Valin
Wyvern Rider
A "cursed" Knight of Bern with and honest heart and a brave soul
Posts: 145
Profession: Freelancer (Knight without Lord or Country)
OoC Alias: The Crimson Knight
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Post by Valin on Apr 29, 2014 9:05:40 GMT -6
Valin had been wandering for months now. With Butorega dead he had no real goal in life. Shugo was missing, Lin left, and there was no way he could ever face Yashi again. Vain had nothing....except his Wyvern Albues, the lance at his side,......and his cursed red eye.
Valin made a hut in a forest far away from any towns or villages, that way no one could be hurt by him anymore. Albues hunted for his own food so the knight didn't need to worry about him. the few crops he managed to plant were coming along nicely but it would be some time before they would be enough for him. Until they came in the local wild life would have to be enough. Valin keep himself groomed even if hes saw no one, and he practiced his lance work when he had nothing else to do.
No matter what Valin was doing or how hard he tried to force them out his mind always wandered to the towns he had failed to save, the girl in the forest, Shugo's parents, and Yashi. He wondered how the Bishop was now, part of him wanted to see her and console her for the lose of her brother, but most of him know that him being there would bring only more suffering.
It was midday now and Valin had just finished tending the crops. He walked inside his wood hut and donned his armor. As he walked back outside he called out "ALBUES!" and the jet black drake swooped down and landed with a bellow. "Time for some training scales for brains." Albues let a huff that sounded like a laugh.
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Enren
Mage
"Everything flows."
Posts: 16
Profession: Wandering Scholar
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Post by Enren on Apr 29, 2014 9:38:04 GMT -6
There was an atmosphere of tranquility in the air today. There always was, if you knew how to look for it. That was a philosophy worth living by, as he saw it. The gentle breeze, the gentle sun, the birds in the distance, that was truly the only things one needed to focus on to find the peacefulness that existed within a day. Because regardless of a person's problems, these things would keep happening. The world would keep moving, and the flow would keep flowing.
Such was the world, and there was a peace in the acceptance and remembrance of that.
Despite this, Enren had felt a slight discomfort about the idea of passing through Etruria along his journeys. The reasons were plenty. For starters, it was likely that he could run into a merchant who happened to be sailing, and happened to be raided by he and his crew. It was also likely that he'd be discovered as a mage, and in Etruria, he wasn't certain how that worked, but he remembered hearing plenty a story during his time on the waters. It was enough to make him worry about being dragged into something he wanted no part of. And lastly... What was it? There was this lingering fear...
Perhaps... It was the fear of the unknown, surfacing itself once more. It was something he hadn't felt in a long, long time. Years, even. Or at least, not this strongly. Every day had a small fear of the unknown, for every day was different, and no two points in time were the same. But now, he was willingly plunging himself into these dark waters, in search of a new light. Whatever that meant. In truth, he himself hadn't the slightest clue what he was looking for. Knowledge? Training? Wisdom? Purpose? All would have been good, but he felt it a slight against the world and its machinations to think he could predict what it had in store for him. Still, he kept his loose desires, and his ideals in mind. The world might bestow the unexpected upon a man, but it was still up to the man to determine who he was when all was said and done.
Enren continued along his path through the remote wilderness, his face softly illuminated by the sun, his long clothing blowing elegantly in the winds, and his aqua eyes focused on anything and everything around him. In fact, he didn't look to exist in this world at all, with each step he took. His mind was always somewhere else. Yet, despite his daydreaming, he seemed alert, with one hand on his walking staff, and the other on the tome chained to his belt. Why was such an absent-minded man in the Etrurian wilderness, when he so clearly didn't belong? Well... This was his journey, and all journeys had to start somewhere. He had his magic for protection, and learned as much as he could of the wilderness before his departure. He was out of place, but he wasn't unprepared.
Although, the world had a funny way of proving that statement wrong at any turn. He was prepared for most things, but not for the voice from the horizon, beyond the trees.
"ALBUES!" the voice rang, clear as crystal. He heard some muttering which followed that, as well as the most resounding thud he'd heard... Well, ever. And this thud came after a shadow soared down from the sky, no less.
