|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 6:54 am
After Lyrie had returned to the brotherhood, Tryston found himself finally leaving the old fort to travel through Zena. He was determined to visit Tale but before he ventured outside of the country he knew that he had to stop and visit old friends. Zyphire had been bothering him with letters and he knew that Talisia still worried about his health since he had left the animal sanctuary to rejoin with the brotherhood. It wasn’t a far journey to the sanctuary, just a couple days of riding would get him quickly to the southern border of Zena where it was located next to Sauti, but his duties had kept him so busy as of late that the ice warrior simply hadn’t the time to visit.
However, now Tryston had no excuse since Lyrie was back and forcing him to take a vacation from his duties. After making certain that Lyrie and Aishling were both settled in the fort Tryston finally ventured away from his hometown and towards the southern border. He had arrived late afternoon at the sanctuary and was promptly greeted by Talisia and her family. They had a large dinner for him and spent many hours into the night catching up while the younger family members slept. Tryston was amazed at how quickly things had changed in the few years that he had been away. The family had grown, Talisia’s brother and his lover had children, and her own twins had aged into fine teenagers. It was those two teenagers who now led him on this fine morning through the local village’s market so that he could stock up on supplies for his journey through Sauti and into Tale.
[Tryston 1]
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 6:54 am
Katori was ecstatic.
She had remembered Tryston and the group of warriors who had lived with them for a time and had been happy to reunite with him. They had inspired both her and her brother when they had stayed at the manor, their resilience and strength touching. Her youngling days of playing knight had exploded into reality but then it was over all too quickly. The group of warriors had left saying that it was finally time to head north and resolve the issues at their home village. Just like some epic tale. Mused Katori as she skipped along thoughtfully. At least Tryston had finally managed to visit them again! Now that she was walking alongside of both him and Taaru she couldn't help but to feel nostalgic. Once again they were able to help the ice warrior and even though it was a simple supply trip Katori couldn’t help the grin that spread across her features.
“The stall to the right always has the best bread.” She chirped as they approached the bustling market of the local village. Tryston had good timing. It was a local market day with many peddlers coming to town to share their wares. It happened perhaps once a month or so, more often in the warmer months than in the winter, and so everything was bustling. Earthlings roamed the market this early morning, many haggling with merchants while other merchants advertised their wares. Weapons, clothing, fine accessories, food, and the like decorated the many stalls which had been set up outside to celebrate the warmer weather of summer. Thankfully their village was at the edge of Zena so many Sautian merchants came this way whenever they could, bringing wares and food from all over Tendaji to share with the villagers before continuing onwards towards Zena’s capital while the warmer weather allowed.
“Taaru, did you want to find anything in particular?” Asked Katori as she walked alongside her brother, her hand playing with some hanging silks that created a rainbow against one of the many market shops. Truly it was a beautiful day, the sun was out and grass dotted the cobblestone streets of the town with little wildflowers blooming here and there in celebration of summer.
[Katori 1]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 6:55 am
Taaru was excited to see Tryston again. It had been years since the conflict started, a time before Taaru was even born. Just as he was becoming old enough to understand what was going on, the conlfict ended, and a new threat had swooped Tryston away to more distant battles. Years passed and he found himself looking over his father's shoulder reading a letter from Tryston saying he would return soon to visit his wife. An opportunity to see the old man again? I can't wait.
Before long he found the time came where he and Katori were strolling the market with Tryston again. Shopping wasn't his favorite daytime activity, and he would rather be showing off the skills he learned from his training, but he wasn't going to complain about spending time with them. "Hmm, come to think of it, dad promised to buy me a new bow to practice with if I found something I liked... Maybe we could go look around the smiths later?" He looked at Tryston with a pleading look. "Of course after you finish getting what you need for your trip back..." Patience was definitely something he had to pick up as a mage, and even more so as an archer. Although, as they shopped and got closer to the weapon artisans part of the market, he felt himself getting more and more antsy.
[Taaru 1]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 6:56 am
Kukiko came to the market with the intention of buying more cute clothes, but thanks to her own displeasure and sudden embarrassing outburst, she found herself browsing weapons. Because you know, why not? She saw a sword she actually liked, with pretty flower designs, only it was taller than her and heavy as all get out.
Another customer insulted her, saying she would never be able to even bring the thing home, let alone wield it. She was fuming. Nothing upset her more than someone telling her that she couldn't do something because of her gender, or size. She picked up the closest weapon she could reach, unsheathed it, and hurled it at her insulter. It was the smallest dagger, and it landed in the ground, almost catching the man's boot. He didn't have the reaction time to dodge it, so if she had been a little more accurate, she could have nailed him right in the big toe. "Well, that seems to be a weapon suited just for you! Too bad you couldn't catch it!"
The merchant just stared in disbelief, and before long, heads were turning in their direction, and the people stared to form a small crowd around them. The man was infuriated and threw his fists up, ready to throw hands. Well, this isn't how I imagined my shopping trip to end up! She wasn't going to back down though, so she stood in a weak stance and put her hands up, bracing for the fight she started.
