The Guardian's New Home

After their meeting at the docks Ralf led Esau, Pyre, and the other Guardians inland, away from the docks. A collection of scattered tents were sprawled in various places, usually around large building projects, and a small number of stockpiles were placed near those areas. Teams of laborers were bringing materials like wood and stone to those sites, where they would be cut by woodcutters and stonemasons to be used as building materials. Small temporary homes had been erected, as well as store houses; there were also stations where workers were tanning hides and drying fish and other foodstuffs. Appointed individuals were directing the allocation and use of everything to carefully manage the resources.

"Despite our size now," Ralf explained, "I have visions for a great city. He turned and gestured towards the sea to the south. The docklands in the south, the grand market here, where we stand, including the shops, artisans, and inns." He then nodded to the west, and then the east, "industrial zones on both sides, and residential districts around the market and in the northern portion of the city." He then tapped his foot on the ground, indicating the dirt path they were on. It ran in a perfect straight line from the docks to the supposed 'grand market area'. "Major streets, as wide as this path, will run from each district to the next, to facilitate fast and efficient transportation."

Ralf continued along the road to a spot that was yet unclaimed. "I expect the market district will end around here. We can measure out a parcel of land for you and your fellows. You may camp here, near the major road. Your followers will have access to a direct route into the market and straight down to the docks." He shrugged, "if your stay is to be permanent, or if you plan to stay here for a while, I will grant your access to enough stone to start building a fortified chapter house."

Some other Varan arrived and used wooden poles and string to mark out a piece of land for the Guardians to build on. A stockpile was established nearby for Esau and Pyre to use as building materials; Ralf's men would provide more if needed. It was enough land for a knightly order to build an outpost within the city - a chapter house - which might include lodgings, a training yard, an armory, stables, a kitchen and mess hall, religious site, etc. If these individuals valued privacy, Ralf would approve the erection of a wall around the site too.

It was a suitable and generous offer to Esau and his followers. But for Ralf, it was an opportunity to delegate the construction and maintenance of a fortification within the city, which might prove useful in conflict.

He waited to hear what Esau and Pyre had to say.

Ralf shook his head, "It's less about work, and more about cooperation," he explained. "We will share what we can, when we can. But it would be prudent to assist in collecting materials and food for the time behind. For now, get settled in and let my men know what they can do for you." Ralf did not expect Esau and the Guardians to toil and labor the same as the Vessians and Varan were doing, but he felt it would be wise for them to forage for their own food and supplies like firewood. He would offer them the resources to build their encampment in the meantime. "I have officials who observe the workload, our workforce, and our resources, and they will see that you are included as much as everyone else."

Ralf scratched his beard as he considered the mention of shipbuilding. "Sooner rather than later we will need ships. Of all sizes, too. If you have shipbuilding skills, then perhaps we could begin laying the foundations for a shipyard, and begin constructing a small transport fleet." He looked off in the distance, as if to observe the outlying coastlines. "Who knows what awaits us out there. Pirates, wild beasts... monsters, perhaps. We'll need boats to protect the settlement and to explore the coastlines, as well as to keep them safe for our eventual fleet. Maybe you would be interested in helping me there?"

He shrugged, "and worry not. I know you have a mission of your own, and I shall help when I can." He crossed his arms as if to begin listening closely, "so what is your business, friend?"

Ralf, arms still crossed, nodded, "your business is your own. I will not pry." He then placed a firm hand on Esau's shoulder, smiling, "but you are among friends. You can tell me when you're ready, if you ever are." He then stepped back, "if that is all, then I will go tend to business elsewhere." If Esau and his men were satisfied then Ralf would leave them to their labors.

Sometime later Ralf revisited the Guardian's new home. Stone, timber, tools, food, and various other supplies necessary for city-building was being collected from the surrounding countryside. It was stockpiled in a central location, and then distributed as Ralf and his officials saw fit. Ralf wanted his city to be well-protected, and he felt the Guardians could provide that protection. He allowed them to have generous amounts of building materials to build their home as they saw fit.

"Hello," he would say, approaching the area and speaking to the first Guardian he saw, "I am here to see Esau."

"I have been busy elsewhere," Ralf replied. "It's been a while since I saw you last, and I just wanted to check on my new friends." Ralf looked at the makeshift houses and nodded, "I am pleased with your progress. It seems our supplies are being put to good use, and I trust our friendship will grow stronger in time. Perhaps there is somewhere we can go to sit and talk, and learn about each other more?"

Ralf wasn't sure if Esau had his own house in the area, or if his knightly order had a meeting hall, or a public gathering spot.

Ralf was impressed at Esau's equipment. Their size alone made them formidable, and he sure such tools would serve well in battle. It would take someone as large as Esau to properly wield them. He was especially interested in the sword which Esau turned into a hammer. To alternate weapon types in a battle would certainly keep enemies on their toes. He wondered if the other Guardians wielded similar weapons and powers.

"I am eager to see them used in battle," Ralf commented. "Where I lived, Asgeir, life was harsh. Feral and dangerous beasts lurked behind every tree, and in every mountain pass, under every bridge and within every swamp." Ralf was, of course, exaggerating to some extent - but it was to properly express how dangerous his homeland was. "But man was perhaps the most dangerous beast of all. Uncivilized barbarians, thieves, bandits, and sinister forces made their homes in Asgeir too. Thus, every man and woman had to arm themselves; our children were trained to fight from a young age - if only so they could protect themselves and their loved ones from all the dangers of Asgeir. We are a warrior-folk, we have always been warriors."

Ralf took his ancestral sword from his back and held it in his hands. "This is my family blade." He pointed at a rune-inscribed stone at the bottom. "The Varan imbue their weapons with magical properties. I have never summoned the powers of this sword, however. But my clan, the Valgards, once channeled immense energy through this blade. Perhaps one day, I will learn how." He put the sword away, slinging it back over his shoulder and letting it hand on his back. "Enchantments are to give us an edge in battle, however. The Varan prefer to fight without them, if possible. We pride ourselves on our martial ability, to use sword, axe, spear, bow, shield, and hammer. And if our lives depend on it, we will use our enchantments."

Ralf also had his Hirhanic shield, but he would discuss it with Esau later. Perhaps... he might even let Esau hit it. For now he wanted to sit and drink tea.

"Aye, it would," Ralf agreed. "You could prove to be valuable allies, and stalwart defenders of the city. The more members your guild can attract, the better." Ralf examined Esau's weapons some more as he prepared the tea. Perhaps he could see them in action during a demonstration later, maybe even a sparring match.

"Tell me, Esau," he decided to open up a new conversation, "what your order is all about. It is only natural a leader would want to know - but as an adventurer and wanderer as well, I am curious."