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 Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 3:32 pm
Mosmoto 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. The bard was lost in his thoughts as he observed the people around him and attempted to come up with lyrical descriptions for them. However, the real hero part of the song making wouldn't really start until people started to distinguish themselves. He was so absorbed that he didn't notice stepping on someone's cloak.. in which case that someone's cloak was probably a little too long. He only noticed when he felt something lift him slightly off his feet as something violently removed itself from under his feet. "Whoa! What a rush of wind!" he exclaimed and then was surprised to feel a hand clamp onto him and help him regain his balance. "Too busy composing songs to watch where you're going?" he heard a stern voice. He found himself spinning and stopped facing the culprit who had grabbed his wrist. A lady. An elvish woman. Probably the culprit of the question too. The elf appeared to be trying to smile. Amused, maybe? "Ah, well, I find that inspiration of songs come from the most random of events, and I must have just stumbled upon one!" He was referring to his near accident, but it could be taken another way. ((Sorry for the lack of description. For some reason, I can't load the deviantart picture right now...))
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Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 5:02 pm
Seodred breathed a sigh of relief. At last, a person who could lead him to Calanon! Though he wanted to question Dame Elenda on the whereabouts of Calanon, he knew he had to be patient and answer her questions first. After all, he was the stranger of the situation.
"I don't actually know him, Ma'am. I am finishing the personal quest of a dear friend, who could not be here today. I know she - I know that this person was looking for Calanon, and I must find him so that I may complete the quest. I've come from the Glyuah Mountains, and have been searching for him for two years now. You are the closest I've come to finding him. Please, Dame Elenda," Seodred clasped his hands together and held them to his heart. "tell me where I can find him."
Enynwa bent her large head and rested it upon his shoulder, snout down. Her eyes tilted upward, locking onto Dame Elenda with mild curiosity. She let out a snort and bumped Seodred's head, her signal for "Let's get moving, I'm bored." Seodred smiled a bit and pushed the stryder's head away, his signal for "Not yet, Enynwa."
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Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 7:18 pm
Dame Elenda of Mandor....a friend of a friend, in need.Elenda spread her arms in a helpless gesture. "Alas, only this morning I too was searching for him. He is strong of mind and kind of heart; I could have used his encouragement and advice." She didn't know why she was sharing so much with a stranger, except perhaps for the need in the man's eyes, and perhaps to honor Calanon to others if she could not to Calanon himself--the elf was far too humble. "I learned from my parents that he left urgently last night. His mission or need, none of us can say. More and more it seems I know far less about him than I had thought." Elenda watched a terrible expression of disappointment and worry begin to shadow Seodred's countenance. Elenda couldn't bear to see anyone in such a state. Hurriedly she thought of a possible solution. "It has been rumored and reported that the dragons are rising, far to the east, beyond the borders of Mandor. I have been given charge of the mission to investigate. A gathering of dragons such as we imagine can only mean that monumental events are on the horizon, whether for great good or fearful ill. We must be prepared for most any eventuality, and we must act with haste; hence the speed of recruitment for this Errand, and the opening of the registry to all willing to apply. "I tell you this to say that the quest is of high importance to the kingdom. As such, it is likely that Calanon is somehow involved, and that we may meet him upon our road." Elenda looked back at the man's stryder, so elegant and graceful. She had seen the way it had treated Seodred, as lovingly and as loyally as a horse might. "You are a stryde-master, are you not? We could use someone with such skill on this Errand. There may be danger--indeed, death may wait for some of us at the end of our road--but the need is great, and the cause is just." When Seodred hesitated to make an answer, Elenda took a different route. She wanted to help. "If your friend's quest constrains you, would you consider telling me what it is? I might be able to deduce Calanon's purpose, and if not, surely my mother would know." ....a goal for the sharing, indeed.
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Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 8:06 pm
Seodred couldn't hide his disappointment. He had come so far, and was no closer to reaching the truth of Ana's quest than when he had asked her and she refused to respond, even as she lay dying in his arms.
