h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

*the capitan of the guard walks in obviously having been told of the situation by the stuard*

*salutes*

My Lady

*Elandra smiles faintly.*

At ease, Captain. You've done an admirable job in my absence. But we need more men, do we not?

Yes m... E.... yes... we do the ranks are very depleted after the last confruntations, but the pesants are... slow to think of joining the guard

The peasants are not who we should be looking for. No, we need to look further than that. The Nobles have more training in the art of war than our citizens. Farmers outside the city are hardier.

*sigh* There must be somewhere we can turn to for troops. Send out a messenger to circuit the different outposts. We can't afford one for every outpost. In the meantime I want you to step up training. Recruit anyone you can.

When the messenger goes to Turious, the mines, tell them we need more ore. Weaponry. We need to step up defences of the city.

I will send the messenger imediately
and arange more traning to be given

is there anything else

I'd give you a vacation, but I think we both know that wouldn't be entirely appropriate. *She smiles wryly, then sobers.*

Captain. I don't know how the Nobles will think of this, my taking over. Whatever happens, I want to know I can count on your support.

It will be an honor to be serving for you Elandra,
and I... am glad its you... instead of someone who dosnt care about the city

*she smiles warmly*

It...it eases my heart to have you as the Captain of the Guard. I -

*A guard comes rushing in* [guard] Steward, stew - I - Captain!

[Elandra] What's going on, here? I am in charge.

[Guard] There's - an army - a Lord Thoran Farranger? *he gasps for breath*

[Elandra] Gods! Thoran? Captain, come with me. This is important!

*she runs towards the front gate*

*follows*

*Elandra leads Thoran and a grey-haired man into the king's receiving chamber and closes the doors shut behind them for privacy.*

Thoran, I...*she takes a deep breath and looks the stranger over.*

I am Elandra Pawel, High Warrior...High Lady...Queen-in-waiting. *she sticks her hand out.* Are you an officer of Thoran's army?

*Thoran and the man look at each other then both burst out laughing*
Thoran: Elandra, let me introduce you to Kethlin, the best warrior I know and my tutor.
Kethlin: An honour to meet you my lady *bows over Elandra's hand* I hope this pup hasn't caused too much trouble in your fair city.

~Thoran

*Her lips twitch and she withdraws her hand*

I hate to think of the trouble that would have happened without him.

Thoran, I'm sorry for tearing you back - no, I'm not. *she draws a deep breath.*

I only just returned myself, to find the city in turmoil, no King, no Craxus, so now I'm all three. Lycan and Alicia are married with /children/ and everything's just -

*she breaks off, remembering Kethlin's presence, and snaps to attention, the muscles in her jaw clenching.*

Kethlin. Would you like rooms in the Guild? It would be an honour to have you with us. Perhaps we can have a spar, sometime.

*It's obvious that it's taking most of her energy into being civil and in control.*

*Kethlin looks from Elandra to Thoran then back*
Kethlin: Of course... I'll take a room close to Thoran's if there is one... don't worry I know the way - Thoran told me all about this place... and I'll duel you some time, see what you can do!
*Kethlin turns to leave*
Kethlin: Don't get up to too much mischief without me!
*he leaves*
Thoran: ... you've had it hard haven't you?

~Thoran

*she twitches and bites her lip.*

Lycan had my sword. They took it back from the Dark Alliance and Lycan had been carrying it. *She draws it from its sheath, on her belt, and looks faintly sick. The evil emanating off of it is palpable.*

There's a part of me in there. And I...*her hands start to tremble.*

*Thoran places his hands over Elandra's and makes her re-sheath and release the sword*
Is there anything I can do?

~Thoran

*she takes his hands, staring down at the floor*

I would ask for an army but you've already done that. *Her voice is thick with emotion*

I felt so alone. But...but you...

*steps foward and hugs Elandra *
It's okay.

~Thoran

*Elandra hugs him back tightly, half-hanging off his neck. She's too emotional for words.*

*hugs Elandra for as long as she needs*


~Thoran

*Elandra pulls away sharply. A thin facade of control is back, and she smiles tremulously at him.*

So. You have an army? Is there anything else I should know about you?