|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue May 24, 2011 4:02 pm
 There is nothing entertaining about staying couped up in your house all day. Even when that house is a mansion with a horde of servants that are always ready to please. Well, it might be fun for you, but it is most certainly not for Duke Mórdae. He seems to be sitting around 'working' all day in that dimly lit place, 'benefiting the lives of his subjects.' It would help if he knew where he ruled, not to mention knowing the animals he was serving. His work consists of doing what his head servant tells him to do, seeing he actually knows what's going on. Ever since the early, unexpected death of Mórdae's father, it's been this way. Living in that big, empty house with no one that really cares about the fox behind the desk. So he's done what he's always done - threw away his emotions and acted as aloof as he could without causing an identity crisis. Oh, the things done out of spite.
But after this particularly stressful day of 'work,' Mórdae knew he had to just get away from it all, if only temporarily. He silently slipped away from all of the prying eyes and went out in the fresh air. The sunshine. Oh, how he's missed his days of wandering around his lovely gated garden aimlessly. It was almost sad how often he went there when he was a child and the sense of adventure it gave him. The garden would be great if he wanted nostalgia, but it just didn't seem like enough to calm his nerves today, so he decided to go into town. The trip entails walking down his particularly long driveway, hopping the gate [as it requires several foxes to open it], and traveling down a rather empty stretch of forest with a rarely used dirt path down it. With a little bit of gold on him, Mórdae began his aimless journey into town.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 5:07 am
 Katla's journey towards yet another land at war made a sudden stop as the rest of the ship's crew decided it would be fun to go for a shopping round as they saw land up ahead. Katla, however, just wished to reach her location as fast as possible, and saw no joy in meaningless shopping. "Whimps. -sigh- As they're looking for useless bric-a-bracs, people are actually suffering! This must be the worst company I've had to deal with since the... Nevermind, they're just simply the worst. Period."
She had a last look at the men trying to decide whether their females would want a scarf or new shoes when they got back, then she took a turn into a forest path. "I can't even stand the look of them..."
The path was rather narrow, and it seemed as if it was rarely used, probably because of all the newer roads. She found it quite pleasing, just walking there, all on her own. It reminded her somewhat of scouting a new area right before a grand battle. As the sun got more and more blocked by the trees, Katla couldn't help but to think of how great the place would be for an ambush, if only it had been used more regularly. Then her ear twitched at the sound of footsteps. Who on earth would chose to walk in this darkness? And so, Katla decided to try out the ambush idea...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 2:18 pm
The path into town seemed longer than Mórdae remembered. Even though the path was just a straight line into town, it seemed he'd passed the same rock, the same tree every few steps. Mórdae shook his head. No, he couldn't let everything fall into a rhythm again. The dull tune that sounds throughout his house was exactly what he was trying to get away from, so what's the difference if the outside world starts going into a similar song?
Perhaps it was the shade. No, it definitely was. The shade cast by the trees made the path lighted the same way as his house. And he hated it. Mórdae decided to stop in a sunny patch, holding his face up to the sun and closing his eyes. There.. he thought, that's one way to quiet the mind.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 2:30 pm
Up in the treetop, Katla heard the steps getting closer. That's right little piggy, come to mama... Then she saw him. He lifted his head up towards the skies, and before she could think clearly, her reflects screamed 'HE SEES YOU', and she made a leap for it.
There in the air, the fall seemed unusually long, just as it feels like when you know you've made a big mistake. And just before she hit him, she noticed. Holy crap, I'm landing on freakin' royalty!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 1:55 pm
With no apparent forewarning, Mórdae was opening his eyes to see that he was parallel to the ground he was standing on just a moment ago. He attempted to immediately stand up, but the pressure from...something... was preventing him from doing so. Dust was stirred from the sudden impact, and it only took a second for it to enter Mórdae's mouth, throwing him into a slight coughing fit. In the brief moment that he was coughing, Mórdae realized that a fox had landed on him, judging by the weight.
