Two leather gloved fingers applied the gentle pressure needed. The fissure appeared in the center of the wax impression of the royal crest. A gentle crack was audible only to the bearer of the parchement. Suede covered fingers gently unfurled the parchement. Gray eyes took in the content of the document.
-----
Dear Gloria,
It was surprising to hear from you regarding records on a specific individual. Due to the sensitive nature of some of your query I must be selective with disclosure. I am certain you understand the need for discretion. I can confirm that William Raliegh is one and the same to the subject of your formal inquiry. He served dutifully for full term. William has no disciplinary actions on record. He is eligible for both renlistment and is on the special recall roster.
That all being said, Gloria, you must remember that William is not a knight. He's a Ranger and Sapper out of the Warden Battalion. They do not conduct warfare in the ways we did, and they are quite comfortable with limited support and supervision. Wardens in particular are tasked with safegaurding the kingdom in peace as well as in conflict. His talents will be of good use to your organization based on that pedigree alone. Your challenge is to make use of his skills and mindset. I urge you to make certain that our training does not color your judgement.
Please write again Gloria. Gathering and confirming your inquiry required me to reach out to old friends that I've been far too busy to think about, including yourself. I hope you find this satisfactory.
Fond wishes,
Reginald Caulson, Commadant of the Dheltán Academy of Military Science
-----
Corners of the woman's lips upturned for the moment. The fleeting memories of youth, honor, passion, and adventure. As graphite eyes lifted from the parchment, the young man across from her held himself at ease with good posture. This was trained, not practiced. There was a concious effort to maintain good form that was evident in low borns obvious to a trained eye. With this young man, it was not as pronouced, but Captain was of the proper lineage to notice such tells.
Brown hair, thick and did not take kindly
to being combed contrasted the young man's bright blue eyes. Coming from such a rough unit, it was surprising to see such a kempt face. Being clean shaven only made him look younger still. His linen trousers and shirt were clean and stain free. The green dublet was thicker than was popular in had been repaired mulitiple times, suggesting it doubled as a gambeson. The man's boots and belt had a comfortable worn look to them. Though the odd brass inlays and heal caught her warriors eye. William seemed quite comfortable despite being in the hot seat.
"This letter verifies your credentials enough for me", Captain Joylene's experienced soprano addressed the potential new employee. A factual, but limited interested expression hung evident from her brows. Surprisingly the young man did not interject. There was a confindent smile shining in his eyes. William seemed to be fairly relaxed about the situation. His gaze upon her awaiting commetary or inquiry sure to follow such an opening.
"You're manners suprise me Sapper Raliegh", a hint of respect mixed into the authoritive tone.
Will paused befor answering, giving the veteran commander enough to see the he was aware of his impulse control. "With respect, unless adventurers care about rank, William or Will is fine. I don't have rank or title here Dame Captain". That purchasesed a raised eyebrow from Joylene's stoic demeanor. She had not expected actual courtesy.
"You're well spoken, where'd you learn courtesy ranger?"
"My Mother is a Judicator, she made sure to supplement my education growing up. Takes a minute to remember at times", came the even baritone reply. Joylene's perception of the man's discomfort was more with the situation than her station. Will made no notes on her gender or history when he sought employment two weeks prior. It was honestly a bit too good to be true, rangers post war mostly turned to mercenary work or took employ as game tenders for the nobility.
"Speaking of times, and you are free to be candid with your response, why adventuring as a post service profession", inquired the War Matron. To emphasize the point and take measure of the man; Gloria Joylen set the vellium on her desk and rested a thoughtful chin on her left suede clad hand.
Not lacking in timing or the instigating the word games nobles played. A prompt explanation was delivered,"I want the best chance to do some good. War's over and Warden work is mostly Garrison duty now. I don't want bloodmoney, or to watch a nobles deer and shoot it for him. Hunting poachers is fun when it's not some starving family, but more often than not it is. I figure that the skills I have honed can do some good and keep me fed. I don't need much to be honest, but I'm not interested in typical sellsword work."
Mentally taken aback a bit. Joylene feigned thoughfulness to recover. Most ranger vets took well to mercernary life and becomming private brigands. Perhaps the Warden and Marshall Battalions just attracted a different type of character... they did pursue different threats than most conventional troops.
"I take it you prefer simple vices", tested the night guiding the conversation to potential barring from employ.
