Grayson
Nomad
[M:25]
Now isn't this amusing?
Posts: 105
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Post by Grayson on Jun 20, 2011 18:17:45 GMT -6
While not particularly enthralled to see Sabin, Grayson was relieved to see that he was alright. Though he did wonder how he wound up in the street with them. He certainly didn't notice the brute when they were on their way to town.
Both Sabin and Xavier were quite ecstatic about going to Etruria. The thought of visiting such a place amused Grayson as well, but there was something nagging him about Aaron's explanation. He never offered to have them tag along. He said that he was going there, not they. Grayson cleared his throat and spoke.
"Hold on just a second, you two. I think Aaron wants to go alone." he looked sternly at Aaron, a mood he didn't express very often, "I'd love to tag along as much as anyone, but if this is something you need to take care of by yourself then you have every right to leave us here. I can't speak for Xavier and Sabin, here, but I will respect your wishes."
Grayson respectfully awaited Aaron's reply.
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Aaron Winsett
Sage
Seeker of Knowledge
Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.
Posts: 419
Sacae Fame: 1
Lycia Fame: 2
Profession: Student of Magic
OoC Alias: Feldsky
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Post by Aaron Winsett on Jun 20, 2011 23:09:04 GMT -6
Aaron listened to what they all said. Sabin and Grayson seemed to catch onto the idea that something was amiss. Grayson in particular, and the mage was appreciative of that. The newest companion, Xavier didn't seem t notice. The mage turned away and took a few steps, seeming very agitated, before walking back towards the group.
"Alright.... The trouble she's in isn't your average sort of trouble, alright? The truth is...." Gah... What was he doing. If he brought them, he'd be leading them into nothing but pain. Likely death. Aaron had enough knowledge to know that Lilith was in way over her head, and he was too.
"This isn't just some field trip! Listen..." The mage took a deep breath, getting himself under control after his raised voice.
"Etruria is the home of the Prophet, who's armies are rolling across the lands. Ostia is flattened to the ground by this man. If his men find foreigners in their lands, they'll be far less welcoming than here."
Many things disturbed Aaron as he spoke. Most prominent was the fear taking root that he wouldn't be sufficient to the task he was approaching. His old fear of dark magic itself was spiking. Fear for Lilith was another main point. Also growing was rage and anger at the unfairness of the world. Lilith was too young and sweet to suffer, yet she was, and Aaron could do nothing about it.... Not from here anyway.
In all his favorite legends the hero had always stomped out the villain, or misfortune, or whatever else had assailed his world. Now, it was Aaron's turn to step up. Whether it was from a forgotten time or not, he would play the hero.
"It'll be safer here."
Hah! Safer? Here, in a country in the middle of fighting a sort of civil war? Where did this young man think he was off to?
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Xavier
Troubadour
BANNED
Posts: 69
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Post by Xavier on Jun 20, 2011 23:52:03 GMT -6
Xavier was broken out of his powerhungry thoughts by outbursts from both the archer and the mage. Both of them seemed to be trying to separate the group and the mage. Xavier wasn't about to stay in Bern, that's all he knew, no matter whatever war or conflict was happening in Etruria. He knew he had to go to Etruria, he knew that if he didn't go, he would be constantly plagued by thoughts of what he would have gained (or lost) if he did.
"Well, its precisely because its unsafe that you need us even more. You will need my prowess with healing staves, won't you?", Xavier said, forcing himself to smile even more to make light of the danger. Hopefully the mage would let Xavier tag along.
OoC: Yeah, Xavier is insisting and forcing his way through. He's a foolhardy person, lol. The option is still open for you to leave us behind though.
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Grayson
Nomad
[M:25]
Now isn't this amusing?
Posts: 105
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Post by Grayson on Jun 21, 2011 0:45:25 GMT -6
Grayson was put off by Xavier's apparent need to accompany Aaron. He just made it quite clear that he was pushing the three away. Still, the archer couldn't help but feel that just letting his new friend walk away, possibly to a gruesome fate, wasn't right. Sure, he knew that Aaron could handle himself, but this was Etruria. Grayson didn't know much about the place, but his father told him stories and they never had happy endings. Not since Ostia's fall.
Still, the desperation in Aaron's voice was genuine. The mage was sincere in his warning. Whether he truly did not want the three to be led into harm or he was just pushing them away for so he could be alone, Grayson did not know. But he did know that Aaron was passionate about it. It was a polarizing situation and the archer wracked himself over what to do. On one hand, leave Aaron to his devices in Etruria and possibly never know of what became of his friend while also braving Bern alone. On the other, insist to accompany Aaron, like Xavier, and risk their newly formed friendship.
