|
Post by Kelvin H. Calderon on Mar 8, 2010 22:01:07 GMT -6
Kelvin took Chelsea's hand as they began to walk casually back to the group. "You know, I'll bet they've got some great cafes in Laus. I don't know about you, but I'm starved after that long ride. What do you say we get something to eat when we get there?" Kelvin asked.
|
|
|
Post by Gabriel on Mar 8, 2010 22:04:22 GMT -6
OoC: The trip probably took two, maybe three days. They ARE all going on horses, and Elibe as a world is rather small, for our convenience. It'd be hell to RP in a world the size of our own. For the convenience of everyone, unless stated otherwise by ANYONE, we always arrive at a city by noon.
Wyatt had come with the group inside the palace. Lucy had, like last time, allowed anyone to follow her, as long as their numbers didn't grow too large.
"Denzel returned here days ago, and is now running some errands in the Sacaen plains. And as I said, we've had sources confirm that nothing has happened to Ostia. In fact, I even have a letter from Sir Matthias, marquess of Ostia, as proof." He whispered to one of his servants, as they brought him a piece of paper, which he read aloud. He even showed Lucy the Ostian royal seal on it, to show it's authenticity.
"Things are getting...interesting. We'll talk outside." Gabriel whispered back to Saffra, having felt someone pull him from behind. "Wyatt, please, calm down as well. We don't want to cause his majesty any further problems. By your leave, Sir Anthony." Gabriel turned around looking at Saffra and Wyatt, as if to tell them to follow him. Lady Lucy reluctantly followed. They could always ask for another interview with the marquess, either way.
At the castle's courtyard, the group moved over to where their horses were resting. "What the marquess said...it doesn't match with what we've heard in Pherae, Santaruz, Caelin and Araphen. Either all of those kingdoms were fooled, or Laus was." Gabriel had to talk almost in whispers. Guards were almost everywhere, and he didn't want to alarm anyone.
"Mind if we pay a visit to this...Sir Chester, was it? That mage that told the marquess that Ostia was fine. We won't be able to inspect that letter Sir Anthony had, so that's our only option, other than moving towards Ostia."
|
|
|
Post by Valcrist on Mar 8, 2010 22:16:29 GMT -6
Sometimes I know myself too well... He smirked at the explanation Harlow gave. It fit in an almost depressing way. "I draw nature as well from time to time..." He mused quietly, remembering how he was shortly after arriving on the ranch. He would draw everything, the trees, the horses, and even the grass when he was bored. Infact, a few of the earlier pages in this sketchbook were devoted to such things. He spent at least three days trying to sketch Lightning, but would always notice something new about him every time he looked.
Still, it wasn't drawing nature that engrossed him. He loved to express feelings, thoughts, ideas on paper. He loved the fact that he could take a blank piece of paper and create a story with only a drawing. He loved to draw weapons, people, things. It was a bit corny, but he loved the feeling of creating something. This was the same love he had in blacksmithing, which drove him to work.
The chaos of the paper grew darker and darker, but in the chaos there was a discernible shape. It wasn't anything recognizable, like a person or a place, but it was something in it's own entirety. He tilted his head and looked at it, confused. A flurry of shading surrounded it, like a single light in a sea of darkness. It was almost depressing really, and he was confused why he would draw something like this. "Hrm... I wonder what it means..." He couldn't quite describe what it was in words, but it was... something. It might just be a crazy drawing, he has a few of those. Drawings that mean nothing and are just violent strokes on paper caused by emotion... but this didn't feel like that. I guess I don't know myself as well as a I thought.
