|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Dec 25, 2012 9:22 pm
 The trip into town took a bit of time, but Eaton never found it to be unpleasant, especially since Orpheus always walked with him. It was nice to have a companion for the long trek, even if Orpheus couldn't speak. Eaton sometimes got flashes of emotions or images in his head, but for the most part, his and Orpheus' relationship was one of silent kindredship.
Usually, Eaton came into town to purchase any goods he would need for the next month. He lived far enough away that going into Palisade's frequently was often a waste of time. Today was special though. He'd gotten a letter from a metal worker looking for some kind of healing. Rosalie had written of her nervous shaking and the frequency it happened when storms were near. Eaton thought he had the perfect solution to the tremors...or at least a herbal remedy that would soothe the worst of the shaking. So, he'd quickly written her back, telling her a day when he'd be coming. Thankfully, it hadn't snowed recently so it was easy going all the way into town. Even the roads were dry and free of mud.
Many were used to seeing Eaton in his scarves and oversized jackets with Orpheus walking beside him, so they paid him no mind. Some thought him a beggar or a gypsy, but it so became obvious that Eaton was neither, merely an eccentric hermit who studied plants all day. Thankfully though, he found Rosalie's shop easily enough and he jauntily knocked on the front door. Stepping back, he waited, Orpheus leaning a bit heavily against him as if unhappy.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 25, 2012 9:40 pm
 It became very evident that while the shop did seem to be closed, warmth emanated from the door. Perhaps the metal worker was at least doing something simple today, though the winds foretold of a rather large snowstorm coming towards Sunderland. Rosalie was doing her best to at the very least pour some molds for later, though the shaking was getting to be uncontrollable again. Aelius looked up from his spot in the corner, well away from anything that could possibly burn his fur, and gave a slightly concerned sniff towards her. "I'm fine. I'm fine." She hushed, trying to focus more on the molten metal that was making its way into the molds. She had heard the knock, but feared that if she even gave a call to let the visitor in, she'd lose all the focus she had on her. However, luck was against her, and one particularly painful shock went through her hands, her aim swaying and hitting her boot. While the leather gave the protection, and thankfully didn't melt, the heat was enough to bring about a string of curses from the woman, and she quickly adjusted her aim. When the last of the molten material was poured, she wiped off her brow, setting aside her gloves to finally answer the door. "Sorry..." She murmured, looking down and kicking at the new embellishment to her work boots. The darn thing wasn't coming off anytime soon. Well....They were old boots, and this had happened before, given the occasional splatter of silver or bronze upon them. "How can I help you...Sir?" Rosalie gave a brief glance up and the raise of an eyebrow at his appearance. It wasn't like she was any better in her work clothes, skin accented by the occasional dash of soot. No one ever said metal working was a clean job... Aelius, curious as to whom would visit on such a day, stood, taking a moment to stretch his limbs before making way to peer out the door by her side. She gave a glance down to him, and sighed. "Oh so now you're curious..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 25, 2012 10:03 pm
Eaton startled as an eruption of cursing floated from the other side of the door. It was very obviously a woman's voice, but Eaton still took a hesitant step back, unsure of what would greet him when the door was open. Thankfully, when Rosalie revealed herself, she didn't seem to be in a rage as the earlier noise indicated. For a moment, Eaton's eyes were drawn to the woman's boots and he watched as she flicked a bit of molten liquid from the leather. Eaton could surmise what had happened and didn't bother to hid his frown of worry.
"Ah," he replied, pushing back his hood and scarves to reveal his face fully. He shook out the curls of his grayed hair and offered a small smile. "My apologies. I'm Eaton Lynwood. We've spoken through correspondence over the last couple of weeks. It's a pleasure to meet you in person, Ms. Satre. I daresay that I arrived just in time." Eaton was about to say more and pander his wares more fully, but Orpheus had decided to make himself known by muscling Eaton out of the way to greet the other buck who'd appeared.
Orpheus looked over the other male with keen, yellow eyes, asserting himself. Once deciding that the other guardian was not a danger to his human, Orpheus politely bumped noses with the other buck in greeting before stepping back.
