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
|
Post by Marle Daviau on Jul 25, 2011 14:48:50 GMT -6
It was now a few days after the event at the destroyed village, when Marle split up her weary army. She never got the reinforcements she needed along the way, since it was a stop far sooner along the road than she had hoped. THis way, if the Eturians were north of here, then she'd be able to scout them out ahead of time, and perhaps even sabotage them until the help needed arrived.
As the days progressed, Marle started to feel more and more familiar with the country she was in. She recognized some of these areas. There were some knocked down threes that distorted it from memory, but nostalgia flooded her.
It was still early in the day, as the group of some thirty odd soldiers pushed on down the road. To put it plainly, she got to understand some of the soldiers under her better. They were still a bit more...pulled back from her, some not wishing to overly socialize. That was a common thing sometimes in the army. They would think that if they didn't get to know you, it'd be easier to grieve.
Hours past this day, as morning worked into mid-day, and in the distance, she could see the small smoke plumes of chimneys and hearths. She wanted to smile, but really, this wasn't the way she wanted to come back here...or if at all. The group crested the hill, and then they were at the southern bridge that would lead int Emmeline.
"We'll stop here, and resupply."
|
|
Garnet
Hero
The Scarlet Brand
You call these bandits? You should'a seen what I had to deal with in Sacae!
Posts: 330
Etruria Fame: 1
|
Post by Garnet on Jul 25, 2011 17:14:22 GMT -6
The last few days had been difficult for Garnet. Oh, he'd managed the pace, but the cold was really beginning to wear thin on him. A few of the soldiers he'd managed to hit it off with had alternated between making fun of him for his chills, and telling him that he'd get used to the cold in time. The Red-headed hero wasn't sure, but they were probably right.
Other troubles had been the nights. Dreams. Nightmares had come often to remind him of that vile battle. It seemed like the more time he had to think about it, the worse it had gotten. It had been an abominable day. He only hoped that they'd find a way to stop it next time. He had no ideas about how to go about that. If there was one thing he wasn't, it was a mage.
"Well, Captain." He stopped to correct himself. She'd told him to call her Marle, and he was happy enough to oblige. "...Marle. Do you know where we are? It looks to be fairly important, with it's river position, and the bridge.... What is Emmeline's Crossing?"
The smell of burning firewood from across the river was a major contrast to the glacial smell of the frozen land they'd been passing through. He was looking forward to being able to get some basic civilized comforts here.
|
|
Aleth
Hero
Everything you can do I can do one handed!
Posts: 247
Profession: NEET
Affinity: Ice
|
Post by Aleth on Jul 25, 2011 17:55:57 GMT -6
Aleth muttered a few incomprehensible words. Life hasn’t been going in an upward fashion for her lately. First she ends up back in Ilia and next thing she knows, almost all her money was wasted in alcohol. She knew taking one cup was more than enough to start her binge drinking problem. At least she stopped with a few change coins to spare. Who knew if it turned out bad enough she might have even sold that little crest gift. That old man really didn’t need to give her anything but he said it would become useful in due time. It wasn’t like someone her caliber deserved such a gift. She couldn’t help but sulkily glance down at her one arm. At least she could still beat most opponents coming her way.
She looked about the streets of the town, huddled over a corner. It has been awhile since anyone would hire her, not much one could do with one arm. If only some mercenary band or anyone looking for a fighter would hire her… Then again even that would be a long shot for her disability. Truthfully some hot cider would help her more so than. She tilted her little homemade sign a bit, looking down at the scribbled words: Willing to work for food. This was an all-time low for her and she had to admit that her parents were right; she had no sense of money at all. If only, if only, just a chance, she thought to herself, leaning back against her large blade and covering over her lost arm. Perhaps no one would question her, if they didn’t see…
|
|
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
|
Post by Marle Daviau on Jul 25, 2011 18:43:58 GMT -6
That was, that was a good question. Marle was initially stumped by it, but she found herself quickly. Advancing down the main highway that lead from Arphen to here, Marle gave a laugh and shrugged her shoulders. That brought back memories, too bad she couldn't remember the important part of the question.
"Oh...wow, I used to be told about the story when I was younger. Let me think on that, or ask around. Right now, I can't tell you, all I remember is it's some sort of love story."