His stomach growled. "Hrm, I'm done drawing for now... I think I'll go see what this place has to eat!" He smiled as he put his sketchbook and charcoal back in the bag. "You wanna come along Harlow?"
|
|
|
Post by Chelsea Dagger on Mar 8, 2010 22:18:50 GMT -6
Chelsea couldn't help but blush. "Get something to eat? You mean, like a... date?" She felt herself go even redder as she said it. She had never had a date before, not that she had ever really wanted one before now. She looked up and Kelvin and nodded quickly. "Yes. I'd really like that." She beamed up at him.
|
|
Harlow Rysche
Archer
[M:0]
Posts: 42
Profession: Painter
Affinity: Wind
OoC Alias: Empfindsam
|
Post by Harlow Rysche on Mar 8, 2010 22:48:29 GMT -6
Harlow perked up at the mention of food. "Yeah, let's get going. I know a great place near here, run by a friend of mine. Oh, did I tell you I lived in Laus for about a year? Yeah, I wonder if it's still there." He got up and stretched again, dusting off the dirt from his trousers.
"Anyways, I'll lead the way. Trust me, you'll like this place. Good, hot soup, fresh-baked bread, mutton and venison stew - perfect for the weary traveler, if you ask me!"
With that, Harlow started off in the direction of the city center. Maybe after they ate, they could stop by the park! Valcrist had gotten him wanting to sketch again. It was never to late to get back into drawing.
In just a few minutes, they'd arrived at Teto's. Harlow sized up the place to see if it matched his memory. There was the little, two-room building with the quaint, wood-framed door and windows. Above the door hung the plain wooden sign stating Teto's Cafe with the little figure of a man beckoning customers inside. He smiled, happy to see things were still the same around here. "Here we are, Val! Finest little cafe in all of Laus! Come on, I want you to meet Teto."
They entered through the door and were immediately beset with an onslaught of smells - the scent of meat roasting in a pot, the aroma of loaves of bread still warm from the oven. Ah, the familiarity of this place was soothing.
"Oi! Teto!" Harlow called obnoxiously. "What's a guy got to do to get some food around here?"
A clattering sound emerged from the little kitchen in the back and a voice yelled back something unintelligable. Harlow could hear the footsteps as someone approached. And soon enough, out through the doorway emerged a stout, balding, middle-aged man with a bushy brown moustache, wearing an apron over a simple yellow robe. His expression changed from annoyance to surprise and then delight when he recognized his patron.
"Harlow! Holy Pegasi, I almost didn't recognize ya! It's been what, over a year since you last made it this way? You're looking good, my friend! Where's Kazak and the boys?"
Harlow grinned back at the guy. "Actually, I'm not with Kazak any more. There was a... disagreement. But no worries, I didn't kill him, if that's what you're wondering. I'm with a Lycian alliance on a mission to unite all of Lycia against Etruria. No more merc-ing for me, Teto old pal! But hey! This here's Valcrist. He's part of the group!" Harlow motioned towards Valcrist, and Teto moved in to shake his hand.
"Valcrist, eh? Well any friend of Harlow's is a friend of mine, that rascal! Hehe, too bad Mariella is at home today - you should try to see her if you've got time!"
|
|
|
Post by Valcrist on Mar 8, 2010 23:07:42 GMT -6
Valcrist followed him, no reason not to really. He didn't know this place at all, in fact it was quite overwhelming with all of it bustle and hustle. He was used to more quiet, tight-nit communities like Caelin and Koroda. This place was big! It was loud! It was... it was exciting! He had never been in a place this big, and he heard Ostia was even bigger!
He smiled and nodded as he was lead throughout the town, listening to Harlow's excited talking about the place they were headed. He hadn't eaten anything but fish in what feels like forever. They even made fish at the camp when they were traveling. Not that he didn't like fish, mind you, just... so much fish. "Venison sounds great right about now. We never got deer back where I'm from, so we had to buy it from the caravan... actually that's how we got all our food." He spoke aloud, not sure if he heard, or really even cared.
Teto? He thought as the two had the little mini-reunion. They seemed friendly, almost close. He didn't know who or what this Kazak was, but he didn't feel it to be his place to say anything. He smiled and nodded to the stout aged man. "A pleasure to meet you Mr. Teto."
|
|
Harlow Rysche
Archer
[M:0]
Posts: 42
Profession: Painter
Affinity: Wind
OoC Alias: Empfindsam
|
Post by Harlow Rysche on Mar 8, 2010 23:23:05 GMT -6
Harlow found himself laughing along with Teto for no reason other than the man's jolly demeanor was contagious. "Well, I don't know if I'll have time to see Mariella, but that would be quite the treat. I bet she's got some tasty sugar loaves or a pie setting around somewhere at the house just-a-waitin or someone like me to take it away and show it some tender love and care!"