"Er, please excuse Orpheus. He can be rather rude." The last word Eaton said was a bit sharp as he eyed his buck. He hadn't known that Rosalie was a chosen. If he had, he would have left Orpheus at home. The buck was utterly too vigilant in his protection sometimes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 25, 2012 10:58 pm
"I'm terribly sorry you had to hear any of that." She sighed, stepping to the side as the other buck touched noses with her own, "And it's fine. This one has his own set of troubles, though thankfully he has enough sense to keep away from the forge when I'm working....It...Might be a bit warm, but please do come in." Rosalie held the door open to allow him passage, using her free hand to push back another few stray strands of hair. Aelius didn't seem to think either of these males were of danger to the woman either, sidestepping neatly to let them in as well. His eyes glistened with the joy of another being here and he was oh so happy and not about to stop it from showing. He would be prancing around with a little more glee, but the forge was still going, and he wasn't going to risk it. Plus these two needed to get in, out of the cold. As soon as the two entered, the heat that had leaked out the door warmed them through the bones. There were a number of windows open on the upper floor that they could see, and the warm glow of forge and lantern alike kept the home and shop nicely lit. By the side of the large fire lay two molds, their contents glowing dimly as they set into bars, though farther down there were many things, in all sorts of states. Swords, daggers, rings...Even a few pendants, which looked delicate from afar. "I'm sorry to say I didn't expect you so early in the day. Travel hasn't been easy for some recently, with the biting winds and all." She shut the door, and sauntered over to a chair near where Aelius earlier lay, "Please, feel free to sit. Actually is there anything I could get you? Tea?" She stood up again, gesturing to a free chair as she began to rummage through a cabinet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2012 1:53 pm
"Oh, think nothing of it. I'm used to the heat of the fire," Eaton assured as he stepped into the house. Orpheus led the way, of course and Eaton was the last one inside before the door shut out the worst of the winter's air. "I blow glass occasionally." Eaton headed deeper into the house, giving the furnace a wide berth, not wanting an accident to happen, as rare as it would be. The home, he noticed, was quite cozy, the metal working equipment only adding to the charm.
"Darjeeling, if you have it," Eaton replied once he'd sat himself down in a chair opposite Rosalie's. He was never one to pass up a good cup of tea. Besides, it would relax them both and Eaton hoped Rosalie would talk more freely about her ailment. After all, talking in a letter was much different than talking face to face with a person. "Oh, and the weather wasn't too bad. The roads were dry thankfully and that's all I ever hope for."
As Eaton spoke, he shrugged off his coat and unwound the scarves about his neck, the heat of the room amply warm to do so. Eaton set down his bag of herbal remedies as well, ignoring how Orpheus came to possessively lay at his feet. It would seem he'd need to warm up a bit more if he was to further tolerate Aelius' presence.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2012 9:37 pm
The redhead went to work through the cabinet, setting a kettle aside on the chair, and began to look for the tin. "Glass blowing? Interesting. It takes a far more delicate hand to do things like that. My work doesn't tend to break so easily after cooling, but with glass, depending on how thick it is, I suppose...." She trailed off, and finally retrieved a beat-up looking tin. Setting it aside, she went to prepare the water for heating. "It's good to hear that your trip here was safe. Well, as safe as it can be, I suppose." Aelius tiptoed around Eaton's chair, noticing the rather possessive behavior of Orpheus, and went to lay in his hay. He gave a roll in it, all four limbs clumsily tossed in the air for a moment, before settling down with them neatly tucked under him. He gave another snort in Rosalie's direction, almost demanding some sort of attention. "Yeah, yeah, I'll get it in a second." She grumbled, obviously having trouble with hanging the kettle by the end of a pole over the fire. Eventually though, the handle caught, and she returned to the chair, dusting off her hands from the soot. Reaching behind it, she pulled out a blanket and covered the buck with it, gaining a very annoyed grunt as Aelius shook it off of his head. There was a moment of intense staring between the two before she sat, fetching two cups out of the cupboard as well. "Well now. It'll take a while for the water to heat....And it seems you've caught me on a bad day." She was keeping her hands neatly folded on her lap, though the occasional tremor still made it through even with something to steady them on. "I take it you'll need to take a look? If it's okay with...Orpheus?" She furrowed her brow for a moment, trying to remember the name of this other buck. "He seems to be rather attached to you. This one has his moments too."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2013 5:31 pm
Eaton sat back in his chair and allowed himself a moment's rest. He shrugged off his coat and other outer the things, draping his things over the arm of his chair. It really was warm in the house, though pleasantly so, especially after the biting cold of his trip. Once comfortable once again, Eaton sat back and watched Rosalia, though didn't offer to help. He doubted the woman would appreciate it in her own home. So, Eaton just watched and would let the hostess do what she needed to do.
