There be Humans Coming!!! (ATTN Patrick O'Conner)

[Patrick OConner]

O'Conner gives Kyla a lopsided grin, again twisting his scared face into a bigger mess.
"I do appreciate the art of war. I have spent a long time, for a human anyway, studying it and well fighting." O'Conner snorts at the comment about the ministry "Damn bureaucrats. What do they know about fighting? They need to stick to there spreadsheets and leave the war making to real soldiers. All of these weapons and tech. Well I do not think you will to need worry about much especially after our trainers teach you all how to use the weapons." O'Conner turns and smiles and waves at Tynah.
"I would add vise staying out of the way of the construction regiments while they work. They are coarse and frankly mean and really do not like anyone interfering with their work. Oh and someone must tell them were to build the factories as well."
Lavain, with Terror, and Nasir Jemson walk up. O'Conner smiles and waves at Lavain, glad to see a familiar face. He nods and greats the healer.
"Yes I have heard a lot about your profession and art. But yes i would prefer to do this in a clinic but I can give you list of my many injuries right here" O'Conner reaches into his jacket and removes a small file "Start with my eye and lost leg, bad knees and joints in general really, at least 3 pieces of shrapnel still in-beaded in my spine, a few bad disks in my back as well, damaged tendons...the list goes on and on really. I accumulated then over my extensive military career. Not surprising really considering how many times I have been shot at, or blown up, or stabbed. Really suprising I have not caught a terminal case of dead really. Ahh good times. Sorry getting nostalgic. Please lead on to your clinic."

[Dyste]

Undellah Docks
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

Nasir was surprised to hear about just how many injuries O'Conner had racked up; how was he standing with that many injuries to his body? "Yes, going to my clinic would be the best. Now, have you used teleportation before? ... no, I suppose you have not had the opportunity yet. Lavian, may I ask for your assistance here?"

"You should bring Tynah as well," the king added, "She would be more useful with you than sticking around here. Besides, I wish to stay a bit longer to supervise more of this, and to make sure our other guests return to the castle safely. My daughter may not be in the best mood at a moment, but I think she can handle a simple escort job. Otherwise, I might have to talk with Kel over her Royal Knight status, GHAHAHA!"

Lavian led the people going to the clinic to a spot a few meters away from the zone of silence (Tynah was still upset over failing to understand the magical effect). The Light Draconid made a glyph on the ground, in a circular area around the feet of the group. After speaking a few words in a language the humans did not understand, they found the area around them suddenly changing, the surroundings faced into light, and by the time they could see again, they found themselves in a vastly different location...

Knowledge District
Valitora, City of Life
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

Valitora, the capital of Dyste, was also easily the biggest and most populous area in the nation. It was split into three Districts: the Market District, the commercial center of Dyste, the Culture District, the artistic and cultural center, and the Knowledge District, home of the Royal Magic Academy and the Hall of Knowledge, the original library which was now where Parliament was located. Of the three, is was the least populated, but it was still more populated than Undellah. Draconids of vibrant scales, kobolds of duller scales, dark-skinned elves wearing skimpy clothing one would figure more likely to find on a beach, even a few Orcs wearing football (or soccer, if you prefer) uniforms, a practice field nearby.

Nasir smiled, "Welcome to Valitora. It may be a large city, but we have an interesting method to find one's way... please, concentrate on my clinic being our destination..." he spoke a few words in the same language Lavian had, and a set of arrows appeared on the ground, pointing them in the direction they needed to go. "Our Sages came up with this; other people cannot see these directions, since that might get confusing if they themselves are using this system and choosing a different location." The walk to the clinic was not that long from their starting point; they had teleported to a designated circle, as was required in a crowed space like Valitora. They reached a green building with an emblem that was the same design as the back of Nasir's cloak.

Entering, they found a pair of Draconids who wore the same cloak, one with blue scales and the other orange, and a handful of kobolds that wore nurse's caps. "Now, we can do a proper analysis," the Healer offered O'Conner a seat on what appeared to be a round cushion, but when sat on, fit to his exact comfort. "Alright, then. Now, if you please, allow me a proper looks at your injuries, and I can give you my evaluation."

[Patrick OConner]

Undellah Docks
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

O'Conner shook his head.
"No I have never used teleportation ever. We do not have it in my homeland. Last I checked our top scientist is still working on it."
O'Conner looks to his wife, Rosa, and grins. She scowls back at him well aware that he knows it is one of the things that has escaped here mental prowess and she is not happy about it. She elbows him back and he just smiles even more at her.
"No" Rosa says smiling sweetly " we have never used teleportation before,but we would be happy. Anything to shorten what would be a rather lengthy trip."
The two of them follow Lavain and Tynah (with O'Conner casting looks over his shoulder since he is trying to ditch his guards.)

Knowledge District
Valitora, City of Life
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste


With a bright flash and lurch O'Conner and Rosa found themselves many many miles away from the docks. O'Conner looked a little unsettled from the jump but his wife was positively green around the gills from it. She looked like she was ready to vomit but she did not. She shakes her self and gather her dignity and proceed like she is fine. O'Conner shakes himself as well
"Wow, that was certainly interesting." And not very pleasant at all. "So where is this clinic?" O'Conner ask only to have answered by the a set of arrows forming on the ground.
"Now that is useful" O'Conner says as he follows them. Now he takes the time to look around. He likes the surrounding building and so does his wife but he also sees the skimpy clad elves, especially the females and groans to himself. The trainers and soldiers are going to be all over those skanitly glad elf girls in a heart beat.
"I was wondering, uhm...are there going to be any bars near the quarters for the trainers and other soldiers? And if so...are there going to elf ladies in the same area? I am just curious."
The group follows the arrows to the clinic and enters. O'Conner looks around surprised to see the obvious lack of hi tech machines and other medical equipment, found back home is a modern hospital or doctors office. He looks around and shrugs. He takes a seat on the exetremly comfortable cushion and waits.
"I guess I am ready. Do I need take my clothes off for this examination?"

