ღ ❅ Draven

[Kesmi]

Plans for the Future
Word Count: 1009

Life with the caravan was most the time, dull, boring and just plainly yawn worthy. The traveling was great for those that wanted to see the world, but to Draven he didn't like this slow paced life. Watching the sway of baskets and water skins that hang from the wood ribbing of his father's wagon. Above that the dust colored canvas that kept the weather and sun off the goods and the occupants of the wagon. The soft grunting of the twin animals that pulled the wagon came from the head, life sure was dull.

With eyes half lidded as he watched items sway, Draven rolled over from where he was laying between stacks of canvas covered goods, he looked up at his father's back. The old man bore the marks of a well traveled Wind. While his hair was streaked with grays now. Partly his doing, he was sure, or it was the frustration he kept inside from the trades he couldn't haggle good prices. Either way, he admired his father's good nature, just not what he did for a living. Frowning to himself, Draven picked himself up off the boards and up to lean on the back of the wagon seat.

"Where are we headed to now? Thought we were staying in Tale a bit longer then a week. Were things that bad?" Draven asked as he watched the sway of the smaller wagon a head of their own.

"Things change unexpectedly. Plans can be made, but then can changed." Was his father's reply as he turned look at his son. "That is what life here is like. We travel when the weather permits. There had been word that the roads were to close due to bad winds in the time we were planned to leave. So the Caravan master let us all know that we;d be leaving a head of that plan to get through before the roads closed."

It seemed like a good enough explanation for the most part, Draven could agree that getting caught in a wind storm with as many trees around as Tale had.. It would have been dangerous for everyone in the caravan, Merchant and beast alike. But now on the sandy roads of Oba, the heat was enough to cook xaraan eggs without a fire. At least the canvas kept the most off and the slight breeze that swept through the wagon kept it bearable.

"As for our destination, We are headed for the outskirts of Kalv. Said to be one of the larger cities on Oba. We shall see when we get there, won't we." Draven's father said with a bit of a chuckle.

Right, that was going to mean a long and hot ride. Bouncing between smaller watering holes until they got to where they were going. By the end of this trip, he was going to need a bath. To at least a place to swim that no one got water from. It was a pleasant idea to think about, perhaps even at this Kalv he could find a better job then Merchant work.

"You think I can find a better job in Kalv?" Draven asked openly, "Its not that I don't like helping you with Merchant stuff. I just want to do something more with my life then this."

Draven glanced at his father as the older man sighed, he knew this day would come eventually. He knew that his son would ask such a question.

"I was hoping you would take up the mantel when I could no longer." Remman sighed again looking once more to his son. "Is being a merchant really that bad to you?"

Draven knew from the tone of his father's voice he was hurt, it hurt him as well, but he wanted more to do in his life. Not just haul around 'goods' to sell and trade with other people. In his times out and about Draven had seen blacksmiths and metal workers. People with mounts and all other manner of things.

"No, I suppose not, but its more your lifestyle, father. I see others with creatures at their sides, some riding them like mounts. People wielding weapons of all sorts. They look more fascinating then hauling around this stuff from town to town, city to city."

Remman watching his son before turning forward again to make sure they were still in sight of the wagon ahead. Sadness filled him with the idea of no one taking up his work when he was gone, but he wasn't about to order his son. Still, perhaps even an apprentice might work, if he could find one willing to work hard.

"I am sure we can find something that will peek your interest. There's a lot out there." Remman acknowledged with a sad nod, "Did you have anything in mind that you were interested in?"

"I'm not exactly sure. I have seen people with swords and lances. but perhaps in Kalv I can get a better look around. Ask some people..." Though the asking part he shied at. He wasn't comfortable speaking to too many people. It would be something he needed to overcome and soon. "I'm sure I will find something. Kalv is a big place right? Surely there's a bit of everything."

Leaving his father with the driving of the wagon, Draven went back to the tail and sat there. Looking out the back as the dust kicked up from the wheels obscured the sight of one other wagon behind their own. He had some thinking to do, some things to plan. What would he do first when they had everything set up for market day? Frowning to himself, Draven leaned back against a stack of goods, eyes once more watching the items swaying above.

His mind swirling with ideas of what he might look for, but there was always the 'what ifs' to go along with these idea. And these made him frown and mood darken, he would over come his insecurities! His life just might depend upon it.  

[Kesmi]

Swordsman I Am
Class Affinity
Word Count:1376

This day seemed like a great one, banners rose to every height possible as people milled around the streets. It had been two days since Draven, his father and the caravan had arrived at the crowning city of Oba. People wore bright colors, children ran around the streets as parents watched. It was one of those busy days and the market was especially busy. City folk milled around the stands haggling for goods, bartering away things they had of value that could be used for other means.

