At 2/18/07 10:57 PM, Kurofelis wrote:
I know, I'm being a bit of a bitch, but HTT? Continuation of storyline when you have time?
But of course!
Raphael and Ressen had a small silence, before Raphael broke it. "Well, I'm sorry I couldn't have been more of assistance. But I will tell you this. We will win. Claros will be sorry that they ever stepped into Sillpars borders." The two shared a grim smile before trudging on.
An hour and a half later, one of the forward scouts came back. "Sir, we've contacted the village. They want to meet with you two personally before you bring in your army." Raphael shrugged, and Ressen grabbed two horses that the scout was carrying, and dashed ahead of the army.
They were met by the town leader, Jebediah, an aged man, about eighty years old. "Ah! Raphael! It has been years since you have returned, am I not correct?" Ressen stared at him questioningly. Raphael broke out in a rare grin. " But that was when I was but a child, old man!"
Jebidiah grinned too. "Once a child, always a child, especially so with you!" They embraced. "Good to see you too, gramps." His grin faded, to be replaced by his ever present grimace. "Unfortunately, my visit is due to terrible circumstances. The war...it doesn't go well."
Jebidiah's grin faded too. He peered at Ressen, and said, "Hmmm... I recognize that kind of face. Zillaran, correct? Judging by your shocked face, yes, I am. It appears war makes for strange bedfellows. Very well. Raphael, you are always welcome here, we are family after all." He looked right at Ressen, and said, "And any ally of my grandson is an ally of mine."
Raphael embraced him once more, and looked back. The army had arrived while they were speaking, and were being directed into vacant hotels. The population was divided. Some showed bitterness, and open hostility, but there were many teary reunions. The Zillarans, caught in a land unfamiliar, kept to themselves, though an odd duck strayed from the crowd.
As Raphael wandered to meet his countrymen, Jebidiah caught Ressen's shoulder. "I have seen your eyes, boy. They know much loss. But do they know of the Ether Crystal?"