Remember Sunshine and Happiness

[Gennadiya Lyosha]

Cylus 5 720

The bandage was showing some stain of red at the outer wrappings, but that didn’t necessarily worry the young healer. She stood next to the young knight looked at him and said. “I am going to check on this.” She said firmly to the knight as he stood at gate duty. He looked at her in surprise but shrugged. “We don’t need it to get infected.” The healer said as she slowly started to unwrap the bandage. The Knight looked her up and down as if noticing her for the first time and suddenly seemed uncomfortable. He turned away and there was an uncomfortable silence.

Then he started to speak to the other guard in an effort to break the silences. “Have you heard that Judges fu…., “ Genna felt the glance even as she kept her eyes on carefully unwrapping it. She did it slowly to make sure that she wouldn’t tear any scabbing off. “think we don’t have a chance.” Genna’s expression didn’t change, though her focus shifted to listening.

“Can you blame them?” The other guard scoffed. “The crap war with that Necromancy witch has distracted the main parts of the army.” Genna could hear him prepare to spit and then pause. “And now they are all Celebrating the great victory.”

“Leaving us here to forgotten to guard their backs.” The first guards said even as Genna removed the last layer of the bandage. She took the bandage and carefully rolled it to be cleaned she would need it later. The wound had a nice scab over it. Gennadiya pulled out the cleaning alcohol. “I mean where are the rest of the support. There are lots of more Knights in Rharne. What the ….” He said and Genna applied the alcohol. She then looked into his eyes.

“I will finish cleaning this and then will apply another bandage. Come and get another clean one tomorrow.” She said as she removed the alcohol and applied and clean cloth. “I couldn’t help hearing your conversation.” She said as if she had accidently walked into their conversation. She smiled at both of them, a confident smile. “It is true that this fortress has taken a beating, but you and your fellow Knights haven’t been forgotten.” She finished tightening bandage. She stepped out in front of them still smiling. “I and others have come here to help to support the Knights because we believe in your strength and wanted to support you.”

Genna paused and then touched each man’s check. “Don’t let the dark of Cylus cloud your souls. You are Lightening Knights and with your brothers we all can rebuild standing side by side.” She then slowly released Ray of Light on her hair. Unlike the attack the other day this wasn’t a focused and glowed more like the dawns light. “Remember that darkness will end and glories day will come back. Together we can get through this together and there is peace at the other end.”

The two knights looked at her in in wonder as she smiled and walked away. All she could do was help others to feel appreciated, she couldn’t force it and wouldn’t try. As she walked the light in her hair still glowing and reminding others of light. Gennadiya noticed some of the knights and other volunteers just stopping and enjoying the light as she walked by. The chosen of Ymiden kept running the conversation she had just heard through her head again and again. The leadership wasn’t encouraging there men. Gennadiya didn’t believe they should lie to their men, that was suicide but they should let their men know they believed in them.

Gennadiya got a determined expression on her face and turned to walk up to one of the squires. They seemed more informed about where people were then the knights. The young man paused and looked at her in surprise as Genna politely but crisply said. “Were is Vega?”

“The red haired loudmouth.” The squire blurted to surprise then blushed as Genna raised an eyebrow. He gave her directions.

“Thank you.” She said and patted the boy’s check. She turned and made her way towards Vega. Gennadiya moved with purpose but she still seemed to float across the ground as she moved. It was here that she realized she still had her ability glowing and allowed it to fade before she found Vega. Once she found Vega she approached the red haired woman and spoke politely but to the point.

“Hello Vega.” She said making sure she extended a greeting. “If you’re not busy I was hoping you could help me.” She paused and then continued. “I just overheard a conversation where two Knights expressed concern that their leadership had not faith in them or the coming conflict. I think the generals here need a reminder that they set the moral for their troops. I was hoping you would help me about their obligations?” Genna’s blue eyes flashed and her voice held that layer of steel she didn’t often show.

[Vega]

Alright boys, let's get crackin'

Vega was checking on one of the walls they'd built, strengthening it and making sure that it was fit for purpose. They were going to need to keep checking, and so she made it a matter of course to just do the rounds, each trial. She looked up as Gennadiya came up to her and listened to the woman speak. Vega sighed, pulling her shawl around herself as she did, fighting against the biting wind of the season. "Yep. No worries. The thing is," Vega said, with a grin. "The leaders need hope, an' the troops need it. An' frankly, hope is somethin' I can help with." Vega shrugged, just slightly. "Xiur's marked me twice now, an' so that helps, an' this here fiddle is blessed by him, too. So, I reckon, what we need to do is this." She said, walking with Gennadiya. It was strange, perhaps, the contrast between the red-head and the platinum-haired woman. Vega obviously really wasn't that bothered about what she wore, or how she looked or sounded. She kept her hair out of her face and that was that. Add in to that, she was loud and cantankerous, sometimes downright rude to people (although only when they deserved it, she maintained) and yet.

