To Serve . . .

[ninjasquirrel1]

Sieg and Luna were still in the tavern, she had not yet recovered from the poison. Luna spent her days and nights sleeping, while Sieg spent his searching. He had not slept for the past two days, he had been peering through a naval address book. The yellowy-white pages illuminated by a single candle near the basin of water on the dresser. The small flame danced wildly, casting it's light onto the pages as Siegfried scanned each word, not missing a single syllable . . .

Siegfried walked along a countryroad, it was morning now, he had walked through the night to get to Ladorak's house. He had found his address around one o'clock in the morning, not wanting to wake Luna, he left a note.

Walking up to the door, Sieg lightly rapped on the door . . .

[Ladorak]

A carriage could be seen off in the distance, rattling along the road in a slow manner, two strong voles pulling it from the front. It moved through the early morning haze, getting closer to Sieg's position, but still a good ways off in the distance. The house that supposedly belonged to Ladorak Fugate was dark, many of the windows having no lights shining, but then again it was the early morning, and a Saturday no less.

Movement could be heard though, a scurrying about from inside that sounded almost like running as paws padded up to the door and the handle was turned, swinging the door open and in to the interior of the house. Sieg might have thought that he had the wrong house at first, as there was only a glowering albino pine marten kit looking up at him, his park eyes dark and lurid as they fixed Sieg with a glare. Sieg might have recognized this marten kit as Caden Freemont however, the son of the now deceased Nuori Sken Freemont.

"Who are YOU?" the kit demanded in a threatening voice. "I'm gonna disembobble ye!" he turned to start walking back in to the house when suddenly a mountain of white fur and naval uniform was behind him. It was blocking his view, and Caden sighed unhappily.

"Caden, that's NOT how you greet guests to the house." came the firm voice, reprimanding the kit, though the albino didn't seem to pay too much attention to this. "Please go to your room and start getting ready." the two were staring at each other, the adult still wreathed in shadows as he stood behind the doorway. Caden angrily sulked off behind the adult, heading back in to the shadows of the house. The adult moved in to the light, and Sieg could see that it was Ladorak Fugate, sporting his white ermine coat for the winter, his fur being thick and almost fluffy looking in appearance. He was wearing the uniform of a Commander, the same rank he'd held in the Imperium, though this uniform was clearly not an Imperium one.

"Apologies, he's still getting settled in to...." but his words trailed off his green eyes took in the sight of Siegfried Ronshausen standing on his front door step. Ladorak was still wearing his golden pince nez spectacles, and soon a look of pure shock and amazement passed over his face. Oh no! Had he not been....careful enough? What could....what could this mean? "S....Siegfried? Siegfried Ronshausen?" Ladorak looked around behind the ferret, trying to see if anybeast else was out there, but the road was empty. He was by himself?

"What...." Ladorak stepped outside, pulling the door almost all the way closed behind him as he did so. "What are you doing here?" the ermine asked, astonishment still written in to his features. Behind Sieg, the carriage had reached the road directly in front of Ladorak's house, and clattered to a halt. Ladorak's eyes briefly flicked over to the vehicle but paid it little mind as he once again focused on Sieg. It seemed the stoat was on edge in more ways than one.

[ninjasquirrel1]

"Who are YOU? I'm gonna disembobble ye!" Sieg turned towards the small voice, having turned around when he knocked. It was a young albino pine marten, Sieg smiled as the small furry object reminded him of Lunaesta. The ferret was about to object to the kit as he started to run off. But it was not needed, another beast, obviously much older than the small creature, blocked his way. Sieg could not tell who it was, for shadows of the house covered his face, but he could make out the shine of pince nez. As the larger creature reprimanded the kit, the voice sounded familiar. The same commanding voice that had given him orders back in the Imperium, yet it also carried a loving touch, a touch of kindness and intelligence. As the beast looked towards Siegfried, he stepped out into the open. Through the glare of the rising sun on the pince nez, Siegfried could see that it was indeed his commanding officer. Standing stiff to attention, he saluted the stoat.

"Siegfried Johann Ronshausen at your service, sir," he said. Still standing to attention, he added.

"Your humble servant, sir . . ."

[Ladorak]

For a moment....Ladorak said nothing. Had he actually not woken up this morning? Was this just some...bad dream he'd stumbled into? But aside from the saluting ferret standing before him, nothing else was out of place. His house was behind him, the grass was green, the sun was rising, the carriage he'd been told to expect was here, and Caden well...was Caden.

