Recruit for the Sentinels

[Magdalena]

It was morning and Magdalena found herself rested, clean, and full. It was a surprise that breakfast had been included with her night's stay but welcome. It hadn't taken her long before she was in her armor and out the door with her weapon and bag over a shoulder. The town was bustling with people with bright clothes and loud voices, each heading his or her way to their own personal business. She would have liked to stretch out with a run or practice, but she had her job hunt to take care of.

After asking the nearest uniformed guard, she found their outpost. The emptiness surprised her and after standing at the doorway for a drawn out moment, she entered.

The butt of her spear struck the ground with a thump, which echoed out of the entry and down the hall. She called out with a "Hello?" and waited to see if there was anyone there.

[Grayell]

Grayell rounded the corner with a mug in one hand and the other resting upon the shoulder of a rather grizzled looking veteran in Sentinel armour. They were smiling and laughing raucously as they both came to answer the door, Grayell nodding when he saw Magdalena.

"Ah, here she is. Early too. A good thing the lads are field training today."

Grayell took another swig of whatever was in his mug, looked Magdalena up and down, then tilted his head toward the stairs.

"Come on in. You and I have some chatting to do. You thirsty?"

(BTW Magdalena, the Sentinels, like any other faction, are considered to have an NPC presence of course. With or without players, they are present in town and seeing to their duties.)

[Magdalena]

Surprise lightened her face and she looked at Grayell with a measure of confusion. Who was this man really? Magdalena shook her head and frowned; the town wasn't so large, she had to remind herself, it wouldn't be too unusual to run into the same people frequently. She tilted her head at him when he spoke, not sure she liked that he had come there to talk to the man before her. Either way, he was uncommonly helpful and she wouldn't be rude. She owed him after all and it seemed as though she was about to owe him more. Magda withheld a sigh and wondered whether or not she would have to be as honorable here as she had in her previous city. What would happen if she let these things slid? Nothing, likely. But she didn't like having things handed to her.

She frowned a bit sternly. "Field training?" She wondered momentarily why it would be a good thing that they weren't there. It never would have crossed her mind that it may be because she was a woman. When she was in her previous city, Eldgren, she hadn't had trouble with finding a man for the night and she wasn't intimidated by a bunch of lads making a fuss over her. She'd bring them down a few rungs if she needed to.

"Ah, no. No I'm not." She said, surprise in her voice again. Well, did he work for the Sentinels or not? She decided just to find out and went to climb the stairs. "Are you the one recruiting then?"

And if so why didn't he say so yesterday? Magdalena glanced over her shoulder at him and then waited at the top of the stairs, clearly not knowing where he wished to go to talk.

[Grayell]

Grayell shrugged off the question and nodded as the other man took his leave, before trudging down the stairs toward the officer's quarters. He seemed to know the place well enough and it might seem odd that a civilian such as he was permitted to stroll about the garrison, cup in hand.

He guided her round a corner and opened a door onto a large (not elaborate) room.

"Come on in then. I'll be sure to answer all your questions but let's at least grab a seat first."

[Magdalena]

Magdalena wasn't used to getting shrugged off and she had to press her lips together sternly to keep herself quiet. Being in the position that she was it was amazing how much control she was managing to have over her temper.

Inside the room, she set aside her polearm and sat in a nearby chair. She watched the large man with slightly narrowed eyes and then couldn't resist getting directly to business. "What do you need out of me?"

She let her gaze wander over the plain room before resting on Grayell again. "It would help if you told me a little bit of the history of this town as well."

[Grayell]

Grayell shrugged once more as he slumped onto the officer's chair across the desk from her. He rocked back in it and folded his arms behind his head, sliding his crossed heels to rest on the desk.

"Yup. Been a while. I don't need anything from you. I'm merely seeing an opportunity for yourself and the town.

As I might have mentioned, the Captain of the guard has left. She was a good enough sort and ran the whole shebang and her suddenly up and quitting has left the guard without a leader.

I'm not about to do the job. You reek of experience. Sorry, it's not a bad thing, but you walk like you've got a broad sword up your rear and you never loosen your grip on that polearm. You weren't just some grunt, no doubt about it.

We have other soldiers who would cut it I am sure. They're a good sort, they've all a strong sense of duty and have the experience, they know the town and the other guards well enough, it would be foolish for me to look outside the Sentinels for a new Captain."

He sighed wistfully enough and then slid his feet from the table, sitting up once more.

"But... this town is a tricky thing. It's not like any other. There's a degree of... understanding that a Captain has to have. You can't solve every crime, you can't help every person. You just have to do what is best and represent the people, keep the streets safe. That's not an easy thing to come by, so it has me considering all options.

I'm not saying it's the job for you. I'm not saying you're cut out for it. Shit, I hear ol' Zaedus is headed back into town and if that's the case, then we might just have a new Commander for the guard over night.

But, I am willing to bet that you might just be what the guard needs right now. Someone without the sentiment and attachment to the old Captain, someone who doesn't give a shit what happened and can roll on, see to business. A breath of fresh air. It also doesn't hurt that you're a woman, they're used to being pushed around by one. I don't mean to be rude, just stating facts.