One option weighed over the other in Grayson's head, then the scale tipped and tipped again. He couldn't decide one way or the other. Finally, he abandoned his thoughts and went with the only logical option.
"You choose." Grayson blurted at Aaron, "I mean it. I can't decide what to do so I'll allow you to decide if I follow or if I stay. I trust you enough to make this decision." the novice archer shifted his weight to one side and crossed his arms, "I... realize it may be a bit of an odd choice to make, but I trust your judgement."
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Sabin
Pirate
Sightseeing's fun, isn't it?
Posts: 148
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Post by Sabin on Jun 21, 2011 5:22:47 GMT -6
Sabin listened to what the other three had to say. Aaron wasn't looking particularly calm and collected as Sabin usually saw him. He seemed to be struggling to tell them something.
Grayson too didn't seem too keen on following Aaron after he warned them of the danger. This looked like dangerous business, something Aaron wished to do alone. It was probably best to leave him be.
"I'm with Grayson, for once. You can decide whether we can come with you, or not." Sabin said, folding his arms.
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Aaron Winsett
Sage
Seeker of Knowledge
Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.
Posts: 419
Sacae Fame: 1
Lycia Fame: 2
Profession: Student of Magic
OoC Alias: Feldsky
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Post by Aaron Winsett on Jun 21, 2011 18:08:22 GMT -6
The Mage wasn't quite sure what he'd expected, but it hadn't been this. He wasn't even sure he'd expected any given reaction. If so, it had probably been something more in line with Xavier's arguing than the other two's choice to pass the decision off to him. Aaron was almost unsure to do with that.
Pros... support.... distractions... individual talents... Cons... slower... vulnerable to tracking... lack of privacy...
...Death.
Aaron laid out these thoughts and felt his mind breaking them down into even smaller constituent pieces, analyzing them for categorization. It had been a long time since he'd made use of his thoughts in this manner.... Back when he was still traveling with Lilith.
"No... it's better that you stay." Aaron opened his eyes, unaware that he'd closed them in thought. A semblance of composure returned to the mage. Or, perhaps it was a lack of emotion. It didn't matter. He'd made up his mind.
"I'm going. Don't be... concerned. I doubt even many Etrurian trained mages can best me, and I'll be preparing on the way."
The green-haired scholar looked over the three.... Sabin, with his sight seeing wishes. Had he gotten a chance to get a good ol' bernese meal, as he'd wished, yet? And Grayson with his long lost horse, Mr. Cobblepot. A rediculous name, Aaron thought, but he didn't have the heart to tell him. What about Xavier? Something about the younger man seemed a bit off to Aaron. His view of the world seemed skewed by something. He'd brought them to the town, anyway. And, now he was leaving.
"Take care of yourselves." Aaron turned and half strode, half jogged towards the gate before shouting over his shoulder.
"And Grayson, I expect to be hearing of your archery prowess in a few years!" Sad, sour departures weren't really his thing, even when he was in a sour spot himself.
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Grayson
Nomad
[M:25]
Now isn't this amusing?
Posts: 105
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Post by Grayson on Jun 21, 2011 18:26:11 GMT -6
Grayson watched as his mage friend walked away. He had figured that was going to be the choice, but it was still a great task to keep himself from running after him. His fists clenched tightly and his toes curled in his boots. Grayson stood as rigid as he could; as he knew that if he allowed himself to move even once, his body would take over and sprint after Aaron. Thoughts of what could happen, of the idea that he may never see him again, spun like a cyclone in his head, but he did everything he could to keep them from overtaking him. Finally, the archer could no longer see his friend's green mane. He was gone.
"Well..." Grayson said while relaxing his body, finally, "I'd better get that saddle for Mr. Cobblepot."
The archer, seemingly emotionlessly, walked away to find a riding shop so he could pick out a seat for himself. When he unclenched his right hand, however, he felt a twinge of pain. Looking at it, he noticed that it was bleeding. Grayson was slightly bewildered that he hadn't noticed his own fingernails breaking his skin, but shook the pain off and continued into the market. He placed his hood on his head, hoping no one passing by would see the tears welling up in his eyes. They were tears not only of sadness for letting a friend go to a possibly gruesome fate, but also of determination to see him again one day.
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Xavier
Troubadour
BANNED
Posts: 69
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Post by Xavier on Jun 21, 2011 18:53:39 GMT -6
Xavier watched as the mage walked off into the distance, watched as none of the two around him did anything or even tried to stop the mage from going alone. It was almost his last chance to get into Etruria, Xavier felt that if he did not go to Etruria, somehow something might go wrong, yet, he could not just go off on his own, he'd get really lost like before and probably get even further away.
