Items Sword of the Strong || Scroll of Souls || Vitality Vial Strengthening Vial
Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2016 3:51 pm
Table of Contents ❅Table of Contents ❅Current Things ❅ Tryston ❅ History ❅ Family/Friends/Foes ❅ Rps & Plots ❅ Inventory ❅ Photos ❅ Reqs
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2016 3:52 pm
Updates:
Quest approved! (April)
Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2016 3:53 pm
Name: Tryston Stage: Prentice Race: Ice Gender: Boy 3 Base Traits: Collected, Dedicated, Pure Personality: A calm individual, Tryst is the type to never be moved. It's rare to see him get easily upset and his expression is typically pretty unreadable. Always it feels as if he is judging someone as if they are in battle and he is reading their next move.
However, when he does lose his collected exterior it takes a while to bring Tryst back to reality. Perhaps there is a reason that he works so hard to meditate and keep himself collected. When let loose he can either flail about for the next few hours or become a destructive force; all depending on the situation that triggers him.
A dedicated individual he often has a more serious approach to life. Jokes often bounce off of his head while he will take all sarcasm seriously. ((You ask him to do something jokingly and the next thing you know there will be a huge boulder cracked down in the middle placed in your yard and etc)) It's not rare to find him out training, but at the same time it's no surprise that he may take days to recover from an outing. Since he dedicates all of his energies to what he is currently doing it wears him down. His determination correlates to his stubbornness and it's rare to see him back down from a task. This, however, can be both a blessing and a curse. Sometimes he pushes his body to its very limits and has been almost on the verge of death before. ((Once to prove himself to Lyrie he trained for five days straight without stopping. It was then that his father took him seriously enough to gift him a sword.))
Despite being raised with a group of warriors, Tryst has a rather pure approach to life. He believes that what he fights in is for the right and has yet to doubt his own decisions. He wants to help those who are suffering and in need since after all he once was in need. ((He sees his adoption as a second chance at life and he owes the gods to do right to others for that salvation)) The downfall is that he may sometimes get dragged along into situations that were not as they appeared. He quickly learned to be on the lookout for deception, but the boy still has a soft heart and despite his icy exterior can easily be moved to a cause.
Description: Tall with broad shoulders, Tryst has the appearance of a warrior. His ears, like most ice, are long an elegant while his hair is mostly a dusty dark blue.
His crystals are long and smooth (CC color) making almost diamond like cuts along his skin. On his chest, above his heart, is one long slender diamond gem with two more tinier diamonds on each side in a slanted pattern of some sort. He also has two slender diamond gems (one below each eye/slanted) that have one or two smaller, circle gems below (lying right above his cheek bones, under his eyes). [x] - something like this feel free to tweak a bit...
****His forehead gem should be almost like a crescent moon shape with a small tiny circle gem on the side -[chibi]
Update: After climbing out from his icy prison Tryston had suffered some serious changes - not only does he sport a white streak in his hair from the event, but his eyes and crystals have become a white/silver almost like ice themselves...
Outfit:
Currently wearing Lyrie's old assassin garb - turns out there's a lot about his father's past that Tryst really didn't know. o.o
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2016 3:54 pm
History:
Tryst was raised by a noble group of warriors dedicated to keeping Zena safe. Almost like an elite guard these men would roam the lands fending off any potential dangers to villages and would serve the people who needed them. Many would consider them to be the same as any other group of hired swords, but they did have true moments of charity when they would help even the poorest in need. One such act included bringing up a baby who was found in the snows of Zena...
Not knowing his actual parentage Tryst was adopted by one of the older swordsmen, Lyrie. Lyrie took care of Tryst as both a father and mother figure while the others also participated in the youngling's up bringing. While others may have questioned the loss of parents, Tryst shoved the curiosity aside. He was happy with Lyrie and the others so what was the point? He was who he was and that was that. The group never brought up his lost heritage either due to the fact that since adopting the boy they have become so attached to them. ((Plus, Lyrie is determined to claim Tryst as his own always. Anyone who dares to challenge his parenthood will quickly find themselves in a duel over the matter. So the group just accepts that Tryst is theirs and that is all there is to it.))
Because of this he hasn't really experienced the warmth of a typical family's love, but rather understands the warrior bond. Honor and strength are his heritage and he makes certain to abide by his fathers' codes. His goal in life is to become a sword master and to also protect those who need him. In fact, it was this decision that worried Lyrie. Lyrie had wanted his son to pick up a fine trade and settle in a village with a lovely woman and have a family (a grandparent dream~). He felt as if his son deserved a peaceful life considering his abandonment at birth and pushed to provide the best for Tryst. His own reawrds from assignments were often split in half so that he could save as much as possible for his son. Yet, when Tryst realized this the two finally had their first major disagreement. Tryst wanted nothing to do with a settled life as he loved the one he already knew. Travel, adventure, and fighting were all in his blood and he refused to just sit down somewhere. He already had the band of warriors and he was content with that.
