ILLUMINARRPG: (7-1100)- Lieutenant Galk, Son of Jos

[Charles Gatling]

NRPG: I will be writing more about Galk's activities before and after this
point later. For now it's time for the test of a warrior.
RPG:


Mission:  For Honor
Day: 7
Stardate: 2446.04.30

(Qo'nos - Imperial City - Hall of Warriors - Lieutenant Galk, Son of Jos -
1100)

He had done according to his word and the stage had been set. He stood at
the entrance behind Ariel Trei who was about to walk the River of Blood as
this rite was also called. The cavernous chamber was dark save for torches
hung upon the walls which guttered and smoked.

At the far end the Arbiter stood on a raised platform dressed outwardly in
a robe fringed with red. There were more platforms between himself and the
aspirant, four to a side, eight in all and arranged in pairs. Upon these
smaller platforms stood thingen warriors wielding pain sticks.

Those aspiring to complete this coming of age ceremony must walk this River
of Blood between the sets of platforms and at each the pain sticks carried
by those warriors would be wielded twice.

At each stop the aspirant would receive the kiss of pain then express their
deepest emotion. Was it love? Hate? Fear?

A second, longer application would follow which was symbolic of purging
that emotion. When in battle a warrior was expected to allow nothing to
stop them from achieving their goal. Fear was an enemy. Love could weaken
ones hand. Hate blinded one to the path of victory. What emotions were
Ariel Trei feeling? Each one would recieve its reward of pain.

A knee could touch the floor if the one walking the path could fight back
to their feet and move to the next.

Many had fallen before, unable to continue, unable to face the pain that
would welcome them. Pain that locked their joints even as it forced roars
or screams of anguish from their darkest depths.

The toughest, the most hungry used the pain to fuel their anger, to drive
them to the next station, to overcome and stand victorious.

Galk himself had walked the River of Blood twice and he knew what lay in
store. The pain was like a molten fire in your bones, charring them to ash.
When one stood before the Arbiter it was on weakened legs and with
trembling arms. But such weakness was the gateway to victory.

The Arbiter raised his hand .

"HighoS!" He called. [Come here]

The ceremony had begun.

""You will be victorious." Galk growled as she stepped forward.

(Reply: Trei)

He stepped away to the side to bear witness to this day that was her coming
of age. Many had fought to stop this day but it would not be denied her. He
had sworn on his honor to give her this chance to prove her worth and knew
she would not disappoint.

(Reply: Trei)

Posted by Charles G
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