[Dyste]

Knowledge District
Valitora, City of Life
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

In spite of her infamous ineptitude of the arcane, Tynah seemed no worse for wear upon teleporting. "Oh, do not worry, you get used to it after the first few dozen times." She said, while making sure the couple stayed on track. "Well, Kel said we shall house your soldiers in one of our barracks in a settlement a bit southwest of the capital. There is no bar in said settlement, but they can take a ride to a bar in the capital, it would not take too long! Of course, if they want to meet elf ladies, they could always go to New Arcl-"

"Your Highness," Lavian had cut her off, having gathered the intent of O'Conner's inquiry, "I do not think the Ambassador requires knowledge on that unless necessary." If the Colonel was worried about a few elf girls with skimpy dresses causing trouble among the soldiers, she hoped to not spread information on that place. "We shall make sure to have escorts for any groups of soldiers visiting Valitora; it is for the best for supervision purposes that we keep an eye on them." From what she knew of elves, many of them didn't mind such things at all and in fact would probably enjoy the attention the soldiers would give them, but she figured that the soldiers did not need too much distraction during their time here.

Nasir smiled at O'Conner's cooperation, "just the outer layer, and the spots where the largest injuries are." After a few minutes, many of which Nasir seemed to stand perfectly still with his eyes closed, he took a deep breath. "Well, after taking a look over, I am certain all your injuries can be treated with our healing. For the more... minor cases... I shall let Freyah and Iodun deal with them, they need the practice with non-drakon patients. I shall deal with the more notable damage, in particular, your eye and leg. Now, what I shall do with the eye is to create a copy of your undamaged one and heal your optical nerves so that it is connected to this new eye. This part could be done in a single day, though it will take a few more days for it to properly adjust to your body." The healer looked deeply into O'Conner's undamaged eye, as if already having in his mind that idea for the copy eye. "Of course, we could make the eye... a little different, if you so wish. It would take a little more time, but I could make alterations, either of the cosmetic or capability variety. Just do not ask for eye beams; I am not a weapons manufacturer, and I am certain you have enough means to fight."

"Now, the leg... that will take more time, I am afraid. For one, I cannot create an exact copy like I can with the eye, unless you like being unbalanced. Also, there are far more layers; bone, nerves, blood vessels, muscle, skin... furthermore, while this is happening, you will not be able to walk on it. Since I presume you would rather not stay here throughout your time healing, I am allowed to put you in the care of a willing Dystan resident, preferably someone reliable and gentle, who has experience with this sort of... Your Highness, I am fully aware you have your hand up. Do you really feel like you can do this?"

Tynah help her head up high, confident in her conviction, "Of course! He has to spend time with Lavian and I anyways to help with the warg training, right? My chambers in the castle are quite spacious, they can stay in Frenze's old bedroom! Come now, Col-er, I mean Ambassador, it shall be fun!"

[Patrick OConner]

Knowledge District
Valitora, City of Life
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

O'Conner nodded and removed his jacket and eye patch. The eye was dead and milky white and the area around it was heavily scared as well. O'Conner them rolled up his pants leg revealing the false leg. It was false but it was surprising realist looking flesh colored one. O'Conner was still thinking about what Lavain had said but he was still paying attention to the healers.
"No thanks. I will be happy to just have my vision back and my leg as well." O'Conner runs his hand over his facial scars. A dark chuckle escapes him
"Minor injuries? Sure I guess you can call them that." Even though they would have stopped any normal man...or killed him. "But as I was saying, I am sure that none of the men will cause any real trouble. But I would still like to know so I can pass it along to Military Police. Besides they will figure it out anyway. Just give them enough time, which i am sure that the trainers at least will have, and may be the construction regiments as well. And trying to keep it from them will only make it worse. Trust me."
As the Healer goes on about replacing his leg O'Conner becomes concerned especially after Tynah volunteers to help since he will not be able use the leg.
"Well I guess that will work. I am not sure how much I can do without standing."
Rosa speaks up now
"I have seen you do a lot with out standing." O'Conner looks at her and raises and eyebrow and Rosa blushes " You know what I mean. And If necessary I can help you" O'Conner opens his mouth to protest but his wife keeps going " Yes I know about my job. Helping with the tech but the other engineers and scientist can do most of it. I was only brought along in case there was something insurmountable, but I have faith in them. As for you next objection, Haven't you been teaching me? Do you not have faith in my capabilities and your teaching aptitude?"
O'Conner shuts his mouth with clomp.
"Well...as always you go have a point, and I will be nearby...and so will Tynah and Lavain be...so yeah you can help. It seems we will be staying with Goldy- sorry Tynah for now then...speaking of wargs...has anyone seen Holo?" O'Conner slaps himself in the forehead "I bet she is back at the castle still eating..."

