Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2014 20:40:06 GMT -6
Lucius gave Armitage a sharp look. Maybe she could- no, no, no. He shouldn't ask it of her. Not after telling her not to throw her life away. But if he did he could ensure she doesn't. "Hmm..." Lucius looked at his axe. It had been with him since he was on the farms so long ago. It was from his family too. It was something that he could sympathize the feeling with. But it also turned on him. This was the very same blade that-. He scowled at the thought and his throat began to feel dry. WHY DID HE DO IT!!!? He clenched a fist.
"NEVER CALL ARMOR FAMILY!!! It is nothing compared to the real thing! Weapons and armor may have meaning and sentimental value but at the end of everything what do you want beside you? A Damned Axe or The Woman You Loved!?" Lucius stepped back in surprise at Armitage. Where did that come from. "What are you doing to me woman?" She was making him relive so much in such a short time. He just spoke to himself rather than Armitage. His thoughts and his words all racing each other at the same time. The pain he bore and shunned away bearing itself before a stranger when he knew it so little.
"I'm sorry I don't..." He turned his back to her. He placed a hand to his forehead and sighed burying his emotions again. It wasn't his fault! It wasn't his fault he told himself, it was the manaketes. He always knew it wasn't true but he had to believe it for his own sanity. He needed that scapegoat. "If you want to do me a favor then go to the next town with me. There are things you may be interested in knowing before I make my proposal to you." He didn't want her to die prematurely but he also couldn't stop her from pursuing her own road. Ory's wanted men? Then here was potential if Lucius had ever seen it. Besides, he could very well keep her from an ill death.
|
|
|
Post by Armitage Apolithymius on Aug 28, 2014 21:17:23 GMT -6
Armitage was truly taken aback by Lucius' outburst. Did she offend him? No, that wasn't it. This was something more. Something deeper. she wasn't quite sure what it was but she was definitely feeling it too. This night and these damned mountains; they were making emotions swell and old memories come up. In a way, she was happy it wasn't only happening to her. In that moment, despite Lucius yelling at her, she felt a connection. There was something they had in common and suddenly some of the things he had said to her earlier made a bit of sense. Armitage almost felt like she got a vision into the future--Lucius had been down the same road as her. He was just a bit farther down and a bit more lost.
She had no idea how to react to this. Part of her just wanted to turn and run away, this last day had been too 'heavy.' Words almost formed on the edge of her mouth but she couldn't force anything with any meaning to come out. In moment of desperation and a bit of need, Armitage moved forward and put her hand on Lucius' shoulder. She would turn to meet him and then give him a hug. She squeezed him tightly for a moment. It had been quite some time since Armitage had hugged another person. She realized it had been so long in fact she may had been squeezing a bit too hard, so she softened her grip. Hopefully, he had the good sense not to push her away, if he did he would most likely cause some serious pain to her already injured shoulder. Lucius seemed distress and her heart went out to him; in all honesty, she needed a hug too.
"There...It's okay..."
After a long moment of silence, Armitage took a step back and let Lucius out of her arms. She nodded in agreement to his proposal to follow him to the next town. She wasn't ready to be traveling on her own again quite yet. And company was never a bad thing. She let Lucius lead the way as it was her sense of direction that got her lost in the first place. Armitage stayed silent. She wasn't quite sure what to say from here--her usual next action would be to break the mood with a lighthearted joke and then probably poke fun at her companion. This was not a normal situation however, and Armitage decided she would like a moment to bask in her own emotions.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2014 22:40:58 GMT -6
Lucius almost pushed the woman away but he stayed his hand. "You are a dangerous woman." He muttered. Was it okay? His sins were great and bore heavily upon him. Surely no matter what he does from here on he will perish and burn in the fires of Hell. His throat cracked. Finally after a hard moment she pulled away. Lucius stared at her with the softest expression he'd bore in over a decade.
