❅Table of Contents ❅ Tryston ❅ Relationships ❅ Rps & Adventures ❅ Inventory & Art ❅ Growth Reqs ❅ Old Journal Link
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
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Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Posted: Sat May 23, 2020 1:05 pm
Name: Tryston Stage: Stage 4 - Sentinel Race: Ice Gender: Male 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 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 held a rather pure approach to life. He believed that what he fights in is for the right and has yet to doubt his own decisions. He wanted 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)) However, after being dragged into several situations he quickly learned to be on the lookout for deception and is far less trusting.
Now that he is older and has taken up the responsibility of restoring the brotherhood, a band of warriors who roam and guard Zena, the iceling male has the airs of a leader. The corruption of the past, the battle with the Dretch and other such incidents have greatly matured him into a firm leader. However, other incidents such as learning to love have softened his gaze just a little bit. He is a kind and honest man who does his best to help others. History:
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.
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 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). Even more note worthy is a forehead gem that is almost a crescent moon shape with a small tiny circle gem on the side. [old sketch]
Update: After climbing out from his icy prison when he was a Prentice, 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:
After returning to the brotherhood he wears armor for his role as captain.
Posted: Sat May 23, 2020 1:14 pm
Relationships:
Family:
*Lyrie - 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 started off with a begrudging relationship as children but quickly became dear friends, almost like siblings. They have been through a lot together over the years and both know that they would do their best to help and support the other.
*Constynce - Someone he once was hired to escort in the past. His feelings for her have grown over the years and through tragedies and other events the two continue to be pushed together. Despite their differences he cherishes the sweet leaf woman dearly and would do anything for her.
*Zyphire - Tryston has helped the shifter out of certain situations over the years and Zyphire has helped him in turn.
Foes
Acquaintances * Talisia & her Family - they helped shelter him in the past and he is grateful to them for their aid.
Stage 3 RP [Winter Winds] - Tryston travels with Zena with Constynce after saving her life.
[Farewells] - w/Constynce - After resolving the events in Zena the pair go to town before saying their final farewells.
[Training Day] - w/Katori, Taaru & Kukiko - Staying at the Animal Sanctuary for a couple of weeks before venturing into Tale, Tryston ends up as an instructor to the teens living there and their new friend - 10 pnts
[Ole Annoyance] -w/Zyphire - Tryston catches up with an old friend before venturing into Tale to find Constynce. 5 pnts
[My Only One] - After several years apart Tryston reunites with Constynce - 10 pnts
Stage 2
No Longer Safe - Tryston rescues Constynce after she was caught sneaking information from her husband, the man ready to make his wife disappear for his plans. Escaping, both head towards a sanctuary along the borders of Zena to regroup with others who are preparing to fight for the sake of the brotherhood and so much more...
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.
[Reunion] - Tryston reunites with Serana who thought him dead. They share information and prepare for an attack on the corrupted in the Brotherhood.
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... The Journey Begins The Long Way Adventures:
It was one of those nights when Tryston found himself reflecting on the past. The iceling man wore the armor of a captain and was sitting idly at a large desk in a stone room, one of many in the old fort nestled in the mountains of Zena. The evening was for the most part quiet and he only had the whispers of the winter breeze and the snow falling outside to keep him company. The rest of his companions either slept or were still drinking in the dining hall, their random bursts of laughter fading as the later hours of the evening continued. He was not upset that they were drinking and was happy to let the men relax as thanks for their hard work.
They had always worked so hard ever since they had joined together almost four years ago….
Back then they had trained hard while hiding at the animal sanctuary. Tryston still remembered how sweat had beaded on his brow despite the Zenan winds. The bitter cold had seeped into his bones but the chill was a welcomed sensation. It heightened his senses, alerting him to the outside world through his exhaustion and allowed the cold steel of his blade to hone his focus on his opponent. He was like a machine back then. All he knew was pain from losing his home of the last seventeen years and how he had traveled through Sauti and Tale like a ghost almost. He had been too close to the truth so they had tried to kill him in the mountain pass that day all those years ago.
The frigid ice had seeped into his very bones, its touch changing strands of his hair white from the stress of the near death experience and even taking the colors from his eyes and crystals. No one understood how Tryston had survived the avalanche and his fall into the abyss below but he had. It had been a frightening experience to dig himself out of the snows and to crawl his way to shelter. If not for his adoptive father then Tryston truly didn’t know how he would have survived that experience. That experience had been the start of his awakening to the corruption within his homeland. Those in charge of the village had been bribed while some of his own brothers worked for Byrone, a traitor who sought power over honor. They had sought to kill the merchants that day but his interference had saved lives while risking his own. In fact, many believed him to be dead for weeks afterwards. His adoptive father had given him new gear and assassin’s garb while instructing him to leave Zena until things were resolved.
Of course Tryston barely listened to those instructions. Instead he found himself seeking the truth and finding evidence to use against the corrupt so that they could be taken care of by the proper authorities. His childhood friend had agreed with his plans and helped him while she could from Zena. They would gather evidence and gather true brothers to fight against those who had turned basically into bandits, robbing the people who they once swore to protect. He had to reunite with someone who may have answers first. Originally he had nearly suspected Constynce of being in on the bribes but after meeting her again he realized that she was innocent in all of this.
Innocent and beautiful.
Tryston didn’t understand why he was so attracted to the leaf woman at first. She was the opposite of him. Cheerful, trusting, warm and like the spring that brought life and joy to others. He was more like the bitter days of winter with his somber expression and few words. Yet even he wasn’t immune to the warmth of that smile it seemed. He was smitten with the leafling woman. All Tryston had wanted to do was protect her and yet she was married to one of the perpetrators in this plot. That b*****d had met his just rewards almost two years later during the confrontation between Serana, her knights and the corrupt council members. Tryston’s gaze narrowed at the memory and his quill pierced the parchment in front of him. Constynce had been dragged off by her husband who had tried once again to kill the leafling woman. Thankfully Tryston had given her a dagger to protect herself because he worried that anything could have happened in the chaos of what was to happen that day. However, he had hoped to the spirits that she would never have to use it. Then after breaking free of the fighting and rushing down the hallway, his heart pounding in his ears and his gaze desperate to find Constynce, Tryston had found her crouched on the floor and covered in blood.