"Heya, Shaun, wotch out over there, that's gonna topple," she called to one of the Knights. "Helena, it's good to see you up an' about," she said to another. There were a half-dozen or more greetings between her and the others there. Vega didn't separate herself from the people doing the work - quite the opposite. She worked and ate and did everything she could to be part of them. "I was thinkin' too, that this evenin' after food, we could have a sort of sing-song an' story-tellin' round the campfire. I know it sounds right daft, but that kind of thing really makes a difference," she said, and patted her fiddle, "especially with Hope's Fiddle." She glanced up as an apparently human-looking man with eyes which showed him as slightly more than that - they were a bright almost unnatural green and his pupils are slightly slitted and vertical like that of a feline - walked up to her. Vega grinned at him, and hugged him, a gesture which he returned. "This is Esher," she said, softly."Esher, this is Gennadiya." He nodded at Genna but didn't say anything, falling into step besides Vega.

"We're talking about needin' to bring hope, an' help the people here, especially the leaders," Vega said and then, Esher did speak. "It is not Xiur who does that," he said. "It is you, and that is why Xiur chooses you. Be yourself, be kind like you were to me. and show them the ring." Vega looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "You think?" Vega sounded unsure, and Esher nodded. "Remember what the Knights told you when you gave it to them." He said, and Vega nodded. "I will get ready for our hunting trip. Good trial, Gennadiya"

Watching him go, Vega had a look of some concern on her face. Like she was watching a younger brother. Turning to Gennadiya, she held up a hand, on which was a gold

ring

. "We helped the Knights before, in the battle at the marketplace, where Rharne were attacked. An' ousted out a traitor. Then there was the fuss in Mistral Village an' we helped there. Apparently, it's a good thing, I always thought it were takin' advantage."

That said, though, Vega decided - as always on the spur of the moment - what she was going to do. "Right. Dray!" That was her calling to one of the squires. "I'm callin' a meetin' of the leaders, the commanders. Tell 'em, would you? Run out to the outlying bits, an' get them here. Ten bits, I've got urgent information what's gonna help us win this thing. An' if they need encouragin' tell 'em if they don't, I'll be grouchy." The young lad grinned and Vega nodded. "Any an' all o' yer friends, too. You still here? Stop lollygaggin'!" With a grin he gave her a half-salute and then ran.

"Right then," Vega said to Gennadiya, "I've got a plan. We've got ten bits to get a room prepared an' then, we need to make the commanders into a team, an' from there, it'll trickle down. But we need hope an' positivity. So, I'm gonna give them that, in terms of a secret weapon, the likes o'which they weren't prepared for." And at that, she grinned broadly. "Me. Come on then, lets get this room sorted. Main hall?"

[Gennadiya Lyosha]

The Lysorian woman was pleased when the red headed Vega listened and actually agreed with her own assessment of the attitude among the knights. Gennadiya willingly joined the woman as they began to move through the knights. Genna didn’t know many of the knights yet as her time had been spent mostly with those who came to the infirmary. She still smiled and nodded to those who Vega acknowledged. She also acknowledged the couple knights she ran into weeds she had previously helped. As the two there were the obvious physical differences between the two woman but there was a similarity to them just a difference approach. Both were strong women who cared for those around them. Vega went out and helped in this difficult situations and got down and dirty with the people around her and got to know them. Gennadiya normally came worked with people in the day to day. She like to come to there homes and heal them help them be comfortable and get to know them and become there friends. At the end of the trial though both woman grew to love the people they helped even if they showed it in different ways.

Gennadiya listened as Vega explained about her blessing from Xiur’s. Gennadiya had heard of this Immortal but wasn’t overly familiar with him or his domains. Honestly Genna had only really heard of him connected with dusk and the stars. Vega had the ability to help encourage hope. The young healer could appreciate that as she found restoring hope could be more difficult than other treatments.

Gennadiya hadn’t thought about holding a sing along. She smiled her approval though at the suggestion. “That is a good idea. Music and singing together is an excellent way to bring people closer and to uplift the spirit.”