[Dyste]

Knowledge District
Valitora, City of Life
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

Nasir nodded, having already determined everything he had needed for repairing the eye, "Now, healing too much at once can cause strain on your body; humans are not quite as attuned to magic as we are, and in particular someone who has low exposure to it, as seen by your reaction to being teleported, might not be able to recover quite as quickly. So, we shall start with just one of the procedures, and work our way up... well, you do seem to want the use of your eye, and the fact that you still have your old eye, albeit damaged, shall make this more simple than if I had to replace the eye outright... if you excuse me, I shall be be about half an hour...

While waiting for Nasir, Tynah spoke with the Ambassdor, "This will be fun! I do not get to have house guests that often. Hm, Holo? Oh, you need not worry about her, Aunty Mishera is probably spending time getting to know her. I shall make sure she is taken to my quarters; she can meet the family Wind Drake, while she is there!" She had conveniently forgotten that the last time Holo had seen one of the winged reptiles, Holo was considering attacking it were it not out of reach.

When Nasir came back, he had something hovering in his hand; it was an eyeball, one that looked a lot like O'Conner's working eye. "As you can see, creating the eye was no problem at all. Whilemost of you bodies are indeed complex, the eye is one of the aspects I have history dealing with, seeing as I healed Commander Darkfire's eye the same way I shall with yours. Keeping the scar or healing it is up to you, however." Holding up the eye, it dissolved into energy, "Oh, do not worry, that is intentional; what I shall do is apply the necessary attributes to your damaged eye. Like so..." moving towards O'Conner, the healer pressed the ball of energy to his eye, and with a flash of light, it was gone. "There we go... if everything goes well, you should be regaining sight in that eye in the next few days. If you wish, we can stop there for the day, or work on one other injury, aside from the leg, that will take at least a day to get prepared. What do you say?"

[Patrick OConner]

Knowledge District
Valitora, City of Life
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

"Thank you Healer. It is much appropriated. " The healer leaves and O'Conner looks over to Tynah and he smiles. "I hope that wind drake is fast enough to stay away from Holo. Give her half a chance and she is going to try and chomp on it."
When the healer returns O'Conner shakes is head
"No do it now. Do all of it and yes I want my face fixed. If you think I cannot take it assure I can. I am as tough as they come. and yes I want my face fixed. I hate this scared mess of a mug."

[Dyste]

Knowledge District
Valitora, City of Life
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

Nasir let out a sigh; somehow, he knew this human would believe he could take it. "Well, if you insist, we may indeed be able deal with as many injuries we can find. However, I shall have to apply a sleeping spell on you. Normally, one can will themselves to stay awake when such a spell is placed, but for your sake, you should allow it to affect you. After all, in order to do some of the healing, we will require to remove that shrapnel from within you..." after making sure OConner understood, he began chanting a tune, that was causing drowsiness in everyone, though only OConner and Tynah actually feel asleep.

After Nasir got his assistant to carry the Colonel into the operation room, Lavian began poking the princess, "I suppose she just felt like having a nap... in fairness, she has been rather busy today with the preparations. She was rather excited to see your husband today; I think among humans he is one of her favourites."

Three hours later

The waiting was rather long and uneventful, though Tynah managed to wake up a few minutes before it was over. Finally, Nasir and his assistants entered the waiting room, one of them holding OConner in her arms, before passing him to Tynah. "Do not worry, he is fine, just unconscious," Nasir stated. "It should be two hours until he wakes up, but until then, make sure he is not startled awake, and no teleportation. If there are any problems, please contact us. Otherwise, we shall contact you when we are ready to start treatment on the leg. May your lives be blessed with longevity and good fortune."

Tynah spoke up first, "Thank you, Healer! Shall we get going to the castle?" When departing, she took a look at the Colonel, with his body lacking the scars it used to, among other treatments used to make his skin healed, "Well, I do not know human ages well, but he looks younger now!"

"Well, Nasir likely did some skin rejuvenation treatment..." Lavian pointed out to her, though it was evident the princess was not paying attention to her. Instead, she spoke to Rosa, "Do not be surprised if you find your husband more energetic, particularly to start off; many people after getting major healing done tend to feel several years younger."

[Patrick OConner]

Knowledge District
Valitora, City of Life
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste
O'Conner nods as Nasir speaks.
"Alright lets get one with it" and then he began chanting and it hit O'Conner like a ton of bricks. He went from wide awake to dead asleep in nothing flat. It happened so fast that O'Conner collapsed in a heap on the floor. He even started to snore loudly. Rosa snickered at her husband.
"Wow you need to teach me that one. Only time I have seen him hit the floor that hard is after a night of heavy drinking. Most of the time I can Hardly get him to settle down."
And at that Nasir and his assistant took O'Conner back to the operating room.

Three Hours later
The first thing anyone hears is O'Conner's loud snoring. Tynah took O'Conner's limp body and thanked the healer. Rosa looks over her husband. He looks much ypunger now wit most of the lines taken away from his face. And the scars gone now. The left side looks completely normal now. Not that it did much to improve his looks. O'Conner still looks average at best but overall he looks much healthier. But that does not help at all with his snoring. It sounds like a jumbo jet taking off.
"Can either of you do anything about my husbands's snoring? It is getting ridiculous."
Rosa listened to Lavain and nodded
"That will be interesting. Anyway lets us head back to the castle now. I need to make some calls. I know that certain people are nervous that we just up and disappeared"

[Dyste]

Knowledge District
Valitora, City of Life
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

The group had used the arrow system laid into the city to find the shortest route to the castle. The snoring was bothering Lavian quite a bit as well, "Tynah, you can deal with that, right? I mean, considering how much your husband likes to sleep and all..."

