortunately I must be on my way now, it's getting late, we'll meet here again tomorrow afternoon. Morgan, here." She throws him a set of keys. "They're keys to a living space not far off from this restaurant, you and Eric can stay there for the time being." "Oh, thank you Livian, I'll see you tomorrow, be safe." Morgan replies gently. A warm feeling overcomes Livian, a slight blush appears on her face, but she shrugs it off. "No, no, no. I can't let emotions draw me off my goal. I need to... I need to become the next ruler, I want to save these people. I want to do it, for you, dad." she walks off. "I suppose we should get going too then, Morgan." "Yeah, I agree." the two leave the room, and walk off to the nearby quarters gifted to them.
The open the door and settle down by a nearby fire place, Eric and Morgan begin building up a fire. "So then, I want to know more about Livian, it seems you two know each other." "Ah, yes, we've known each other since children." "Oh really?" "Yeah, her father was the last ruler." Morgan pauses. "R-really?!" "Indeed. He was a kind man, he cherished the lives of people, even those that would cause harm, but nothing swayed him." "What happened to him?" "... " Eric grows quiet, nervous to speak." "He... He was executed. Publicly." Morgan drops a piece of wood he was holding. Picking it up again and speaking. "Executed... How come?" "When Sven gained control of the settlement, he found that his biggest obstacle was Livian's father, so, to eliminate him, he spent a week convincing the masses that he was a man of pure evil, that because of him we had been trapped in a 'state of poverty' in reality, we were quite fine, we had enough money to support businesses and families, we were safe too. But, the public was convinced, they wanted more, and so, he was burnt on a stake in the center of the new city." "That must be why Livian's so hesitant on removing the current ruler, because she herself doesn't want to be executed." "I disagree." "Huh?" "It's because she wants to uphold her father's legacy, bring back the days of old, become the new ruler and return peace, but she's scared." "Oh, I see. Scared of what the people would think of it, she would probably be hated for heresy, but if the city becomes governed by the lower knights as a whole, she wouldn't need to worry about that." "How come?" "Because then she can travel with us." "You seem to really want her to join us, why is that?" "She's strong, I feel as if her strength with magic and blade is unique, haven't seen something like that before." "Makes sense." Silence fills the room once more, but the atmosphere is warm, comforting, Eric's eyes slowly close, Morgan's soon follow.
A rattling on the door is heard, the sound of metal keys clanking, followed by a woman's voice. "I'm home." Livian greats the two who appear sleeping on the floor beside the fire. "Already asleep." she sighs. The girl proceeds to go to her room, she changes out of her armor, putting on something cozier to sleep in, after that she walks over to the balcony, stands there staring off at the palace in the far end of the city. "What's happened to this place. It was once so peaceful, we all helped one another, but... It's all gone now... All because of that corrupted 'ruler'..." she closes her eyes, resting her head on the railing of the balcony. "What should I do? What can I do? I don't know where to start and how I can help..." "You can help us Livian." Morgan stands behind her, placing his hand on her shoulder. She turns to look at him. "What do you mean..?" "I can sense how strong you are, the talent you have, I don't know much of your history, but your ideals are there, your conviction just isn't set in stone yet, but once you've found what you want to do to help, I know you'll stick to it." "Morgan... Thank you..." she smiles gently at his comforting words. "I'm glad I could help, but you should get some sleep, you have work tomorrow." "Yeah, I should." she responds.
The two, walk off, Livian fetches a blanket to cover Eric laying on the ground in his under-armor, a tight white shirt with black lining, long black pants, his boots and under gloves still on, with his warhammer and armor set against a wall. After Livian covers him, she heads off to her room, while Morgan accompanies Eric, laying down on a sofa, falling asleep, drifting off deeply. The first time, they all could get a peaceful night's rest.