He had to admit. He was curious.
Enren picked his staff up and quickened his pace, stepping into the treeline and trying his best to keep his steps quiet. Blue wasn't the best woodland camouflage, but silence and a low profile could be his ally. He didn't mean harm; He just wanted to see what all that was. Who would live so far out here? What was that creature?
He skulked up as far as he could, hiding himself behind a tree. He saw the great black wings, and was awestruck. Was this one of the dragon kin? A wyvern, of such ink-like coloration? He had only seen one wyvern in his times away from sea, and never before that, but never at all had he seen one like this.
"Incredible..." he muttered to himself, losing sense of his surroundings and forgetting to keep himself hidden for a moment, as he took in this entirely new experience.
His curiosity would be the death of him.
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Valin
Wyvern Rider
A "cursed" Knight of Bern with and honest heart and a brave soul
Posts: 145
Profession: Freelancer (Knight without Lord or Country)
OoC Alias: The Crimson Knight
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Post by Valin on Apr 29, 2014 12:43:15 GMT -6
Valin mounted Albues with little effort. It was surprising how good of a rider and fighter he had become. Maybe he should throw Himself into a war. He could destroy himself and fight for a better future.... No he would only be killing men how were just fighting for there country. "So scale breath any good hunting spots?" Valin said rubbing the the wyverns head.
Suddenly Albueses head shot up and his eyes narrowed. The drake gave a low growl and then shot towards the wood line. With a sudden pounce that shattered branches and sent splinters flying the drake landed on a blue robed man. Staring into the mans eyes Albues let out a roar. The knight pulled the drake back yelling. "HOLD! Hold Albues!" Valin backed the wyvern into the clearing. "Im sorry are you Alright? Let me introduce my self. I am Valin The Crimson Knight and this is my friend Albues The Night Lance." Albues spred his wings wide when the rider said its name. "And who are you?"
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Enren
Mage
"Everything flows."
Posts: 16
Profession: Wandering Scholar
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Post by Enren on Apr 29, 2014 13:07:20 GMT -6
Enren couldn't have imagined how he looked when he panicked, clumsily trying to backpedal away from the approaching wyvern as fast as his legs could carry him. Which led to him catching a raised root in the foliage. Which led to him tripping backwards. And rather ungracefully, at that.
"Easy easy easy easy!" Enren tried stammering out, as if talking to an angry cousin of a dragon who wanted to kill him would actually gain him any results. When he noticed it was halted, he felt the need to make his point clear, just for the record. "... Easy."
Once the rider had a hold on the creature, something he was both amazed at and incredibly relieved by, he stood up and brushed the dead grass and leaves from his coat. He thought he felt a leaf inside of his coat, which was lovely. But as it happened, he had more pressing concerns. His heart was still pounding. He brought his hand to his chest, as if to keep it from escaping.
"I... Suppose that wasn't my brightest plan of action," Enren admitted, his eyes closed and a sigh escaping his lips, "... Alright, I believe I'm fine now. I'm called Enren, if it pleases you. More likely what you want to know is what I do, though, and to that, rest assured, I'm nothing more than a simple scholar and traveler."
Speaking of scholarly studies... He patted his belt and pouches. His book was still there. Good. His flute wasn't broken. Even better. He could feel relieved now.
"I just happened to be on a journey, and this wilderness was along my road... I got more curious than I should have at the sounds of your companion," he said, trying to establish a good first impression, "Suppose I should learn from that, shouldn't I? Anyway... You said your name was Valin, yes? And the one who could devour me whole was Albues? Those titles, though... Should I have heard of you? I apologize for my ignorance if so."
It was true that he never heard much of the world outside the Isles while he was there. But that was part of what drove his curiosity.
"Also, um. I apologize if I offended your companion. And I apologize if it causes more offense, but might we talk elsewhere? I could use the rest from traveling," he said sincerely.
He just hoped the man was a gracious host. Were he a bandit or ne'er-do-well, he'd have shown his colors long ago, no doubt.
