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Post by gabbiano on Jul 25, 2010 6:04:14 GMT -6
Gabbiano silently watched as she gave orders, and the solemn rest of the team started out yet again. He followed them acutely, being sure to stay with the rest of the troops and Marle, and he too felt the heaviness in their hearts. Gabbiano timely treated the rest of his wounds with simple first aid, as his vulnerary was now gone for good. Were is still there, he assumed Marle would need some. He looked in her direction, catching her eye. "And you, are you okay? Do you have what you need to treat your wounds?" He picked himself up and walked towards her, joining the rest of the troops. OOC: Sorry it's short, may want to time skip to the end of the walk.
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Marle Daviau
General
The Lance of the North
One word of encouragement, One person believing in me, It's all I need to become stronger.
Posts: 436
Illia Fame: 2
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Marle
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Post by Marle Daviau on Jul 25, 2010 20:06:03 GMT -6
Her eyes were heavy now, but she walked at the regular pace she set for the rest. Wincing a little, she nodded to Gabbiano as she picked out her own Vulnerary, and rubbed the salve on her head, the wound slowly closing as if it had never happened.
"Yeah...got some right here...come on, keep quiet, we don't want to attract any more attention through this pass."
Half smiling, half frowning, an odd look that seemed to be little more than a smirk, she used her lance as a walking stick now, the best she could do for herself, afterall. Her eyes darted around the cliff tops, hoping to spot nothing out of the ordinary, hopefully.
The rocky cliffs gave way to clear grasslands, for as far as the eyes could see, with little to no trees. The sight was...pretty settling...and a relief once the group got there. There was almost a collective sigh of relief by the time they reached the plains. Slowly, preparations began to get underway to start building camp a few miles away from the mountain, closer towards the trees so the gathering of firewood was easier.
Sitting down on a log, Marle began to take off her upper armor, to relax. The sun was still in the sky, but the party was tired, so camping earlier than normal was appropriate. The servants had up her tent, and slowly, she began to walk into it, settling on the floor of it as she tossed her armor into one of the corners, as well as laying her lances on the ground atop them.
"Sacae...it's so hot..."
Marle couldn't help but gasp a little, she had never been in such a warm place before, so used to the cold after being in Ilia all her life.
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Post by gabbiano on Jul 26, 2010 6:40:52 GMT -6
Gabbiano continued to walk, through the pass, alongside the common soldiers. He noted the tall mountains he used to know as his only home, and he watched as he left behind Ilian land for the very first time.
---
As the small party broke through the mountains, Gabbiano's expression was unwavering. His eyes carelessly floated amongst the many grasslands, and he wasn't used to seeing so much of it.
As the thief continued walk, he saw that Marle was furiously tired, and had taken temporary rest upon a log while the servants set up camp around her. Gabbiano didn't feel the need to partake in such a camp, seeing as he wasn't a soldier. He never wanted to feel like he was intruding.
He approached Marle's tent, not opening nor knocking because she could clearly see through to his shadow. "You will take rest, I see, as it is well deserved. We leave tomorrow, to continue our mission, should I presume?" He stopped for a second, then continued. "When we set out, inform me. I will not be in this camp." With that, he walked from Marle's tent.
Gabbiano left the camp, but he did not stray so far as to block it from eyesight. He climbed a small grassy knoll, sitting at it's peak. He watched closely the things happening about the campsite, and recollected upon the battle previously fought. He thought about the two bandits that fell to his blade, the first living things he had ever taken life from, and the blows he'd suffered. He then felt his head, sure he would feel some sort of bump or bruise, but nothing; and it was strange to him. As he sat, he unchained his cloak, wrapping it around his waist, and revealing a pale chest. "Ah, the lady is right... It's very hot here." He smiled, talking to himself.
As night approached, Gabbiano napped on the hill, his cloak draped at his waist, and his blade beside him. He had never felt such relief in a long time, even though he never had much to deal with in the first place. The gentle breeze felt good to Gabbiano, being half-asleep. Within hours, as dusk fell, Gabbiano looked towards the few appearing stars, and was finally content with his current situation. He only wondered what Marle could have in store for him the next day. And again, he fell asleep for the night.