Shaking his head and blinking, his mouth still hanging agape, the ermine could do nothing but offer a sort of half salute in response. "Siegfried...Ronshausen? That's....really you then?" he asked of the ferret. "Um....I...what are you doing here? At my service? Humble servant?" he asked all of these questions in a sort of bewildered tone, one he had not been expecting at all.

"Commander Fugate! Your carriage is ready sir!" the voice came from a weasel porter standing on the back of the coach, and Ladorak gave a half nod and a smile over his shoulder, waving to let the porter know that he'd heard.

"Um.....Siegfried....I don't know...what you're doing here but......" the words were slow, as if the stoat still wasn't sure if he were dreaming or not. "I....."

"Ladorak!" This time the voice was from behind him, and the ermine turned around, looking down to see a very angry looking Caden dressed in a rather nice outfit that made him look rather good. Ladorak had bought it a few days ago, and had made Caden wear it for today as he was planning on taking the marten kit along with him to introduce him to Admiral Hood. "I'm ready." the kit said, scowling, looking as if he wanted to tear the suit to shreds any minute.

"Good....give me a minute alright Caden?" turning back around, Ladorak focused once again on Sieg. Caden considered making a break for it to run away, but he had no idea where he was, and he wasn't stupid. He wouldn't run off in strange countryside where he would have no idea about how to survive. Plus, Ladorak had said they were on an island....it made him hate this stoat all the more for trapping him in a place far from home.

"Siegfried....Ronshausen." Ladorak addressed Sieg now. "I'm....not sure fully what you're doing here but....I'm traveling by coach to Muggidrear today to try and speak with Admiral Samuel Hood, my superior, about a potential command appointment. I'm...trying to get a ship command, and well.....you caught me a bad time. I...really wish I could catch up with you but.....perhaps we could in the carriage ride? You're welcome to come if you want." Ladorak offered, unsure of how to really handle this. Why was Sieg here? Was he coming with some news from the Imperium? If so, Ladorak wanted nothing further to do with that place. Nothing. But if he was here for something else well...the offer to take the coach with Ladorak would still stand.

[ninjasquirrel1]

Siegfried gazed at his master, standing there. The morning sun's golden hues glinting off of his pince nez, dust moats dancing around the dark blue uniform of a commander, a light breeze ruffling through his fur. Across from him, stood Siegfried. His white winter fur whipping around in the cold breeze, he rapped his cloak tighter around himself. You could clearly see where the Imperium naval Second and First mate patches had been. A new scar, smaller than his other one, covered his right cheek.

"To serve . . . To serve, master. I came to serve you," he said, sweeping a bow. He drew one of the white fletched arrows from his red leather quiver, fiddling with the gull's feathers on the back of the deadly shaft. Turning, as if noticing the carriage for the first time, he looked at the horse drawn carriage. Turning back to face Ladorak, he bowed once again.

"If that is your wish, I will obey," he said. Walking up to the carriage, he opened the door, stepping aside for Ladorak to enter. . .

OOC>Spare of the moment.

[Ladorak]

OOC: It was great Minor auto, hope you don't mind.

Ladorak could only stare, dumbfounded at this incredible display of....well he wasn't really sure what to call it. Subservience? Mental insanity? Some clever ploy? The ermine's eyes were wide as he watched, as were the kit's. Here was a complete stranger he'd never seen before acting as if Ladorak were some god.....

"I....Sieg....." was all Ladorak could say at first, his eyes still wide as he moved towards the carriage. "Master? You came to.....serve? But...." Ladorak appeared in a daze as he moved past the ferret and into the carriage, Caden following dutifully behind him. Ladorak had said he might get to kill some beasts...and that promise was good enough for him.

Reaching out a paw for Sieg, Ladorak offered to help him inside just as the carriage started moving. "Come on Sieg....get up in here." Ladorak used his powerful arm to haul the ferret in to the carriage whether he was willing to be helped or not. The door swung shut behind Sieg due to the momentum of the vehicle. "Um...." Ladorak sat across from Sieg, looking him up and down.

"I.....are you feeling alright?" Ladorak asked. For a beast who was a former Emperor to be treating him, Ladorak Fugate, as if he were some sort of deity well....it was slightly unnerving. "You've come to.....SERVE you said? And what's with this Master business?" Ladorak asked, still puzzled. "I don't ever recall.....taking you into my service Siegfried." Ladorak finally was able to say with a slightly amused smile. "Come now....why don't you tell me what you're doing here and why you seemed to be insistent on calling me....master." Ladorak said that last part with hesitancy. He was FAR too modest to accept a title like that, and whatever Sieg was doing was well....downright odd. At least the journey had started and they were on their way.....