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Valin
Wyvern Rider
A "cursed" Knight of Bern with and honest heart and a brave soul
Posts: 145
Profession: Freelancer (Knight without Lord or Country)
OoC Alias: The Crimson Knight
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Post by Valin on Apr 29, 2014 13:36:42 GMT -6
It took everything in Valin not to laugh at the overly apologetic Scholar. "Firstly if you cad heard of me or him you would have been running for fear of misfortune. Secondly Albues don't like most people. and lastly I should be apologizing for my friend actions. So were are from and were are you going?" Valin said leaning down and resting in the saddle. Albues let out a huff and let his wings down and sat down.
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Enren
Mage
"Everything flows."
Posts: 16
Profession: Wandering Scholar
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Post by Enren on Apr 29, 2014 13:54:18 GMT -6
Enren felt slight relief that they were making themselves comfortable. Hopefully, that meant he could without worry as well, or so common sense would dictate. Using his walking staff, he lowered himself to sitting with his legs crossed, placing his staff over his lap.
"Well, good to know Albues would eviscerate anyone with equal dislike, and not just me had you not stepped in..." he said with a smile, as close to a laugh as most people tended to see him reach, "I wouldn't think it necessary for you to apologize for your wyvern acting as it would naturally, however. And as for running in fear, well."
He smiled confidently.
"You'll find my curiosity far outweighs my common sense. So had I heard of you, I may very well still be here all the same. Besides, misfortune and I have an understanding. I learned while sailing to carry charms, to always keep myself fortunate, you see?" he said, bringing an arm up and pulling his sleeve up to reveal a forearm full of good luck bracelets, which he had collected over the years.
For a very logical and scientific man, fortune, luck, and chance were issues he was very superstitious about. He wouldn't have that any other way. After all, when he believed he was destined for good luck, he tended to get it.
"Myself, well... I'm from the Isles, if you can believe it. And in case it wasn't obvious, piracy isn't my profession, as most people seem to think," he said, leaving out that it was at one point, but being honest that he left it behind him, "As for where I'm going... Honestly, I haven't the slightest of clues. I just felt I should wander until I found whatever it was I needed to find. As silly as that sounds, I'm sure."
He smiled again, in good spirits now. It was good to have civil company.
"I don't know what that is. I've convinced myself that I'd like to learn more of the scholarly arts, either through my journeys or by finding someone who can act as a mentor, but who's to say? The world may yet have other plans for me," he said, idly musing, "... And what of you? Is this yours and Albues' home?"
He pointed to the building in the distance, figuring it to be their home. He wondered how they survived out here, if it were.
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Valin
Wyvern Rider
A "cursed" Knight of Bern with and honest heart and a brave soul
Posts: 145
Profession: Freelancer (Knight without Lord or Country)
OoC Alias: The Crimson Knight
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Post by Valin on Apr 29, 2014 14:22:15 GMT -6
"I hail from Bern nation of mountains, war, and Wyvern. I was born and raised a farmer until my eighteenth winter when I was taken in by a nobleman and became his squire. I remained a rider of Bern until my master died in a rock slide. I then became the freelancer you see before you. No matter where I go or what charms I try Misfortune and death follow me. All because of this Eye! Valin closed his good eye and pointed to his Evil Red Eye and continued. "Two villages have burned under my protection, a boy put his trust in me only to have his parents killed because of me. The one woman who ever saw a man and Not a curse has lost here twin brother after I swore to protect him. So Yes we live here in solitude so No man woman or child feel this eyes ire."
Valin began to weep. "So my young friend I bid you good fortune, fair weather on the rod, a warm bed, and a fine end many winters from now with a loving wife and many children and grandchildren. Just beware of people with red eyes. They may be of good or ill heart but the eye is a devil none the same and being near one for to long will ruin your life." Valin wiped the tears away and looked at the scholar with both eyes. "Before you leave take this message with you. If you ever run into a boy or man on a white wyvern by the name of Shugo or Shugoshi tell him Valin is sorry for everything."
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Enren
Mage
"Everything flows."
