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 Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 4:41 pm
“Those kids definitely don’t give you a break.” Zyphire teased his friend as he lounged about in his favorite window of his family’s manor. It was early morning, the sun’s rays were lightly kissing the earth with their amber hues, and most of the manor was quiet while many still slept. Surprisingly the slacker of the family was awake and active, his shifter skin darkening with the rising sun. Zyphire preferred to laze about like a perzi during the afternoon but was active in the earliest hours of the morning before dawn. He had already prepped food for the day, fresh bread was rising in the stone ovens and stew was slowly brewing over the blazing hearth. Meanwhile Zyphire had taken a moment to sit in the window and watch as dawn began to bring light to the world. It had been while he was sitting there serenely that Tryston had wandered into the room. Zyphire wasn’t quite so astounded to see his friend since he knew the warrior often liked to roam about the fields before the day truly began.
“If they aren’t chasing you down soon do you have any plans?” Zyphire followed up as his silver eyes studied the iceling’s own almost clear gaze. It was almost like ice but Tryston was a pure blood. Zyphire still couldn’t understand exactly what had happened to cause such a change in appearance from the traditional Zenan.
[Zyphire 1]
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Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 4:42 pm
Tryston shifted his satchel as he studied the shifter thoughtfully. He had been in Zena for almost two weeks now, his presence attracting even another young girl who wanted to train, but at times it felt like he had almost been here forever. The family had accepted him as one of their own in the past and he had lived here with a group for almost a year before moving back north. Now that he was finally able to travel again he had made certain to stop into the manor to visit with Zyphire and the rest. The animal sanctuary was along the borders of Sauti and had such a peaceful aura for the ice warrior. He could relax here and get some fresh air. Though Zyphire was correct - he had been training quite a lot in the last few days.
“I had no real plans besides stretching my legs.” He replied finally. “I’ve done most of my preparations for my journey into Tale so I should be heading out tomorrow morning.” It made him sad to think that he was leaving his second home so quickly but at the same time someone else tugged at his heart. He just hoped that his trip into Tale wasn’t in vain. At least I’ll know what to do next when I get there….hopefully.
[Tryston 1]
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Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 4:42 pm
A walk, eh? Zyphire smirked as he jumped away from the window and stretched. “Good to hear!” He replied as he approached Tryston and nudged the swordsman. “I could use a walk myself.” Not waiting for a response, Zyphire headed outside into the back courtyard. After surveying the grounds and the skies once more, he decided that it was going to be a pretty day indeed. Clear weather, already warming up and nothing is on fire. Yep. The shifter grinned as he glanced back and waited on Tryston.
[Zyphire 2]
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Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 4:42 pm
Tryston simply stared after Zyphire before slowly shaking his head. Despite his calm exterior, a small smile did flicker across the warrior’s lips. While others may have found the shifter’s outgoing and confident personality a bit more on the annoying side, Tryston was slightly fond of it. He knew that the snarky guy actually had a good heart despite his flaws...which could be counted as many but Tryston was not one to judge. I’m only here for another day after all. His gaze did soften once more as the realization was slowly starting to truly sink in. The last week or so had lifted so much stress from his shoulders. It had offered him a good distraction before his final obstacle.
Now to just see where fate takes me. Tryston studied the dining hall once more, his silver gaze sweeping over the long dining tables and the glass windows lining the hallway before the door. Talisia’s mother had been in the council and the estate definitely showed it. But he had the feeling that those days were not as bright as things were now. They lived simple lives here and existed to help others in need. That was why he had bonded so quickly with the family who had taken him in while he was on the run so long ago. He owed them so much for their help. His fingers trailed over the walls thoughtfully before he finally followed Zyphire and stepped outside of the manor.
[Tryston 2]
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Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 4:42 pm
“I honestly thought you had left the other way.” Zyphire found himself admitting with a chuckle as Tryston finally emerged into the courtyard. Others perhaps would have been tempted to leave him but surely Tryston could tolerate his presence just a bit more than most. They were almost like opposites in a way. Tryston was honorable and sincere but held back on showing his true emotions while Zyphire was very emotional and dramatic with the tendency to stretch or twist the truth whenever it benefited him most. Still, they were both true to their passion with fighting and both swordsmen had bonded over their training.