[ninjasquirrel1]

As Siegfried was hoisted ruffly into the carriage, his double ended spear caught on the doorway, stopping him from entering the cart. Reaching behind him, he undid the slip knot that was holding his spear. Grabbing it strongly in the middle, he twisted, switching a catch. The spear detached to make two deadly shafts with a glistening metal tip. Completing his rather delayed entrance into the carriage, Sieg seated himself across from Ladorak. His master looked rather bewildered by the sudden appearance of Sieg, perhaps he had given himself to serve too suddenly.

His sword hanging at his hip also soon became uncomfortable. Loosing the scabbard from the green cloth tied around his middle, Sieg set the deadly weapon next to his two small spears.
"Yes, Master. I have come to serve you . . . To be by your side at all times. To attend when you call . . . Even . . ." Drawing his sword, he held it aloft in a beam of sunlight.
"In battle." The sword Sieg held was not the dull old sword that he had picked off of a revolutionary in the Imperium. This was no ordinary sword, it's deadly blade gleamed as the golden hues of the morning sun hit it. The hilt was of pure silver, embedded with a triangular shaped emerald. The crossguard was forged in the shape of an eagles wings, with two pearls on each end. Engraved on the glistening blade was one word . . . Siegreich. Meaning 'Victorious,' the Royal Family motto.

This sword was truly the weapon of an emperor . . .

[Ladorak]

Ladorak was glad that Sieg hadn't fallen out of the carriage when his dual spears had caught on the frame. The ermine could remember those well....but that sword.....the minute it was drawn from it's scabbard Ladorak could tell that this was no ordinary blade. It was exquisite, shining a bit in the light as Sieg held it out, causing him to squint as the light splashed across his eyes.

Was this....was this a royal blade from Ralandore? But....how had Sieg returned to obtain it.....and further more WHY was he here? Ladorak had taken great care to cover his tracks. He had returned to the Imperium only once....and that was to rescue Caden. He had severed his ties. He had left a farewell message with his crew, and he had left, erroneously believing he would be heading for Corona...but instead going to Galdea. It had helped to throw off the scent, and so far it had worked. Not a single beast from his past had ever come up. And now.....well here was Siegfried Ronshausen, his former Second Officer.....

Caden, for his part, went bug eyed at Sieg's sword. "Whoa! Awesome....!" he whispered, his paws clenching and opening in an excited, almost greedy manner. He knew Ladorak had a sword like that....but for some reason the stoat never took it off the wall, nor did he allow Caden to climb up to the mantle and take it down....not that the kit would be able to pawdle it's massive weight. It was heavy enough in Ladorak's paws. But here was one being pawdled, and barely two feet from his face. He reached out slowly, but Ladorak put an arm across his chest.

"Caden...no. It doesn't belong to you." Ladorak said, shaking his head firmly.

"Aw, but I wanna touch it!" the kit whined, but Ladorak shot a piercing look at him.

"No....you aren't ready to hold a blade yet. That will come in time....have patience...." the ermine insisted, and the albino kit folded his arms across his chest and skulked angrily in his seat. "Now then....that's highly impressive Siegfried but.....I'm just a little surprised you have shown up here. I mean...I was careful....very careful in fact, to cover my tracks. It hasn't even been a year since I left and yet....it seems somehow, beyond my comprehension, you have managed to track me down."

The carriage picked up speed a bit as it reached the main road for Muggidrear. The capital was about a three hour carriage ride from here, and Ladorak would be arriving around noon at this point, plenty of time to speak with Admiral Hood. Plus, the ride would give the Commander more than enough time to catch up with Siegfried. "Not that I'm displeased of course...I just.....expected to leave that life behind me you see." the ermine stated, his voice wavering a bit as he spoke that last part. Some form of regret seemed to briefly wash into his eyes, but he quickly pushed it away.

"I'm sorry." he said suddenly, looking directly across at Sieg. "It's just I didn't expect to see a familiar face so soon. Could you perhaps tell me though.....I'm afraid I'm still not fully understanding what it is you mean by telling me you'll 'serve me.' Plus....you seem to insist on calling me Master, and even though I can't really stop you from that, I don't have to remind you I think that I resigned from the Imperium Navy. I no longer hold any rank there....I'm a Commander in the Galdean Navy now, and well.......I'm no longer your superior." Ladorak said quietly, watching the ferret for a reaction. Sieg just seemed.....odd. Had he come out here to.....well the only thing that made sense was he wanted to serve under Ladorak, but.....there seemed to be more too. That whole "attend when you call" just seemed a little strange to Ladorak, as he was too modest to give himself much credit in impacting the life of this ferret so....but perhaps he had?