Draven, with a small purse of coin tied snugly to his sash, the dark haired boy purused the festival. There were so many around, from all tribes it seemed to him. Stopping here and there, Draven admired the works of the smithies. The ringing of a hammer against heated metal as it was bent and twisted into works of their arts. Dancers performed on small stages, where some tossed coin in respect and cheers rang up for more. Draven stopped along his trek, the smell of food making his stomach growl. Was it lunch time? It felt like it was barely after opening, my did time pass! Pausing at one of the many stands he picked up a skewer of roasted meat, onions and other assorted vegetables.

"Mmmm, this is really good." Draven commented as the cook smiled and waved to him before turning to serve another customer.

Further through the crowds he wove, the sights, the sounds. It was almost too much for him to take in all to once. It was soon the sounds of cheers as men older then himself competed in contests of strength, accuracy and other feats. These attracted Draven's attention, pressing through the tightly knit throng of onlookers. He finally came to the front to see two swordsmen locked together in combat. Their swords flashed in the high sun, throwing light over the arena as the combatants broke apart to come to guard again.

"Excuse me, what are they doing?" Draven asked an older man to his side that was also watching the show.

"Its a show of skill. Also a way of seeing how they match up against others of their same class." The man explained, "As far as I can see, these two swordsmen are equally matched. In strength and power, it seems that everything will come down to how long they will last."

Perplexed at this, Draven stepped as close to the arena as h was allowed and watching the two fighters. Almost like he was mesmerized by the flashing of the sun off the polished metal, Draven thought back to when he was having lunch with one of his first friends, Abie. The water teen was working towards being a rider, raising his own snaptrotter, or that is what it looked like to him anyways. Draven had had an interest in blades that day when they looked over the weapons and got the chance to swing one around a little.

"Perhaps." Draven muttered as he turned away from the arena and headed along the edge towards where other fighters stood or sat in waiting for their turn. This was a one on one show and having others on the same field was a recipe for disaster if someone were to step just right. Poking his head into the waiting area, he watched the older fighters, swordsmen of all tribes and ages. Some didn't look older then he was.

"Excuse me little man, registered swordsmen only in here." said a voice behind him.

Turning sharply, Draven looked up at a stern looking man. He looked like someone that had seen the worst of everything and took nothing from no one that didn't deserve it.

"Sorry, I was just looking and thought if I were to become a swordsman myself, I might as well get to know a few?" He offered in an explanation.

"Just don't disrupt anyone." The official sniffed eyeing Draven down his nose. "Or you will be out of here faster then you stepped in."

Giving a sheepish look, Draven nodded in agreement before edging around the waiting area. Watching the men mill around, some taking practice swings at wooden logs set up on one side. Other talking to each other, some friendly, others not so much. Draven stopped once at a weapons wrack that sat to one side of the area and eyed the blades that rested upon it. They all looked so awesome.

Glancing around, no one was really paying attention to him. Good, if no one noticed, then he wouldn't get into trouble, right? Reaching forward he grasped ahold of one of the heavier, larger blades and tried to pull it from the wrack. At first the sword didn't want to move, but after a moment it slipped from its slot. With the sword free from the weapons wrack, Draven didn't realize how heavy it was until the weight cause him to topple backwards with a bit of a yelp.

"Careful there." Said a gruff voice that came as a chuckle. A large dark skinned hand reached out and snatched the sword easily from Draven's and set it back into the wrack. "Don't think you are ready to heft something like that one just yet." The man, a dark skinned Oban chuckled again.

Draven, feeling his face warm, surely his was blushing so red it showed. He looked up at the Oban who had taken the sword. Ok, he had been a little silly that he could get away with that. Picking himself up off the ground, he brushed off the dust and dirt.

"Yea, you might be right" Draven laughed softly, scratching the back of his head. "Didn't know anyone was watching, guess I should have asked before assuming."

The oban laughed heartily before smacked Draven on the back almost knocking him forward to the ground. He was only able to keep on his feet by bracing against the weapons wrack that was close by.

"Its alright, just have to be careful where you tug. Some of these could cause you to lose a limb." the oban chuckled watching the teen. "This sword might be more your size. Certainly won't cause you any harm if you hit yourself with it."

Draven looked at the wooden sword that was being held out to him. Really? Wood? Sighing slightly, Draven picked it up, the wood was certainly lighter then the metal ones. But he felt silly, like a child holding a toy and pretending to be a swordsman at the mockery of the adults.

"Don't look so down, I had to practice with that sword. Trust me, its a lot easier then swinging around a metal one and lopping off arms, legs and maybe even fingers." The oban explained seeing the disappointment on Draven's face. "Let me guess, no one uses a sword where you're from?"

"Nope, my father is a merchant in the caravan. Known that all my life, but its not what I really want to do." Draven explain looking away.

