|
Post by Mana on Feb 11, 2012 0:28:00 GMT -6
They had to go through these hills to escape from the city. Thank to all her travels, which she did by foot, her legs and stamina were trained enough to keep up with Wyatt. Mana quietly followed the blacksmith as they left the town, sometimes she looked back to check if someone was following them.
When they finally managed to leave the town behind, Wyatt started to explain what happened. Mana used this moment to relax and control her breath. She tried to listen at his explanation, but Mana was actually not a good listener. The myrmidon wanted to cut his explanation several times, especially when he mentioned about the Inquisitional Squad forcing religion to people. But she held back, it was rude to do it to someone who had repaired her sword.
When he finally stopped speaking, Mana was already at her limit.
"Wait! Wait! Wait!!! It doesn't make sense! I mean...I know that Etruria army attacked Sacae a while ago. But I didn't know that it was only because we was different with the rest of the nations." Mana looked like she was going mad, her face was red and there was fire in her eyes. She just couldn't accept the reason.
"More importantly! Did you just say that the town might be in danger? We must head back and do something!" she shouted. Mana didn't waste a single second to wait for his respond and started to run toward the village.
|
|
Wyatt
Hero
The Volcano
How can someone win if winning means that someone loses?
Posts: 463
Etruria Fame: 2
Sacae Fame: -1
|
Post by Wyatt on Feb 11, 2012 0:48:36 GMT -6
Wyatt watched Mana tear off, completely misunderstanding the danger she might have been causing. [red]"M-Mana! Wait!"[/red] He called, but she wasn't stopping. Damn it all to hell, the last thing he wanted was to have those soldiers think the town was cooperating with them.
He charged after her, but knew he wasn't going to catch her on foot. She was a Sacaen swordswoman, there was no way he could outrun her.
So he needed to stop her some other way...but he didn't want to hurt her...
Wyatt's hand went to his back, pulling his stone axe up as he gritted his teeth. He swung it down into the ground and felt the ground rumble beneath his feet. A ways off the ground tore open in front of Mana, fire spewing out. It would certainly do to surprise her, and hopefully stop her so she didn't do something stupid.
[red]"Mana please! You don't understand the situation, I'm trying to help the town!"[/red]
|
|
|
Post by Mana on Feb 11, 2012 8:49:33 GMT -6
Mana rushed down the hill, the town might be in danger and it was because of her, she wouldn't sit back and watch it happen. Her focus was only to saving the town, not realizing that Wyatt was right. She shouldn't return if she really wanted to save the town, but she couldn't understand that. "Damn it! Those idiots wanted to purge the town just because they saw me there. I won't allow it." Mana gritted her teeth as she increased her pace.
But then the ground beneath her feet was opened by a great force, it surprised her. The Sacaen girl almost lost her balance when she tried to stop running. It was obvious, it wouldn't be easy to stop suddenly when she was running with such speed. Her feet dug into the ground as she braked.
"What?" Mana was frightened for a second, the ground wouldn't tear without a reason, right? So how would she explain this situation? Did she just stepped on something?
"Mana please! You don't understand the situation, I'm trying to help the town!"
Mana looked back over her shoulder, watching Wyatt holding his axe. "What? But you said it, didn't you? That the town might be in danger because of me! How could you say you were trying to help the town when all we did were...leaving the town?" she yelled back. At least she turned and started to walk toward the blacksmith, not continuing her suicidal march to the town. Mana still didn't understand that leaving the town was probably the best choice here.
|
|
Wyatt
Hero
The Volcano
How can someone win if winning means that someone loses?
Posts: 463
Etruria Fame: 2
Sacae Fame: -1
|
Post by Wyatt on Feb 12, 2012 18:40:58 GMT -6
Wyatt was thankful that he'd stopped her. When he caught up to her he was more out of breath then he'd wanted to admit. Man she could move.
[red]"It's...because of us that the town would be in trouble."[/red] He said, while catching his breath. [red]"If the inquisitors saw us with the townspeople, they would have assumed they were helping us. Then they would have attacked the town for helping 'traitors' like us. But since we ran off, it looks like we are working alone, so they should leave the town alone."[/red]
He re-shouldered his axe, looking over her with a half smile. [red]"Man you are fast. Don't make a habit of running off like that, I'm a bit slower."[/red] He said with a chuckle. [red"So, any destination you have in mind?"[/red]
|
|
|
Post by Mana on Feb 15, 2012 10:28:46 GMT -6
Mana listened to Wyatt impatiently, she wanted to know why he stopped her. But then, the Sacaen girl began to understand how foolish she would have been. Wyatt wanted to save the town too, with his smart way. Not just strong and skillfully, he knew how to use his brain too.