Time seemed to have stayed still that day and he still could remember it so vividly. The way his stomach knotted, the way anger heated his blood when he worried that she was severely injured and the pain that he felt when he saw her tears. All he could do was hold her until the healers came to check her injury. She had wept so much that day and he had let her cling to him as much as she needed. Even when she slept later he ignored his own injuries to instead sit by her bedside and hold her hand while she rested. Anything to ease her pain. He regretted that he had lost her in the fighting and knew he would never forgive himself for leaving her side. If anything had happened...if he had lost her that day….Tryston didn’t even know what he would have done.
Even now as he sat in the fort nestled in the Zenan mountains, Tryston felt lost. He had helped to restore the brotherhood the past two years but he had not heard from Constynce since she left Zena to return to Tale. Was she okay? Had she truly moved on and away from him? The thought made his lips press into a fine line. After everything that they had been through together….after being together in those rare moments with those intense feelings...could she really just move on?
“Why haven’t you answered my letters, Constynce?” Tryston asked quietly as he stared down at the parchment spread before him. It was blank for he didn’t even know what to write to the leafling woman now after two years of no communication. All that decorated the parchment was the blot of ink from where he had pressed the quill sharply into the parchment at the memory of that infuriating scumbag. Did it even matter if he stopped sending letters now? Did she even read them? Tryston sighed before dropping the quill onto the desk. Over the last two years he had turned into a fine leader and knew how to instruct his men but when it came to matters of the heart he was still a hopeless young boy with no idea of what to do.
Before they had separated at the border of Zena and Sauti he had asked Constynce to wait for him. In that moment he truly thought that fate wanted them to be together and that things would work out. If she couldn’t stand the coldness of Zena then they would find some sort of middle ground. At least he could send her letters and she could write back to him. That had been their hope and he was still surprised that he hadn’t received more than one letter in the last two years. He didn’t even have Lyre, his father, to speak with about these matters now. The iceling warrior had gone missing in the final battle with Byrone.
Tryston still remembered the wild rage that had blinded him when he saw his father falling over those cliffs. It had driven him to fight ruthlessly against Byrone, the adrenaline ignoring his injuries so that he could parry attack after attack until he managed to catch Byrone off guard and stabbed the man in the chest. Tryston had watched as life drained from Byrone’s gaze, his body slipping from the cliff and staining the white snows crimson as he died on the ground far below. When others had gone to confirm Byrone’s death, no one could find Lyre’s body. Tryston had held out hope that his father was alive out there somewhere but it was baffling to think that no trace had been found after months of searching. Where are you old man? Tryston rubbed his palm against his forehead in frustration. Between Lyre’s disappearance and not having communication from Constynce, Tryston didn’t know anymore.
He had instead poured himself into helping to repair the village and restoring the brotherhood. Their numbers had grown and some had even found themselves leaving with the knowledge that they could trust new blood to take care of things. Even one of his comrades from childhood had left recently to explore the world. It was only a month or so ago that Tryston wished him the best of luck and watched with others as the iceling disappeared down the mountain path, his battle axe still secured to his back like always. Spirits watch you.
And now here he was alone in his office just staring at blank parchment papers. There was no one to send letters to, no father to speak with and no best friends nearby. It was a great night to feel pathetically alone. Not that Tryston would ever admit to such feelings. The iceling warrior was often stoic and for many it was hard to read his feelings. Only when he was alone like this did he let the sorrows of the past haunt him. He knew that what happened was for the best, surely it helped out innocent people, but it still made his heart ache knowing that somewhere out there was someone that he loved but could not reach. He had his duties here in Zena after all and couldn’t just leave without notice.
But times were peaceful again and they had already defeated the Dretch in that great battle almost three years ago now. The brotherhood was doing well and he had several that he could trust with command. The village was safe and Bryone was dead. So why did he hesitate to leave? Tryston closed his eyes against the tempting thoughts. What did it matter? Surely his men were right. No letters meant that the leaf woman had moved on and forgotten about him. He was just some distant memory, not her future.
Why did that thought make him feel so sick?
Pushing away from his desk, Tryston just stared at the piles of blank parchment one final time before quietly blowing out the candle and heading into the hallway. His footsteps would echo against the stone halls until he reached his room where he would promptly lay down and try to get some sort of rest if possible.
[WC 1835]
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Posted: Sun May 24, 2020 5:49 pm
❆Stage 3 // Knight Solo 2❆
Restless Nights
A cold sweat beaded along his brow as the iceling man tossed and turned in his bed. The bed had soft feather quilts covering it and a warm fire blazed in the adjacent fireplace. One would have expected it to be a cozy room and not a torture chamber yet Tryston’s jerky movements and clenched jaws screamed of silent agony, not bliss. Pain wrecked through his body as images of the past haunted his dreams….
The heat of Jahaur was uncomfortable against his skin. None of his men understood how anyone survived in this humidity and overbearing heat of the rainforest. They were all ready to defeat the Dretch and return swiftly to the cold of Zena, “I miss my furs.” Quipped one man by Tryston’s side as they walked with other earthlings from all the nations, “Do you really think that our presence is necessary?”
The same man had nearly fallen in front of Tryston later that day.