"Actually, he is rather quiet when sleeping" Tynah help her head up high, as if proud of that fact. "Perhaps his dreams keep him from making too much noise. Besides, even if he did snore, someone with his job deserves the rest. Not everyone can teach magic, they have to settle for being accountants or the like."

Lavian growled; her own husband was a accountant working at the castle, a fact the princess knew all too well. "I suppose we could do a Zone of Silence, like the Sage did, only have to used properly. Considering I am by default the best mage here, it falls to me."

"What do you mean, by def-" the princess's word was cut off, she was still speaking but could not be heard. The Light Draconid smiled, "Hm, I might've gotten the boundaries of the zone wrong. Oh well." She might've felt more bad for Tynah for falling under this again, if it wasn't for the fact that she had several chances to improve her abilities. "If you are worried about having difficulties with magic, well, I cannot imagine anyone doing as poorly as a certain someone."

Tynah might've been more annoyed, if it wasn't for the fact that as they moved out of the city and got closer to the castle, they encountered Mishera and Holo waiting for them. The princess forgot how upset she was and began to pet the Dire Wolf, who seemed to enjoy it. "It seems that they anticipated us," Lavian commented. "Mishera has been around the princess all her life, so her scent is one of the most familiar to her. I would bet she could track Her Highness anywhere in the country, if not more. Either way, it looks like she made a new friend. Hello, Holo, have you been enjoying yourself?" Of course she knew the warg couldn't understand her completely, as far as she knew, but it was a nice gesture nonetheless.

[Patrick OConner]

Knowledge District
Valitora, City of Life
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

Rosa followed Tynah and Lavain back to the castle. As the tow of them started going back and forth Rosa smirked internally. And then Lavain did some magic spell and it finally silenced her husband loud snoring.
"Thank you for that I am grateful." And then she noticed that Tynah had also been silenced as well. Rosa smiled at this.
"I want to learn that spell first. It seems most useful. I can think of several other people who I can use it on."
Rosa smiles at Tynah and Lavain bickering. It reminds her very much of her husband and his best friend, Major Jesse Overhill, and how they relate. Though Tynah and Lavain seem to hit and shoot at each other less than O'Conner and Overhill.
As the group approaches the castle two figures emerge. Holo and Mishera. Holo lops up to O'Conner and sniffs him then licks his face. She then walks over to Lavain and looks into Lavain's eyes. Then she jumps up and gives her a sloppy wet kiss all over her face. Holo makes sure it is extra slobbery.
Rosa laughs
"You should know. Wargs are far far smarter than they seem. So be careful what you say. My husband will be able tell you more when he wakes up. Also, as a favor to both of you, I am warning you now. His training style is going to be...uh...harsh, brutal and uncompromising to say the least. He plans on starting right away as well."

[Dyste]

Castle Dyste
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

Lavian smiled at Rosa's remark about learning Zone of Silence, "Well, there are some spells you will have to learn before that one, but Axi-aru will probably be able to fit it in early on. He enjoys using it during lectures, and sometimes during naptime." She wondered how often Tynah was the target of said zone.

The Light Draconid was not expecting Holo to be so affectionate, but she was hardly complaining about it; she had a pet Earth Drake who loved licking her face as well. "Hm, yes, I believe you. I am sure you have noticed Mishera's intellect as well; she is learning to write with magic in order to communicate better in that form. Have you been keeping up with that?" The Dire Wolf nodded, conjuring up a piece of paper and used a spell to write down words by tracing her paw across it. The writing was a bit messy, but enough words could be discerned, talking about Holo and wanting to help her communicate better as well. "If wargs are smart enough to understand us, they might be able to use some spells. Granted, Mishera was not always like this, so she does have an advantage in this situation..."

Getting inside the castle, Lavian got a status update from a kobold working near the entrance. Apparently most of the guests and the Dystans who had set out to Undellah had returned to the castle, with Tyroth giving a tour of the massive structure to anyone interested. But, before they continued with anything, they ought to get O'Conner to the bed. "Ah, your husband's training reminds me of the Princess's methods on cadets. I know she seems bubbly and cheerful, but her training methods for recruits are the toughest among the Royal Knights; by contrast, I might actually be too soft. Granted, her students tend to end up the toughest, so there is some merit, even if she overall has the fewest people stick to her training."

Going to a the northwest tower, they reached Tynah's room, where they entered; Rosa noticed no lock of any sort of the door, but regardless it seems tightly shut until the princess put her hand on it. The quarters were sized like a large house, sized for a family of five (Draconids, so naturally most things were sizes for them). Tynah offered the leftmost room on the second floor, belonging to Prince Frenze before he moved to Aravea. The Zone of Silence being finally lifted, O'Conner was placed on the massive bed, Tynah even putting the sheets over him. "He looks so small when placed there," the princess remarked, "But it will do just fine. If you wish for some privacy, I will be happy to oblige."

