hadriel | [Video]

[As they did in their initial recruitment video, Henry and Maketh stand side by side to address city guard business. This time, however, Henry's stance is that of a seasoned knight, poised to spring into action at the first indication of danger. There is a honed watchfulness in his gaze to match, and his expression is keenly focused. It is he who speaks first.]

We have every confidence that, in these perilous circumstances, every man and woman of the Guard is doing their part to assist our fellow inhabitants. Now it is time for us act under a shared banner. Let us unite our efforts, and through our combined efficiency and might, defend this city to greatest extent of our ability.

Report in. Spare not the details of your current location and undertaking.

Maketh will speak of our priorities henceforth.

[Maketh nods, expression somber. This will be the first time anyone in Hadriel has seen her wearing body-armor. She doesn't bother with pleasantries.]

The temples have been declared safe. We suggest congregating there and bringing as many supplies with you as possible. Given the circumstances, it would be wisest to wait out this storm. Save your strength for the next fight - and there will be another after this. In the meantime, go to the temples. The Guard will be doing what we can to make you all comfortable. Those of you who are able and willing, we would welcome your aid.

We will survive this. I have faith in all of you. Be safe.

[There is one final thing that Henry has to say, no less important than the rest.]

I would encourage anyone in need of our help to beseech it here. A ready member of the Guard shall take up your cause.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Maketh shakes her head.] I cannot. It is a...gift from Hope. Others have been given such things in the past.

I don't trust any of them. But we're in no position to refuse the aid.

[ A gift from the gods. The concept is not new to Damen, but he’s never seen it quite like that. ]

If it works, that’s all I care about. The gods are no happier about this than we are.

For the moment, it seems, we are on the same side. [ He sounds less than thrilled about this prospect, honestly. ]

It should. [She lowers her hand with a frown.] It has before.

[As for sides...well. Maketh shakes her head.]

We are not. Were it not for the collateral, I would use this moment to our advantage. But I cannot, so we must survive.

I don’t want to see good people die because one woman threw them to her dogs. If these temples keep us alive, I’m happy to be in them.

[ Which would have more of an impact if he actually went into them for any length of time. Damen will risk himself where he won’t risk others; that’s always been the case, and he imagines it’s much the same for the rest of the Guard. They’ll do what they have to do. ]

And to send others to them. The time to fight for our freedom will come; this was not the way.

[Maketh nods just once, a grim set to her face.]

It was not. Nonetheless, we will endure this siege.

We shall, because we must.

I should return to my post, Maketh. If I am needed, please contact me.

Understood.