"I..." Mana wasn't sure what she should say. She had yelled at him although he did nothing wrong, the girl seemed to feel somewhat guilty. Averting her eyes, Mana tried to calm herself. She tried to completely understand what he said so she wouldn't misunderstand his words again. "I didn't know. I thought...you were just being coward. I am sorry..." she said. Her words were honest, as she wasn't capable to lying, a Sacaen shouldn't.
He then asked her a question. "Huh? I think...I think I will head to Bern now. I don't want to stay in this Etruria. As you said, I might endanger other people just for being me," she replied, feeling a bit disgusted for those Etrurian fanatics. She would note this in mind, that Etruria was a dangerous country and all Etrurians were her enemy. Oh no, Mana still misunderstood his words. "I actually wanted to go to Bern but some strange events happened. After that, I decided to head west to find a blacksmith to repair my sword."
"I was very lucky, I could have died in Ostia. I heard the city had got destroyed by some kind of powerful earthquake," she added, crossing her arms and trying to remember what the innkeeper had said.
|
|
Wyatt
Hero
The Volcano
How can someone win if winning means that someone loses?
Posts: 463
Etruria Fame: 2
Sacae Fame: -1
|
Post by Wyatt on Feb 15, 2012 17:56:02 GMT -6
Wyatt laughed loudly at her concerns. It wasn't angry though, it was a warm laugh. Almost a bellow like one would hear from an elderly relative reliving an old tale. [red]"Me, a coward? Boy do I have some stories for you! I have seen some crazy stuff in my time." He said, taking a mental inventory. "Scaling a mountain to invade a bandit stronghold, fighting those monstrous hound things people have been seeing in a burning forest, wandering through Sacae and then...Os-"[/red] He paused. She had just mentioned Ostia, hadn't she? Suddenly Wyatt went very quiet.
[red]"Yeah...Ostia. Some good people died there..."[/red] He mumbled, shifting uncomfortably as the stone axe on his back seemed to burn. [red]"Well, you said you wanted to go to Bern, right? The quickest way to there would probably be through Sacae. You have any problems with going back through the plains?"[/red]
Some who had left it for reasons like hers did not like to return. Wyatt couldn't blame them, he never intended to return to Laus for those exact reasons.
|
|
|
Post by Mana on Feb 18, 2012 23:01:33 GMT -6
His tale was pretty amazing, especially the part about the bandit stronghold. The girl imagined Wyatt did it alone with a big axe and full armor and took down the bandit leader in an epic duel. Mana shrugged as they talked about Ostia. "Yeah, maybe Mother Earth was feeling angry when the disaster happened," she said. She was glad that she didn't have to die in Ostia, her meeting with Tora might have been a fate. Mana then noticed a small change in his expression but didn't ask why, she wouldn't bother.
"Eh? But Someone told me that going through Pherae would be faster. Are you sure I can get there faster if I go through Sacae?" Mana seemed confused, she never went to Bern before so she didn't know which way was the best. Also, she wasn't sure that she wanted to return to her homeland. There was some unpleasant memories that made her afraid to return. Maybe she was just not mentally prepared, or maybe she was being too scared to remember the raid which took everything from her. Anyway, she felt hesitated to go to Sacae.
But now Wyatt stated that Sacae would be the quickest route, and this might be a good chance to face her past. Something she had considered for a long time but could never be realized due to her hesitation. "I don't know. Maybe I will just head to east before I decide, she said. Until the end, she still couldn't make a decision. Mana sighed and cursed how weak her mental was.
"How about you? You can't go back to the city, right? Where will you go after this?" she asked. This man had repaired her sword so she had developed some care for him. Mana herself wouln't refuse if he wanted to travel together, she actually needed a companion after some time travelling alone. Her time alone had shaped her into a warrior but it actually felt a bit lonely.
|
|
Wyatt
Hero
The Volcano
How can someone win if winning means that someone loses?
Posts: 463
Etruria Fame: 2
Sacae Fame: -1
|
Post by Wyatt on Feb 19, 2012 9:35:21 GMT -6
Wyatt thought about what she was saying, there was some truth in it. But the quickest path between two places was not always a straight line. [red]"Well, normally you'd be right. Going through Lycia would be quicker but..."[/red] Wyatt said, pulling out a [blue]map[/blue]. [red]"But northern Lycia is covered by a fairly large mountain range."[/red] He explained, gesturing to the map. [red]"Crossing it would be a lot more difficult then it looks. Plus those mountains are crawling with Bandit hideouts. With just the two of us and our limited supplies, it wouldn't be wise. The range is pretty big, it goes all the way to Bulgar, but from there it's a straight shot south to the center of Bern."[/red] He paused for a moment. [red]"The other alternative...is going through the gap in the mountains...which is here."[/red] He pointed at the dot still labeled Ostia. [red]"But I think we can both agree that is out of the question."[/red] At her question on where he would go, Wyatt shrugged. [red]"I seem to get lost a lot. Meet new people, get separated from em within a week. If it's all the same to you, I think I'll tag along on your trip. Besides, someone's gotta keep that sword for getting damaged! Too fine of a work of art to not be in perfect condition."[/red]
|
|
|
Post by Mana on Feb 23, 2012 22:08:03 GMT -6
Mana nodded in agreement, she couldn't agree more. The myrmidon didn't want to encounter any bandits, and Ostia wasn't an option. The city might be not passable anymore by now, she understood how dangerous it could be although she hadn't seen the disaster herself. "Well, it seems the only choice is to go through Sacae," she said. So it had to be, she would return home after a long while. It was pretty...heartwarming, wasn't it? The plain was always her home even if her tribe was not there anymore. She was probably the last of Hawkeye tribe, but she didn't want to think about it. The women weren't killed but just taken away so she might meet them again later. "Maybe...I think it is a fate..." she thought.