[Patrick OConner]

Castle Dyste
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste


The group finally arrives at Castle Dyste and it is still as impressive as it was the first time. Holo is of course following along with the group now. Rosa was still pondering the mysterious being know as Mishera. It was a fascinating puzzle and Rosa liked puzzles. it was amazing that such a creature could do magic and comunicate with other beings. Rosa looked up and saw the TRNSGeorgia docked at the castle. It having returned from the Undellah docks.
"I would suggest telepathy at first. If you are going to attempt to communicate with wargs, but then again I am not an expert on the creatures. Another one of my husbands area of expertise. How long should that sleep spell last?"
Rosa stepped into Tynahs room and marveled at the size.
"This is your room? My house is not this big. Maybe my lab but that is different. No we will be fine." O'Conner groans suddenly "It seems my husband is waking up"
O'Conner sits up ad shakes himself and graons clutching his head
"Why does my head hurt?"

[Dyste]

Castle Dyste
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

Rosa's suggestion caused Lavian to consider how well it would work. "There are not that many Draconids who are capable of telepathy, and usually those that are are limited in how much they can communicate with others, but I believe that might work. Granted, I myself cannot use telepathy, I would have to ask Tynah's husband about that." She knew Axi-aru was capable of using it in his sleep at least, though she wasn't sure if it would work on wargs. Maybe if Mishera was involved as well? Regardless, that was a question for later.

When O'Conner awoke, Tynah was still by the bedside, looking him over, "Well, look who is awake! How do you feel? The healer did quite a lot of work on you today. To be honest, I thought you might have been out for the rest of the day!" She recalled a time she needed to go for major healing after an incident that proved to her that quadruple-wielding weapons was a bad idea, and she was forced to rest in bed for several days. Axi-aru at least enjoyed the company.

Lavian, too, was impressed, if also a bit concerned, "Either way, Ambassador, I recommend not overexerting yourself too much for the rest of the day. The body takes a bit of time to adjust to healing like that, I hear. Either way, I do recommend we inform His Majesty of your safe return; even if the Princess will be your main companion for your time here, he is still your host. Plus, I hear rumors of Dame Lissah soon meeting someone who they say can match her. Considering she is even stronger than I am, that would be a sight to see." Granted, the Light Draconid could probably lift more than the Orcess, but she had never beaten the king's bodyguard in a sparring match before.

[Patrick OConner]

Castle Dyste
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

O'Conner groans again
"My everything hurt so much. I have not ached this much since Advanced Combat Training or maybe Jump School or maybe Recon Course." O'Conner mumbles to himself.
His wife snorts
"Nothing keeps you down for long. What is it anyway, that make you get up?"
"Swear unadulterated bloody stubbornness. At least that is what most people seem to think." O'Conner grins and his wife laughs. O'Conner groans again as another wave of soreness hits him and he put his face in his hand. He stops and feels his face. O'Conner leaps out of bed and runs over to the nearest reflective surface and looks into it. Staring back at him is his own reflection but it lack the massive familiar facial scaring. The eye patch is still there of course. O'Conner reach's up and touch's the left side of his face. The skin is smooth and unblemished. His hand slowly creeps up shaking a bit as it does. He pushes the eye patch up. Under it a blue green eye clear as day. Whole and unblemished. O'Conner stares blankly at his reflection, transfixed. His wife walks up behind him and he does not even notice. She places his hand on his shoulder and it startles him O'Conner.
"Is everything alright?" Rosa asked her face etched with concern.
"Yeah sweety" O'Conner grabs her had and hold its tightly "Everything is alright." O'Conner smiles and his eyes grow misty for a minute but he blinks and it is gone. He reaches up and takes off the eye patch all the way and then pockets it. O'Conner shakes himself and comes back to the present.
"Yea, it would be polite and appropriate to inform Tyroth as our host" Rosa coughs behind him "And the delegation as well since we basically just disappeared for a few hours." Rosa smiles again.
"As for Lissah squaring off with someone ...well that can only be one person...and so soon too? We basically just got here. So how did they...? Never mind. That will be Sergeant Major Brandon Freeman and yeah it will be interesting to watch. Man is huge and insanely strong not to mention a close quarters combat instructor. Martial arts master and champion. I have never seen him lose a match myself. Should be fun to watch."

[Dyste]

While Tynah felt the eyepatch made O'Conner look cooler, she supposed that from a pragmatic standpoint it would be a bad idea to cover a working eye like that. Either way, his reaction reminded her of her first major patchup after a time she helped defend Dyste's borders from an attack. Granted, she was more worried that she would not be allowed to remain in the Royal Knights than for her own health, but it was such a relief that she was allowed to say in spite of Commander Kel's concerns. "Pretty amazing what healing magic can do, right?!"

Lavian led them out of the quarters, having gotten confirmation that Tyroth and Lissah, among some others, were currently in one of the soldiers' training rooms. "Tomorrow we can go see about beginning the leg treatments, but for now you should get adjusted to this. Take note of any strange feelings or other issues, in order to tell Nasir next time in case it needs some fixing. Granted, I believe him to be the best in the nation at this sort of work, and considering many people in my own family are healers, that is no minor praise."

When they reached the training room, they immediately encountered Tyroth waiting for them, "Well, well, looks like someone had an eventful day. Then again, so have I seeing your people's work. I considered staying, but honestly I would probably just be in the way, so we decided to return to the castle. I hope the treatments have not taken too much out of you, Ambassador; it would not look good on us if we informed your nation that their namesake spent his first day in our lands passed out after surgery, GHAHAHA!"

Lissah had changed out of her armor and into workout gear, an orange shorts bra and shorts. "I figured armor would be kinda cheating for a friendly spar, and Paladins don't cheat." She had not gotten a chance to actually see Freeman before the match, but she honestly preferred it this way; for people like them, a little sparring can be the best way to get to know one another.

