~France, October 17th, 1422
Eight years had passed since a special little dove was picked up and taken into the nest of the Parliament. The boy with the golden eyes adopted into the house who founded the organization. The boy found in a forest of Ravens, guarded by a screeching owl under and ashen tree.
That is how Roxane described him to the other members. Sentry was not like others. His glowing yellow eyes that burned like the bright embers in a fire, the eye of a predator is how others described it. It made him hard to converse with as others saw the boy as uncanny, something that shouldn't be messed with. They did not hate him, but they did not desire to get any closer.
So, when the time came for Sentry to find his place in the nest, to find his wings so he can fly, it was difficult. Jennifer had her responsibilities as the eldest of the Ashwood house, and Roxane had her responsibilities, leaving the young Sentry Ashwood to figure out for himself what role he wanted to play in the Parliament. What bird did he want to become?
He could strategies and hold a role among those who play the role as commanders and act with tactical thinking like those of the rank of Hawk, like Roxane. He could be a warrior, and fight with those in the front, like the Eagles are known to do. He can strike swift and clean like the assassins in the air known as Falcons. Nightingales who act as doctors, alchemists, and healers. Or he can join the Harriers, sentinels and archers that guard the castle of the Parliament. But one role that had intrigued him was the ranks of Crow and Raven.
Jennifer was the rank of crow, but because of the recent sickness that their father had fallen under, she must step up to prepare for the role of the owl. While Crows bring death, these ranks exterminate monsters that dwell in the dark. But using his deducting, he thought only one rank would better fit him.
Sentry, now eight years old sat in the library of the castle. Staying to himself and going over the studies that were given to him by Roxane. Over the history of France, over the history of England, and other nations. He had already gone over the scriptures for the day, learning the lord's words, but now it is only how he passes time as he ponders to himself.
All the Ashwoods seemed to be doing their own thing, what with their work and all. Which only made his thoughts stir more as he thought and planned for what he was going to do in the future. He hummed to himself as the wind lightly blew, alerting him that someone had entered into the library.
"Oh. Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb."
He looked up to see a young girl, her hair was pale like snow, her eyes were a crystal blue sheen, her all around appearance was pale to describe, like a ghost. If anyone matched the definition of a dove, it was her by appearance alone. Sentry said nothing and only stared for a moment longer, her eyes staring into his as her eyes widened at the realization.
"Wait, you're him, aren't you?"
She walked closer, but Sentry did not give her any attention. Not to be rude, but because no one dared approach him. He was usually left alone, only noticed in greetings or by Roxane or Jennifer.
The girl sat next to him, this action surprising him as he smelled the cinnamon in the air around her. Sentry looked at her confused, like she had lost her mind.
"The boy they found in the forest. In the snow. With the golden eyes."
Sentry just stared at her as she continued to fill the silence.
"There's a rumor about you. Wanna hear it?"
There was still silence. Before he could even think about speaking, she continued.
"Too bad. I'm telling you anyway. They say you'll be the next Raven. You know what that means?"
She leans in closer.
"There's only one Raven at a time. Just one. Because they're cursed. But also... they're the strongest. They can hunt what no one else can. They walk the edge of death and make it flinch."
Sentry continues looking at her as he opens his mouth to speak. His voice soft and cold at the same time. A contrast to her upbeat, talkative tone.
"Why tell me this? Surely you came here for something other than bothering me."
She smiles.
"True. I came to hide from my mother. I didn't want to go over the lesson she had for me today. It's so dreadfully boring, but I was surprised to find you here of all places. It made me remember the things people say about you. Also, because apparently no one wants to teach you anything from the looks of things."
"Your mother? Is she a ranking member?" Sentry asked.
"Oh yes, though she isn't my real mother, she is a Nightingale. But she is one of those who heals primarily. She aids mostly in the field of medicine. I desire to go beyond. Doing something cool."
A chuckle escapes Sentry's lips as he closes the book.
"Don't Nightingale's do alchemy? Also, they bless weapons for the crows, right? That sounds pretty cool. You're lucky to have a master who has time for you. My... mother of sorts, Roxane, is too busy helping make plans, managing contracts for our members to be sent out. The need for warriors is especially great nowadays during the war. Guess mercenary work pays just as well."
She brings her finger up to her chin in thought. Honestly a bit surprised to hear a child speak so well for their age. She was only two years older, but hearing an eight-year-old this astute was impressive.
"I guess. But she wants me to be safe. All cooped up here just tending to wound and curing illnesses. It's so boring. I know it's necessary and blah blah. But I want some excitement in my life. Don't you want some excitement too? Imagine hunting monsters or others of the like."
The thought was tantalizing to imagine. It even brought a small smile to Sentry's face. His lips curling up as he stood to his feet.
"Who are you?"
"I'm Éloise. Éloise Vernoux. I imagine I'm the first to actually give you a name to put to my face?" She asks.
"Yes. All the other doves are scared of me. They act as if talking to me will mark them for death."
She chuckles at the idea.
"Then I guess I'm marked. You could use at least one friend."
"But..."
She tilts her head.
"But what?"
"You need something from me. You came to me telling me about the rumors that I have NEVER heard nary a whisper about, unless Robin was the one spreading them. What is your real intention with me."
She lets out a sigh, standing up as she decided to tell the truth. He wasn't too bothered, mostly because he was enjoying the conversation.
"Sentry, I learned that Nightingales could do what they do for Crows, but for Ravens. So, since there aren't any doves jumping at the chance to be crows, I overheard Falcon leader Roxane and Jennifer talking about you. They said Raven would be the most optimal choice for you. So, if you were a Raven, I'd be your Nightingale to help you."
