Myrr Saga: Traverse Null

~The Royal Throne Room, Silvenheim palace~

Garlith: *he is sitting on his vast throne, his long white hair hanging loosely and his robes hanging casually from his body as he lounges on the throne. Standing next to him on his right side is Ser Zorrin and Ser Leroy. On his left is Ser Gryn. In front of him, bound in irons, is Phobos as well as Desmond and Romperoo* Well now, I really wish it didn't come to this, Phobos...

Phobos: *he spits on the ground and growls* So this is your game, Zorrin?!

Zorrin: In your effort to become the truth of this kingdom, you hurt it. You lost sight of your knightly ways, Phobos...

Phobos: HA! Knightly ways?! Says the man who uses trickery and deception to achieve his means!

Zorrin: It is not my honor in question, Phobos, but yours. Since your arrest hours ago, we have been doing digging into your activities...*he looks over to Gryn, who nods and produces a large white banner with the symbol of a grey, smoking eye on it. The crowd of knights that had gathered in the throne room all gasp and whisper* Yes, fellow knights. This banner was found in Ser Phobos' cellar....The white eye of Draks'Bannog, the symbol of the Cult of the Dragon! Ser Phobos...*he points at Phobos* We hereby charge you with treason to the crown, attempted instigation to commit treason and murder, as well as corruption unbefitting a knight! The evidence against you is overwhelming...How do you plead?

Phobos: ........*he looks up, his eyes cold* I hope you're laughing at this, Zorrin...because forces you barely comprehend are moving and trust me...one day, I will see you dead...The Dragons will see to that...Even now, the war in the South continues to rage. Soon, the Dragons and their Giant allies will overrun the Southern Companies! Either we join the winning side, or die in the flames of the past!

Zorrin: *he looks over to Garlith* My king?

Garlith: *for once, his face is one of little amusement* Get this filthy, treacherous cur out of my sight.

Gryn: And what of his apprentices?

Garlith: Desmond Kyne, Romperoo Deroo, I hereby order you two to the Southern Front. You will serve under Knight Commander Dodge, and continue our war effort in the south. And as for Frost....

Gryn: Pardon me, Your Majesty, but according to my own apprentice, Frost acted with honor and dignity, only following his master's orders with no sadistic pleasure or thoughts of vengeance clouding his honor. If I may request that he be pardoned?

Garlith: Karn is an honorable apprentice. Very well. Frost shall be pardoned.

Gryn: I would also like to recommend that Frost be given a full Knighthood. He shows great promise.

Garlith: That he does, but his technique is hardly effective at killing Dragons...

Gryn: That is why I request that he be named High Inquisitor, and act as commander of the Inquisition until a new Grand Inquisitor is elected.

Garlith: Going out of your way for this one? Very well. Frost, you are hereby named Temporary High Inquisitor, and will command the Inquisition until such time as a new Grand Inquisitor is elected, after which you will take the duty as second in command of the Inquisition. To assist you in this...I hereby name Karn to the rank of Knight and ask that he assist you in this task.

Gryn: You would promote my own apprentice?

Garlith: Of course. Its about time we saw what Karn is made of...Now, as for Phobos...Normally, the penalty for high treason is death. However, killing you would get us no closer to defeating the Dragons. You shall be kept alive within the Tower of White Stone for the rest of your days. Court adjourned!

Phobos: *he growls as two royal guards come forward and drag him off. As for Desmond and Romperoo, they are guided off, with Desmond staying silent and Romperoo sobbing uncontrollably.*

Zorrin: *as he goes to walk away, he is stopped when he hears a voice from the crowd*

Hue: Ser Zorrin!

Zorrin: Ser Hue. What is it?

Hue: The Dragon Cult?! He was really with the Dragon Cult?! How did you know?

Zorrin: A hunch, my friend. I had gone on a ranging to the north, while Loria and Argyle were hunting for Shagga. There, I came across Dragon Cult members that had orders to kill Loria, Shagga, and Argyle on sight. The only people who knew the exact details of their quest was myself, you, and the other Royal Knights. I figured it had to be one of us. And then, when Phobos began sabotaging efforts in court, my suspicions grew.

Hue: Still...did you have to use Loria like that?

Zorrin: ....Hue...some times, in order to do the right thing, personal loss must be endured...*he looks at Hue, emotion showing in his eyes* Loria is my foster daughter...I love her like I would my own. I did not do what I did lightly. I knew she would be put in harm's way, but there was no other way to corner Phobos and uncover the truth...I hope that one day she can forgive me...How is she and Cameron?