He turned to Valcrist. "What say we sit down and order us some food? You said venison sounded good? Hey! Teto! Some venison for my friend here! I don't know how you like it, Val, but I'm having mine in a stew! By the way, is it cool if I call you Val? I tend to give people nicknames if they let me. Just stop me if it gets on your nerves."
Harlow found himself being a lot more jocular and talkative right now than he'd been the past couple days. Maybe this place was bringing it out in him. It was dearer to his heart than his memory had made it seem. And he was growing comfortable with the idea of being part of the new Lycian alliance.
"Anyways, I wonder where everyone else got off to? And how they're doing at the castle, Lady Cus and all them. I wouldn't mind staying here a bit, myself, but they seemed in a hurry to get on to Ostia." Not that there was an Ostia to be getting on to. With Ostia gone, Laus was beginning to seem a lot more like home. "What do you think of the city so far?" he asked, having noted Valcrist's wide-eyed state soaking in his surroundings all the way from the city edge to the cafe. "You've never been in a big city like this, huh?"
|
|
|
Post by Valcrist on Mar 8, 2010 23:38:14 GMT -6
"It's perfectly fine. A lot of people call me Val, my full name is a little weird sounding anyway. My mother said the name came to her in a dream, so it sounds a little goofy to say outloud." He smiled and sat down in the chair. "Yeah, some Venison sounds good. Well done please." He added as he got settled in. He seemed really friendly with the owner of this place, the two must of been friends from long ago. They talked about some girl that Valcrist had no idea about, and seemed to be having fun about it. He was a little jealous, he didn't really have a relationship like that with anyone who wasn't related to him. Well... Maybe with Mr. and Mrs. Calderon. Hey, maybe he's building relationships like that without even realizing it?
"I bet they're off.... having fun." He gave a short smile, somewhat forced and somewhat sad. "I don't think they would have too much trouble at the castle. I mean Gabriel and Lady Lucy are both nice people." He added, obviously ignorant about how politics worked. "I don't really know what Ostia's like, so I'm kinda anxious to see it myself. I read in a lot of books about how it's such a giant and powerful city..." He absentmindedly shuffled his feet on the floor beneath him. "I think it's incredible so far. I've never been in a big city before. In my hometown, I'd be lucky to see more then two dozen people living in it at any given time. I was in Caelin for a while, which was a big step up. And now here, which is a giant leap up."
|
|
Harlow Rysche
Archer
[M:0]
Posts: 42
Profession: Painter
Affinity: Wind
OoC Alias: Empfindsam
|
Post by Harlow Rysche on Mar 8, 2010 23:57:49 GMT -6
It was impossible to keep his face from twisting into a grimace at the mention of Ostia. "Ostia... well I doubt we'll be seeing..." he started to say, but broke it off. But why? What was the harm in a young blacksmith knowing a little more about his past? He'd have to blur the truth a little, but that was okay. "Look, Val. Haven't you heard the rumors? About Ostia's destruction?" He grabbed his chin in his hand and frowned at the glass of water Teto had set before him. "Well, before I wound up in Caelin, I was part of a merc group on assignment just out of Ostia. Our... well, Etruria's forces swept over the place and killed a lot of people. Then..." he wasn't sure how to go on. He didn't even really know what had happened. He'd just seen the awful light, the blaze of fire consuming the city, from afar. He'd rushed back to see the city in flames. "They burned it. To the ground." There was a bitterness in his voice that surprised him.
