It was a lot to take in. Just when she had become used to a new life in one city, she came to know death in another. Magincia beseiged, abyssal horrors burning the land, a call to arms. Just like in the books about past ages: heroes and monsters and the plight of a city. And there she was, tagging along with the soldiers. Long days of handing out food and rationing the potions; using her sewing skills to close wounds and trying to live up to the example set by Trinsic's guards.
The guards fought with such ferocity and cleverness that exceded the obligations of their uniform. It was in their nature to do so. These were the faces of the people with whom she had spent lazy afternoons at the west gate bridge, chatting about all-important nothings. In the past week, their smiles had hardened. Steady eyes, steady voices, steady pace in the paved lanes of fire and bones. When the sun set on each day, they were left with ashen cheeks, stitched wounds, tarnished shields, and a sense of futility. It was the look in their eyes, the sense that the most they could hope for was to delay the inevitable cataclysm, which hurt her most of all.
In her room at the Rusty Anchor, she buried her face in the sheets and tried to find sleep. Tomorrow the fighting would be ever more dangerous, ever less likely to break the invasion. She would show up again and do what could be done, only to watch the pile of skulls grow larger. The Trinsicians, the Yewians, the Covians, the Brittanians, would fight, despite knowing that the day would end with, at best, another stalemate. She saw in the defenders' such acts of Sacrifice, Honor and Valor. She didn't own a sword to raise against the oncoming horde, but if she could put the city's defenders at ease for a brief respite, then she would be serving Virtue.
The Defenders' Respite
The city of Trinsic wishes to extend its hospitality to all those who have come to the aid of beleaguered Magincia. In appreciation of the Valor, Honor, and Sacrifice of those who fight, heal, and supply, a gathering will be hosted at the Trinsic moongate. Individuals of all uniforms and all professions who have served the cause of defending Magincia are warmly welcomed to find repose among allies, to refresh weary nerves and to convene with their comrades-in-arms. The battle will continue, but for the moment we must gather our thoughts, our faith, and ourselves, for the days ahead.
[[Tuesday, the 20th, at 8:00 GMT, at the Trinsic moongate]]