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 Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 2:35 pm
Zuuta nodded in understanding before moving out of the way of the man with a gryphon. As a whole, gryphons generally don't like cramped spaces or being crowded, so it's usually wise to keep a few feet away from one if you don't know that individual gryphon personally. As she weaved her way out of the crowd, the sound of someone laughing caught her attention. When she turned to see who it was, she caught a young man with a lute on his back looking at her. That damn kid is gonna get it later. She thought to herself as she noticed how young he looked - almost as young as that elf boy Halo - before shooting a glare his way and going into the stable complex. Haber sauntered ahead of Zuuta a bit as they walked down the aisle. Near the end, the big dog stopped and scratched at one of the stalls, where a grulla dun stallion known as Kohlsin noisily dozed. Kohlsin was a bit stockier than most of the other horses in the stable, and a good deal hairier too. But these features, while not so good for speed, were wonderful for stamina and keeping out the cold. "Hey there sleepy-head," she said softly, rubbing the side of his neck. "It's time to get up, we've got to go soon."Kohlsin shook his head lightly with a low nicker, sleepily looking up at her through his overgrown forelock. Haber settled down in a pile of hay just a few yards away for a short nap of his own. Zuuta couldn't help but chuckle a bit at her two best friends while she removed a grooming kit from her rucksack. For the next twenty minutes or so, she brushed out the dust from Kohlsin's coat; picking the dirt from his hooves right afterwards. Before she set about tacking him up, she decided to cut a few inches off of his mane and trim up his forelock so that it wasn't covering his eyes as much. With all that hair, you could barely tell that his eyes were actually two different colors; one brown, and one blue.
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Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 3:51 pm
Sariel smiled at River, she could not put her finger on it but he interested her. The whole ordeal was rather interesting. She figured she would take this moment to introduce herself after waiting for some time in silence though no introduction would beat that of the bard.
"My name is Sariel, Sariel Shadows" she said with a smile. She was enjoying herself way to much. She pushed the same hair out of her face with a small sound of frustration before twisting it back and pinning it out of her face. She smiled again at those around her.
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Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 8:17 pm
Zaria adjusted her clothes as she examined herself in the mirror. She was clad in a brown leather corset (though unlike a corset, it laced up in the front) that was hardy enough serve as armor and army green pants. She also wore bracers and knee high boots that perfectly matched her corset, and army green sleeves that resembled fingerless bridal opera gloves. Her hair was pulled back into a messy bun, with a feather tucked into it.
She knew that her armor was far sparser than the many of those that would be going along on the errand. But unlike many of those that would be going, she intended to avoid close-combat. Not that she couldn’t fight, but she was going on the errand to offer her advance skill with magic, not her sparse fighting ability.
Once she was satisfied with her appearance, she held out her hand, and a maid quickly gave Zaria her cloak. It was the same army green, with a brown fur trim. She secured it with a bronze clasp and turned away from the mirror.
“Are my mounts prepared?” she asked the same maid who had helped her get dressed. In response, the maid simply nodded. “Can you not speak?” Zaria asked, agitated. The girl had refused to talk the whole time she had been in her presence.
“Y-yes, you mounts are prepared, milady.” the maid said, averting her gaze.
Zaria glared at her for a moment, as if she was expecting for her to say more. The maid just stood their silently until Zaria turned away, upon which she bowed. Zaria looked her over one last time before heading out the door and to her private stables.
When she arrived she found Verya, who managed household affairs. Verya had worked for her late husband since the death of his previous wife, making her the only servant that had come with Zaria from her husband estate. She also was the only elf employed, and the only worker Zaria knew on a personal level.
“You seem stressed.” she said as Zaria entered. Zaria acknowledged her only by a slight twitch of her mouth. “Nova has already been loaded with provisions and taken to the castle’s stables, and Adimus is ready for you to ride.”
She was referring to the two mounts Zaria was taking with her on the trip. Out of the many mounts she had, thos two were by far her favouritie. Nova was a large red female land stryder that she had been with for nearly a decade. Her husband had given it to her as a wedding gist, though more than anything, it had been to flaunt his wealth. Adimus was her gryphon, who her parents had bought for her after all of her siblings had left (which was several years before her marriage), when he had just been a fledgling believing she would need some companionship. They had been right, and she had grown very close to him. She had grown very close with all her mounts; they were the only companionship she had besides Verya.