"Is that so, well. If its swordsmanship you want to get into, you have a lot to learn. Its not all pick up a sword and swing it around." the man explain, catching Draven's attention. "There are rules and techniques you have learn and master. You think you can handle that?"

Looking from where he had come from, the Market area was just on the other end of the festival ground, to the wooden practice sword in his hand. He felt this was right, there was much excitement. It was almost too much for him to contain. "Yes, yes this is what I want. I don't want to be a merchant's son all my life. Where do I begin?" Draven asked looked back at the taller Oban with excitement.

"More of 'when' and that is now. If you really think you are ready." The oban suggested, watching Draven intently. "Because once you start, there is no turning back."

"I don't plan on turning back. I will become a swordsman and use those skills to help others." Draven put bluntly that made the Oban laugh. He was ready and not afraid. Draven was an open book ready for learning. No matter what it too!  

[Kesmi]

I am my own Man!
Growth Quest - Word Count: 1850

Quote:

Draven's childhood had been one of hiding and he never knew why. In this he is confronted with the sudden appearance of his grandmother and her demand to take him back to Zena with her. It is at this point that Draven has to start standing up for himself, even against the wishes of his father. This all bringing closure to his childhood and he can move past it all and onto more life fulfilling plans.

It had been a few weeks since the festival, Draven had in that time learned a lot from the swordsmen that were showing their own skills. He learned how to guard, perry and hold the sword in a way he wouldn't hurt himself. Along the way Draven had picked up a bruise or two from the wooden swords he practiced with. It was greater fun then hanging around his father's market stand and haggling over prices.

"Good, keep your knees bent and arms limber. Let the foe come to you." Advised one of his teachers. "Just don't get too cocky, most foes are older and have more experience then you do and less likely to make costly mistakes."

This was one lesson he learned the hard way, from the bruises that bloomed under his shirt, smart taps with the wooden sword against his exposed side a couple days ago. Taking up his ready stance, sword in front, knees bent. Dark blue eyes watching the older Wind swordsman standing on the other side. The older swordsman lunged forward to bring his blade around making Draven step back and pull his own up to block. Before lunging himself at his opponent. Things were starting to come easier, this filled Draven with pride that he could do something more then just figures in his head.

"Very good, Block and lunge, get past his defences and strike." The Wind tribesmen said stepping back. "That is enough for today, you look like you could use a good meal and a bed."

Draven laughed as he used his shirt to wipe the sweat from his face, the streams running down into his eyes making them sting. Something he had learned to ignore as it would cost him time to remove in real combat. Handing the wooden blade back to his teacher, Draven looked off to the side where he had left Regale. The Janarim watched intently, a couple times in the past week lunging at a coupe of swordsman when their blades struck Draven when he neglected his own defences.

"Alright, though I can go longer." Draven said as he shook out his sword arm, getting the muscles to ease up. "Its getting easier now. Unlike a few weeks ago."

"You have done well. With everyone here helping, you will become a master in no time," The swordsman grinned, "But don't let it go to your head, you still have a lot to learn."

This Draven knew as he waved to the swordsman and headed out of the arena area. Regale falling in step behind him as the teen started at a jog towards home. The Market place was slowly emptying, the time being close to supper time. Draven was ready to eat, his stomach protested against the idea of going all afternoon and almost to dusk without food. Even Regale, who could happily stay with Draven's father was hungry. The Janarim barely at Draven's waist at the shoulders, rumbled slightly.

"You don't have to follow me every day when I go to my lessons. You can stay at the market and father will feed you." Draven mentioned, only to get a snort from the beast who padded along with him.

This make Draven chuckle and roll his eyes, Regale still had little trust in people. While he was fine around Draven and his father and growing used to the swordsmen that trained Draven in their art. There was still the mistrust to older men, ones that hit others specifically.

----

It was when Draven drew closer to his father's market stand did the sounds of raised voices reach him. Someone was fighting with his father. At first he had thought it was just another customer, turning the corner he spotted his father fighting with an elderly Ice woman. The woman, who's hair was streaked with grey, in a gnarled hand a cane that she, hopefully, used for walking. At the moment she was waving and pointing it at his father in what looked like a threatening manner. Confused and someone annoying, he hated coming back to someone arguing with his father about something.

"Excuse me ma'am," Draven said, as he drew closer, "Is there a problem?"

"Step back young pup, this is between me and the old man here." The woman snapped without even turning to look at Draven. "Where is my grandson Remman, I know you took him all those years ago. I am here to take him back with me for a proper education."

Remman, Draven's father looked at him before turning back to the old woman. Apparently this old woman knew his father and wanted to take him back? "Who is this woman, father?" Draven asked as this time the woman turned around to stare at Draven with almost glowing ember eyes.

