Coming over the final hill the monastery finally came into view, the snow was letting up as if rewarding him. The sight of his old home gave Artanis the strength he needed as he pushed harder toward his destination. As he approached the gate he noticed no guard on duty and one torch was out.
'this is wrong' he thought as he reached the great door and saw it was slightly ajar. Drawing his blade Artanis slowly pushed the door opened and entered the quiet holy grounds.
He knelt to the ground and saw old footprints in the snow and judging by the snow built up in the print it had been some time since a patrol had been by in the night, but he saw no signs of fighting
'perhaps His lordship is becoming lax in his age' he could not help but smile at the memory of his mentor and friend but a nearby crash brought him back to the moment. Getting lower and moving in the shadows he made his way to what he recalled was the mess hall. He pushed on the door and felt resistance, continuing to push harder and harder the door slowly began to give as the object behind the door was being pushed away. Stepping back he Shoved against the door with his shoulder sending the object away and bursting open the door the lights within momentarily blinded him.
Blinking away the blindness the sight before him gave him a laugh. Members of the order were decorating the floors, and tables with their sleeping bodies. The object blocking the door was another soldier who perhaps attempted to reach his bunk but failed and instead slept against the doorway. Often when the senior members leave for a mission the recruits and younger members would celebrate into the morning indulging themselves in fine drink and food, since overindulgence was generally against the order. He smiled and closed the door behind him, he searched around to his pleasure found a bench not being used as a bed and a unfinished flagon of ale. He sat quietly waiting for Elindor to return, to see his old friends again.
"place sure has gone to hell in my absence" he chuckled to himself