Therefore, as the mage walked off, Xavier could only stand on the spot helplessly watching as none of them went after him. It was only after the mage had walked off, that Xavier made up his mind to go off to Etruria no matter what.
"So, what do YOU guys plan on doing now? We've missed our chance to Etruria!", Xavier half-shouted, half-said, letting his exasperation and anger show in his voice.
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Grayson
Nomad
[M:25]
Now isn't this amusing?
Posts: 105
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Post by Grayson on Jun 21, 2011 19:42:26 GMT -6
Grayson turned around to look at the angered healer behind him. His outburst irked the archer. That was all he cared about? Aaron just left on a suicide mission and all he cared about was getting to see Etruria? It took a lot to not just walk up and slap the inconsideration out of him. But he just finished keeping still while Aaron left on said suicide mission so it was a bit easier. However, he was not able to abide by what he just said.
"We what? You just watched as the bravest man I have ever met left on a mission that will likely get him killed and all you care about is seeing a damn countryside?!" that was the first time Grayson had ever cursed, but it felt right. Balling his hands into fists, digging back into the wound on his palm, he stepped back over to Xavier.
"You have some nerve acting like that. He did what he just did to spare our lives! Now you can go to Etruria on your own accord, but do not go spitting on what he just did by getting upset over a little sight seeing!" Grayson took a few deep breaths. It had been a while before he had yelled like that. It felt... cleansing. The archer turned on the balls of his feet back towards the marketplace.
"Like I said, I'm going to go get a saddle for my horse. Do what you two want, but I'm likely not going to be doing it with you."
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Xavier
Troubadour
BANNED
Posts: 69
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Post by Xavier on Jun 22, 2011 6:32:36 GMT -6
Xavier's already not so good mood was drenched yet again by the archer's outburst. He felt angry, because he had both missed his chance of heading to Etruria, a place he considered paradise after having read many books on it and gotten shouted at by the archer for what was probably his fault. Xavier had also not understood the danger behind the mage heading over to Etruria.
So yeah, blame me for EVERYTHING!, Xavier thought in his mind.
"You talk about the danger, but do you understand my need to get to Etruria, my desire to visit it? Don't just undermine others' desires or needs like you know them best!", Xavier burst out, feeling especially angry, and unable to control his outbursts.
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Sabin
Pirate
Sightseeing's fun, isn't it?
Posts: 148
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Post by Sabin on Jun 22, 2011 9:59:56 GMT -6
Sabin saw as Aaron said his last words. Too bad he was going alone, even after mentioning the danger going to Etruria. Although a brave one, it was a bad decision, Sabin felt. He really could have used the extra hand, really.
Sabin just stood there as Aaron walked away. He didn't know about the scholar too much, but he knew the man was good at heart and very wise. Death of someone like him would be a pretty bad loss to the world, he thought. Still, it was no use thinking about it now. It was time to move on. Sabin's thoughts drifted to sightseeing...where could he go now?
He noticed Grayson leaving as well... that was particularly sad. It seemed it was Aaron who held the group, however small it was. Sabin decided to let him go as well, he guessed. It was hard planning out what to do next when he was off course from his normal way of living. He pondered over what an explorer might have done in his situation...
And his thoughts were abruptly stopped by the sudden pouting coming from Xavier. Sabin wasn't surprised by the boy's pouting. He had seen it before. But what annoyed Sabin, was not the boy's pouting, but the boy's anger about not going to Etruria, Although selfish, he needed to understand that it was also for his best interests to not go to Etruria. There was immense danger over there.
And then Grayson responded, equally angry now. Sabin quietly watched as things were getting quiet messy. But then he watched as Grayson was walking away, telling them he was probably not going with them, Xavier shouted about how he missed his chance.
Sabin knew this was getting a little to much now. He held Xavier's hand and dragged him to the side. "Listen, kid. You're desires are your own, and only you can fulfil them. Don't rely on others the let your wishes come true." he whispered, giving him a wink.
"Now, Aaron must have not gone too far from here. If you're lucky, you may be able to follow him. I'd advice you not to, especially since its against his wishes, but then I guess I can't stop you, can I?" he continued.
"I guess I'll be going to one of those nice Bernese restaurants then. You can do whatever you want, maybe follow me if you wish." Sabin finished, giving Xavier the thumbs up as he too walked in a different direction. It was time to move on.
OOC: Sabin's out of this thread.
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Grayson
Nomad
[M:25]
Now isn't this amusing?