Lucius began walking towards the town after retrieving his things from the cave and stomping out the fire. "Just a fair warning woman, I'm awful with directions." He actually gave a genuine laugh at the minor distress he assumed was on her face. "It shouldn't be far from here but, eh, it could still take some time... here." Lucius turned back to offer Armitage support, whether she wanted it or not.
|
|
|
Post by Armitage Apolithymius on Aug 29, 2014 13:09:03 GMT -6
Something had been bothering Armitage that she did not quite realize until just this moment. ”You can call me by my name ya’know.” Having spent most of her adult life as a soldier, Armitage was used to addressing everyone by name and rank nigh constantly. Of course she wouldn’t expect that of any normal person but she at least wanted the respect that her name bore. She thought she deserved that much and had treated Lucius in kind. She decided not to dwell on the issue though; he had more manners than most bandit leaders. She reached out to Lucius as he offered support.
She hadn’t had too much trouble walking so far but depending on the distance her condition could grow more uncomfortable. Normally, embracing someone’s arm like this would seem out of sorts, but she already invaded his personal space so the bubble was broken. Armitage curled her right arm around Lucius’ left and walked, linked, arm in arm with him. This was a bit strange for Armitage; had Lucius asked her if she needed help, she would brush him off and say no. But the fact that he simply offered it caused her to comply.
”I doubt we could get more lost than I was last night. As long as it doesn’t start to rain again I’ll be happy.”
She laughed with him. There was a bit of a silence as they started to walk. She would let Lucius lead the way; for the moment she did not mind someone else taking the reins. Normally she could navigate quite well. Across the plains of Sacae she had no problem. It must have been the mountains that disoriented her. She watched Lucius as they walked. His face looked…tired. It was as if he had spent a lot of his life searching, carrying a hard burden, and trying to find a way to rid himself of it. In a way, she pitied him. But she tried her best not to let it show. He said he had something he wanted to show her. What could that possibly be? It was clear Lucius already had a plan for cashing in the favor Armitage owed him.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2014 8:24:24 GMT -6
"You can call me by my name ya know," oh, it was such a typical response. No one tended to like Lucius's naming sense for long. Woman, Boy, Weakling, even Scarface he deemed suitable once. Maybe he ought to cool it with the lack of respect for others. "Yeah, yeah. Okay. Wo-"there he goes again, "Armitage."
Couldn't be more lost than she was in the storm? If she only knew. At least he actually knew where he was so getting lost wasn't a real worry. "I assume you have no qualms about a meal in a tavern? Because that is our next meal." Lucius needed supplies and Bonnie would be there so stocking up on food would come later.
The two walked in silence aside from grunts of pain. Five, ten, fifteen minutes passed without a word. The pace was slow and Lucius was convinced they had yet to cover a mile. "I prefer business over a hot plate and full stomach but I suppose now is as good a time as any? I do want your help but not with any singular job. What I am proposing will be something much greater. Perhaps foolish but better."
|
|
|
Post by Armitage Apolithymius on Sept 2, 2014 17:06:14 GMT -6
"Meal in a tavern? I haven't had a real meal in too long--that sounds great!"
It was true. Between all the traveling, trading, and fighting it had been entirely too long since she hadn't had a meal that wasn't either wild game or scavenged from an abandoned bandit camp. Even when she was last in Armagh she had not stopped for food. Armitage usually did not have a problem catching some sort of animal to eat and liked to save the coin for something better like a warm shower or a shiny spear. Reflecting now, Armitage would probably have avoided this situation altogether if she would have stayed the night in Armagh. Water under the bridge.
Armitage tried her best not to let her weight carry on her left side. Just as she thought, the journey began painlessly enough but after awhile her arm started to tense and she could feel her wounds sting. Even for a veteran soldier, traveling with injuries never got easier. The pain was simple enough to deal with but it just made the journey arduous.
"Something greater? That sounds...interesting. I have been traveling on my own for awhile--It may not be bad to help someone else further their ambition. So! What exactly did you have in mind?"