[Kukiko 1]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 6:56 am
Tryston couldn't help the faint smile that crossed his features whenever he noticed the twins' excitement, "We'll take some of the bread." He stated to the stall owner as he handed over coin and received several fresh loaves in turn. Katori was not lying because the smell of the bread was delicious and Tryston could already imagine how much sweeter and richer the flavor would be in comparison to the travel rations he had brought for his trip to the sanctuary. He kept an eye out for other things, purchasing some dried meat and fruits, before nodding towards Taaru, "Weapons are fine. I could use a new dagger or knife myself." His supply of food would only last so long and he would need it in case he had to hunt on his way towards Tale.
However, it was when they got closer to the weapon artisans part of the market that Tryston found himself witnessing a rather entertaining scene. She definitely has spunk. He thought while quietly watching the petite ice girl. Normally he was not one to intervene but whenever the man prepared to throw a punch the ice warrior found himself stepping forward to catch the fist in his leather gloved hand, "Perhaps a fight in the market is not the best of ideas." He commented quietly, his silver gaze flashing with warning.
[Tryston 2]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 6:56 am
"Of course you would like a bow." Commented Katori with a grin, "How surprising." No matter what she could never resist teasing her younger twin. Perhaps she was a bit jealous because she still was trying to figure out her own path while Taaru seemed to have a solid idea of his desires, but either way she meant no harm whenever she joked around with him. She was honestly kind of proud and amazed by how talented he seemed to be with archery. Her own skills in that area were....well lacking. However, Katori was certain that she would eventually find her path! It just took such brilliant talent like hers a while to shine. That was all.
She continued browsing the stalls, her thoughts wandering as they approached the weapon area of the open market. This would be nice. Katori mused as her fingers trailed over some beaded necklaces before her attention was taken by the sudden commotion. The hybrid girl's silver eyes flashed towards the scene, her mouth curving upwards into a delighted grin whenever the smallest of daggers went sailing towards the man. Ooooh burn! When the man moved forward to fight the younger girl, Katori could not resist grabbing a nearby stick and was prepared to intervene whenever Tryston beat her to it. I guess it is handy to have a seasoned warrior with us. She nodded and approached the other girl as the man mumbled some incoherent phrases and backed away from Tryston, "What a coward." Katori glanced towards the other girl with a smile, "I'm sure you would have really knocked him good had he even tried it."
"Also I wouldn't worry about him." Katori motioned towards Tryston, "Tryston looks a bit intimidating but he's really a nice guy on the inside, promise."
[Katori 2]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 6:56 am
Taaru frowned at his twin's comment. "Heeey. What's that supposed to mean?" He knew his sister was just teasing him but he couldn't help but feel a small pang of shame for wanting a new bow. Before he could say anything else on the matter, he found himself blankly staring at the young ice girl about to throw down with a puffy looking earthling guy. Man that guy is kind of a jerk for wanting to hit a young girl. He saw Tryston step in and followed his twin to check on the girl. She wasn't visibly injured, but he could definitely tell she wasn't a fighter. Perhaps, not yet at least. Maybe... His thought was interrupted by Katori's comments.
He chuckled and said "Yeah, this old guy's kind of a big softie." He nudged Tryston right below the ribs with his elbow. He eyed the girl up and down. She was really pretty with curvy features and could tell she loved fashionable clothes. He could never imagine her actually fighting anyone. "Seriously though, you don't look like much of a fighter with that stance." What was she thinking? She could've gotten her seriously hurt he thought to himself.
[Taaru 2]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 6:56 am
Kukiko blew her bangs from her face, looked at Katori and kept her voice low. "Yeah I don't know about me winning that." As her rescuer turned to Kukiko, she whispered to the girl. "Daaaang he's cute."
She cleared her throat and said "Uh, thanks for stepping in there." as he approached. She dead pan glared at the younger ice boy. Oh, another wise guy. I hope you like to eat dirt. She thought. "Oh, you're right. What would I ever do without a big strong man to help me?" she said as she continued her dead pan death glare.
[Kukiko 2]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 6:56 am
Tryston's silver gaze slid down towards Taaru. If the younger boy was one of the brotherhood then he would have received some sort of remark but Tryston simply ignored the comment. If anything he could just express his feelings about being called old whenever they began training before he left for Tale. He had a few more days in the area after all so he planned on spending time with the family who had done so much for him in the past. In a way they were like his own little cousins who could possibly drive him crazy but that he also adored at the same time.
A small hint of a smile crossed his lips whenever the girl sent a retort to Taaru. He knew that the boy meant well but it seemed that his words had been taken in a completely different way, "I'm sure you could have managed." Tryston replied calmly, "It would have been a hassle for the merchants though if a fight had broken out." He knew several warrior women who could do some serious damage despite their sizes so he knew better than to suggest that he had saved the girl. But she was young and like Taaru and Katori could do with some training to earn more strength to support her fiery spirit.
