Derick
Soldier
A deserter from Bern, struggles to reign himself in.
Posts: 170
Profession: Amateurish Mercenary
Affinity: Anima
OoC Alias: Derick
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Post by Derick on Jan 23, 2016 22:11:36 GMT -6
Derick's nodded hesitantly with Isabel's initial comments. Although he certainly couldn't identify with disliking battle, he had heard it often enough from others to at least appreciate the sentiment. Isabel's next piece of information forced Derick to abandon the show of politeness. His mouth dropped agape once again as he pictured the reluctant lone wolf bearing a set of gauntlets with steel claws that were at least half as long as his arms. He hadn't seen anything like that, not even in the Western Isles. "C-claws?! That's incredible! I can't wait to meet him!" Derick's eyes started to glaze as he pictured Solomon's claws shredding an enemy combatant. The account of Solomon's bite only fueled Derick's fever-dream. He certainly could relate to that.
"Is he...safe to travel with?"
The sounds of tavern merriment seemed to dim in Derick's ears as he heard Loreley's question. He took a swig of the liquid, hard and fast this time, but he still winced as he swallowed. I've wondered the same... Just a few short months ago, Derick had been completely incapable of remembering what occurred when he entered battle. His only memory of such encounters came from surveying the havoc after the fact. Through some coaching and experience, he was now able to stay within his own mind during battle, but found that he still enjoyed the mention of any sort of violence...Derick's introspection was promptly interrupted by Kellen's jovial roar. Derick's broad shoulders and athletic frame absorbed the force of Kellen's playful slug with ease, and Derick grinned playfully as he gave Kellen a playful shove in return. "Hah, as if! I'd sooner drink bathwater than more of this stuff!"
The smile remained on Derick's face as he sat with the group, he returned Loreley's smirk with a cocky smirk of his own. At least she's good-humored about it!...I can't seem to string two sentences together around this bunch without tripping over my own tongue... Derick started as he realized that during his musings, his hands had found the mug of that vile brown concoction once again. Kellen was right, the beverage was becoming easier to drink with each sip. That still didn't prevent Derick from wincing as he took another sip.
This bunch... The phrase resonated in Derick's mind as he gave the group he was sitting with another once over. Isabel, the little sapphire witch who always seemed to be secretly amused by...something that Derick couldn't put his finger on at the moment. Ayj, the lithe acrobat whom Derick had noted as another lance wielder. Her hands had been in constant motion since they sat down, whom Derick had yet to notice was hard to keep eyes on for more than a few moments. Loreley, the sociable young woman from the Western Isles who could disarm Derick with a single sentence. Kellen, the giant whose rough appearance was betrayed by his good-natured mannerisms...and Vic. Derick's brow furrowed as he grudgingly acknowledged the man's presence. But the drums had set Derick's foot tapping, and he was soon smiling again as he watched the tavern prepare for a dance.
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Loreley
Archer
A sailor lass with a powerful namesake from the Western Isles at the start of her adventures.
Posts: 72
Profession: Sailing Adventurer
Affinity: Fire
OoC Alias: Feldsky
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Post by Loreley on Jan 24, 2016 16:48:15 GMT -6
The sunkissed islander listened as Ayj spoke up about Solomon. She guessed the dark haired traveler had met up with this Solomon before as well. She frowned a bit in thought at the other girl's words. This Solomon was turning out to be an intimidating character. It might be best to keep her distance from him as much as she was able, once they actually met. He probably wouldn't mind, since he'd turned up his nose at socializing with the rest of them this night.
Derick on the other hand seemed thrilled to meet him. She eyed the blond soldier, trying to place the hero worship of this figure with the cheerful grin and awkward attitudes she'd noticed moments before. She laughed at how he voiced a preference to bathwater to the drink here.... She hadn't thought it quite that bad.
"Well, I've traveled with some wild fighters before, but never a biter. Can't remember having traveled with too many mages either, now that I think of it. Perhaps a windcaller on one of the larger ships I've ridden once."
That music and clapping was getting a little more distracting to the Islander girl. A little more infectious. She found her eyes straying over towards the group of people around the tavern gathering up for a dance. How long had it been since she'd let herself unwind and relax a little? Well, probably not all that long, honestly, but it may be some time before she got a chance to again traveling with this merchant group.
"I kind of want'ta go for a dance. It might be awhile before the chance comes up again." Her eyes wandered over, past Vic and Kellen to the blond haired soldier. He wasn't bad to look at. Plenty of people on the isles had worse wear and scarring visible. His strong handsome chin and wavy sandy hair did alot to counteract that. More importantly, he didn't seem to get uptight. He might be a little awkward sometimes, but he seemed perfectly capable of relaxing while doing so.
