Legend of Ransera

Arrival Kismet, 122 Glade AoS, Day 23

By wing and foot in equal measure did he journey from Kalzasi. Leaving behind his chance for a new life to begin his return home. The Obsidian Obelisk waiting for his return. He knew it would be faster by air, and he did fly most of the time. However, something in him allowed him to take his time to return. Much like his unit would do after a mission. What rush was there to return?

Standing before him was the massive metropolis of society. A grand massing of ingenuity of math, science, and law. The air smelt of money if such a thing was possible. Law reigned with unshakable foundation. No one escaped its rule. Buildings here reached far into the sky with polished stone, glinting in glass and metal like a dragon's trove. It's citizen's dressed with pride in appearance, doing all they could to appear well of and above their station. Heads carried high with pride. A heavy stubbornness of pride loomed over the city and her people. As if any moment war would break out in the very streets and like a hive of insects it would be defended with fierce opposition.

Baudric's White uniform lined with crimson and trimmed with gold stood out framed in the blackened steel of his armor. His tower shield upon his back sat comfortably between his wings. Stepping through the gates the city he is stopped by a couple of Soldiers. Along with a woman in Official attire holding a pad in hand who had been jotting down notes over various people entering the city.
"Halt Legion. State your name, rank, and purpose in the city."

Giving a sharp Imperium salute he stood firm to answer.
"Baudric Von Uberfallenlicht, Inquisition Knight-Legionnaire. Passing through back to the Imperium. Sir."
Wanting to look but keeping his military air about him he continued to stare straight on as the soldier turned to the woman. As they spoke to each other softly.

"There was a report from a unit of Uberfallenlicht that passed through a month past. One of their number had fallen in battle over the Udori." She showed a copy of the report to the soldier who looked over Baudric with a discerning eye.
"He matches the description. Knight-Legionnaire. What brought you this far north originally? More over why are you only now turning up?"

"My unit chased an escaped demon from the Gash. Nebiros class. Sustained heavy injuries in battle. Nursed back to health by Fishermen. No proper medical care made for slow recovery, Sir."
Baudric's vestigial wings hugged his hips, slightly rubbing against him to settle his nerves as he answered.

"At ease. Your story checks out. How long will you be in town?"
He looked to the woman who began recording information. Setting the report aside with a form.

"A few days for rest and resupply. No more than a week." Baudric relaxed his shoulders.

"I will be sending word ahead to your Chapter per Primarch Muller's request. I see the report mentions you have magic. You will need to refrain from all use during your stay. Make sure you leave here immediately make your way to the College of Minders to register all magic both Rune and World for a temporary permit." She finished writing on her pad and nodded to the Solider at her side.

"You are free to pass. See to your business quickly and stay out of trouble."

Saluting once more before moving past the checkpoint the Knight-Legionnaire entered the city.

Another morning another patrol, Myles strolled through his city, comfortable in the warm embrace of its walls and parapets. Most days his patrols had been uneventful, though lately more and more people stirred with unease at the news of what had befallen Kalzasi. For his part Myles felt little pity for them, such was the price of a society that allowed magic to run wild. Myles’s patrols were filled with short stops of conversation, sometimes with shopkeepers he saw regularly on his route but more often at the frequent checkpoints to chat with the familiar faces he saw. Anything to pass the time on a nice day the one he was currently enjoying. Cool enough he wasn’t cooking in his armor but warm enough that the breeze didn’t chill him. As he reached the halfway point of his patrol he made his way to the outer most gates of the city, hoping that the guards there had some potentially good gossip about the comers and goers to the city.

When he did arrive at the main gate he was surprised to see an Aviale talking to the guards, It was rare enough to see one alone, rarer still to see one with such features, the Aviale of Zaichaer were more… refined? He wasn’t what to make of the imperial on the whole, but his stomach tensed when he heard that the man was to head towards the minders right off. There was general only two reasons to be sent that way, and unless the soldier was carrying something rare and magical, the man himself was likely a magic practitioner.