"If by vice you mean and occassional ale or glass of wine", answered the ranger,"but if you want to know what my flaw is Dame Captain we can cut to the chase, unless I missed the cue noting the end of candid exchange."
There was a bit of fire in the younger man, that was something Joylene appreciated. The better adventures tended to have that sort of drive. "Might I guess an issue with temperance", Joylene probed and steepled her fingers in their gloves sitting up to show the man full attention.
William's brows furrowed and gave Joylene plenty of confirmation. Despite needing another heavy hitter, she didn't need some insubordinate new hire ignoring her orders. She did provide the azured eyed young man a moment to explain. The intensity in his eyes suggested he caught the judgement in her eyes.
"I developed a temper, so in a way you are correct Dame Captain. I was a scholary as a boy", the baritone shifted from that casual assuredness to something akin to forlorn anger,"I lost my sister to the fey. I learned that knowing things is meaningless without the power to act on that knowledge. I enlisted the first summer I was eligible. Ranger training helped me cultivate that anger and killer instinct. My motivation has always been Mina, the monsters got her. I've got no problem going after them...I don't let things happen to kids if I can help it. Warden Battalion built up a lot of that anger and pointed it slavers, warlocks, and monsters of flesh or not. A farmer can't pay mercinaries to avenge his family, but he may ask an adventurer. I can live with being that adventure. So I'm not really looking for work Dame Captain, I'm looking to hunt monsters and protect people. I will do other work, but I've been blooded and I'm not one let good people come to harm..."
"That sounds a bit noble for a temper"
"I hadn't finished Damn Captain"
"By all means, continue."
"I'm also a Ranger, some niceities are not necessary. Like beds, forks, and letting somebody pick a fight without obliging."
"So you don't play well with others"
"Dame Captain I play just fine. I simple am used to settlings issues quick and directly as possible. I don't have benefit of supply lines or the patience for my coworkers trying to show off."
"That sounds like a problem with authority William."
"I assure you it's an issue with incompetance and arrogance, Dame Captain. I tend to defer to the recognized expert or desigated authority. I just won't play around with lives on the line. As an adventurer I don't expect to be rescued or relieved. I'll live with choices I make to keep my comrades alive and ensure the success of the job. Just don't ask me to throw away lives and I won't question your motives."
"My motives Mister Raliegh?"
"You're reputation proceeds you Dame Captain."
"And what have you heard about the War Matron?"
"You're an excellent Tactician who should be on the Advisory Council. You have a mind for diplomacy and warfare. My command thought well of you. Rangers typically don't sing the praises of Knights, we're a different tool for the kingdom."
"Fair enough, though speaking of Reputation, might I inquire about your Moniker?"
"The Raptor Sapper?"
"Yes, I find you far more catlike than avian in your mannerisms."
"Perhaps under your employ, Dame Captain"
"And why that condition Ranger?"
"Because that is a question for a comrade Dame Captain."
Joylene sat back pleasntly surprised by the conversation. Rough, but honest. Modest morals, and aware of his flaws. He'd work. She though as she analyzed his vocal manuevers. A small sigh escaped the plain lips adding to the show of deliberation.
"Very well, explain the moniker", Joylene ordered as she pulled a contract from her desk. The ranger only broke into smile when he saw her dip the quill in her inkbottle.
"I've come to realise that many creature that fancies itself an alpha predator fails to look up. That's my prefered tactic. Even without proper high ground. The whistling of my cloak and javelins have a high pitch in the right conditions. Sounds a bit like a bird of prey's screach and dive. I made Sapper fairly early on, so it the pairing stuck", William was somewhat amused by having a Legacy.
"And your exploits", Joylene asked keeping her eyes down to hide the little joy in truth.
"I only care about the people I've saved. Mina wouldn't wanted me to get a big head", came a slightly unexpected taciturn response.
The Captain looked up and met the ranger's eyes. She'd have to learn how to use that motivation effectively and it's limits.
"Very well Mister Raliegh welcome to the Freeman Associated Adventuring Guild, please bear in mind as this is a Crown endorsed service, any service obligations you have in reserve are considered extended for the first 2 years of your employ and subject to review each following year henceforth. Please read this contract, sign should you agree, then you may head downstairs to see about securing yourself some local lodging."
"Thank you Dame Captain"
"Captain will do William"
"Understood...Captain"
"And one more thing William"
"I expect honesty and transparency should we discuss your actions"
"I don't bluff or scheme Captain."