Seodred noted the information about the Errand, that he had heard so many people mention before. He hadn't bothered to get the full information, since it was not the Errand he was interested in. Seodred pondered as Dame Elenda described the Errand. Could it be that Ana was somehow related to it? What was he to do anyway, head back home with nothing to show for it? Elenda was right, if there was anything he should do, joining her on this quest must surely be it. Wonders of fate swimmed through his mind before he was brought back to present with Elenda's innocent, but unknowingly harsh question.
Seodred's head lowered a bit with surrender. Being secretive was pointless, and he wasn't too proud to admit how lost he truly was.
"I don't know what her quest was. I had only just begun to know her before she perished...but I refuse to let her purpose perish with her. All I know is she was trying to reach Calanon. Likely it was information she was giving, for she carried no trinket on her person. Maybe the information is now useless, for I see that much has changed in the past two years...but I want to know. I need to know...so I may put her ghost to rest."
Seodred almost felt silly for confessing so much to this stranger, but the feeling of reaching another dead end, mixed with the soft and caring pity eminating from her eyes, had opened up his heart and let the sadness spill forth.
Quickly, he changed the subject, for it was obvious that she could not help him any more than she already tried. "I am stryde-master Belaquin, and I have come this far. To not join you on this Errand would be folly. Enynwa and I will lend ourselves to your mission, and I can only hope that along the way, Ana's purpose will be revealed to me."
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Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 9:12 pm
Sariel went off after awhile walking through the crowds, she watched and she waited and she listened. She had entered a world that was starkly different then the one she had come from. she could smell the wealth in the air, the higher breeding was all around her. It was the way some of them walked and held themselves. It was the way some of their eyes feel on her. There was a trust but yet there was a sense of separation as though she was being avoided. Then again she had made no actual effort to talk to anyone, she was one to lay in the background, the one to move through a crowd and be barley noticed by those around her. She felt she led a solitary life.
She found herself wanting to begin on this journey. She was overwhelmed with her impatience. Perhaps that is what had caused her to lose her focus or to keep track of the things around her. She walked straight into Zaria.
"Whoops, scuse me..." Sariel said as she bumped into her.
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Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 2:33 am
Cain and his two comrades had split at the stable, each of them wanted to take care of their mounts, but Cain wasn't very interested in that. He had promised to lend his company to Dame Elenda once the fuss of recruitment was over, and by the empty courtyard he could tell it was over. He had only stepped into the stable to look for her as he saw her outside, talking to a stranger with a very athletic and beautiful black land-stryder.
His movements were a bit uncoordinated, for elvish wine was famous for it's delayed effect without the bitterness of any ale or rum. He leaned against the door frame for a stable stance and looked at Elenda in wonder, disappointment, curiosity...his eyes were only a bit blurry but there was a lot going on inside of him that he failed to show. ”Who's the new kid?” the baron asked, having forgotten about any and all formality and his voice was slower than he was trying to speak so it looked and sounded a bit amusing. His general tone was cheerful though.
The brooch on his cloak had slid to the side, and was now resting just before his left shoulder and it granted a view on the shimmering, golden, elvish Blade he wore at his hip, decorated with carvings and a few gems.
”Is that beauty joining us too?” he giggled with a nod towards the black mount behind the stranger. By now the two could probably smell the distinct scent of alcohol leaving Cains mouth as he spoke. A tiny hiccup also gave away his state.
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Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 12:19 pm
Zarìa hoped he wasn’t referring to her. She had no interest in being flirted with, so she brushed it off. “Hm. So, I assume your tagging along more so to record the events in your songs, rather than to entertain us, correct?” she asked, and after a seconded added, “I’m Zaria the mage, by the way.” She intentionally left out her last name, in the chance that he knew of her husband’s family. Now that he had died, she never wanted to be associated with him again.
As she waited for a reply, a female elf bumped into her. “Oof.” she grunted as the girl knocked into her. She grabbed onto the bard’s shoulder for balance, and once she had steadied herself, she turned to the elf. “You're excused.” she said dismissively, rather irritated. She turned back to the bard, not even looking at the elf long enough to realize it was the person who Elenda had spoken to before her.