"Sorry once again if I'm not following as closely as I should." Ladorak said, sighing. "But it's just you surprised me.....you really did. I didn't think I'd ever see anybeast from.....there.....again." he said slowly, looking back up after briefly having laid his eyes down at the carriage floor.

[ninjasquirrel1]

Sieg smiled as the young kit seemed to want to touch it, he liked the kit. The small creature made him think of Lunaesta, sweet Luna. They would have kit someday, and he would teach it (regardless of gender) how to wield a sword and shoot a bow. He inverted the sword and started to hand the hilt to the kit. But pulled away as it seemed his master thought otherwise. Sheathing the sword back in the scabbard, he turned back to Ladorak. He was rather puzzled by his master's sudden displeasure of having Caden touch the sword. He believed that all young beasts should know how to wield a sword. If they were not strong enough, a dagger at least. You never who might be lurking around the corner . . .

"Just give me something to eat and I'll sleep outside. I'll clean your house, serve you food . . . I'll even be by your side in battle," he said, a strange fire glowing in Sieg's brown eyes. His sword scabbard and spear hafts started to rattle against each other from the bumps on the road. Siegfried's curiousity got the better of him, he turned to Ladorak.

"Master, where are we going?"

[Ladorak]

Ladorak was relieved that Sieg had pulled his sword back. Caden was......one notch short of a lunatic, and would have probably caused some damage if he'd gotten his paws on that sword. It was for the best that he would not be permitted to pawdle weapons except in a controlled environment....which the ermine was planning on providing soon enough.

So...based on what he was saying...it seemed as if Sieg had entered into some sort of frenzied....desire to serve Ladorak, even to the point of becoming a slave of sorts. But that....what had gotten into this ferret? Why had he suddenly been consumed with a desire to serve Ladorak Fugate? His addressing Ladorak with the term "Master" was either out of so much respect it overwhelmed his being....or he felt humbled somehow. But still...Ladorak didn't like seeing Sieg treating himself as if he were some sort of menial servant to the stoat.

But ah! A question! Signs that Sieg at least was maintaining a show of free will. Good! "Well....as it turns out I have an appointment to keep with Admiral Samuel Hood of His Majesty King Poynt's Royal Navy. He used to be my direct superior, but now that peace has broken out there's not much for someone like me to do. I've been placed on indefinite shore leave, and have been reduced to half pay. You can imagine that for someone like me, whose every fiber burns and aches to be back on the sea, that this sort of leave is just.....maddening." the ermine explained.

"So, I've made an appointment to go and see Admiral Hood. He sort of...looks out for me from time to time, and I could almost consider him a mentor of mine if you will. I was planning on running for election to Parliament the same as he, but unfortunately I'm not a native of Galdea nor have I been here long enough to have made myself well known, so I basically had to accept shore leave and while away my time in Thorpe. But I.....really desire more than anything to be back at sea with a ship of my own to command. I intend to ask him if there are any available openings for me once we arrive at Muggidrear, the capital of Galdea. We have several hours ahead of us yet in this carriage." Ladorak looked from Sieg to the countryside rolling by outside. Yes....a little under three hours and they'd arrive at the capital. If only....if only he could obtain a ship to command.....

"Tell me Sieg....have you come here long term? If so....then I suppose I can put you up in a portion of my house that I normally rent out to others. I was planning on renting it to generate some extra income as my finances are tight at the moment.....but I suppose....I could let you stay there for free." the ermine finally offered, for he was too generous as to allow an old comrade of his to pay anything if he was without means of support. "Of course, that's only if you would accept my hospitality. I might even allow you a room in my main wing so as to rent the other wing out. Say.....if you've come here to serve me as you claim....then is it perhaps that you too are looking for employment with the Galdean Navy?" Ladorak asked, figuring there would be no other way for Siegfried to serve by Ladorak's side otherwise in combat if he were not planning on enlisting. As a matter of fact....if he was interested.....then Ladorak might be able to pull a few strings to get Sieg instated as an officer under him in service to his Highness King Poynt III.

Such a thought as this caused a welling of emotions in Ladorak's stomach. Would they....possibly be able to serve together, and fight side by side as they before? Siegfried....did he have so much respect for Ladorak that he had left everything behind in order to come here just to "serve" Ladorak? Was there so much devotion within this beast that he had journeyed far and wide only to appear on Ladorak's doorstep to offer his services and fealty in a most bewildering manner?

It moved something with the ermine, and he waited with bated breath for a response from this traveling ferret.