Blood and sweat drenched his leathers, his face flushed from the heat and exhilaration of battle. Seeing the Dretch caused his typically calm exterior to shatter, the urge to survive taking over his limbs and causing him to fight with all of his might. He didn’t want to lose anyone else, not after what had just happened in Zena only a couple of months prior. The thought pushed him to cut off the enemy’s attack and to actually catch the blade with his gloved hand, the thick leather stopping the blade from completely slicing through his hand. Still the wound was deep and the healers chastised him later for such a bold move as she bandaged the wound. It had been worth the risk to save a life, Tryston argued in turn. Anything was better than allowing those cursed creatures to kill another comrade. The pure evil of their gaze had nearly stared into his very soul and Tryston had found himself actually afraid to be in battle for once.
Thankfully they had survived and won the battle that day.
But that did not stop the nightmares of that battle from haunting him months later. While he was not new to taking blood for a just cause it did not mean that the losses of his comrades did not stain his hands. The battles he had endured in the past five years sometimes haunted his dreams, nightmares causing him to forgo sleep on those rare nights to instead focus on paperwork and training. His men praised him for being so dedicated, his swordsmanship and mentorship sought after by others and yet Tryston scoffed at it. He didn’t feel as strong and as capable as they made him out to be.
Breaking free of the nightmares, Tryston jolted awake and broke free from his covers. His palm ached and Tryston absent mindedly rubbed at the scar cutting across his right hand. The battle was long since over so why did it continue to hurt like this? His gaze narrowed thoughtfully before he crossed the cold floor barefoot and reached for his sword resting on the mantel. The dark gray handle was engraved with a raptrix flying into battle, its wings spread out as handles. It was a decorative piece and one of his final gifts from Lyre that he received right before their battle against Byrone. Tryston treasured it and while his father wasn’t with him the sword was a security for him when he felt unsettled by memories from the past. Two years. He needed to push past this and just focus on getting even stronger.
The thought filled him with resolve and Tryston found himself pacing down the hallway, way before the early rays of dawn, and outside. The training grounds were right below the southern entrance and wooden dummies decorated the field. The first one that Tryston approached was decorated with a white smock and had a goofy grin painted in indigo across its straw features. Loose straw, from the dummy being beaten by many wooden and dulled blades, stuck out like windswept hair and almost tricked one into thinking it was a real person from a distance. Tryston studied the figure before shaking his head. Why did they waste time decorating these things when they should be practicing their swings instead?
Thankful that no clouds covered the moon and stars above, Tryston found his sight adjusting to the faint light. As he regained some vision and relied on the flickering torches that were propped by the entrance, Tryston slowly walked forward. His hair, tied back in a loose ponytail, floated behind him along with the cloak that kept his constantly cold body somewhat warmer. Not that he planned on needing it for long. His fingers reached for the silver clasp and in one swift movement the cloak fell to the ground. Raising his sword, Tryston spread his feet and positioned himself. One. The sword slashed through the air. Two. Short strands of straw floated through the air. Three. He twisted and turned away while the dummy shuddered and completely fell apart. The next hour or so would pass and the trainees would find a field of slaughtered dummies in the morning.
“Don’t you think...that you went a bit hard on the poor guy?” Zyma asked as he shook a handful of straw towards Tryston, “How are they supposed to train this morning?”
Raising a brow, Tryston glanced back down and focused on sharpening his blade. He had retreated from the training fields and went towards the smithy where he had taken over one of the sharpening wheels. While others would have asked the blacksmith to do what they believed was a menial task, Tryston preferred to take care of his own blade. It was here that Zyma came charging at him with the straw in hand, “I suppose they can work on stamina by replacing the dummies. Don’t we have plenty of straw?”
“Re-really?” Zyma dragged a hand across his face, “Captain, I really wish you would have more mercy.” His golden gaze darted away as he caught sight of Tryston’s cold expression, “I mean….good idea. Who would have thought of working them like this? We should destroy the dummies more often. I suppose the mammu and roati will be happy with their fine cut hay.”
“Sounds good.” Tryston replied with a nod before raising his blade to study its sharpness, “Was that all?
”Yes. I mean no.” Zyma quickly corrected himself, “Honestly may I speak as a friend? I’m worried. You’ve been doing this more and more lately. Are you having trouble sleeping again?” The iceling crossed his arms as he studied Tryston, “I thought you had gotten better about the nightmares. Do you want me to ask the healer for more sleeping drafts?”
Tryston sighed and lowered his blade, “Perhaps. It’s only been this last week.” He admitted quietly, “I should be fine soon.”
“You know what you need? A good lady to distract you.” Zyma quipped, “There’s several in the village down the mountainside that would love to get to know you.” He glanced boldly towards Tryston, “Are you seriously still pining over…..that person?”
”Do you really think I have time for such frivolous matters?” Tryston replied as he stood up and sheathed his sword. Despite ignoring the comment about that person, both men knew the real reason that Tryston avoided other women. Even if it had been two years he had promised to wait and he would not break from that. It wasn’t like he was lying either. He simply was too busy to even think about wasting time with any of the women who looked his way. None of them appealed to him as it was. Not that they weren’t lovely they just weren’t….well her. s**t. Zyma was right, but Tryston didn’t want to acknowledge it. He just couldn’t.
“Fine.” Zyma huffed as he followed Tryston away from the smithy and up the stone path, “But one day you will have to move on. You can’t just sulk forever.”
Tryston just shook his head before continuing on his way.
”He’s...alive?” Tryston sat in the middle of the meeting chambers, his palms pressing against the stone table as he quickly stood from his chair, “Are you certain?” His clear gaze studied the other knights, his usually calm expression nearly slipping in his surprise. The news they brought him was so unexpected that even Tryston wasn’t certain that he was actually awake. It had been nearly three years since the battle against Bryone, nearly three years since he had witnessed his father and mentor falling from the cliffs into the frozen river below and now they were saying that Lyrie was actually alive?
How was it possible?
