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 Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 7:16 pm
It hangs on the wall, each dent known and named. A long scar across the very center came from the very first spar it was subjected to. Jagged at the lower end where a splinter of wood was pulled from it. A piece gone, but not forgotten. A bruise remembered. An achievement relished.
Two deep gouges side by side where it was struck by two very fast and decisive attacks. Each one marking the surface that they had been there.
A nick on the edge with a second beside it where a sword had barely been blocked. Two on one side and five on the other from four separate spars. The rewards of determination.
Scuffs down the surface at an angle show where it was once knocked from fingers gone numb from holding onto it. Easily misconstrued as a failure, but in truth a prize to continue to strive for more strength.
Each was well known. Each had its story to tell. Each was remembered with pride. Afterall, if one tries, one never fails but can stand proudly to be counted with the rest.
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Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 7:18 pm
She wasn't entirely certain why she took that path. It just seemed to be the way to go this time. The light danced through the area, gently caressing the grasses and the water scattered here and there.
She was nearly across the expanse when she suddenly caught her foot on something. Her hands flew forward trying to brace herself as she landed on her stomach in the muck and mud. The drops that splattered into the air, landed on her and the surrounding plants making them look as if they had paint tossed at them.
At first she simply stared in surprise, but as she felt the cool ooze of the mud through her clothing, Eftemie began to snicker. Rolling over, she simply sat laughing. Her clutziness had struck once more.
Glancing at the ground, she wondered what it was that she had tripped on. It had not felt like a stone as she had hooked her toe beneath it. It had moved slightly but only enough to cause her to lose her balance.
When she caught sight of the edge of something, she moved on her hands and knees towards it, ignoring the wetness. She was already a muddy mess so more would not matter.
At first it would not come free. Then as she began digging the plants and muck free of it, she stared at it several moments.
"A shield?" she whispered. "What would something like that be doing here?"
She rubbed the surface to see what it looked like but found she had nothing to wipe it off on. Unsure whether it was worth the bother or not, she slowly got to her feet. It remained in her hand. It appeared to be wooden, but she could not be certain until she got it back. Either way, she and it needed a bath.
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Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 7:19 pm
She unsplattered and unmucked the shield first. It didn't make sense to try to clean herself off when she'd just have to do so again after taking care of the shield. It took her nearly an hour and a half to entirely clean it.
Effe stared at it silently for a moment. It was beautiful though old. For a few moments she imagined whose it might be. Some legendary knight or mythological hero. Then she shook her head smiling. It would not have been either of those things. It was something that a parent would have given a child to play with. Either way, she liked it.
The soft charcoal, gold, and reddish colors were wonderful even if only a shade of what they had once been. She suddenly laughed as she hung it on the wall. It was not some relic of the past that would be appraised at an enormous amount, but it was hers. And she liked it.
Hanging it on the wall where she thought it would look wonderful, Effe turned towards the bathroom. For a moment, she turned back to stare at it. It fit the haphazard lifestyle she embodied. She suddenly had the feeling that it was going to cause a bit of trouble in her life. Frowning slightly as that thought slipped through her mind, Effe's eyes narrowed. Then she laughed.
It fit perhaps a little too well.
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Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 7:21 pm
Each day she walked past it. Each day she stopped to study it. She still wondered where it had come from and whose it was. Perhaps someone would claim it. But she didn't want to give it up. Even if it did cause her some trouble. Perhaps she should ask around. The child who had lost it, might be looking for it.
Her decision was swiftly made. She would ask around when next she was in town.
It was nearly a week before Effe got a chance to go to town. She didn't take the shield with her, but had sketched the markings onto a piece of parchment to take with her. Why lug a shield around town when the drawing would do?
The first place she decided she'd go was the market. Someone there would have been bound to have seen something like what she had. It appeared to be a coat of arms. Well, maybe.
The first vendor shook his head, sending her to another up the side. He likewise shook his head, pointing back in the direction she had come. The third man merely stared at her and said he had no time for a child's toy.
She growled at him in frustration. Her stomach snarled as well. Sighing, she bought some fruit, cheese, rolls, and juice, followed by sitting down at a nearby bench to eat.
After a few minutes several small birds hopped around her as if waiting on a piece to be dropped. Generously she tossed small pieces out to them.
Then she noticed across from her a shop with a shield on it. An armorer. Surely they would have a record of such things as the shield. A smile twitched her lips as she stood, brushing the crumbs from her clothing.