He looked up at Valcrist's face, seeing that this wasn't quite registering with the boy. Was it possible that the news of Ostia had not quite made it to Caelin yet? But surely in Laus they'd heard...But then he realized that if everyone believed that Ostia had been completely razed, then this little troupe of soldiers would have no reason to traipse about Lycia rallying people to their cause - the other Lycian states would be charging towards Etrurian forces in a rage. Or at least, that's what he would do if he had an army under his control. Ostia was important to Lycia! Of course there would be widespread fury at what had been done there!
Either way, Harlow realied he'd just come down rather forcefully with the truth, and had probably greatly disturbed Valcrist, crushing his hopes of seeing Ostia in its glory. He tried to think of a way to take it back and quell the fears he'd probably just planted in the boy, but there wasn't really any way - he'd been far too blunt.
"I'm sorry, Val... I don't want to squash your hopes of seeing Ostia... or to be so negative, especially over a meal... But Ostia... is where I grew up, and... I can't contain what I know or feel..." he trailed off and stared out the window for a few moments before continuing. "I guess now you know why I accepted Kelvin's offer and joined this army. I wonder if anybody else actually knows of Ostia's fate but myself..."
|
|
Saffra
Dragon
The Winged Girl
Posts: 169
Lycia Fame: -1
Profession: Ill Omen
Affinity: Fire
Dragon Element: Ice
|
Post by Saffra on Mar 9, 2010 13:17:06 GMT -6
With a solemn nod of her head, Saffra spoke no more for the time being, and looked to Wyatt. Her seemed obviously upset, but fr what reason, was beyond her. This Denzel person...the young fighter must have known who he was, or else he wouldn't have brought it up. For now, her eyes kept on Wyatt and Gabriel, until the young mage lead them away, to which she eagerly followed in behind them both.
Resting up against a wooden pole that kept up one of the low-hanging buildings, Saffra began to fix her clothes, brushing off dust and sand that had kicked up onto her robes and boots, but she still listened to what Gabriel had to say, and slightly frowned as he spoke about Pherae and the rest being fooled...no...that would be impossible for them all to know of the same story in as much detail.
"Paying a 'visit' seems like the only option we have left, doesn't it? Creating a false report is pretty dubious, if you ask me."
|
|
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 Mar 9, 2010 18:08:19 GMT -6
Wyatt let Gabriel guide him away, and once out of sight of the guard Wyatt punched a wooden pole, not noticing how it shook when he struck it.
"He's full of it, I know it! Me and Denzel were attacked by these weird wolf creatures in the woods leading to Ostia. No hair, skin gray and leathery, foaming at the mouth...they didn't even fear fire, they just fought to kill...true monsters. That is way too odd to just be left out of his report if he really returned. I'd call that something of notice."
Why was the truth being withheld? And why had they lied about Denzel's return? He knew the young cavalier well enough to know that he would never cover up something like that. So either his report was covered up, or he hadn't yet returned to make it...
Maybe he never got out of that forest...Wyatt's face fell at the thought.
|
|
|
Post by Kelvin H. Calderon on Mar 9, 2010 18:18:42 GMT -6
Kelvin and Chelsea continued on in silence, heading towards the city. This was a city known for its cavaliers, and Kelvin was excited to see others of his profession. However, Kelvin was more excited about getting to the cafe.
They entered the city and strolled the streets, scoping out a good cafe. Eventually, Kelvin spotted one that seemed nice, and he thought he saw Valcrist and Harlow in there. Kelvin tried to read the sign, but couldn't make out the words. "Damn my illiteracy," he thought to himself. "That one looks nice," he said, pointing at the cafe.
|
|
Captain Mikar
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Meh I like floors"
Posts: 36
|
Post by Captain Mikar on Mar 9, 2010 18:21:32 GMT -6
OoC: God you guys post fast.
IC: Mikar hopped off Mikey and gave a grunt as he hit solid ground. Mikey nudged the pirate and he almost fell to the ground. He must have been hungry. Mikar reached in his sack and pulled out a carrot. Mikar rubbed the horses mane as he fed the carrot to him. Mikar un tensed his muscles in his shoulders and started to relax after the long trip.
