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 Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 9:45 pm
As usual, it was a pleasant, sunny day in Mossflower, with a few clouds here and there pinned up in the blue sky. A gentle breeze was blowing through, adding a soft rustle to the sounds of the chattering creatures that were moving about far below the treetops. Lirian gave a soft sigh as the cool air brushed over his face and quills, a smile on his pointed muzzle as he sat waiting for customers. It wouldn't be long before he packed the remaining items away and started back off for Fleuve. His wares had sold well today, there were only a few small wooden toys left, and a couple of flutes as well. He liked it when market days were successful. He'd gotten several very useful things today, a few of new bits of metal, more flint, and a couple of nice baskets treated with special sap that allowed them to hold water. Useful tools could be made from the small metal scraps, most of which, he'd been told, came from the roads near where humans lived.
He stretched, and yawned, and grinned a little as he looked over at Zander, who was strumming thoughtfully on the old mandolin he loved so much. He wanted to try his hand at making instruments other than the little flutes he made, someday, but there were dynamics to those that he did not yet understand. "Play a little tune, Zander, maybe we can get rid of a few more of these before we start to head home." he said, toying with a little wooden cardinal before setting it back down on the mat. He then shifted to pick up his whittling knife again and start to shave away at a piece he'd brought to work on while they sold what they had, ears giving a flick as the breeze picked up once more.
The young ferret grinned, and began to strum out one of the few simple, but melodic tunes he knew. He liked that Lir didn't tease him for wanting to play...a lot of the kids back at the orphanage hadn't been very encouraging to him, especially when he'd just started out and hadn't been very good. But Lir let him practice all he wanted, and had even agreed to see if they could find him a teacher somehow. He yawned himself, but continued to play, tapping his little foot in time and letting his golden eyes drift shut after a moment.
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Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 10:06 am
Leandar walked away from the area containing the ruins, he often visited them, playing his dulcimer under the shade of a nearby tree, and thinking back to the days of old. The wildcat was still playing as he meandered thoughtlessly back into the town proper. The wind was blowing a bit, and the feathers on his cloak began to ruffle slightly. Leander's green eyes caught sight of Zander and Lirian, watching over some wares. Mossflower was the best place to find something of value without even meaning to. Walking up, he greeted them quite kindly, his kind nature shining through already. "Good day gents...." Eyeing their wares more closely, he noticed that they were selling flutes. Reaching forward, he paused, "May I?" Leandar had learned more than once it is better to ask before touching the wares of others.
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Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 8:59 pm
Zander halted his playing at the sound of the voice, but when he opened his eyes and saw the cat, he looked apprehensive for a split second. A cat! He'd never seen one this close before, and it was true, they were pretty big. But, seeing the orange feline's respctful disposition, he eased up and smiled. He even got a little excited as he saw Leander's instrument, but he didn't say anything for a moment, and let Lirian talk to him instead, sitting quietly.
"Good day." replied the hedgehog in his mild voice, smiling in a friendly manner. He was not wary of cats in the least, having met many beasts throughout his travels, including cats. This one seemed friendly enough, at any rate, so he didn't fret. No one ever dared make a fuss in the middle of the Mossflower market, anyway. "Oh, of course. Have a look, if you'd like!" he said, and smiled. "They're good quality, carved out of maple." he offered with a nod. There were three flutes left, two of them stained red and the other green, and one of them left its natural woody tone.
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Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 9:11 pm
Leandar nodded, appreciating the hedgehog's careful and deliberate craftsmanship. In his hand was the natural looking flute that Lirian had allowed to remain unstained. Unfortunately the wildcat's knowledge didn't extend far past string instruments. Replacing the instrument from whence it came, holding up his dulcimer, Leandar smiled and said; "Shame I can only play string instruments." A smile surfaced on his face when his eyes noticed Zander, "Is that a guitar," he asked, looking at the ferret.
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Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 10:37 pm
Lirian grinned. "Ever try? I've been making 'em ever since I was a young thing. It's not so hard, but, I can understand. I've never been too talented with strings myself." he chuckled. He had stupid fingers really, because no matter how many times he tried, he could never seem to master string instruments. "Zander here's pretty good, though!" he added, smirking proudly over at his adopted kid, who shrunk a bit bashfully.