As the gate guards waved him on Myles decided to make himself known. “You there, do you know your way to the Minders? If not I can lead you.” He’d wanted to say escort but decided to leave his intentions vague. Speaking to the other soldier Myles pulled his steel helm from his head to get an unobstructed view at the winged warrior. The man was equipped with pretty standard equipment for his station, the classic symbols of the imperium emblazoned on the collared figure. A quick appraisal left him with three distinct notes. The man’s shield was nearly pristine, meaning he rarely used it, or it was new… the collar about his throat marking him as much a slave as a soldier, and the wicked blade the man had strapped to him, he carried a blade that looked capable of great violence. With all that noted he tucked his helmet under his arm and stuck out a hand to shake. “Names Myles, Lance corporal Myles Arnnett, Welcome to zaichaer soldier.

Gaining his baring within the city, recalling his lessons of other planning and structure of politics for world powers. His eyes shifted to the movement of someone approaching him. In a city that played by a specific set of rules much like the Imperium did, was best to not react in any way until it was directed at him. He already knew that use of his Rune would be effectively something he would not touch while remaining in the in the city boundaries. Among other things. The idea of a long stay was not something he was keen on, so two night's rest max and time to supply was his goals. Get in, recoup, get out. Hassles minimum.

As the man stopped before him a reasonable distance, drawing his attention. Well kept armor showing his pride for his nation apparent. A point he shared with this man over his own people. The offer to show him to the Minders was not required but welcomed.
"It would be appreciated. It is my first time in the city, though I have knowledge to the bulk of how the city is laid out. Having a guide is welcomed. It would also lessen the chance of potentially stepping out of line accidently. I would not want my first moments in this metropolis to be that of getting into trouble."

His words were light hearted and joked of the very serious potential things on his mind. The fact he was pleased to see his first couple of conversations with it's citizen's were not outright prejudice as he was expecting. He had heard stories from others in his unit.

"Baudric Von Uberfallenlicht. Demon hunter." He took the man's hand with a firm grasp of good will. "I wish to keep my stay here as efficient as possible. Registering my Rune and Sword are essential to that efficiency so I can resupply for the return journey home to Grandal. My thanks Lance Corporal."
His pale blue eyes flashed with the vibrant golden flecks, examining the human. Clearly sizing him up to understand the person he was now dealing with in good spirit and understanding.

‘You can tell a lot about a man by the way he shakes your hand’. Myles’ father’s voice rang out in his ears as he firmly gripped the fellow swordsman’s hand. Returning the gesture in kind Myles nodded to the man when he spoke, he seemed a sensible enough sort tho the way he spoke was somewhat tilted with an accent he was familiar with. He did have some question as to why the man had come by road and what exactly he meant by demon hunter. In all his years he’d encountered many a creature or man warped by the arcane, but he’d never heard tale of demons. Perhaps it was some imperial slang. Still he detested seeming ill informed so he would bide his time on pressing the man.

Turning on his heel as introductions finished Myles looked over his shoulder. “On me then soldier” With that he began the decent trek back towards the city center and the tower of thee oh so important minders. He resented the entire branch of the military for the most part, they were more akin to a cult than an organized regiment in his mind. There had been enough renegade reconciliators in recent memory to sour his prejudice against mages further. Swallowing the feelings such thoughts incurred Myles lead the way. As they walked Myles noted the looks of shock on people’s faces as they noted the towering imperial that he had in tow. Though many gawked they relaxed as the saw Myles and his armor. While he was hardly famous, he was relatively well known and liked for his fair dealings with the many minor day to day incidents and drunken brawls. Nodding and waving to those that did so to him he struck up some small talk with the man he had in toe. Deciding to try and see if the man was more comfortable in his native tongue Myles began to speak in Kathalon.

“You’ve entered town through the east-end gate, this area” Gesturing about himself briefly “Is the heart of daily life and commerce here in town. Most anyone that works for a living is here for some reason or another any given day. If you’re looking for supplies this is the side of town to accommodate” As they rounded a corner onto another major street, taller militant buildings would appear to the north, pointing towards them Myles continued “That’s the presidium, headquarters of the military and the minders as well as most of our government. It’s also where we are heading” As they neared the end of the east side they passed Myles’s personal favorite bakery, it was the closest one to the barracks so he frequented it often. As they passed the youngest daughter of the baker came running out, she was in her sixth year, and she was also sporting a brand new gap in her smile as her baby teeth made way for new biters. Running up to Myles she put herself right in his path before sticking out an expecting hand held aloft.