Genna turned her attention to the newest addition to there group. Gennadiya nodded and smiled at the man. “Nice to meet you Esher.” The young healer then quietly listened as the other two spoke. Gennadiya couldn’t understand all of it but did understand the important message. Immortals chose the mark bearers because they carried the attributes needed.

“Good Trial Esher.” She said in fair well as the man departed as quickly as he came. Vega made several decisions and issued several orders. Genna carefully hid her smile as she found herself swept up into those plans.

Genna tapped her chin and nodded her head. “Okay lets get the main hall set up.” She said and moved towards the main hall. “We will need to set up it with a relaxed atmosphere. These people will have enough on their plates as it so we want to encourage them to be calmer.” She thought for a moment but felt that she needed to see the room to really understand it lay outs.

Once in the room Gennadiya set to work with Vega to prepare the room. Which included such things as building up the fire, arranging the seating so that they could enjoy the warmth but also created a more personable setting. Gennadiya looked at Vega and spoke. “A warm fire always helps people be more relaxed, and we don’t want the leaders to come in and feel they are getting a lecture or chastised. This will help us put them at ease. What else do you think we need to adjust?” She asked while still review the more personal setting.

Gennadiya helped with any other adjustments that were to be made to the room. Then she stood by the fire enjoying the warmth while they waited for the rest of the leaders to coming. Genna stood with a relaxed stance for her a gentle smile on her face as the first of the leaders began to come in. Genna hadn’t as of yet actually met the leaders but that wasn’t any issue as the healer was used to talking with new people.

[Vega]

Leadership, Lei'nox-style....

Vega had to admit that she was pleased that Gennadiya was here. The woman seemed competent and capable and, more than that, she thought of things which it simply would not have occurred to Vega to do. Like making the place warm and welcoming. It would not have occurred to her, and she had to admit that it was a good idea. Vega was more of a fan of tough love or, more precisely, just tough. Yet, she understood that Gennadiya was right to make those preparations and she helped, as much as she could, in getting the place ready. "Truth is, I wouldn't have thought of this lot, so no, I can't think of nothin' else." Vega admitted when Gennadiya asked her if she could think of anything else to adjust. Vega never had any issues in admitting what she knew or didn't know - her tendency towards arrogance was based in knowing what she was good at, after all, and how far she'd come in terms of that. "It's a good idea, doin' this. I'm glad you've thought of it." It would help, after all. And they both knew that they needed these people on side. As an afterthought, Vega considered. "Oh, actually, there is somethin' I can do." She lifted up her eyes and smiled. "Wotcha, Xiur. Would you mind makin' it nice in here? Warm an' stuff?" And as she did that, the temperature rose The Blessed can impart an actual rise or drop in local temperature, to bring relief and encourage good moods. This can be up to a 15-degree effect in a single building; a 10-degree effect over a city block, or a 5-degree effect over a small village. At "Adored", raise the effect by an additional 5 degrees, and make the new 5-degree area be the size of a large town. and the place itself felt warmer, better. Nicer. Vega smiled. "Thanks, Xiur. You're the best." And then turned that smile to Gennadiya. "That should help?"

And, quickly enough, once they were done, the commanders and so on of the Lightning Knights started coming in. Vega looked at them and she smiled slightly. They looked tired, they really did. She had to sympathise, really, this was a rubbish situation and they all needed to get a bit more ... oomph.

And ooomph, she thought, she could do.

"Right, thanks an' all for comin' I know you're all busy as busy things on busy-day in busyville, so I appreciate you takin' the time. But what we wanna talk to you about, well it's important." Vega spoke in her usual tone, making sure that she did not sound overly aggressive or passive. But just herself. "But we've got a problem, an' I think its only us that can sort it. Or, more precisely, only you lot."

There was some mumbling around the room and Vega motioned. "Them lot, out there, they're losin' hope. An' we all know, don't we, where they're gonna look for that hope." She motioned to them. "They're gonna look to you. Because you are the commanders - the chiefs. The ones in charge. You are the ones they turn to when things are desperate, an' they don't know what to do. You are their mothers an' fathers, their teachers an' you make the difference to them." Vega smiled. "An' we all know we've got one snarklin' huge job on our hands an' if that lot out there give up, we're done for. So, I think we need to make a plan." She smiled at them and looked around. "Because individually, you all are leadin' your people an' doin' your thing. But I thought of somethin' what's likely to make your jobs easier. Because right now, they must be wicked hard." There were nods and slight grumbles, but Vega had hit a nerve.