"You don't appear to be the type William, goodnight"
-----
Dear Gloria,
It was surprising to hear from you regarding records on a specific individual. Due to the sensitive nature of some of your query I must be selective with disclosure. I am certain you understand the need for discretion. I can confirm that William Raliegh is one and the same to the subject of your formal inquiry. He served dutifully for full term. William has no disciplinary actions on record. He is eligible for both renlistment and is on the special recall roster.
That all being said, Gloria, you must remember that William is not a knight. He's a Ranger and Sapper out of the Warden Battalion. They do not conduct warfare in the ways we did, and they are quite comfortable with limited support and supervision. Wardens in particular are tasked with safegaurding the kingdom in peace as well as in conflict. His talents will be of good use to your organization based on that pedigree alone. Your challenge is to make use of his skills and mindset. I urge you to make certain that our training does not color your judgement.
Please write again Gloria. Gathering and confirming your inquiry required me to reach out to old friends that I've been far too busy to think about, including yourself. I hope you find this satisfactory.
Fond wishes,
Reginald Caulson, Commadant of the Dheltán Academy of Military Science
-----
Corners of the woman's lips upturned for the moment. The fleeting memories of youth, honor, passion, and adventure. As graphite eyes lifted from the parchment, the young man across from her held himself at ease with good posture. This was trained, not practiced. There was a concious effort to maintain good form that was evident in low borns obvious to a trained eye. With this young man, it was not as pronouced, but Captain was of the proper lineage to notice such tells.
Brown hair, thick and did not take kindly
to being combed contrasted the young man's bright blue eyes. Coming from such a rough unit, it was surprising to see such a kempt face. Being clean shaven only made him look younger still. His linen trousers and shirt were clean and stain free. The green dublet was thicker than was popular in had been repaired mulitiple times, suggesting it doubled as a gambeson. The man's boots and belt had a comfortable worn look to them. Though the odd brass inlays and heal caught her warriors eye. William seemed quite comfortable despite being in the hot seat.
"This letter verifies your credentials enough for me", Captain Joylene's experienced soprano addressed the potential new employee. A factual, but limited interested expression hung evident from her brows. Surprisingly the young man did not interject. There was a confindent smile shining in his eyes. William seemed to be fairly relaxed about the situation. His gaze upon her awaiting commetary or inquiry sure to follow such an opening.
"You're manners suprise me Sapper Raliegh", a hint of respect mixed into the authoritive tone.
Will paused befor answering, giving the veteran commander enough to see the he was aware of his impulse control. "With respect, unless adventurers care about rank, William or Will is fine. I don't have rank or title here Dame Captain". That purchasesed a raised eyebrow from Joylene's stoic demeanor. She had not expected actual courtesy.
"You're well spoken, where'd you learn courtesy ranger?"
"My Mother is a Judicator, she made sure to supplement my education growing up. Takes a minute to remember at times", came the even baritone reply. Joylene's perception of the man's discomfort was more with the situation than her station. Will made no notes on her gender or history when he sought employment two weeks prior. It was honestly a bit too good to be true, rangers post war mostly turned to mercenary work or took employ as game tenders for the nobility.
"Speaking of times, and you are free to be candid with your response, why adventuring as a post service profession", inquired the War Matron. To emphasize the point and take measure of the man; Gloria Joylen set the vellium on her desk and rested a thoughtful chin on her left suede clad hand.
Not lacking in timing or the instigating the word games nobles played. A prompt explanation was delivered,"I want the best chance to do some good. War's over and Warden work is mostly Garrison duty now. I don't want bloodmoney, or to watch a nobles deer and shoot it for him. Hunting poachers is fun when it's not some starving family, but more often than not it is. I figure that the skills I have honed can do some good and keep me fed. I don't need much to be honest, but I'm not interested in typical sellsword work."
Mentally taken aback a bit. Joylene feigned thoughfulness to recover. Most ranger vets took well to mercernary life and becomming private brigands. Perhaps the Warden and Marshall Battalions just attracted a different type of character... they did pursue different threats than most conventional troops.
"I take it you prefer simple vices", tested the night guiding the conversation to potential barring from employ.
"If by vice you mean and occassional ale or glass of wine", answered the ranger,"but if you want to know what my flaw is Dame Captain we can cut to the chase, unless I missed the cue noting the end of candid exchange."