So. You tell me. What do you want out of the Sentinels?"

[Magdalena]

Magdalena was stunned into silence when he finally spoke. Her eyes widened and though she didn't know it, her nostrils flared with indignation and anger. A broadsword up her rear? Where did he get off talking to her like that? She fumed quietly, letting the steam whistle out of her ears while she kept herself from lurching out of her chair and grabbing her spear. It didn't matter if it was true, because it was and she knew she was a stiff that kept to rules and didn't have as much fun as she should, but she would be damned if she would just sit there and be told so. And yet she did just sit there, because she needed gold. Finally she blinked and relaxed in her chair again, a quiet sigh blowing out of her nose.

Patience, Maggie, patience. She swallowed a few spatterings of snappish remarks and forced a tense smile on her face. She could be patient.

But he was finished talking and her lips parted with a curl as she answered. “I want my job back Grayell. The town doesn't know me but I've been doing this for ten years and I sure as hell know how it works. No, I haven't proven myself here and I may be a... stiff, but you'll understand soon enough that I take my job very seriously.” Not to mention herself. She cocked her head, the curls of reddish-gold sliding across her face. She absently pushed them behind an ear and drew her brows together. “I want to know who I answer to, how much I'm paid, and whether or not I could see about getting myself my own quarters.”

“I would like to speak with this Zaedus if he accepts the position of Commander.” Of course, she said it simply as a formality, but sooner or later she would come into contact with her “boss”. She didn't know how to treat Grayell but she maintained the cool respect that she would give anyone unless they prove themselves a nuisance.

Magdalena smiled slightly, her face smoothing. “And yes, well, I suppose that makes things easier if they're used to a woman calling the shots, but I'm not worried.” She was an arrogant woman at times but she thought of it as confidence. The man in front of her had enough of it anyway.

“I am cut out for the job and I don't want a spot any higher than Captain right now.” Maggie rolled her shoulders back, unaware that she was sitting absolutely straight and still, the very picture of someone with a sword up their backside. Her eyes were intent and serious as she gazed at the unusual man. “I have no doubts about that.”

[Grayell]

Grayell grinned and rifled through the drawers, looking for something. He smiled when he found a box of cigars and placed it on the table, placing one on his lips. He slid the box toward her.

"Help yourself. Terrible habit mind you."

Grayell got out the chair and wandered to the corner, lighting his cigar from a lantern that hung on the wall. He blew out the smoke, turned over a few things that lined the shelves and nodded, laughed a little, nosied about. He then stopped by the table once more.

"Ya know, my office would have been upstairs. With a view. It's terribly dingy in here. But then, it's been a long time since I was running the show around here."

[Magdalena]

Maggie looked at the cigars and felt one of her eyes twitch as he took one out and went about lighting it. She didn't take one for herself but instead felt her frown grow deeper.

"If you worked here. Yes, I imagine many would enjoy a view. Are you actually in a position to hire for this rank or ...?" She stood and pushed the chair aside. "Not to be rude, but I must get to the point. Do I have the job or not?"

She hoped that she had grabbed his attention and that it wouldn't wander. Maggie was worried that her temper was just about ready to snap.

[Grayell]

Grayell sighed and then held out his cigar, studying the burning ember. He paced back over and slumped into the chair once more.

"Very well. You can get started immediately. You'll be taking the last Captain's quarters of course. You're going to be handling a great deal Magdalena, but it seems you're thrilled about it.

Here's what you need to know.

For the time being, you answer to me. No one else needs to know that. You are the face of the Sentinels, the other officers won't contest your rank so you have no need to worry. You also don't need to mention me to anyone whom you don't see in my company. I have no desire to be associated with the Sentinels any longer than is necessary.

If Zaedus decides he's still a guard, yes; you will answer to him. But don't bet on that happening. Some veterans... well they just figure out that there's a bigger picture.

Any questions?"

[Magdalena]

Relief flooded through her and she felt knots in her shoulders and back loosen. She had a job again; a bed, food, coin to spend. Maybe she'd get herself a horse. Magdalena blinked and abruptly pulled her hair back and twisted it into a knot at her neck. These were things to think about another time.

"Thrilled... yes, of course." She supposed she was thrilled about having a home and regular food but she couldn't deny a strange love for protecting citizens. "I don't see any reason to bring you up in the future, no. Though I am curious to know why you don't want to be associated with the Sentinels any longer and why so many officers seem to be leaving and... why this Zaedus may not wish to take up a rank."

There was something strange about this situation and while it made her tense and aware that she may be getting into the middle of something complicated and troublesome, she wasn't willing to back out. She would figure these things out and hopefully take the pressure off of these "veterans".

[Grayell]

Grayell studied her for a moment. She was the law abiding type, law enforcing type even. Neat haircut, groomed clothing, straight laces and all that. A headache more than likely, but the perfect type for the Sentinels. But he didn't need a repeat performance of the last Captain.