Marle gave a smile at him as a bit more time passed, as they started to go over the stone bridge. Soldiers were a sort of uncommon thing to see here, more mercenaries were around than actual soldiers, so their entrance made a bit of a stir.
Marle wished she had her helmet with her...where had she left it? She was hoping her hair, and it's colour would hide her face certain enough. Trying not to appear sheepish, she led the men into the town's center, and she looked about. She had also noticed, that on her way into town, the look of it was different, there were quite a few new buildings, so she didn't quite know what to think of this place. It felt like home, but it was busier.
"Alright, we'll stay at that Inn there." She motioned to the large building just behind the soldiers. It was big enough for all of them to stay there, with luck. The name was faded, it needed a new sign because she could not read it.
"Do what you will, we'll stay here for the day, repair what you have, and gather what you need."
With that, most of the soldiers went to check into the inn. Marle had other plans, she hurried off to the Blacksmith. On her way, she saw a woman holding a sign, and this intrigued her. Clad in her full armor, she walked over, and motioned, once close enough, at the sign.
"By first appearances...I'm going to say that you're a mercenary, are you not?"
|
|
Garnet
Hero
The Scarlet Brand
You call these bandits? You should'a seen what I had to deal with in Sacae!
Posts: 330
Etruria Fame: 1
|
Post by Garnet on Jul 25, 2011 21:12:56 GMT -6
Garnet listened with Interest as the Captain tried to remember the story. He was a bit disappointed when she could remember it. Which confused him. Who did he think he was? Some mage-scholar sort? Stories, or lack of stories rather, shouldn't bother him. Not when he'd be getting all the amenities this fine town had to offer in the night. Or at least some of them.
"Fair enough, Marle. I hope you manage to recall it later though."
Stepping lively, Garnet followed the knight down into the town proper, taking in its busy streets, and lively paths. If he'd been led to expect anything of Illia's towns, he wasn't seeing it here. Not that he'd expected the stereotypical depiction of loads of mercenaries being around. Not in someplace that wasn't Arphen, anyway.
After the troop separated, Garnet decided to swing by the inn and get himself a room. Might as well... He could reassess his equipment once he was inside shelter. After securing a place, he decided to head over to the tavern for a bit. He didn't bother leaving anything. He wanted to keep his weapons on him, and there really wasn't much of anything else he carried. Not since he'd left Bulgar... unwillingly. Maybe he ought to be more careful this time.
With his heavy two-hander knocking against the shield on his back, and the damaged short sword at his side, Garnet entered the tavern, quickly shutting out the cold behind him. He was met by the sounds of laughter, and a few shouts to "stop letting the penguins in." ...Whatever that was. He looked around at the place. It seemed pretty lively, all told, and smelled heavily of alcohol.
"A watered ale." Garnet told the barkeep, tossing a gold coin into a bowl on the counter and eyeing the man behind the counter. The barkeeper stopped shining his glass for a moment and eyed Garnet back.
"One mug of cheap stuff coming your way, my man." Deftly, he began filling a mug to the brim from a keg behind the counter, before handing it to the red-headed mercenary hero. "Thought, to be honest, I think the stronger stuff is what helps a man stay warm in this weather."
Garnet merely grinned and nodded as he thanked the man. He'd rather maintain his wits tonight. Most nights, actually. Ok. Probably every night.
Now with drink in hand, The swordsman glanced around the room, leaning up near the end of the bar as he watched the noise and laughter.
|
|
Aleth
Hero
Everything you can do I can do one handed!
Posts: 247
Profession: NEET
Affinity: Ice
|
Post by Aleth on Jul 25, 2011 21:36:01 GMT -6
Aleth glanced up at the figure addressing her. How strange, this was the first time someone addressed her about her career. This caused quite a number of confusion as she momentarily looked about to make sure that the knight was addressing her. When it appeared that there was nobody else to mistaken except a cat by a windowsill, did she fully felt the acknowledgement. This could be her chance for a job, in worse case possibility she would just embarrass herself to a random stranger!
“Yes I am, ma’am, but times are hard, that and I find myself low on any traveling expenses,” she answered keeping her tone calm and collected. With little effort and the help of her bastard sword like blade she got up from her spot. It was far more professional than simply gazing a possible employer from afar.