They were the ones in charge. They were responsible. She knew that. She'd seen it.

"I'm blessed by Xiur, an' there's a thing what I can do that I think can help you. Because individually, you're great, an' you're pushin' these people through it by leadin' by example. But I think if we can make them a bit more united under one banner, then we'll be better. I can make it so that one word, just one, what any one of us says, if we say that word, it will bring about a feelin' of hope, of determination an' courage in the people around us. The more of us there are sayin' it an' believin' it, well the stronger it becomes. So it will make your job of leadin' these people easier, an' it will help you all to help them."

There were some whispered words, some doubtful glances in the silence which Vega maintained for a few seconds, then she smiled. "You lot think I'm barkin' mad, don't ya? Well, I tell you what." She stepped forward, and stood, more where she could be seen. There, she stepped on to a low stool, raising herself up higher. "We are of Rharne!" as she said that, she first used the bolstering optimismThe Blessed is able to bring a brief surge of hopeful resolve to those around him. Within 10 feet, this lasts for eight bits; to 20 feet, it lasts for five bits; to 30 feet it lasts for two bits. At "Adored", double either the range or duration - she doubles the range to 20 feet for eight bits ability from her Xiur power, to bring about a feeling of hopefulness. And then, she said it again. "Rharne! Rharne!" And, at that wordFulcrum of Fervor: The Blessed can select a single word to empower with the ability to spread optimism. When he cries it, those nearby may take up the cry, compounding the power and range of it's uplifting effect. The fervor generated by this collective outcry will last until dawn of the next trial. she heard them start to chant with her and Vega grinned. "You feel that? Xiur - the Immortal of Hope. Qylios - the Immortal of Leadership and Ilaren, our own Patron, they are with us!" Looking at them all with determination in her multicoloured eyes, Vega nodded. "We have to win. We will win! For Rharne!"

Looking at Gennadiya, Vega raised an eyebrow. Now seemed like a good time for her and her glowiness to add to the feeling, Vega thought.

[Gennadiya Lyosha]

Gennadiya nodded and gave a small smile at Vega’s compliment. The Lysorian woman guessed enough about the woman to know that a compliment was as sincere as her criticism. Genna could feel the temperature being to rise as Vega called upon Xiur’s blessing, and she nodded her head in approval. The fires would certainly help increase the temperature, but this way it was at a nice temperature when the officers came in. Genna did a quick look over and then nodded her head in acceptance that is was they best they could do with the time allotted.

Genna stood by the fire place as the officer came in. She smiled and nodded a greeting to each of them as they came in. Her calm expression and gentle beauty had its own soothing touch that she wasn’t completely aware of but she did now that people did respond better to a friendly greeting. She by no means had the officers smiling and happy, but it was all part of the environment. Genna blue eyes watched each of these men as they came in to the room. They were all clearly struggling but there were certainly different degrees of struggling. Most showed the normal wear and tear of being in a difficult situation but there were some who showed more skepticism. That was who the young woman was looking for.

Her gazed settled upon one middle age commander who was just oozing his skepticism. Genna couldn’t understand why it was that he was so skeptical, it could be his personality, it could be depression, it could be weariness. She just understood if they could bring someone like that to their side it would have a big impact upon the soldiers. She briefly closed her blue eyes and used her eyes of the behold ability. She put the man in the shoes of one of his soldiers. They man now gained insight into the hopes and desires of his men. Even as Vera began to talk about inspireing the men he began to feel how his men wanted his support, wanted him to believe in them. He also began to understand how brave his men were as they fought fear at every turn. The officer began to realize he could have effect.

Gennadiya could see the expression the man’s face softening even as Vega began to lead them in a chant. The young woman raised her own voice in celebration of the city they were fighting for. Her alto voice rising musically with the chant as she watched one officer expressing become less skeptical and join enthusiastically with the others.

Gennadiya stepped forward as Vega stopped talking. As she stepped forward she allowed the Ray of Light to infuse her hair so it gave the a warm light like the rising sun. The ability itself had no actual power to change attitudes but the light it gave off did. Light inspired people especially in the season of Cylus and thee and then the officers got the benefit of basic I. Light. Gennadiya then raised her voice in a patriotic Rharne song. Her voice ringing out simple and clear. It was any great skill but she sang with conviction and sang something close to the men’s heart. Music was one of the best ways to help people as it was a way for them to join together to express a common view. Both the song and the expanding light seemed to help the men and they joined the song.

