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 Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2016 2:56 pm
Cries for Help
Familiar Choice Solo There was something that required her attention, or so Naevius had said. And even if there was a chance to argue against it she wouldn’t have wanted to. Naevius had heard word of some poachers that were selling in the local market. Normally, things like this wouldn’t bother the Princess except these people had decided to bring their business above ground out of the black market that no one would really admit existed. Yet they brought their business out in the open which concerned them for several reasons the biggest of which being the treatment of the beasts. Such poachers only ever saw the value in the beasts so they would make sure they looked good, at least the ones they had been able to coerce into submissiveness. The ones that didn’t give in, however, who knew what really happened to them.
It was why Varinia was asked to investigate it. She was known well enough around the market to know who to talk to in order to get the needed information yet not enough was known about her to be perceived as a threat. Which made her more ideal over Sebastien, who was likely the much better candidate as he could likely protect himself if anything went wrong. Varinia, perhaps, not so much even though she’d do what she could and had to. It was because of this that she made sure to let a few people know what was going on in case the worst should happen. Naevius wouldn’t put her in danger if there wasn’t’ a good reason for it.
After talking with several good sources, Varinia found herself in an inn to get more information on the suspected poachers. She saw her contact sitting in a corner opposite the door, his eyes would look up at each new patron to the inn before looking back at his cup. ”Gupka.” She greeted politely with a smile. He was a jack of many trades apparently.
Gupka nodded to her yet something was a little off about him, he wasn’t his normal happy self. Maybe it was because he wasn’t here to try and sell her anything. ”My wife operates this Inn and hears and sees many things. Two men and one woman came in the day before yesterday and reserved just one room for three days. That’s not too out of the ordinary here, for traveling groups to just get a room for the ladies to save money. But these three paid upfront and gave as little information as possible. It called danger in my wife’s opinion. She waited for what seemed like the most opportune moment to bring them some drinks ‘on the house’ when she overheard this. The men were talking about a sale and needing to get rid of ‘that other stock’ before hitting the road. The woman seemed to have more discretion and cut them off quickly after catching my wife closing the distance between them. We did some asking to some guard friends of ours. Apparently a house had been found with lots of beasts, some neglected while others appearing to not be. The house, though, had lodging for three. My wife thinks this sale will be after their last night for their quickest get away, so tomorrow. In order to make the most sales the quickest they’d need to set up in the marketplace so that’s where you should probably look. That’s all I know though.”
So the next day Varinia found herself in the market, walking up and down the aisles. Surely it wouldn’t be too difficult to spot, right? And just as she thought, it really wasn’t. The noises from some of the beasts was unmistakable to her after living on the compound for as long as she had. There was a woman at the table smiling and greeting passer-bys and Varinia thought she could hear two male voices in the background. This was the right place, Gupka’s information was correct, not that she had really doubted him. She smiled to the woman, Oban by the looks of it though her skin wasn’t quite right, perhaps a hybrid? Vari wasn’t sure. ”How can I help you today?” The woman greeted politely which sort of took Varinia by surprise. Surely these people were hardened criminals right?
”I heard the beasts calls. I’ve been looking to purchase one for myself and my family. I thought I’d see what you had.” A red and black kinfa towards the front of the cages started making a racket upon hearing a new voice. The woman seemed annoyed by this and whistled sharply which quieted the beast and also summoned one of the men from the back. ”I think that one there is hungry. Take her back and see she gets what she needs.” The wording alerted Varinia, why not simply say “feed her”? Vari had to agree with Gupka, something wasn’t quite right. The man picked up the bird’s cage rather roughly and started taking it back to a small tent.