“I am not a local here of course but one incident after another could really cripple a person,” she continued, cringing a little in her mind from the mention of the word cripple. With deftly skills she naturally hid her disability while reaching out to offer a handshake with her good left arm.
“My name is Aleth, it is a pleasure to meet you,” she said with a hearty good tone. Truth be told she isn’t expecting much at all but possibilities are endless like some would say. Hopefully her impression was good enough.
|
|
Selibas
Hero
The Little Wolf
My Word is Iron.
Posts: 455
Etruria Fame: -1
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -3
Profession: Khan
Guild: Tribe of Sacae
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Selibas
|
Post by Selibas on Jul 25, 2011 22:34:41 GMT -6
Selibas was drunk. He was in a tavern near the inn he would later sleep in when Garnet walked in. He was at a table in the center of a crowd. Selibas had never been drunk befre though he knew that bourban warmed him and he liked the taste, which was good for Illia. Selibas was usually a quiet mess, talking alone with a woman, or extremely sarcasticly friendly, which is a strange combination. Drunk Selibas, was laughing at every small thing that happened in the game of dice he was playing, although noone was betting. He got on a large winning streak, and a man stood up and growled, "This savage is cheating!" Selibas laughed at first with the others, but then somehow remembered that savage was how these people saw Sacaens.
Selibas didn't like that. He stood up and said, " Well I'm not suuuure we shoulld do this in this establishment, but I won't," Selibas hiccuped, "take an insult lightly." A few people laughed at his slurred speech. They did even longer when Selibas tried to kick unsheath Epeeciel, which was to high on his hips for his short legs to reach. The laughter stopped when he gave up and did the same for his iron sword, which he had named Caladbolg. Caladbolg landed on the floor as Selibas missed, then unstrapped the sheath of the sword, and looked at the man. The man had a buddy with him, and the two sniggered as one picked up a chair.
Selibas waited for the man with the chair to advance, and slashed at his thigh, anticiptaing the blow the man jumped back then swung at Selibas with his chair. The Mercenary allowedhis muscle memory to take over and slid in turning so that the chair hit his back, it hurt but didn't completely stop him. He punched the man in the face. The man fell back as many bar patrons gasped. The other man had come forward, and punched Selibas quickly in the stomach. Selibas fell to the ground then got back up, only to be punched in the face, and sent down to the floor again. Selibas slid away from a stomping boot and smacked the man twice, once in the knee, and another in his shin. The man tumbled down, and the Sacaen pushed himslef up with the sword case. He got in his ready stance awaiting the men again.
The men realized that many of the people had left, finishing their tabs, and decided it wasn't worth risking with a drunk Savage. Selibas didn't know what to do. The only noteable place welcomeing to sit was the chair at his empty table so he retrieved his sword, sat down, and on instinct put the sword on the table to offer his services.
|
|
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
|
Post by Marle Daviau on Jul 25, 2011 23:10:14 GMT -6
Marle had started to reach out to shake her hand. She had heard the girl say she was a cripple, and at that moment, she under just then what she meant for sure. Looking at the left hand coming towards her right hand, she hesitated for a second, and switched hands, since that would be more appropriate, no need for that awkward wrong handshake in first meeting. Grabbing the gir;s hand, she gave a firm grip, and a shake, unintentionally of course, the way she held it.
"I know you're not, you don't look it, also, if you were, I would have recognized you. I may have been gone for a long time, but I would know a local face here."
Pulling her hand back,s he crossed her arms together, trying not to pay too much attention, or put too much thought into why she didn't shake with her right arm. That's how everyone did it, how everyone was raised. If she were a cripple, would that be why? That wasn't for her to press, just then, but she would do it anyways, in a different way.
"Well, I'm certainly glad you're a mercenary at the least. That sign had me leading to different ideas...more...seedy and darker...ideas."
Marle laughed as she gave a sly smirk to the girl, narrowed eyes and all, as if trying to poke fun at her. She was a stranger, but she needed someone who didn't know her to talk to right now.
"Either way. Can you fight with your handicap?"
|
|
Aleth
Hero
Everything you can do I can do one handed!