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Marle Daviau
General
The Lance of the North
One word of encouragement, One person believing in me, It's all I need to become stronger.
Posts: 436
Illia Fame: 2
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Marle
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Post by Marle Daviau on Jul 26, 2010 15:09:42 GMT -6
Marle stared at the shadow for some time. The man sure was unbelievably quiet for how he moved...it was a bit shocking to even see that shadow just then. She had begun to get up to speak to him regularly, but Gabbiano was so...formal, and a bit withdrawn, not exactly how she remembered him. It must be the rank. Things change with responsibility it seems. Sighing, she sat back down as Gabbiano left, and wasn't able to speak a word otherwise. Shortly after the thief left, a cleric walked inside the tent, and proceeded to heal her arm the best that was possible, but once finished, a brace was fitted around her arm just for safety. Magic was only so good afterall.
Alone once again, with the sun had set, so Marle began to light her lanterns that filled the room. Sitting against a propped pillow, Marle looked over the old diary that she had always written in, but as of late, she never seemed to have the time. Best to change that.
Day 49?
Karen, once again, I apologize for not having written in so long. Life has been difficult as of late. I don't remember how many days its been since I last wrote, but it's been a long time, that I know. When last I wrote, I was just starting out on my journey to find myself, and now I write to detail my travels thus far. In the cold forests of Ilia, I met a few strangers, some of which became friends in the end. There was Saturos and Darion, two swordsmen..and a fellow named Faust. We all had gathered in a cave to take shelter from the blizzard that was raging at the time. There was also another fellow...Faust, I think his name was...strange man...but I never got to know him, as when we departed, we left him there alone...I hope he's alright.
We had a run in with a few wandering pillagers, but we brought them to justice as their blood ran into the white snow...that was the first time I ever faced any kind of real combat, it was so scary. Darion was wounded, and the closest town we could get to was on the other side of the mountains, in Eturia. We came to a small village...I don't think I ever got to know the name, but we checked into an Inn, all three of us, and left Darion there. However, we gained another sword-bearer, named Syana...she was rather energetic...and also Saturo's friend, Perry. There was a competition going on at the time, where we were invited to hunt goats in the mountains.
All was well at the time, until a large, very large Wyvern flew down upon us. We tried to fight it, but we were subdued, and it took Saturos off with him. perry went after him in his own manner, while Syana and I were left to fend for ourselves, to stave off unconsciousness. Later, we found the creature, the Matriarch as I call it due it's simple vast size. We fought it, and killed it, and then I made my goodbyes, and headed back to Ilia to become what I am now, a Knight.
In Ilia, I met Arthis after a brawl in the streets. What a rugged man, and very rude, not simply due to him being from Bern. At the time, I didn't know he would become my second in command, it was a bit of a shock. He helped though, he made my will stronger, whether he wanted that or not. But that leads us to todays ordeals. We had set off to Sacae to a place called "Salvation Point" I think it's called. Here, we will come to see what my cousin, Richter Abend, is up to...on the way, however, I ran into an old friend, Gabbiano., I met him the same day as my last entry, but we both lost track of eachother there.
So here I am now, recovering from a few wounds, the dead of my unit are buried, and waiting for sleep to overtake me...Sacae is so beautiful, and hot...what an epic country...
Marle left the pages open for a time to allow the ink to settle and dry, but she laid back, pained gasps rising as she settled slowly, looking at the top of her tent as the flames danced over the white sheets. She would do as she wanted, after the mission was over. She had no orders after sending a messenger to confirm what has taken place here.
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Post by gabbiano on Jul 26, 2010 15:31:22 GMT -6
In his dreams, Gabbiano saw his days alone in Ilia. He dreamed of the day his father left him his current blade, and went to war with more suitable weapons. The day his father left was the last time Gabbiano saw him. Seemingly, he had passed on in the war, but Gabbiano wouldn't know; he had left Ilia in search of enlightenment far before news was sent anywhere. He left simply because of his hatred towards his parents and his everlasting thirst for knowledge of himself. He dreamt of his tent, his old home in the mountains, and his many personal memories there. He also dreamt of the day in the forest, the first time he had met Marle, at a lower rank. He disliked the fact that he felt it necessary to change his speech around those with more respect and authority, but he only knew it properly to do so.