She walked over to Adimus, who had grey fur and tawny feathers, who was already out of his pen, and lovingly stroked his head. “Ready to fly?” she asked softly before pulling away and climbing on the gryphon’s back. It began to slowly trot out of the stable, so that it could take off. “Be sure to properly care for all my mounts while I’m gone.” she said to Verya. She nodded in response, and was about to say something when Adimus broke into a run and took off. Zaria shrugged of whatever Verya was going as something unimportant, and headed to the castle.
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Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2010 1:45 pm
Dame Elenda of Mandor....the numbers swell higher and higher.Elenda was about to respond to Baron Cain and close their conversation, when a young man burst upon the scene and was nearly run over by Cain's gryphon. Whereas Cain's gryphon seemed to be a bit skittish with so many jostling him, Elenda's mare and gryphon standing next to her were considerably more comfortable around people. Elenda's gryphon screeched a brief warning when the young man stumbled in, and there was a tumble of movement. In the end, fortunately, no one was harmed. The Baron helped the poor boy up, and then politely excused himself. Elenda smiled and nodded to him in reply. The young man who had tripped came up and introduced himself again. Elenda had expected to see a few bards join their expanding group. River wouldn't be the only one wishing to chronicle the events of this Errand, and neither would he be alone in his songs, gaiety and merriment. Elenda directed him toward the proper channels of submitting an application to the registry, and advised him how to prepare. When the dame knight was done, she was approached by a fair female elf. "My name is Sariel, Sariel Shadows," she said, smiling cheerfully. Dame Elenda shared her chipper mood and smiled back in kind. "Elenda of Mandor. Are you here to join our Errand?" ....the list grows longer.
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Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2010 2:27 pm
Halo sigh.ed It was getting crowded. Anyway, it looked like he had avoided talking about his past for now. Some of the people had brought their mounts with them, so he decided to go back tot eh stables and get his.
Getting through the crowd was a little difficult but he managed and he saw some of the other people. There was someone that dressed outlandishly in a hat with a huge feather. Uh, wonder who that is. But he only noticed the man because he was laughing at loud. Halo laughed himself when he saw the man get bowled over by the gryphon. Then he stopped laughing quickly. If laughing gets me hit by a gryphon, I'd better not.
Halo made it to the stables and approached a stall on the quiet end. In there was a horse without wings. He didn't bring a pegasus because people tended to associate them with girls, and it would be too obvious. The horse yawned in Halo's face and Halo laughed. "Oh, come on. We should be leaving soon... I hope." He patted the horse on the head. The earlier the better. The horse was probably annoyed that he had painted the horse over with white paint. The horse was originally coated in black skin.
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Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2010 7:57 pm
As soon as Zaria had landed, she had been directed to see Dame Elenda. She had heard that name several times before, and could put a face to it, but she didn’t think she’d actually spoken to her. Or rather, she didn’t think she had actually had a conversation with Elenda. Whether or not the Dame knew of her was an entirely different story. Not that Zaria cared one way or another; in a matter of minutes they’d be acquainted, no matter the prior knowledge of each other.
But instead of going to find her immediately, Zaria decided to find Nova first. As she looked, Adimus stayed by her side. Once she found out what stable she was likely in, it was easy to find her. Being large and red, Nova might as well have some sort of beacon attached to her. Zaria gave her a soft pat on the head and signaled for her to follow.
So of she was to go find Dame Elenda, Adimus trotting beside her, and Nova padding behind her. She ignored the several accidents her land stryder caused due to its immense size, and continued until she spotted the Dame. Even though several people were crowded around her, waiting to speak with her, Zaria didn’t wait for a turn to speak to her. “Zaria Ramsden, mage, reporting.” she said, ignoring the others. Though some seemed to be formally introducing themselves, she felt formalities were of no need in this situation.
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Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2010 9:21 pm
Sarial nodded her head in response as others continued to introduce themselves. She smiled wider as she watched. Soon the day would be gone and they would be able to continue on their way. She raised her eyebrows when Zaria introduced herself.
"Yes" she said out loud. "I am here for the Errand, i think anyone worth their merit will be joining it. Its not very often that something of this nature happens." She grinned again.
"If anything it will be a very interesting journey with the wide assortment of people joining in this quest, one that i am significantly happy to be part of even though i come from no notable family or any ...well unquestionable backround." She finished and realized that she may have said far too much, she was possibly in a rather precarious position. She did not know if she could trust any of them enough to reveal her past without facing a sort of black sheepism.