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Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 12:45 pm
River grinned and was a bout to respond when Zaria grabbed a hold of him for balance. He obviously kept his balance. Unlike Zaria, he recognized the bumper as a lady elf he had passed, the one who spoke to Elenda after himself.
He answered Zaria first. "Not just to record events! A bard's life is to tell tales and entertain others as well with tales." He nodded and bowed, tipping his hat to her. "Ah, Zaria, well met. I'm River the.. Bard, which you already seem to have figured out." The mage was quite attractive, but River had the feeling that she was going to get cold on the errand.
He then addressed the newcomer elf. "Ah, and what is your name?" He asked her. "Are you a mage like Zaria here?" The new elf didn't have a staff.
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Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 4:40 pm
Dame Elenda of Mandor....ignoble introduction.Elenda had just finished making sure everything was in order for Seodred, when Baron Cain appeared, a bit unsteady and speaking now with the slightest of slurs, asking who the 'new kid' was. Seeing him like that, cloak slightly askew and posture much more relaxed, was understandably amusing compared with his earlier straight-backed manner. Elenda covered her smiling mouth with the tips of her fingers. It wouldn't do to be seen giggling. The dame knight laughed imperceptibly through her nose, then gasped air, trying unsuccessfully to suppress a grin and speak at the same time. "Oh Baron Cain... celebrating so soon?" He'd obviously been into the stronger meads or ales, rather than the heavily diluted form that was more common than water. It wasn't anything to be ashamed of--after all, there might not be another chance for a drink like this for some time--but Elenda thought he might have overdone it a bit. "Yes, these two have agreed to join us. Baron Cain, meet Seodred Belaquin. Seodred, Cain." ....amusing contrast.
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Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 5:19 pm
"Pleasure," Seodred said with a nod and a handshake. After Cain gave a sloppy return shake, Seodred pointed a thumb at Enynwa. "This beauty is my pride and joy, Enynwa, and she will be joining us." Enynwa looked over at Cain, gave a small inhale and then snorted loudly. She never did like the smell of alcohol. Other than that, she mostly ignored everyone. Seodred hoped that no one was daring enough to try and touch her though, he wasn't sure what her reaction would be.
Seodred had a knack for taking in more than one thing at once, and he heard one of the ladies behind Dame Elenda introduce herself as a mage. He wondered what it meant to be a mage, for he had never been in close company with one before. He'd have to ask her some other time.
"Dame Elenda, are we leaving presently? I usually just work for room and board with a working class family, or sleep under the stars in more sparsely populated areas, but I can do neither here. If we aren't leaving tonight, where can I make camp? Preferably somewhere where Enynwa can be close by."
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Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 11:22 pm
Sariel's eyes narrowed for a moment but she was able to control herself and answer the bard dismissing the mage just as easily as she had been dismissed.
"My name is Sariel, and no I am not a mage. I'm more a person of...skills." She replied with a smile. Her voice lowering as though the information she was giving them both was a great secret. She did not care very much for the mage, the woman or girl who was surly spoiled beyond the norm. Sariel felt that Zaria could learn from being knocked down a peg or two or completely off of her high horse. But Sariel realized that it was not necessarily her place. No for the time being she would watch and wait to see how the mage fared.
"My good bard are you better at story telling or song or are you good at both? I would hope that we all might get to hear a ditty or two strummed from that instrument." She said warmly, putting Zaria away from her thoughts even though the mage still stood next to her.
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 7:12 am
”It's your lucky day lad!” Cain began cheerfully while slamming his -- now bare because he had tied his armored gloves to his belt-- hand on Soedreds shoulder. ”We're leaving tonight!” the sentence was ended by a final hiccup and Cain turned to Elenda. ”Milady.....Remind me to ask the king to banish elven wines from the face of this land!” Cain laughed loudly.