--
The next morning, as the sun clashed into the horizon, Gabbiano was awake with the wind blowing carelessly through him; and it felt good in such previous heat. He stood up, as he had no sleeping provisions, and re-chained his cloak. He brushed himself off, and strapped his blade behind his waist out of sight. He smiled contently, and walked back to camp.
Upon arrival, he watched the few soldiers walk about and prepare things for whatever reason. He noticed Marle's tent, and saw no movement inside. He sighed, looking around; he enjoyed the scenery regardless of the blistering heat. He was used to such cool temperatures, it was almost unreal.
After satisfying himself, he found a log close to Marle's tent, and awaited her. He rest his elbows on his knees, bringing his hands up together on his chin. He was content and comfortable here, enjoying Sacae. He glanced towards Marle's tent again, then closed his eyes in waiting for her.
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Marle Daviau
General
The Lance of the North
One word of encouragement, One person believing in me, It's all I need to become stronger.
Posts: 436
Illia Fame: 2
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Marle
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Post by Marle Daviau on Jul 26, 2010 17:13:04 GMT -6
Rolling over in her sleep to avoid the sun's bright shine on the outside of the tent, Marle pulled a pillow over her head with her bad arm which brought on a pained yelp as she woke up, groggy and in pain, but awake all the same. Sighing, she looked at her sore arm, and proceeded to get clothed as best as she could, deciding to leave her armor off aside from her boots and leg-guards, and the skirted armor. Exiting the tent wearing an embroidered shirt and no weapon, she stretched out her arms, and took to looking around what was happening in the camp.
There hadn't been an order to move out, so the soldiers and servants both were settling in for the day, but keeping it light so moving out the next day would come easily. Pegasi Riders were tending to their mounts, one of the horses had been hit in the wing by an arrow, so it was downed for the time being.
With a yawn, Marle walked down the low slope, and saw Gabbiano, giving a wave to him as she smiled, despite the sleep still present in her eyes.
"Hey. Have a good rest?"
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Post by gabbiano on Jul 26, 2010 17:23:46 GMT -6
Gabbiano smiled and laughed at her jokingly, as she was still sleepily walking around. "I imagine seeing you without armor is a rare sight, I would've never pictured it." He scooted over, allowing her a seat, and leaning back.
"Indeed, I slept rather well up on that hill." He pointed in the direction from which he came. "My dreams were pleasant, and I was glad to be relieved from such a battle."
He looked sadly at her arm, still wounded, and frowned. "It looks as if it's been tended to..." He started, "but time will heal, yes?" He laughed. "So before we set out, you told me we would have time to talk later." As the birds chirped and the sun ascended, today seemed like a peaceful day. "After our run-in, what exactly happened to you?" He glanced back at her tent. "From the looks of it, you've obviously climbed a rank or so." He smiled, not meeting her eye. "I retreated back to the mountains were I researched the whereabouts of some people I'm looking for, but yourself?" He asked, very curious, and he was happy to get some time to talk to her again.
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Marle Daviau
General
The Lance of the North
One word of encouragement, One person believing in me, It's all I need to become stronger.
Posts: 436
Illia Fame: 2
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Marle
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Post by Marle Daviau on Jul 28, 2010 14:53:27 GMT -6
Marle looked down at herself and grinned, her shirt was a bit wrinkled from being toted around in a bag but that was come to be expected. Nodding a little, she began with a simple addressing to her armor, though she did feel naked without it, to some sense.
"Yeah..Well, I kind of prefer to have it off more times than on, it's over a hundred pounds and it tires me out, especially on these long marches."
Sitting down next to Gabbiano, she took a load off, rolling her injured shoulder slowly, but he was right, time would heal, and she acknowledged that with a nod of her head. Looking at the ground, and then to him, bouncing between the two as he spoke, until she started with a small laugh, it was true, she did climb a rank or two, she didn't know exactly...