Better yet why hadn’t Lyrie returned to them? Tryston was a bundle of emotions. He was overjoyed to hear that his father was alive yet doubtful that the news was true and actually hurt. If it was true then why had he stayed away all these years when he should have known that Tryston would have been worried about him? None of it made sense. Because Lyrie was gone, Tryston had ended up leading the brotherhood. His role as captain had belonged to Lyrie. If Bryone hadn’t knocked Lyrie from the cliff’s edge then things would have been so different. Tryston would have stayed in Zena to help with restoring everything but surely, surely he could have taken the time to visit Tale. Tryston felt ashamed. That was the least of his worries. At least Lyrie was alive.
“Tell me where he is and I’ll go.” Tryston finally ordered his gaze snapping towards Zyma, “Zyma, please take care of things while I’m gone.”
“Sure. Are you certain that you should go alone?”
Tryston nodded, “Yes.” He wanted to speak with Lyrie alone. He needed answers about what had happened the last two years. After listening to the full report from the ones who had spotted the older iceling warrior, Tryston packed supplies and prepared to set off. Lyrie was past the mountains, a two days journey towards the western side of Zena where a large meadow was, simple herders lived there since the valleys could grow more than the frozen mountains. No one had spoken directly with him yet they had simply spotted him in the area before losing track of him again. Surely an experienced tracker like Tryston would have no problems locating the older man now that he knew his location.
Riding on a chiavi with feathers the color of a stormy sky, Tryston left the others behind. He was determined to find his adoptive father and after months thinking that the man was dead he decided to waste no more time. Just wait Lyrie. Thankful that the spirits were granting him peaceful weather, Tryston found his journey simple enough. He flew and then camped under the stars, feeding pieces of smoked fish that he caught in a steam to both himself and his mount. The next day he took to the skies again and found himself settling down that evening right next to the valley. In the morning he would go and explore the area….
Bright morning sunlight stirred the iceling from his slumber. Squeezing his eyes shut against the sunlight, Tryston raised an arm to protect his face from the stinging light. I should get way more often. It was almost shameful that flying had worn him out enough that he had actually slept through a solid night. Still, he was thankful because it allowed him to witness a woman with a herd of awatta and roati coming through towards the valley. The animals quickly took to the pasture, eating both from the tall trees and the wild grasses that grew in between the mountains. The woman herself seemed to be around middle-aged, her dark raven hair tied back in a long braid that swished behind her as she walked around with a shepherd's crook. She wore a simple dress with furs to keep herself warm and a fur lined hat sat snug against her head. It was obvious that she was in her element out here in the wild valley.
Crouching, Tryston simply watched for a few minutes before slowly making his way down the trail. His chiavi chirped behind him but he waved the creature back. Why should he be worried about a shepherd? The knight offered a half-hearted wave as the woman glanced up towards him, “Hello?” She called out with confusion, “May I help you sir?” From the expression on her face it was quite obvious that no one really came through this way. It was a rather wild area after all, far away from the local villages and main cities of Zena.
Honestly if they had never mentioned that Lyrie could be here even Tryston would have never come to this area. No wonder no one had found Lyrie, “Ah, yes. I was told that an old friend of mine is living here. Do you know, Lyrie?”
The woman pursed her lips before slowly shaking her head, “I’m sorry but I don’t.” Her gaze softened as she noticed Tryston’s slumped shoulders, “Since you came so far...would you like to come back to my home for a cup of tea? My raptrix will be watching over the herds while they graze so it should be fine.” She studied Tryston’s armor, a small smile crossing her delicate features, “It seems you are fond of the raptrix yourself.”
Tryston nodded. His armor, deep silver with engravings also held the insignia of the raptrix that reflected the one on his sword’s hilt. It was his chosen guardian, one passed down to him from Lyrie. The thought made his chest tighten. Was that old man really not here? Should he even waste more time by following this woman? But she seemed determined and with a tug of Tryston’s arm she led him down a small dirt path that twisted around the valley. They walked through a grove with little man-made rock shelters that hosted a variety of Zena’s native vines that bloomed delicate blossoms, quite edible and delicious for teas. It was interesting to see. Tryston raised a brow as they arrived at a small cottage, its wooden walls and thatched roof a stark contrast to the greenhouse that was built a few feet away. The iceling woman caught Tryston glancing that way and gave a small laugh, “My father built that a long time ago and was given some fruits and vegetables from other regions. We still grow plants inside since we try our best to survive without needing a town around here.”
A pang went through his heart. It reminded him so much of a certain someone from Tale. She would have loved to explore the greenhouse and see all of the plants growing inside. Honestly it wouldn’t surprise him if she just simply moved into a greenhouse like this. Tryston almost smiled at the thought before following the woman inside. It was cozy on the inside, a lot roomier than he had expected. The whole abode could comfortably house about five people with separate rooms going off to the sides including a hatch in the kitchen floor leading to an underground cellar. The kitchen was probably the largest room, a huge brick stove built into the far east wall, its flames warming up the interior of the kitchen and an adjacent parlour room. It really was nice. Removing her gloves the woman nudged Tryston towards a large wooden table, its edges worn down from years of use.
“Some spiced tea,?” She asked as she dug through the cupboards and started to prepare water in an iron kettle, “It’ll put some heat in your bones. How are you not frozen from camping outside?” She clicked her tongue in her mouth almost like a mother reprimanding a troublesome child, “I’m glad you decided to at least share a cup of tea. It should warm you up before you go back out there.” Shuffling around she brought out two wooden cups and sat them on the table before Tryston, “Also I apologize for skipping introductions. My name is Ashling.”