Sighing Myles clicked his tongue as he dug into the large leather pouch at his hip. “Have I told you that you’re spoiled rotten lately?” He quipped as he crouched to her level and dropped a colorfully wrapped caramel into her hand. To which her response was to pocket her candy and once out of grabbing distance stick her tongue out before retreating back inside the bakery. Straightening himself up Myles shook his head smiling ruefully. “Children these days” he said knowing full well he’d been three times the hellion that child had dreamed of being.

After only a few more minutes of walking they’d entered the presidium where law ruled and near everyone was now in full military dress. Turning away from marching colunms and sparring soldiers they steered towards the quieter side of the compound where the minders headquarters and dungeon lie. Most of the regular soldiers steered clear of the place where the purple sashed minders prowled.

“this here is the Minders headquarters, I can wait for you hear or take you in, I won’t blame you for not wanting to be alone with this lot” adding the second bit in a hushed whisper he stood at attention next to the dark foreboding doors that led into the fortress of militant magic.

Their walk to the Minder's was very direct and true, perfect for Baudric's desire to keep things a pace towards minimizing his time here. The many people they passed near on continuously made come kind of gesture of greeting to the solider. Evident in his place in the public's eye, this man was respected enough and welcomed as one of the people. Yet there was still an air that placed him nigh above them, which was accepted without grudge. As for Baudric, his large imposing stature was offset with a genuinely kind smile. If these people were to be the ones he needed to get supplies from then showing himself to be more gentle giant was required. Despite this, his kind smile was met with varying success. Some smiled back, some starred in stunned shock, still more yet sneered and whispered beneath their breath. He didn't think he size was all that jarring, He has know others of similar size or even moreso. But it really wasn't his size was it? He was an outsider, a slave, and a monsterous race rolled into one. Were it not for Myles' presence he wondered how many smile would actually have been sneers and how many sneers might have been... worse.

He listened to Myles, his explanations of the area and things to look out for would prove useful upon his return. Then his mild kind smile grew into a defined look of amusement as the child appeared demanding sweets with her charms. Only to show her sass moments after.
"Certainly has you on a whim. You like children. You care about the people. I can see that in how they care about you. I have often looked to the citizens bulk opinion of an individual or heads of state. It's them who make the bulk of a nation and them whom must be considered, though often it is not."
His smile showed his amusement in Myle's doting of the child before they returned to continuing on the path to the Presidium.

More numbers of officials went about their duties in the halls. There was a clear duality of everyone here. Between the different functions of those stationed and working here. Military and Regulation was the two side of the same coin. When Myles offered to join him inside or wait for him here, his brow raise slightly. Did he intend to stay with Baudric even after registering for a temporary license? Would he not get reprimanded for leaving his post for too long?
"It's only buisness, It's not like I have broken any laws by being in the city. I do not fear them, If you wish to wait for me or join me is ultimately your choice. But it is a kind thought to be considered. There would be a clear advantage to having you with me. For that mayhaps it is better you wait here then. So that I am not looking like I am trying to curry favor. I should not be long.

He stepped inside the office where a handful of officials worked. Their purple sashes brightened an otherwise heavy and dark atmosphere. A couple stopped to look at the Orkhan Avialae appear and cross the room to one of the clerks.
"I am here to register my magic for licensure during my time in your fair city. I will only be staying a few days, no more than a week. My business it to resupply and rest before continuing my travel back to the Imperium."

"Right we had word an Avialae would be showing up soon. Fill out these papers, as a note, attempt to tell partial truths and lies will be found out and punishment for misleading and obstruction will be harsh."
Baudric spent the better part of nigh on an hours answering and filling out papers documenting both his Rune and the Sword. Better to cooperate to the best of his ability than to even try anything funny. But soon enough he was given a small token permit to carry on his person should he be stopped at any point.

Exiting the doors he half expected to not see Myles still waiting. Yet there he was.
"So you really did wait for me."

