Cervato - Girl On Fire (Part 1 of Cervato's Saga)

55 Season of the Phoenix 1328 AE

Too much has happened in just one week. Trying to filter everything out is not possible. So I'll summarize...

We had a mission within the Iron Marches. We engaged in combat with Mordrem, with little to no injuries. However, some of them escaped, rushing north from where the battle took place. They crashed through a charr encampment, unfortunately there were some casualties, but we learned of their next destination and pushed on. Myself, Kari, Sin, and Valder followed after one of them. it was very fast, but with our skilled teamwork we were able to bring it down. Upon regrouping with the rest of the team, we found they had fought a large Mordrem enemy. Zarek barely had anything left of his uniform, besides his plate armor that turned a sickly green color. We were able to make it back home, and he was diagnosed with a broken shoulder, forearm, and several ribs. The medical aids did as best they could, and he was given a week's leave to recover before magical aide could be applied.

I've prepared him to be as comfortable as possible, with Luke and Ti'lay's help of course. Winston seems to enjoy that Zarek is home more often, finding his lap the perfect place to curl upon in bed. Unfortunately, I could not remain with him for long, as I had an assignment with Kari to scout Dry Top. I've still yet to write of my prior trip there with Deronjur, but I hope to recount the journey soon.

Kari and myself arrived without any problems, besides the occasional Mordrem or ravaging vine trying to snatch us. She's rather capable a woman, quick and nimble. As we stepped foot into the arid region, a norn came across us by the name of Runa Ravnhjerte, who was merely exploring the area herself. She was very familiar with the land, and provided us with crucial information for our mission that would occur later that evening. She offered to tag along, to which Kari and myself accepted. We spent probably an hour's time climbing old wreckage of one of the Zephyrites crashed air ships, and gained a very beautiful view overlooking the great canyon. Then Runa had to be off, and we continued on. We noted the friendly centaur, I mentioned the story of how I nearly killed one. My Krytan nature. We also took a moment to rest at the Oasis, truly the most beautiful of places in the region in my opinion. Finally, we scouted an area found to be strong with energy from the supposed leylines of magic I've been informed of by Kari, and another area just full of sand.

Later, a group of us ventured, including Kari, myself, the Captain, Casey, Desear, and Silveronus. The last three are new recruits within the regiment. Casey seems to have his head on his shoulders, though he briefly shared a bit with me of his backstory, and I can only hope that his life from now on will flourish happily. Desear appears...cocky. Honestly, he reminds me far too much of myself, which could be a bad thing. Last but not least, Silveronus. I've now come to know that his family has been cruel to him. After a series of odd events that I simply will refuse to write about, most of his family's household was banished from Ebonhawke. Hopefully, being with the Vanguard will provide a positive impact on each of their lives, as it has on mine.

We journeyed through the region, lost a couple Third Regiment soldiers along the way, fought several variations of Mordrem that it made me feel sick. Sin thought he saw a giant Mordrem in the whirling sandstorm as we continued west, so we made our way down a canyon wall to investigate. To my utter surprise, it was a Giant. Walking among the storms. The thing nearly killed us all, but thankfully we were able to escape with our lives back to the Oasis. We'll need the entire regiment to take down that creature if ordered to do so. I do not look forward to seeing the Giant again anytime soon.

Afterwards there was an incident with Silveronus's family, which I already mentioned I would not get into any detail as the incident itself made me so cross. Though the date may serve as the new record holder for most arrests within the walls of the city. I never want to see another Ceres again as long as I can, sans Silveronus himself.

I'm coming to learn more of my companions. Kari and Casey accompanied me to the Wayrest Inn. Kari admitted she had never had an alcoholic beverage yet. And Casey revealed he had only just had his own the previous day. I paid for their rounds. Casey had the typcial tavern ale, which Kari started off with too, but at the sight of her face I allowed her to try some wine which she seemed more partial too. It's nice. Growing closer with those I call part of my new family. My team. Finding more friends. A random stranger bought us a round for free so we continued until Casey and Kari bid me farewell.

As I was preparing to leave myself, a familiar face arrived. From my old House Zwe day's. Nevyrrn. His hair has grown out longer, though the eye patch is still the same. I miss his choice of deep reds and rich purples as part of his armor and devotion to Lyssa, but besides that, it was nice to see him. He had the most forlorn of looks on his face and upon being prompted, he admitted to having proposed marriage to a woman by the name of Canaveral, part of that group known as Valor's Lament. His proposal failed however, as she didn't understand what the ring was for.

I'm terrible. I laughed. Poor Nevyrnn was looking for sympathy and I laughed in his face. Truly, I felt it humorous that he had been rejected by this girl. The reason why? She did not understand what the ring was for! Poor, sad, Nev. But, in an effort to cheer him up, we drank together for a good long while. I had not expected to see another old face in my new home, but it was a pleasant visit nonetheless. In the past, he used to be one who followed me along on my infamous bar crawls with the group. We briefly relived the memory. Somehow, I ended back up at the Barracks. My great sword has some scuff marks on it, so I may have resorted to using it as a walking cane. I recall being carried at some point by someone with strong arms. Not the first time I've ended a night with a stranger assisting me home, and whomever the poor fool was, I wish them so many blessings and apologies for how I must have acted towards them.

Atreyu joined the Vanguard First Regiment today.

I didn't believe his words until he was actually standing before me. But he came, and he was accepted.

I'm not entirely sure how I feel on the matter yet...