Hue: She refuses to see anyone, save for Argyle on occasion and of course Cameron....

Garlith: My my, that is unfortunate...*he is standing behind Hue, his hand on his cheek and a dreamy smile on his face*

Hue: M-my king! *he bows quickly*

Garlith: Oh, come now, Ser Hue, rise. Now, about young Loria, I would like to commend her for her bravery and her participation, albeit unwilling, in the uncovering of this traitor. Her suit of armor, was it not damaged by Frost during his and Karn's clash?

Hue: Y-Yes, your majesty!

Garlith: Then I say we should swiftly replace her armor! After all, she will have another mission soon.

Zorrin: My King?

Garlith: I have officially decided to place Loria and her squire as my official prospects when retrieving the remaining Brave Companions. Shagga spoke highly of them, but since Shagga does not consider himself a knight, I cannot take his recommendation. So, I will send them to retrieve Ser Dolph once Shagga tells us his location. But, as for the here and now, a warrior of Loria's caliber deserves armor befitting one! Go to Mystic Forger Gale, and have a new suit of Dragon Iron armor made for young Loria. My thanks to her, for services rendered.

Hue: And if she declines, sire?

Garlith: Oh hohohoho! I'm the king, dear Hue. There is no declining a gift from me....*he walks off gracefully, that smile still on his face* Farewell, brave knights...


~Loria's house~

*Argyle is sitting in front of the house's main door, standing guard. He didn't know if Desmond and Romperoo had friends that would try to avenge them. He is leaning his back on the door, the Dragon Fang resting against his shoulder as his fights off the urge to sleep, as night had already fallen*

Karn: *he blinks a bit before turning to Frost and giving him the very same look the Frost was currently giving him and King Garlith: confusion* Heh.....well how about that....we're knights now. And you you lucky dog! *he smacks Frost in his chest playfully, making him cough and chuckle* You get to play Inquisitor for a while!

Frost: *he laughs a bit* I must admit, I did not think you would stick up for me like that. And for me to take Ma- I mean Phobos' old job like that.....for once I'm glad he's in chains.

Karn: *he laughs as the two begin to leave for the Inquisitor's throne room to....liven the place up a little*

~Loria's House

Loria: *she blinks herself awake and slowly sits up, having just taken another nap with Cameron. She had to admit that the child was easy enough to take care of. She carefully sets her aside in the bed so as not to wake her up before getting out of bed and going to check if Argyle was still standing guard outside. She smiles as she sees him about ready to nod off and she quietly walks up next to him and taps him on the shoulder sleepily* If you're tired you should get some sleep Argyle. A sleep deprived squire is of little use to me when he's like this. *she shifts a bit anxiously and blushes a little* Why don't you....well why don't you come and sleep with Cameron....and well.... *she gulps nervously* a-and me? *she adds on*

Argyle: *he blushes brightly and stands up* L-Loria....*he stands there silently, then suddenly brings her into a hug* I'm sorry for everything that happened to you...They should have told you what they were planning. But, we can't lose faith in the kingdom. I'm sure Ser Zorrin only did what he had to because there was no other option. Still...I'm sorry...


~outside the city~

*standing there is a tall Knight in armor covered in what looks like Dragon Iron thorns. Wrapped around his arms are two spiked whips, who's handles he holds lightly. Behind him are ten Knights in armor that looks like its seen a lot of battle. One of the knights rides up to the thorned knight and speaks to him as if he was addressing an officer.*

Knight: Commander Ford, Ser! The city is only a few leagues away!

Ford: *the knight tightens his gauntlet and sighs* Calling me up from the Southern Front just to escort two morons...I'd rather see combat than babysit the apprentices of a traitor...Right. *he walks over to his company and mounts onto a brown, battle-hardened charger.* Ride out, men! *he urges his horse into full gallop, with his subordinates whooping and riding close behind him*

Loria:  *she holds back some tears of her own as she presses herself into Argyle's chest in comfort*  It....it's not your fault.  You don't have to apologize for anything.  *she nuzzles his cheek lightly before looking back up at him*  Just....promise me that you'll never do something like that to me....I don't think I could take it if you were to do something like that to me too.

Argyle: I promise...*he takes her cheek in his hand and kisses her lips* Now...lets head back inside...