[Patrick OConner]

Castle Dyste
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

"Miraculous is closer to the word I would use but yes it truly is." O'Conner smiles a guileless happy one. Before this he still technically had military rank, but it was more honorary than anything and he would never serve on the front lines again. He would never have been able to fight or do any of the amazing, incredible, insane stuff he had done before.
"We are years away from being able to do this kind of stuff back home."

The group soon arrives in the training and room and Lissah is in the middle of training preparations when he enters, Sergeant Major Brandon "Heavy Metal" Freeman. The shakes with each step as he enters through the door. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches tall and weighing in at 320 pounds of muscle, he is a mountain of a man. He has muscles on his muscle's muscles. His hands are like catchers mits and his skin is black as midnight. He is wearing standard digicam BDU uniform. He is also very loud.
"Well well well, I heard that someone here thinks that they are a match for me..." He looks over and sees Lissah in the ring and he smiles showing off his pearly whites
"Well well...this pretty thing wants to mix it up with big bad me? Should be fun." Freeman kicks off his boots and starts to stretch.
"Hope you can hang with me sweet cheeks" Then he steps into the ring and raises his hands and he smiles. Then he moves forward in a flash and hits Lissah three time with the palm of his hand hard enough to rock her back.
O'Conner snorts "Faster than he looks, He is using a style called the Force Palm from back home."
Lissah reacts by grappling Freeman and tossing his across the mat. He lands but rolls and comes back up still smiling.
"It seems I am going to have to get serious then." Only obvious change is instead of holding his hands up palms he switches to a knife hands with the fingers slightly separated .
"Sergeant Major. remember this a friendly bout. Do NOT I say again DO NOT cause permanent damage too her."
"Roger that, sir" And then Freeman launches himself at Lissah, again.

Two hours later, both are beaten, battered, bruised, and have broken bones, but both are still standing and breathing heavily. Both of them look like there are ready to keep going. On the side, O'Conner claps.
"That was incredible, but I think it is time to stop. Both of you are skilled and both of you have pounded the under into a pulp. I think that a tie should be called. What say you Tyroth? "

[Dyste]

Training Room
Castle Dyste
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

They were about the same height, mere inches away from one another. And Lissah guessed they also weighed around the same, since aside from her chest (she was rather busty, a fact that was not evident when she still was wearing her armor), they has quite similar builds. She had not seen a human able to measure up to her before this, something that rather interested her.

"Oh, I KNOW I hang with you, big guy," she said in response to Freeman; she was rather enjoying the remarks this hunk was making about her. Definitely worth it to meet him like this. She knew though she couldn't lose, however, having the pride of being the personal guard of the king on the line.

When they fought, she found Freeman a rather good match for her; if she had to estimate, she believed herself to be slightly stronger and tougher, but the Sergeant Major to be a more skilled hand-to-hand fighter. Neither one was dominant enough to overcome the other...

After two hours, it was evident that they were in a stalemate, and King Tyroth agreed with O'Conner, "Yes, I do not think you have anything more to prove to each other or any of us. You both performed admirably. Now, I think some healing is in order..."

Lissah held her hand out, waiting a minute to catch her breath, "Sire, allow me..." putting her hands on the most wounded areas, a golden light emanated from her palms. "Paladin classic, Lay on Hands. One of the things I have over a normal fighter..." her bruises seemed mostly healed. Moving over to Freeman, she placed her hands on him, causing the same effect. Of course, she didn't object to an opportunity to be able to feel her opponent's muscles. "Most humans I find to be too weak to really stand up to me, but you, you are something else. In fact, if you were fighting another orc, I'm sure you'd come out on top. I'd totally love to learn some of these martial arts from you sometime... and perhaps have some more fun while you're here."

Tyroth was satisfied with the results of the encounter, "I admit their methods were hardly the most conventional of ways to get to know one another, but with people like them and the friendship you have with my daughter and Dame Lavian are any indication, Ambassador, I think our countries have a bright future together."

[Patrick OConner]

Training Room
Castle Dyste
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

When the macth was declared a tie Freeman smiled ans stepped back. He staggered a bit on his feet but regained hid balance quickly.
"It...was...an...honor...to fight you...Dame Lissah." Freeman pants.
Then Lissah lays her hands on Freeman and he does not flinch away from here. My, God she is amazing. She is perfect. She is strong, fears, and an amazing woman. Be still my heart. Warmth floods through Freeman as she heals his injuries. He feels great after Lissah is done. Freeman does a quick check and finds everything working properly. He smiles and then stands at attention and salutes Lissah with a formal military salute. He relaxes then looks at her and says
"this may be presumptions of me, you know me being a non commissioned officer and no where close to person appointed to protect and king and all but... are you doing anything later? Because I would love to grab a bite to eat and hear more about you. And should that fail, I will gladly teach you, close quarters combat or hand-to-hand combat at a later time of your choosing, of course. it is so rare that I find a person that I can go all out against and not hurt...or permanently damage."

O'Conner looks on and is genuinely surprised, as his face clearly shows.
"Incredible. Someone who can go toe-to-toe with Freeman and not lose. Wow. I have seen it all." O'Conner claps one more time, honestly. O'Conner turn to Tyroth and smiles.
"Of course we get along well. They do not talk. They do not fill the air with pointless words. They let their actions and ability do the talking. In the end, they back up whatever they say. It is not surprising we gt along. We both value hard work, ability and merit. We are the same. Come Tyroth I will wager any amount of money that if we were to swap places both ofus would end right back here...Interesting is it not? Only problems I foresee is trying to keep our nations from blending together."

