Thread: A Rose in the Snow (heartlesskitten x Rivine)

As the youth took his hand, Vorian could not help but notice how soft the lad's hands were compared to his own, nor how much thinner his fingers were. It was clear that the young man, whoever he was, was not some pauper that had made off with a knight's equipment, that was sure. When the youth gave him his name and assured him that he had not stolen the equipment, the Dayne nodded a bit. Well, that is a good thing lad, the man replied, then flashed the other a small smile, And we're glad to have people that know their way around weapons. Even if they're unbloodied yet. But when the lad suddenly asked him if he was to be a ranger, Vorian could not help the smile that came to his lips. The seemingly starry eyed question caused him to have a feeling of nostalgia. He had once harbored thoughts in his youth that being a member of the Watch would have been something wonderful, honorable, glorious. Vorian, like many, had grown out of those fantasies, but there was something about the young man's question that made him think that the youth had not. We will see lad, the experienced ranger said, then motioned to the bow the youth had and added, But if you are any good with that, I can say that you stand a good chance. But his attention was pulled away from Brydan as a straggler came in. The boy looked thin and had obviously had a bit of a rough time if his face was any indication. However, it was what the youth said to Brydan that made him raise his eyebrows. Well, this was interesting enough. Vorian though stepped back, curious to see how the two settled this. Would things come to blows between them or not? He noticed how quick Brydan was to move his hand to his sword, which caused a small frown to form on his lips. If the Riverlander was going to pull the blade he knew all to well that he would have to intervene. Of course there were murderers in the Watch, but the Watch also needed every man, so anyone who killed a Brother was always dealt with swiftly. The two youths might not have been members of the Watch yet, but they would be soon enough. However, Brydan showed restraint, despite the rather crude statements that the other youngster made. Vorian would have been lying if he had said that he had not been impressed by that. He stepped up and put his own hand on Brydan's sword arm, hoping to calm him as Donte did the same with the other young man. He leaned in, saying softly in Brydan's ear, Take your hand off the sword. There is no need for that amongst Brothers. Having said that he barked out a laugh at what the steward had said about Cason, their newest recruit. Well I doubt he is one of mine. Doesn't have my eyes, Vorian stated, the implication clear that he had visited Mole's Town before. The steward, being the quick witted type, quickly retorted, Oh? He must be the only one then! That elicited more chuckles from some of the Brothers, Vorian included. The lavender eyed man retorted sharply, Well then, he must be yours Ben, as he spoke to steward who had made the joke in the first place. Said steward promptly shut up as he glanced around. He was, after all, one of the many brothers who paid visits to the brothel. Vorian looked to Cason and smiled to the boy, Do not worry yourself lad. You need not be ashamed here. We are all Brothers. But when Garland spoke, saying that they had their work cut out for then, Vorian grunted. Aye, we do. And these lads have work ahead of themselves too, he said. The Dayne patted Brydan on the shoulder an he said, Go see old Ben over there. He'll get you billeted. Once have your things put away then come back out to the yard and we'll get to work. Having all the recruits get their bunks first would allow Vorian and Donte some time to plan things. Once the youths had moved off he moved over to the mater-at-arms and said to to other man, An interesting lot this. The knight grunted a bit at that and then replied, Aye. I'll be needing your help with this lot. Haven't had this many recruits at once in awhile. I have Gerard seeing to the boys while Felyn handles the old men. You and I will split up this other lot. One handle the bows and the other swords and the like. You have a preference? Vorian shrugged a bit, then said, I'll work let you take them through some basic drills with both first. Then I'll pick out those that seem to have more experience and potential. Sound good? The other man smiled and said, Aye, that's fine by me.