Enren
Mage
"Everything flows."
Posts: 16
Profession: Wandering Scholar
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Post by Enren on Apr 29, 2014 10:24:06 GMT -6
The harbor was bustling with life. It was a halcyon day; The sky was as clear as it could be, the gulls were singing their melodies as the sailors and fishers brought in their hauls, and the sea breeze was favorable. The comfortably cool feeling of those gusts combined with the scent of the salt waters brought about both comfort and nostalgia.
At least, it did for a man like Enren. This was all he needed to feel at home. The sea breeze and the sound of the gulls. He had come a decent way from the Isles, and yet, he didn't feel much differently here than when he had started his voyage. It wasn't too long ago he decided to make this journey. To better himself, to understand magic, and in turn the world and himself. And to understand the world, he needed to travel it. That was how he saw it.
And that was what brought him to this port town in Etruria. This personal quest. Why Etruria? Simply because it was the first stop along his way to the rest of the world. He had heard tales that Etruria had its own problems, but Enren was lucky to be connected enough to sneak his way into the nation with ease. And hopefully, he would be good enough at avoiding attention to make his way through the nation with the very same ease.
Usually, though, he was too wrapped up in his own mind to think about what attraction and attention he may or may not be drawing. As if the book on his belt and the walking staff in his hand didn't scream "magician" enough, he always seemed lost in thought, his head in the clouds, or otherwise doing something that showed just how little he cared about the rest of the world most times. At least, on a superficial level. He valued his friends. But when it came to the big picture, he couldn't be bothered. He was the one he had to live with, and so it was his needs and desires he would focus on sating until there was someone he was close enough to around him that he could focus on them as well.
Right now, his desire was music. And so while everyone was busy with their business at the harbor, loading and unloading ships, merchants peddling their wares, harbormasters chasing after captains a plenty, Enren sat against a building, on the cobbled surface of the road with his back to yet more stone. It wasn't uncomfortable for him. His tanned face was softly lit by the glow of the overhead sun, and those vibrant eyes of his that would normally be on the waters were closed, a quiet tranquility in his expression. He had his flute in his hands, the one he liked keeping in a pouch on his belt. A wooden one, elaborately carved, given to him by one of his old family, his old crew. Here on the uncomfortable stone, he sat with this flute to his lips, playing a lively tune. His body swayed to the rhythms, as he played a series of songs he had learned both growing up, and while sailing.
No one seemed to mind. In fact, it fit the ambiance of the docks. A lively energy for the lively men and women who were so familiar with this place. Most passed him by. Some stopped, some stayed to listen, some complimented. Some even gave him coin. He only smiled, and gave his thanks.
Some, however, felt keen on giving him other things. Like in this particular case... Accusations.
"You!" a well-to-do man decided to stop in front of him and shout, pointing his finger, "I remember that ridiculous headwear anywhere! You were one of the people who robbed my ship!"
"... Hm?" Enren responded, lowering his flute from his lips, looking at the man with an expression of disinterest and sleepiness. Obviously, the eyes of practically everyone around them was looking this way now, with an accusation such as that.
"You were one of those pirates! Guards! I demand you apprehend this man right now! He cost me a fortune!" the man shouted in an irate fashion, nearly making himself breathless. He was obviously a merchant. Did Enren rob this man? ... Maybe. Maybe not. Would he admit to it either way? Well, that would just be stupid of him.
"I'm flattered you think me capable, though..." Enren replied in his normal soft, elegant tone of voice, "I do believe you're highly overestimating a simple scholar like myself."
"Don't you play coy with me! There's nothing you can say that will dissuade me from the truth!" the merchant shouted at him. There were some guardsmen down the road. This was getting tiresome and fast... Enren didn't know or care if he actually had wronged this man in the past. That wasn't his way anymore, and he most certainly didn't intend to get stopped here for something so petty as who stole from who.
"Are you sure it's not that man with the blue head wrap behind you?" Enren said casually, pointing behind the merchant. The merchant, as well as quite a few of the onlookers, turned in the direction of the pointing. When they looked back, Enren was no longer there.
