The Reluctant Captain's Log

[Raiden Morana]

SUNDAY 27th MAY.


Feck! Feck, feck, feck...

How the bloody hell did this happen? Captain... AGAIN!

Shite! Shite, shite, shite...

Promotions and demotions parade this eve certainly was one for the ages!

Pleased for Sanderson! She's a hard working lass and a bloody good soldier and friend. Made up that she's Corporal again. Tis well deserved! And Keres too.The Grenadiers need a firm leader and I can't think of anyone better for the job... Other than myself... But my days in the Baron's Own are behind me now. So he'll do, heh.

Hoagie as Commander!? Honestly... Can't think of a better fella to lead us. Again, overdue and well deserved. Hopefully HE doesn't crumble under the new weight of crippling responsibility, heh. He has a good bunch of officers around him though, for the most part... Hopefully he can delegate better than I could when I was Commander...

I Honestly thought Shadwell would be bumped up to Captain, with Hoagie being Commander. Nay problem with that, so I nearly pissed my kilt when I was called out of the line. It's a grand honour and all but aye, I was just getting used to being back in the ranks with the lads. Sergeant would have suited but bloody Captain? Feck... Just as long as there's nay as much paperwork as I remember and they don't make me ride a bloody horse when I don't need to, I suppose I'll be fine. Feck...

Another bald Grenadier 'Smash Bruddah' returns!

And since when did we have bloody trainees? Have I really been away THAT long? Tis a bit too Yewish for my liking. Grand to see the Baron tossed that badge into the sea. And aye, saddens me to say, but when the new Arcanist Corporal got called forward, part of me wanted her badge in the ocean too... I need to give her a chance but aye, that night when the Templar questioned that lass... Still leaves a bitter taste.

Nay time to think too much about that though, as Tibby whisked us off on a recruitment run to Luna, New Haven and Britain... City architecture certainly has changed since my time in the colonies and nay for the better. Especially the Capital. But I suppose that's Royalists for you. I think we managed to snag a recruit or two. Getting them fairly steadily now. Hopefully they don't die a painful death before reaching Watchman.

And then when we returned to the barracks, another long departed Covian returned. Bloody Ahmed Al Maktoum! Whether he'll be ready for active service again I nay know but nothing but respect and fond memories of the Grenadier from when I was a raw recruit myself. Grand to see him back, though he looked a little frail and out of sorts. Grand to see Gimbly back in the ranks too. The Grenadiers should be in a good place moving forward.

... Bloody Captain, feck...

Railen... I miss you lass. I miss the boy... You'd know what to say. How to share my burden... IF there is an Avatar, I hope he's watching over you both better than I ever did.

[ooc]This is all OOC knowledge, unless Raiden shares his thoughts and feelings with you IC[ooc]

[Raiden Morana]

MONDAY 28th MAY

This eve I caught up with an expedition to Ilshenar. Nay idea where. My geography aint the best when I'm outside the Shire. Some might argue it's nay great when I'm in the Shire. Honesty or Honour I think it was? The one with the hand mural by the portal, anyway... Cowin was in charge and he led us to our doom on a mission to rival some of Demarian's in days gone by. Heh.

It's safe to say we got knocked on our arses a few times. But to be fair, the buggers that swarmed on us were nasty and numerous too. And whilst we slew them in their droves, the healing needed to be far better than what it was. Nay the first time I've said that recently. And whilst I wanted to let Cowin lead as much as possible, I found myself calling orders in the mayhem at times.

Terrathons, Meer, undead and an ugly bloody dragon found their ends at Covian hands, plus the lads had earlier massacred a battalion of cyclops and titans... But it was largely a rearguard action, as we were hounded from one direction and then the next by many a goldie. Everyone made it back in one piece though, with most of our kit intact. The men are either untrained, still rusty or just bloody lazy. Either way, the only thing that'll help is more training and more patrols with a focus on orders and discipline.

As we licked our wounds back at the barracks, Kelly was busying herself in the stores and made sure the patrol had their lost kit replaced. She also passed me the Captain's red sash. She's a good friend and she's looked after me since my return. I still feel like a bloody burden on her though.