"...Derick?" She looked over at the blond waiting to see if he'd take her out to the floor.
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Isabel
Shaman
It's been far too long since I last flexed my magical muscles!
Posts: 233
Profession: Witch for Hire
Affiliation: N/A
Affinity: Fire
OoC Alias: Izzy
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Post by Isabel on Jan 28, 2016 22:19:20 GMT -6
Isabel grinned as "Ayj" went along with her, backing up the mage's claims. "Take it from someone who travels with him; he's harmless if you don't try to hurt him first. Well, or me. He is a bit protective of me, even if he does try to act all aloof and uncaring all the time." That was true, actually. He was a cat and definitely acted like it, but he had stuck around with the sapphire mage long and she took care of him... He wasn't much of a combatant, but he certainly had done his part in her adventures.
She could do with less of his bringing dead mice and rat bodies to her, though. That was kind of gross.
Some form of heavy, loud music was starting up at the other end of the establishment. Isabel frowned, but a quick look around the table showed that her reaction seemed to be out of place. Vic, Lore, and Ayj, at the very least, seemed to be having a positive reaction, while Kellen seemed a little harder to read. So, instead, she forced a small smile and looked beyond the table, over at the people having a good time dancing. Well, if they enjoyed it... What did it hurt? Certainly nothing more than the blue girl's head, and even that could be fixed by a few hours of quiet. Sleep would be good. "Seems like they're having fun over there."
Another astute observation, Izzy. Way to add something meaningful to the conversation. While the idea of meeting up with the people she could very well be risking life and limb alongside (though most likely not her life or limbs, if it could be helped) on the journey was a good one on paper, it seemed that the longer they just sat here, the less comfortable it was. Perhaps the others would get up and dance, and then, while they were distracted, she would have an opportunity to slip out without anyone noticing...
Oh, a perfect opportunity to get rid of at least Lorely and Derick! "Yeah, you two go dance and have fun! You're right; who knows if you'll get the chance to again?" Oh, that came out way more morbidly than she'd intended it to. "... W-wait, no, I mean. Who knows when you'll get another chance for a while. Sorry, I mean... Again, yeah, easy job. We're in zero danger, just some..." Isabel inhaled sharply, stopping her ramblings. "... I think I'm going to go outside for a little bit. If anyone needs me, I'll... I'll be outside."
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Post by Jya on Jan 29, 2016 8:45:15 GMT -6
This was a pleasant group, lively and most importantly, happy. Jya enjoyed being in their company. Perhaps it wouldn’t be a wise idea to try and take a little bit from them along the way. Not that she thought she’ll get caught, but that was more of the spirit of things. It also seemed that most of her comments were taking as that. She wasn’t adding much to the conversation, which was nice in staying hidden, but horrible for these people to remember her general existence.
The lively music made her heart pump; it was the typical norm of the sounds in a busy street or the rather muted sounds of nature itself. She considered her options, rather to join in the reverie and make a fool of herself or just encourage from behind. Not much choice in her eyes though, especially when it appeared that Izzy didn’t want any part in the reverie. She had her own questions to the shaman; there was quite a bit of catching up to do. Not here, not where her lies can be exposed. Being a wanted woman was so difficult.
“Can I come along? I think I need some fresh air myself,” Jya piped in, hoping Izzy would accept the offer of a companion. If her friend rejected her though, well that would be unfortunate and saddening, but she can always just blend right back into the background of things. It wouldn’t hurt her to just clap along the dancers, but she thought it’ll be a good time to catch up with just the two of them. Even though she wanted to drag the shaman into an empty alley or something equivalent, but that was just her naturally shady side talking.
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Derick
Soldier
A deserter from Bern, struggles to reign himself in.
Posts: 170
Profession: Amateurish Mercenary
Affinity: Anima
OoC Alias: Derick
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Post by Derick on Jan 29, 2016 23:00:06 GMT -6
Loreley's pondering on traveling companions caused Derick's smile to fade a bit as he listened distractedly, and Isabel's statements cemented the doubt that had been subconsciously brewing in his mind. "--but never a biter..." Loreley's words echoed as Derick took another sip from the mug. It tasted like blood. Or is that just familiar memories? Derick shook his head rapidly to clear the thought, but Isabel unknowingly reinforced his line of thinking with her reply. "--he's harmless if you don't hurt him first..." Another sip. ...Could I ever make that same guarantee?