"But even if I were to agree, I'd have to find the Raven. Since there is only one, it won't be a simple."
"That's why you have me now. And between you and me, your "brother" isn't as fun as you are."
She leaned into Sentry's ear to better share what she has learned.
"I heard the Raven operates like this. They set out for their task and are gone for three weeks to a month at most, then when they return, they retreat to their nest, and rest for the same length of time usually. The last time she returned was the start of this month, meaning she is still resting in her nest. She dwells in the tower on the far side of the northern wing. It was specially constructed for her and other ravens, but since there is only one Raven, she's alone."
Sentry seems bothered by this information. He remembers Roxane telling him about that tower, but never what was behind the doors. Only that if he was to enter, he would get the fright of his life. Him being a child, he had an active imagination for what all could happen to him, but he had to shake those thoughts down. He needed to find a teacher before he turned ten, and at this rate, he wasn't sure what else to do.
Sentry walks to the library doors, exiting the room with Éloise following him. The two walking through the halls as she pulls the hood of her cloak up to avoid being seen by her mother. Looking at her appearance in the light of the halls made Sentry curious.
"Forgive me, but where are you from. I've never seen anyone that looks like you before. You look so... pale."
"I could say the same for you. I've never seen anyone with hair as thick and rich as a lion's main, and skin so dark. You aren't the only one viewed or seen differently. Made it all the easier to look for you."
Sentry smiled a bit, realizing the union the two had in common with their uncanny appearances. The pair maneuvered the gothic castle halls, moving until they bumped into Roxane who had her face buried deep into a book, not seeing the two.
"Oh, sorry little doves."
She looks down, seeing Sentry, surprisingly with another little dove.
"Aww Sentry, you finally found a friend."
She knelt down, pinching Sentry's cheeks. Sentry could not help but smile when in Roxane's presence, for praise was something he loved to receive, no matter how small. Éloise looked at Roxane a bit nervous Since the Ashwoods were actually very popular in the Parliament, it was like being in front of a noble. But Roxane was far too humble to be seen as nobility.
Roxane turns her attention to Éloise with a warm smile.
"And what's your name little dove?"
"Oh, umm... I'm Éloise. Éloise Vernoux."
She lightly places her hand atop her head, smiling at her.
"Oh, comme c'est mignon! You two make quite the pair."
Éloise's pale cheeks turned red at the way she worded that statement, while Sentry seemed oblivious to the tone. He interjected, stepping in front of Roxane.
"Sorry mother, but we are busy. Surely you understand?"
"Busy with what I might ask? I am not too busy to possibly lend aid if you need it."
The offer of help was appreciated, but Sentry knew she'd never fall for it. Not that he needed the aid now. Thanks to Éloise, he knew exactly where he needed to go. He gave a slight bow.
"No, it's fine, we were just off to find something to help us train."
Roxane gives a soft smile, kneeling down and planting her lips upon Sentry's cheek. A warm gesture to remind him that he is loved and appreciated.
"That's good. You two don't get into any trouble alright. Run long and train how you will, just don't stab each other's eyes out okay?"
The two doves nodded before continuing down the halls. Moving through as they arrive at the entrance to the tower. The door had a dark aura about it, almost like it was a warning to avoid this area to the best of your abilities. Like being outside the den of a mother bear.
Éloise looked at the door a bit cautious, hesitating to enter. But Sentry did not hesitate. Putting his ear against the door, he was unable to hear anything on the other side. Then again, it only led to the stairwell that went up the tower. Sentry looked around, making sure no one was watching them before he slowly opened the door. Looking at the darkened staircase that led up. Luckily the tower wasn't too high up. The top floor only seemed to be about five stories upward.
"Guess I'm going then. Hope to talk to you more Éloise."
"Que Dieu soit avec vous Sentry. You're going to need him now more than ever." She says with a bow.
The two go their separate ways as Sentry ascends up the tower.
Sentry fought the feeling that crawled in his gut that argued that this was not a good idea, to turn back now, because if what they say about the raven is true, the two could just be cursed just by entering the tower. But the desire to earn a rank in the Parliament was greater than his fear. So, he pushed on. Ascending the staircase with a clear drive in his heart to be more than what he is now. Though the boy could not help but tremble in his boots, unknown if it was fear or excitement that ignited the feeling.
As he walked and walked until the scent of something sweet caught his nose. It was a scent that one would smell at alters when they placed incense around them. This scent was that of lavender, a smell that got stronger the further up he went. He began to see the burning aromatic sticks placed around on the edges of the stairs, the smell only getting stronger. Reaching its peak as he arrived at the door.
He gulped, not knowing how to approach this person. The smell made thinking harder, what with his sense of smell being overloaded. But he swallowed his fear and knocked on the door. Awaiting an answer.
Nothing.
There was no response as silence rang. A painful one at that. So, he knocked again.
Nothing once more.
Sentry was starting to feel a bit irritated, grabbing the handle of the door, getting ready to burst inside, to see if she was even inside. Mostly because he could not hear any sounds on the other side, so as he grabbed the handle of the door, he felt it move on its own as the door was thrown open. He stepped back as he saw the figure standing over him. A cloud of smoke blew in his face as his eyes looked through the veil of darkness.
As the smoke lightly cleared out, he saw the figure. A tall woman clad in dark robes, her hair was messy and black as it falls, some parts braided in a messy fashion. But she wore a black hood that obscured the top part of her face, her cheeks gave off the impression that she had gaunt features.
She held a pipe to her lips as she blew the smoke in Sentry's face. Speaking in a raspy voice.
"Oh... The little Ashwood boy."