[Raiden Morana]

TUESDAY 29th MAY

Another mission to Ilshenar and a return to where we'd got our arses kicked last eve. We had a few more men this time though and the soon to be Scout Roichar did a pretty good job in command. So much so that Commander 'Facey' bollocked me for shouting FORM when a bloody great big golem sprang out of the woods. Old habits I guess, but he was right. I just didn't want that clockwork killer to kick anyone's back door in.

The mission was long and largely uneventful compared to last eve. We dealt with all threats methodically and the new recruits acquitted themselves well. The healing was better but there were plenty of old heads seeing to that.

We called in at a deserted tavern for a well earned breather. Tibby's nay a bar keep, that's for sure. But Kelly did some snooping in the cellar and we were able to liberate some ale for the lads.

Once back at the barracks, the Commander gave us another couple of acceptance speeches. I could tell the lads were gettin' a bit bored, even more so when some bloody recruit started banging on about running for Governor Of Skara Brae or summat. Bloody delusions of grandeur or what? Anyway, I stepped up and put everyone out of their misery by dismissing the men to the tavern.

I was just settling into my first ale when there was a commotion outside. Some flappy bloody gargoyle and deadite had a commoner hostage and started spouting off about the end of the age of men. Heh. Again, delusions of grandeur. We chased them off but I nay think it's the last we'll see of such things. Need to keep the men sharp, double the patrols and sentries. More trainings. Much to do Raidy, much to do.

[Raiden Morana]

WEDNESDAY 30th MAY

This whole 'peace' thing baffles me. Don't get me wrong, it was grand to see Kelly's market bustling with folk from near and far but his 'thing' of me and Wilkes being nice to eachother is a tad unsettling!

I've always had a grudging respect for him as an adversary. We've exchanged some fine insults over the years and knocked ten bells of shit out of eachother on the battlefield but... If this peace carries on much longer, we might even become mates...? That makes me a little nervous...

To be fair to him, he congratulated me on my promotion and bought me hat off one of the market stalls as a gift. I nay know whether he was taking the piss or not, given it's colour, but I like to think it was all well meant.

When I took over Kelly's stall whilst she got the bagball pitch set up, I felt obliged to make an effort with Wilkes. I complimented him on his new clean shaven look, expressing how much younger it made him appear and then I proceeded to sell him some trinkets. I started high at 400 gold pieces and he offered 325 but I managed to barter him down to 295. I think that's how it works...

Will peace last long enough for the 'bromance' to continue?

One of the plus points to this peace thing though is getting to chat up Waywatchers. The second one in a week! Old habits die hard... Heh. I wonder whatever happened to Ares..? She was a fine lass. We shared some moments... Lots of moments... The type of moments that keep you warm at night when there's a chill wind blowing in off the bay. And the type of moments that might be construed as treason or fraternizing with the enemy at least...

Anyway, this Siuan lass seemed pleasant enough. I managed to sell her a pair of second hand boots too. I wasn't really able to turn on the Raiden charm though, as I got harangued into playing bloody bagball. The new lad, Duncan, he looks like a player! I was nay much use though, my knee was playing up and I got bloody antlered in the arse by a Keres. And that cheeky bloody Scout, Melior gave me a sly dig in the ribs too!

As the market wound down I helped escort the Baron into the tavern and excused myself for the evening. Kelly was just finishing up changing to go to the tavern herself when I got in. She scrubbs up bloody well and I caught myself staring at her arse. Hopefully she didn't notice, given that she had her back to me and all. She gave me a big hug on her way out. She's a grand lass. I'm lucky to have her around.

[Raiden Morana]

SUNDAY 3rd JUNE.

Nothing much to report before last eve, apart from filling out bloody paperwork and a day's leave. It was good to get back out there with the men though... Even if my bloody knee is killing me.

Our lord and baron has always been eccentric. At times bordering on the unstable. I can't say I know him well but serving in the Grenadiers for so many years, I suppose I have been exposed to his whims more than most but last night's parade... I'm not sure if he was playing to the crowd or whether we're about to witness one of those 'whims'... Which usually ends up with us all marching off to war.