"I think I came on a perfectly good day," Eaton replied kindly, not missing the tremor of Rosalie's hands. "Orpheus would mind, I promise. This is work and he's used to such things." As he spoke, he nudged Orpheus. The buck didn't move for a moment before he reluctantly went to where Aelius lay. He paused before the other buck before huffing out a greeting and laying himself down beside the other. He remained alert though, his ears pricked forward as he watched the two humans.
Pleased that Orpheus moved, Eaton's smiled at Rosalie. "If you'll permit me madam." Eaton held out both of his hands to to Rosalie, palms up. If she gave him her hands, he would explore them, searching for anything amiss that would cause the shaking.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2013 7:32 pm
Rosalie and Aelius both watched Orpheus move, though Aelius perked his ears up happily, moving over for his new bestest buddy ever. He bumped noses again with the buck, then got to looking over his friend's fur with the closest eye. Noticing a few spots that could use some help, he decided he was going to help even if it wasn't wanted. Rosalie gave him her hands, and looking down at them as well. These were not the hands of a delicate young dame, and definitely matched her profession. There was the occasional discoloration, darker skin from where she had been badly burnt, and a few calluses on her fingers. She did, however, keep her nails neatly trimmed and cleaned. They were having trouble keeping still, shaking occasionally. But since she had his own hands to steady hers on, it wasn't nearly as bad as it would have been. "I'm sure you'll need to know they also hurt. It's not only the joints, sometimes in the bones. If I remember hearing my father correctly, he had this problem too, though later in his years." The redhead mentioned, glancing over at the kettle. No, not yet. It wouldn't boil for another few minutes on the fire. "It's a little scary that it would start in me when I'm more than half his age when his symptoms begun."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2013 12:27 pm
Eaton cast no judgement on the state of Rosalie's hand as they were placed in his own. He ignored Orpheus' sneeze from Aelius' nose bump. If Eaton had cared to look he'd fine Orpheus licking the other buck's ear calmly, if only to get the other to settle further. Always precise and elegant in his movements, Orhpeus got comfortable beside the other buck, finding the male's presence soothing.
For a moment, Eaton merely ran his thumbs lightly over Rosalie's hands, exploring ever bump and callous and scar. He delicately felt the bones of her hands and was slowly nodding at her words. "Arthritis, perhaps," Eaton replied, his tone gentle as he relinquished Rosalie's hands. "It's treatable, however, it won't ever go away. It's a common occurrence in a child of one of both of parents who've been affected by it. Have you ever been to a physician? I only know the symptoms, not the exact medical explanation."