It was a chance.
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Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 7:22 pm
The shop had several people in it when she opened the door. After glancing at several, she decided who the shopkeep was.
"Excuse me, but could I ask you about something?" she asked walking up to the man standing beside the counter.
"Certainly, miss." he replied cheerily. "What do you need?"
Pulling the paper out, she held it out to him. "Have you seen this marking before? I found this shield and that is the design upon it and I was trying to find its owner to return it."
Taking the paper, he studied it for several moments. "I can't say that I have. Perhaps one of these gentlemen have." he said indicating two men on one side and a third man looking at the swords.
She nodded, saying, "Thank you." Walking over to the two men first, she repeated what she had asked the owner. When neither had seen it, she walked towards the man on the other side. He was obviously a knight from his clothing.
"Excuse me, may I speak to you a moment?" she asked watching him.
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Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 7:24 pm
The man glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "Yes, miss? How can I help you?"
"I was wondering.." she said as he watched her. "if you've ever seen this coat of arms before."
"Can't say that I have." he stated after a brief glance. "It's just a child's shield anyhow."
Effe sighed, but then frowned at his words. "Perhaps, but some child is missing it."
"That's not a standard coat of arms. I know most of them. I would imagine it's a fake." he said, turning away from her.
She frowned at his attitude, but went to the other men in the shop. When she got nothing from them, she asked the storekeep about another shop. He recommended two others she could try. Both were on other sides of the town.
As she stepped from the shop into the air, she noted that it was getting late already. It had taken her longer than expected to do as much as she had. It would have to wait for another day.
By the time she'd gotten home, Effe frowned. Then she noticed something strange. The shield was not wooden, but metal. Taking it down she studied if for several moments. It was still the same color and had the same design on it. Shaking her head, she turned away. She could have sworn she heard a giggle and turned back to stare at it again.
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Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 7:26 pm
Effe still wondered who the owner of the shield was. Hanging it back on the wall, she decided to go looking again in a few days.Sunstrike *Wanders over to yet another shield and then, instead of tapping it, he picks it up and shakes it...nothing happens...Sun studies it again, shrugs and puts it down, someone takes it gently from his hands before it reaches the shelf and Sunstrike blinks at the child who'd already emerged* Chaeval Caer eyes Kinjin carefully. "Great. More trouble." "Caer...hush!" Belle smiles, and gives a small wave.
Kin smirks at Caer and winks. Then carefully circles Belle entirely. "Cute, too."Chaeval "I prefer to engender my own..."amusement"." he answered coolly, and made a slight nod to Kinjin. "I assure you, that is just trouble."
"And what's your idea of amusement? Sitting with a book behind a stuffy old desk?" He folded his arms across his chest, mischief in his eyes. "Not my idea of fun. You need someone to drag you out I think."
"I know the consequences before I act. It just doesn't stop me. Well..." he shrugged, grin widening. "most of the time."Chaeval He smirked. "No. I leave the reading to others mostly." Eragon Elder Mash walked in picking up on a conversation before he even entered the headquaters. His ears twtiched with the voices of the unknown. He shrugged, wasn't interesting. Brifin walked in tired and went straight towards a tree. He sat himself under it and closed his eyes. He hadn't gotten a good rest in a long time.
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Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 7:27 pm
Chaeval Caer's indifferent gaze took in the newcomer before settling back on Kinjin. He well knew what it was he spoke of. He left the reading of books to others...but the reading of people? That was a skill he honed constantly. Korin-Chan The peculiar woman simply raised her brow at the interaction between the Malepharin from her position beside the window. She was certainly nothing like Korin and held a very different air about her - she wasn't serene and yet she wasn't chaotic either. A small smile began to climb onto her lips after a few moments however and she simply shook her head at the reference to the books, how little they new. With a quiet sigh, she soon turned round to view the group better and calmly began to adjust her blouse sleeves, ignoring the trestles of auburn hair that rebelliously tumbled around her cheeks.
As he continued talking to Caer, Kin watched the other person. They were ripe for a small prank going to sleep like that. He thought about what to do.
"Hey.. do you happen to know where I can get a feather?" he grinned as he glanced up at Caer.Chaeval "From a bird." he smirked back.
He snickered, shaking his head. "That's too obvious. And by the time I'd catch a bird they'd be gone." Kin glanced around them, noting a few longer stems of grass. Some had fuzzy tops.