~The next day, The Royal Throne Room~

Shagga: *he is standing before Garlith, Zorrin, Gryn, Leroy, Frost, and Karn* Alright, so you all want to know where Dolph is this time?

Garlith: That would be helpful, brave Shagga.

Shagga: Don't patronize me.

Leroy: Calm down, Shagga. We just want to find Dolph.

Shagga: He's held up in a ruined tower on the edge of the Greatwood to the west. And I don't see him moving for some time.

Zorrin: Why would Dolph hide in a tower to the west?

Shagga: Because he's hunting a dragon.

Gryn: Impossible. The dragons of the west were annihilated during the war.

Shagga: HA! To say that dragons in their entirety can even BE annihilated is a fool's folly. No, Dolph is hunting one in the west. A rather nasty one, at that. Badur'El, the black dragon of Calamity.

*the room goes silent as soon as Shagga says the name*

Garlith: Badur'El...I remember him...

Zorrin: It is said that it would take all Royal Knights minus Horvath to hunt that beast...

Shagga: Well, Dolph has him in a standstill, from what I understand.

Leroy: He's been in a battle with this beast for this long?!

Shagga: *he spits on the ground* It isn't a battle of strength or dexterity. Its a battle of wills. Neither can possibly kill the other. Dolph can shoot down the dragon, but can't kill it at close range. He's not too good at close range. And the Dragon knows the minute it takes to the sky, Dolph will shoot it down. They're in a stalemate. The only way Dolph will move is if that dragon dies.

Zorrin: We cannot spare the manpower for such a range. The dragon would kill at least three score of us before it would finally die.

Garlith: Hmmmm...What of Loria and Argyle, Shagga? Do you believe they could do it?

Shagga: After seeing them kill a Southern Giant the way they did....Yes. If Dolph grounded that dragon, then they could potentially kill it.

Garlith: Then it is decided!

Leroy: You really believe they can stand against such a monster, Your Majesty?

Garlith: They have yet to fail me...by the way, Zorrin, is the armor for Loria ready?

Zorrin: Yes. Gale already deployed Creighton to deliver the armor.

Garlith: Excellent! I'll trust you to deliver the news of her mission to Loria, Ser Zorrin?

Zorrin: ....yes, my king.


~Loria's house~

*a Mag-Theron half giant is walking towards Loria's door. He is wearing a large welder's mask and a brown apron, as well as metal gauntlets and heavy metal grieves. He stops at the door and brings a fist to it, knocking loudly*

Argyle: *he sits up after the first knock, woken from his sleep. Loria is next to him, cradling Cameron between him and her. The door knocks a second time, this time harder.*

Loria: *she stirs a bit and grumbles sleepily* Would you get that please....I don't want to get up.... *she tells Argyle without opening her eyes*

Argyle: *he gets up out of bed and walks downstairs to the door. Upon opening it, he finds the Mag Theron staring at him* Um...can I help you?

???: *the half giant's voice is low and strong, with a slight cockney accent to it. His tone is stern, almost hostile, but at the same time calm* Is this the residence of Loria, apprentice of Zorrin?

Argyle: It is. And who may I ask are you?

???: I am Creighton, apprentice of Mystic Forger Gale. I come bearing commissioned work to be delivered to Loria.

Argyle: Work?

Creighton: Yes. A new suit of Dragon Iron armor, requested to be made for her by King Garlith himself. Do you represent Loria?

Argyle: I am her squire, so yes.

Creighton: *he removes the burden he carried on his back and places it down in front of Argyle* Do I have permission to set the display within her home, squire?

Argyle: I suppose...

Creighton: *he walks in, almost shoving Argyle out of the way due to his great size, and sets up and armor stand in the middle of the kitchen. He then goes to the package he had set down and begins setting up work. The armor is a beautiful silvery metal with green satin cloth the same color as Loria's spell seals under the metal. The metal itself is scaled mail, designed to look like dragon scales* Master Gale used a newly developed technique. The armor has been heated and forged differently so it is lighter, more graceful, yet just as durable as some of the strongest armor. She could take a full swing from a Giant's punch, and it would be no better than getting shoved. You could not ask for finer armor.

Argyle: This is incredibly generous!

Creighton: *he glances at Argyle, a hint of disdain in his tone* It is the work of Master Gale. The fact that Master Gale even graced a mere apprentice with the THOUGHT of armor is incredibly generous. Had it not been a request from the King, Master Gale would have surely declined.

Argyle: Well still, I offer much gratitude, sir.