Lyrie, as stubborn as Tryce, refused to easily back down. The two of them actually took it out onto the battlefield and dueled. The band of warriors would later retell this as the seven day duel. For that was what it felt like. Both, bleeding and battered, were too stubborn to give up. Eventually Lyrie's heart faltered when he noticed the gleam in Tryst's gaze. His son was determined to the point of death to hold onto his dreams of becoming a warrior.
Why? You could have such a simple, easy life!
That's not what I want.
You really are a stubborn fool!
Can you blame a son for wanting to follow his father's footsteps?
You....
Please, don't tell me what I can't do anymore. I want to fight, Lyrie, and I will.
Fine, but you can't ever regret this.
I know...
As he finally received his father's blessing, Tryst has begun to branch out on his own so that he can started picking up assignments. There are lessons that cannot be learned in the training fields after all and he is determined to go out and learn them so that he too can become a true warrior.
Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2016 3:57 pm
Connections:
Family:
*Leyrie - The older swordsman raised Tryst as if he were his own son. Both are stubborn and often will fight for their own ideals...but there is a deep respect and love between the two as well. Once they stop being knuckle heads about things...
*Rhag'na - A brother of the sword who Tryston trusts deeply.
Friends: *Serana - A noble girl he was hired to escort/protect. The two have a begrudging relationship so far..
Foes
Acquaintances *Constynce ??? .
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2016 5:16 pm
Plots:
Current:
Venturing back into Zena with Constynce to find shelter while making battle plans.
Brothers at arms? - Tryston is caught by Rhag'na in the passes of Zena and he is forced to reveal the truth to his brother. Both decide to go about figuring out what is amiss in their own ways while making certain to keep in touch via letters written in disguise.
[Familar Faces] - Tryston reunites with Constynce who thought him dead and he reveals that he is in Tale to search for the real reason behind the attack.
Apprentice [x] - While getting his supplies for his journey Tryst runs into childhood friend/rival Serana. This is his goodbye to her because it may be months if not a year before they meet again...
EXP Growth Point Links: 6/5 [Against Hargitt - win] [Against Uzu - loss] [Uzumati 2] Class Quest Solo:[x] Items: Change of clothes x 2, Sewing Kit x 3, Dyes x 6, Gorogorum Scale x 15, Metal Band x 4, Shoes, Belt x 3, Pelt x 2, Sheath, Cloak.
All to be used to make him an armored outfit similar to these examples - CC on exact design - [Example 1] [Example 2] [Example 3] - If possible to somehow incorporate how the armor makes wings down his back that would be amazing~
Sword
Etching Nail, Hammer, Dyes, Display of Power (still ice/snow magic effects), Tumbling Jar (for the gems along the hilt) [Sword Idea]
Etching Nail to make rune like designs + dyes to do something similar to this - [Ex1] *If the hammer is also allowed to widen the blade more like a broadsword that would be great!**
Body Type: Getting rather muscular Preferred Artists: Miss, Kana, Uke, (Colors: Kana, Phieth,Tasi,Jay) WIPs: sure
Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2016 8:52 pm
Solo 1 - Leaving Home
The bitter winds of Zena bit against his face. Years spent out in the cold had conditioned his body against such things, however, and so the young male stood impassively as he stared across the mountains. His home for years had been with the wandering group of swordsmen who made their camps up in these frigid peaks. Yet, today would be the last day that he would stand here for a while.
He was growing up now and it was time to finally prove himself.
How would Tale be? He had been there briefly with his father, but that had been years ago. Mostly, they stuck to the borders of Zena since the men felt the most comfortable in their homeland. The ice and snows were like a beautiful scene etched into their hearts and none of them wanted to betray that. Even Tryston wondered how he would fare out in the warmer lands. It wasn’t like Zena never felt heat…but those days of sunlight and warmth were so rare up in the mountains.
He also wasn’t pampered like his usual charge who stayed in the lower valley village. Serana had life easier with her fancy home and furs while he slept under the night sky with only a few furs and a dim fire for comfort. He preferred things that way honestly. It built spirit and strength. His pride as a warrior rejoiced in it. That and the morning exercises that often mixed the smells of blood, sweat, and ice had a homey feeling for him. As strange as that sounded…it was just how things were.
“Lost in thought?”
The sudden approach made Tryst swerve around with his hand on his sword, “Lyrie, don’t.”
“Not my fault if you’re standing like a statue unaware of the world.” The older ice male chuckled, “I wouldn’t have given you that training blade so easily if I knew you could be attacked like this. Truly, Tryst you must work on that. Else I’ll hafta fight you again and maybe tie you down to one of the tent pikes.”
“Funny.” Tryst cast a glare towards his father and mentor. They had sparred for days over the issue of him leaving. Even that had been several weeks ago. Tired of waiting Tryst had demanded that he leave tonight. He promised he would be back, after all this was his home and family, but as any of them he had to do work. He refused to live off of Lyrie’s hard work alone. He was no longer a child and it was time for him to work for his own belongings.