[[i so dont know if that is a word]]
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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 2:06 pm
Dame Elenda of Mandor....the past may stain,Dame Elenda gestured to the noblewoman to wait a moment, while Sariel was speaking. Elenda understood well enough what Sariel was trying to say. Perhaps Elenda was too trusting of others, but she didn't like to allow the stains of the past to soil the prospects of the future. Whatever Sariel was hinting at, Elenda didn't want her to feel unworthy to earn merit upon this quest. "I understand," said the dame knight discreetly. "We can discuss the details later tonight, if you wish. For now, I am pleased to have another merry soul aboard." After a few quick instructions and a pleasant farewell, Elenda turned her attention to the noblewoman with the red stryder. "My apologies. Elenda of Mandor," she said in greeting. There were still other people waiting to report. Elenda had the feeling the mage woman could do with some humbling, but that was for fate to decide. "Welcome, milady Zaria. Your skills will be much needed and appreciated, I'm certain, before long. Please write your name in the registry to apply for the Errand. If you're prepared, we will assemble to leave before sunset." When all was in hand and Zaria turned to leave, Elenda added, "And milady Zaria... While under my command, please exert better control over your stryder." Elenda waited for the woman to acknowledge, and then her expression softened with a nod. ....but the future heals.
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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 3:23 pm
Zaria immediately doubted she would like Dame Elenda. Quieting her with the wave of a hand was not the way to make a good first impression. However, her hope was somewhat restored by the way she spoke to her. “I am well prepared.” She assured the dame. She turned around, and was leaving, when Elenda made her comment.
Zaria turned around, a smile plastered on her face. “Why of course.” she said in a sickly sweet voice before turning away again. “Caes moji air byr tia thar.” she muttered in her own tongue as she left to register. Her words held truth; with huge crowd and Nova’s size, it was impossible that one or two people knocked into her or tripped over her tail. Nova was actually being quite behaved; she had stayed close to Zaria at all times, and hadn’t growled at a single person, which was unusual, being that she often was uncomfortable with close quarters to people.
(Her size is not my fault.)
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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 10:59 pm
Dame Elenda of Mandor....the preparations continue.Over the next few hours, the day drifted through a warm afternoon. The fluctuating crowd of willing errand-riders continued to report to Dame Elenda. From commoners to nobles to knights, many were taking this rare opportunity to participate on an Errand usually reserved for royal Knights. Though she introduced herself to each person, Elenda knew she would never remember all of their names. Still, there were many, over the past couple of hours, that stood out in her mind. Sir Willem of Edria. Jya of Cor. Dame Katria of Mandor. Lady Linde of Mandor. Ulric the Mage. Yone the Axeman. Dintei the Minstrel. Baron Lorenz of Ourania, Mandor. Sir Garum of Mandor. Sir Ander of Mandor. Dame Rel of Cor. Altus of Mandor. Garrow of Mandor. Sir Gloen of Edria. Harkin of Mandor. Jormun the Seventh Spear. Irene of Mandor. Naila the Herbalist. Ash of Cor. Soren the Elf, of Ardin. Jen of Mandor. Edmond of Mandor. Dyvon of Edria. Lord Anglad of Mandor. Baroness Lyena of Faywater Isle, Mandor. Aura the Mage. Most of the rest were peasants competent with a weapon, aspiring warriors seeking renown, or people of various skills willing to offer what assistance they could. By now, their number had climbed over a hundred. ....the day passes quickly.
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Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2010 7:45 am
Cain parted from Elenda right after Zaria had left, but not before noticing her outrageous elvish remark and taking a negative mental note on her. After he'd led Vaux back to the stables he joined back outside to converse with some of his future companions.
He was especially cheerful as he found his previous acquaintances Baroness Lyena of Faywater Isle and Soren the Elf, of Ardin. Soren had joined him on a few errands some 6 years ago and as of recently Cain owned a mansion on Faywater Island as he discovered baroness Lyena to be a great supporter of his politics. Together with the two of them he eventually found himself in a nearby pub, enjoying and elvish wine Soren had brought along and some boar, shot down by the pub owners first-born son.
The discussion led from past memories with Soren and Lyena, over recent political disputes in the outer regions of Mandor, until they finally returned to the errand, mentally and physically.