Posts: 247
Profession: NEET
Affinity: Ice
|
Post by Aleth on Jul 26, 2011 8:55:33 GMT -6
The lady knight seemed kind enough but she was a stranger after all. Maybe in due time she would find out about her missing arm, just not now at least. It was amazing how someone gets to know another by a simple handshake; the firm grip gave her a reassuring boost in morale. She seemed to be a fair person at the very least. As for her mention about the sign, she did manage to freeze up with horror when she understood the knight’s little joke. It was a good thing she was joking as well or she would seriously be freaking out at that moment.
“I’m sorry, I can’t do much but fight, that and deliveries,” she mumbled the last part remembering what she would do to help move around and get to know a village she was staying at. It was a great way to get to know the locals but after her drinking binge it was hard to redeem oneself to the public eye.
“Yes, I might have a handicap but it won’t affect my fighting skills,” she answered back with confidence, wondering how subtle she was in hiding the real crippled part. In her head however, she was yelling to herself about such lie. SHE LOST HER FREAKING ARM! Sure wielding such a large blade would be affected but she had become used to it. This was her chance, every time she tried to get a job in a mercenary troop they would say something along the lines of saving her life but without a job it was the same as a death sentence. With one quick and seamless movement she sheathed the blade to the holder along her waist. In time she had perfected it to look natural; it also came with some training to handle a large weapon one armed.
“I do admit that I was born in Illia, I just never stayed in one place for too long,” she remarked.
“So interested in hiring a mercenary without any sense of money?” she asked, surprisingly serious about her statement.
|
|
Garnet
Hero
The Scarlet Brand
You call these bandits? You should'a seen what I had to deal with in Sacae!
Posts: 330
Etruria Fame: 1
|
Post by Garnet on Jul 26, 2011 12:39:47 GMT -6
Of course, as soon as Garnet walked in, and leaned up against the counter, a fight would have to break out. Accusations over cheating or something of that nature. Thankfully, the battle didn't escalate, for long before the brutes got tired of it. It was just as well. A fight would have ruined the carefree state that the hero was sinking into.
What was that Sacaen doing here anyway? He looked... was he even old enough to be traveling unattended? The beard made it hard to judge for certain. Holding his mug in one hand, and steadying his sword with his other, the red-headed man sauntered over towards the table where the Sacaen had sat. He was curious more than anything, and perhaps in a talkative mood.
Garnet stared down at the table from where he stood, inspecting the sword laying there, and the boy-man who'd set it down.
"You're lucky to have not been run out of here, friend. Illians are hardly the mild folk of the more temperate regions. If rumor's to be believed.... Mind if I have a sit?"
|
|
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
|
Post by Marle Daviau on Jul 26, 2011 13:16:31 GMT -6
Marle was far too pleased with the way the mercenary reacted by the joke about the sign. She gave a grin and watched as that bladed weapon was sheathed. The way the girl moved showed her talent in of itself, to use a weapon like that one handed and move fluidly, it was a sign that told Marle that Aleth know what she could do. it was the same way with her use of the lance one handed, though she had much to learn still.
"Mercenaries rarely do, staying one one place can be bad for their business, so I'm told."
Humming, she plotted a bit, thinking of the concept of not actually having to pay her. Not Paying her would be much more profitable, afterall, provided the woman stay and fight for what she had planned.
"It keeps my purse heavy, so I'm not opposed to feeding you for your handiwork, provided you not run away when the going gets tough."
That was always the dangers of hiring someone to help you, sometimes their life outweighed the payment, and she could understand that...but that flew in the face of the mercenary code. It was hard to find a reliable group these days, let alone a lone soldier. With an armored hand, she motioned to the inn where most of her soldiers were.
"I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself, I'm Marle, a Knight. My...business, has me going north west of here, and if you're willing to sign a contract of employment with me, I'd have you join my force."
No need to let out too much information, it was clear she was hunting someone though, why hire a mercenary if not for that?
"I'll pay for room and board, and your meals, if you agree to aid me."
|
|
Aleth
Hero
Everything you can do I can do one handed!
Posts: 247
Profession: NEET
Affinity: Ice
|
Post by Aleth on Jul 26, 2011 14:50:18 GMT -6
Aleth rested her hand along the hilt of her blade as she listened. This habit had helped her relax and calm her nerve many times. She found it as a source of relief when she feels any form of anxiety. Before her “accident” with her arm she would just cross her arms.