Cain stood there for a moment, but decided to go back to the door as he was standing neither straight nor secure. ”I was just celllelebrating a friendly reunion.” Cain threw a wink at Elenda and then disappeared back into the stable. Only a few moments later he began singing an elvish ballad he had learned in his youth, telling the tale of brave warriors. It would have sounded very pretty if Cains voice hadn't been a tad off and the lines weren't separated by small hicks.
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 9:35 am
Zarìa caught the look Sariel gave her. Was this girl really angry at the way she was brushed off? Did she expect someone she knocked into to not be slightest bit agitated, and engage her in conversation? She would’ve liked to teach the little whelp a thing or two, but she let it slide.
When the girl spoke, Zarìa recognized her voice. It was the girl who she had waited on to speak with the dame. Hadn’t she said something about a ‘questionable past’? and now she was talking about her ‘skills’ and the way she said it…
It didn’t take long for Zarìa to put two and two together. This girl was some sort of urchin! A thief! She felt her coin purse, and was relieved to find it was still there, and just as plump as she had left it. “I hope to see you again after we set out.” she said to River, “I must now take my leave.” After she had turned and was walking away, she added under her breath, “ar mhaithe mo sparán.” It was in one of the lesser known human languages she had learned, and the one she used to make snide comments when among the elves. She doubted Sariel would hear her, as the general hubbub would easily cover it, but it was still better to be safe and say it in a language there was almost no chance she knew.
(For the sake of my purse.)
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:03 am
Zuuta stood next to Kohlsin, admiring her job well done as she looked over her horse, who was now all tacked up and probably more clean-looking than he's ever been. With a smile, she turned her attention to her snoozing hound. Kohlsin wasn't going to be the only one to have to pull around extra weight. She reached into her rucksack, pulling what looked like saddlebags, even though Kohlsin already had his on. Quietly, she snuck over to where Haber was lying in the hay and carefully buckled one of the two straps on the 'saddlebags' around his neck. The other one going around his chest behind his forelegs, like the sinch on a saddle. By the time Haber realized that something was going on, he was already wearing the modified saddlebags.
"That's my good boy," Zuuta murmured as she gave her dog a nice sratching behind the ears. The saddlebags for dogs idea had come from the ingenious mind of her father, Zephyr Leone. Meant for dogs of a good size, he invented it so that if someone traveling had too much to carry in their bag and their steed's saddlebags, they could put it in their dog's saddlebags. "Now you can be more useful to the errand!"
Zuuta still had some extra time to kill, so she decided to wander about the rows and look at the other steeds taking up residence there. Every once in a while, she recognized a horse that had come from the Leone Ranch and spent some time with them to catch up.
~~~
She didn't realize how fast the hours had slipped away from her. While she was petting a young palomino mare, who she remembered from how much of a pain she was to break into a saddle, she heard someone inside the stables break out in some song she hadn't heard of in some weird language. Moments later, she heard Haber start howling right along with him. Rolling her eyes, she ventured towards the entrance, only to find that guy who had that gryphon from earlier almost drunk off his rocker. Haber trotted up next to her, still trying to 'sing' along with the man.
"Ugh, will you sober up already? You sound worse than the dog!" She told him, shoving past him and heading back to Kohlsin's stall. Taking up his reins, she lead her stallion out of the stall. As she walked passed the man again, she tugged at Haber's collar gently to get him to follow.
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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 11:35 pm
Sariel noticed the mage reach for her purse. She raised an eyebrow at the reaction, a smile plastered to her face. She watched the mage turn to leave and decided she too would take her leave of the bard.
"Until tonight " she said as she began to follow Zaria catching up rather easily.
"You know if i had wanted to have taken your purse i would have already done so and it would not have taken me bumping into you to achieve it." She said as she caught up to her.
"I may be a bit rough around the edges but that does not mean i do not know my place in the caste system of this world, i didn't come here to cut purses or pick pockets, i could have very well continued that line of work back where i had come from. I came here to become something better then that, we cant choose our pasts but we have the ability to affect our futures. And i am not going to jeopardize something as grand as this for a trifle of coins from your person." She said with a small smile before she turned and prepared to walk away.
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