”Hold on with that one. May I see her?” The kinfa started making noise again at Vari’s voice. Grudgingly, the woman motioned for the cage to be brought closer. The beast did seem a bit small though Vari wasn’t an expert on them. Especially Kinfa’s which weren’t native to Oba. Varinia barely looked it over before making her decision. ”I’ll take her.” Vari took out an ample amount of money from her satchel and held it out to the woman. Surely it would be more than enough. Vari just wanted to get it done and over with and try to save this poor bird, and perhaps the other beasts as well. The woman’s eyes widened and took the money quickly with a smile which didn’t seem as genuine now. She motioned at the man who quickly shoved the beast’s cage at Varinia who took it just as quickly. The kinfa quieted down almost instantly, almost knowing that she was no longer in a bad situation.
”Thank you for your business.”
”No, thank you.” Varinia left as quickly as she could, trying not to jostle the cage too much as she went to the closest guard outpost to tell them what she found. And with any hope the others would be safe as well. At least she could make sure one of them were. ”Come on, Delsa, let’s see about getting you well.” Varinia bee-lined it for the compound. Naevius and Sebastian would surely know what to do.
Word count: 1,083
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Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2016 11:58 am
A Spear in the Sky
Class Choice Solo
It was relatively quiet around the compound today. Everyone was bustling about doing chores: cleaning enclosures and feeding the beasts among other things. These were mainly the things Varinia saw them doing while looking out Naevius’ window. The princess had gone out taming today with Sebastien so there was actually little she had to do since she preferred to keep up on things. Weather that day was fairly mild and not too hot so she wasn’t surprised that the two had decided to go out today it did leave her wondering what the day had in store for her anyway.
Varinia sighed and left the room and went down the stairs and then only a short walk to all the training areas. She had left Delsa lately in the care of a few that Naevius had suggested. They had few Kinfas’ here so Vari had been careful in her choice of caretakers. ”How’s she doin’?” She asked to the tamer on hand. Delsa waddled across the table and cheeped happily at her. The kinfa definitely looked better than she had before! ”She’s improving. She was malnourished when you brought her and we didn’t really have much info on them so we tried a variety of things. Delsa has been great though, putting up with our pokes and prods, she has a good temperament. Soon enough she’ll be able to start flying around on her own! And once she gets bigger you’ll be able to ride her!”
Her eyes turned to the small Kinfa, the idea of riding her seemed so foreign, how was this tiny bird supposed to grow into something large enough to ride? Janarim she could understand, they were quite large and Vari found herself not very fond of them. "Have you ever ridden one Gera?" She asked the tamer. It had to be pretty scary didn't it?
The boy thought and tapped a finger on his chin. "I haven't yet, there were some in the capital that a group was training up for the army I think. One of the tamers in the army went and traveled through Tendaji and brought back many of their beasts. I'm sure the princess could get one delivered here if you wanted to see if it was something you wanted to do." He paused and leaned forward a little, "And quite possibly give the rest of us a chance to ride one too." He waggled his eyebrows at her.
It made Varinia laugh as she smoothed Delsa's feather's down, it was an interesting thought, and perhaps she would have to see if Naevius could do that for her. It was of course dependent on if Gera’s knowledge was accurate and there were grown Kinfa’s in or close to the capital. Varinia nodded and thanked Gera. She had never given much thought to becoming any one class. But maybe being a rider wouldn’t be that bad. Vari could see how it could be beneficial to her to be a rider. Trips to and from market would be quicker, especially with Delsa being able to fly. She would be able to follow Naevius out on her excursions if needed and would have a way to get her out of danger…maybe, if need be.
It brought all sorts of questions to her mind about how exactly being a rider would work out. Not only would she have to get Delsa trained once she got bigger but Varinia herself would need to be trained. Most of the riders she had met used some kind of weapon as well as their beast. What weapons were they again? Oh a spear, a lance, or a trident. So long sticks basically, Vari thought to herself.
Well, the first part of her issue would be no problem at all. She worked and lived at one of the best taming compounds in Oba, or at least she thought so. Getting Delsa trained would be as simple as asking Sebastien or Naevius if they could work with her. Of course she could ask someone else like Gera but she had way more trust in the two love birds than she did anyone else. Besides, it’d likely give them another excuse to spend time together which was cute to Vari.