When the song was done Genna spoke firmly. “Remember that you also have Ymiden and Moseke with you. With the dark of Cylus it is sometimes hard to remember but the light is there and it will return. We will face the night but dawn will come. This Fortress stands and each day you and your men are making it stronger. With you leading the way we can bring hope and light And stand as a beacon to all Rharne.” Genna smiled. “You all have much to be proud of and so do your men, but you must show them that.” She glanced over at Vega. Now would be a good time to mention have a gathering but the young woman would leave that up to Vega since she started planning it.

Already there were hopeful expression on the faces of the officers.

[Vega]

Well, that's surprising ......

It was working.

Vega had to assume that the majority of that was down to Gennadiya since she was of the opinion that she was about as much use as a chocolate saucepan. Immortals, but how she missed chocolate. It had been an age since she'd gotten her hands on any, and Vega suddenly thought about it. Luxuries. Treats. Things that were hot and sweet and comforting. That was something that this place - these people - they were missing. Vega determined there and then that she was going to be making a difference to that. Next time she went to Rharne, to collect supplies, she was going to bring back things which Arlo could use to make desserts with.

And she'd eat her body weight in chocolate, too.

As Gennadiya began to sing, Vega's voice lifted with hers. Vega had a clear and perhaps surprisingly melodicExpert Singing voice and she joined with them as they sang. Gennadiya spoke of Ymiden and Moseke and then there was the moment where they switched places again. It was interesting, Vega noticed, it was like the two of them did that unconsciously, but they both knew when it happened. "She's right. We're in this, together, for Rharne." Every time she used the word, it helped, she knew.

"An' for Rharne, an' it's safety, we need to start thinkin' long term. So, here's what we can do." She gestured around the room where they were. "We need to remember that this isn't a dusty an' drafty hell-hole, this is where we stand, for our homes. For Rharne. So we make it more. We make it ours. We sit together an' do more than jus' eat in quiet concern. We sit an' share stories, we sing songs together. You all feel what that did, jus' now? It made us realise that there is hope. For Rharne, there is hope!" She looked at them, each one of them it seemed, and she spoke to them.

"Then lets do this for the soldiers, for the volunteers, for the new recruits an' the gatekeepers, for the young kids who've come here, an' for every soul yet to step foot in this place but who will fight for Rharne with us." Vega was aware of the energy in the room and so now was the time, she knew. Now was the time to get them to turn that energy. "So, tonight, every night, we'll tell stories an' laugh. Us, an' then it'll spread out. An' we will sing. Sing that song - hum it if you want, because yer too manly to be caught singin', or if you couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, but hum it, whistle it, make it ours." She pointed to the door. "Because those men an' women out there, they're ours. They're yours. An' they're here to fight an' bleed, an' heal an' cook, an' carry an' fetch. They aren't here to die, an' we're not gonna let them." There was a murmur of agreement then and Vega took advantage of it. "For Rharne!"

They took up the call and she beamed. "Go on, then. Get them started, an' whip them into shape. We've got a war to win!" And with a spring in their steps, that was what they did - the Commanders of Storms Edge, each one of them more motivated, more determined, and more willing to fight but - more than that - each one of them left more hopeful.

With a grin at Gennadiya, once the men had left, Vega nodded her head. "Good work. Real good work, I'd say."

[Yrmellyn Cole]

Thread Rewards

Overview

Vega and Gennadiay understand that people need to feel hope when they are at war and facing extreme dangers.

The characters' personalities shine in the thread. The interaction between them is a study in collaboration between two very different women who come together in their desire to spread light and hope to the defenders.

Their encouraging songs and uplifting stories will for sure make everybody feel much better and able to meet one more day of monster attacks ^^ I count this as a major contribution of enormous impact on the battle moral. Hope is the last thing to die - because some are working to keep it up. Your PCs get 25 renown, well deserved.

Carry on and save Rharne!

Gennadiya

Rewards and consequences

Points: 15

Knowledge:

Knowledge: Leadership x3
Psychology x2
Singing x2
Detection x1

Renown: 25

Consequences: The atmosphere in the keep is full of new hope!

Skill Review: Appropriate

Vega

Rewards and consequences

Points: 15

Knowledge:

Leadership x4
Singing x4

Renown: 25

Consequences: The atmosphere in the keep is full of new hope!

Skill Review: Appropriate

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