“we should probably head back outside.” Soren hat suggested as the amphorae of wine only had few drops to spare. “yes, we should” Lyena agreed and got up to take care of the pay. Cain felt highly uncomfortable having a lady pay for his food, but that's the way he had remembered her, always looking to do things her way. She was one of the backbones for Cains political power, that still wasn't very great, but a highly influential one among elves.
Together, and quite noisy, the headed back to Elenda and left distracted and disturbed expressions on the faces of peasants ans they went.
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Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2010 8:06 am
Seodred had tried for a week now to gain an audience with the King and Queen. He had not been expecting the large numbers of people that were coming to and from the Great Castle, nor the excitment in the air that had everyone busier than usual; like a beehive fast approaching winter. In his quest to seek audience with his noble leaders, he was faced against the politics of the realm; one person would tell him to talk to another, and that person would send him back to the first...Everyone's mind was in a scramble and no one could quite take the time to address his situation thoroughly. All he wanted to know was where to find Calanon, for he was sure to know what Ana's mission was, and how Seodred can put her ghost to rest.
Ana. He missed her so. How could someone he knew for such a short time, hurt him so? Perhaps it was that she was taken away so quickly. Or perhaps soul mates isn' t just a myth.
At the mention of soulmates he looked to Enynwa, his black stryder, who was as patient as ever. He was suprised at her calm attitude, since she had never been in such a populated area before. Over the years, their trainer-steed bond had developed into something more - a companionship. Where Ana had left him, Enynwa was there, and he filled that dark hole in his heart. Seodred smoothed down her fine, black scales, appreciating the beauty and wonder of his beautiful mount, and let that wonderful feeling in his heart form into a genuine smile.
Seodred tried his best not to let his frustrations show. Keeping a smile on his face counterbalanced the general wareness a stranger had with him and his stryder. Once he proved he was a valuble helping hand, almost no one turned him down to help with whatever assistance they needed. This helping attitude gave him enough funds he needed to survive this long journey and search for Ana's mission. Still, in the back of his mind despair began to creep in. Where do I look, if not here?
Seodred settled for helping out, his back being lent to people as low as peasantry, and as high as merchants. He dropped the name Calanon here and there, gathering the gossip together until he felt he had enough evidence to support a solid fact: Calanon was here, but he left. Where to, these people didn't know...
But another name was dropped, and quite frequently at that. Dame Elenda, something about an errand, and the general excessive bustle of the castle. Seodred didn't know if she was related to Calanon, or if everyone was just so excited about this errand that they couldn't help but discuss this Dame. Either way, Seodred had nothing to lose, and so set out to find the Dame and see if she could tell him how to find Calanon.
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Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2010 1:54 pm
"Yes, I'm alright," River had said to the Baron who owned the gryphon. He eyed the gryphon as the man left and then went through the formalities with Dame Elenda. She directed him on how to register, but for some odd reason, River felt as though she was just taking him to be someone on the errand that would be useless. What do I care? Of course, he knew there would be other bards, and the lady probably thought that they would just be dead weight on the mission. No matter. He would make sure to be the best of the bards and make the most epic songs every.
And so, off he went to fill out the registration material and whatever else was required of him. He didn't care of the others were laughing at him too. He'd laugh at them too. Besides, he would be the one chronicling them. Now, what should the first verse about them be?
Those people over there
Have nothing to dare...
I'll think of something.
((If anyone wants to crash into River, go ahead. He's got no mount, so he won't be going to the stables.))