"I'll make do with that." he whispered softly. Walking over he plucked one, making sure it was long enough. The person should be sound asleep by now. The reach was at least a foot. If he reached around the tree slowly, he should just about be able to reach their nose with the tip.
He started walking quietly after winking at Caer and Belle.
Eragon Elder Mas stopped right in front of Kin. He looked down upon the child with his crystal blue eyes. "Don't you even think about it. He hasn't had a decent night of rest in weeks." Mas just stared at the little kid. He had never seen this little fellow before.
Kin stared at him a minute, examining the one in front of him. "Sleeps all well and good but fun helps too sometimes when someone is too tired." Then he grinned. "I won't bother him this time though."
"I'm Kinjin. Who are you and who's he? I'm just exploring today." he said in slight amusement that he'd gotten caught before he'd even gotten there. It had been one of those consequences he discussed earlier and had been prepared for. Though not quite so soon.Eragon Elder Mas smiled. "Thank you. Yes, another day maybe. I'm Mashiro, you can call me Mas, that's my brother Brifin. He's been a bit down for a few weeks. He'd rather not talk about it." Mas nodded. "But it's nice to meet you." He smiled.
"It's nice to meet you also, Mas." Kinjin said, bowing politely.
Then he grinned, his lips twitching in amusement. "I can behave when I've a mind to."
He glanced over at Brifin. "Brifin, huh? I'll remember. He..." he nodded towards Caer. "thinks I'm trouble. I think HE needs to get out more. Besides, I don't do half the things I think of. No sense pushing the limits too far." He laughed again.
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Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 7:28 pm
Chaeval "He doesn't do them because he knows they won't work for the moment. Don't think he doesn't keep them in the back of his mind." he shrugged. "I don't roll in the mud anymore, not like you do." Eragon Elder Mas laughed aloud. "Playing tricks is quite fun, but it's just not me, wish i could though." Mas's eyes glanced over towards Caer. He did look too serious. "Hmm...well sometimes seriousness hides deeper things." Mas winked "I used to be like a stone so hard to crack. I came out a bit, still keep to myself a lot." His eyes flicked a bug buzzing about his ears.
Kinjin laughed and smirked. "I'd be foolish to do something that lands me in real trouble. At least until I know a way out."
Then he winked at Mas followed by turning to watch Caer. "I'm planning to work on him. And mud's nice sometimes. Especially barefoot."Eragon Elder Mas swatted the bug with his staff. "Damn bugs." He nodded with total agreement. "Mud is quite nice on a hot day. Not only that but it's good for your skin and keeps the bugs away." Chaeval He shrugged with indifference. "As you say. I'll let you to it, then." Going across the room he seated himself more comfortably as Belle glanced at him from her spot on the floor with a slight frown.
Kin listened, then blinked at Mas a moment. Bursting into laughter, he continued for a few minutes, holding his side. It ached.
"I'm sorry. I just had this image of him covered in mud from head to toe. I bet you are hoping that doesn't roll around in the back of mind until I figure it out."
He was looking at Caer.Eragon Elder Mas snickered even though he shouldn't have. This little guy was really cool. He liked him a lot. Mas looked up at Caer then back to Kin. "It would be quite funny." Mas snickered a bit more. He raised up his staff and touched the grass below him. It withered up and left a patch of mud. Mas couldn't do huge spells, just ones that would seem useless. Or ones that seemed useless but were the simple little joys in life. Like mud. Chaeval Caer just smirked at Kin. "You will never be that good." he answered simply. Korin-Chan Pursing her lips the woman took a few moments to side step towards the mirror within the room and quickly cover it with a large cloth, she was aware of the activity outside and felt no need to intrude upon those outside despite the menace that they may choose to cause at a later date but she was about to cause a disturbance inside. "I thought I told you not to touch that mirror." The ethereal voice snapped in a sharp manner, it echoed across the walls and with a disgruntled snort the woman finished voered the mirror with the cloth and folded her arms across her chest as she approached the window to watch the going ons outside. "I never touched it, m'lord." She murmured almost dismissively, her eyes trained on the young malepharins outside, so many and come into existance and so quickly at that. "No? Then why did I feel a distortion?" "Oh shut up." She snapped under her breath and promptly blocked out the ethereal voice from her mind, it went silent rather quickly after this and she released a heavy sigh, ignoring the gaze of the somewhat aloof Guardian of Kasaru who had recently met his end...she doubted she would recover anytime soon but the woman preferred to take more delight in watching the young malepharin outside than dealing with that problem; it wasn't something she was armed to deal with...
