The airship docked at the clocktower at its customary hour. However, the scene was unexpected. Instead of the usual solitary Emerald scholars in their copper masks, they were accompanied by tall, strong men. Many of these men stood over six feet tall and had an intimidating presence, with scars adorning their faces and bodies. Yet, one distinct characteristic made it clear who they were: their striking emerald green eyes. In Grastagg, onlookers gazed up in surprise, a reaction that was mirrored by many residents of Stag-Point, except for two individuals who appeared unfazed by the turn of events—Richard and Faerl—as they walked down the street toward the clocktower. Faerl would hold their head thoughtfully, chin cupped in their right hand while their left arm supported their elbow, then remarked, “Hmm... A bit earlier than we were expecting, isn’t it? Them arriving, I mean.” They carried only a minor worry that everything might not be ready for their arrival but felt confident that all would turn out well. Richard would flash a broad grin, hands clasped behind his back as he looked at Faerl. “You know what they say, Faerl! The early bird gets the worm! And the tardy bird gets the beak!” He would shift his focus to the men beginning their descent from the clock tower, expanding on his words as they navigated down the ladder. “These are the strongest recruits Wood’s Edge could offer! These fine gentlemen are eager to join Stag-Point after the recent incident in Oakhold! They were displeased by their inability to assist! Oh! And besides—” he would turn to Faerl, scratching his head in an awkward manner, “there have been some unpleasant stories circulating about where these honorable men come from! Quite the scandalous tales, I must add! They want to put an end to those lies and prove that the people of Wood’s Edge are more than just outlandish rumors—oh, here they come now!” Faerl would slightly adjust the angle of their head for a better view of Richard from the side, then lift an eyebrow in curiosity. "...I feel gladdened, then, that I have no idea what those rumors are..." They would then reposition their stance, placing their hand on their hips while shifting their weight to one side, awaiting Richard to greet the newcomers. The men approached the duo, appearing rugged and serious. One extended a hand towards Richard, while another nudged his companion who lost focus while offering a slight bow to the young Richard. "Forgivd us...Lion. We hail from a place where respect is scarce. We intend no disrespect toward you." Richard chuckled softly to himself and grasped the man’s hand, providing an unexpectedly firm handshake. The man recoiled slightly from the strength of the young Lion’s grip, who declared, "No need for such formalities here! If you wish to bow, then the Queen's palace is just over yonder! She’s the one that deserves that honor, not me! View me as you wish! If it comforts you to consider me your leader, then feel free! If you would rather see me as a friend, I welcome that as well!" The bowing man gradually lifted his head, and those behind him followed suit, meeting Richard’s piercing gaze framed by his emerald eyes. There was something within them…compassion, prosperity, serenity, and pure kindness. His presence provided a sense of comfort to the men… yet there lingered a subtle indication of his overwhelming power. Many of the men who had started to whisper and mock the young Lion in silence soon fell absolutely quiet, for when Richard cast his gaze in their direction, they envisioned things…his rapier piercing deeply against their throat, others felt the press of his dagger against their abdomens...with some experiencing a chill down their spines, as if the young Lion was ready to pounce on anyone who dared to cause trouble within the city. Mockery transformed into fear and that fear morphed into pure respect. Faerl glanced over, finding that one remark about the queen amusing, even though he had never met her personally. Faerl stifled a laugh before clearing his throat. He leaned slightly forward, covering his smile with his fist and apologizing, “Apologies. Please, carry on.” Richard shifted his focus to Faerl and offered a half smirk before swiftly pulling him in close, “Ah! How could I forget! This is my brother, Faerl! He has arranged the accommodations for your stay! He has worked tirelessly to ensure each and every one of you is comfortably settled here!” The man at the front turned his head slightly, placing his hands on his hips, “Forgive me, but…is that truly your brother?” Richard quickly nodded his head up and down, “Indeed!” Faerl stumbled slightly but quickly regained his balance by moving closer to Richard. He draped an arm over Richard's shoulder and flashed a cheeky grin, replying, "Oh? Don’t you know a pair of Blood Brothers when you see one?" He chuckled more heartily, his wide smile causing his eyes to squint a little. "I hadn’t anticipated you all to be so tall… I hope the beds are comfortable…” he called out louder. “Please let me know if any adjustments need to be made, alright?" The men’s eyes widened, and they nodded in agreement, saying, “O-of course, Faerl!” Then they turned to Richard. “Now! I must ask! Are all of you ready to make a name for yourselves? You are the finest of the finest! The strongest of the strong! You are the blades of our father! I want to know if you’re prepared to represent not just Stag-Point! Not just the plains! Not merely the crown! But Planu himself! I want to know if you all possess the determination to face challenges head-on!” The men stood tall, resembling genuine giants, while the citizens in the town square looked on with curiosity, eagerly waiting for a reply. The man at the front spoke calmly, avoiding Richard’s gaze as one might do with a commanding general. “We are the Blades of the Father, Blades of the Stag Brazon, Blades of The Plains, and Blades of you, the Lion.” The man kept his gaze upwards until a loud crunch suddenly drew his attention back down, revealing Richard munching on an apple and offering one to him. “Mmm mmm mmh! That’s what I like to hear! Faerl will now escort you to your quarters! Here’s a juicy apple for the journey!” With that the onlookers began to clap loudly for the new protectors of the city as the newly found enforcers were escorted to their barracks.