“I try.” Lyrie reached out a hand and clasped his son’s shoulder, “Do you really think Tale is the best option? I know we say that roaming out of the homelands makes a true transition from child to man, but you don’t have too…”
“It’ll be fine.” Tryst cut him off sharply, “I’m not weak.” His gaze spoke more than his few words. They had been through so much together already and it wasn’t like he was useless. Several times in the past he had served as an escort for merchants and nobles while he had even helped take down dangerous beasts and bandits terrorizing villages. It was just that this time he would be on his own. He had an idea of where he was needed already and all he had to do was just travel there.
“Yes, yes I know.” Lyrie sighed, “I suppose it is just an escorting job…unless you’re hiding more from me?” He raised an eyebrow. Tryston though was usually blunt and never one to hide secrets. What was the point? It was a cowardly thing to do and an honorable man would admit to his plans and mistakes. That was just a part of the creed that Tryst lived by. He would bleed for these men so what was the point of even lying to them?
“I’ll be leaving now.” Tryst raised his hand to pull the other man’s hand from his shoulder, “I’ll be back soon enough.” Before he could fully pull away the other male pulled him into a rough hug. A more manly embrace that resulted in several good smacks on the back, “Lyrie…”
“I know, I know.” The swordsman huffed, “I said my goodbye without the others seeing, alright?” Others may have found it amusing to watch the burly man tear up at the sight of his son leaving, but Tryst always hesitated. It was strange knowing that this man who could easily wrestle a raptrix into the ground was serving as both his mother and father. For others who saw his stubborn side and for those who saw his goofy side and for those unfortunate enough to meet his warrior’s spirit they would not expect the sentimental moments that escaped him. Save for when he had too much ale of course.
Oddly enough something tugged at Tryst’s own heart. But he was going to be back shortly. This was more embarrassment than anything! Trying to hide his flush the male slung his pack over his shoulders, “Take care.” With that he darted down the familiar rocky path of the cliffs that would lead him away from camp and eventually out of Zena.
It wasn’t like he should be nervous about this. Just like Lyrie had stated the male was simply doing another escort mission. A leaf village girl from some chieftain’s family was to be taken across Tale to another influential village. Even the nomads had some form of council after all. But really all he had to do was watch over this girl. How hard could that be?
One girl, one mission.
Surely nothing would go wrong and he would be back home in Zena before he knew it.
In reply the winds whistled through the air as a stormcloud blocked out the sun. If only Tryst had understood the meaning of that then. But nonchalantly as usual the male just shrugged off the temporary confusion before moving forward. He had this and nothing was going to stop him now. He had already fought with Lyrie and won. This was a chance not to be ruined.
And seriously what could one escort mission change about him?
Nothing, right?
[1046]
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2016 7:18 pm
Stage 1 - Solo 2 - The Path of a Sentinel
Tryston studied the road that stretched out before him. It was rather open and far less snow covered than the mountain paths he had roamed in Zena. In fact, he was rather troubled by it. Without the snow in his way the male was actually hesitant. It was harder to track who had been there before him and he also felt open from all sides. These plains made it so easy to be spotted and surrounded. A part of him understood how a small prey would feel under the gaze of a flying raptrix. It would be so easy to be swept away in such a landscape. The thought made his hand reach down to the apprentice blade that hung at his side. Should anything come then he would be ready.
What he wasn’t prepared for was the heat. Once the snows were gone and the mountains barely on the horizon the male found himself sweating more and more. Eventually the long sleeved jacket left and then all that remained was his opened vest with only a hint of fur to keep his heritage. His hair, normally let loose, was tied back religiously in a ponytail to keep the strands of hair from his face and neck. His warmer outfit for Zena was truly too stifling for the warmer area of Tale. At least the wind had a hint of cold to it and for that Trstyon was grateful.
The wind served as his reminder of home. It kept him cool throughout the day and helped him to sleep those few hours when he stopped at night. When he took the time to also rinse himself off with waters the male would linger in the cool depths. Others may have found the cold of Zena harsh, but for the boy it was a way of life. Ice and snow had become his mother since he was a child and in a way it comforted him to have those reminders of it. Not that a warrior in training would need such things… Was that not the reason for this?
The thought made Tryst frown. Comforts of home were things that he had to give up as a true sword. They had no true home, even in the mountains their camps moved, and the missions they took on could keep them away from the ‘family’ for months if not years. Lyrie’s own brother had disappeared towards Oba over two years ago before a kinfa finally carried over word of his progress. Bonds were important, yes, but this life was not meant for a steady home. Not that he ever had one to miss.
Yet, the memory of Lyrie’s attempt at giving him a more settled life forced some bubbles of aggravation from the male’s mouth. Underwater he seemingly floated before finally reemerging silently. Twisting his hair over his shoulder, Tryston paused. His father had wanted him to give up the sword, or rather never had intended for him to pick it up in the first place. The thought was frustrating to say the least. He was just thankful that his father had finally backed down during their duel. Else where would he be now? The last thing he could imagine was settling down in a cozy village somewhere with a wife and….children. Lyrie still had refused to give him a true blade and even now what he wore was just meant for training rather than battle.
