Noble Wakes
"Thrust...parry...riposte!" Harlan, the Man-At-Arms of the Menorians shouted his commands at Lord Tomas. The only such time when a Noble might allow one of commoner blood to take such a tone. Lord Tomas' arms grew tired from the weight of the shield and practice sword. His strength was not great so he was forced to reply on his cunning. But for some reason, try as he might, he could not score a hit on the man today.
The sky above suddenly darkened, swirling colors of red, purple, and orange shooting through, illuminating the ever present Stone of Tear in an unusual light. Before Lord Tomas could ask what was happening, Harlan metamorphed into a nine-foot tall beast. It had a bear's head, dirty plate armor, and a large wicked curved sword. "Thrust...parry...riposte!" it growled as it lunged. It was all Lord Tomas could do to fend off the massive attacks. His practice sword shivered and trembled at the impacts. His arm felt bruised and battered as he worked his shield to intercept other blows. With a loud crack, his shield was sundered. A follow up swing shattered the practice sword. His back against the courtyard wall, Lord Tomas gazed defeatedly at the advancing trolloc. It's sword raised for the killing blow. The sword came down and...
Lord Tomas awoke, covered in sweat. Light, let that be just a dream... Lord Tomas waited for his senses to reconnect with reality as he sat in his bed. Once fully aware and in control, he got up and washed. He put on another set of his fine clothes, these in a somber shade of dark green. He reached for his longsword, drawing it from his sheath and gazing at the cold metal blade. He resheathed it and buckled on his sword. In the corner was his steel shield, complete with the House Menorian device laquered on the front. Lord Tomas picked up the shield and slung it on his back, vowing that next time, he would be better prepared.
Lord Tomas then walked calmly downstairs for breakfast. He couldn't help overhearing the other talking about going to see what the Trollocs had been up to. He gave a small involuntary shiver and continued to eat his breakfast. Let them go. It's none of your concern. The False Dragon will be here and gone in a couple days, then you can get on with business as usual. Why were those Trollocs here? Hmmm...they are going to need a Noble to help them deliver news if they discover evidence of a dire plot. Very well...
Lord Tomas, having finished his breakfast, stands and approaches the others. "I shall accompany you on your errand." Lord Tomas states, directiing it to Yuri and Ashrem, the ones he knows best. He barely looks at the Ladies, not quite wanting to look at them after what they did the night before. "Perhaps it might be wisest for the Ladies to stay in the relative saftey of town. We are not taking a walk in a park, after all."