Is it a robber? If it is, they're out of luck. I don't have much money on me today. I wouldn't be surprised if it was, regarding my luck for today.. Anger took over Mórdae's feeling of surprise, and he soon found himself yelling at the idiot that caught him in the wrong mood. Not that he ever was in a good mood. "Get off of me!" he growled. "This road is for residents of the Mórdae mansion only. I would be pleased to let you know I could have you arressted for this!"
Since the road is a direct path from his house to town, the threat was valid, right? And Mórdae wasn't exactly sure that he could have the perpatrator arressted, but no matter. What counts is that he probably shocked the assailant. With animals of all kinds supposedly going after royalty, his response was at least plausable..
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 2:22 pm
Katla was still in shock. Why, oh god, why... No, she needed to do the best of the situation. Now, what would that be? Threaten him? No, that'd just mean even more trouble... Apologize? Never! He's the one doin' all the sneaky buisness... That's it! She leaned down and stared right into the eyes of the poor fox as she spoke.
"Hey you, punk! Listen carefully now, y'hear me!? I care not for who's property this is, and frankly, it couldn't matter less to me what kind of silverspooned brat you are, but what does matter to me is why you're sneaking about in these no-man woods all on your own. So, either you tell me what you're up to, or I'll make you regret ever going outside..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 3:28 pm
Despite Mórdae's impeccable self control, he let a short string of laughter. Really? The only thing that shocked him was the gender of the fox on top of him. It was rather surprising to see a female with that much gaul. This fox was no one in comparisson to his father. Come to think about it, everyone here knew what was at the end of the road and that there was no reason to go down it. So this fox was definitely not from around here... She didn't have enough general knowledge. The amusement from his voice vanished as Mórdae began to speak, resembling more of a hiss now.
"Me? A punk? Nothing of the sort. The only one resembling such a scoundrel is you. Sneaking? If I was sneaking, I would be in the forest, not going down the path. You are the one hiding up in the trees. And you're most likely alone as well. I know exactly what this road leads to, and I know exactly who uses it. You're not from around here, are you? Now if you could kindly get off of me, I won't get you into any trouble."
Bluffs. Well, who cares? She was too. Mórdae could see his father shaking his head at him as he did so often when he was alive. Yes, he could have rolled and gotten her off, but it was beneath him. Anyway, who knows what this female wants?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 4:14 pm
Did he just laugh at her? Katla couldn't believe it. The arrogant basterd! The only one who'd ever had the guts to laugh in her face like that, except for... No, she had to focus. Let the past be the past...
"Of all the spoiled fools I've met, I can surely say you're amongst the worst. -sigh- And you sure seem too dumb to be up to anything. So yes, proceed. Scum..."
She got off him and turned away in a huff. Great, now my cape's all dusty... She sat down on the ground and was just about to start dusting it off, when suddenly she remembered...
"Oh god no, the ship!"
Katla jumped right up on her paws and ran for it, back into the dark path. It was all his fault. If he wouldn't have turned up she'd never lost track of time. They better not have gone without her...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 5:25 pm
Her reply made Mórdae laugh even more. On what premise did she have the right to talk to him in such a way? There was no reason why she should demand his respect. If anything, this stranger's behavior deterred him from giving her the respect he would give to a servant. At least they knew their place. There was obviously no way she knew who he was, but Mórdae didn't like having people respect him because of his father, anyway. All he wanted was the courtesy given to a normal stranger, but apparently that was too much to ask. Spoiled? he thought. I've never been spoiled in my life. There was no reason to respond to her now, since she was getting off.
Mórdae rose to his feet as the stranger got off of him, watching her closely as she turned her back away. She wore a cape and armor, the typical getup of a military official. If she was an official, why did she attack him? When she sat down and seemed to commence cleaning her cape, Mórdae rolled his eyes. Apparently she cared about appearances. All the 'Duke' did to clean off was give a quick shake of his fur, a little straightening of his monocle so his vision wouldn't be impaired.