Creighton: Save your gratitude, squire, for someone who cares. *he stands up and lumbers out of Loria's house, almost slamming the door when he leaves.*

Argyle: Well...that was interesting....

Loria: *she finally sits up and rubs her eyes, woken from all of the noise as well as Cameron. She gets out of the bed and walks over to Argyle at the door* What was all that about? *she asks sleepily*

Cameron: *she is heard giggling and laughing in the kitchen at something* This is so pretty! Momma Loria look look! That man brought you something pretty! *she calls*

Loria: *she gives Argyle a look of confusion before walking off towards the kitchen and spotting Cameron with the armor display. She spots her spell seals on it and stops, staring at it in confusion* Argyle....what is that? *she asks him from in the kitchen*

Argyle: According to the man that delivered it, this armor was commissioned by King Garlith himself...as a gift for you. He said it was made by someone called "Mystic Forger Gale".

Loria: *she frowns and crosses her arms in obvious irritation* Did this man tell you why his majesty had it made for me in the first place? Because if he thinks that this will make up for that absurd betrayal of my trust he's sorely mistaken. *she tells Argyle sternly*

Cameron: *she tugs on Loria's sleeves a bit, rubbing her stomach* Momma Loria....I'm hungry. *she complains quietly*

Loria: *she giggles and picks her up into her arms before turning back to Argyle* I think all three of us could use some food. Argyle why don't you go do some chores or something while I cook for us? I'll call you as soon as it's ready. *she tells him before taking Cameron away with her to gather the ingredients and such for what she was going to cook*

Argyle: *he nods and goes over to the closet, pulling a broom out as he starts sweeping the entrance to the house. However, he looks over to Loria and speaks* I know you think it might be a way of making it up to you, but even so...*he blushes slightly* You would...look incredibly beautiful in that armor...

Loria: *she blushes a bit as she walks back into the kitchen and opens the window, hearing the tail end of Argyle's sentence and simply going back to cook for everyone. It doesn't take too long to make everyone a share of roast, sweet water and some steamed vegetables. Although Cameron does wind up making kind of a mess, Loria simply laughs it off and cleans her up before setting out the food for them and calling out in Argyle's direction* Argyle, food's ready for us! C'mon inside and eat before it gets cold! *she calls out to him*

Argyle: *by the time she was done, Argyle had finished washing the windows. He smiled and looked at his work. He couldn't help but feel a homey sense in his surroundings. He looks over at Loria and smiles* Coming! *he walks into the kitchen and sits down next to Cameron, the bowl of soup in front of him steaming* Hmmmm...Looks good! *he picks up his spoon and begins eating. While he does, a knock rings out at the door. He looks up from his food and glances at Loria* Should I get it?

Loria: *she giggles as Cameron gets a bunch of her soup all over her face and she goes to wipe her face with a napkin* If you could please. *she answers him*

Argyle: *he stands up and goes to the door. Standing there is Ser Zorrin, his helm removed and held at his side* S-Ser Zorrin!

Zorrin: Argyle. You're looking well, lad. Is Loria here?

Argyle: She is, but I don't think she wants to see any of the Royal Knights at the moment...

Zorrin: I'm here on business from King Garlith himself. He has a mission for you two. I was ordered to tell you both myself, and not to take no for an answer as this mission is crucial to the kingdom.

Arygle: ...*he stands aside and calls out to Loria* Loria! Ser Zorrin is here with an official mission from King Garlith!

Zorrin: *he steps through the doorway* Thank you...

Loria: *she sighs and gets up after finishing cleaning the food off of Cameron's face* It was inevitable I suppose... *she mumbles to herself before walking out to meet up with Ser Zorrin. She glowers at him but doesn't show any real disrespect towards him* What is it that you need Master? *she asks calmly*

Argyle: *he could feel the tension in the room, so he sits down next to Cameron and continues to tend to her while Loria and Zorrin speak*

Zorrin: We have located Dolph, the Wyvern Hunter. He is currently held up in a ruined tower to the west, on the edge of the Greatwood. There, he is in a stalemate with a Dragon. Badur'El, the black Dragon of Calamity. His Majesty, in his wisdom, has ordered that you and Argyle be the ones to take on the mission of finding Ser Dolph and bringing him back to Silvenheim. According to Shagga, he will not leave until the Dragon is dead. That means...this is your first Dragon Slaying.