The little ferret laughed shyly, and shook his head. "Not a guitar. A mandolin." he said, holding it up a little. It was an old, shabby looking thing that had seen many years, and its age was probably why it had been gifted to Zander for free by the traveling musician who had taught him how to use it. "What's yours?" he asked curiously. He knew it wasn't a guitar, or a mandolin, because it was a good deal larger, and a different shape.
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Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 10:49 pm
The wildcat shook his head, facing Lirian, a chill ran up his spine as he imagined ruefully being impaled on one of the hedgehog's quills. "I've tried a couple times casually," he shrugged nonchalantly. Leandar lifted his dulcimer up into the light, taking a rare moment to admire its deep, ornate carvings drawn into the wood like ink into paper. "It's a dulcimer. I actually made it pretty progressively. Most dulcimers are more flat and curved than this one." His green eyes pondered the instrument before turning to Lirian again. "It's a shame I can't barter for your instruments. Do you have any other talents?"
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Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 11:02 pm
"Heheh, and I myself have tried instruments other than winds. I just can't seem to get the chords right." he chuckled, and brushed a hand back through his blonde quills.
Both creatures watched as the cat lifted his dulcimer, and Zander sighed in an almost dreamy fashion. "It's beautiful." the young ferret said with a look of great admiration in his golden eyes. Lirian lifted a brow. "You make those? I can't play them for beans, but I have always wanted to try and make them." the hedgehog mused, eyeing the wonderful craftsmanship and carvings. Blinking at the question, Lirian nodded.
"Yes, yes I do. I live in Fleuve...I help maintain the bridges and dams on the river, and I do a lot of carpentry and construction in general." he said with a sage nod. It was amazing what one could do with an old hollowed out log, which is what most of the creatures in Fleuve used for their homes. "Oh, I can do burrows too." he added, grinning.
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Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 11:25 pm
Leandar smiled, thinking of his lack of a home. Recently his dwelling in Hallowmarl had collapsed. The craftsmanship wasn't particularly subpar, bad luck had simply sought out the furry male bachelor. At any rate having started the Hallowmarl Court, Leandar had been left thinking: the court needs a clubhouse. A sly grin painted his face as he began to speak... "On how large a scale are you willing to work," he asked the hedgehog. "I can offer you a love and health potion in exchange for your work?"
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Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 12:13 am
Lirian grinned. It looked like he might have a job offer here. "Well, it all depends, really. First off, where is it that you live? If there's any burrowing involved in a larger project, it's good to have extra help, for both digging and dirt removal. And you'll need supplies as well, lumber, for reinforcing tunnels and such." he rattled off this details offhandedly. At the payment offer, he tilted his head, and chuckled. "Potions, huh? I understand those are somewhat hard to come by. If you can provide us with food and lodging during the job, and perhaps some trade items, I'd be happy to assist in the project, whatever size it is."
"Alright!! I get to come too, I want to help! I can dig!" the little ferret looked quite excited. He wasn't old enough to help with the upkeep of the bridges in their home territory, but he'd helped Lirian expand their own burrow to include a room for himself.
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Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 7:25 pm
Leandar sat down, two legs crossed over each other, two of his legs were folded like arms across his chest. It seemed his casual day trip to Mossflower had taken a more businesslike turn. The feline placed his dulcimer next to him, playfully flicking the strings before turning to look at Lirian. "I live Hallowmarl and since all of Hallowmarl lives underground, there woud be some burrowing. The homes in the Hallow are caves, hallowed out from the rock...." The wildcat deferred to stroking his chin for a moment before continuing; "The process takes two months so I'm told. Four rooms. A solo room for me, a weaponry room, another bedroom, and a common room. I'll provide you with everything you need. I'm sure all the members of the Court will be happy to help." Suddenly Zander spoke up, and Leandar couldn't help but smile in a cheery way. Another pair of hands would only make the two months go by quicker.
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Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 8:52 pm
The hedgehog's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Hallowmarl? One of the clans I haven't visited yet...mmm." he mused, rubbing his chin. He didn't much care for the dangerous desert terrain, or the many rumors about bandits and thieves. Could he risk a trip out there, with a youngster in tow? He exhaled softly, rubbing the side of his neck in a thoughtful manner, before he seemed to think of something. "Oh, you'll have to pardon me for my horrid manners. My name is Lirian Sunfringe, I forgot to introduce myself."