The Shifter crossed towards a fence and studied the empty area inside. The ground was worn down, any grass shoved into the dirt from so many boots crossing it recently and there were lingering imprints from the teens who had been diligently training with Tryston. “Looks like they’re really having fun learning. So crazy to think those younglings are actually growing up on us.” He clicked his tongue at the thought before he looked back to Tryston. “Whatever will we do when you’re not around to train them?”
[Zyphire 3]
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Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 4:42 pm
“I’m sure you’ll manage.” Replied Tryston as he moved and stood next to Zyphire. “They’re strong and learning their own paths. I think only one is wanting to take up the sword.” He mused quietly as he studied the area as well, his mind replaying the latest training sessions. “She’s definitely tough and I’m sure she’ll find her place. Taaru is talented with his bow while Katori is well….Katori.” The strongest of punchers but not the most graceful with weapons for sure. She had already destroyed two more training staves in less than a week. But it was truly amazing to see them growing up so much. It had only been three years since he was last here but the giggling children were not a pair of tough teens who could hold their own. He was proud of them.
But if so much had changed here in the last three years then what waited for him in Tale?
[Tryston 3]
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Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 4:42 pm
Zyphire watched as Tryston’s expression shifted towards something more somber. A rare knot of worry, for surely he didn’t care that much about others, had him frowning and he could not help but to question it. “You’re almost acting like you’re mourning someone.” He finally admitted as he kicked towards a stray pebble and sent it skittering forward. “You told me that your mentor is alive now which is why you could visit but you never said anything else about others. Are you going to Tale because of her?” It had been quite obvious that while Tryston was here he had his heart set on someone. She had been brought here by him all the way from Tale and he had protected her the whole year they spent together at the sanctuary. It was definitely impossible to forget. Even Zyphire had been a bit jealous of the attention the ice warrior gave to the girl. Lucky. But what could he say? They had fit so well together that Zyphire had been surprised to see Tryston returning alone.
[Zyphire 4]
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Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 4:42 pm
His body stiffened for a moment when Zyphire addressed the worrying thoughts in his mind. He wasn’t mourning someone exactly but he was preparing for his possible farewells. Just the thought made him almost wince before he pushed away from the fence and began walking further away from the manor. Rolling hills and open fields decorated the path before them and various beasts grazed about in the peaceful valley. It was an animal sanctuary indeed and the multitude of creatures here attested to the skills and strength of the beastmaster residing back at the manor. It truly was impressive.
“No one is dead for me to mourn.” He finally replied as he continued walking along the dirt path that trailed through the fields. A few mammu were grazing nearby while a herd of roati skipped along, their happy bleats echoing through the area. It would have been cute had Tryston’s mind not been occupied with other thoughts.
[Tryston 4]
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Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 4:43 pm
Oh he had nailed something. Zyphire’s gaze narrowed as Tryston walked away. Can’t he just converse like a normal person instead of just walking all the damn time? Zyphire quipped silently to himself before he hurried to catch up, his boots quietly gliding along the ground a true testament to his skills as a quick and skilled swordsman. Beautiful morning. Some good breakfast is coming up even and this guy is still sullen. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes as he finally caught up to Tryston. “So you are going to see her then.” The shifter persisted as he jumped over a fallen log. “I don’t need the height of an awatta to clearly see that you’re still thinking of her.” He teased lightly. “At least I would expect that you’re still fond of her since you guys were so close last time.”
Ah, yes. Pushing an issue and talking about anything without hesitation. That was Zyphire’s greatest strength at times. Zyphire chuckled as he studied Tryston and waited for a response. Would Tryston truly be that upset that he had asked about her?