No, Enren had decided that that was the moment to take off sprinting down an alleyway next to him, with his staff in hand. He hated running. Loathed it. But now, it was necessary, judging by the clamors and shouts he heard from behind him.
He didn't know this town in the slightest, though, and had no clue where the exit was. He ran through a couple of alleyways, the sounds distancing, before finally he slid to a stop and leaned against the wall, catching his breath. Did he mention he loathed running?
He would have to find his way out of here, though, if he didn't want to be hung or beheaded for some crime that may or may not have happened. He was too soon into his journey to die now. He was panting, looking around.
All he could hope was that someone would come by who looked like they might hear him out, and help him get out of here...
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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 10:43:29 GMT -6
"So this was the sea", spoke Shugo to himself as he walked the streets. From the corner of the ally he could see the port and smell the salt water in the air. Luna was not allowed inside the city and Shugo did not want to put his precious mount inside of their stable. He was not sure if they would treat her right, or if she would try to eat the horses. He was never sure with her. At one moment she would be the kindest mount ever and another she would be attacking dogs and farm animals. Shugo eventually decided it would be best if Luna stayed outside the gates. The wyvern however was not content with leaving Shugo by himself and instead flew around high above the town circling the city. Fortunately for Shugo the guards were quite understanding and and amazed. Many of them could not belive such a young boy could control such a beast and some doubt Shugo's ability to fight. After a quick inspection of Luna the guards promised not to shoot her out the sky as long as she did not attack anyone or their property.
As Shugo walked through the city he heard a small commotion. It seemed that something was going on at the docks. Shugo turned around to go see what was going on when he noticed a man leaning against a wall. He looked tired and a bit frightened.
"Umm excuse me are you all right", asked Shugo as he looked down on the blue scarf man. His dragonspear in his right hand and a water sack was in his left. The boy extended the sac out to the man as he looked at him wondering what was wrong.
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Enren
Mage
"Everything flows."
Posts: 16
Profession: Wandering Scholar
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Post by Enren on Apr 29, 2014 11:10:05 GMT -6
With one hand on his thigh and the other on his walking staff, and with his heavy breathing, he must have indeed been a sight. He had to admit, a child was definitely not what he was expecting. Even less was he expecting a child in battle equipment, offering him a drink.
But he also wasn't one to question fate and her workings. No, in ways, this child was the perfect fit for what he sought. Though out of breath, Enren gave Shugo a smile, taking the drink graciously and nodding in response to the question before taking a small drink. He was grateful for that much aid, at least.
"Yes... Yes, I'm fine, just a little... Winded, we'll say," Enren said softly with a kind smile, "I'm sure you've heard the noise, hm?"
He handed the water back to the boy, standing straight now, feeling a bit rejuvenated. He pointed off in the direction of the noise.
"I just got here, you see, and... This man decided to accuse me of piracy while I was playing music. Of all the things. Can you imagine, me, a pirate?" he said, knowing full well that that much was a bluff, but not wanting to ruin any first impressions, especially with a child, "And since I'm so new... I don't think the Etrurians will be in the mood to ask questions. Do you see my predicament now, um..."
Right. He never did get the boy's name.
"... Well, introductions can come later... For now, do you think you can help me get out of here and still breathing? I'm sorry to get you involved in this, but... I promise I'll try finding a way to make it up to you after," he said. This part he was honest about. He wasn't one to easily forget his debts, as silly as he thought owing a debt to a child no matter how unique was. He was more focused on staying alive.
And right now, he had no choice but to believe that this was the way the world had brought to him for him to take.
"What do you say?"
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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 12:00:15 GMT -6
Shugo looked at the man for a moment and began to size him up. As he spoke about the commotion Shugo turned and looked in the direction of the sound. The young boy had been around the block for a bit despite his young age. In Shugo eyes the man had the look of a pirate. The scarf and coat did not help his case, but the one thing that pulled Shugo away from the idea was the book. Pirates use axes not magic. Shugo could not remember a tale were a pirate used magic. They always had that pride in their strength and their trust in their axe. No pirate would dare use magic, or at least in Shugo mind. Still there could always be a first.