The ship? There was some mention of a ship that's passing by docking near town today in his daily routine. Suddenly, Mórdae was satisfied. If that ruffian military official was late due to her decision to randomly ambush an innocent, great. Just another way to spite her for her actions, and best of all, it didn't cost him any energy. And as if it was an afterthought, he loudly called out, "Good luck getting back there on time, general!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 5:54 pm
Katla ran. And eventhough she ran as fast as she could, she allready had the feeling she wouldn't make it. She heard that guy shouting something, but she was all too focused to listen. This odd, irking feeling, however, seemed to challenge that focus. Should a guy like that really be out on his own in such a shady place? Especially if they were so easily caught without proper planning. But no, it was none of her buiness. People like him have no respect towards anyone without a "sir" added to their names. If he gets robbed, atleast some poor basterd will have food on their table. No, focus. Afterall, she had no idea when another ship in the right direction would show up.
Just as she thought, she didn't make it. The moment she reached the port, the ship was allready far off.
"Seems I'll be stuck here for some time... Hmmm, Unless..."
She went to have a drink, atleast she didn't leave her money aboard. She found a descent looking coffee tavern, which normally would've been too fancy for her liking, but this town seemed to offer no less. She got her order and stared into the cup as if it was an unjust warlord. Without even looking at the waitress, she handed the cup back to her.
"Got anything bigger, hun? Seems I'll have a long couple of days ahead of me..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 6:50 pm
Of course, she didn't stop and start yelling. She was too focused on catching her ship that she so easily forgot about. For some reason, I was looking forward to her reply.. Mórdae shook his head and quickly regained his composure, held his head up high, and continued back into town. Without stopping to bask in the sun again. At least he was almost into town.
When Mórdae arrived, the town was surprisingly quiet. All of the shops seemed to be empty; no one was aimlessly browsing the wide variety of shops as they usually are. He had no idea why this was, but as he was walking aimlessly down the center of town, he spied a coffee tavern. After all of that commotion, some tea would definitely calm his nerves. Mórdae been to this particular establishment before, and he remembered they brewed an especially good cup of Earl Grey.
The bell to the tavern jingled a little bit as Mórdae entered. Just a quick glance around the place told him that even this shop was practically deserted. Until the glint of armor appeared in the corner of his eye. So she didn't catch the boat after all..
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 6:48 am
Katla sat and scribbled on a note. If she could hire a small but fast vessel withing the next couple of day, she night just be able to catch up with the rest. Her estimations were that she best keep going in the west direction untill she spotted them, and she should be in the right course. Then again, maybe she'd have to buy a seachart...
The waitress finally arrived with a new cup, and though it still didn't feel quite big enough, it was atleast slightly better.
"Thank you, darling. Would you be so kind and bring me some sugar?"
She looked up and watched the waitress walk away. She was rather cute, but not really her type. Then she saw him. Had he followed her? She pretended she never noticed him and went back to her scribbles. Now she started listing all the things she'd have to bring with her. Citrus fruits, other food, fresh water, salt... Katla glanced at her armor, right where she hid her money. Would there really be enough? Maybe she'd have to skip a few things...
The cute little waitress came back with her sugar and a big blushing smile upon her face.
"Why thank you, sweetie, you've been most kind."
The waitress giggled and got back to work. Probably think I'm male, as usual... Kayla may not have a very male voice, nor an overly muscular body, though she seemed to be mistaken for one quite so often.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 8:21 am
There was no way Mórdae was going to give this female the satisfaction of him speaking to her before she spoke to him. For some reason, although tempting to do otherwise, it was important to Mórdae that she spoke to him first. Pride? Spite? No matter.. He'd find out why tomorrow while 'working' his day away. Yes, a perfect thing to reason out during those dreadful hours. And she definitely wasn't worth losing sleep over, correct? Regardless, the female had unavoidably tainted Mórdae thoughts. Peobably because she interrupted his plans.
She seemed to be scribbling rather furiously; what it might be picked at Mórdae's curiosity. He made great care to walk in a manner that had him walk just by her table -- close enough to be noticed but far away enough to not cause suspision. As if walking down that route was a casual, unintentional decision. Mórdae found the perfect table as well; within earshot and just visible in the corner of her eye. It would be easy to see if she waa glancing over at him.
