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 Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2015 10:30 pm
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Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2015 10:30 pm
Quote:  Lady Ashton had not been in the Kawani lands long, but already she found that living on one’s own was not as simple as she’d hoped. The flora were alien to her—even deceitful. She’d sampled a clump of sweet-smelling fruits, and proceeded to find herself wracked with cramps for days. She had since subsisted on grass which, despite its plainness, was at least merciful to her ill-equipped palate. It was coupled, too, with much more refined tea.
Still, the effects of the journey had taken its toll on her. Dark shadows hung about her eyes, a result of both fatigue and the gauntness that came with hunger. Her once shining mane lay clumped and dirtied across her eyes, and her coat held a sweaty sheen. Only her armor and tea set remained unblemished, and they, at least, hinted at her noble status, even if she herself did not.
Quote:  Lady Ashton may have been struggling, but Bitey was not. She was no stranger to long roads and unbeaten trails, and carried a satchel of goods across her back. Though she was still subject to the whims of the wild, it was not difficult for her to find food where she needed and make a camp on the side. Signs came to her unbidden, a result of years of practice. At a glance, she knew how much light was left of the day, and when she should begin looking for shelter, and where. She knew how to take care of herself—and others, too.
She called out at the sight of a stranger, a loud haloo that carried across the distance. Seeing that the individual was receptive to her presence, she changed track so that their paths would cross.
Quote: Lady Ashton did likewise, shifting course so as to meet the blue mare faster. She had been shocked by the call -- such loud and boisterous sounds were considered a sign of vulgarity back home -- but she’d quickly learned that this was not a view held in the Kawani lands, and felt it was not her place to impose her views on the people here. And, quite frankly, she was simply grateful to have another living creature beside her.
She stilled when they were near, dipping her head with the slightest of acknowledgements. “Good evening, miss,” she said, masking her shock at the mare’s twisted face with practiced ease. “It is a fine day, is it not?”
Quote: Bitey grinned. It was not often that she came across such a polite traveler, and one so formal, too. “Sure is!”
She looked the mare up and down, taking note of her shabby state and choice of wear. Although she was new to the area, she hadn’t passed any herds with similar attire, and it didn’t take much for her to guess the mare was far from home.
“You lost, stranger?” The line had been delivered in a playful tone; she’d hoped to disarm the mare, but if anything, it seemed to make her even more tense. Keeping the chipper tone but losing the flirtatious subtext, she added, “The name’s Bitey. I don’t, um, actually bite people, though.”
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Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 11:45 pm
Quote: “No,” she said, a small smile on her lips. “I imagine you don’t. It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Bitey. I am Lady Ashton Grey.”
One glance was enough to tell her that the dark mare, too, was alone. But while Lady Ashton had grown drained as a result of it, Bitey looked to be well-used to travelling, for she was in good health and good spirit. Lady Ashton would not have been surprised if the mare was a trader, though her small satchel seemed to indicate otherwise. Was Bitey on her own, then? She pressed her ears forward with curiosity, having never journeyed long herself, but past that, betrayed no other sign of interest.
“I am not lost, not exactly. I have taken to travelling and—” Her stomach rumbled, and she made no effort to hide her flushing face. “—one could say I’m still finding my way.”
Quote: “Well, Ashton, I think you’ve come to the right place. For, you see, I have much too much food, and no one to share it with.” Bitey grinned. “Come on; follow me.”
Bitey was no stranger to new adventurers, and was sympathetic to Ashton’s plight. She herself had inherited her father’s love of exploration and had set off, quite suddenly, as soon as she’d reached adulthood. To the surprise of absolutely no one, she’d had a rough time of it, and a few close calls, too, before she could get her feet back under her.
Ashton, however, did not seem to have the wander bug. And though the gray-coated mare appeared to be struggling, it wasn’t tinged with the desperation of a fugitive. “Are you heading anywhere in particular?”
Quote: For a moment, Lady Ashton did not speak. Then, “You are very kind, Miss Bitey. I would be glad to share your table.”
She followed the mare, impressed by how quickly the draft was able to take in the lay of the land and lead them to a quiet stream. When Bitey asked her question, however, there wasn’t much she could do but say “no.” There must have been something in her tone, for Bitey fell silent after that.
Together they set up camp, with Bitey gathering foliage to cushion their seats while she set up a flame. She looked up at the mare as she placed her teapot over the flame. “What of you? Do you have a destination in mind?”
Quote: Bitey looked at the pot with interest, but nodded at Ashton’s words. “I do! I’m going to visit my dad, actually.”
She began setting out food for them both, most of it dried, but with a few fruits she had gathered earlier in the day. A cup of tea was likewise placed before her, and she closed her eyes and inhaled.
“I was wondering, maybe you’d like to come with me?” She blew on the cup and took a sip, smiling appreciatively. She’d never had tea before. “It would be good for us both, I think. You’re new here, right? I could show you around, give you the lay of the land, all that good stuff. This is really good, by the way.”
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