12-22-2025, 09:10 PM
(This post was last modified: 12-22-2025, 09:11 PM by Jared Vanders.)
![[Image: Zoradin01.jpeg?resize=674%2C1024&ssl=1]](https://i0.wp.com/thefirstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Zoradin01.jpeg?resize=674%2C1024&ssl=1)
Zoradin Fel
Zoradin followed the young Kenta into the keep proper, handing Daien over to the stable hands. Zoradin smiled a bit at the stable boys gawking and gave him a wink after returning his bow. He had spent quite a bit of time in Arafel, and was used to Borderlanders and their ways, even if the Shienarans had a different culture than the Arafellans. He noted the lack of shadows to keep the myrdraal away. The Shienarans were masters at keeping the Blight at bay. Many southerners had no idea how much this group of people did to keep them safe.
Walking through the keep he received a myriad of responses. Shock and awe were chief among them. Many people whispered as he passed. If he had desired to hear their words, Zoradin could have seized Saidin, but their comments weren't among his interests. It was the same everywhere. Even with Saidin being cleansed, many found it hard to hard to accept men who could channel. Even so, many men, including Zoradin, were still affected by their use of tainted Saidin. Most showed respect still though. He had a feeling many of them knew what Asha'man really were. They were living weapons.
They arrived in the men's wing. The building was well maintained and the scent of pine and stone mingling was a welcome one. He followed Lord Kenta to his accommodations. Even as modest as it was, it was a little too lavish for his tastes, but he was too polite to say that he would prefer a smaller room and bed. He had no desire to do anything to offend his hosts. The room was still small enough that he could weave a privacy screen to keep out the screams he would inevitably have after he fell asleep. At least that way he wouldn't wake the others in his area. He wondered if he had any neighbors.
"You have my gratitude, Lord Kenta," he said, with a bow. "With your permission, I will clean up a bit and present myself to your father in the Solar as soon as I am done."
After the official entourage had left, Zoradin entered his chamber, moving to the basin and water. He washed his face and hands, getting the grime of the road off. The journey had been long and solitary. It had allowed him more rest than he typically got in more settled areas. Not for the first time, Zoradin wondered if the damage he had sustained from the taint could be dealt with. He was a weapon. He knew that, but still, he wondered how it would feel to have a full nights rest again. At least it wasn't getting worse.
He left the room as he finished and turned to the servant that was near he entrance of his room, likely told to stay so he could escort Zoradin to his Lord. "Could you please escort me to the Solar. Lord Armendariz wishes to see me."
The servant bowed and led the way. The procession to the Solar was much the same as his walk to his quarters. People looked with surprise or awe, showing appropriate respect as they remembered. Some who had seen him before were quicker at this. All moved aside so he could pass. The servant opened the door to the Solar and announced him to those present. It was easy enough to recognize the man who would be Lord Xavier Armendariz. Zoradin approached keeping his posture strong and formal, left hand resting on the pommel of his sword. He had no idea if this broke custom or anything, but parting from his blade would be akin to removing his hand. It was a part of him.
"Lord Armendariz," he said, bowing, fist to heart. "Peace favor your sword. Asha'man Zoradin Fel, reporting for duty as ordered by the M'Hael." Zoradin wanted the Lord to know that not only was he here to defend, but he was under Lord Armendariz's command as well as his visit was sanctioned by the M'Hael himself.
Walking through the keep he received a myriad of responses. Shock and awe were chief among them. Many people whispered as he passed. If he had desired to hear their words, Zoradin could have seized Saidin, but their comments weren't among his interests. It was the same everywhere. Even with Saidin being cleansed, many found it hard to hard to accept men who could channel. Even so, many men, including Zoradin, were still affected by their use of tainted Saidin. Most showed respect still though. He had a feeling many of them knew what Asha'man really were. They were living weapons.
They arrived in the men's wing. The building was well maintained and the scent of pine and stone mingling was a welcome one. He followed Lord Kenta to his accommodations. Even as modest as it was, it was a little too lavish for his tastes, but he was too polite to say that he would prefer a smaller room and bed. He had no desire to do anything to offend his hosts. The room was still small enough that he could weave a privacy screen to keep out the screams he would inevitably have after he fell asleep. At least that way he wouldn't wake the others in his area. He wondered if he had any neighbors.
"You have my gratitude, Lord Kenta," he said, with a bow. "With your permission, I will clean up a bit and present myself to your father in the Solar as soon as I am done."
After the official entourage had left, Zoradin entered his chamber, moving to the basin and water. He washed his face and hands, getting the grime of the road off. The journey had been long and solitary. It had allowed him more rest than he typically got in more settled areas. Not for the first time, Zoradin wondered if the damage he had sustained from the taint could be dealt with. He was a weapon. He knew that, but still, he wondered how it would feel to have a full nights rest again. At least it wasn't getting worse.
He left the room as he finished and turned to the servant that was near he entrance of his room, likely told to stay so he could escort Zoradin to his Lord. "Could you please escort me to the Solar. Lord Armendariz wishes to see me."
The servant bowed and led the way. The procession to the Solar was much the same as his walk to his quarters. People looked with surprise or awe, showing appropriate respect as they remembered. Some who had seen him before were quicker at this. All moved aside so he could pass. The servant opened the door to the Solar and announced him to those present. It was easy enough to recognize the man who would be Lord Xavier Armendariz. Zoradin approached keeping his posture strong and formal, left hand resting on the pommel of his sword. He had no idea if this broke custom or anything, but parting from his blade would be akin to removing his hand. It was a part of him.
"Lord Armendariz," he said, bowing, fist to heart. "Peace favor your sword. Asha'man Zoradin Fel, reporting for duty as ordered by the M'Hael." Zoradin wanted the Lord to know that not only was he here to defend, but he was under Lord Armendariz's command as well as his visit was sanctioned by the M'Hael himself.