There was a hint of thoughtfulness in Armitage's voice; she wondered what cause Lucius was fighting for and if it were truly worthy of her spear. Not to sound big headed, but her time was valuable, as was anyone's, and she hoped he had something worthwhile in mind. Wandering aimlessly had started to lose its appeal though...that was part of the reason that Armitage picked up trading to begin with--it gave her some purpose when traveling from place to place. She tilted her head to look at Lucius while he spoke. She wanted to read his expression, see his face as he talked; if he was going to convince her of some cause she wanted to see the conviction in his eyes.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2014 17:36:54 GMT -6
Lucius felt her shifting at his side and he met her gaze. He gave her a grin. A scary grin, but a grin. "As I said, it is a foolish plan but it is something. I have been living in the Nabata Desert for a while now. I was constructing an outpost when a man named Orys Durandon came upon my hut. We... had a bit of a squabble but when it was over we came to an understanding. At the bottom of a well no less." He glanced at Armitage to see her reaction. "Er, that was when I got that split in my side. Still, you ought to have seen what I did to him."
He thought back on their meeting, it was... interesting. "He wishes to be a conqueror and I wish to see something come of that desert beyond a barren waste." He wasn't going to tell her how he wanted to bring down the Manaketes but a little embellishing doesn't hurt. A white lie if you will. "Ory's seeks not for a land to build as his own but rather to lord over what is already there. I agreed to aid him in order to see our ambitions fulfilled. Honestly it is time for these kingdoms to have a new order. All they do is war and rebel. The strong pray upon the weak." And yet he was friends with pirates, now that was some irony. "It is still a very infant dream but if you would help see it through that would be appreciated. I won't even ask you to quit your travels, only to answer a call if you should receive one."
|
|
|
Post by Armitage Apolithymius on Sept 4, 2014 13:34:28 GMT -6
You could tell by his expression that Lucius was excited to share his plan. If he was happy to tell it, Armitage was happy to listen. Ah, ambition. Something about that word got Armitage excited. It was a trait synonymous with conviction, and one that told her that whoever she was speaking to was serious. She listened to his brawl story and started to piece together the bigger parts of his plan with this man named Orys; a plan to make something more out of the Nabata Desert. She had to admit…it was definitely an ambitious plan. The Nabata region was mostly barren, arid, and terribly dangerous to try to navigate through. For those reasons it was usually an area Armitage avoided at all costs. As a matter of fact, she couldn’t remember taking even one whole journey through the place, which would probably be a nigh impossible task anyway given the conditions.
“Sounds like a big plan! It would be easier to start a new kingdom rather than overthrow another…Doesn’t mean you would have no opposition…I’m sure you guys thought of that though!”
Armitage mulled over the plan in her mind as she played coy on the outside. Did she really want to take part in some sort of broad unification effort? A task that, if even possible, she might not have even seen it come to fruition in her lifetime. That’s assuming the other kingdoms don’t do a sweeping pass and plainly stomp them out for their arrogance…But Armitage was a fan of arrogance, and a fan of mixing things up a little. Besides, she had no true connection to this ‘kingdom.’ There was no reason she couldn’t walk away if things started to go south. There was something romantic, in a feudal kind of way, about new kingdoms vying for power and dominance in a land of turmoil.
“I’m in!” Armitage answered quickly, never one to over think things. “It sounds pretty exciting, honestly. I’ve spent a lot of my life as a soldier, trainer, and commander too, so I could help train up any green soldiers you guys gather up along the way!” It was true; something Armitage always enjoyed was forging young boys into men of battle. “As long as it stays interesting, I’m happy to give you all the help you need.” Armitage said kind of seriously. “So, what is your plan anyway? Please don’t tell me you’re going to summon some illusionary soldiers from the sandstorms of the desert.”