The waitress cheerily asking if he was ready to order interrupted his thoughts. She had a slight blush on her face, and it made her cuter than she already was. Mórdae looked straight into her eyes after a slight pause and gave her a small, gentlemanly smile that seemed to light up his entire face. A completely different fox than the one walking away from his troubles. "Just a cup of Earl Grey for now," he said in a voice as sweet as honey. "I don't need any sweetners. Your brew is exquisite on its own." The waitress seemed to have her whole face covered with a blush now, attempting to reply with words but ending up giving a quick nod and turning away. And now that he had the tea on its way, Mórdae went back to thinking about the intriguing female a few tables away. The one that Mórdae couldn't think of a reason why he was thinking of her. But he was.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 9:25 am
She didn't even know why she was in such a sweetooth mood, yet she had poured so much sugar in her coffee that she was just barely able to drink it. What had gotten into her? She kept losing her focus. She hadn't been late like this in years, nonetheless due to someone without any importance. Yet, she found it hard not looking his way. She could see him there, in the corner of her eye, talking all sweetly to the waitress. This annoyed her. She didn't even know why, she just did the same thing herself. No, I've got to focus! I may just have enough, if I buy a little less fruit than needed, skip the salt and the bandages, maybe lose the rice... Or, I could... No, I've been clean for over a year now, I'm not going back there! If I have a choice, that is...
She finnished the last of her coffee, as horribly as it tasted, and got up. She walked over to the waitress, who she for some reason didn't find as cute anymore, and gave her a little tip. She knew she didn't have the money for such courtesy at the moment, but she figured that in a fancy place like that, they took it for granted that you would, and she didn't want to get the evil eye from the others in there, eventhou they were only the workers and that one guy...
As Katla was on her way to the market, she count what little was left of her money.
"-sigh- This won't do... "
She continued to the market, bought what she needed, then headed for the dock, knowing she she had to do something she'd regret.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 10:25 am
Not once did the female attempt to converse with Mórdae as the two sat in the tavern. She did, however, look over at him several times. This brought a slight, satisfied grin to Mórdae's lips that he wore for the majority of his time in the establishment. When his cup of Earl Grey arrived, the waitress blushed more, thinking the smile was for her. Mórdae gave a slight nod to acknowledge her, picked up his glass and inhaled the aroma. Just what he needed. The 'duke' leaned back and began to take his first sip when he noticed the glint of armor off to his left. Placing the cup on its saucer, Mórdae turned to see the female finish paying the waitress, obviously getting ready to leave. He contemplated getting up himself and following her, but it was no use. The tea now seemed less appetizing and the smile melted off his lips, his mouth slowly forming into his usual scowl.
The door jingled as it opened and the odd fox left the establishment. She probably didn't miss her boat at all; perhaps she was even early. Yes, she was early and decided to pass the time drinking a cup of coffee, scribbling down war strategies. Mórdae lost some of his posture as he went back to his cup of Earl Grey, the taste dull and unappealing. He had just remembered that he went into town to ease his mind when Mórdae realized his cup was empty. The cup back on its saucer once more, he looked out the front window absentmindedly. As he looked out all glassy eyed, the unmistakable glint of armor almost made him jump. Armor?!? His ears perked up and his eyes focused, noticing the female walk by with several bags filled with what could only be supplies. And she was heading for the dock.
Mórdae was scrambling out of his seat when he noticed the waitress was back with another glass of tea. She looked suprised seeing him act in such a hurried manner. Without pausing to explain himself, Mórdae fumbled for some money and put it on the table, walking towards the exit, leaving a speechless waitress in his wake. Of course he had overpaid, but it wasn't something to gawk over. The moment he was out the door, Mórdae wondered what he was doing. This wasn't the way he was groomed to act. This wasn't him. Or was it?
Gaining some composure as he walked briskly towards his target, Mórdae started to form some words in his mind. I apologize for acting so ghastly.. I don't know what came over me.. You caught me in a bad mood and I didn't know how to respond to someone jumping on me above.. As he caught up, he slowed down, still behind her and most likely had still gone unnoticed. And when he was just about to speak his pre-thought apology, something came over him and the words just tumbled out, lacking the grace he fought hard to always preserve. "Wait! Do you want some help with your bags?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
