NOW LIVE! Today's the day you meet your new best friend. You don’t have to leave Wolfy behind... In 'Pets & Sidekicks' your companions level up with you!

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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Axel" data-source="post: 5815594" data-attributes="member: 93196">DeclanDeclan would always remember the day of departure for.  The whole of his family standing out in the entrance hall - Mother, trying not to cry; his sister Cristal almost hiding behind her skirts; Father, big and domineering even when he was trying to be friendly; Brian his twin brother, silent and sulking; and of course Harold, between him and Cristal in age but in many ways far ahead of the family.  All but Harold stood in the formal greeting and departure line so popular in the day, which always brought the thought of soldier's on parade unbidden to Declan's mind.Cristal was closest, and Declan stopped before her and watched her try to withdraw out of sight behind Mother.  Declan smiled, and saidAre you not fond of me, dear sister?  Come, I would bid you a fond farewell." and bent down on one knee with arms outstretched.  Cristal returned the hug, willing enough.  As he stood up again, Declan was embraced in a fierce bearhug by his mother.  She shook slightly, like she was suppressing her emotions and having to fight hard, and said nothing before stepping back.Standing in front of Brian, the tension between them was palpable.  Neither wanted to make the first move and appear fonder of the other than was reciprocated.  They had never been close, or even friends, and did not look a great deal alike beyond their height, hair and eyes.  Brian was muscular and broad - the image of a classic warrior Declan thought to himself, while he was thin and gaunt.  Cristal will probably grow to be larger than I  Still, Declan had spoken with Brian long into the night.  If they were not parting as friends, at least there was not the fractious rivalry so common to their childhood.  Declan gave first, offering his right arm.  Brian took it in the warrior's grip, wrist to wrist - which was a complete surprise.  No words were exchanged, just nods.Coming lastly to Father, Declan paused.  He had never been the favourite son, or even well understood by his soldier of a Father.  Father spoke gruffly, attempting to bridge the gulf between them "You are well prepared for your journey then, Declan?  I am, Father.  Thank you for all you have given me.  I shall not forget it in the coming years."Hmmmf.  I would see to it that you arrive safely, first.  Will you reconsider taking a platoon of guardsmen to keep you safe?"No, Father.  Two men may pass freely where a dozen armed soldiers would not.  And they will travel more quickly as well.  I will be safe with Harold at my side.  And we are travelling good routes.  Remember our discussion?  The market ferry from Riverbend to Deniador.  Then onwards to the capital with Merchants - you must remember I am an ordained priest of Abadar father.  When I request travel with merchants it is more like a requisition as none will risk his anger."Father sighed, and offered his hand as Declan had to Brian.  "Stay safe, and send Harold back to me.  I have need of his abilities in planning the summer campaigns."Reaching the end, Declan turned to face them all again.  Mother was weeping openly now, just as she had the day he left to join the priesthood.  Ducking his head in an aborted bow, he strode through the front door and up onto the waiting open 2-horse carriage where Harold was waiting for him.  Declan needed little in supplies - just some writing material and a spear to identify his status as a priest of the Law.  As the carriage wheeled toward the gates of the estate, he risked a glance backward at his boyhood home.  Everything looked as it always had.  The imposing manor house, with it's turrets and flags atop the largest hill.  A platoon of soldier's drilling on the flanks of the hill; and the vineyard that was Father's pride and joy on the southern slopes.Well, Harold.  I can't say I'm sad to be leaving.  I do not belong in this place, though I find myself missing the people regardless" he spoke to his brother, beginning a conversation on people and places that lasted the weeks of travel together.---Now, as the merchant's cart rolled toward the gated capital in its slow and inevitable way, Declan found himself reflecting on that day.  In particular, he wished he had shown greater affection for Brian.  Literally, they had known each other all their lives.  Declan resolved to seek friendship if they ever met again.Declan stood up and spoke, more to divert his mind than anything else.  "Truly, these crowds are enormous Harold.  Have you ever seen so many people in one place before?  How will we ever find lodging in this place?</blockquote>

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