"...Derick?" On hearing his name, Derick wiped his mouth hastily and scanned the room, he quickly found Loreley's golden eyes looking a question at him. Derick half-rose from the table, his mouth opening to ask what she wanted before Isabel answered for her. A... dance?... Derick inwardly cursed himself from having risen from the table, but he forced himself to keep the momentum as he engaged in a verbal battle with himself. Just do it, you'll only put a damper on things if you sit back down now... Derick forced an appreciative smile in Isabel's direction. He even managed to make it look sincere as he suppressed the butterflies in his stomach. Derick turned away from the group as if to appreciate the atmosphere of the tavern as he made his way around the table. You'll look like more a fool when you go out there not knowing how to dance! Derick's smile faltered, and he felt the butterflies in his stomach intensify. Derick was thankful he had turned away, nerves were an unfamiliar sensation. He took a deep breath, regaining his composure, and turned to face Loreley as he drew near.
Her golden eyes were still inquisitive, but they seemed to have a spark to them, suggesting some sense of anticipation...She was quite pretty, beautiful even. Yet her kind, straightforward mannerisms and her charming islander garb had the curious effect of erasing Derick's usual tepidness and enhancing her charm all at once. Ultimately, Derick felt as if he hadn't much choice from the moment he heard the question.
Heh... H-here goes nothing!... The thought fueled an earnest, crooked smile as Derick stopped in front of Loreley. "Putting thoughts of danger aside... she's right, we may b-be on the road for awhile... Derick stated matter-of-factly, doing his part to aid in Isabel's escape, goodness knows he needed his own dose of such mercy regularly. "Let's do it!" eagerness overcame fear as Derick gallantly took Loreley's hand and led her to the dance, as he had seen done at his village festivals...
Unfortunately, Derick's recollection of village dances ended there. His triumphant mood at having accepted Loreley's request was evaporating as they drew nearer to the music and the crowd. The crowd... Derick studied the movements of the dancing crowd. The drums made the beat painfully obvious, and Derick seemed to intuitively understand the idea of moving in rhythm with it but...Most pairs seemed to know what their dance partner was thinking without a word, following some prescribed pattern...a pattern Derick couldn't quite grasp.
They had reached the edge of the ring surrounding the dancers and the musicians. A few tavern patrons were cheering them as the pair prepared to join the dance. Derick met Loreley's golden eyes once more...and the bluff ended. Derick's eyes widened and he ruefully noted the sensation of his face reddening as he leaned towards Loreley and muttered: "I... I'm not really familiar w-with... what th-they're doing..." Derick's gaze strayed towards the dancers, his eyes squinted and his jaw set as he frantically studied the dancers, in a last ditch attempt to learn the art of dancing right then and there. I'll learn... and I'll look a fool while I do it... That was his resolve.
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Loreley
Archer
A sailor lass with a powerful namesake from the Western Isles at the start of her adventures.
Posts: 72
Profession: Sailing Adventurer
Affinity: Fire
OoC Alias: Feldsky
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Post by Loreley on Jan 31, 2016 10:39:48 GMT -6
Lore watched with a pensive expression as Derick stood up. He seemed a little unsure of himself or lost, and she wondered whether he would follow through or not. It wouldn't be the worst of things to happen if he slipped out, but it was a small hope of hers that he would not. At Isabel's suggestion though he seemed to find his feet, and square his shoulders to march on. That put a smile to her lips and a spark in her eyes. She waved back to the others as she gently put her hand in Derick's sure grip.
"Alright. We'll be back later. Enjoy yourselves." Kellen just smiled and raised his mug in response before taking a long pull and setting it back down on the table. He propped his feet up on one of the newly vacated chairs and seemed perfectly at ease to just sit there and let the music fill his ears.
When they got out onto the floor, the girl leaned her head in closer to hear something quiet he was saying. Her own face darkened just a hint in embarrassment as she spoke back. "I thought I was the only one that didn't know...." Her smile just brightened then. He really had been brave to come out here then. No one liked looking a fool.
"Don't worry. I danced all the time back in Wake. Just ignore them, and I'll guide you. Okay?" She didn't seem worried in the slightest. Just excited but maybe that was because she wasn't concerned with putting herself in front of crowds anymore. Generally speaking, it was safe to assume you'd be fine in front of a happy crowd, and this seemed like that.
She gently wrapped one hand around his shoulder where she could try to provide a little bit of subtle direction when needed, and let him take her other hand. "Ready?" Ok. There was a little bit of a quiver of anticipation coming in her voice now.