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Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 12:45 pm
Dame Elenda of Mandor....a fateful encounter.Dame Elenda was clasping the forearm of Farius the Mad, a renowned warrior, but renowned for his ravings of dragons as much as for his feats of combat. His unique, three-bladed sword was reminiscent of the shape of a dragon's claw. He was clearly not a madman, though, as far as Elenda could tell. "A pleasure to finally meet you, Farius." "If there are any dragons to be slain, you can count on me," came his deep, gruff voice. He seemed to be holding back a well of vigor. "I told 'em all, I said. 'You've'nt seen the last of dragons,' I kept saying, but they wouldn't believe me. Well, now we'll see." There was a curious light in the man's eyes. Maybe, Elenda thought, this was why some thought him mad. She shrugged. "It may be that we have nothing to fear. We cannot say until we see it for ourselves." "Oh there's something to fear, right enough. You'n knights'll be fine, but its them lesser folk that has me afraid for their safety." "I'll not have talk like that under my command, master Farius. And yes, the danger is very real, but the fact is we know not what to expect. There have been reports of less hostile meetings with dragons in the past, after all; you should know that." Farius looked like he knew better than most but still didn't believe a word of it. It took him a tense moment, but he nodded. "I'll take your word on it for now, but I'll have... well, nevermind. We'll just have to keep a close watch on our comrades, keep'um safe, that we will." "There I agree with you. Welcome aboard, Farius." The muscular man smiled and nodded. He turned and left, the wicked-looking weapon on his back gleaming in the sunlight. "It is not like he says at all," said a smooth voice behind Elenda. The dame knight turned round. The crowd had dissipated, and the young man before her had been the last, besides Farius, for now. "Maru, Sai of Gihon," he said, placing a palm on his chest and bowing slightly from the waist. Gihon was a human country far beyond the reach of Mandor, away toward the northeast. Elenda knew enough to know that 'Sai' was similar to 'Sir knight,' and that 'Gen' was its female equivalent. "Elenda of Mandor. You are the first warrior of Gihon I have ever met. A pleasure, Sai Maru." She bowed slightly in return. "What were you saying about dragons?" "In my country, dragons are wise and benevolent. Are dragons in Mandor different?" "I have fought a dragon or two myself. They are fierce and yet beautiful." "Then you know something of a dragon's spirit, for it is as you have said, but I still wonder why there is such fear of them." "Dragons are mysterious. Each one, it seems, has been different. But I am hardly qualified to speak with authority on the matter--except as it affects this Errand. Will you be joining us, then?" "I will indeed, Dame Elenda." He bowed again and smiled. "I had originally come here to sell swords here at the Castle, but I cannot pass over this chance. I've heard the others; I'll meet at the time appointed." "Farewell, then, Sai Maru." "Farewell." That was the last of the errand-riders for now. Elenda took a moment to look around, enjoying the late afternoon warmth. It would not be so warm on their way down the mountain, outside the Castle's spell. While waiting for more errand-riders to report, Elenda went over to her mounts, Hona and Aron, petting their heads and smoothing their coats. After only a short moment, she spied a young man leading a gorgeous black land-stryder. "Impressive!" she whispered to herself. The young man seemed lost, as if he were looking for something. Elenda wondered if he might be seeking to join the Errand of Dragons Rising, and for lack of a crowd was having trouble finding Dame Elenda. Elenda stepped out into the open and called out to him. As he approached, she asked, "Are you here to join the Errand?" "Are you Dame Elenda?" he asked. "I am indeed," she said, "Elenda of Mandor." "I am called Seodred," said the young man, seeming to feel sidetracked by the introduction. "It is said that you know an elf named Calanon. Please, I must find him." The name struck home, making Elenda's heart beat against her armor. "He is like a second father to me, as he has been to my mother, Dame Olwyn of Edria. He is also the Lord of Ordona. How do you know him?" ....a hope unlooked-for.
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Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 1:42 pm
After having spoken to the Dame, Zarìa had spent the time catching up with several mages she knew well, among them Aura and Ulric. Their talk quickly went to the subject of magic, as that was what they most had in common. Their talking led discussion, which led too disagreements, which led to debates. Though those who new her briefly might guess otherwise, they were not heated in anyway. She was not contentious, and she respected her fellow magicians.
The conversation went on for hours, as there was an endless number of things to discuss about the arcane arts. When one of them suggested to go get a drink, Zarìa took her leave, with the excuse that she hadn’t realized how late it was getting, and that she needed to tend to a few matters. In truth, she just didn’t drink due to past… experiences. Bad experiences.
After she had left them, Zarìa found little to do. She had already registered, and she could find no one of particular interest. She ended up just wandering around, observing those who were still making preparations. To her left, Adimus and Nova were walking side-by-side. She made sure not get too far ahead of them, that way, she could keep an eye on them (though she’d never admit it was because of the Dame’s comment).
As she was walking, she felt someone step squarely on the bit of her cloak that was dragging behind her. She grabbed part of it, and in one move, yanked it out from underneath of the person, and spun around. She grabbed the man’s wrist (at this point, she could see that it was a man), to hold him steady, and prevent a fall. After all, it could have been someone important. But it wasn’t.
It was a bard, if the lute on his back was any indication, with black hair, and eyes the color of her own. Zarìa actually found him rather attractive, for not being an elf. “Too busy composing songs to watch where you’re going?” she asked. It was a joke, though her tone did a poor job of portraying that. One could only tell that it was such by her raised eyebrow, and her faint smile.
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