"Hmm...We are so much alike. I used to get lost too. Sometimes I travelled with a group, but I left them after a few weeks," she replied. Mana had to admit that she didn't expect this, she then thought, "Maybe at least I will have someone with me if I get lost." That was a funny thing to imagine, she even giggled when she imagined they got lost in a thick forest or somewhere else. "Alright, I think I wanted a companion as well," she said, smiling. "Adventuring alone was boring, you know," she added.
Got reminded about her sword, which this man had fixed, Mana felt like she had forgotten something else. "Ah! That's right! The sword! I have to pay you." The girl quickly grabbed a small pouch from her belt, this was where she kept her money. Wait...It felt too light. "Damn it! I don't have any money left." Now...How would she pay Wyatt? Mana glanced at him, looking confused.
|
|
Wyatt
Hero
The Volcano
How can someone win if winning means that someone loses?
Posts: 463
Etruria Fame: 2
Sacae Fame: -1
|
Post by Wyatt on Feb 23, 2012 22:19:50 GMT -6
Wyatt grinned as she allowed him to travel with her. He liked her, much more pleasant to be around then Yaen was. Not that he didn't like the elder swordsman, but he could be kind of arrogant about his blades. Like swords were the only weapon that could be an art form...psh. It was like a child's look at the world. A weapon was a tool. Some were of better craft then others, and some were better for certain jobs then others, but they were all beautiful when held by one who had mastered their craft. On would not cut open meat with a spear, or smash a wall with a sword.
[red]"Yeah, trust me I had to spend a week or so without even seeing another person. I don't recommend it."[/red] He chuckled, but then arched an eyebrow at her remark. Pay him? Oh right, he'd employed his craft, most people would think that as something that deserved payment. He was going to tell her not to worry about it when she pulled the skimpy pouch out and frowned at it. Instead he just smiled, and then his eyes went wide as he'd realized something. Maybe she did have something he wanted.
[red]"A little short on gold, eh? That's ok. I can think of something else you can do to clear your account." He said with a smile, moving close and tapping the hilt of her sword. "You're clearly a skilled swordswoman. I was thinking about learning how to use them, but it'd take years to learn on my own. With a guide, it might go much quicker."[/red]
|
|
|
Post by Mana on Feb 23, 2012 23:19:49 GMT -6
Feeling somewhat guilty and embarrassed, Mana just stood still when Wyatt approached her and touched her sword. She needed a few seconds to understand what he said. "Eh? Me?" She seemed surprised by the offer. That sounded generous, Wyatt didn't want her to pay with money, he just wanted her to help him learn how to use a sword. Because he was a blacksmith, he probably had some experiences using sword, it shouldn't be difficult to guide him. The problem was...Mana wasn't sure if she was capable of teaching someone.
"Alright. Sounds fair enough," she remarked. If this would allow her to pay her debt, she would do it with all her heart. Wyatt had repaired her sword, he even made it stronger which she could feel with her hand. "But it will be my first time teaching someone. Please don't expect too much from me," she said, rubbing her the back of her neck. She felt a little weird to accept his offer, it was interesting but also a little embarrassing. Mana almost suggested to start now due to her excitement, but she then remembered that they were still on the run.
"But anyway, why do you want to learn how to use a sword? You are already very strong as an axe-user," she said, glancing at the axe he was carrying. Mana never met anyone who could make the ground split like that, so it surprised her when she saw Wyatt did it.
|
|
Wyatt
Hero
The Volcano
How can someone win if winning means that someone loses?
Posts: 463
Etruria Fame: 2
Sacae Fame: -1
|
Post by Wyatt on Feb 23, 2012 23:38:31 GMT -6
Wyatt smiled at her question, and to illustrate he pulled out his war maul. Easily 5 feet long, he could only carry the thing across his back. Now he rested the haft of it on the ground as he held it upright.