But that did not mean it was useless. That was something that a group of ruffians found out for themselves after later approaching Tryston. As Tryston dried off he had started packing up his belongings. The day was still early and he had plans to cover much more ground. In fact, if his directions were correct the village would be in sight soon enough. However, as he prepared to move out the ice earthling heard noises of approach.
Caravans he had grown accustomed too, but these men seemed a bit rougher around the edges. “What is this here? Some pretty ice boy wantin’ to walk through our homelands?”
Tryston just raised an eyebrow at them.
“Ooooh. We have a quiet one, don’t we?” One of the females cooed out, “As is we need our pay.”
“Pay?” The question left Tryston with a slight frown.
“For using our pathway. We charge out here.”
“I wasn’t informed my apologies.” Still he hadn't much coin to give them, something that the group didn’t seem to comprehend. Part of his training? Who did such things?
Yet, before he attempted to move away one noticed the glimmer of a necklace around his neck. “What about that? Looks like a pretty piece. We’ll take it.No? Why are you shaking your head no?” The sound of metal rang throughout the air as weapons were pulled, “I suppose we’ll just have to change your mind then. With that dull sword I doubt you’ll want to play long…”
They were right. He didn’t want to play long at all. A few breathes later the male, a bit more ragged for wear, stumbled away from some groaning men. He had bested their best and the rest were fine with letting him go. “It’s just a necklace, I suppose it’s not worth much. Looks trashy anyway.” A stick flew past the bandit’s face making him pause, “I mean just go. We’ll just go our separate ways, okay?”
Fixing his cold glare on the other man’s face Tryston just nodded. What he did do, however, was reach down and take a heavier blade from the swordsmen. Almost as if considering it the boy held onto the sharpened blade before tossing it back to the ground. Even if his training sword was dulled, so that no one was cut during duels, the make and metal of it was worth far more. As was his determination to prove to Lyrie that he was capable of becoming a swordsman as well.
He would learn the sword and live by it.
That was Tryston’s decision and he would stand by it. The family life that Lyrie wanted for him just simply wasn’t enough for Tryst. His blood boiled for battle and living as a knight was what he had been raised for. His father and the rest attested to such things. Even if Lyrie had beaten him that day Tryston doubted that it would truly change his path. Nothing in this world could change his mind or make him regret that…
This was his mission to affirm his place as a swordsman and he would not falter now.
That thought in mind Tryston walked up to the village and soon enough found himself being ushered through a door towards the inside of the chieftain’s home…
Once more as the male touched the wooden door he had to pause.
It truly was happening…
This was it. His first mission and the beginning of everything…
So they had arrived at the village in Tale. After traveling for a few days with the happy go lucky girl, Tryston had to wonder if such an arrangement was a bad thing. Surely this one could make anything in life go her way…as long as she had some plants at least. The thought almost made him smile with amusement. She had tended to those green things like her whole life depended upon it. Once on the second night the male had actually stopped to stare down some of the plants while the girl slept. They didn’t seem to be anything special. In fact, he really couldn’t see much difference between the exotic ones and the ones that he noted while they walked through the plains of Tale. Then again he was mostly used to the evergreens and the snow covered lands of Zena. He truly didn’t have much opportunity to see plants up in the peeks of the mountains where he had spent so much of his earlier life.
The thought made him pause. How was Lyrie and the others doing? He supposed he would find out soon enough, especially since their arrival at Tale hadn’t been the end of his work. “So she needs to be in Zena now?” Tryst had repeated with a slight frown, “Was her intended not supposed to be waiting here?”
“Oh yes, yes.” The village elder chuckled, “But it seems that important business between our village and Zena has called him away. They should meet there then since it may be a while before a decision is made.” Despite the smile on the wizened man’s face, Tryst swore he could sense something different – a worry beneath all those faked laugh lines. Still, that was none of his concern. Constynce was his charge and protect her he must. Worrying about others would only serve as a distraction.
And so here they were.
Zena loomed around them. While he was relieved to see the snows falling from the skies once more, Tryston had to keep an eye on his companion. She had even given up custody of her plants to a kind village girl who had promised to take care of them. The cold could only serve to destroy those that Constynce had raised after all. The thought made Trstyon shake his head. Life and death…was only natural so why feel so bad over a plant’s wilting? It truly made no sense to him.
Yet, he couldn’t help feeling that warm feeling in his gut again as he caught the girl’s smile. Even now weeks after their first night together in that tree –something forced on the male due to the tremendous storm that happened upon them that night- he could still feel the warmth of her breath as it tickled his cheeks in the morning. Flushing lightly Tryston had taken a few more steps away. Distance ever since that feeling was key. No man would want a guard to be so personal with his fiancé. The thought made him frown before he continued walking.