[Zyphire 5]
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Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 4:43 pm
“I may consider seeing her.” Tryston finally admitted with a sigh as he moved towards a more wooded area of the sanctuary, the forest growing wild along the edges of the open fields. Reaching up to move a branch out of his way he offered no courtesy as he simply let it go again, the branches slipping through his fingers as he found the forest path that darted through the tall and sturdy trees. Their branches offered good shade to block out a portion of the morning sun and to hide the frustration flushing Tryston’s own cheeks. “However, as I said before I’m simply following up on some trade routes for the brotherhood. Merchants are thinking of expanding from Zena back into Tale now that the village has mostly recovered.”
[Tryston 5]
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Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 4:43 pm
Zyphire let out a laugh before the branch thwacked him in the face. Ooof! Leaving a few chosen words unspoken, the Shifter rubbed at his forehead before ducking and darting back after Tryston. “Thanks.” He managed with a pout before slipping back into stride with the iceling warrior. He knew that he somewhat deserved it. Would that stop him from being an annoying a*****e? Not anytime soon. “I’m just calling it as I see it.” He smirked as he followed along. “You came here on a chiavi. You could have easily gotten to Tale quickly and taken care of business before seeing us. You’re never one to delay unless you’re needing more time to mull things over because you’re worried.”
[Zyphire 6]
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Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 4:43 pm
Tryston let out a long sigh under his breath. Of course it couldn’t be a simple walk with Zyphire. It almost made him wish that he was going through another training session. That would be far more enjoyable than dealing with the shifter’s interrogatories. “I was told to enjoy life for a bit and so I came here.” He answered honestly, “I wanted to see old friends though honestly I wonder how some fondness lingers.” Tryston stopped and crouched so that he could rinse his fingers off in the cool waters of the small stream they had approached. The rippling reflection revealed an older iceling warrior with longer hair still streaked with white and silver almost clear eyes. A faded scar crossed through his brow and along his chin but even with the more filled out features from maturity and training, he was still the same man at heart. Even Zyphire’s snarky attitude hadn’t changed so would everything truly be the same when he went there?
[Tryston 6]
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Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 4:43 pm
“Mmmhmm.” Zyphire sighed as he leaned against a tree and watched Tryston by the stream’s edge. “Honestly, I think you’ll be fine.” He confessed as he crossed his arms and relaxed for the moment. “She probably misses you as well. Who wouldn’t fall for hunky?” He couldn’t resist teasing the iceling warrior with the nickname given to him by one of his students but his statement was sincere. If Tryston was worried about being forgotten then Zyphire found it silly. Who could forget someone like that? Sheesh. You would think I was the one crushing on the guy. The thought made him chuckle under his breath.
[Zyphire 7]
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Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 4:43 pm
Tryston had scooped up water but it slipped through his fingers when he heard Zyphire’s teasing about the nickname. He was fairly accustomed to other brothers teasing him that he had been able to manage to not react to the name but whenever Zyphire brought it up he couldn’t help but to flush a bit. It was so silly really. Taking a deep breath he simply shook his head before scooping up more water to splash against his face. The water was cool and refreshing here. Tryston wiped the droplets from his face before turning back towards Zyphire. “We’ll see.” He finally confessed, his gaze reflecting some of his actual worry before he looked away again. “At least I know you’re still the same as ever.” He managed with a small chuckle before filling up his flask with the fresh water.
[Tryston 7]
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Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 4:43 pm
Aha. Zyphire loved to get a rise out of Tryston and was amused to see the water splashing back into the stream. The shifter moved forward so that he could also scoop up some waters in his hand and steal a drink. Talking so much did manage to make him parched after all. Maybe if I didn’t keep going I could be okay buuuuut nah. The Shifter grinned and winked towards Tryston. “Of course I am. Why would I bother with change?” He joked lightly. “You know how I like things. It keeps life interesting especially when I’m usually traveling on errands or staying up here to help with things.”
“In all seriousness though you should just face it.” Zyphire added quietly as he stood back up, “I’m sure everything will be okay. Just enjoy your last day here and devour that bread once I pull it out of the oven. Nothing beats fresh bread after all.”
[Zyphire 8]
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