Tales of Berseria - In Calamity's Wake

Chapter 4 - Ignorance, Not So Blissful

The gates to Karaez opened once more, allowing entry to a legion of armored soldiers, knights sporting colors of red and blue made up their ranks, bearing the distinct colors and metal of their respective kingdoms. It was an odd sight still, to see the troops of both the Kingdom of Hyland and the Empire of Rolance shoulder to shoulder like this, but desperate times do call for desperate measures, and this 'Alliance' was just that at the end of the day.

Futile desperation.

Citizens who stood aside from their march spoke of a ceasefire between the two warring nations after a great incident occurred, doing so to combine whatever forces they could to fight off the encroaching death upon their world. The attempt was in vain in the eyes of the dark forces that had tore through their ranks mercilessly, all at the whim of a greater evil who had plunged this continent into pandemonium.

Two figures led these soldiers through the main street as civilians made way for them. Captains of their fellow countrymen, one a young woman, blonde hair tied into a long ponytail down her back, sharp eyes holding firm emerald looked onward, while she proudly sported the royal blue of Hyland upon her tabard.

Next to her, striding alongside the woman was a slightly taller man, shoulders a smidge broad, and brown hair combed back smoothly. His frown, just as perpetual as hers, presented himself as a cold and dignified man, the pompous crimson of Rolance gave his surcoat a lively color.

Though as professional as they made themselves out to be, their movements were exhausted and sluggish, most likely from the long trip they had endured to get to this faraway port town. Many of the men and women groaned out, sounding their fatigue, much to the annoyance of one of the captains.

The blonde was first to break composure, teeth grinding against the cacophony of tired souls, she glared over her shoulder, shouting to them all "Stop with the whining! If you still have your legs then you can move 'em just fine! God!" She berated, trying hard to keep her own feet from dragging.

The man at her side sighed out, losing his serious act in favor of a less tense expression, too was becoming worn from the endless journey, losing some of the men to the foul beasts the blight of death had birthed, putting them all on wavering morale.

"Our squadron could use some respite, Clara. Don't give them such a rough time" he put a hand on the woman's shoulder, who glared back and shook it off.

"Are you kidding me? We're in a time of crisis and you think it's good to just relax whenever we want!? Abram what in blazes are you thinking!?" Clara spat, scowling at her partner, though she'd rather prefer otherwise. "If this is how you Platinum Knights are, then I'm astonished you and your empire have remained for so long."

Abram snarled, keeping pace as they both argued "Perhaps your forces aren't up to snuff, you ever figured that?."

"Oh is that it? Us Hylanders never once backed down from the squabbles your pitiable country instigates, our victories number in the hundreds! Nay, thousands!"

"Hah, 'thousands' she says" The mock laugh and roll of the eyes set off the Hyland Captain, who raised a fist at Abram, challengingly.

"Hell, I shall prove it myself! You!" Clara pointed her finger to a yawning Knight, who hastily saluted to her "Find us a bar! I shall drink this scum under the table, and if he wishes to protect his honor as a 'Platinum Knight', then he shall comply with the challenge set!" The fiery blonde commanded, following the Knight as he searched for a tavern of any kind.

Abram stayed behind with the rest, smirking to himself. This was just what he wanted. One of his soldiers ran up and subtly high-fived the smug man, having achieved that desired respite. A trip to the bar.