[Dyste]

Training Room
Castle Dyste
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

Lissah was good at reading people - part of being a bodyguard was being able to discern people's intentions - and it was evident that Freeman was attracted to her. Good to see after all these years she still had her own charm. "I'd love to get a bite to eat with you. I know this great place in Undellah, near my place - well, formally it's His Majesty's, but he lets me live there since I love the beach and all... sorry, maybe I should save that sort of talk for our meal," she seemed a little flustered herself. It was rare for her to meet a human that lived up to her standards, but here one was. "I'm going off-duty in a few hours, so if you want, we can meet up then. We can even go for a swim later; if you don't have a swimsuit ready, I can get you one. Obviously, I have one of my own to wear..." This was going to be a fun evening, she was sure of it.

Tyroth nodded, "My dear daughter's straightforwardness is part of her charm, whether you agree with her or not she does not pretend to be something she is not. Perhaps people can learn a thing or two from her... just not magic lessons." He did hope O'Conner was right regarding their nations; it would be good to have them as an ally. "So, what is up next for you and your wife? I suppose since you are up, you do not plan to just relax for the rest of the day."

[Patrick OConner]

Training Room
Castle Dyste
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste
Freeman smiles
"That sounds like fun, and yes I brought a swim suit and I swim. Grabbing a bite to eat sounds fun. Maybe after I can show you a few moves you will like. I would be glad to introduce you to force palm. That is the combat style I used. I am sure you will be able to use them later"

O'Conner think for a moment
"Normally I myself would go and find something to do now. Someone to pester, some work that needs to be done. Something like that. " Rosa looks up at he husband and she looks fairly annoyed "But, not today. I think I will just rest and relax with my wife. There is nothing I really need to see too, today. Though I would like to speak with Tynah and Lavain in private, but that is all really."

[Dyste]

Training Room
Castle Dyste
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

"In that case," Tyroth replied, "I suppose I should let you go for today. I for one have a few business matters to attend to, and my dear Sarisa probably wants to see me anyways. She either wants to know how the fight went or admonish me for spending so much time watching it, GHAHAHA!" He left the room with his staff, leaving O'Conner with his wife, Lavian, and Tynah.

Lissah, still being on duty, had to leave, but she informed Freeman of where to meet her, "In the East Tower, there's a room with teleportation circles for usage by the Royal Family and their staff. We'll use one of them to get to the beach house. If you want, you can change into something more fitting beforehand; I know I will." GIving a wink, she left as well.

Tynah and Lavian then led the couple back to the princess's quarters, where they were to stay during their time here, "So, Ambassador, from what I heard, you wished to talk with us about something?" Lavian spoke, having overheard the conversation from before. "Sorry if it seems I was listening in, but His Majesty's voice is rather hard not to overhear..."

[Patrick OConner]

Tynah's Living Quarters
Castle Dyste
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

Upon arriving O'Conner turned to his wife but before he could say anything she held up a hand
"Relax honey, I know it is about your secret little club and I know you need to talk to them about. Probably something about secret hand shakes or whatever." after saying that she gets up and leaves the room smiling.
"It is not a little club and this is not about stupid hand shakes..." O'Conner mumbles to himself.
He look sup at Tynah and Lavain
"Anyway this is about the Brethren of the Hunt." O'Conner reaches into his jacket and removes two small books and hands one to each of them.
"I have neglected my responsibilities but not any more. In those book is all the information you will need about us but I am still going to give you a bit of a crash course in the organization. First off your places, technically you are below me because I am a Master of the Hunt. We several basic ranks apprentice, hunter/huntress, master of the hunt and grandmaster. The master of the hunt make up a council which the grandmaster presides over, there are sub categories and ranks within but all detail in the books I just gave you. The council directs the Brethren most of the time. The knives are also important. They denote you ranks. Also they are needed for Presenting and Call, two of our most important ceremonies. The Presenting is what two members do when they meet. Basically they just show each other there knives. It used to establish who is in charge. It can help save a lot of time. The Call is when a member calls for aid, and if you can answer it and help them you must, if you do not you can be kicked out of the organization. It does not matter the rank, if they can they must answer the call. It must be answered. That if they call, you go, but if you call they must answer. The Call is one of the Hunt's most important things. I was Called back when visited. It dates back to our founding."
O'Conner looks at the two of them with a serious and intense look.
"Now the Hunt has a long history some of it is secret and I am sorry but I can not tell you it, officially at least. But, the Hunt has existed longer than the Timocratic Republic, Federated States, and the kingdoms that came before. We stalked the land and hunted its greatest monsters. That speech Pops made was not just flowery words and pretty Today, the Hunt mostly does charity work, hunts animals and works in the shadows. Most of the people on the Council of the Hunt, the people who are powerful and important back home and they ask favors of you, given you positions, but if it is not the Call, you do not have to answer. Now do you two have any questions?"

[Dyste]

Tynah's Living Quarters
Castle Dyste
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

The two Royal Knights were happy to hear that their role in the Brethren of the Hunt was remembered; they had both worried that due their unique status, they might not be considered full members, but evidently they were. Tynah and Lavian both accepted the books, though Lavian had a suspicion that Tynah might not read the whole thing through herself; maybe she would ask Axi-aru to help her with that.