He smiled, raising an eyebrow at the man. "I like challenges." he replied. "We'll see. I can be patient when I need to be. And it's not something that can't take some time." The first moment he'd been truly serious.
Kin turned to Mas and then nodded. "Now that would come in handy for a mudfight one afternoon." Then he added, "Of course, one of the consequences would be a bath. That's what happened the last time I got into one. My mom wasn't too happy, but my dad just laughed saying it was good for me to get out."Eragon Elder Mas winked "But of course what else would it be good for." Mas looked up at the sun. "Hmmm...i have to go, but i think i might be here later" Brifin had already left without any attention being directed to him. Mas shrugged and started to run. He ran really fast for a malepharin.
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Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 7:29 pm
By the time he'd gotten home, Kinjin was late. His mom stared at him, her eyes narrowed slightly.
"Sorry," he muttered. "I was visiting with some people." Then he grinned as his father turned to watch them. "And exploring. I met a few interesting people. Mashiro but Mas is what he uses, and ... Hm... forgot to ask their names... oh, well. I'll ask next time."
"I see." his father said as his mother continued staring. "You went to the headquarters today."
"Yup. I had fun. I was... going to tickle Brifin's nose, but Mas stopped me. He was sleeping, so I didn't." he grinned. "At least not today."
His father blinked as the boy continued talking rapidly describing all that he'd seen and done for the day. His mother was forgotten as he added details of Mas's magic and the thought of the other man... Caer, he finally remembered what the girl had called him, would look like covered in mud.
"Kinjin!" his father said shaking his head.
He had the grace to glance up at his father sheepishly and slightly embarrassed. "Well, it might not be for a few years. It's just an option. I liked him. And Mas. I might even get Mas to help me since he's able to create mud like that." As Caer had noted, Kinjin had the idea floating around in the back of his mind waiting for the proper time to spring out.
His mother sighed. "Go get cleaned up for supper. What are we going to do with that boy?"
"He'll turn out alright." then after a minute, he added, "I think..."
______
It was a couple days after having met Caer and Mas, and the cute girl, that Kinjin slowly sneaked away from his home. He had a plan in mind and it was time to implement it. It wasn't his only plan. Somewhere in the back of his mind ripened a plan to cover Caer in mud from head to toe as well as have Mas on the pranking end of it. Maybe even Brifin involved as well. It might take him some time to figure out the path to accomplishing such an event, but he would do it at some point.
As he worked his way through the markerplace and looked from shop to shop, Kin didn't quite see what he was looking for. At least not yet. He'd already sketched out what he wanted on a piece of parchment from his shield. Now all he needed was someone to do it. He had a little money, but hopefully it would not cost more than that.
Stopping he ran a hand through his hair, frowning slightly as he glanced around.
"There has to be one here somewhere..." he grumbled.
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Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 7:30 pm
Chaeval
Caer had found himself saddled with an uneeded burden. It wasn't Isabelle, for she was a quiet child, and not at all demanding...rather it was the...errand that chae had casually roped him in to. He hated to be outmaneuvered, and she knew how to do it too well.
And thusly, he was walking through the crowds on the lookout for the ingredients the seer had asked for. An unwelcome task, to be sure. He wasn't sure why he bothered most of the time.
Careful to keep an eye on his charge, and two when needed, they continued their way through.
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Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 7:31 pm
Not paying attention entirely as he turned full circle trying to locate the shop, Kinjin bumped into a couple people. Most growled to watch himself and he moved to the side, standing on tiptoes as he tried to look around.
When he finally spotted the shop, its sign in bright letters, Kin grinned widely.
"That's just the place I'm looking for. I'll have this tattoo in no time." he smirked. "Won't be much my mom and dad can do then."
He darted around a couple of people, one direction on his mind. Pulling the door, Kinjin opened it wide. It creaked begrudgingly as it opened.
The fellow glanced upwards. "Be with you in a minute, kid. Just need to finish this." He continued working on the man's arm. The customer clenched his jaw flinching slightly.
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Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 7:33 pm
Turning around as the customer got to his feet, the shopkeep stared at Kinjin a minute.