Posts: 16
Profession: Wandering Scholar
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Post by Enren on Apr 29, 2014 14:35:41 GMT -6
Enren listened to the man's tale. He listened intently, with understanding and empathy. There was a lot of painful history to this one, the man with the red eye. But that wasn't who he was. That was who he was convincing himself that he was. That's how he viewed it.
"If I may..." Enren started, standing and closing his eyes, "That all seems plain silly to me."
He spoke quickly, before it seemed as though he were making light of the man's story, or trying to offend him.
"In all my studies, I've never once heard of an eye that can bring such calamity. I do, however, believe there is another set of words for this. And that would be 'unfortunate circumstances.' Try as you will, I'm certain even the eight heroes couldn't save everyone. Loss... It comes with life, does it not?"
He walked forward slightly, stopping just before the man and resting on his staff, looking him straight in the cursed eye as if to make his point all the more clear.
"You seem to me a good man whose luck didn't play out, is all. Or maybe those people, perhaps it was their time? I'm of the sort to believe fate makes certain events pass for certain reasons. And all you're doing is spiting yourself if you believe people will be better or worse off because you chose to live in isolation," he said bluntly, with a flat expression, "That said... I find the best luck is the luck you make for yourself. If you accept only bad things, then only bad will happen. As for the luck you can't control... Here. You'll need it more than I."
Enren lifted his sleeve, pulling one of the bracelets from his wrist and offering it to the man. He felt genuine sympathy for him, and felt the best luck aside from that which one made for themselves, was that which was shared with them. And so, he hoped he would accept this token.
"As for Shugo... You aren't talking about a small one who rides a white wyvern, are you?" he asked, curious if circumstance was that odd today, still holding the bracelet forward.
If it was, this man was in for a surprise.
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Valin
Wyvern Rider
A "cursed" Knight of Bern with and honest heart and a brave soul
Posts: 145
Profession: Freelancer (Knight without Lord or Country)
OoC Alias: The Crimson Knight
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Post by Valin on Apr 29, 2014 15:09:50 GMT -6
Valin listened to what the Enren had to say and laughed on the inside. The poor man just couldn't understand. Valin Knew what he was and he knew it was for the best he stay alone here until he could find a way to protect with out hurting anyone. Eran reminded him of Shugo in the sense that he was optimistic and kind.
As soon as Valin heard the description of a boy with a white mount he jumped down from Albues and rushed up and grabbed Eren. "WERE IS MY SON?!!" he the picked the smaller man up and began shaking him. "Were is my Son Shugo?! Were is He!? Tell me now! Is he alright?! Is He Hurt?! Is he doing alright?! WHY ARN'T YOU TALKING DARN?!!" Valin shook the scholar more and ALbues began to hiss that sounded like laughter.
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Shugo
Wyvern Rider
RETIRED
The world is a dark and lonely place. That is why it is our duty to bring some light to the world.
Posts: 271
Profession: Kid
Affinity: Fire
OoC Alias: Butorega
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Post by Shugo on Apr 29, 2014 15:25:26 GMT -6
"Man his face was funny", laughed Shugo as he sat beside the river. Next to him lay Luna and in front of him was were Sever large fish impaled on sticks. The young boy was recalling the expression Eren had during their flight and was talking it over with Luna as he waited for their fist to cook. "Oh man that smells good", spoke Shugo as he pulled one of the sticks away from the fire. The boy took a bite out of it. Shugo face soon lit up with pleasure as he savored the taste. "Alright Luna the rest are yours", spoke Shugo and the Wyvern rose up and chomped the remainder of the fish off the sticks.
Shugo wondered if he would see Valin again. He hoped so. He had already lost his parents once. He did not want to go through that a second time. "Hey Luna", spoke Shugo when a loud screech filled the air. It was the sound of a wyvern, which was quite rare in these parts.
"There must be another rider around here", spoke Shugo. Luna however looked a bit puzzled. For a normal person they would just see her hissing ,but Shugo could tell that there was something going on.
"What is it Luna", spoke Shugo. The Wyvern continued to look in the sky. After a few moments of silence Luna finally decided she was going to call back. The Wyvern let out a loud screech an then waited for the return.
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Enren
Mage
"Everything flows."
