Of Rank and Poverty
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2023 11:24 pm
As she finally walked back into Boldholme, Elisia's thoughts swirled with a mix of exhaustion, pride, and frustration. Her achievements on the battlefield had come at a cost, but it was not the physical toll that weighed heaviest upon her weary heart. It was the lack of spoils, the absence of plunder that she lamented.
Through the chaos of the battlefield, Elisia had showed the ferocity befitting an adherent of Orlanth the Warrior, her broadsword present and eager to take the lives of the enemy in the thickest of the fighting. Her leadership of Company A had even earned her a promotion to Ten-Thane! For the child of a destitute Cottar this was a heady height to find oneself at, what would her family say when they heard the news?
Pride is once again swept aside by the more negative emotions. She had fought valiantly, risking life and limb, gaining rank and honour but amidst the chaos, she had not managed to secure any loot or treasures. The spoils of war that she had hoped would replenish her dwindling supplies and allow a sojourn in a semblance of comfort to soothe her war wearied frame were nowhere to be found.
This wouldn't have been too much of an issue, living frugally was nothing new to her, but her new position came with new responsibilities. Her hard earned savings were enough to live off for a while, but not enough to pay for the new trappings of rank. The irony of her situation gnawed at her soul, the recognition of her skill and effort in battle would send her into debt... Hopefully her promised increase in pay was not delayed.
Despite the weariness in her bones and the disappointment in her heart, Elisia remained steadfast. Her determination was unyielding, this was just another bump in the road, she would strive past it, unbroken. She knew that the life of a warrior was often a harsh and unpredictable one, filled with setbacks and sacrifices. But she also knew that it was her calling, her purpose, to defend her land and her people, no matter the cost.
Elisia's thoughts shifted from her own personal struggles to the front and those still there. She wondered if they faced similar challenges, if they too grappled with the harsh realities of a warrior's life. In their shared burdens, she found solace and a renewed sense of purpose, vowing to continue the fight, to strive for victory, and to overcome whatever obstacles lay in her path. As well as praying her next Lunar foe had deep pockets and a short blade...
Through the chaos of the battlefield, Elisia had showed the ferocity befitting an adherent of Orlanth the Warrior, her broadsword present and eager to take the lives of the enemy in the thickest of the fighting. Her leadership of Company A had even earned her a promotion to Ten-Thane! For the child of a destitute Cottar this was a heady height to find oneself at, what would her family say when they heard the news?
Pride is once again swept aside by the more negative emotions. She had fought valiantly, risking life and limb, gaining rank and honour but amidst the chaos, she had not managed to secure any loot or treasures. The spoils of war that she had hoped would replenish her dwindling supplies and allow a sojourn in a semblance of comfort to soothe her war wearied frame were nowhere to be found.
This wouldn't have been too much of an issue, living frugally was nothing new to her, but her new position came with new responsibilities. Her hard earned savings were enough to live off for a while, but not enough to pay for the new trappings of rank. The irony of her situation gnawed at her soul, the recognition of her skill and effort in battle would send her into debt... Hopefully her promised increase in pay was not delayed.
Despite the weariness in her bones and the disappointment in her heart, Elisia remained steadfast. Her determination was unyielding, this was just another bump in the road, she would strive past it, unbroken. She knew that the life of a warrior was often a harsh and unpredictable one, filled with setbacks and sacrifices. But she also knew that it was her calling, her purpose, to defend her land and her people, no matter the cost.
Elisia's thoughts shifted from her own personal struggles to the front and those still there. She wondered if they faced similar challenges, if they too grappled with the harsh realities of a warrior's life. In their shared burdens, she found solace and a renewed sense of purpose, vowing to continue the fight, to strive for victory, and to overcome whatever obstacles lay in her path. As well as praying her next Lunar foe had deep pockets and a short blade...