As Eaton spoke, he dug around in his satchel and withdrew a small jar as well as a packet of what looked to be dried herbs. "Is that water done boiling?" He asked, setting the things he'd gotten on the table by his chair. "I have both a salve and a tea mixture that should hopefully help with the shaking and the pain. Once we see the effects it has one you, I'm sure I can customize it further to your own body. I would also suggest seeing a learned doctor for they have braces and massage techniques that could also help. My way of healing is merely done through natural means." He shrugged then and leaned back against his seat. He'd said all he had needed to say on the subject and fell silent, watching Rosalie intently.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2013 4:05 pm
Aelius did happen to settle down, resting his head on Orpheus' back. Comforttttt..Warm blanket, warm house, warm friend, he was very much so at peace with the world. However, before settling down completely, he bit the edge of the blanket, tugging to partially cover his new best buddy as well. Rosalie gave a slight nod at Eaton's diagnosis, though was a little sad when he gave her hands back to her, which immediately went back to her lap. It had felt just a little nice, though she wasn't about to say anything about it. Simply professional. "I saw a doctor a few months ago, though he said it was just normal from stress and would go away. I doubt I could get an appointment now, since most have left the town to go pay tribute to the Wardwood..." The woman glanced at the two bucks for a moment. If Eaton had one as well, then he had gone. Perhaps she should take Aelius there...Pay a tribute... "Yes, it should be by now." She nodded, standing. She took the metal rod in her hand again, and hooked the teapot off of the rod before settling it down. "Would you like me to steep the tea mixture you brought? I can still give you the Darjeeling. It's not like I haven't amassed a collection of tea steepers." Two of the metal devices were put delicately into the teacups, and she turned, awaiting his choice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2013 4:38 pm
"I suppose it could be stress related as well. Are you stressed?" Eaton asked curiously, watching Rosalie putter about getting the steepers and cups for the tea. "And yes, Darjeeling sounds nice. My tea mixture is for you after all. Perhaps it will help calm your stress as well?" He handed over his own packet of tea and patiently waited. Eaton believed very firmly in the healing properties of different teas and herbs. While modern medicine did have its uses, Eaton found herbal remedies could be so much more helpful.
With a sigh, he glanced over at Orpheus and nearly snorted with laughter. The buck lay snuggled against Aelius, his head resting against the soft hay. It seemed that Orpheus had gone to sleep. It made Eaton wonder just how tired the trip had made the buck. Or was Orpheus needing some friends of his own and that was why he'd immediately latched on to the other buck? Either way, Eaton would endeavor to meet with more Choosen more often, if only for Orpheus.
"Why have they gone to pay tribute?" Eaton asked suddenly, the thought of people actually doing so in this weather rather alarming. "I mean, I know I'm a little odd traveling to and from town in bad weather, but I had thought the larger populace had more sense. What has spurred this sudden exodus to the Wardwood?" Eaton had little idea that the wolves had finally been spotted away. Living where he did, he didn't hear much news of anything and this was the first time he'd come into town for over a month.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2013 5:05 pm
Rosalie paused for a moment, the tea in her hand. Stressed...Well...Perhaps. "I suppose I am a little stressed....." She murmured, getting back to work with the tea. She delicately took the packet meant for her from him, murmuring her thanks before pouring the steaming water into the cups. "Since there's been a rather strong resurgence in the trouble with my hands, I've been worrying about who will continue this shop. Like my father before me, one day I'll be too old, or too weak, to run this shop. I'd like it to continue, there's a lot I could teach." She placed a bowl over each cup to keep it warm as the leaves released their flavor. Noticing the held back laughter of her guest, Rosalie too turned to see the two bucks settled down for sleep. Aelius was nodding off slowly, also soothed by the companionship. Good....He wasn't stuck with only the rook as a friend now. Perhaps she'd have to invite Orpheus and Eaton over again to the two could see each other. "Ah, since you live a while out, I suppose you haven't heard." The woman murmured, sitting down again. "They say the wolves have returned to the hills of Sunderland." Those words alone would shake fear into most citizens of Palisade, though she seemed only a little troubled. "I don't remember many of my father's words from the stories, but perhaps the choosings have begun again for a reason. There's rumors. Rumors that the wolves are behind the killings to the north, and near the Wardwood. Perhaps they've gone to seek protection by offerings." Rosalie went silent for a moment, watching the two bucks again. "You know....You should be careful on your trip home, when you decide to return to your lodgings. I doubt Orpheus would dare let anything happen to you....But allow me to help." She got up again, and went to her shop stock, delicately looking through it. She returned with a short sword in a scabbard, which looked old and dusted, as if it hadn't been purchased for a long time. "This is in addition for your payment. It should be easier than a full sized sword." She held it out to him, glancing over to the bucks again. There would be more orders coming in, she expected. Ones for swords and the like. But this one, she wasn't going to allow to go to someone she didn't trust.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2013 7:05 pm
Eaton had reached over to delicately peek beneath the lid of his teacup before Rosalia's words sank in. Startled, he reared back in his seat, his brows disappearing beneath his bangs. "Wolves?" He echoed before glancing at the buck quickly. When it seemed that Orpheus hadn't been disturbed, Eaton relaxed slightly and lowered his voice. "Wolves you say? Why, there hasn't been talk of such creatures for...many, many years now. To have them appear so suddenly can't bode well." He sighed and seemed to sag in his seat and scrubbed a hand over his face. While Rosalie hadn't seemed particularly bothered by the news, it had wound Eaton up. He and Orpheus would not be taking the trek home that night to be sure.