“I can guarantee that I would not run away unless commanded otherwise,” she answered. It wouldn’t be bad to tell Marle about the incident about her hardheaded loyalty that cost her arm. Then that would directly indicate to how she was a cripple. It was better to leave things the way it was.
“I won’t leave even if I get stormed by monster like that time in… ah forget it, probably sound outrageous for someone like me to have survived that,” she said with a smirk. Sure she was being a bit humble but that was how it was with her.
“I would love the contract nonetheless, perhaps we could discuss the details on a walk, as you seem to be a woman with a duty,” she said picking up her sign and putting it away in case of later use.
|
|
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
|
Post by Marle Daviau on Jul 26, 2011 15:37:09 GMT -6
Marle gives a bit of an intregued look to Aleth. She had fought monsters too? She would talk to her about that definitely. Were they becoming a common occurance everywhere now? Noting that she was caught about her duty, she reached up and grabbed one of the long lances from the sleeve she kept it in, and positioned the badly damaged weapon for the mercenary to see.
"Yes, I was actually on the way to the blacksmith to have this repaired. "
She motions for the girl to follow her on the way, but as they begin to walk, she dives a bit more into it.
"A village a bit of the way southeast of here, was attacked and destroyed. My army and I had went to investigate, but it was totaled, citizens dead. News will spread quickly of what happened there, thats for sure, so its no harm in telling you. The dead rose, walked, and attacked us...along with creatures which had the appearance of wolves, but disfigured, ugly things, hard to kill as well."
She sighed and continued her walk until she got to the smithy, which wasn't all that far away from where they had started.
"I'm hunting the people, who, possibly, did that. Reports in other countries tell of the same thing, Ostia...even reports in Sacae."
Going inside the place, and waving over the master smith, she hands him her weapon, with the proper coinage. With a nod, the man gives a small bow, and swears her remembers her, but she did her best to hide most of her face. This was Geoffry, he aged well in the two years apart.
"Don't I..."
With a shake of her head, Marle gave a start and turned her head a little more.
"I'm just passing through good man, please, be quick about the repairs, it's important."
With a grunt, the man did as she said, and retreated back to the forge.
"I'll be done in a few hours, come by then."
Nodding, Marle turned back to Aleth, whom she had left outside.
"Still up for staying with me?"
|
|
Aleth
Hero
Everything you can do I can do one handed!
Posts: 247
Profession: NEET
Affinity: Ice
|
Post by Aleth on Jul 26, 2011 19:32:53 GMT -6
Aleth followed along and kept listening to Marle’s statements. It was nice to simply walk with someone down the street and just talk about things. Perhaps this was her first decent chat in months. As for how she viewed the young knight, her weapon told well enough of her experience. The offer was still too good to pass up even if she had to experience those hellish creatures again.
“I was in Ostia when an outbreak happened,” she put in after Marle’s remark on the appearance of the creatures. She kept silent about the destruction of a whole village just in respects to what she experienced back then. It would have been horrible for anyone… As Marle handed over her weapon for repair, Aleth simply glanced about the blacksmith’s shop, examining the works and such. Her weapon could still handle a few uses, it had to… she didn’t have much to spend.
“I need the job and a self-sustaining job is good enough for me, I’m not as money centered compared to other mercenaries,” she replied with charming smile and tone.
|
|
Selibas
Hero
The Little Wolf
My Word is Iron.
Posts: 455
Etruria Fame: -1
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -3
Profession: Khan
Guild: Tribe of Sacae
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Selibas
|
Post by Selibas on Jul 26, 2011 20:00:31 GMT -6
Selibas grinned up at the large man who was very red. Well he supposed the man might not be to big, just he was small. He nodded that the man might have a 'sit'. He said, "I don't cheat, and they calleddd meee a saaavage." Selibas frowned at that. He had never unsderstood the prospect of looking down upon a whole group of people. Sacaen society might be ununited and based on hunting, but Illia couldn't do anything but fight for things, and they were considered 'civilized'. What was Selibas saying to himself? He was a Mercenary too.
Selibas figured this man either needed a job done, or was a guard. Either way Selibas decided to keep his sword redy on the table. The fight had sobered him enough to not be a complete fool, but he sounded a bit younger than himself when he said, "It's cold here."
|
|