Even in his native tongue the man spoke in a rather verbose way, in Myles opinion he was stating the obvious in his praise. The gazes of the commoners spoke volumes about their feelings for their protectors. There were some just in it for the paycheck, some who were in it for power and authority, he suspected those who enlisted to truly better Zaichaer were fewer than he’d like to know. Still such pessimism wasn’t palatable to the soldier so he pushed down the negative undercurrents in his mind. The confidence the Imperial had about meeting with the minders showed his lack of knowledge about them. The man’s insistence that he’d done no wrong and was only their on business meant very little to some of the minders should he prove interesting enough to them. Shrugging in response to Bauldric’s logic Myles decided to see how things proceeded for no other reason than to satiate his curiosity.

As Bauldric left to go inside the hall Myles took up a position behind the shade of a column and waited on the Aviale to finish his business. Producing a whetstone from his pocket he unsheathed his sword and began the slow process of honing its edge. Periodically a minder would walk past eyeing him with their usual haughty disdain, to which Myles would glare back with his most dower “try me” face. So far none had managed to maintain eye contact or ask him his business, content to scurry into the bowels of their layer under his withering gaze.

When Bauldric did emerge Myles blade was as sharp as his eyes and he was sourly wishing one of the Minders would give him a reason… Looking to Bauldric he let his ire drop from his countenance and nodded. “Well you’ve returned in one piece so I take it you held your own” He said with a half smile. “Well sir demon hunter, having proved your metal against our nastiest paperwork, would you care for a spot of lunch?” Pointing back towards the east end Myles gestured back towards they way they had come. “I know most of the spots that are worth their salt, and pepper too” He said adding the last bit on with a smirk. The thought of food was already erasing his thoughts of the minders. “do you have much preference for meals? There are a couple Imperial themed restaurants in town if you are craving something familiar.”

Somehow seeing the man there still brought a small upturn of the corner of his mouth. His praise of survival of paperwork made him think mayhaps he had missed some deeper point of meaning. All in all however things worked out as they were.

"In situations like this its important to follow law to the letter, especially on matters of magic. Regulation isn't a bad thing, and I know this. As magic goes, my Rune is that of negation. If anyone were in danger from me it would not be my magic they fear."
Stretching his arms up over his head and back, loosening the stiff muscles from being haunched over papers for as long as he had been was a welcomed sensation. But it was the stomach rumble as Myles offered lunch that cause him to pause and look at the knight.
"I guess that is a yes. some Schweinshaxe with Spaztle would be nice actually."

He walked over and gave Myles a single gentle pat on the shoulder. Encouraging him to lead on to the place he wished to take him for food. I would be good to have a decent meal wince setting out on the road.
"But it need not be Imperium food. At this point I would be happy with anything hot. Nothing better than a well roasted slab of meet and potatoes and a pile of cool greens all chased down with a cool pint of beer. It matters little the seasonings and compositions of ingredients. What about you? What claims your craving?"

Baudric's laugh was jubliant and carefree without being loud. Overall he gave off an air of doing his best to be genuine. The idea of being unkind was never something he wished to be.

Myles continued the find the way the soldier spoke to be… different, very literal, he pondered if that was in fact a quirk of imperials he was encountering. He spoke matter of factly but his conclusion that the least dangerous thing about him was his magic came off almost like a light threat. Still Myles was willing to assume his mannerisms being different was simply a matter of culture for the time being.

On the topic of food however he found a common ground that he could work with the man with. Hearing him admit to having little concern for what he ate as long as it was hot was a feeling that he could relate strongly to. Steering them then towards the red dragon he nodded back at the man with a half grin. “Aye, a good long march will make almost anything palatable” As they walked a familiar tangy aroma struck his nose and he slightly rerouted their journey for a favorite stop of his. As they rounded a corner a familiar red stall manned by the duo of Grandmother and grandson came into view. Large cuts of lamb and beef were slowly being spun over an open flame. The smell of meat and spices made him increasingly aware of how long it had been since breakfast. Stepping up to the stall Myles Grinned, “Anna, Marz, How are you two today?” “Well Myles, and yourself? You usually drop by earlier if you are going to, no trouble on your route I hope.” Shaking his head he grinned and pointed a thumb to his company. “Playing host today ma’am, and on that note can I get two of my usual’s?” Nodding sagely the old woman looked over Myles company her face not showing any surprise while her grandson gawked at was likely the first Imperial he’d seen.