She ran her fingers over Delsa’s soft feathers. Becoming a rider could be beneficial for a lot of reasons but she had to stop and try to figure out if it was something she really wanted as it was something she’d never put much thought into. The answer seemed obvious, but was it too obvious? She had Delsa and various people to send her to see to get trained. Her visits to the capital were often enough that she could possibly find someone to teach her how to use a spear, a lance or a trident. That was likely the harder part, would be finding someone to train her.
With a small smile Varinia quickly made up her mind. She had to admit it was a very easy decision to make. All the things she would need to achieve this were all things that could likely be acquired easily enough, well except the skill in riding and using a weapon. Those were things she would have to work for but Varinia never shied away from hard work before and she wasn’t about to do so now!
Varinia made her way towards the pens where she thought Sebastien may be. He would be her first stop for training Delsa. The kinfa was still recovering and likely wouldn’t be able to begin now but it wouldn’t hurt to go ahead and get her foot in the door right? And after she spoke with Sebastien, Vari knew she would go find Naevius to see if she had any information on good weapons trainers, whether here at the compound or in the city. But would she ask about a spear trainer? A lance trainer? Or a trident trainer? Tridents would likely be harder to find right? Spears seemed simple enough. She would ask Naevius for time and a person to train with a spear! Sebastien first and then Naevius. Varinia was going to be a spear wielding rider!
Word count: 1032
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Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2016 2:27 pm
It's too late to Apologize
Class Quest
Quest Blurb: Varinia's father left early into the Oban war and was never seen or heard from again, not even by people looking for him. She has long since hoped that he would show up one day and still be alive but how will she feel when that day finally arrives? The day she had been waiting for may not be all that she had hoped it would be.
It was a hot and humid day in the capital as it almost always was. The girl wiped the beads of sweat that collected on her brow and shoulders which caused a small smile to appear on her face. Since she started her training in the capital, her body had begun to adjust accordingly. Her arms became a little thinner and more defined. Her body shape was still fairly short and stocky but she had been getting stronger with each lesson. The lessons themselves were difficult they had to work on just plainly her strength and movement before she was allowed to even hold a spear which she didn’t really mind. It made the time that she was allowed all the more special. She had earned the opportunity to start training with the weapon and it was a good thing they hadn’t started with it or else the girl might have lost focus quickly. But her teacher seemed to know what they were doing as she had learned so much so far and had only started using a spear in the last week or so! It made her so proud to be progressing so quickly. She’d have to let her mother know just how far she’d progressed today as she was supposed to go there for lunch.
”Hello, Varinia.” A man’s voice startled her out of her own thoughts as she rounded the last corner before her Mother’s house. The voice almost sounded familiar. Like a line from a song long forgotten. Or a scent you smelled as a baby but couldn’t quite place. Her head turned slowly to see a small statured man with clothes that looked too large on his slight frame. Yet, he seemed familiar.
Varinia’s eyes narrowed slightly. ”Can I help you with something, Sir?” She asked politely as she always was.
The man fidgeted with the hem of his shirt, he seemed discouraged by her words. His head was bent and he bit his bottom lip almost looking as if he wanted to flee. ”Do you need medical attention sir?” She asked hesitantly as she watched the man.
”No!” He said suddenly which caused Varinia to take a tentative step back. ”I..I just expected at least my eldest daughter to recognize me.” He lifted his head and looked her in the eyes as a frightened animal might look at its captor.
Varinia took a few more steps back. This man was claiming to be her father? No, she just couldn’t believe it. Her father had been gone a good 5-7 years. He didn’t even look anything like her father had when he left. She took more steps back. ”I’m sorry sir, I fear you’re mistaken. I must be on my way.” She turned on her heels and walked as quickly as she could towards the compound, lunch with her mother completely forgotten.