I felt for Kelly as he stood before the parade, 'channeling' Vince via a golden skull. Parlour trick or insanity? At times, it's a fine line with him. I gave the lass an encouraging smile and hopefully she wasn't too perturbed. She had strength enough to give me a dig in the ribs for staring at the new Arcanist officer cadet's arse. Heh. So hopefully it wasn't too upsetting for her.

My head spins with Cowin. He wants to be a Grenadier, he doesn't want to be a Grenadier, he wants to be a Grenadier. Uggh... It's not a bloody bride trying on a dress. It's a serious business. It's not like any other squad in Cove, feck, it's not like any other unit in all of Sosaria. It's duty beyond duty and he and Keitaro have forsaken that duty once already. As I have too in truth but at least I have brains enough nay to go back.

After the parade we headed to Yew for some battle games with the militia. I'm sure Wilkes put our team at a disadvantage from the off. Up against Tibby, Hoagie, Gimbly, a Corsair, Pickles and that lass Nadia and her tainted blade.

That said, we did well, even if Wilkes announced us as narrow losers in both rounds. I'd say we were worthy of a draw both times. Only timing of his calls robbing us of victory, the bastard.

We finished up with a last man standing. As is usually the case, cowardly witches, elves and the Waywatcher sought what cover they could whilst the rest of us knocked the crap out of eachother. One by one the weakest were weeded out. Leaving Gimbly, Hoagie, Myself and a hardy Footman, or so we thought. Once Gimbly fell, Keitaro revealed himself and entered the fight fresh as a daisy.

The combat dragged on a while as we all seemed reasonably matched and no teaming took place. We even took fire from the sidelines before Wilkes ordered us to remove our armour to bring about a swift resolution. Hoagie fell first and then the bloody sneaky elf tripped me up too. Lucky bastard.

Then it was off to the tavern to drown my sorrows and nurse my knee. I thanked Radek for hosting us and making us feel welcome. Even used his given name. He did seem genuinely gutted when I excused myself, heh.

Ugghh... I need to see Kobra about this knee.

[Raiden Morana]

MONDAY 4th JUNE.

Fecking knee... I really need to see Kobra...

Thankfully a mountain of bloody papers kept me from getting to the rehearsals for Hoagie's play. It's not my cup of tea really, hence my strategic late arrival. Though it was grand to see it well attended by Covians and foreigners alike.

That lad I had heard about was there. The bard who had been performing at the Goblin. Turns out it's Gregor's grandson! Hoh! He seems like a good lad. A little nervous and easily excitable but he's certainly got something about him.

He embarrassed the shite out of me though. Haha. Making out that I'm some sort of hero, heh... He's seems like a good lad though and he won a part in Hoagie's play, which will do him good.

One of the actresses, the lead in fact, wanted to talk to me privately in the tavern after the rehearsals. Still got it mon, still got it...

Unfortunately though, all she wanted was to interrogate me over the conflict in bloody Jhelom. It was years ago! I can hardly remember last week! I didn't much like some of her insinuations either... Genocide, pillaging and trafficking... I told her straight that the fighting was brutal, house to house, street by street. That we nay saw any civilians and whilst I couldn't answer for Yew or Vesper, that Cove fought with honour and the army with distinction.

She changed her tune a bit then and wanted to discuss trade agreements. I told her to write to the baron and headed of to bed. My knee and her questioning had darkened my mood.

Gregor's bloody grandson eh? Heh... I remember being that starry eyed recruit all those years ago, in awe of the famed Commander Eason. I remember how proud I was to serve under him and how proud I was for him to consider me a friend as our careers progressed.

I never got the chance to regale Serj with how his grandfather took a step to his front and steadied the line against Kaldor. A damn fine soldier. A damn fine Commander and a damn fine friend.

I'll be keeping a watchful eye on the lad.

[Raiden Morana]

TUESDAY 5th JUNE.

Tavern night at the Swaggers. I had nay been down for a while, so I thought I'd make an appearance. There were a few of our lads there, along with the local riffraff. Mainly witches as I recall... Pickles, Aylmer and a recruit. Oh and some foo' doing impersonations of the Commander. Though some eijits took him for an orc. Heh.