”Ah.” Tryston simply nodded his head and watched as she poured the steaming water into the cup of herbs. It smelled nice, a slight tang coming from some sort of dried fruit in the cup along with hints of spices. His gloved hands wrapped around the mug, the heat seeping from its contents into his fingertips. At least even if he was wasting time he had gotten a good cup of tea from it. His gaze lowered thoughtfully before the woman, Ashling, slipped into the chair opposite to him.
“Ah? Is that all I get? Not even a name in turn?” She huffed lightly before blowing some of the steam from her cup, “You’re a strange one, especially now that I get a good look at your appearance. Do you have some sort of mixed blood perhaps?” She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table.
Tryston pulled back and took a sip of the steaming drink. It really did warm him up on the inside, the spiced taste tingling his throat as he swallowed, “Tryston.” He offered quietly, “It’s complicated.” Better to let others think that was the case rather than explaining his near death experience all those years ago.
“I see.” Ashling pulled back with a soft sigh, “I suppose it’s not my place to ask such questions. If you need anything please let me know. I am not the type of person to let a stranger come through without offering them help first. This far north is too cruel a world on its own and there’s no need for us to hurt each other. We need to survive after all.”
“I feel as if you’ve said that a few times before.” Tryston found himself replying quietly as he raised his clear gaze to study the iceling woman.
“Ah, definitely. I used it a couple of years ago when I had to fight with a very stubborn man about him staying here.” She shook her head, small decorative bells chiming in her braid with the movement, “At least he decided to stay and help out.”
“Of course I did.”
Tryston dropped his mug at the sound of the familiar voice. The tea splashed across the table, but he paid it no mind as he pulled away from the table and stood so that he could face the man who had just entered the room, “Lyrie?” It was him!
“Tryst?” Slow recognition flickered to life in those all too familiar golden eyes, “Why….are you here?”
“Why?” His eyes stung as tears threatened to spill out for the first time in years. Frustration bubbled up inside of Tryston as he reached and grabbed at the other ice warrior’s tunic, “You’re alive.” He whispered bitterly as his fingers dug into the woven material right below Lyrie’s neck.
“Teirnan, you know him?” Ashling pushed away from her chair as she glanced between the two men, “Who is Lyrie?”
“I’m Lyrie.” Managed Lyrie as he peeked around Tryston and towards Ashling, “I’ll explain later but I should probably talk to your guest first. If….if you’ll let me, Tryst.” He glanced between the two and nodded as Ashling slowly and hesitantly left the room with a frown.
His hands shaking as he let go of the other man’s tunic, Tryston crossed his arms. His expression was cold, an attempt to hide the chaos of emotions swirling within, and he refused to budge from a few inches in front of Lyrie. It was almost as if he feared moving would let the iceling warrior escape. After missing him for two years he refused to let that happen ever again. It just didn’t make sense. Why wouldn’t Lyrie have returned home instead of hiding out here in the wilderness? The thoughts spiraling through his mind simply made him question Lyrie again, “Why?’
”To be honest I really didn’t have a choice until the last few weeks.” Lyrie sighed, “When I went underwater I thought I was going to die. My wounds were severe and I was dragged by the current far downshore. I was lucky enough to crawl out and pass out along the shoreline. Ashling found me then.” He took a deep breath and reached a hand out to touch Tryston’s shoulder, “I spent days in and out of fevers trying to recover from my injuries. I don’t even know how I survived.” He gestured towards his body, “If you want to inspect me then you can but had it not been for her I would have never made it through.”
“Two years?”
A light flush decorated Lyrie’s features, “Well as cliche as it may sound I did hit my head pretty hard so when I was able to walk again my memories were fuzzy. I wasn’t exactly certain of who I was….until just recently.” He reached a hand out to touch Tryston’s shoulders, “I would have never stayed away had I remembered everything so vividly earlier on but then it had been almost two years…..and I had found a home here.”
”So you deserted us?” Tryston jerked his body from the other man’s touch, “That’s no excuse. You should have sent word to us. We spent months looking for you! I held a service for you!” It was rare for Tryston to raise his voice, but the more he spoke the louder he grew. Lyrie was his father. His father! And he had thought that it would be fine to stay here while everyone thought him dead?
“No!” Lyrie reached back out again to grab Tryston’s arms, “You know me. Would I have just stayed away forever? Never. I just wanted to wait and make certain that I could leave here first. Ashling lost her sister last year and I felt guilty just leaving her alone.” He admitted quietly, “I didn’t have the heart to tell her that I remembered everything again and that my actual name is Lyrie.”
Tryston recognized that look in the other man’s eyes. Tension left his shoulders, almost as if in defeat, before he finally responded. “You care for her, don’t you? It was too hard to leave someone who you loved alone in the mountains.”
“It’s her home, how could I ask her to leave it behind with me?” Lyrie confessed, “What if the battle hadn’t ended? Would I be taking her into even more danger? I was hoping that once the snows cleared a bit more that I could go and scout out answers….but you seemed to have beaten me to it.”
Tryston sighed, his mind calculating everything that he wanted to say to the other ice warrior, “We won. We restored things.” He finally admitted quietly, “What do you want to do?”
“I honestly don’t know…” Lyrie slumped into a chair, “I’m supposing you’re captain then?”
“Yes.”
“I’m relieved. It is a blessing to know that the spirits allowed you to win that day.” Lyrie rubbed at his chin thoughtfully, “I would love to go back and see the brothers….but I don’t want to leave Ashling for long.”
”The captain’s chambers belonged to you. The whole suite is there for any company.” Replied Tryston as he picked up the dropped mug and began wiping at his mess with a spare cloth taken from the kitchen, “Are you really set on retiring all the way out here?”
“Perhaps. You are my heir so it was unavoidable that you would take over in the end. Unless there was a reason for you to not want to stay in Zena?” Lyrie raised a brow, “Have things changed for you?”
“When would things have changed?” Tryston replied in a murmur, ”Someone had to take charge.”