Just a bit more before they arrived….
Once they arrived Tryston knew that any chances of interactions would be limited. His role was to stand guard while others could fuss over Constynce. He even left her to wander the village for a bit while he looked for a room and then later when she was whisked away to the council the male found himself training in the distance – far enough to be out of their way, but close enough to guard his charge. They weren’t meant to stay in Zena for long, perhaps even just a couple of weeks…it all depended on the council.
Sighing ever so quietly the male rested on a stump and began to clean his blade. He was normally a patient man, but something about Constynce being near that council made his skin crawl. As Serana noticed, nothing good came from that group. Perhaps more towards the capital, but ever since lately something definitely was twisted beneath the surface of smiling faces. Greed could and would always corrupt a man easily…
“She’s almost like a bit of sunlight in these snow filled lands.” Commented a voice next to him.
Flinching, Tryston broke out of his thoughts and glanced towards Lyrie with surprise. “You’re here?”
“Ah, yes. I was called down for some business. Even they have to include our blades on occasion.” The older male smirked, “Seems like your mission didn’t keep you away for long. Who would have guessed it?”
“It’s not over yet.” Tryston protested quietly with a light flush. So much for a daring adventure to prove his skills.
“True, true.” Lyrie took a few steps forward before plopping onto the snow covered grounds next to his son, “How is it that you always get the pretty ones to guard?” He teased lightly despite the glare from his son, “The ice noble and now some leaf child…I just get grumpy old men.”
“Probably because they’d be safer with me than with an old man with a wandering gaze.” Quipped Tryston with a huff, “You’d be too distracted by your own charges then.”
“Hey.” Lyrie chuckled, “I suppose that might be true.”
“Suppose?”
“Okay, so maybe it’s truly true. Can you blame me? I live in a mountain normally filled with gruff men. Having a female nearby…” The male closed his eyes wistfully, “Just having the scent of a woman in a sea of sweat and gore is enough to freshen my spirits.”
Tryston just grunted before he stood up, “The daily meeting should be over soon enough.”
“Yes, yes. I’ll get back to my charge then.” Lyrie smiled as he clasped a hand on his son’s shoulders, “Still, I’m glad to see that you’re well. Just remember once this is over I’ll have a warm bed for you next to the fire with the rest of the brothers. And perhaps even a gift then…”
Tryston’s gaze flickered over towards his father, “I would hope that it’s good at cutting, this gift of yours.”
“Perhaps.” Lyrie winked teasingly as he let go of his son’s shoulder, “Just don’t get too distracted by the leaf girl. I hear it’s bad luck to kiss someone other than your fiancé before a wedding. Though that would make your father proud…”
“I’m not you.” Tryston protested before flushing as he realized that the other male was just teasing, “I do have duties to attend to, however, and so I hope to see you soon as well.” Bowing his head the male took rather long strides away from the clearing.
What did Lyrie know? Such teasing was simply so foolish!
Though he had to agree to one thing…seeing that smile definitely was like watching the sun glimmer over the snow…
(1131)
Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2016 7:05 pm
Class Quest - For Honor!
In this quest Tryston makes his choice (to do the honorable thing rather than getting the life he always wanted as a brother of the sword) - go against some of his sword brothers in order to stay true to that honorable path that his father, Lyrie, taught him. Doing so requires him to fight and in turn accidentally kill a brother - this "crime" forces him to become an outlaw against those he had always considered family. Now he must travel outside of Zena and learn his own path while trusting Lyrie to find the truth of who staged the attack on the caravan and also how to clear his name of this trouble. Even if it's not in the best of ways this is the beginning of Tryston's path as a warrior, to being a true "man".
The thunderous crashing of snow echoed in his ears. All Tryston could remember was reaching out to shove Constynce as far away as possible, “Run!” His voice had pleaded with her as the mountain crashed around them. Then as he saw her form become a shadow through the sheet of white Tryston found that his own world was fading fast…
Before the avalanche everything had been going fine. He had found his escort eager to go home to Tale and despite his own misgivings about the relationship of the betrothed the male had found himself relaxing the more the girl kept talking and smiling. She literally was like a bouncing ball of sunlight in the snow covered lands. He couldn’t bear the thought of such a brilliance being blotted out by eternal darkness. Perhaps it was such thoughts that had allowed his lightning fast reflexes when the other attackers came. He along with the guards had fought off several masked attackers before the avalanche had triggered. While those who had attacked dispersed Tryston found himself pushing forward with the caravan.
In those slow moments the boy had found another reaching for Constynce.
His reaction was immediate. Tryston threw himself in between the girl and the masked bandit while shoving her to freedom. As the other lunged after Constynce Tryston had reached out and yanked him backwards where both men had tumbled down the ravine and into the mass of snow that swallowed them whole.