"Ooh, it shall be interesting," the princess remarked with her usual cheer, "I do not get to be a subordinate all that often; Father and Commander Darkfire are normally the only ones I answer to. And you can tell our ranks by our knives? When happens when we go up in rank, do you modify our knives or are we given new ones or something?"

Lavian sighed, "Of course she asks about the knives first. Personally, I am more interested in this 'Call'. What sort of problems may someone call for aid? How do they get into contact with people? Does it affect everyone in the organization, or can it be directed at specific people? What if a person is willing but unable to answer it?" Shaking her head, she took a deep breath. "Sorry if I seem to stick on this point, but you must understand that capable as she may be, the princess is still... well, the princess. There are times she is required for diplomatic events and the like. I, a servant of the people, can always lend a hand, but Her Highness is a different story..."

"Oh, stop acting like I am some pampered noble, Lavian," Tynah huffed, "The Ambassador has seen my skill firsthand, and I have fought beasts since I was little. Besides, is this not a great diplomatic opportunity in of itself? Think about the reputation Dyste and Draconids will have among the Hunt if we do our best! Actually, I am curious... what sort of monsters have you hunted? I suppose there must be much more than those drakon..."

[Patrick OConner]

Tynah's Living Quarters
Castle Dyste
Draconid Monarchy of Dyste


"Yes you can tell ranks by knives. A guide on how to read it in the book. Also accomplishments are inscribed on them as well, using symbols. When a person moves up, the knife is taken by a smith and he preforms the necessary modifications to the knife. For the record, your blade is supposed to stay with you till the day you die. In medieval times, it was considered a great shame to lose one's knife. They are a symbol of status and rank."
O'Conner leans back and thinks deeply about Lavians question
"That is the trick. For the longest time, the call was only issued when one was in mortal danger, or if one seriously needed help with a hunt. For example a drakon might show up in an area. The local Hunters was issue a call, if they could not handle it, and more Hunters would come and they hunt and kill the beasts. In modern times, the Call was used more loosely, often times the person issue it just needing help with something but it often times not being life threatening. It happens sometimes but not often any more, Pops, the current Grandmaster, put a stop to that. Butt, if you ever really do need help because you are in danger, or your people, or your nation, those would be acceptable uses of the call. What I am worried about is other using the Call to get favors from you, which is why I am telling you this. I know some people would do this and you must stand ready to refute them. You can even say that I told you to do so and I will handle it from their.
And yes you can direct at specific people, if you think they have the skills needed. And a person can be excused from the call if he or she is truly unable to answer it. I have been unable to answer a few times because of being a soldier. If Tynah can not answer because of her duties that is perfectly acceptable. And the same goes for you Lavain. There is a method called the Challenge if a person thinks that if you're found out to have broken the rules, but I would not worry about it. You have two friends on the Council of Masters and the Grandmaster, as well.
Anyway, the Call itself has a formal sound? tone?...Wording, yeah that is it. It goes something like 'I, Master Of the Hunt O'Conner, call on my fellow hunters to come to me in my time of need. I am facing a great crisis, and I am in desperate need of aid. I need help in hunting a drakon that is terrorizing my fellow man'. The person answer, 'I will answer the Call and come to your aid' and you can not you say 'I can not answer the call' and why. It goes something like that. State you rank and name, and if you are requesting help from someone specific you then give their name and rank. And finally you list what you need help with. Or course, the call can be made through any means, mail, person, any electronic means"
At the last question, O'Conner chuckles audibly,
"That is an interesting one. I myself have only hunted down wargs and drakons. However, other hunters hunt...other things. Officially, I can not comment on that and only direct you to source which will tell you, only thing we hunt is drakons and wild wargs. The Brethren of the Hunt are a very secretive bunch at times, why there is even another council called simply the Senior Council with in the Master's Council, made of the five most senior Masters of the Hunt and the Grandmaster. Only they really know all of the Brethren's secrets, and they do not like to share. And I can lose my position if I reveal any of our secrets that I officially know that you are not supposed to know. That being said I do have a set of theories and beliefs that are supported by certain...shall we evidence and information not disclosed to the public and I have spent a lot of time researching the legends and folklore back home. It was a hobby of mine. And I am not on the Senior Council so officially I am not supposed to know certain things, but it is not like that has ever stopped me before.
The speech the Grandmaster made at your initiation was not just some flowery speech. " O'Conner' smiles "The Hunt is older, much older than you or Tyroth and probably Dyste as well. It has been around a long time, but most people do not know it. The Hunt has mostly lurked in the shadows, until modern times when we started to come out of the shadows. And you know the shadows hide certain things that go bump in the night. Things like...oh I do not know, werewolves, vampires demon. And for the longest, the Brethren bumped back and protected humanity. Any legends about the Hunt are based in fact, just so you know.
Of course, I had a long career in the military as well and I have come across some of those other worldly things, at least once. Bogota, 2020...I can not comment on it any more nor do I wish to talk about it. Contact Overhill if you wish to know more."
O'Conner finished speaking then rubs his hand of his face feeling for the old scars that are no longer there and then he snorts
"Yeah. You two have incredible natural abilities compared to a normal humans. Either of you could take an a drakon or warg easily and slay it. You are both highly placed and regarded here and by certain people back home. if you set your mind to it, you can easily make Master of the Hunt and sit on the Council."