A Cadet meets heroes

Udraine was mostly quiet, save for the multiple groups hanging about the streets. Most of them consisted of artists, journalists, performers and resigned soldiers from early in the war. Two groups were mostly actors, singers and models just out for a fun night. Some parts of Udraine still hosted the strangest creatures from orcs to goblins, kuruks, and crude humanoids. Many of these creatures should have been kicked out or killed because of their behavior. The kuruks, orcs, and humanoids banded together in the dark alleys waiting for bait. Young Zunia-Puck, Elvin, and Hestia females wandered the streets alone unaware of that they are targets of the gangs.

            Chiecra kept a watchful eye on a group of Academy students walking on the opposite side of the street. Five of them were female escorted be three young lads. It was a group of teenaged elves, Zunia-Pucks, accompanied by a dark skinned youth in a cadet's uniform. The cadet had his arm locked with a beautiful nymph. They looked to be ages fifteen and seventeen. Chiecra was confused as to why this cadet was out of his barracks.

            He recalled a major lock down on the rules, No cadet was to be out at night unless he had a pass or permission from his staff sergeant. The Corporal was tempted to advance on them and confront the cadet. Three things kept him from calling the cadet out. One the Cadet's evening would be ruined, Chiecra was already at the door with his party, and last the cadet's party was headed to the restaurant.

            "Chiecra come on let's go." Viktorov summoned Chiecra.

            The party of twelve entered a large restaurant lined with booths and tables that covered the floor in the room. Juno and Jousen secured two booths for the party, dividing it evenly to six people. Chiecra sat in the middle with Arctice, surrounded by politicians. These politicians were not the ordinary politicians who only cared about running for elections and getting support any way possible. All they cared about was getting the job done and tending the tasks of those positions. On the other side of the restaurant sat the Academic students and their cadet friend who did not seem very happy about anything at the moment.

            His friends and girlfriend looked happy and excited around him. The Nymph laughed before turning to the cadet who seemed lost in a world of gloom. Chiecra watched her ask him what was wrong. The lad did not want to cooperate, he was too focused or bothered by something. Arctice poked Chiecra in the arm, he turned his gaze to him response.

             "You okay Chiecra? You are a little too quiet tonight." Arctice asked concerned that Chiecra was quieter than he remembered him to be.

            "I'm fine just pondering over details in the battle over the Bymere Country."Chiecra partially lied to his old friend. He knew he couldn’t hide it, but tried his best to hide it anyways.

            "Sounds like a story to tell. Will you be voting in this election? The sub-leadership needs as much support to beat the running politicians. What do you say old friend?" Arcitce smiled with a hand on Chiecra's shoulder.

            He felt a bit awkward, but answered honestly. "I will vote for anyone running for leadership roles in Naatidra."

            The politicians approved of Chiecra's decision. Othellis leaned over to Chiecra. "I read somewhere that you came across a basilisk. What else was down there?"

            "Well, Senator Othellis the basilisk took us by surprise. It was only by guessing from the blood on the stalks that a creature lurked about. You did read about there being Troglodytes and Gnolls right?" Chiecra answered with sincerity as Othellis and Ledos nodded their heads listening to his story.

            "There was some article about Arachnids?" Enius asked Ilkez and Viktorov.

            Juno shivered at the thought of such horrid creepy creatures. She listened in horror of the details the three heroes gave on the battles and creatures. "...and in the last battle in the underworld we held off an army of orcs!"

            Viktorov boasted slightly drunk. "Don't forget about the Molorces." Chiecra added recalling the kills he made. He looked in the direction of the Academy students and their military friend. The cadet has his eyes set on Chiecra. The cadet said something to the Nymph before getting up. Chiecra watched him walk up to their table.

            "Excuse me...Ex-" He tried to get Chiecra’s attention, but someone broke him off.

            "Yes cadet can we help you?" Ilkez asked, intimidating the young man a bit.

            "Umm excuse me...can I get your autographs?" he stammered over the words a little.

            "Are you Corporal Chiecra Gwynor? Captain Ilkez Brutius, and Sergeant Viktorov Gwynor right?" he asked hopefully. They exchanged smiles and signed the cadet's note pad.

            "What is your name cadet?" Ilkez asked.

            "Cadet Aaron Barzinia from unit 84 of the Udraine Junior Military Police Force." The cade answered Ilkez.

            "Did you receive authorization to be out of your barracks? Did you get any permission from a staff Sergeant?" Ilkez questioned the Cadet.

            "I got them from both authorities and official staff." Aaron answered honestly.

            "Is that all you wanted cadet, autographs of war heroes, or something else?" Ilkez asked Cadet Barzinia in a passive tone.

            "To shake the hand of Arctice Greymir would be a great honor. Because of your return and taking up your father's position, revives the hope within my people. Without your father or his blood in the Mastar position most of my family lost hope in the war against Vullan. I thank you for returning in a time when we most needed a leader. They pray for your leadership and guidance." Aaron stretched out his hand without saluting first. This was allowed to slide by. Arctice took Aaron's hand and shook it.

            "Where are you from Cadet Barzinia?" Arctice asked.

            "I am from Dorntalla, well I was born there. My parents met in Lheobethe and moved to Dorntalla. I was their first born son. When I was four the Gantronese began a campaign of genocide and abduction. They sent me off to Lheobethe as a stowaway. After five years in an orphanage I was taken under the care of an Elvin family. In two years that family moved here. Udraine was where I was reunited with my birth parents and siblings."

            "Sounds like you're from multiple places. Care to join us cadet?" Ilkez offered.

            "I must decline the offer and return to my friends. Thank you I am amazed over meeting you all. I hope to see you some other place." Aaron trudged off to his friends in a better mood than he was previously. He embraced them with a new Aaron. Chiecra watched the youth leave the table. His eyes followed them out of the restaurant.