[Tryston 3]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 6:57 am
Katori couldn't help the 'pfft' that left her lips at Taaru's actions towards the ice warrior. If he was hoping Tryston would train them a bit before heading towards Tale then she was certain her brother would have a few extra rounds of running to do for that remark. The acres of our home will be extra long today it seems. She knew that if Taaru tried that with Zyphire, their older cousin, that the Shifter would come up with some sort of payback. Would Tryston be the same? Her silver gaze slid towards him thoughtfully before she glanced towards the girl and let out an amused chuckle and whispered back, "Riiiight? Though he's like my uncle basically."
At Taaru's comment, Katori just sighed and shook her head. Great first impressions bro. She reached over and held out a hand towards the other iceling girl, "What my doofus brother means is that you need training not some strong man. I mean obviously it would help if a certain strong man could take the time to train us today buuuut that's up to him. I'm Katori by the way and I appreciated the sass you showed that jerk back over there. Honestly though we are due for some training later if you would be interested?" She had some finer words for the type of guy but because of Tryston's watchful eye she was too sheepish to let out the more creative options.
[Katori 3]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 6:57 am
Both Tryston's and Kukiko's gazes made him laugh nervously. Welp. I messed up. "Ahah, easy there, I meant no disrespect." He bowed to the girl and introduced himself and his companions. "My name's Taaru. This is our family friend Tryston, and this is my twin sister Katori. Nice to meet you." He gestured away from the market. "Katori's right, though. You should come with us. Tryston's training is tough, but you have a lot of spirit, so I'm sure you'd do well." He gave her a goofy smile to try to ease the death glares. "We've got breeeeaaad." He waved one of the fresh loaves around and took a bite. "Mmmm, tho tathty." He said with a mouthful.
[Taaru 3]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 6:57 am
Those were compliments and an apology.... I think. Kukiko raised an eyebrow and let her resting mean face set in. She stared at him for a bit until her stomach let out a loud protest. She burst out laughing, unable to keep up the angry charade. "Well, I'm not actually mad, and I do think I'll take you guys up on that offer. It couldn't hurt to learn how to defend myself, and I might even be able to sweep hunky over here off his feet." She said as she winked playfully.
Kukiko took a moment to brush off her skirt, and readjust her bangs and shirt. A girl's gotta look her best always, you know. She thought to herself. "Alright, lead the way. This place doesn't have much else for me here anyway. " The more she thought about it, the better the idea of learning to fight sounded to her.
[Kukiko 3]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 6:57 am
A chuckle left Tryston's lips at Taaru's shenanigans. The boy was somewhat reliable at offering a cheery mood indeed. Thankful that he seemed to clear the air of the tension which completely evaporated with Kukiko's laughter, "I do not mind helping with training however I do not plan on falling." He replied with a firm nod, her actual meaning completely missing its mark. Or perhaps he simply ignored it, his expression cool as he turned away to study the market stalls again. They had a few more things to pick up and then he supposed that they could return to the sanctuary where the fields would be ideal for training.
"I'll need to gather a few supplies on the way out. If there is anything else at the market you wanted then you should take the time now to gather them." He specifically glanced towards Taaru, "We are in the weapons area already so no need to waste a trip."
[Tryston 4]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 6:57 am
Stealing a piece of bread from Taaru, Katori couldn't help grinning at Kukiko's bold flirtations. If only she knew that she was trying to hit on a man who was basically an ice sculpture at times! Though I did see him flush a lot whenever that leaf woman was with him before. Her silver gaze sparkled and the temptation to bring up the woman for a reaction was strong. However, she managed to behave and nudged Kukiko instead. "Good luck. Also are you okay taking time to travel with us? It'll be about evening before you could come back this way. I'm sure Mama wouldn't mind letting us borrow some of the chiavi or raptrix to take you home quickly though so your family wouldn't worry." Thankfully it was early enough in the morning so they had a good few hours and if Kukiko really wanted she could even come back tomorrow! They had plenty of rooms at the manor so if Kukiko's family was agreeable then Katori was ready to just invite her to stay a night or two.
"I'm good on supplies." She chimed after Tryston, "I just need to pick up some herbs for Mama but that's towards the entrance of the market. It won't take but a few moments since they know our orders by heart basically." Katori glanced towards Kukiko with a grin, "Just wait until you see it. We live in an animal sanctuary with all sorts of beasts. Our mother takes care of them and releases some while others decide to stay. We're really good at training mounts as well." It was good to have such skills! Her mother was well known in the local village and they would often trade favors for food or coin whenever someone needed help with any beast.
[Katori 4]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2020 6:58 am
Taaru facepalmed. "Oh yeah, I got so distracted I forgot what we were here for." He browsed around until he found a decent bow that he liked that was the right size, and gave the merchant the proper amount of coins.
"These come with the bow, youngster." The old merchant handed him a quiver of arrows with his bow. Taaru thanked him and rejoined his group.
"Alright, I'm all set. Now we just need the rest of Tryston's supplies and Katori's herbs." He followed them around the market to gather said supplies, and made small talk with Kukiko.
"So, does your family live around here?"
[Taaru 4]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