"Well, after we met, I went to Eturia with a few strangers, who became friends, fought a Wyvern, much larger than Arthis'...came back, became a knight, fighting all the way of course, and well, then you saw me, leading the group of soldiers here...it's been exciting but I can go with boring for awhile I think."
Grinning all the while, she looked back towards her tent, somewhat glad she packed a dress in there, it would make formal meetings, should she have to attend any, helpful.
"That's pretty much it about me. There's a bit more to it, but that's the short of it. It'd take forever to tell you everything that happened to me, but tell me this, if you can. Who are you searching for?"
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Post by gabbiano on Jul 28, 2010 19:59:26 GMT -6
He smiled and laughed along with her, finally meeting her eye, and becoming very curious of her.
He lifted his head as she spoke of her tales, and solely wished he could have such adventures on his own. Traveling the world, meeting new friends, and fighting strange and mysterious things... all of which sounded exciting enough to him.
He raised his head to the cloudy sky at the knight's question, and it hit him like lightning on a clear day. "Who am I searching for? Well..." He started, closing his eyes and laughing at himself. "It would seem that, upon much research, I have other kin that I was unaware of. A brother, perhaps, fighting for Lycia against Eturia, and possibly an uncle off being a hermit somewhere." He talked as if it was no big deal; just simple things, nothing very crucial. "I don't have a life goal, you see. I simply want... to do things before I pass on from this earth. All my life so far, I've wanted a few things... I've wanted to see and travel the world, obtain much more wisdom, and like any other self respecting guy, meet some girl to settle down with when I'm old and senile." He laughed and smiled, thinking of his future as an old man.
He looked at her, no longer smiling, but catching her eye cautiously. "And is there anything specific you want out of life? Anything... that would further your search for who you are?" He asked, full of interest, especially because he enjoyed seeing how people work.
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Marle Daviau
General
The Lance of the North
One word of encouragement, One person believing in me, It's all I need to become stronger.
Posts: 436
Illia Fame: 2
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Marle
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Post by Marle Daviau on Jul 28, 2010 21:37:26 GMT -6
Rubbing her chin with a free hand, Marle kept her eyes upon him while he talked, glad for the eye-contact being made. it made her feel more like a normal woman than just a soldier of high rank. This made her feel more relaxed. She kept a smile welded to her lips, unable to take it away as she listened about the man hearing of distant relatives now known to him. She could not empathize with him, but he must have been happy, she would have.
"Me?"
She pointed to herself while asking the question. Marle looked down at the ground for a moment longer, eyebrows furrowing as she contemplated. It was strange to be asked this, as a child, she just wanted t be a knight, and now she was, but what else for her future?
"I don't know really, haven't thought about it a whole lot. I mean, I have, but not to a conclusion. Right now, I want to make a name for the Daviau family. We are related to a highly prestigious family in Ilia, but my line isn't of it...being cousins and all. I want to change that, be the first of the Daviaus to make it big, where the name is associated with greatness. It's all self-important bullshit, but its a start."
Ending that with a grin, she knew what she said, and it was a matter of pride, in a way.
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Post by gabbiano on Jul 29, 2010 7:04:05 GMT -6
He smiled at her a chuckled a bit. "Yes, I would do well to assume family honor is a great goal. I respect you much for that. I simply wish that my family name was worth brandishing, so to speak." He closed his eyes and let himself fall back on the log, resting partly in the grass.
"You've achieved knight status, and that's quite the accomplishment, isn't it?" He asked, completely serious. "Well, I certainly hope that what you set your heart to do is done, and I believe that you can. I have no doubts about you, my friend." He laughed quietly.
Gabbiano stood up and brushed himself off, then offered Marle a hand up. "Are we to go anywhere today, or simply relax? Either is fine with me, it would just be nice to know what will happen today, at least to some extent." He smiled.
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Marle Daviau
General
The Lance of the North
One word of encouragement, One person believing in me, It's all I need to become stronger.
Posts: 436
Illia Fame: 2
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Marle
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Post by Marle Daviau on Jul 29, 2010 14:32:27 GMT -6
"Oh, don't get me wrong. My family isn't worthy either, but I wish to make it worthy. A legacy behind my lineage..."