Shugo stared at Eren intensely. It was almost as if the young boy was looking through the man rather than at him. The boy's intense stare gave him a unsettling look especially for the face that it came from. For a moment the boy was silent. You could almost hear a pin drop in the street. The silence was broken when when Shugo finally opened his mouth to speak. "Ok", spoke Shugo. That was all he said. The boy's face then turned to normal as he pulled his Dragonspear off the ground and slammed the pommel into the ground. "Luna!", shouted Shugo suddenly, and like a dart the great White Wyvern descended from the heavens and rushed to the ground. Luna's landing was a bit rough this time around and the Wyvern blew up a good amount of dust as it landed next to the boy. Shugo lifted his hand up and touched the Wyvern head as the best licked the side of his face.
"Here I can give you a lift on Luna", spoke Shugo as he looked at the man. The wyvern however gave a very frightening glare and showed its fangs.
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Enren
Mage
"Everything flows."
Posts: 16
Profession: Wandering Scholar
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Post by Enren on Apr 29, 2014 12:24:30 GMT -6
Enren could only go wide eyed at the massive alabaster beast that landed right before him. Again... He didn't expect that. Just what was this creature, anyway? Thinking back to his studies, and to the tales he heard, some studious, some fantasy... He could only assume this was a wyvern. He had never seen one before, however, and was momentarily enraptured.
Of course, any curiosity he had was shattered once the beast stared daggers into his soul. Almost the same look that the child had given him not too long ago, but with the draconic power to back it up. He was about to reach out to touch it until that glare, too. Pity. Still, then it registered.
"A lift... Wait, you mean... Ride?" Enren said, incredulous, looking at the majestic creature. It was surprising enough that the boy was willing to give him a chance as it was after a glare like that, but then for this thing, "Luna", to just drop out of the sky... And to ride it, no less! He'd never ridden anything except on the waters! To fly through the sky... "... Are you sure she... He? Won't eat me?"
He approached slowly, but he knew time was of the essence now. He had expected a quiet guide out, not an exit of this magnitude. Everyone would be on their way here now. For trying not to attract attention... He was failing miserably. No, they had to hurry.
"Right... Right, guess I have no choice, fates guide me," Enren said quickly, offering for the rider to mount the creature first before he even dared attempt to. He was nervous, sure. "I'll trust you. Please don't let that be misplaced."
But riding a creature that could potentially eat you had better odds than chancing the guard and the headsman's axe.
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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 12:42:56 GMT -6
As Enren spoke a frown crossed Shugo face. "Luna is a girl", spoke Shugo and with those words the Wyvern showed its fangs again, but this time it gave a low growl. Still Shugo could not understand the man's fear. He was never scared when he first walked up to a wyvern, but then again Luna was different from Albues. Albues was kind and trusting, well if you were a man that is, but Luna was a bit more suspicious of people. Shugo began to wonder if she picked it up from him.
Seeing the man's trepidation Shugo jumped up onto Luna first. "Alright Luna it looks like we are going to have an extra rider for a bit", spoke the boy to his Wyvern. The wyvern hissed, but Shugo began to rub the back of her head and calmed her down. "Don't worry he is not a mean person", spoke Shugo. Shugo then turned his attention to Enren. "Alright it is safe for you to come. Just be careful of Luna's wings. She does not like it when people step on her wings."
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Enren
Mage
"Everything flows."
Posts: 16
Profession: Wandering Scholar
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Post by Enren on Apr 29, 2014 13:13:44 GMT -6
"Her... Wings. Of course, right, that makes sense..." he spoke, more to himself than anyone. To climb something so mighty without offending it so it didn't kill you after. No pressure or anything there.