Posts: 105
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Post by Grayson on Jun 22, 2011 13:02:45 GMT -6
The streets of that small Bernese town felt lonely. Even though there were people wandering aroud the marketplace, Grayson couldn't shake the feeling of being the only one there. He felt bad about his outburst earlier, but he also knew that he was in the right. It was something that Xavier needed to hear. Being so selfish would only win the kid enemies. Much like it did when Grayson was younger.
The archer drudged through the damp dirt road lined by stores, smithies, and beggars. No riding store, it seemed. Grayson's heart sank. He really didn't want to have to ride on Mr. Cobblepot without a saddle for another trip. Another lap around the market yielded the same results. However, he did find a nice tannery. Perhaps they made saddles?
Grayson entered the building which was much less a store and more a home converted into a business. The smell of leather took him away from his woes. there was just something about that smell that was comforting. A woman stood behind the counter, sewing together a boot by hand. Her flaxy hair reminded him of his own mother. She noticed him and greeted the archer with a smile.
"Greetings! What may I get you, sir? A new pair of boots, perhaps?" the woman pointed at Grayson's charred boot. He looked at it for a moment and shook his head, hair swaying with the motion of his head.
"No. I was wondering if you had any saddles for sale? I haven't had any luck with finding a ride shop and I am in desperate need for one." the woman looked up at him with milky, colorless eyes with a look of happiness.
"Yes! I just so happen to have one!" she stood up and picked up a cane, tapping it along the wall and counter as she walked over to the other side of the "store". "I didn't make it, but I do have it laying around, taking up space. It would be nice to have you take it off my hands."
Grayson gasped a little as the woman felt around the wall, searching in futile for something. The archer rushed to grab what she was looking for, a fine saddle trimmed in purple. He turned to the blind woman and gave it to her.
"You're... blind, aren't you?"
The tanner looked in his direction, taking the saddle and smiled.
"Yes I am. You know..." she walked back to the counter with the saddle in hand, "This used to be my saddle. I was a mounted archer in the Bernese circus troupe, Herman van Grelshto. Then the accident happened and... well... I don't need it anymore. You can't ride if you can't see."
Grayson felt incredibly sad for the woman. However, she had seemed to have come to terms with her situation and was living quite peacefully. But something about that circus troupe was familiar. The archer jumped as he realized what it was.
"Herman van Grelshto! I saw you guys when I was a child! Your mounted archery act inspired me to take up the bow!"
"Oh? Well, then you'll need this as well." the tanner felt around her counter and pulled out a piece of leather armor consisting of a half breast pad and a shoulder pad. Grayson remembered seeing the bandit archers wearing something similar. But something nagged at him. How did she...
"How did you know I wasn't wearing one already?"
The woman smiled warmly.
"Your clothing. It sounds like nothing but cloth. I could tell right away."
"So you know about my burned boot because-"
"I could hear it, dear. Leather sounds much different after being burned like that. Now..." she took a moment to divvy up the total, "That will be two hundred and thirty gold, young man. The archery guard is on the house. Let us just say, a gift for a kindred spirit."
Grayson produced the amount of coin she requested and even threw in some extra. He took the saddle and armor and walked out of the store. Thanking the blind woman for her kindness.
A bit more shopping, food supplies and camping gear (including a proper bed roll) and a pair of spurs from a local smithy, and Grayson was ready to set out. He loaded everything on Mr. Cobblepot after securing the saddle. The archer looked at the archery guard in his hand. He considered putting it on, but it didn't seem right. Not until he was able to fire competently. He knew he still had some time to go before he would be able to consider himself an archer, let alone a mounted one. Grayson placed the piece of leather armor in the bag hanging from his saddle and mounted his steed. A swift kick with his new spurs sent his horse galloping out of town and towards a new horizon.
--- Grayson's gone. ---
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Xavier
Troubadour
BANNED
Posts: 69
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Post by Xavier on Jun 22, 2011 18:12:37 GMT -6
As the man told Xavier about Aaron not having travelled far already, and that Xavier should not rely on others to fulfill his own wishes, Xavier went back into the stables, saddled and readied Ralph faster than he had done before, and set off down the road that Aaron had went off in. Luckily, the ground was soft, and Xavier was able to follow some half-footprints left behind by the mage.
In this manner, Xavier was able to follow the mage, and when Xavier went far and fast enough that he could actually see the mage some distance ahead of him, Xavier slowed Ralph's pace so that he would not be discovered by the mage. He wouldn't have to travel with the mage, he only needed the mage to guide the way to Etruria for him, that was all. After how he was so rudely put down, Xavier did not really feel like speaking to the mage, but he knew eventually the mage would notice him following.
OoC: And Xavier's out of the thread to join Aaron.
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