Posts: 16
Profession: Wandering Scholar
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Post by Enren on Apr 29, 2014 15:32:49 GMT -6
"Hrgh...!?" was the only noise Enren was able to get out as Valin proceeded to violently shake him, asking about his... Son? Shugo was his son? What? He didn't have much time to think in his inner monologue while being throttled to sort all that out, unfortunately.
"Can't... Talk... While... Being... Shaken...!" Enren stammered out while the man continued, not exactly strong enough to break free but not able to answer any questions like this. The man wasn't too bright, he determined, asking questions while acting like this.
Eventually he swatted Valin's wrist away, disoriented, taking a step back and letting the good luck charm he offered to the man fall to the grass. He placed his hands on his knees, leaning forward and trying not to be dizzy.
Then there was a noise.
"... Hear that?" Enren asked, finally looking up in his recovering state, hoping for the love of Elimine that that noise would be enough to distract him so he could actually give the man a straight answer.
If things kept up at this rate he might not survive the night.
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Valin
Wyvern Rider
A "cursed" Knight of Bern with and honest heart and a brave soul
Posts: 145
Profession: Freelancer (Knight without Lord or Country)
OoC Alias: The Crimson Knight
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Post by Valin on Apr 29, 2014 15:52:38 GMT -6
Valin stopped when he realized he was being overly emotional. " I really sorry about that." He let the scholar down and dusted him off. "Now were was that sound your talking about?"
Albues Huffed and walked over to Valin and pointed toward the sound. Valin nodded to the Drake and started in that direction lance at the ready. He stopped after a few steps and looked at Eran. "You answer first then I go. So were is Shugo?
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Shugo
Wyvern Rider
RETIRED
The world is a dark and lonely place. That is why it is our duty to bring some light to the world.
Posts: 271
Profession: Kid
Affinity: Fire
OoC Alias: Butorega
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Post by Shugo on Apr 29, 2014 16:00:36 GMT -6
Shugo looked at Luna perplexly. There was something going on. It was in these moments that Shugo wished he was as skilled as Valin. If it was Valin he could tell immediately what was wrong and would council some kid of response. "Alright Luna lets go see what is bothering you", spoke Shugo as he hopped atop the Wyvern. With a kick Shugo rose into the air above the line of trees. With another they were well into the air. Rather than direct Luna Shugo let Luna fly herself. The Wyvern sent out another scream, but this one was louder. Much louder thanks to the boy being above the tree line.
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Enren
Mage
"Everything flows."
Posts: 16
Profession: Wandering Scholar
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Post by Enren on Apr 29, 2014 16:06:00 GMT -6
Enren held up a hand, as if to say it was no trouble, all was forgiven, even if in his mind he made a note to be more careful on what words he chose.
"... To be entirely honest..." Enren started, standing straight once more, "I don't actually know where he would be now, but I know he was in the town I departed from, southwest of here. He ah... He helped me get out of that place, if you can believe it."
He wouldn't go into the details.
"He seemed like he was taking care of himself incredibly well. For me to have been the one relying on a child- Wait, there's that noise again. You heard it this time, yes? Sounded like... Like a screech..." Enren said, not familiar with wyvern sounds in the slightest.
It seemed, however, that Valin and Albues were.
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Valin
Wyvern Rider
A "cursed" Knight of Bern with and honest heart and a brave soul
Posts: 145
Profession: Freelancer (Knight without Lord or Country)
OoC Alias: The Crimson Knight
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Post by Valin on Apr 29, 2014 16:22:00 GMT -6
Valin listen and what he heard made his eyes shoot wide open. He then turned and looked at Albues Who gave him a look of tired amusement. Of course the drake heard it first. The rider jumped back on the wyverns back. "Come on Scale breath!" The two took to the sky with a gust of air that sent loose twigs and leave soaring. Valin then looked at the robed man and before he could do anything the jet black drake picked him up with a swoop and took to the sky with a roar.
"Sorry about this! I just want to make sure your safe! OH By the way. ALBUES NO EATING!" The trio jetted toward A white shape in the distance Valins Lance at the ready.
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