Marle dropped off slowly and then grinned stupidly to herself, and then back to Gabbiano. Her face changed a little, still smiling, but only half as happy as she was once, but then fixed her look.
"It is a big deal, sure, but it's a little different in Ilia. not the same as I hear in Ostia, or was, in Ostia, I guess. Ilia is a land of mercenaries, and mercenaries carry great prestige. But I will, I know it."
Looking around the camp a bit as she took his hand to stand back up, and once on her feet, she looked around once more. Shaking her head to Gabbiano, Marle saw one of the soldiers getting stew out of one of the large kettles.
"No, we're staying for the day. All I ask is that you stay in the vicinity. If you wish to leave, I have no way to keep you here, as you're not one of my soldiers, but for today, we rest. The recruits are a bit green, and they hadn't experienced combat before. Best not to push them too hard, not at the start anyways."
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Post by gabbiano on Jul 29, 2010 14:57:42 GMT -6
Gabbiano studied the knight closely as she spoke, and he nodded as if signalling that he understood what she meant. To his own surprise, he bowed slightly. "I appreciate you talking with me. It's not abnormal for most commoners - and especially soldiers - would converse with my like. I thank you for putting up with me, to say the least." He let go of her hand and laughed. "You've got a lot going for you. I would not be the least surprised to hear the children telling legends of the Great Marle upon my return to Ilia." He smiled, clearly half-kidding.
He gazed across the horizon as she spoke of a more lenient day today. He sighed with relief, as he wasn't even ready to set out yet. "Yes, I see... A day of rest is well needed as well as deserved." He then waved his hand. "I'd only leave if you told me I hindered the mission, I suppose." He said, stretching his legs.
"However, I may leave the camp for a bit. I've... never been to Sacae, and it's geography interests me." He nudged her side jokingly. "May I have your leave, then?"
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Marle Daviau
General
The Lance of the North
One word of encouragement, One person believing in me, It's all I need to become stronger.
Posts: 436
Illia Fame: 2
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Marle
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Post by Marle Daviau on Jul 29, 2010 17:30:56 GMT -6
Marle began to cough out of surprise at hearing of the title "Marle the Great." She looked over Gabbiano, scrutinizingly eying the man with a frown on her brow. Clearing her throat, she fixed her posture, fixing the harness that kept up her arm, which caused light flinching from her actions.
"I certainly hope I don't get such a horrible title bestowed upon me. That would cause me to turn in my grave long since I die."
She chuckled happily and waved a hand dismissively, since the thief didn't need her permission to leave the camp. Still, he already asked, and there was nothing she could change about that. "Yes Gabbiano, you have my permission, and also my permission that you need not ask again, okay?"
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Post by gabbiano on Jul 29, 2010 18:00:03 GMT -6
Gabbiano nodded to her, and then laughed. Hopefully she caught on to his joke, but nonetheless, he took his leave.
For hours, Gabbiano explored the vast plains of Sacae, enjoying everything he saw. So much grass... that which he never had back in Ilia. He lay in the grass, happy for the heat, and thankful that Marle and her company allowed him to travel with them. He sighed heavily, wondering where he would go after this mission. Sometimes, that was the only thing that worried him. He had nowhere to go, nowhere to call him. He thought of his supposed brother, whom he'd never known about, and wondered where he was if he even existed. Was he really fighting for what Ostia used to be? If he could only find him...
Gabbiano was content there, laying in the grass with the slight wind. He enjoyed having such downtime to think about things, especially things about himself. He fell asleep in his own thought, for a few hours.
---
When he awoke, the sky was a vibrant orange as the sun was setting on the plains. He rolled his head over and moaned, deciding he'd slept too late and needed to get back to the camp. He picked up his cloak, reattached his blade, and headed back from the direction he came.
Upon seeing the camp, it had grown dark blue with dusk turning into nightfall. He approached quietly, and saw Marle and a few others.
He stood beside her without a noise, then piped up, hoping to surprise her. "The plains of Sacae are a beautiful place, much to be remembered. What a nice land, save for the intense heat." He smiled. "How has your day gone?"
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