Had Constynce made it? He could only pray so. Closing his eyes Tryston allowed the snow’s embrace to carry him towards darkness. As long as he had kept his vow to protect his charge that was what mattered. He was a sword – sworn to live and then to die in battle…though he wondered how much of a battle it had been. No sword had pierced him save for a few daggers that had nicked his sides and arms. Rather it was the surprise of snow that had swept him away from the mountain and down into the deep ravine. It was better this way – his life was nothing compared to that brilliance…in her he could find hope in this world.
Live well.
A day later the dawn broke over the softening snow. The brilliant light of the sun was breaking through and melting layers upon layers – a rare sight indeed in these mountains. Through it a hand began to twitch and that hand movement triggered a reaction in an arm that later transitioned through the whole body of an ice male. Everything ached, but he was alive? Slowly, ever so slowly, Tryston opened his eyes to glance up at the golden colors of the sun. Was this to be his afterlife?
“No spirits to greet me?” Frowning the male pulled his body out of the snow with a wince. Perhaps he wasn’t quite dead yet. Everything hurt so much….calmly the male held out his hands and watched as his fingers curled in and out. They could move and he could feel them…how strange. He thought surely that they would be no more. The faintest frown crossed his brow. What was this?
Tryston. He swore that the winds whispered his name. Surely it was a delusion from his fall….his fall! What had happened again? Gaze widening the male scooted backwards so that he could stare up at the faint mountain trail looming above him. Had the snow given him a cushion so that his body was splattered all across the ground? Just the thought was enough to curl his stomach. Still, the mountain path was blocked…it was best to go home for now. He could find Lyrie and his father could help him surely.
“Lyrie…” Tryston held an arm around his side while his other arm used a branch for support. Even though his body was in one piece he felt as weak as a newborn babe. How he had even managed the climb back to the swordsman’s camp was a miracle. Now that he was here, however, the boy found himself falling once more to darkness.
“Tryston, Tryston!” The boy opened his eyes to watch his father frantically pacing the length of their private tent, “Tryst…oh! You’re finally awake!” The male reached out a hand as if to pound the boy before pulling back, “Thank the gods.”
“How long?” Tryston’s whole throat felt parched.
“Days.” Lyrie frowned before pulling back a stray strand of hair, “I almost thought you were dead…though honestly with….well you do look like a ghost almost.”
“What do you mean?”
Slowly Lyrie shook his head, “I couldn’t recognize you almost.”
“How so?” Confused Tryston frowned, but instead the male just pushed the topic aside.
“What happened? I heard about the avalanche…”
So Tryston began to spill his story about how the company had been prepared to leave Tale after the council meeting’s conclusion and how they had been attacked only a day into the journey. During that attack he had fought and then the snow had collapsed around them…. frowning Tryston stopped as something struck at him, “The swords.” His gaze darkened as some faint memories flickered before him, “I knew those blades…”
“Tryston…” Lyrie’s expression grew deathly still, “How well did you know the blades?”
“The raptrix emblem we so cherish.” The boy felt his heart racing in his chest. The one who had gotten away that had almost taken Constynce…he had that emblem – the emblem of the swordsmen he called family. Surely it was a lie…it had to be! Would the brothers so easily kill innocents like that? And with such dirty tactics as well!
“That brother died you know.” Lyrie finally stated quietly, “You killed him by throwing him into the snows with you, but another survived.” The puzzle pieces began to fall into place as the memories that had been frozen started to come back to life around him.
They had been fighting on the pass with Tryston defending Constynce. The hour before Tryston had went to check the trail for any danger – mostly due to the snow that was beginning to fall heavily around them – and had found a danger he wasn’t expecting. That danger was with the fellow swordsmen who had approached him. They had asked his business and told him it was best if he left and turned home now…if he did they would have given him that thing he cherished most – a sword and a place by the fire with the rest of the warriors.
For his honor he had refused their plans.
He had even scuffled with some before realizing that it was too late. Others had ventured away and were already coming for the caravan – and with it Constynce. Running through the snows Tryston had taken the sword from another before rushing into battle. Steel had met steel and blood soon decorated the snow…he had almost forgotten most of this due to his own trauma in the avalanche that happened shortly thereafter.
“They have a lot of power here…. don’t they?” Tryston felt his words were heavy in the air around them.
“If they knew you to be alive then they would charge you with dissent. You opposed the will of an older warrior and as an apprentice such disrespect means trial. Killing another brother, even with the circumstances, can only bode ill against you.” Lyrie’s voice was rough as he placed the pieces together with his adopted son, “Not even I can stop them from pursuing you for that.”
“What can I do?” Tryston felt his life shattering before his eyes. He had fought against the brothers and even killed another…even if he hadn’t directly slaughtered the other the fact was that the snow did and his name was being used as blame for the company’s failure.
“You die.” Lyrie forced a grin, as bitter and as grim as it was. “They believe Tryston to be dead back there in the mountains and even if they dig for a body it’ll take days to find any traces. By then you’ll be out of Zena and to safety.” His father reached out a hand and touched his son’s cheek before lowering it to touch Tryston’s hand. “Look…”
“What is it?” He was already dead, what more could there be to tell him?