"So what can I do for you?" he asked as the man showed his arm to the other two men standing to on side.
"Can you do this for me?" Kin asked as he half listened to the three men talking about how it felt. He swallowed hard for a moment but then held out the parchment to the man.
Holding it, the shopkeep glanced at it for a moment or two. "Sure I can do it. It wouldn't necessarily be colorful, but it would look nice in black. Who wants it?"
"I do." Kinjin said. "On my right hand."
All three men turned around to stare at him and the broke out into laughter.
"Boy, do you know what you are getting yourself into?" the customer who had just been finished stated. "It stings. Alot. And will for a day or two. You are pretty young and tender." the fellow finished, smirking.
Kinjin's eyes narrowed. "That has nothing to do with it. If I want a tattoo, I'll get one. Size and age don't always mean anything." he smirked in reply.
All four laughed at the idea. "I bet he will stop after the first stick of the needle."
"I bet I won't."
The shopkeep shook his head as he grinned widely. "Alright, get up in that chair, and I'll do it."
"Not my left hand. My right one." he said, laying his right hand down on the table. "Right there." he added as he indicated the back of his hand. "That's my family crest and I want it done right."
All three of the others chuckled, sitting down to watch. They were certain the boy would leave after the first couple of stings by the needle.
The man carefully traced the image onto the back of Kin's hand adjusting the size of it as the boy indicated. Then after making sure he had the proper amount of ink ready, he asked Kinjin, "Are you sure about this, kid?"
"Yup, I'm sure. Just get on with it."
Again the men broke into laughter wondering if the boy knew what he was getting himself into.
When the needle touched his skin the first time, Kinjin blinked slightly, but tried to keep his hand still. The shopkeep glanced up at him and nearly smiled, but looked down quickly to make sure he was doing it properly.
A couple of times, Kinjin grit his teeth, closing his eyes tightly as each needle p***k added a bit more pain. Several times he was uncertain if he could even feel at all as his hand almost felt numb. Then he'd flinch slightly as the man continued bringing all feeling back into his hand. It took nearly an hour to get finished. Kinjin would have sworn it had been several days. He turned slightly white once and they had all begun taking bets on how long before he passed out. It only made him more determined.
More than once he'd wanted to jump from the chair and run out the door. But then he thought about how much he really wanted this tattoo there. He had to get if finished. There was no way his parents would let him return.
The shopkeep moved back from him with a smile. "It's all finished, kid. I'd have guessed you to have run out the door long before it was done."
The other three men shook their heads. They likewise had thought he'd bolt for home. They got to their feet, nodding as they walked out the door.
Kinjin glanced down at it with a smile. It ached like crazy and it still felt like the man was sawing on his arm, but it was done. Then all smiles drained from his face as the man named a price for the work done. He blinked, opening his mouth and then the man knew by his expression that he didn't have that much. To Kin the price was exorbitant. He only had a few newts. It was the fellow's fault for not asking.
"You don't have it, do you?" he growled, reaching for Kin even as the boy glanced up at him.
Dodging quickly, Kin was at the door and through it. The man right behind him.
"Stop that kid!" he yelled.
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Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 7:34 pm
Chaeval
"Caer." Belle interrupted his scowling muse gently "Someone is yelling. I think there is trouble."
He looked at her for a moment, containing a sigh. The request in her eyes was simple and without remorse.
"And you want us to investigate?" he replied.
"I'd prefer you with me." she answered. "But I will be doing so." Her tone was never demanding. She might as well been asking for him to join her for tea.
Sketching a slight bow, he restrained a sigh. "Then after you, My Lady."
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Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 7:36 pm
Kinjin darted out of the man's reach twice as he ran down the walk. Jumping a box, he barely missed tangling his feet up as he landed. It'd not do for him to land facefirst now. He'd be caught, though he knew his father would make him return. At least then the man would listen. He'd not even given him a chance to say anything. Just grabbed at him. It wasn't entirely his fault for not having the money when the man didn't ask before.
Avoiding a lady to his right, Kinjin dodged around the corner just as the man missed him a third time. His arm ached and was stinging more each passing second. He needed to get home.
Suddenly he slid to stop as he found himself against a group of people. All in his way. He looked for a way out, just as the man rounded the corner out of breath.
"Stop... that... boy!" he gasped, but still moved towards Kinjin.
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