Power of the Emerald Moon
“G-ha-ha, seems Glenn can still get the best of you, eh Dario?” mocked the periwinkle haired Karsh from the side where he and Norris sat, watching the practice duel.
As Glenn charged, both Einlanzers shining brightly in the golden sun, and with quick slashes he overcame Dario’s defence, the blonde’s sword being knocked away as his younger brother stood before him victorious.
“Just as I thought, he got you again Dario!” taunted Karsh as he stood up, axe across his back, decked in white with a grin set upon his rather tanned skin.
“Perhaps you should not talk so highly or poke fun Karsh, for you as well, have yet to beat me in a duel,” Glenn grinned as he helped his brother up and handed him his sword, Norris could also be heard snickering behind Karsh.
“Hey, you have something to say do ya!?” barked Karsh at the former Porre officer as he swung around, piercing brown eyes focussed on the blonde haired commander, if looks could kill.
Anyone who offended Karsh’s ego was sure to get such a cold stare, Norris just smirked back and shook his head, matching the stare with his cool blue eyes.
This was a daily activity or the boys usually, Glenn, Dario and Karsh spent hours sparring, while Norris watched on or practised his aim upon the various targets set up around the Manor. The out doors worked well for this, fresh air was exhilarating to their body’s, and nature gave a more realistic environment. While the boys talked amongst one another, or in Karsh’s behalf, defend his own pride, they failed to notice the two women making their way to the sparring area.
Riddel spoke as she recapped the tour “So now you know the whereabouts of the rooms inside, next to your room on the main floor is Glenn’s, across the hall is the bathing chamber, in the west wing is Marcy and Karsh’s rooms and the dinning room. On the floor above is the library and elevator which leads to the main chamber, my father’s room, and the balcony where Neofio thrives. In the basement, the west wing is Luccia’s where Pip and Grobyc also stay. The basements east wing is where the dragoons sleep, their chambers, mess hall and bathing hall are all in that wing, and that is the only place they are permitted in the Manor, except for Norris whom is an exception, he as well as free run of the Manor the same as you, Glenn and the Deva’s.”
Thea nodded, “very well, I understand, you introduced me to everyone inside, but... I noticed that none of the men you speak of were present.. I would like to meet everyone if you do not mind..”
“Oh of course,” Riddel laughed, “that is why I have brought you outside, they come out every day, no matter what the weather, to work on their skills.”
Riddel pointed ahead and as Thea looked she could see four men conversing with one another. All wore what Thea assumed to be uniform, or custom armour. The only body she recognized was that of the knight whom she’d bumped into the night before. He now wore a complete suit of armour; chain mail, breast plate, gauntlets, greaves, a detailed tabard around his waist and two scabbards which she concluded held the two Einlanzers that Riddel had mentioned to her before. Though she noticed a mauve ribbon, which she had taken little notice of the night before, was still present around his head. Thea felt her stomach tense as she gazed upon the quad of men, she was falling helplessly in love with top knight of the Acacia Dragoons, and feared to herself, and believed, she had no chance in the least.
As the women finally made their way up to the men, Dario was the first to speak, “ Ah Riddel I see you have brought your guest with you this afternoon!” The lead Deva flashed a warm smile at the women before him, “ Thea I believe? I am Dario, Riddel’s husband, older brother of Glenn and first Deva of the Acacia Dragoon’s.”
Thea nodded and smiled back at the blonde before her, glancing at Riddel then back at the man, she could tell they loved each other very much, just the way they gazed at each other. Being the older brother of Glenn, she could find similarities between the two, but she could find more differences.. They both had the same kind nature, Glenn was shy, whereas Dario was the opposite. Their appearance details were also different, both wearing a suit of armour, dark green present in both, representing family ties perhaps she questioned herself. Although, Dario had short golden hair, where as Glenn’s was slightly longer and had more brown within, their eyes were also different, both blue, but Dario’s was more so like the blue of the sky where as Glenn’s seemed less piercing mixed with grey. Coming out of her comparison trance Thea looked to the left of Dario to see the other three men looking back at her.
“ I believe you have already met Glenn,” said Riddel as Glenn bent forward and took Thea’s hand in his own gauntlet covered limb and pushed his lips gently to the back of her sleek hand. The others were surprised by the daring gesture from the usual shy knight they knew, but none said anything. Thea nodded as she too was astounded by the sincere gesture.
Within the next moment another blonde, his hair not as golden as Dario’s, yet not as dark as Glenn’s, but longer in length walked up to her. “Miss Thea,” he nodded “I am Norris” said the man before him his ocean blue eyes matched the jumpsuit that covered his generously built body. Around his waist was a double wrapped belt that sat upon his hips, and across his chest another strap ran under his black commanders jacket in which Thea could see a glimpse of a pistol which clung against his body.
A moment later Thea spoke, “Norris? Aye, you’re the one whom aided Glenn in bringing me back to the manor, my sincere gratitude to you as well! For if you two had not come to me, then.. I wish not to think of the circumstances..” she trailed off.
Norris nodded then stepped back behind Glenn, where he had stood previously.
“The last man over there,” Riddel motioned towards the azure haired man whom knelt furthest back, shining his axe “that is Karsh, second in command of the Deva’s”
“ Nice to meet you Sir,” Thea greeted as she walked over to the kneeling Deva, “My name is-“
With a grunt Karsh brought himself to his feet towering over the woman before him, dark brown eyes gazed down at her as he interrupted, “Miss Thea, you need not refer to me as Sir.. I’m sure the rest here agree that they don’t wanna be addressed in such a manner, as you call Riddel by her first name, do the same to us.. Please. Hanging around the others, you’ve already gotten the hang of speaking with that damn poetic speech, hmpf”
Those around were surprised to see Karsh talk with such a soft tone, but nodded in agreement to his statement. Thea nodded to him and replied, “ As you wish then, but I ask the same to you all, no need to address me as ‘Miss’ please.”
With that Karsh nodded and went back to his axe, Thea returned to Riddel’s side then the two women said their goodbyes and made their way back inside the manor.
As soon as the two lady’s made their way out of site the men all turned their attention to Glenn, Dario spoke first, “Well brother what was THAT about?” he grinned at the young knight.
“I know you found her mysterious Glenn, but you are quite interested in her aren’t you?” added Norris.
“O-Oh do not tantalize me about such things, I merely want to know more about the woman as simple as that..” Glenn looked down at his sides, observing the two scabbards which held his swords. The next voice, to his surprise and whom it was, came to his aid.
“ Enough of this already, we’re not here for such things, Glenn if you are indeed not preoccupied, then it seems we have a duel to finish. Bring it on already,” snarled Karsh, bringing himself to his feet and smirking, the two began to spar.