"One officer left. Margrett Mikael, Captain of the guard and the go to, be all end all officer in that regard. She ran the place.

However, she didn't build it. That was me. I was the first law in this town and Commander of the guard, until I decided I could do more good for these people elsewhere. But the town still needed a guard, still does need a guard. I won't be doing it again.

So. I am not official in any capacity, but you won't find another guard who's been around long enough to know his nose from his ass who would tell you otherwise. They listen to me because of my history, not because I ask them to or expect it. And right now, they need someone. So, I'm willing to help out until things settle once more. You're a piece of that puzzle, part of the solution.

But you need to understand a few things. A few things about this town, it's people; and how the world goes round in general if you're to last long here. We're not like everywhere else. The law is simple enough and is enforced as it should be, but you won't be stopping each and every two bit thief and shutting down merchants with questionable goods if you expect to maintain the respect of the people here. Wistvale regulates what is deemed acceptable and what is not and in that acceptance, finds itself untroubled by the crime that runs rampant elsewhere. All people pay their dues and play by the rules or they do suffer the consequences.

But you will need to understand that the buck doesn't stop with the Sentinel. Not everything will be your problem. Not everything can be. It's the only way it works. Think you can understand that?"

[Zaedus]

After his departure from the tavern, Zaedus thought it best to visit the guard compound he himself once resided. It took him longer than before to navigate, what with weaving between hurried townsfolk to peddlers and children scurrying about. he finally spun around after nearly being tripped up by one of the said children, growling in frustration.

" Cubs..."

He thought as he set his eyes on the compound. It seemed hollow from before, only a lone sentry stood guard. He approached, drawing his hood back to reveal his face. Seeing him the guard jumped and hastened himself in a professional manner but before a word left his mouth Zaedus had silenced him with a hand wave.

" I seek the one who may yet hold command here. I trust I may enter?"

He asked trying not to laugh at the guard's contorted facial expressions from wanting to talk but simply nodded his head. Zaedus drew his cowl over once more and pushed the large doors open. Once his eyes adjusted to the dimmer setting he was pleased to see who sat yet behind the desk.

" I see you yet hold former station from time passed. Pray tell me, how has things faired in my long absence."

A smile spread across his face beneath the cowl as he said the next word.

"...wolf."

Zaedus drew back his cowl revealing his smug wolfish face.

[Magdalena]

It was with keen embarrassment that she recalled her impatience and somewhat sharp tone just minutes before when he informed her that he had been the first Commander of the Sentinels. Even worse, she regretted letting him buy her food and a room. How incompetent she must have seemed!

Magdalena resisted rubbing her face with her palm and instead wondered about Margrett. She'd keep her ears open for local gossip, since it was peculiar that she had left so suddenly. It was likely known why she left, but Grayell wasn't giving out that information. It wasn't too important but Magdalena had been known for being a little too curious or “nosy”. Fortunately she had always known how to do it discretely.

Her shoulders relaxed the more he went on. There was a pleasure in knowing that she wouldn't be expected to be on the heels of everything going on; a huge difference from working in the city where efforts were made to be on top of everything they possibly could. So far it sounded like her job would be more of a relief than a burden.

“Sounds fine.” She said. She was eager to get into her room and set things out. “I'd like half my pay upfront for this month since I need some things, but otherwise I understand and will be in touch if I need to know something.”

She looked over her shoulder as the door opened and blinked mildly at the large figure that came through. She ran her tongue over her teeth as she considered his words and then promptly tried to control her surprise when he revealed his face. Maggie shifted so that she hadn't her back to him but wasn't facing him either; she held a comfortable stance and was aware of the distance between her and her polearm. But it was clear that this Worgen had been here before and his familiar attitude toward Grayell put her at ease. It was difficult dealing with her natural instincts to be defensive in the presence of such a creature but she managed to hold herself together. As unusual as it was for her to meet other humanoids who didn't behave as monsters, she would remain calm.

Magdalena flicked her gaze between the two once before resuming her idle study of the creature. “I suppose this is Zaedus?” She smiled slightly, but was unsure how she felt about that. What could he be like that he had such respect from the citizens of Wistvale? “Welcome back, I have heard a little of you.”

[Grayell]

"Yes, indeed it is."

His words were elated when he spoke and he rose from his seat immediately to embrace his friend. His hand grasped the Worgen's wrist and then yanked them together, his other arm thrown around him in a hug. Grayell was laughing aloud, completely thrilled.

"Come, sit down. Your timing could not have been better."

Grayell slipped back into his chair and offered Zaedus one of the cigars now, still smiling wide and unable to do otherwise.

"I had heard you were on your way back. It has been too long my friend. I was just discussing with Magdalena here the prospect of taking a Captain's title. She has plenty of experience and won't bring Marg's few bad habits to the table it seems.

But you! You've been gone forever now! So much has changed! It's rather ironic that you find me here, behind this blasted desk when I gave up my badge long ago. Margrett skipped town without so much as a wave and so, the Sentinels are in need of leadership. I am forced to act in the interim but can assure you, would rather be off in the woods this very moment."