Thread: The Princess and her Guardian -[:AlluringHaru:]-

The Aegis a powerful organization that protects the Royal Family of the Old Kingdom. Human in nature, The Aegis has served elven kind for centuries. Looked upon not as equals, but as a necessity, members of The Aegis are trained from the time they can walk in the arts of war. Warriors born and bred to protect the Crown, members of The Aegis have reached the pinnacle of human perfection. Those found lacking for this caste are discarded and only the best remain. So it has been for the entirety of the Old Kingdom in the world of Palladium . Treaties that were made between men of old and the elves still bind The Aegis to the Old Kingdom, despite other kingdoms of men having freedom of their own. Those of The Aegis do not envy these other men, and fulfill their duties as set forth by the Gods and the Old Ways. Hjalmar Stone is one such warrior. Trained to be a paragon, Hal is an exemplary warrior strong, fast, intense and full of passion. House Stone is a proud founding family of The Aegis , and Hal carries on this tradition. For more than a decade he trained in various weapons and has mastered several. As he reached his physical maturity he was sent to the Kingdom of Timiro to study under the tutelage of various scholars. It was here that the young member of House Stone learned the necessary skills that would help further him in the world with more than just his strong swordarm. It was here in Timiro, away from the elven royalty, that he reached his age of majority. While Hal studied in those faraway lands, rumors and talked swirled over the face of Palladium. Rumors of dark forces far to the West, from the Badlands and from Astat itself, that swept eastward. Razing all before them, these kingdoms were on a mission of conquest, and little was found that could stand in their way. As such talk seemed to be confirmed, Hal was bidden to make haste back to the Old Kingdom. He did so, not knowing what he might find. Arriving at one of the fortified cities of the Old Kingdom, Fort Mana, what greeted Hal was not a pretty sight. The proud warrior sat upon the elvish steed , the mare barely winded even after the last few hours under gallop. Hal's tall form sat straight in the saddle as he'd reined her to a stop, looking out over the plain that surrounded Fort Mana. He could see the immense forces that the enemy had fielded, and they'd be upon the city within a few hours. He had to hurry. Spurring Yithiel onward, the mare leapt forward, the ground a blur under her hooves as she sped across the ground. Hal gritted his teeth as he saw advance scouts from the corner of his eye, veering his direction as they sought to intercept him. His bow, Starshot , was soon in hand, an arrow nocked. Archery from horseback was something that Hal had studied for many hours under the tutelage of Grand Weaponmaster Surge, and soon he let fly. The arrow arced up then fell to earth in a streak, taking one scout completely out of the saddle, his skull pierced by the ebon shaft. This gave the others pause and enough of a break that Hal reached the gates well before them. Noting the golden filigree upon the sternum plate of his armor, which only those of The Aegis were allowed to wear, Hal was recognized and allowed in, passing under the barbican and the watchful eyes of those manning the murder holes above. Grandmaster Surge himself met the young man from House Stone. I am sure you've seen the barbarian horde at our doorstep. Surge told his young prodigy. Hal nodded. Hard to miss, m'Lord. Where do you need me? he asked, eager to be put to use and test his mettle in true battle. Surge could see that eagerness and said, You have been honored, and assigned to guard the personage of Princess Daeron herself, young Elia. You know where her chambers are? Hal nodded. I do. I will find my way there. he promised, and was on his way. The warrior strode confidently through the corridors of the Keep, his greatsword upon his back as he quickly made his way to the chambers of the Princess. Once there he rapped softly on the door and announced himself. My Lady, it is I, Hjalmar of House Stone. It is my honor as a member of The Aegis to guard you and keep you safe. Please Princess, allow me entry so that I might fulfill my sacred duty. he said, waiting patiently outside of her door as the blaring of horns could be heard now in the distance, blown from the parapets to warn of the impending danger.