I got talking to the lass behind the bar. Turns out she's Becca's daughter. She certainly shares her mother's 'charms'. I was sad to hear of Becca's fate on my return to Cove, she was s good lass and her daughter Sioned seems alright too.

I was trying to figure her age and work out if... Anyway. Again I asked after Railen and the boy. I've all but given up hope now. I only have myself to blame. I just hope they are alive and well and making a new life for themselves somewhere, as the alternative is still unbearable to think about.

That lass that was poking around asking questions last night was there too. She seemed less inquisitive this time but she's obviously doing the rounds. She tried to explain the rules of some game being played outside. It seemed pretty childish to me. No brawling, tackling or gouging allowed. Nay wonder the Vesperians are soft.

My knee's still no better. There's nowt for getting old Raidy...

[Raiden Morana]

WEDNESDAY 6th JUNE.

Tis fair to say that the Avatarian Church is back in Cove. Quite literally...

The Templar's visits have been more frequent of late, as have reports of increased undead activity within our borders. Such things always seem to go hand in hand...

Anyway... We were charged with assisting Sir Hugo and his brethren cleanse an area of Ilshenar of gargoyles, dark elves and whatever other abominations we might find there before returning to the the desert of Compassion, to cleanse that area (and shrine) of it's impurities too.

We got off to an early start though, heh. We'd not even departed the barracks when a Vesperian elf rode up to us on an overgrown cat and proceeded to insult the Templar. Nay the wisest of moves... The men proceeded to knock him on his arse.

Later that eve, after I'd rested my knee some, I helped with the erection of our new chapel. It was nice to see our fellows from Yew lend a hand... Well, by lend a hand, I mean they mostly watched the rest of us hard at work.

A few confessions, mass and brandings later, the Templar seemed content and thankfully I could retire to my quarters. Actually, retiring nay sounds like a bad idea right now...

[Raiden Morana]

THURSDAY 7th JUNE.

Well, well, well... Here we go again.

That stupid bloody elf that got sat on his arse last night had apparently scurried back to his overlords in Vesper and they tried laying down the hammer on us, quoting some slanderous treaty... Heh. So the Baron in his wisdom, arranged a Covian book club outing to the Vesper library, to see if we could track down this treasonous document.

I was a tad late to the party, knee's still playing up and when I got there, two redguards tried barring my way. Using all my years of political acumen, gained whilst the Baron was abroad I barged past them, only to be halted on the stairs be some slow or maybe deaf lass. She nay really got much of what I was saying bless her but needless to say, my Captain's smile won the day and I was able to join the Baron, Hoagie, Shadwell, Keres and others just as they were being escorted out, rather forcibly. Nay the best way to treat your neighbours and allies.

First that ugly elf trying to throw his weight around and now some more of Esca's minions with ideas above their station. Heh. Understandably, the Baron was nay amused so we marched to Yew and struck up an alliance against the Orc, elf and gargoyle loving aggressors in Vesper and promptly returned to the library to destroy this non treaty, just for good measure.

Whatever idiot signed that in the first place was nay a member of the Baronship Household, nor Covian Army and was probably promised a fancy title and five minutes of fame in return for selling out this grand town we call home. What an utter bastard, selling out his countrymen like that. Whether they be near or far.

Our victory complete and with the Vesperians too cowardly to bear arms against us, we returned to Yew to seal the alliance with a well earned ale. But only after some serious leaning! Inside their tavern, I procured a bottle of Trinsican Red for the Baron and he charged me with making sure the men will be fit for battle, should it come to that and to also introduce an elf tax, to smooth things along with the Yewish. He also hinted that I might return to the bronze arms of the Grenadiers... I assured him the main army needed me more than he did with Keres in charge of his bodyguard... Phew!

It was then that I saw her. After all this time. She was trying her best to shrink into the shadowed corner of the tavern but it was her, nay doubt. Aries! Bloody hell. She knew I knew... I knew she knew... Did I catch her smiling? The years had nay dulled her beauty that was for sure. She knew, right? She knew it was me?