For a moment she thought she saw the spark of true motivation in Lucius. But her mind quickly wandered back to the part of her that thought it was just his Bandit King talking. The more time she spent with Lucius, the more she really felt like he was really a bandit leader. She could picture it now; he would lead her back to an outpost in Nabata, chock-full of bandits. All of them would be nearsighted, hopeless…NPCs! That surely wouldn’t share the vision, but purely only wanted to share in the wealth. It wouldn’t be the first time Armitage had seen a young start up fiefdom eat itself alive from infighting based on the spoils of war. She had even, in the past, snuffed them out herself as part of an anti-rebellion task force. She was starting to realize that she would be able to be much more help to them than Lucius may have anticipated.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2014 19:45:54 GMT -6
Armitage reacted well, very well. She was on board in fact. Lucius's face showed no trace of surprise save a look in his eyes. He could not tell if her question about these 'illusion soldiers' was being comedic or serious. Bah, if that were possible or easy believe him he would. Why was he even considering if it was? "No, no illusion men. It is all going to be real men and women like us."
Lucius shook his head. The idea was ridiculous but somehow he enjoyed the image and thought. The more he thought about it the more he liked it until he burst out laughing. "Ridiculous but if you know a way be sure to let me know!" His voice was booming now that he wasn't keeping so low and gruff. He laughed a good while until a sharp pain abruptly ended it and he clasped his split side. "Damn it! Don't make me do that again!"
"But if you can train young fighters to become true warrior then please, by all means make them something better. Perhaps when the two of us are not so injured we could spar and test our metal together." Lucius itched for a chance against this woman. Sure he would have the advantage but he knew she was skilled. Perhaps skilled enough that it would not matter. Orys certainly was. Though it was a lucky shot. He'd make sure the man knew it too.
"Oh, when we part I would ask that you wait a while before venturing into the desert. I will be setting up markings for any that come by foot. They should become obvious if you're clever enough." He looked and saw the town up ahead in the distance. "Oh, good. Almost there."
|
|
|
Post by Armitage Apolithymius on Sept 5, 2014 9:07:59 GMT -6
As Lucius laughed, Armitage laughed with him. She was always particularly susceptible to infectious laughter. She had the added benefit of being able to continue laughing through her pain; sure her hip hurt, but its hurt the whole time! Hefting some of her weight, Armitage helped Lucius now, as his injury slowed his pace a tad. She was happy her suggestion made him laugh so much; it had been awhile since she made anyone laugh. It was a nice feeling. Thoughts like these are what made her think perhaps it would be good to spend some time as a unit again. Her time traveling was well spent and eventful, thoughtful and peaceful even, but she was starting to miss the company of others. Surely that was the reason she offered her assistance to Lucius and whatever group he was putting together. She nodded as he spoke, after he regained his composure.
“Yep! I’ve trained men both in the heartland of Laus and all around the Lycian border. I can teach a man how to effectively fight all manner of man and most kinds of beasties.” She let a smile crawl onto her face again as she met Lucius’ gaze again. “And by all means, any time you’re looking to get injured again, I’d be happy to spar with you!” Her tone was even, friendly, and upbeat, but you could tell she wasn’t joking. He wasn't the first bandit king to challenge her, nor would he be the last.
As they crested a hill, Armitage could see a town in the distance. Seems they were close. She would be happy to get somewhere warm, eat something nice, and maybe spend the few remaining gold she had for some well earned days of rest in an inn. Normally not one for creature comforts, she would be happy to relish them now given her recent ordeal. These last couple days have been keen reminders of times long passed; companionship, traveling with someone, field dressing, walking arm in arm, and this had also been the most injured she had gotten that she could find in recent memory. It was good, in a way, to get hurt now and then. Reminded you that you were alive. Reminded you to be careful. A bit of a bittersweet feeling came over Armitage as she realized that meant her time with her new friend would be coming to an end. For now.
“I’ll be sure to take my good time heading toward Nabata. I plan on taking a few days of vacation after this. I’ve earned it! So, how do we make this official? Is there a secret handshake?”
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 5, 2014 22:22:30 GMT -6
Lucius realized Armitage had been laughing the moment he cursed. She was a likable woman, beautiful, and highly skilled, she would certainly become a boon to their efforts and a beacon to those under her charge. It was odd. Looking at her at that moment he could see a future with her driving forth the effort, quite possibly more than he or even Orys could. Orys was the ambitious one after all and ultimately the leader and face of the conquest.