“I see.” The iceling man tapped his fingers against the table thoughtfully, “I’ll talk with her. I suppose it’s only fair since I was planning on returning now that I am fully recovered. Do you think-”
“Do you think that I would just let you go without me?” Ashling’s voice carried over from the other room as she strode into the kitchen to stand next to Lyrie, “You really can’t have expected me to simply sit outside like a good child when so much was going on, could you?” She crossed her arms and stared at the iceling man accusingly, “Ya should have told me about all of this, Te-no Lyrie! I would have gladly listened. Do you think I would want you spending your years out here when others were lookin’ for ya?”
”But this is your home.” Lyrie protested quietly as he searched her gaze with his own, “How could I ask that of you?”
”Ya really should trust me more. Of course I would follow you! I can send word to my younger brother living in the nearby town. His family would gladly take over the family home now that he’s expectin’.” She let out a heavy sigh, “I was only staying here to keep the family property together and honestly was hopin’ that they would ask to move in. Being a merchant wasn’t really his forte either and I’m sure his wife will love the countryside.” She reached out and smacked at Lyrie’s shoulder, “Fool. I can’t believe you worried friends like that. We should pack up and leave within a week or so to rejoin with Tryston here! Surely my brother will be here within a few days and he’ll easily know what to do with the property. Seriously letting this fine young man chase you all the way into the wilderness without even thinkin’ of trustin’ me with the truth!”
“Son.” Offered Tryston as Ashling paused to catch breath while still lightly berating Lyrie for his foolishness. The word caused a deep flush to cover the woman’s cheeks before she glanced back again at Lyrie accusingly. How much had he hidden from her in the past two years living here?
“Adopted son!” Lyrie quickly added with a flush of his own, “Loved and raised like a son but nonetheless I am a single and free….err well not single and free now because of you of course, but you know what I mean!” A rare laugh left Tryston’s lips at the flustered reaction of his father who was trying to please the iceling woman. It felt like years of burdens had rolled off in one moment and it even surprised him. Who knew that finding Lyrie could make him feel so much lighter? Now if only one other heartache could be resolved….watching the pair as they playfully bickered and teased each other made Tryston think of her once more. Maybe he should visit Tale soon. Even if it was just to sneak a peek and get closure.
He just needed something, anything at this point so that he could move on.
[WC 3150]
Posted: Mon May 25, 2020 7:17 pm
❆Stage 3 // Knight Solo 4❆
Encouragement
The snow fell softly across the training fields.
It was early afternoon but Tryston found himself distracted from the pile of reports resting on his desk. Usually by this time he was already finished with the first stack and already on his way to the training grounds that he was staring at through the window in his office. Yet that was not the case today as he continued to find his mind drifting over everything but the reports on his desk. He had even ignored the dying fire in his room, the giant stone fireplace almost completely at a faint flicker now instead of the morning’s roaring flame. Not that he minded the cold as much. Spending his entire life, for the most part save for his exile in Sauti and Tale, in Zena had made Tryston more comfortable with the chill of winter than with the warmth of spring. His brief time in the southern countries had been too much, his skin uncomfortably warm from the desert sun, and Tryston had been glad when he returned back north. One would assume that he should be happy now that he was back in Zena where his home village was at peace again. However, happiness was not what one would think should they study the iceling’s features now. His gaze was distant, the silver orbs almost black from lack of light, and his lips were pressed firmly in a faint frown while his brows furrowed in thought.
“One would think that you’re studying some of those ancient texts.” An all too familiar voice quipped from the doorway, “You keep this up and you’ll have more than a few streaks of white in that hair of yours.” Lyrie smirked as he slowly walked towards Tryston. While the older man had only been back for a few days it was almost as if he had never left them in the first place. His leathers had quickly been replaced, his old armor polished and placed back on the mantle while his shoulder guards and bracers had also been found and repaired. Lyrie had tied back his long hair, his straight hair going down past his shoulders and while he sported a few new scars here and there the man seemed mostly unchanged. Even the spark in his golden gaze had stayed over the past two years of separation. If anything it looked like Tryston had been the one to change the past two years rather than Lyrie.
“So you say.” Tryston quipped back as he pushed away from the desk, “Soon enough this will be yours again.” The ice warrior could not resist teasing his mentor as he moved across the room, “How are you settling in?” He studied his mentor, looking for any signs of weariness or disdain. So far though it appeared that Lyrie was shining now that he was back in his home territory. It was fairly obvious that the older man had missed the place and his companions. His first night back had been a celebration for everyone. Tryston had arrived a couple of weeks before Lyrie’s arrival and as soon as the news spread that Lyrie was alive and returning to the brotherhood everyone had started preparing for his arrival. The halls were swept, the walls washed, any laundry left out to hang, fresh meat was hunted, rare herbs and spirits were brought up from the deepest parts of the cellars and they had even ordered some of the best tavern brew to be brought from the nearest village. Zyma had joked that it was like some sort of family event, everyone was cleaning up for their mother to come and inspect the place while also they were relieved that their family was returning for a visit. Almost like the holidays. Tryston had turned away as if unamused by the commentary but when Zyma was not looking a smirk had decorated the ice warrior’s face. Even he was caught up in the spirit of celebration. Almost two years of thinking that his adopted father was dead the knowledge that Lyrie was in fact alive and well had been a relief. Of course Tryston had originally been hurt and even dared to feel betrayed but after talks with Lyrie the warrior had forgiven him for his disappearance. How could he stay upset after all? He was just thankful that Lyrie was actually alive. He also understood how strong love could be. If Tryston had been in his mentor’s place then he did not know that he would not have done the same. Ashling was a delight and Tryston could easily understand how Lyrie had fallen deeply in love with the strong spirited woman. Had he the chance to stay with a certain leaf woman then Tryston would have been tempted to do the same. But the brotherhood had needed him and he had sworn an oath long ago to do his best to protect his homeland. He couldn’t just leave it willingly. Even Lyrie had not meant to stay away forever. His memories had been hazy, his body wounded and then when he finally was well enough to travel Ashling had been devastated by the loss of her only sister. Tryston definitely did not blame his mentor for staying to help out his love. How could he have abandoned here in the wilderness of Zena? Even if she had a home out in the countryside it was not a place to live alone. Or rather it would have been a lonely existence indeed.