I was just about to go over when her Waywatcher Corporal sat down beside me. Bloody hell. I think she's taken a shine to me too these last few weeks.  Nothing is ever straightforward. Ohhhh noooo, that'd be too fecking easy.

Bloody hell, Aries... Har!

[Raiden Morana]

SATURDAY 9th JUNE.

She found me lazing under a tree in the orchard. How does she do that? I was alone with my thoughts having held a training and recruit cadre, where I'd extolled the virtues of carrying enough bandages, potions and petals and of how fruit can sustain you before and during a battle... Then their she was, Aries.

Things were awkward. It had been so long. But as we talked and recalled shared memories, things seemed more natural. It sounds like she's struggling fitting back into militia life a little but I told her that I had struggled a little too upon my return to the army, maybe I still am, even now.

We talked until night fell and beyond. She expressed her feelings as they were then and as they are now. She regretted the double lives we both had to lead back then and for any harm she may have brought my way. What's in the past is past I told her. She promised not to put me or those I care about in harm's way ever again. She is such a sweet girl and I hope that's a promise that isn't put to the test any time soon.

Things are different now. But who knows for how long...

Nay sketches tonight. Some things are better left to the imagination. Not that too much happened... Just a tender moment or two as we held eachother briefly.

I feel so old and tired...

[Raiden Morana]

SUNDAY 10th JUNE.

Tonight's parade saw a couple of Recruits promoted to Watchman, in front of some foreign dignitaries no less!

Then upon it's conclusion we had the pleasure of a diplomatic visit from Vesper. Esca no doubt filling his breeches due to the actions of his renegade elf and the eijits he left in charge whilst away on leave.

He wanted to ascertain the facts, given that his aides have no doubt filled him full of shite to cover their own backsides. The Baron. Corporal Sanderson and myself put him straight on a few things and even though he tried to pin some further arson at our door. Nay doubt some sort of 'false flag' event, as our glorious Baron rightly pointed out, I think he had a fairer idea of proceedings by the end of our little chat.

To be fair, it seemed that Esca was doing his best to calm the situation but then again, his forces are outnumbered pretty badly and seem ill disciplined at best, so why wouldn't he. I guess time will tell.

With the Vesperian delegation roundly booed upon their departure and Kelly leading an expedition to Tokuno, I took my leave for the evening.

That Serj lad, Gregor's grandson... Shared a laugh or two in the lineup, he seems to be growing in confidence... I think he'll do just fine.

[Raiden Morana]

MONDAY 11th JUNE.

After briefing a Light Company hopeful on an intelligence gathering mission to Vesper, I hobbled along to the boxing competition at the barracks. Some interesting attire on show, that's for sure. Certainly not the sweaty, saw dust on the floor, Covian Boxing League that Dell set up all those years ago. Heh.

Young Eason greeted me as I arrived. I have to admit, I'm taking a shine to the lad. He seems about ready for his raise to Watchman, I think. He's a little nervous and still lacks a little confidence in himself but I told him that, showing off your fighting prowess in front of possible future enemies is nay always a good thing. Hold a little back, a little misdirection, surprise them. Hopefully that settled him a bit. He doesn't need to beat his chest to be a good soldier. We all have our merits. His are just as important as wielding a mace or axe.

Then, I saw her. Out of the corner of my eye. She was there, Aries. Stood alone. She just glanced over, right? I excused myself from recruit Eason and made my way over to stand by her. We'd barely exchanged pleasantries when her Corporal dragged her away. I hope she's not going to make life hard for the lass.

I watched the boxing a while and then made my way to the orchard. If Aries could smuggle herself away, I knew she'd look for me there and just as I was dozing, she arrived, nearly giving me a heart attack! And not just from her fine leather clad form.

We talked. We held eachother. We kissed. Getting to know eachother over again after all these years. She's still so bonny. She still doesn't blanch when stroking my cheek. She's still cheeky and fiery. She still makes me smile.

It's been so long since anyone did that...

[Raiden Morana]

TUESDAY 12th JUNE.