But, he did his best. One foot slowly over the other, trying to pet the creature to show his apologies for his lack of experience with this, if she could even feel anything through all those scales. When he saw the crowd on the horizon, suddenly forming to corner them, he grew a bit more rushed.
"Sorry" became the word he muttered with every step until finally he reached Luna's saddle, doing his best to seat himself, though clearly seeing the saddle wasn't designed for multiple riders. How did the riders fasten themselves in these things, anyway? Was there straps? Buckles, belts, what?
... Now wasn't the time to worry about that. The crowd was getting dangerously close.
"Okay I'm good go please thank you!" he said in a very rushed tone, trying not to sound panicked, but definitely sounding panicked. He was trusting his life to this child he had just met, and this creature who obviously hated his very being, so he felt he had every right to be panicked. He just wanted to be in the air.
That way, he could either be relieved and thank the boy properly, or perhaps fall to his death because he did something wrong. Either was likely.
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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 13:24:33 GMT -6
Shugo looked forward and saw the crowd gathering. The amount of people did not bother him a bit. It could be because they were not the one he was after, or the fact that they were not armed. Either way Shugo remained calm through out the entire ordeal. The rider waited for the mage to get on the saddle fully and then spoke. "Hold on tight" ,spoke Shugo as he gave Luna a kick. The wyvern reared up and let out a loud screech. The sudden loud roar of the Wyvern caught many people off guard and gave a moment for Luna to take off. The Wyvern flapped its wings twice and the trio was already above the nearby buildings.
"Remember to hold on tight or you might fall off", shouted Shugo. "We are going straight up to avoid any would be attackers", shouted the boy as the wyvern flapped its wings again. Like a rocket Luna flew into the air climbing high into the sky. The Wyvern gave out a loud screech as it reached its original altitude. From here everything on the ground looked like dots. A cold wind current blew in from the west chilling the air.
"Man I love Flying", shouted Shugo. Luna screeched with agreement as she open her wings to catch the wind. "So where do you want me to sit you down", asked Shugo as he turned to look back at Enren.
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Enren
Mage
"Everything flows."
Posts: 16
Profession: Wandering Scholar
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Post by Enren on Apr 29, 2014 13:34:49 GMT -6
Shugo said to hold tight plenty of times, but in truth, once the wyvern accelerated towards the sky, Enren was surprised he didn't break the kids ribs from how tight he held on. And he was pretty sure every word he shouted in panic came from the sailor in him, and was completely unintelligible to anyone except other sailors. Were his eyes closed? Oh. So they were. Funny, that.
Once the initial turbulence died down, and the shakiness of the ride settled a bit, he felt it would be safe now to re-attune himself to his surroundings. He didn't know he was afraid of heights until he opened his eyes. Wow were they high up. No, wait, this wasn't fear. The more he looked, the more it turned to...
... Exhilaration.
"Hah! Ahahah!" Enren shouted in excitement, taking a moment to stick out his arms to enjoy the wind, but ready to go back to holding on at a moment's notice, "This is fantastic! Wish I'd found one of these instead of a ship!"
He was as giddy as a child with a new toy. Even if it wasn't his. He felt like enjoying the moment, because he knew it wouldn't last long. But finally, he felt it appropriate to respond to the question.
"Somewhere away from the town would be good! How about that clearing there?!" he said, trying to point to a clearing in a forest northeast of the town, raising his voice to make sure he was heard over the wind, "If not there then wherever! Once we land, I say we have a proper introduction, and figure out just how much I owe you, yeah!?"
He really, really wanted one of these. Maybe he could modify a boat to go this fast...
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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 13:48:04 GMT -6
"The Clearing it is", shouted Shugo. The boy stopped for a moment and then looked at Enren. With the same serious face he gave him before he allowed him to mount Luna Shugo looked at him and spoke. "Hold on tight", spoke the boy. He paused for a second and then the Wyvern took a great dive.Luna pulled in her wings and fell like a rock towards the ground. Like an arrow they cut through the air at tremendous speed. Shugo's eyes remained open the entire time as they descended to the earth. For a moment it looked like they were going to go straight into the ground, but Luna opened her wings at the right moment and the wyvern began to glide through the air just above the ground. With a quick flap of her wings she picked up altitude and rose above the line of trees and descended into the clearing. With another flap she stabilized her self and landed softly on the ground.