Before that could get any stronger, she started. She had to control her steps so as to not go too fast for Derick to follow, but she didn't want to make things TOO easy. In contrast to all of the spinning and circling steps that the Etrurian dancers favored, Loreley's islander dance tended to go up and down lanes, and soon she found herself guiding them out of the way of the circlers in the tavern as they stepped and swayed to the beat. A few steps back the other way, and then a ninety degree turn had them moving through the tables. He wouldn't take long to catch on if he'd had any experience with dancing before. The pattern was simple enough to learn after only a few minutes. Soon enough they were dancing back the way they'd come, and whatever the case may be for the blond haired spearman, Loreley was having a wonderful time of it.
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Isabel
Shaman
It's been far too long since I last flexed my magical muscles!
Posts: 233
Profession: Witch for Hire
Affiliation: N/A
Affinity: Fire
OoC Alias: Izzy
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Post by Isabel on Feb 16, 2016 21:15:44 GMT -6
Isabel waited just long enough to watch Derick and Lore head over to the dance floor before starting for the exit. "Of course you can; we're all adults, you don't need my permission to do anything." was the shaman's admittedly too-sharp response to Ayj, and then she was off, cutting through the establishment with all the grace of a bull in a china shop. Admittedly, this was a very tiny bull who couldn't have physically knocked down any of these heavy wooden tables, but dang it, she might have tried.
When she was finally standing out in the night air, the blue girl took a deep breath and walked off. Where was she going? Away from the tavern, that was for sure. The music was too loud, even here. Isabel took a moment to look over her shoulder to make sure that Ay- no, Jya - was following her before she rounded a corner, putting the tavern out of sight and mind, before sliding down the wall and taking a seat on the ground.
The music was still plenty loud from here, but at least the barrier between them gave the illusion of distance. In truth, the shaman had only walked about two buildings down; she had never caught the name of this town, but it seemed respectably-sized. Not that she would ever be coming back here. After tomorrow, she could add "Unnamed Town #23" to the list of places she had visited in her time away from home. Oh god, how everything was a blur at this point... Faceless people telling her the same meaningless words, on a backdrop that was sometimes bright and blue, sometimes with a gorgeous purple overtone, sometimes with the stark white of snow, but always some form of green. And now...
... Jya.
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Derick
Soldier
A deserter from Bern, struggles to reign himself in.
Posts: 170
Profession: Amateurish Mercenary
Affinity: Anima
OoC Alias: Derick
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Post by Derick on Feb 18, 2016 20:38:46 GMT -6
---
The sun was starting to kiss the horizon in a brilliant sunset as Derick made it back to the merchant's caravan. I don't think my eyelids have ever been heavier... Derick stretched with the thought and allowed himself an enormous yawn. The caravan was starting to settle down in anticipation nightfall as well, Derick navigated himself cautiously through the maze of pitched tents and resting livestock.
As he reached the center of camp, Derick halted abruptly as a thought stuck him. I don't have any idea where I'm sleeping tonight... Derick turned his head, seeking out some sort of assistance, but saw no one about. Derick took another step, his felt his foot sink into the lengthy grass beneath him. Well...I've slept in worse places... Derick yawned again, he fell to his knees in a rush as he tried to make his way towards the ground. All that dancing...cramped up my legs...haha... Derick wavered on the spot, preparing to answer sleep's call...
"Oi! What do you think you're doing!" The words came out in a breathy, irritated whisper directly behind Derick's ear. Derick started, and felt something grip the back of his shirt and haul him up. By the time Derick was on his feet, he had reached a full panic, he spun as quickly as his legs allowed, and drew back his left hand in a tight fist, preparing a left hook just for his assailant...
...It was only Vic. Maybe I should punch him anyway...it couldn't possibly make him look any worse... Derick regretfully unclenched his fist as he righted his posture and looked Vic in the eyes properly. For whatever reason, the very sight of this man's rotting teeth set Derick on edge. Vic's voice was still hushed and irritated sounding, but Derick thought he could hear a laugh buried in there as well as he addressed Derick. "We been waiting ages for you! Come on, the others are at the edge of the camp." Derick trudged behind Vic's torchlight, rubbing sleep from his own eyes as they moved through the camp, away from the village and towards the darkness on the horizon that represented the opening to the forest.
"'Ey everybody, I found 'im. Looked like he was about to have a good night's sleep in the middle of camp." There was definitely a laugh buried in Vic's tone. Derick scowled at the back of his head and then squared his shoulders, vowing to look more alert than everyone else for the rest of the night. "'Course, he didn't seem like the only one who thought he'd have the night off, you lot stayed at the tavern for ages."