Mikar finished feeding his horse and started to look for a place to tie him up. Mikar didn't have to look far for a nearby fence. He walked by and tied the reigns up. He looked to the sky and heard his stomach growling. Lady Lucy and the rest of them wouldn't be done for a little while. "I guess I have some time to myself." Mikar said as he rubbed his stomach. "Might as well start with a bite to eat."
Mikar strolled down the street of the city and gazed at the many shops and eateries. There were so many and they all appealed to him. Mikar decided to pick a random one and hope for the best. It turned out he picked good as he stepped in the door and smelled the scent of fresh breads and soups. "Mmmm..." Mikar said as wide eyed the food of the customers.
Mikar looked around trying to think about what he wanted to eat when he saw an old friend. "Lawrence... Lawrence could it really be?" Mikar said to himself as he eyed a pirate across the room. Mikar went over to get a better look. Mikar slapped the man across the back hoping it was him.
I swear I don't owe you money! Lawrence shouted as he turned around. Mikey! It's been a long time. What are you doin here. "I'm in an army now, can ya believe it, after I got marooned I found myself here. What are you doin here?" Mikar said as he sat in the booth across from him. Well I'm the smithy here now. "Well What happened to the crew, I thought you were with them?" Nah, I stood up for yer wife like ye did and I got thrown overboard. Plus, I got ye sea journal. The man handed Mikar his journal from back then. "Wow really? I thought they tossed that old thing. Man that has all our old memories." Yep. Say, after we eat why don't ya stop over by the shop, I might hive ya a discount... well probably not, but just to catch up. "Sure, I got time. By the by, have you heard from me wife?" Umm... I'm sorry to be the one to tell ye this but she's dead. When I got thrown out of the boat, I went to find her and when I met up with a fishermen that took care of her, and she died during birth. ".... But that means my darling daughter is still out there... we... we... we gotta find her. Easy old dog, she could be anywhere, but I suppose I could ask around for ya. But, you just got here, lets not put a damper on things. "True, true.... Hey waiter can we get a menu?" Mikar said raising his hand.
OoC: A lot of old friends.
|
|
|
Post by Chelsea Dagger on Mar 9, 2010 18:26:56 GMT -6
"Teto's Cafe? Sounds interesting." Chelsea gave a little giggle. She always liked to read stuff. It was one thing her mother had insisted of both her children; they needed to learn how to read. She wished she could read more, but she rarely had the chance so she took what she could. "It does look pretty good. Do you wanna go in there then? Huh, huh, huh?" She gave him an innocent face then giggled again. "You're paying right?" she added with a little wink.
|
|
Captain Mikar
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Meh I like floors"
Posts: 36
|
Post by Captain Mikar on Mar 9, 2010 19:01:22 GMT -6
The waited came by and handed Mikar two menus. Mikar handed Lawrence his menu. The two pirates looked over the menu and placed their orders with the waiter. It's a shame ya won't be stayin'. Where are ya headed again? "Ostia" Mikar said as the waiter came by with the two beers. Lawrence gave Mikar a concerned stare. "What" Mikar asked with a puzzled look. Well didn't ya hear? Ostia was burned down. "Yes indeed it was but we're still bound there. Well you have your reasons.
The waiter came by with two bowls of soup and some bread. Mikar and Lawrence ate their meals and gave two loud burps. Uhh I'm full. "Are ye kiddin me? Ya lost yer manhood that quick. I was gonna order another round." Mikar said sarcastically as he nudged him with his elbow.
Mikar looked around and spotted Harlow and Valcrist having a bite to eat themselves. "Ill catch up with ya later Lawrence." Alright, don't forget to stop by the shop before ya go. "Will do." Mikar said as he got up and went over to where Harlow was.
"If it isn't you two." Mikar said putting a hand on each of their shoulders. "I don't think I've formally introduced my self. But that's not gonna happen cause I be a pirate." Mikar said as he chuckled to himself. "Names Mikar, Captain Mikar." He said as he reached his hand out as a handshake to Valcrist.
|
|