"Don't step on her wings", spoke Shugo as he hopped off his Wyvern and jumped onto the ground. "Good job Luna", spoke Shugo as he rubbed the beast head. The sudden descent and speed did not even bother Shugo. He was completely use to it. "My name is Shugo", spoke the boy as he finally turned toward Enren "and this lovely maiden is Luna. As for payment I don't need none. Helping people out is what I do."
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Enren
Mage
"Everything flows."
Posts: 16
Profession: Wandering Scholar
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Post by Enren on Apr 29, 2014 14:05:52 GMT -6
... On second thought, after a descent like that, Shugo could keep the wyvern riding. All that momentary fun he had in the air vanished in an instant. And even that was an understatement. His grip, his sailor mouth, all of it returned in a flash.
So it was remarkable to him, then, when they safely reached the ground. He felt the shock of the sudden stop, and he'd definitely be sore, but at this point, he didn't even care. He was alive. Luck saw it fit to carry him through another day. And that, that was something he could be happy for at any moment.
The momentary hysteria wore off just in time for him to hear Shugo's reminder about the wings. He was panting.
"... Wings... Right..." he said, short of breath, carefully making his way down from Luna, albeit a bit more patiently this time without the crowd. Once his feet touched the ground, standing again took some getting used to. He took the walking staff from its temporary place from his back, using it for support as he regained his composure.
"I'm... I'm Enren. Hoo," he managed to say, finally catching his breath, "... Nice to meet you. And like it or not, Shugo, you saved me from worse consequences than you might realize back there. So you'd better accept that I owe you, and largely at that. You know, most people would be happy for a favor from a mage. I did mean a favor, not an actual reward... Sadly I have little to offer."
He brushed himself off, finally standing straight, regaining his proper composure.
"So... Ask what you will. Or save it for later I suppose, but I really can't say when we'll next meet," he said plainly, holding his staff in only one hand now.
He was very serious about squaring his debts.
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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 14:20:25 GMT -6
"No it is fine", spoke Shugo. "We are even enough as it is. You probably don't know this but the ride on Luna could have been a lot smoother. I kind of made it.... um what the best way to put this. I made it exciting on purpose. I wanted to see how you would react", spoke the boy with a smile across his face.
After coming clean shugo turned back to his mount. "Hey Luna are you hungry", spoke Shugo. "Well how about we go catch some fish. Fish sounds good right Luna." The wyvern let out a screech in agreement. "Very well then lets go catch some fish. Hopefully there are some big ones in the river."
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Enren
Mage
"Everything flows."
Posts: 16
Profession: Wandering Scholar
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Post by Enren on Apr 29, 2014 14:41:16 GMT -6
"... You little son of a..." Enren started, his inner sailor coming out yet again, but catching himself before he said anymore than that and calming his tone, reverting to his more elegant and refined standard.
"... Okay. Alright. Fine. I'm glad you were able to get a laugh from it, then. Truly," he said, with only a slight hint of sarcasm, but taking a breath after. Shugo did still save his life. He had to remember that.
He stretched his arms out, then watched the two start going off.
"Hey, Shugo!" he called after the child, "I think we'll split up here, but remember, the offer stands all the same should we meet on the road again! Consider me a friendly face, alright?!"
He folded his hands over his staff once more, giving a warm smile after the kid. Even if Shugo wouldn't accept the debt, Enren never forgot who his friends were.
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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 14:45:04 GMT -6
"Very well", spoke Shugo. "Hey Luna we mad another friend." The Wyvern glared at Enren and then huffed. Without another word Shugo hopped atop his mount. "Alright Luna lets go catch some fish", shouted Shugo as the Wyvern flew off into the air.
[End Thread]
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