[red]"That's true. But do you know how hard it is to fight inside with something like this? An axe is without compare in raw strength, but it's not the best weapon for fighting in a small area. Recently I was working with someone else, where we were fighting in a room. You need a lot of room to bring an axe like weapons real power to bare. In confined spaces, a weapon like a sword is better."[/red] He explained, gesturing to her blade.
[red]"Every weapon has it's strengths and weaknesses. The lance also needs a large amount of space to be used fully, so I figured I'd try with a sword. Besides, the basics of how to wield a sword and an axe are similar."[/red]
He finished, dusting his hands as he started out for the east. [red]"Well then master, I will work to not disappoint you!"[/red] He said with a silly grin. He looked towards the eastern horizon with a smile.
[red]"What about you, then? Why do so many Sacaens take up the sword? It seems odd to me. I mean it is a fine weapon, but like every other weapon it has strengths and weaknesses. Not like many Sacaen swordsman acknowledge that..."[/red] He paused. [red]"Sorry about that. That is the past speaking."[/red]
|
|
|
Post by Mana on Feb 24, 2012 0:37:38 GMT -6
"I understand now." Mana never thought that way. She had fought some who used swords, axes, lances, and even someone with unique weapons like chains, she knew the weakness of her enemies's weapons and used them, but she never thought like Wyatt. Until now, she was content with her sword only, it never put her in unfavorable situation even if she fought in small room or vast open field.
Mana followed him as they walked to the east. "I don't know about that," she remarked when he mentioned that sword and axe had similar basics, shrugging. "At least, they are different because sword can do both swing and thrust. What else? Hmm... I should have paid attention when Master taught me." Her master had told her some things about other weapons and their differences with sword, but she didn't really pay attention to his lecture. Mana was the type who hate learning the theory and would jump into practice to learn from actual experience.
"I am not sure. I had watched my people training with sword ever since I was born. And my mother was a swordwoman too, an excelent one," she said as she crossed her arms. Long ago, she might have cried everytime she remembered her mother and tribe. Thank to the flow of time, it healed her wound and had toughen her to face the past. "Maybe it's a tradition, or a need. It's just our nature to take up sword as our weapon. We are trained to be a good warrior. But, actually, we can use bow too." She looked really happy, he girl couldn't stop smiling, it had been a long time since she talked about Sacae with someone. Maybe she really longed to return despite her reluctance to do it.
"Maybe it's same with Pherae, I was told that they had the best archers," she told Wyatt about what she heard from a merchant. "Sacae has the best swordmen," she added cheerfully.
|
|
Wyatt
Hero
The Volcano
How can someone win if winning means that someone loses?
Posts: 463
Etruria Fame: 2
Sacae Fame: -1
|
Post by Wyatt on Feb 24, 2012 2:02:03 GMT -6
Wyatt thumbed his chin thoughtfully as they started walking. [red]"Well the bow I always understood. Your people are hunters, and the bow is a hunting weapon. But then I'd think that if the weapons were purely based on what works well for hunting, the spear would be the next choice."[/red] He supposed out loud.
At Mana's remark on Pharean Archers Wyatt had to relent. [red]"And Ilia has the best mercenaries, and Etruria has the most skilled mages. I guess there are some histories about each of our worlds that people tend to cling to."[/red] He remarked, shifting his pack on his shoulders.
[red]"Bulgar...man it's been a little bit since I've been out there. It feels like I've traveled this entire world over the last few years. From Lycia to Bern to Sacae and then to Etruria. I never imagined I'd see so much when I left home to go become a smith for the Laus army. Man that was so long ago it feels like another lifetime."[/red]
Bad choice. He didn't want to deal with that right now. [red]"Anyway, we should get going before some troops decide to come chase after us. They don't know where we're going, but if we stay too close they are bound to find us."[/red]
|
|
|
Post by Mana on Feb 26, 2012 22:30:28 GMT -6
Mana giggled at his comment about travelling the entire world, this man sure had gone through a lot. His experience from his travel probably had changed him a lot from the day when he started his journey. "You know...Maybe you are more nomadic than us. I mean...We move from one place to another, but the tribes never leave the plain, not the entire tribe at least," she remarked. She was laughing, it seemed her mood was better now, she seemed to forget about the town for this moment.
"You are right. Lets continue walking, shall we?" He had a point here, they had to go before some soldiers found them. Mana took the lead this time, she started walking with a good pace. As they walked, Mana sometimes looked behind to check if no one followed them. The town safety still concerned her, but Mana chose to believe Wyatt's theory and went with him instead of going all the way back to the town. She turned at her new companion, "Wyatt, I actually wanted to hear your opinion about Sacae. You said you had ever been there, didn't you?" Her question was to know how Wyatt regarded her people. After she heard his story about how Etrurian looked down at Sacae, she wanted to make sure that her travelling companion didn't hate or dislike Sacae.
|
|