Finally caught up with Kobra tonight. But then I still had to wait for him to take a look at my knee as he was 'consulting' with some Vesperian bird at our sentry post. It certainly was a long 'consultation' but as soon as enough taxes and tolls had been collected, the sentry was disbanded and we headed to the barracks for him to take a look.

He started cooking something up in a pan, whilst examining my knee. He then pulled some torture like device from his bag of tricks, a brace apparently, and strapped it to my leg to give it support and stop it from giving out. He then smeared the stinky substance he'd been brewing onto my knee, which smarted a bit.

Ligament damage he reckoned, whatever that is. He advised me to get someone to apply the little batches of goo he bagged up for me and then I made my way homeward.

I wonder what Aries is up to this eve. I hope whatever her duty, she's keeping herself safe...

[Raiden Morana]

WEDNESDAY 13th JUNE.

I was a tad late getting to the banquet, duty and all but thankfully Hoagie hadn't demolished all the pies. Apparently I'd missed some elf taxing, the murder of one of the Baron's hounds and the appointment of a new Bailiff!

Anyway, proceedings were winding down when I arrived and seeing Wilkes looking in a jovial mood, I asked if I could have a quiet word. We went out onto the balcony, cosy but perhaps a tad too romantic given the company but when I set about asking his blessing to see Aries officially, he told me that the lass had already been to him about the exact same thing. Heh.

To be fair to him, he didn't make me squirm half as much as Dart did that time at the moot and given that relationships between Cove and Yew are better than they were back then and that Wilkes and I seem to be 'bonding', he had no problem with the lass and I seeing one another. He did say there was a condition though and that Aries would explain it. He then went to fetch her. I had no idea she was even at the banquet...

Raiden-Radek, Aries-Raiden... A love triangle of sorts?

She wandered out onto the balcony. She looked amazing. A little tipsy but amazing. We chatted a while and returned to the others. Though I made a quick detour, at pace, with my newly equipped knee brace, to Britain, to acquire the finest bottle of ale my meager purse could afford. Radek's hard bargain. A beer. His all round decency is actually a tad unsettling... Not quite as unsettling as him openly complementing my rugged good looks and general physique but aye. He's turning out to be a good sort.

As one by one and at times two by two, everyone began to leave, Aries and I chatted with Mizuho about the Goblin and I had a nip or two of Hoagie's O'l Touch, before we too made our way home... It took a wee bit longer than expected...

Just hope this bloody peace and alliance with Yew holds...

[Raiden Morana]

FRIDAY 15th JUNE.

As I strode towards the barracks this eve I heard the 'whizz-crackle-bang' of arcanists dueling in the arena. Atop the roof, I had to hide my surprise... 'Who's that lass with the red hair?' I asked Tibby as I joined him in leaning against the rail. He grinned and motioned to the Arcanist, who's flame coloured hair escaped the leather cap strapped tightly under his jaw. 'It's Valentine.'

That bloody scoundrel Kas was back in Cove. To be fair, I'd missed him. never usually a dull moment when he's around and when his head is on it, he's a bloody good soldier in the field.

His dueling done, his final salvo almost seeming to blast the very armour off Pickles body (my gaze averted of course), he began to regale us all with tales of woe and debt from his time abroad.

Raiden to Tiberius, upon Kas' return: 'They sent us the wrong Valentine!

I was just about to get my handkerchief out when Aries appeared. Something was different about her. She seemed a little timid, venturing into Cove and into the barracks alone but that wasn't it? Had she changed her hair? Damnit Raiden, you needed to notice if she had, I told myself...

I went over to her, Tibby and Kas tittering just out of earshot. Her armour! She was out of her leathers for sure but now she was an 'Ironarm'. Seems that her Corporal in the Waywatchers tried to forbid her from seeing me, so the lass decided to return to the regular militia.

We retired to the tavern, the whispers behind us still in full flow, bastards. Once there, Aries assured me it was her choice and that she was happy. That's all I needed to hear. We had a lovely night. Though I need to buy myself a can opener now.

Great to see Kas back, though Tibby looked a little distant when we were all talking about old times. Never really seen him like that in all these years...