"I told you... Wait, You. YOU! You are coming back with me this instant!" The old woman suddenly reached out to grasp Draven's wrist. "I am your Grandmother, but I don't suppose Remman told you about me, no? Not surprised." She squinted at Remman who glared back.

"Can we take this off the street? Its bad enough you come storming in here with your normal demanding nature." Remman growled moving out of the way to lead everyone into the back.

Draven in nature lunged backwards out of the way of the grab, while Regale went forward to place himself between his owner and this woman. The beast growled and threatened with long white teeth to tear the woman's arm from her body. This sudden appearance of the Janarim made Draven's Grandmother stumble backwards with a bit of a surprised yelp.

"You allow the boy to have dangerous pet? And you call yourself a responsible father?" The woman shouted as she followed Remman behind the stand and into the alley behind. "if he had been raised where he belonged he would have a better behaved pet. Not a savage one like that, that that thing."

She didn't even know what to call Regale as the pair brought up the rear, Regale keeping closer to Draven then he ever did. Those golden eyes watching the elderly Ice woman as she shouted and swung her cane about like she was trying to swat something away from her.

"Regale is hardly savage. If you didn't shout or make sudden movements, he might have just ignored you." Draven snapped making the woman scowl at him.

"And you have the manners of a lesser species. Honestly Remman, you run away taking my grandson a week after my daughter dies. You know how long I have searched?"

Looking between both, Draven looked to his father in question. Who was this woman and why was she acting this way? As far as he had ever known, it had only been him and his father. There was no other family. Remman's parents had both passed away a long time ago, he never knew of his mother or his mother's family. Now everything was confusing.

"What is going on?" Draven asked, "I thought I didn't have any other family, when was I going to be told of a Grandmother?" He looked to his father as if accusing him of not telling him everything. "So there was more to my staying hidden all those years then just keeping me safe. Wasn't there?"

"Yes, this is your Grandmother Inna, from your mother's side of the family. Inna, this is your Grandson, Draven."

"Draven? What sort of name is that? Surely my daughter didn't agree to this, no she couldn't have, she died minutes after he was born." Inna snarled banging her cane against the ground. "If it hadn't been for you," She pointed towards Draven, "My daughter would still be alive."

"Don't you dare accuse him of something he couldn't control." Remman said in Draven's defense.

"All the same, its the fault of both of you. Now come, boy, you are coming home with me." Inna said reaching for Draven again only to pull back as Regale snapped at her.

"He's staying here. To take up my stead as a merchant."

Back and forth it went, both arguing over where he was going to stay or go. What he was going to do with his life. Shaking his head and covering his ears, Draven finally shouted and it caused both adults to stop and look at him. Those dark blue eyes looked from Remman to Inna.

"I am doing neither, not going back with you, or staying as a merchant.' Draven said pointing to each in turn, "I have been getting training in to be a swordsman. That is what I want to do." He put his foot down as if to make it seem clear.

"A swordsman? Seriously? The act of swinging a sword around appeals to you?" Inna said as if it were a bad thing.

"Yes, I find it more interesting then being a merchant and whatever it is that you want me to be, Grandmother. If that is what you really are." Draven snapped back. "And if neither of you can come to accept that, then I suppose it is time I left. I am my own man, I should know what I want."

Remman nodded to his son, he always knew that his son would probably want something more then he could give. It just hurt to hear it come in such a tone. It was Inna who paled and backed away from Draven. Her ember eyes glaring at him.

"You may think you are a man, but you are still nothing but a child." She spouted turning away, dejected. "Just like my daughter, full of spirit and fire. If it is a swordsman you want. Then it will have to do."

Draven glanced at his father before looking back to his grandmother, confused. The argument suddenly changing to loose acceptance? This was getting to be too much, his head was starting to ache.

"Ok...." Draven said unsure, "Was there anything else?"

"As much as I would love to simply drag you back to Zena. It seems that you are too planted here. Be a sword swinging male. Just, come visit once and a while." Inna said before turning away and hobbling off. "I am getting too old to chase after you all the time."

The atmosphere in the alley suddenly deflated from the lack of tension. Draven leaned back against a wall where Regale came over and nosed at Draven in concern. The teen smiled weakly and petted the Janarim, glancing over to his father.

"I have a lot of explaining to do." His father chuckled rubbing the back of his head as if he had been cuffed.

"Yeah, you do. But not now, I'm hungry, tired and starting to get a headache. You can explain later, and it better be everything." Draven jabbed at his father in a playful manner at the end.

Remman wrapped an arm around Draven's shoulders and chuckled before both headed back towards the market place to get something to eat. Things were about to become interesting in the years to come.  

[Kesmi]

A past to know
Stage 2 Solo