Still, after Tryston’s confrontation in the mountains with Lyrie that had happened nearly a month ago Lyrie and his lover had made plans to quickly leave her country cottage and to head back towards Lyrie’s home. Ashling had been amazing and had taken the news quite well before even offering to leave her home herself. She had sent a letter to her brother who had been asking about moving from a local town into the country cottage. His family would reside there and take care of the herd and the green house. She was a bright woman who was not willing to leave behind everything that she had known because she trusted Lyrie and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. Leaving the cottage in her brother’s hands had given her a sense of relief as she trusted her brother to take care of their family’s lands. If she needed to ever return then she knew that there would be a place for her back at home because her brother was a good man and they had kept their relationship over the years. He had simply tried to become a merchant but marriage along with a baby on the way had slowed down his plans. It was much easier to settle in the country so that he could spend time with his wife and their child. Ashling’s resolution and her ability to quickly make such a decision had earned Tryston’s respect. She was someone who knew what she wanted and would do everything in her power to make it happen. Not in a way that Lyrie was held back but in a way that would work for both of them and keep them happy.
And here they were. It had only taken a couple of weeks for Ashling’s brother to return to the family home. While Tryston prepared for Lyrie’s return, they were preparing for their departure. Tryston had been impressed with the speed of their travel and had worried that Ashling would not quite like being here. But she was full of surprises. He had even watched as she picked up a bow to show some of the trainees how to quickly fire off some arrows into a moving target. A bullseye each and every shot. So perhaps it was more for Lyrie’s sake when Tryston checked in with him just now. Ashling after all seemed like she was perfectly fine and at home. A lot of them were glad that was the case, especially when it came to the meals being prepared now. Who knew venison could have so much flavor? Yes, he was definitely asking more for Lyrie’s sake than for Ashling’s sake. If anything Lyrie may be tempted to return to the countryside with his lover to avoid the others trying to steal her away from him.
“We’re doing fine.” Lyrie glanced about the room, “Obviously the cold never bothered either of us and this is definitely spacier than the cottage. The old captain’s suite has been cleaned out and I appreciate the extra furniture.” He chuckled, the low rumble of his voice filling the room, “You would think that the men were expecting royalty with how much they cleaned and decorated. I’m sure Ashling appreciated it though. Minus of course whoever thought it was hilarious to leave flower petals across the beds in both rooms.” Lyrie watched as Tryston quirked an eyebrow, “Oh? So you did not know about that lovely present then.”
“I can only imagine.” Tryston shook his head, amusement lighting up his gaze for the brief moment, “At least they are supportive of your decision?” He offered with a small smile. It was rare for anyone to bring their family here in the past, but in the more recent years Tryston had been more open to allowing others to bring anyone necessary with them. Bands still roamed while others settled back in their home villages but for some this was their home and so he had opened up more of the older areas while also encouraging others to settle in the local village right down the mountain pass. Slowly but surely life was returning to everything. Even if some friends decided that they wanted to leave to travel the world it was okay. Peace was thankfully returning to Zena and to the rest of the world so that they could finally rest and recover. So why didn’t he feel more relieved? Tryston sighed at the thought before glancing back towards Lyrie, “Everything is truly okay now, right?” He found himself asking quietly, his silver gaze searching his mentor’s golden one. Everyone else saw a serious, confident Tryston but in the presence of his mentor the ice warrior’s guise slipped and allowed a bit of his younger, doubtful self to show. Peace was just a strange concept to him and it made him wary. How long would it last? What would happen this time to take away their happiness? If he had happiness that was. Tryston knew that he should be happy and it was not like he was miserable or anything like that. It just felt like something or rather someone was missing from his life. Certainly he had his companions here and he had a home with them in the mountains of Zena but they could not fill the ache that haunted his chest at night. It was shameful to admit but Tryston could not help his feelings. It had been three long years and even now he still wondered how she was doing. Was she happy back in Tale? Was he the only one that felt like something was missing?
A touch broke Tryston’s thoughts and he found himself staring at Lyrie, “Hey.” His mentor spoke softly as his hand gripped at Tryston’s shoulder, “You are not alone any longer, Tryston. I’m here now and I will do my best to help you.” Shame decorated his cheeks with a faint flush, “I was the one who was supposed to be organizing everything after the battle was over, but I failed. I left you and you had to take on so much while I was gone but I’m here now.” He smiled and then raised a hand to poke at Tryston’s cheek, “So you should work on smiling more, okay? Give me a week and I’ll even let you travel from Zena if you want to do so.”
Tryston blinked, his gaze suddenly burning as his mentor comforted him, “Thank you.” He replied quietly before realizing what Lyrie was offering to him, “Leave? Why would I leave Zena?” His voice was low, his pulse rising while he did his best to try and keep the conflicted feelings from showing in his voice or expression. Lyrie knew. Lyrie had always known about Tryston’s feelings about certain things. But Lyrie also surely knew that the letters had never received any responses. Even Zyma had tried to convince Tryston to forget all about the past and to move on with someone nice from the local village. It was much better than beating himself up over someone who surely had forgotten he even existed. A temporary fling, a moment of passion in Zena while things were chaotic and they didn’t know the future….that was all it was. Surely she had moved on and he should move on as well. If she cared why did he never receive any letters from her? So why did his heart argue against their words? Why did Lyrie come back from the dead to try and fight what Tryston was slowly struggling to accept? Had Ashling changed something by being in Lyrie’s life?