"I would hope Orpheus was never faced with a situation regarding the wolves," Eaton replied, tracking Rosalie as she went across the room to rummage around for something. Confused, Eaton fell silent, wondering what she could possibly be doing now, of all times. When the short sword was offered to him, Eaton stared at it keenly before hesitantly reaching for it. The blade was heavy in his hand and he wondered what he would do with such a thing.
"Madam, I have never lifted a blade like this in my entire life and I hope it remains that way still." Gently, Eaton set the blade aside as if it was made of glass instead of steal. "I thank you for the gift though. I count it payment enough and I'll wear during these dark days. Perhaps it will be may charm to ward off danger." For a brief moment, Eaton flashed Rosalie a roguish smile before his attention was once again riveted by the tea.
"Oh, I think it's done," he crowed, reaching for his cup and setting the lid aside. Letting the fragrance wash over him, Eaton inhaled slightly before taking a small sip. He sighed and got comfortable once again. "You should get an apprentice," he said suddenly as if from nowhere, "you know, to continue your legacy. Either that or bear a child," he teased.
((ITEM OBTAINED LOL. +5 strength))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2013 7:25 pm
"Wolves." She repeated. "It would certainly explain the appearances of these fellows." Rosalie vaguely gestured to the sleeping bucks, careful to keep her voice down as to not disturb them. "They say there was an inn that was attacked.....Not a single survivor, the tracks of wolves and a human leaving. Well...Similar to human." She rethought the news. What if....It wasn't human? But why would anyone willingly leave with the wolves anyway? Why put themselves in such danger? "I hope the same for myself, I assure you. While I'm wary of leaving my shop, I might make a pilgrimage myself. But I'm sure there will be far too much work to be done here. Orders for nails and swords have already started to trickle in, and I'm sure they'll at the very least triple within the month. People don't want to be unarmed, even if they will still stand no chance. Better to go down fighting, I suppose." There was always a chance to win. But wolves....Wolves hunted in packs, to the best of her knowledge. One down is still one down, though. She watched him carefully as he put the sword aside. "I'd rather there be something there for you if the time ever comes. If these times ever pass, it will at the very least make a wonderful mantle piece." The hints of the adornment peaked out of the sheath, showing a far more delicate craftsmanship than he was used to. "This is the one I made after my trip to the Wardwood....Perhaps the inspiration it gave will be a blessing." "Ah, yes. It would be done by now wouldn't it?" She removed her own lid and sipped delicately at the still steaming liquid. "An apprentice....I suppose I could, though few want their sons training under a female smith. The majority that wish to go into this work want a strong male as their master, not some female who has a rook and a buck living with her, and a library on the upper floor." She laughed a little. However, at the mention of a child she choked on her tea a little, coughing as her cheeks flushed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2013 8:29 pm
The story of the wolves had Eaton shuddering. To imagine the horrific deaths those people must have gone through. Eaton pushed the thought away, letting the conversation on the wolves ebb. He didn't even bring up the sword, though did glance at it one last time before focusing on his tea. If it was one thing Eaton was really good at, it was ignoring things. Sure, it usually came back to bite him in the butt, but Eaton wasn't about to let that bother him now.
"You could take on a girl," Eaton suggested, though laughed at Rosalie's blush. "It's not so embarrassing, to have a child of your own. You could even adopt if you so wished it. There's plenty of poor orphans out there looking for a safe place." Too many, Eaton silently added. How many times had helped one urchin or another out? He wished he had deeper pockets, then he'd really be able to do something about it. Ah well, small kindnesses would have to be enough.
Drinking down the last of his tea, Eaton stretched just a bit, setting his cup aside. "Do you know of any inns that Orpheus and I may stay the night at? Most won't accept a Guardian unfortunately, still a beast after all."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