"So those from different regions eh? Differing lifestyles and philosophies. That is good. We need that adaptability. Our men will come from all over. If they seek a better life or new start they can find solace within the army. Brotherhood is a promise. On the matter of battle... you won't win against me." To the challenge his voice became low and gruff again.
Lucius noticed when the woman took the majority of his weight for him. After the town was in sight he simply shifted the weight to keep the burden on himself once more. He would no have her supporting him. She asked about how to make it official. He never considered the legitimacy of a contract much. Should he write up binding paperwork or trust in their honor and word? Questions for a future day. But a handshake? Was the woman kidding? He hoped so.
"No handshakes. That is ridiculous to say the least about it. I prefer to simply trust in others and take time to get to know them. A man without honor has nothing in my eyes."
|
|
|
Post by Armitage Apolithymius on Sept 8, 2014 10:20:14 GMT -6
Lucius’ serious side came out again. Armitage wondered if he realized how broody he came off sometimes. Perhaps it was his inner, bandit nature. Armitage knew just as well as anyone how much of a burden life can be sometimes though. That, and he seemed to have some ideals, so she could overlook his flaws, for now. This train of thought led to the man named Orys, and what kind of man he could be. The way it sounded now made it seem like Orys was the “idea guy” and Lucius was the muscle. Guess that would make Armitage the muscle too. Not that she was adverse to that—she quite like it really. Politics usually seemed to make her stick her foot in her mouth. Armitage almost always found it easier to talk with the tip of a spear or sword.
”No handshakes? Well it’s been awhile since I’ve taken someone at their word. But I suppose if I had reason to distrust you, you would have given it to me already.”
It was true; just in the short span of a night they’ve bled, hiked, embraced, yelled, and laughed--all the hallmarks of a trusting relationship. Armitage hoped it kept up. Last time she could rely on someone had been so long ago. The longer she thought about it, the more she convinced herself she belonged as part of something rather than a traveling soldier. That chord in the base of her stomach that Lucius struck earlier, the one that reminded her of her loneliness, rang again. She ignored it easily this time as she had gotten used to suppressing it for the near entirety of their journey. The town was close.
”I know it would make sense to get some medical attention but I honestly think my stomach hurts more than my arm and side right now.” Armitage suppressed a growling stomach in her armor with a laugh. ”Where is that hot plate and full stomach you were talking about?”
Armitage’s tone was light, but she was serious. It wouldn’t be the first time she chose eating while she bled over seeking help. Perhaps it was the loss of blood or had to do with some carnal need to replace the nutrients that were draining from her body, but it was a strong desire. That and she felt there was something rugged and attractive about it. She had no care for scars, of if she got them or not; she was a solider first, after all. Armitage continued to let Lucius lead the way..
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 11, 2014 9:49:58 GMT -6
Lucius grunted an amused sound at the woman. Her lack of self preservation seems to be matched by only his own. True he never forsook healing for a hot plate before though. Maybe she was more reckless than he. Perhaps she thought her wounds would not be a problem for a time. Regardless she can make her own decisions.
"I fear your blood loss clouds your judgement. But you won't die before we are done so I will not tell you otherwise. The place is a tavern called the majesty sea." Lucius had always wondered if it was meant to bear a of the in the name but Bonnie always assured him that it was not so. Apparently the sea is a majesty in the eyes of pirates and sailors. Strange view in his opinion.
"They have some strong ale and fresh catches of sea creatures daily. They are fairly popular for it. Of course they suffer a low stock at times as well." Lucius and Armitage passed through the guard post of the town and he pointed them to the tavern. It's right over here. He scanned the docks to see if Bonnie's ship was docked and sure enough it was. "Look over there. The schooner with the violet sails belongs to my contact. She is a good woman if not ambitious. She wishes for a manowar instead. You ought to be able to meet her in the tavern."