Loria: *she freezes in place* A dragon....fortunate for me his majesty saw fit to send me new armor. *she looks at Argyle* Go and get ready at once. I wish to speak with Master Zorrin.... *she glances back at Ser Zorrin* ....alone.

Argyle: *he nods and looks over to Cameron* C'mon, Cameron. We'll play tag outside after I get my armor on. *he stands up and walks towards the stairs up to him and Loria's room*

Zorrin: Loria...

Loria: *she stops Ser Zorrin with her gaze* Stop. Not another word from you. The only thing I want is for you to answer my questions that I've been having run endlessly through my head since what happened. Tell me Master....is my being a knight worth so much to you that you would betray my trust and use me like some common woman just to get what you wanted? *she narrows her eyes at him* Answer me honestly or I swear to the gods above that I'll quit being your apprentice here and now. *she tells him sternly*

Zorrin: ....You being a knight is important to me, yes. Did I use you like a common woman, no. If I had not provoked Phobos to send his apprentices as he did...You would be dead for sure. Phobos has been telling us everything he knows about the Dragon Cult's activities. If he had not been brash, he would have killed you himself that very night. And if it had been Phobos himself, even Argyle, Karn, and Hue combined would not have been able to keep you safe. You, Argyle, and Cameron would be dead, Phobos would have escaped, an I would have been missing the only thing left in this world that keeps me going. *for a second, his stern eyes show something Loria had never seen in Zorrin; sadness, regret, and pain* When I lost Veronica, my daughter, and my wife Gil, and the rest of my family, I wanted nothing more than to die. I took missions after being appointed a Royal Knight that were considered perilous, suicidal even. But no matter what, I lived due to my skill and natural battle reflexes. I fought on and on...Then, I was given the mission to go alone into the Trafficing ring's depths to end it. I thought for sure I would find my own death....but there I found life. You. The one who would become my apprentice, and my foster daughter. *he reaches back and draws his rapier* If you so wish it, Loria, I will end your apprenticeship here and now. I will discharge you as a knight and you may live a carefree life as the heir of my estate. If you wish it, you may continue to be a knight. However, the choice is all yours. Just know this...not as your master, but as your father...*his eyes begin to tear slightly* I am sorry...so very sorry for putting you in harms way...

Loria: *her face darkens and she doesn't say a single word, turning around to retrieve her new armor. She takes it behind the screen like she usually does and dons it. She retrieves her Greataxe and brushes past Ser Zorrin, stopping just before she walks past him* .....Your pain is something I can understand but never feel. Cameron....my last question....why me? Out of everyone here in Silvenheim, you picked the one who was the least prepared for her. Why? *she asks, still not looking at him*

Zorrin: Because while you were the least prepared for her, you were the only one capable of her. You, Loria...It is up to you to carry on the legacy I began. You are...exactly like me back when I was your age...back when I was made a Royal Knight. Only you can carry on the Legacy of Zorrin...Surely you've noticed by now...Cameron is a Spell Blood. Not only that, she is also the same age you were when I found you. Just as I was fated to find you, you were fated to find her. *he glances at her* You may be like me...but you will be better than I ever was. This I know. Loria...out of all the Dragons I have slain, the giants I have brought down, the Demons I have vanquished, the battles I have won...none of them can compare to you. You are my greatest achievement...

Loria: *a faint smile crosses her face before she turns away* Legacy of Zorrin huh? You can be so odd sometimes..... *she reaches for the door and opens it, a last word passing her lips as she leaves to retrieve Argyle for their mission* .....Father.... *she closes the door behind her and goes out to the courtyard, smiling as she finds Cameron and Argyle playing tag. She goes over to them and turns to Argyle, her new armor shining in the sunlight* Ready to go Argyle? We should leave at once.

Cameron: *she gives Loria a concerned look* Leave? Will you be back Momma? *she asks*

Loria: *she picks Cameron up and tickles her a bit, causing Cameron to go into a fit of giggles* Momma will be back in a week or two at the most okay? Be good for Hue and Master Zorrin while I'm gone okay?

Cameron: *she giggles and hugs Loria tightly* 'Kay!

Loria: *she sets Cameron down and she runs off to the house to be with Ser Zorrin, leaving Loria alone with Argyle*

Argyle: *he smiles at Loria, seeing that some kind of burden was finally off her* You know, I was right, Loria. You look amazing in that armor. *he walks back to the stables, the horses ready, and brings them out. He mounts his gray nag and smiles at Loria* Ready to go, milady? Your faithful squire is reporting for duty!