“You know damn well.” Lyrie replied as he lowered his hand from Tryston’s shoulders and brushed past the other man so that he could study the desk, “Letters or not I would suggest that you go and visit that girl. I do not want a captain to be moping about when he could simply take some time to go to Tale and find out for himself, directly from her own lips why he has not heard anything in the past couple of years.” His mentor let out a sigh, “Believe it or not but I know what it is like to be in love with someone now. I would not trade Ashling for the world. I do not expect you to give up on your heart either.” Lyrie smacked a hand against the desk, “So don’t even argue with me, son.” He had noticed Tryston’s expression and was resolute in his own decision to shove Tryston towards Tale, “If she has moved on then so be it. However, I will not let you just make assumptions without going to confront the issue directly. No warrior can defeat his enemy by skirting around the battlefield. You must face him directly to truly experience how strong his blade is. Your heart must witness exactly how she feels before you too can conquer its doubts, okay?”
There was a long pause as Tryston carefully considered his mentor’s words. His father had always been a wise and caring man but even this….this was something he had not expected out of Lyrie. His whole childhood had been learning sword fighting and battle strategies from Lyrie. He had never received such emotional wisdom from his father before, “You’re very poetic today.” Tryston finally managed as he slowly raised his gaze to meet Lyrie’s own, “If you really believe that I should go then I will go once you have fully settled in. It would only be a couple of weeks…”
“I’ll give you a month just in case.” Lyrie replied bluntly, “If it takes you longer then so be it. I would rather you take as long as necessary but I will not have you quickly dart over and then come running back after spending only a few hours around her village. Things will not break apart up here while you are gone. You did a good job the last two years and things are stable. I will take responsibility and take up my sword again as I should have two years ago. You do not need to carry this burden on your own, Tryston.” His voice was firm and yet soft in his sincerity, “I want you to be happy. Above all else you are still my son. So go out and take care of yourself while I sort through this mess. Get supplies, go train, just do anything and get out of here to think about what I’ve said.”
Tryston nodded, “Thank you.” His throat constricted against the emotions before he turned to leave the room. His footsteps echoed down the hallway as he walked. Was everyone else already gone? They were probably outside in the training grounds or down in the village for errands or even just for drinks. Perhaps that was what he should do? He could go to the village and just grab some fresh air. That would probably be better than locking himself up in his rooms again….and he knew that either Ashling or Lyrie would track him down and drag him from his chambers if necessary. The thought made him sigh but at the same time a small smile did cross his lips. It was nice to have his father back in his life and now with Ashling it was almost as if he had a mother, something that he had never known. Between the two of them it could be a bit suffocating but at the same time Tryston was thankful for the support. For the last two years he had taken on so much but now he felt as if a lot of those burdens were slowly slipping away, their weight taken on by others who cared about him and wanted to help. A warmth blossomed in his chest and gave him the courage to realize that maybe everything would be okay after all. He would travel to Tale and find out the truth. If it was simply because she did not feel the same way about him then Tryston would move on. He would confront these feelings and find support from those who loved him. If her love was no more then he would find a way to patch up his broken heart. But he would not know the truth until he sought it out. Tryston clenched his fists in determination. He would do this.
[WC 3001]
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 5:59 pm
❆Stage 3 Growth Solo to Sentinel❆
Embracing Desires
You must return to Zena!
After reuniting with Constynce, Tryston had received a letter from Zyma. Tryston read the letter with a sigh. The iceling warrior was imploring Tryston to return to Zena quickly to help resume his duties up north. What did he do? Did he return back as soon as possible? His mentor had returned and even implored Tryston to enjoy his freedom as much as he could. So why did Zyma and some of the others press for him to return so soon? The swordsman sighed as he paced along the room that he shared with Constynce. They had started traveling towards Matori to see the ocean for the first time together. Would he really turn around now? If he had been alone then the warrior probably would have left right away. However, he was not alone any longer and it was supposed to be a vacation of sorts for both him and Constyce so that they enjoy their time together and truly experience life.
Experience life… The thought made Tryston frown as he studied the letter once more. Just a month or so ago he would have forgotten everything and rushed back to Zena. His whole life he had devoted himself to the band of warriors up north and had always placed them before his own desires. Everything had been about duty and honor. Now though he was beginning to realize that his life was not just that. He could exist for himself. Tryston smiled faintly as he glanced over the letter a final time. They will live without me. He carefully let the parchment hover over the candle’s flame and watched as it slowly burned away. It was symbolic in a sense, almost like the fire bird of legend, as he felt that he too was being reborn.
He was not weaker for embracing his own desires. Emotions were needed to live and love had strengthened his blade. It had taken him years to realize it but now Tryston knew what and whom he wanted to protect for the rest of his life. He had almost lost her once by choosing to focus solely on his duties and he refused to do so again. I will have to ask her. Tryston knew in his heart that Constynce truly loved him back but he wanted to express his affections even more. Perhaps it was finally time for him to step up and to offer some sort of token? A light flush decorated his cheeks before he nodded and headed towards the doorway. There was a jewelry artisan in the town where they stayed and he was certain that they could help him with this idea. A token of commitment and proof that he was indeed a changed man. He would never let go of those that he loved ever again and would live his own life. Tryston would still honor his duties and help others but he would no longer let them completely rule his life and stop him from pursuing those that he cared about.
Tryston felt a weight lifting from his shoulders as he ventured away from the inn and towards the market. He was finally prepared to take the next step and to embrace the destiny that fate had given him. No longer would the pressure of others hold him back from doing what he felt deep in his heart was right.
Tryston decides to ignore the requests to return to Zena to focus on his own desires. It is proof that he has grown into his own person and will not allow others to control his fate any longer. [WC 569]
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