Lucius lead the way into the door and looked for those he knew. "Hmm, it looks like she is not in. Ah well, perhaps we can discuss specifics over a hot plate." Lucius sat at the bar with a slouch.
|
|
|
Post by Armitage Apolithymius on Sept 11, 2014 10:33:34 GMT -6
Majesty Sea. Majesty Sea. Majesty Sea. Armitage rolled the name around in her head. It had a strange catchiness to it, and the kind of musicality that made it fun to say over and over. Not out loud, of course, as that would be annoying, but fun nonetheless. The sea does possess a sort of timeless beauty to it, doesn’t it? Armitage never spent much time on water. As a matter of fact, living inland in Lycia, she hardly saw the sea at all! As the sun glinted off the water in the docks, Armitage let herself relish the sight. It could be quite some time until she saw it again, depending on where her travels take her.
As Lucius warned Armitage about her blood loss, she mostly shook it off. ”If a drunkard spends most of his life drunk, would you not agree they usually become more capable of functioning, while drunk, over time? I think the same could be said for chronic blood loss, haha! I appreciate your concern Lucius but let’s eat!” She quickened their pace toward the tavern, giving a playful laugh as she did so. It was comforting to hear Lucius assure her she would not die at the dinner table. She already knew this, but to hear someone else say you won’t die is always a comforting feeling.
Sitting at the bar with Lucius, they were greeted lazily, but quickly. Had Armitage been less hungry she may have noticed that the barkeep did not seem to care about their blood and injuries. Perhaps he was used to serving all manner of dirty, bloody pirate. Armitage did not wait for him to ask what they wanted. That is, if he was going to anyway. ”Give me two shots of the strongest spirit you have, one tall glass of milk, and a plate of the tastiest fish 10 gold can buy!” Armitage nearly yelled at the man. The excitement of food was getting to her.
”So Lucius, assuming we make it out of this tavern alive, what would you like me to actually do? You’ve told me the big picture but I’m a girl who loves specifics. Your ideal is abstract but it needs some real execution. After this should I just wait around until I hear from you again?” Armitage spoke sincerely. She was very willing to help but, at the moment, still didn’t have a real idea of how she could. Sure she could train soldiers but, by the way he traveled alone and half beat up, she doubted they had any soldiers she could even train! Armitage loved big ideals, but without action behind them that’s all they will ever be; ideas.
As her food arrived, Armitage refocused. She thanked the barkeep and turned to Lucius, nudging one of the small glasses of liquor toward him. ”It might sound silly but I need some way to make this official. Spent too much time as a soldier. But there’s no way in hell I’m saluting you and you don’t want to handshake so let’s do this. Cheers to your ideals, Lucius!” Assuming Lucius would take up the glass, she would clink hers to the rim of his and then down it in a mouthful. After a moment of savoring the taste, she followed it with milk. With a satisfied smile she started into her meal, eagerly awaiting Lucius’ response.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 11, 2014 15:51:39 GMT -6
Lucius liked Armitage more and more as they spoke. She gave him a good debate too. "Yes, well, even if you are completely capable of functioning on your own as you bleed out you will just die standing. Hmm, maybe that would be a good way to go though. Dying without collapsing. Certainly become a legend for it." What was he saying? That was not the way to instill sense in the woman.
Now at the bar Armitage ordered for them. "Milk? What would you want milk for? Why does everyone seem to drink milk actually?" Lucius verbalized his question aloud half hoping for an answer. It was just odd how everyone around him would drink so much milk. Still the woman was rather enthusiastic, something in him decided to join in, "Hurry or we'll skewer you on our plate instead!" He intended to be joking but with his look and gruffness it only bothered the server a bit. He was used to threats but it never really got easier when they looked the part of a killer.
Lucius glared at the man's uneasiness. He was merely jesting in good humor. "Bah!" The woman asked him to a toast and how to proceed about the plans. "Well then, CHEERS!" Lucius clanked glasses with her and downed the glass with haste. "I see, the milk was a chaser." Perhaps he ought to try it out.
As the two turned their attention to the meals Lucius decided it would be helpful to tell her some of his ideas. "I will be hiring workers soon in order to build our base. As far as recruitment is concerned I am truthfully unsure how to proceed. I could threaten men into submission but that is no way to build a kingdom. Could you consider finding any that you deem worthy?"
|
|