There was a bit of fire in the younger man, that was something Joylene appreciated. The better adventures tended to have that sort of drive. "Might I guess an issue with temperance", Joylene probed and steepled her fingers in their gloves sitting up to show the man full attention.
William's brows furrowed and gave Joylene plenty of confirmation. Despite needing another heavy hitter, she didn't need some insubordinate new hire ignoring her orders. She did provide the azured eyed young man a moment to explain. The intensity in his eyes suggested he caught the judgement in her eyes.
"I developed a temper, so in a way you are correct Dame Captain. I was a scholary as a boy", the baritone shifted from that casual assuredness to something akin to forlorn anger,"I lost my sister to the fey. I learned that knowing things is meaningless without the power to act on that knowledge. I enlisted the first summer I was eligible. Ranger training helped me cultivate that anger and killer instinct. My motivation has always been Mina, the monsters got her. I've got no problem going after them...I don't let things happen to kids if I can help it. Warden Battalion built up a lot of that anger and pointed it slavers, warlocks, and monsters of flesh or not. A farmer can't pay mercinaries to avenge his family, but he may ask an adventurer. I can live with being that adventure. So I'm not really looking for work Dame Captain, I'm looking to hunt monsters and protect people. I will do other work, but I've been blooded and I'm not one let good people come to harm..."
"That sounds a bit noble for a temper"
"I hadn't finished Damn Captain"
"By all means, continue."
"I'm also a Ranger, some niceities are not necessary. Like beds, forks, and letting somebody pick a fight without obliging."
"So you don't play well with others"
"Dame Captain I play just fine. I simple am used to settlings issues quick and directly as possible. I don't have benefit of supply lines or the patience for my coworkers trying to show off."
"That sounds like a problem with authority William."
"I assure you it's an issue with incompetance and arrogance, Dame Captain. I tend to defer to the recognized expert or desigated authority. I just won't play around with lives on the line. As an adventurer I don't expect to be rescued or relieved. I'll live with choices I make to keep my comrades alive and ensure the success of the job. Just don't ask me to throw away lives and I won't question your motives."
"My motives Mister Raliegh?"
"You're reputation proceeds you Dame Captain."
"And what have you heard about the War Matron?"
"You're an excellent Tactician who should be on the Advisory Council. You have a mind for diplomacy and warfare. My command thought well of you. Rangers typically don't sing the praises of Knights, we're a different tool for the kingdom."
"Fair enough, though speaking of Reputation, might I inquire about your Moniker?"
"The Raptor Sapper?"
"Yes, I find you far more catlike than avian in your mannerisms."
"Perhaps under your employ, Dame Captain"
"And why that condition Ranger?"
"Because that is a question for a comrade Dame Captain."
Joylene sat back pleasntly surprised by the conversation. Rough, but honest. Modest morals, and aware of his flaws. He'd work. She though as she analyzed his vocal manuevers. A small sigh escaped the plain lips adding to the show of deliberation.
"Very well, explain the moniker", Joylene ordered as she pulled a contract from her desk. The ranger only broke into smile when he saw her dip the quill in her inkbottle.
"I've come to realise that many creature that fancies itself an alpha predator fails to look up. That's my prefered tactic. Even without proper high ground. The whistling of my cloak and javelins have a high pitch in the right conditions. Sounds a bit like a bird of prey's screach and dive. I made Sapper fairly early on, so it the pairing stuck", William was somewhat amused by having a Legacy.
"And your exploits", Joylene asked keeping her eyes down to hide the little joy in truth.
"I only care about the people I've saved. Mina wouldn't wanted me to get a big head", came a slightly unexpected taciturn response.
The Captain looked up and met the ranger's eyes. She'd have to learn how to use that motivation effectively and it's limits.
"Very well Mister Raliegh welcome to the Freeman Associated Adventuring Guild, please bear in mind as this is a Crown endorsed service, any service obligations you have in reserve are considered extended for the first 2 years of your employ and subject to review each following year henceforth. Please read this contract, sign should you agree, then you may head downstairs to see about securing yourself some local lodging."
"Thank you Dame Captain"
"Captain will do William"
"Understood...Captain"
"And one more thing William"
"I expect honesty and transparency should we discuss your actions"
"I don't bluff or scheme Captain."
"You don't appear to be the type William, goodnight"
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