“The reflection.” A bowl of ice was in the tent –it’s surface smooth enough to become a mirror. “Look at yourself, Tryston. They’ll never realize…”
As he glanced down Tryston froze. The male that stared back at him was not him. His gaze was not gold, but rather faded and almost blue if not silver in color while his stones seemed devoid of anything. They gleamed like ice on his skin and the thought made him crawl, “Lyrie…what happened to me?” Had he truly died and then come back? How else to explain this strange transition?
“Death happened.” Lyrie shook his head, “Honestly I can’t explain it. But you’re even emitting a cold aura...perhaps this has something to do….no…. I honestly don’t know.” The male raked a hand through his hair in frustration, “What I do know is that we can get you out of here. Give me my knife.” Taking the blade up in his hands he dashed it through the ponytail that held his son’s hair. All the pieces fell to the ground leaving behind a disheveled version of the boy’s once long hair. “Let’s change your clothing…I have an outfit from when I was your age.”
“Even your past seems to be different than this life.” Commented Tryston as he slipped from his obvious robes and into tighter black leathers. A hood fell across his face now and his handsome features seemed to blend in with the shadows – the only hint of himself was in the shining silver of his gaze. He was no longer dressed like a swordsman, but rather felt like an assassin.
“There’s more to me than you’ll know. But we’ll save that for another day when you return.” Lyrie patted his son’s shoulder and offered a weary smile, “I’ll stay here and clear your name once I find out who was behind the attack. There seems to be more going on behind the closed doors in this village than before and I intend to clear the air of this stench. For now you should find out more about Tendaji and learn how to use this thing…probably.” He turned and reached for something that had been propped up in the corner – a broadsword with an engraved handle of a raptrix. “I had planned on some ceremony to celebrate your new status as a brother, but I suppose this will do.” Lyrie held the blade up and then offered its hilt to Tryston, “Take this old blade of mine son and use it to cut your path in life. Find out about who you truly are and learn the dance meant for you. Your spirit is strong and I’m certain that the gods have great plans for you.”
His gaze was wet as he let the sword go, “No matter what I’m proud of you Tryston. Don’t forget how I raised you and be strong, son. Keep honor and follow the path that is best for you. May your sword never falter and may you never be swayed by the darkness in this world.”
“Never father.” Tryston watched the tears that fell as he said that rare word, “I’ll always keep strong and follow the true, honorable path of a warrior.” It made his own heart ache to leave Lyrie behind, but that was his decision. Even if he had been offered riches and fame the boy knew that he could never betray his honor. After all he had even went against brothers to defend what he knew was right. He just prayed that those he had protected had made it safely home…especially her.
With that hope in his heart the boy turned his back on the mountains of Zena and vowed that one day he would return. For now though his path would take him through Tendaji and through a series of tests that would teach him and make him even stronger than before…then surely he could protect those that he needed to protect, including that sunlight who had brightened up the world around him.
(2052)
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2017 9:07 pm
Stage 2 - Solo 1 - On the Road Going through the mountains of Zena had never been so lonely before. As the snows fell heavily around him Tryston surveyed the area with a frown. Before the accident the swordsman had been excited and very eager to go out on his own without the brothers to help him. Now, however, he felt an ache in his chest knowing that he was out here in the mountains alone. There was no Lyrie to taunt him and tease him about women and other distracting things and there was no Rhag’na to compare skills with. Nor were there any others with him for casual conversations or sparring matches. It was still so fresh that at times he did feel as if there would be at least someone behind his shoulder should he turn around.
But every time it was empty. It had simply been the wind brushing at his shoulder or a clump of snow falling from the trees onto the ground below. None of those noises were human and he was even lucky if a lone raptrix or another animal made noises around him. After all, Tryston had picked the loneliest mountain paths to travel as he slipped towards the edges of Zena and towards Tale. These were the ones that climbed into the Sauti mountains and no travelers or caravans often took the paths. Tryston even doubted that a caravan could make its ways through the uneven paths and the twisting lines of trees that pushed tightly together at random along the way. It truly was a no man’s land.
Taking a deep breath Tryston held it and waited patiently. Silence, just silence. Even the softly falling snow seemingly made no sounds as he waited there in the middle of the path. It’s clear. The realization made his gaze snap up to survey the trees one last time before he moved forward. Even though he was several days away from the encampment of the brotherhood the man was still wary. What if someone had spotted him and decided to follow? He had already run into Rhag’na the other day and he was fortunate that it was his close friend rather than another brother. Even that meeting had been tense and close to battle. Tryston shook his head at the memory. At least Rhag’na had believed in his words – as shocking as they were about the corruption among their group. He would be another good insider to have to keep an eye on things while Tryston looked back in Tale for any clues about what had happened that day of the avalanche. He just prayed the gods would protect his brother while he did such a dangerous thing. If it had not been for their meeting then Tryston would have been far more content to keep his friend ignorant and far safer of the situation at hand. Lyrie at least knew to be secretive and had a way about keeping on the downlow. Would Rhag’na be able to do the same?