Derick stopped himself from scowling by trying to smile and look alert at the same time. Derick's facial expression was disconcerting when combined with his tone as he muttered loud enough for the group to hear, "it would have helped if you had told us we'd be needed tonight." Vic ignored him, but Derick thought his cheery tone sounded a little more strained as he continued. "We'll need to a little bit of scouting before the sun's down. I Hope you all bought torches while we were in town today for the night watch afterward!" Derick's smile strained, he had done no such thing. "No matter, ,I got some extras just in case anyone was...forgetful." Vic grinned at the group circled around him, Derick swore his eyes had strayed on him longer than the others. Vic's mood seemed to have improved greatly as he concluded the huddle. "So, we'll meet here shortly after sundown, and then we'll need four volunteers for tonight's watch shifts...Any volunteers?"
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Loreley
Archer
A sailor lass with a powerful namesake from the Western Isles at the start of her adventures.
Posts: 72
Profession: Sailing Adventurer
Affinity: Fire
OoC Alias: Feldsky
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Post by Loreley on Mar 5, 2016 13:17:29 GMT -6
Loreley looked up from where she'd been been seated against a tree trunk. Kellen and the others from the little get together that night were nearby, and she'd taken the opportunity before divvying out night watch duties to do a little maintenance waxing her bowstrings. Kellen had been passing the time telling her about some of the wildlife in the area. Most of it sounded a little tame compared to what had lived on the isles, but he'd warned her that the ease of living here could also mean that the packs of predators would be much larger and more dangerous because of it. That hadn't occurred to her when he'd been talking about wolf packs in the countryside.
There they were. Vic and Derick finally joined them. She tried to suppress the smile at how she could imagine Derick simply flopping down on the ground in the camp, and taking a rest. She wasn't completely successful. It was funny..., but the rotten toothed fellow seemed to be having too much fun badgering Derick. Vic had just asked for volunteers for the watch shifts during the night, and he was still showing his grin back to Derick. she had a flash of an idea, and while he was glancing away, she made her move.
Vic's head whipped back around as the torch in his hand, suddenly found its way into Loreley's grip as she punched the knuckle lightly holding onto his torch. It was almost as if the torch popped out of his hand and into hers. While he was still focusing on her face, she snagged a few of the unlit torches from his other hand, and proceeded to start tossing them around to the rest of the group, starting with Derick.
"Well Vic, since you're clearly the expert in the group. After all, you though to bring torches, even when some of us weren't prepared." Loreley's golden eyes twinkled strangely in the twilight of the setting sun as she lit a torch, and handed it back to him.
He took it, but still seemed to be trying to figure out how she'd gotten his torch in the first place. When what she was saying registered, his expression changed to something more determined, and a little proud and lofty.
"Damn straight. I been watchin' caravans for years. Best one of the lot o' you." Kellen crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow from nearby, looking as though he was choosing between amusment or just turning around and ignoring Vic's claims.
"Oh Haha...?" Loreley looked up at the taller man, and poked him in the chest hard enough to get him to flinch a little bit. "Then I doubt anyone here will object if I nominate you for the most difficult shift. Second shift." Second shift. The shift where you never got enough rest.
Kellen's face brightened up as he looked around at the rest of the group, and saw what everyone else was realizing. If Vic wanted to talk big, then he could go and take the big jobs. By the look on his face, he was coming to realize that now too. He looked over at Kellen, who merely smiled and laughed.
"Hahh! Dun look at me, Friend. Ya know I always take th' mornin' shift. I think she's got ya on this one."
OoC: [Timeskipping forward]
Scouting was a simple matter that evening, and it continued to be a simple matter for the duration of the trip. Basically, you looked around to make sure that the ambush points nearby weren't occupied. During the days with this caravan, the most Lore had to worry about were some relaxing deer that she'd disturbed before they were quite up and moving for the night.
Kellen continued to entertain her with his stories, Vic continued to be a pompass jerk, towards others, even when she gave him chances to be nice, and the others in the party kept on their own interesting little quirks. This continued until they reached a stop near one of the cities they'd be selling at, and they had a choice. Renew the contract, or go their separate ways.
"I think this is where I go a different path." Loreley said to the group that afternoon. "I miss the ocean... And I've always wanted to approach Badon from inland. This is just another chance to go and see more of the world." She pursed her lips in thought, as she tried to remember what was between where they were, and the ocean port.
"Let's see... There's alot of Lycia between here and there, yeah?"
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