Sir Jayder approached the two waiting at the Abbey's doorstep with open arms and boisterous smile on his face. "Young man! Seems that you took me up on that offer and arrived!"
Bodo's face beamed with the same astonishment that occurred the day he fist met Jayder. "Oh- of course, Sir Jayder! I'm true to my word!" "And to my fascination.." Bodo thought to himself. The old priest was staring at Jayder approach, astonished. "S-Sir Jayder? Is it true that you invited HIM?.." He wheezed, pointing a finger meekly at the boy. "That is true." Jayder said sternly. "What harm could be done in showing an eager lad like Steelsworn around the halls for a bit? Isn't that right young sir?" The paladin reached over and placed a hand upon Bodo's shoulder reassuringly.
Having been so caught up in the realization that he was standing in the awe-inspiring presence of a Veteran Paladin who's chosen to give this young adoring fan, of all people, a tour of the sacred Northshire abbey- Bodo did not notice Jayder towering in front of him.
"..Young sir?" He lifted and placed his giant hand upon Bodo's shoulder once again. "WOH!- Oh!" Clearly caught by surprise and flailing about. The Paladin looked down upon the boy with a disapproving look- but behind that facade was trying to hold back laughter that would echo throughout the halls and more, but failed to do so- releasing a slight chuckle. "Well.. what do you say? Ready for your tour?" As if Bodo couldn't be more in awe right now, his eyes glowed, looking up at the towering hero. "I am, Sir!" "Let's grab your things and head right this way!" The two marched onward eagerly.
The old priest was left alone, astonished in his own way. His thin finger still pointing in the direction that Bodo used to be standing in. He was absolutely, completely and utterly, one hundred percent dumbfounded. "H-Him?.."
Footsteps echoed throughout the holy halls, ones of metal- the other of leather boots. The abbey- despite being a sanctum of light. Was actually quite dim, only recieving few embraces of sunlight that pierced through the high stained glass windows, and the occasional candle bra here and there. Completely taking in the beautiful and intricate designs of the ceramic tiling that created art of azure and silver that spanned the walls and floors on the chapel- Jayder turned to see his guest's face, smiling and gazing at every little detail. "I assume you're taking quite nicely to our little decorations?" he inquired kindly. It took a moment for Bodo to reply after gathering his thoughts. "I very much do, Sir. It's very similar to the one's my family's manor had!" but saying this, Bodo was solemnly reminded of his true intentions of being here. "Your family manor you say?" Sir Jayder's head tilted back curiously. "No disrespect, Young SteelSworn- but I didn't take you for the nobleman. What manor does your family own? Perhaps I've passed by it." The young man was reluctant to talk about the subject more, but decided that if anyone should know- it should be Jayder. "Well, Sir.. You see, we don't own the manor anymore. It.." He took a breath. "It was destroyed quite awhile ago.. You remember when the Mason's guild had their uprising in Stormwind City?" Bodo placed his bag down. "Well, my family was connected to a number of the masons- and when they rioted, our manor was one of the first places they attacked." Sir Jayder looked solemn, but gripping tightly. "They stormed in, holding our family hostage- and before the guards could arrive, had either stolen or destroyed all our belongings. To repair the damages to the manor would have been exponential- and with our riches and heirlooms gone, my father seemed to have lost hope.." Suddenly, Bodo's hands were gripped tightly too, as he looked up at Jayder, through teary eyes. "That's why.. I must become a Knight! I must be the one beacon of hope for my family once more, I have to become their protector, I have to make those who hurt us pay!"
Sir Jayder was silent. Staring down at the young man, with a grim expression. It was hard to tell what he was feeling, and Bodo waited for a response. Almost a minute has passed and it was becoming nerve-wracking. "Was this a mistake to have told him?" "What's he gonna say?" "Why is he so quiet?" Suddenly..
"Is vengeance your purpose?.."
He didn't know how to respond. Yes, it was true that Bodo wanted to make those who harmed his family pay for what they done- but it wasn't all.
"Well.. not exactly-" "Vengeance won't lead you down a righteous path." Jayder announced sternly and coldly. "If this burning fury inside of you is what you desire, then you're better off not even trying to commune with the light. You're better off just getting a sword and shield and being a warrior fueled only by your desires." Bodo was shocked- startled at what the Paladin was saying to him. He was speechless. Should he not have told Jayder? But this is for justice! Not some petty act of revenge! "-But.." "If you say you want to be their beacon of hope.. to heal their wounds, and provide peace to your people, and hopefully the world.." The man continued thoughtfully. "Then perhaps.. following this holy path, could be the one you need." Finally making eye contact, the two gazed at each other. Placing a hand out to the boy, the Knight gave him a choice. "Young SteelSworn, should you choose to follow this path, your life may change forever- for good or for worse, know that what you are doing shall be for the betterment of the world if you succeed. I hereby offer you a chance as the role of my squire, to train and live the lifestyle of a Knight- and have an opportunity to pursue dreams of your very own.." The Paladin and boy we're staring at eachother- both in awe. "What is your answer, Bodo SteelSworn?" Feeling entirely overwhelmed and unsure if this was all a dream or not, but aswell as completely confident in what his answer shall be- Bodo stepped forward.
"I accept."
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Phiêu lưuIn world full of wars and crafts, heroes and villains- there's more than just a select few that live life on a knife's edge.