A moment later they were walking away Myles now in the possession of two hot sandwiches fixed with extra meat and pickled peppers and practically drowned in the sauce that woman had perfected with all her years. Handing the second sandwich to Bauldric Myles continued to lead them back towards the red Dragon for a pint and to round out their meal. “I’m probably not the best guide to cuisine this city could offer but the street food here is hard to beat, however when it comes to drinks, The red Dragon or Franky's are the places to go according to anyone with a tongue in town.” As they neared the Tavern Myles Looked to Bauldric and gave him a short warning. “Unless you wanted to be pelted with peanuts, keep to the left unless you are a bard” with that he opened the door to the Red dragon and ushered the man in and to one of few tables that wasn’t occupied. “Get whatever you’d like, it’s the least I can do for taking some of the monotony out of my patrol.”

Myles candor in making Baudric feel like a reliable work collogue rather than a slave or a monster made relating to him easier. It was easy to see why the common folk certainly liked him. He made himself one of them. Not treating them as another face to marshal in his patrols. Baudric liked that. They turned the corner to the food stall, Hanging back so that he didn't intimidate the woman and her grandson. Just his size alone could make people feel like they are overcrowded.

While myles ordered the food and conversed with her. Baudric took note of the gawping from the young man. A light flush from the staring made him look away. It was an innocent thing so he wasn't going to call him out on it, but it was an attention on him that he was not particularly fond of. Soon enough Myles had come back with the food. It looked amazing, smelled divine. Quickly looking back to the pair he gave a little wave and smile in thanks for the food.
"Not that I would really know what high end food would be like. My position as well.." he extended his wings slightly "I get mess hall food. Or street food. Like this, and I would not trade a well made meal from any peddler on the street for anything. They pour their care and attention into their work. Often mastering one composition of a meal that puts a decade of culinary training to shame for their attention is on presentation and many styles of food. Ms. Anna there put a lifetime of work into this sandwich making it the perfect rendition of what it is. This means more to me than anything served on a noble's table."

Plucking a pepper from it and eating it he gave Myles a happy smirk and wink. He sat down with the soldier.
"I like ales. Spontaneously fermented. Anything with a hop forward note... not so much I like malt and yeast flavors. Sours taking the lead on that. Gose, Berl Weisse, Lambic.. a good Quad with some brett takes the crown."

Baudric looked perhaps a little too excited to be talking about beers. Almost like if given the chance he could talk a man's ear off on the topic. Though he was good at holding himself back without prompt.
"What is your drink of choice?"

Deciding the man was simply as earnest as he was verbose Myles accepted his explanation for a shared adoration of street food with a thin smile. Once they were seated and Myles was asked about his preference in beverages. “The coldest one usually” Myles said half serious half sarcastic. “I don’t have much of a palette or so I’ve been told…” It was more that he was simply not a connoisseur of bitter flavors preferring the sweeter and more savory things in life. Finishing his sandwich in two more oversized bites Myles waved over a server to the table. Even then it took a minute for the poor woman to navigate the packed interior. When she did make it Myles quickly ordered two pitchers of Zaichaeri Medium.

Waiting on the drinks Myles finally decided now would be a good time as ever to ask the man what he was doing. “You’d mentioned resupplying at the front gates. What sort of Journey are you preparing for exactly? And if you don’t mind another question, did you bring any news from up north with you?” He felt these were safe enough questions to probe out the foreigners thoughts on current events and his motives. When the drinks did Arrive Myles pushed a pitcher and mug to the soldier across from him before pouring himself a drink. Taking a long draft he let the cool brew wash away some of the heat of the day and the worries that came with it. “You’ve come at an interesting time Bauldric, war seems to be looming on the horizon.” He wanted to add that, and everyone is wanting to know if the empire will involve itself… but he decided it would do little good to interject those politics into this meal. “If you are still hungry order anything you’d like, the roast here is delicious” Myles himself ordered a few small loaves of bread and two large servings of the sweetened butter they made with cinnamon and honey. It was one of the many sugary dishes he had discovered in the city, though he wouldn’t offer the knowledge he was well versed in the deserts the city had to offer more so than anything else it offered from armaments to ingredients.