[ OOC ] RP story over Riftan's journey in Regalia. A continuation of Beginnings of a Bloodcast "I hope you realize how poor a decision you made when you did that, and what dishonor you have brought yourself. Not only yourself but your house. Pray and find solace in redemption, Lord Dragic." - Duke Elector Howland von Schwarzkrau Spoiler: MUSIC The Knight of Bloodcast, whose armor glinted with black steel, rushed forwards- swinging his blade horizontally from right to left. Yet, this swing would be easily dodged by Haqet- from where the legendary blade of Coraveau clashed against his helmet. It ground against the steel, bypassing its defense to drag across Riftan's face. Causing him to let out a cry of pain, before stumbling back. Order through the Sword, Riftan remembered the words as he continued to fight- and, fight- and fight. A showcase of impressive fortitude, but nothing compared to Erwin; the wielder of Sangria, which glowed so brightly unto his left. Or, later, against the other Vampires; in black armor, the same as his, who pierced their spear straight into his hamstring. Is this what must be done to earn glory? God-Emperor Allest would tell Riftan that to fall is weakness, and only in victory may strength be known. But Riftan knew he wasn't strong enough to face Coraveau, or wield an artifact such as Sangria. God-Empress Ness would tell Riftan that it's okay to not carry such martial prowess, or be the best Knight that one may be. But Riftan knew that he didn't need forgiveness, he needed steel. God-Empress Elia would tell Riftan to triumph or die, and Riftan knew that he would most likely die. But maybe, Riftan needed all of them at once. Each note, each tone, forms a song. A Song of Steel. They won that day, Haqet and the other Vampires retreating back to their hold- and, Riftan tasted victory. But he also tasted blood. Then but a week later, once more into the fray, he fought for the very God and Goddesses who sings to him. How loud their music was. At Ribcage Ravine, the terrifying visage of Ymir he faced. With several other fighters, they persisted in the assault- only to be beaten back, one at a time. Ymir was good, even more, powerful against a group. Once more, while just another face in the dozens, Riftan fought. Earning almost a lightning bolt to his form, he fell unto a knee. "Get up, or stay down." God-Emperor Allest said to him. "It's okay, it wasn't lethal." God-Empress Ness said. "Keep fighting." God-Empress Elia said. So, Riftan got back up, once more against the Cahal- who, a few weeks ago, almost fed on his corpse. So close to defeat, only to be saved by others. How many times would Riftan need to be saved again? True Knights need not saved, they save others. He needed to be more. They won that day, Erwin announcing their victory to Taal. Nothing happened at first, but then, at the All-Beacons, she made her appearance. ━─── • ───━ Spoiler: TAAL'S GIFT TO RIFTAN After the two battles, tasks given by Taal, many were issued aesthetic gifts from Taal. Riftan, one of the first in line, received a blessing to his armor. A moment of which he still treasures to this day. ━─── • ───━ The Knight's Quarter Siege. Powder letting off in all directions, the retreat already sound. Twice had the Invaders come before, and twice had they been repelled. Constant battles, ranging around Greygate and this Bastion. Riftan was in the thick of it, always wanting to be in the front and nothing more. Yet there he was, encompassing none other than projectile after projectile. The ensuing dread that they will be overwhelmed and the day will be lost. Within an hour, they were already pushed upstairs. Within half an hour, the powder was ignited, sending the Knight's Quarter into a furious explosion. Defeat. Greygate's Siege was almost identical. The Invaders pushed forward, their commanders sending forth their greatest experiments and weapons- in return, the Constables and Resistant Fighters alike fought ferociously for their home. Yet, upon a wave of slime, where they pushed back once again. A retreat upstairs became a full evacuation. Within an hour of the first retreat, Greygate had fallen. Then, Riftan found himself staring into the ceiling of the Hexenblood Estate. Defeat. Yet, in the chaos, Riftan tasted victory. Taking on new tactics, time after time had the Invaders been other slimed into a puddle or turned into whatever abstract shape they took. Minor victories, either in the open streets outside of the Floral District or within, isolated stragglers that look too far into the Noble District. Yet, he knew that it was minuscule compared to what the others had achieved. He has yet to hold even confrontation against these foes of whom he imagined day in and day out fighting. Would the God-Emperors and Empresses that he so listened to agree? What does Allest say? What does Elia say? What does Taal or even Ness say? Their words are silent. But the Song of Steel continues- and maybe, Riftan may hear it sing before it's all over. ━─── • ───━ Riftan thought heavily on that the Duke-Elector said; thinking on the inside of his helmet, as he and another waited for the Bronn and Bralla to come closer. Order through Steel. Riftan remembered his household words. Riftan had to be a Knight, a Dragic, a Lord. If it meant blood, then so be it. Then, Riftan draw his blade- and charged forth. Once more into the fray. ━─── • ───━