Would anyone? The thought made Tryston pause in his walk. What if other brothers knew about the situation? Would they be secretly working to fix things? Had that been the reason…that so many had disappeared in the last two years? Tryston grit his teeth in frustration. They had been losing brothers in battles and during missions so often that no one had thought anything of it. They lived dangerous lives after all so who would realize that the true reason for a brother’s death was by the hand of one of their own? The thought was enough to make his gaze hardened. There was no honor in killing your own brother, no honor at all! They had been raised to be a just group, a group to help guard and defend Zena from outside forces and to stop any trouble from within. They were not supposed to be the trouble themselves! So why? Why turn on their brotherhood?
It was evil. Whoever was behind these attacks was not a true brother. But still there were those that followed him. Like Urken who Tryston had fallen with during the avalanche. Urken who had been rather dumb, but honest at first. Tryston had watched him several times during sparring matches and even had seen him as a mentor to fellow brothers. So why had he turned like that? He had even been willing to kill Tryston. So much for brothers in arms. Spitting into the snows in frustration Tryston continued on his way.
He just had to do what Lyrie advised. Move on, get out of Zena, and find out about those connections in Tale. If there were even connections. Tryston thought of who was in Tale and his heart clenched in pain. Was Constynce a part of this mess? Had she known about this attack? What if she was the contact who had planned it all? Acting innocent only to strike at the last second when he was the most relaxed?
Such thoughts were startling and made Tryston sick. Had he been so gullible? Lyrie had always warned him about how easy it was for a pretty face to melt a heart, but Constynce had more than that. She had a kindness that showed deep in her eyes and in her smile as well. That surely had not been an act. And would she have allowed herself to be in harm’s way? Tryston remembered shoving her to the safe side of the mountain pass before falling to his ‘death’. That look on her face and the desperation that he felt to save her while she had cried out for him in turn told him that she was not the one behind the attack. There was simply no way. Not even a master manipulator could have faked those raw emotions like that.
Are you sure you aren’t just lying to yourself, Tryston? It was a haunting thought, but Tryston shook it away. It wasn’t possible. He would not believe in such a farfetched idea. What worried him then was that if it wasn’t Constynce then it had to be someone in that party. Someone who had the ability to construct such arrangements. Someone who would have some power and some knowledge of the caravan’s travel plans. Tryston let out a groan and pinched the bridge of his nose. The only one that came to mind was Constynce’s fiancé. That man had a strange air to him and seemed too arrogant to Tryston.
Or was he jealous? The thought made the iceling stumble. Why would he be jealous of that stupid leafling? Immediately Constynce’s face flickered into his thoughts and Tryston had to take a deep breath, “No.” He stated simply before forcing his body to move further down the path. Keeping a hand on his sword Tryston started to descend a cliff so that he could get into the next mountain pass. Scattering rocks everywhere the man cursed quietly as he almost lost his footing. His thoughts were just too scattered! Thinking about Constynce and the whole situation always put him on edge and then to think that she was engaged to someone who could have almost killed her by plotting that attack – well it was another reason that he slipped once more.
Letting out an, “umph” Tryston rolled to his side and caught himself as more rocks fell over the side of the cliff and clattered to the ground below. His fingers digging into the cold dirt the man pulled himself back up and brushed off dirt and snow from his clothing. He didn’t even want to think about his appearance since this wasn’t the first near fall that he had had in the last two days. He was in dire need of an inn and a good bath. The thought made Tryston snort. Perhaps being a body guard to the girl had softened him a bit. What swordsman cared about appearances so much? He had trained before for weeks in the highest peaks and hadn’t cared for bathing then save for forcing his body into freezing waters for meditation and training. Endurance, patience, mind-cleansing…he needed all three of those things right now.
But all he got was more rocks, slip-ups, curses, bruises, and even some blood. Wincing, Tryston glanced at the newest tear in his pant leg and sighed. He would have to stop and actually wrap that up once he got down this climb and to a safe point. At least with the end of this path Sauti would be ahead of him. There he could relax a bit more since none of the brothers often ventured outside of Zena. Then again how could he be certain of that? Tryston let out another sigh. With all the new information he was receiving from Lyrie it was obvious that someone had connections going out to both Sauti and Tale. So it was best if he didn’t linger for long anywhere or talk to anyone.
Not that they would be looking for a dead man.
That much at least gave some comfort in its own twisted way. Tryston just hoped that no one would recognize him one day as that would make things even more complicated. He was already trying to figure out how to sneak around Constynce and her fiancé in Tale. While the brothers may not be actively looking for him it wasn’t like he was a true spirit who could pass through walls and dig around for secrets unnoticed.
Tryston pursed his lips thoughtfully. He would figure out that part next. For now he just had to focus on getting away from these mountains and through Sauti so that he could get to Tale and to Constynce. To Constynce and towards the truth of it all.