_ _ _ _ A few weeks later _ _ _ _
Varinia had been able to go about her daily life after that day with ease. The poor confused man didn’t linger in her mind as it might have some. After all, she had way too much to do between her normal chores, running errands for Naevius and then her own lessons in the capital. Which she was leaving now for. It seemed life had other things in mind for her thought. As she exited the gates of the compound, a man was waiting there. This one seemed familiar as well which made her mind spin because it was the same man she had met a few weeks prior. He had more meat on his bones and filled his clothing out a little better. It was almost enough to make her want to believe what he had said when they first met.
”Stalking me isn’t the way to convince me.” Varinia said firmly, ready to run back inside the compound in a moment’s notice.
”Please, Varinia, give me a chance to explain. I am your father. I can explain everything.”
Varinia’s face twisted in disbelief. ”Okay even assuming that I start to believe you. How do you even begin to explain where you’ve been for the past seven or so years? How do you begin to explain why you didn’t come back to us after the war ended? Or even start to explain that after you left, Reillian and Keelthy went to Tendaji in search of you and please begin to explain how they found NOTHING. Please. Explain.” She crossed her arms and tapped her foot impatiently. Even if he could explain any of the things she had just asked him, he couldn’t erase the years or hoping he was alive or desperately searching for some sign of him at all.
He sighed and ran a hand through his balding hair. ”Look. I know I may not have answers for everything. And hell, even some of the answers I do have you may not understand or believe. But I’m telling you now, I am back and I’m not going anywhere. I came into some money while I was away. Your Mother told me how you have worked in my absence and provided for our family. I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to do that anymore. I am back and I will provide for this family. You can quit your job and move back home. Working for those spoiled nobles has got to have worn on you. So come home, please, and I’ll explain everything. Your family misses you.”
The girl took a deep breath. He seemed like he wasn’t willing to share any of his answers until she came home. She shook her head. ”You don’t get to do that. You don’t get to come home and ask things like that of me. The fact of the matter is, you haven’t been here. You don’t get to withhold any information from me if you want to have any hope of me even coming home. Nor do you have any right to make judgements of the Lady Naevius. King Elitharius is the reason the war ended and more of our people weren’t killed. He is a just king and his daughter sure may have the money to be able to do what she wants but she is not spoiled. They have provided me with a stable job to be able to support MY family while YOU were disappeared, or for all we knew, dead. So if you want me to take one more step instead of going back inside the compound, you better give some answers now.” All of the feelings she’s had through all those years about her father being gone or even dead all bubbled their way to the surface but not in joy as one might feel finding out their father is alive. All her emotions bubbled to anger.
”I…I couldn’t come home for a while because I was captured.” Varn sighed and bit his lip which seemed to be what happened when he was nervous. ”At the beginning when we were first getting into Tendaji, people were sent out as scouts, even those like me who weren’t trained as scouts. It didn’t end well for us. Most of us were captured or put to death. The people I was captured by, however, thought I could offer them something else. Information.” He looked away, as if he was ashamed.
Varinia knew he must have turned traitor and gave them information. She shook her head in disbelief. ”The man I knew as my father would never have done such a thing. He would have given his life before he sold out his people.”
”Don’t be so naïve Varina. You don’t know what it’s like out there. When I was captured, all I wanted was to be able to come home to you, your mother, and your sisters. It’s completely different when someone else has that power over you and all you want is to be able to see your family one last time. I…I just wanted to be able to come back to you.”
She looked away from him. How many Obans had died because of information he had given to their enemy? Sure maybe her people weren’t always in the right when it came to that war but that didn’t mean everyone who had fought for their country was at fault. How many people had been conscripted that lost their lives because of her selfish father?
Varinia shook her head once more. ”You’re right. I may not completely understand what it was like. But what I understand is that you’re not the man I once knew. I don’t think you’re the kind of man I’d want to be my father now. Mother will just have to understand that if you stay my visits will be few and far between. There are just some things I can’t forgive and ways that you have gone about this are incredibly wrong. I enjoy my job for the Lady Naevius and have been able to take care of everyone just fine without you. I’m sorry but you need to leave. There’s been too much time to be able to catch up.” She shouldered past him. ”Goodbye.”
Word count: 1535
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