"My name's Zander." the ferret piped in on the side, his voice excited. Obviously the prospect of travelling to a dangerous place like Hallowmarl was quite appealing to the ferret lad. He'd never been on a real adventure...well, none aside from the river runaway fiasco that had ended with meeting Lirian. He'd heard stories of the vast underground caves and strange glowing plants, and he'd always wanted to see it.
"Anyway, yes, yes. I have heard many stories about your home. I would like to help, but...I will need an escort on the way, especially if this little rascal is coming along," he eyed Zander playfully. "No offense, of course...if you can provide the lumber, I will take care of the woodwork and help you carry out your plan."
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Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 5:28 pm
Leandar stood and nodded, thinking to himself before grabbing his dulcimer. "I can provide you with all the protection you'll never until we reach Hallowmarl..." The wildcat couldn't help but grin, it seemed that his fun-loving nature and generally happy disposition were giving others the impression that he was no warrior. "I'm pretty handy with a bow and arrow, and my name is Leandar" he continued, attempting to steer clear of any haughty undertone in his voice.
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Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 9:56 pm
Lirian nodded a little. "Alright then...I'm trusting you, Leander." he grinned a little, almost in a teasing manner. He wouldn't have cared so much, if not for Zander, who he was already becoming quite attached to. Like any parent, he didn't want to see the kid get hurt, so he was gonna play it safe. "Well, I'd suggest we leave as soon as possible, but I have to take all this back to my home and pack a bit before we leave. Do you think you could meet us back here, in Mossflower, tomorrow morning? It's at least a half day's walk to Fleuve, and no sense in making you come all that way and back again."
Zander grinned big, and wiggled a little in his seated spot on the grass. Hallowmarl, they were going to Hallowmarl! This was probably the coolest thing ever, and he'd get to help build a big underground tunnel cave! He bit his lower lip, continuing to watch the two adults converse. He had probably been adopted by the coolest guy ever!
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Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 10:12 pm
Leandar chuckled heartily and smirked, it seemed he and Lirian would get along just fine in the coming months. "Sounds good friend, goodbye until then." The wildcat offered a hand for the hedgehog to shake, and then he would begin his journey back to Hallowmarl, which was also about a half days walk. Patting Zander on his shoulder as he passed him, Leandar would be strumming his dulcimer as he walked. In his head images of grandeur floated around, the clubhouse was going to be the coolest thing ever! I think I would like it to be built on one of the higher levels, crystal lighting would be awesome.
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Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2011 4:03 pm
Lirian grinned in return, merely hoping that he could trust this feline fellow to protect them. If something went wrong, he wasn't sure how the going would be with a rambunctious young ferret at his side. The hedgehog had had his adventures, but there were just some places that weren't suited for a kid like Zander. Lirian reached out to give Leander's paw a firm shake, and nodded resolutely. "Have a pleasant evening, Leander, and I'll see you here first thing tomorrow morning." he watched the cat turn to leave, the details of the job also starting to work their way into his mind. What would it be like to work through sandstone? He'd have to pack tools. Should have asked Leander if anyone in Hallowmarl already had tools. Oh well. "C'mon Zan. Time to pack up this stuff and head home, we have to get ready for the trip!"
Zander was already starting to put their leftover wares back into one of the woven packs they used to transport such things. He laughed, and finally spoke up once the cat was gone. "Yeah! I can't believe we're gonna go all the way to Hallowmarl! This is gonna be awesome! Do you think we'll get to see the forges? I heard they even have a big lake down there! Is it true Lir, do they?"
The hedgehog chuckled. One thing he loved about the kid was his neverending curiosity, and his enthusiasm, even if it did lead Zander to rushing headlong into situations without thinking them through first. "I reckon we will. That Leander seems alright...but, Zander, this trip isn't gonna be any kind of stroll through Mossflower...we're going to go over some rules on the way home, alright? The desert is a dangerous place...can't have you rushing off and getting lost out there." he said as he helped to pack the rest and sling the wicked basket over one shoulder.
Zander groaned, but relented a little. "Alright, alright. It's not like I'm gonna run off on my own!" he said with a little smirk, sticking his tongue out saucily, which earned him a playful swat from his guardian.
Lirian snorted, and ruffled the top of the ferret's head fondly. "You'd better not. All manner of creature out there that'd see you as a tasty snack." he teased again, and the two of them wandered slowly out of Mossflower and back home to pack and ready themselves for the following day.
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