Arms & Armour (2)

“Lord Kestrel!” the guardian of the armoury greeted us. He was smiling and his thoughts reveal his joy at meeting an outsider in his lifetime. “I have set aside the armour for you and your retinue as specified directly by Her Holiness.” he informed us quickly. “I believe you and your companions will find them very proper for your stay on and off of Atlantis.” he concluded. He moved aside waving us into the reinforced building.

He held out an older style of black dyed double layered leather armour with metal strips running between the layers for added protection. This brigandine was flexible and better protection than most armour found outside of the Atlantis even if it was a older style here. The glyph of High Ambassador was etched neatly into the left side of the chest plate without a country name or symbol attached to it. The fit was perfect even over the silken white cloth that I had been dressed in upon my arrival here. The guardian clipped the white gossamer half cloak at my shoulder with clips holding it firmly in place. The contrast of black and white was stunning to see but disconcerting to me after the multiple years of hiding myself from bearing the white of my truer title. I did not grumble as I stared at my reflection in a nearby mirror. The flash of it turning black upon my shoulders was ignored since I knew it to be but a vision and not reality of this moment.

For Sert, a normal Atlantian thin leather armour dyed black with the embossed glyph of Ambassador's honour guard set clearly upon his heart seemed more fitting for being in my service. He resisted donning it as he examined the armour's glyph.

“This is beyond my status as a simple trainee!” he protested half in fear and half in awe.

“Her Holiness Annianka specifically ordered that it be so Sertian.” the guardian replied with a hidden smile.

“It is your position while in my service, Sert.” I added with finality. He nodded once before slipping the armour on him. It fit like a second skin upon his body leaving no doubt that it was made for him to wear proudly.

Meli did not protest as she deftly adjusted the tanned leather strap armour upon her body. The strap was not just made to protect her but allow many places to attach pouches to hold different healers' trappings such as stones, herb bundles, and medical devices. She kept her blue healers' robes under the multiple straps that covered her body with ample protection. Once properly place, the etched glyph of Ambassador's medic could be seen upon her breast. I could sense the acceptance at this gift placed upon her but one question remained high in her thoughts.

“Why was it not dyed black like the other two armour sets?” she asked slowly. The guardian shrugged his lack of knowledge.

“Even a placed healer must still be removed from the group she is associated with.” I explained calmly. “Even an Ambassador's Healer must but ready to help any that need her service.” I continued. I could see understanding forming in Sert's mind. “The neutral colour shows this fact without any doubt possible to others.”

“Odd reasoning but understandable.” she answered after a moment.

“And what type of weapons will your party be requiring?” The armoury's guardian stated. He had moved toward a archway that lead deeper into the armoury. “We do not have axes or maces upon Atlantis unfortunately.” he added with a hint of sorrow in his voice.

“Let us see your selection so we may judge for ourselves what would be acceptable.” I replied easily. He showed us into the back room that was lined with weapon racks of all sorts including more racks in the middle of the room. The largest army in the outer world would barely be able to carry off one tenth of the weapons present here. The lion's share of the weapons were long swords of multiple different styles with a multitude of pole arms as second in numbers. This was not a surprise for me since they were the typical weapons of the Atlantian guards both Royal and Council linked. I walked slowly down the aisles eyeing each weapon closely.

I finally selected a longsword with an old world curve to it making it more of a grand scimitar than a typical longsword. I moved to stand by a simple table where a lone but ornate great sword sat with the marks of reserved upon it. The guardian approached holding what at first appeared as a basic staff in hand.

“I was told that this should also be offered to you directly.” he stated. He held out the unstrung bow-staff with a matching quiver of arrows under his arm. I stared without reaching for this weapon that would denounce my true title to all that heard the legends of the brotherhood of light half stolen by other deities. I slowly took the staff from his hand wordlessly waving off the quiver.

“Is it not of full use without the arrows?” Sert asked confused by my refusal. I smiled mischievously as I held the staff in the bow position with my free hand placed as if notching an arrow on the non-existent string. As I slowly drew back my hand, the ends of the bow-staff bent and a projectile of purest light formed without explanation. I held the arrow of light in place as they all stared dumfounded by this feat before slowly returning it into the nothingness they had seen it form in. I chuckled at their shock while waving Sert forward to the weapon racks.

Sert selected quickly a longsword and halberd combination both bearing the Ambassadorial guard glyph. He stood motioning with his head for Meli to move forward to make her selection. I only half watching them while still examining the exquisite sword that lay upon the table. Meli returned a few moments later carrying a simple unadorned healers' staff. The Guardian stood in silence noticing my interest in this piece.

“A gift from a loving daughter to her Council member father.” I whispered with a wry smile. The guard sputtered in disbelief.

“How did you know?” he asked finally. The perplexed look on his face screamed as much as his emotions at me over the fully shock he felt. I smiled politely at him before giving a parting bow. He stood watching at the door to the armoury while my group walked away in silence. I did not speak again until clear of ear shot from the guardian.

“I must warn both of you that I can see possible futures and into others' minds when people are focusing on a thought or emotion.” I told them. I sis not hide that this was just part of what I could do to their minds. My two companions look at each other for a moment before answering.

“Her Holiness did mention that you had similar gifts to herself but different in nature.” Meli stated slowly.

“And we have no fear of you seeing in our thoughts.” Sert added confidently.

“Beware of what you offer since I sometimes get images without willing my gift to work.” I told them directly. They nodded their acceptance while I saw in their mind that they did not truly understand what they agreed to.