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Post by Midori on Dec 29, 2015 22:23:32 GMT -6
Midori made her way out of the blue tent with red trimmings and returned back to the Chaklai area. She passed through several other tribes and their tents ignoring any of the looks of scorn they might have held towards her and her tribe. Midori's attire was traditional for the Chaklai healers, a unique series of robes, with red and white pallets. And while Midori could exactly remember ALL of the symbolism associated with the colors, what she did know was that it made her stick out like a sore thumb among the other tribes. But she pressed on and eventually made her way back to the mess hall. She was tossed an apple from one of her colleagues, caught it, pocketed it, and stepped out towards the medical tent.
She greeted Skai the sniper and Chaklai representative of the tribes. Skai waved lightly before heading to greet representative of another tribe. From the medic tent Midori made her way out towards the supply area. She greeted another healer, a priest of their tribe. One of her superiors. An older sir who had given his life to the temple and had saved many lives in return. He looked at Midori with a slightly narrowed eyes and a frown. Midori bowed lightly as a symbol of respect then spoke.
"Sir, Lady Lucy asked me to restock our medical bags for tomorrow."
The high priest reprimanded her for calling him Sir instead of elder one or high priest. But he gave her permission to enter the tent and take what she needed. Midori came back out of the tent with her private bag full of bandages and vulnaries. And a small crate of pouches and vials of liquid items. Like alcohol for disinfectant, water, oils, ect. These needed to be packed carefully into the saddle bags. The box-crate wasn't large and it wasn't heavy but it did look like she was putting a lot of effort into holding it. Now all she had to do was carefully take all of this stuff over to the stable area.
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Selibas
Hero
The Little Wolf
My Word is Iron.
Posts: 455
Etruria Fame: -1
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -3
Profession: Khan
Guild: Tribe of Sacae
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Selibas
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Post by Selibas on Dec 29, 2015 23:31:47 GMT -6
Curtana swinging at his hip Selibas made his way once more through the sea of gers. His meeting with the Khans was nearly done, and he didn't really know who he should speak to next. So he was wondering about, looking around for the next important encampment that he might stumble upon. Oh, and what a coincidence! He just so happened to find himself walking once more in the direction of the Chaklai camp! Imagine that! What were the chances that he, Selibas, just a khan who was trying to marshall a collection of clans together, would happen to find himself in the very camp in which he'd seen a woman with pink hair earlier that day? The very idea that it would happen, ludicrous! Why, he was of a mind to keep walking, and to just go around the camp. But he didn't, instead he walked into the camp, and managed to find the medical tent without drawing too much attention to himself.
Suddenly the Little Wolf was very interested in the look of his thumbs. He managed to look at them for quite a while, until all of a sudden she was there again. A startling pink flash that cut his bear skin deep. His felt like he was sitting in a saddle, and at the same time that he was chained. She was carrying a few boxes and the short khan thought that he saw a bit of strain in her step. Shaking off the chains Selibas hurried over to her and then stopped. For a few seconds he didn't say anything, but then quickly realizing how long he'd been quiet he said, trying to sound casual, "Um, hi I'm Selibas. Would you like some help carrying those things? They look heavy and," he grinned and touched his sword's heavy sheath with his fingertips, "I'm mostly around to carry heavy things."
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Post by Midori on Dec 30, 2015 20:37:29 GMT -6
Midori continued on her way towards the stables. She was careful with her steps in order to avoid spilling any of the containers inside her box. She kept her arms positioned parallel to each other, below the boxes so as to avoid having them fall over towards one side. Her mind recalled a trial of one of the founding saints of her priesthood. Scripture said she was a humble woman, trapped in the world of the damned by cruel gods who loved nothing more then to make humans suffer. In order to leave the world of the damned, she had to walk on a path littered with hot coals. And.. once again I’ve forgotten which holy monk told her about the path and to believe in the power of Order.. of light.. goodness.. and determination. Regardless she was able to leave the realm of the damned, by walking on hot coals neatly and undeterred by extreme heat. The moral was.. to always be in good standing? No.. that wasn’t it.. it was something to do with women.. or was it? Her mind tried and failed to remember the meaning of the story. If there was any real moral to the story. It could have very well been one of those stories that had no meaning.. one that was left up to the interpretation of the person.. or one of those questions she was supposed to meditate with. Midori didn’t remember. She had been very busy in these last few months, certain events, and scriptures were starting to jumble together in her head.
She was forced to stop a bit in between the medical tent and her destination. Someone was blocking her way. For a moment she thought the stranger with green hair and green beard would move out of her way. Or perhaps he was lost and was about to ask her directions, he did kinda look like he was out of place among the Chaklai camp. She stood there for a while and then decided she was the one who probably needed to move first. But before she had a chance to say “Excuse me” and step around the fellow, he spoke.
“Uhm, hi I’m Selibus. Would you like some help carrying those things? They look heavy and” And? She thought for a moment. Then the green haired, green bearded Khan fussed with his sword buckle. Midori knew who Selibus was. Hell all the tribes knew who he was at this point. The Little Wolf of Sacae. The grand unifier of the tribes. Selibus the God. Some tribes were starting to over glorify Selibus a bit already. But, the Selibus that stood before her right now was someone else all together. He was no wolf, god, demon, or any combination thereof. Instead, here was Selibus, the human, and blocker of paths.
“I’m mostly around to carry heavy things.” Yeah, No kidding. Midori could see that comment as meaning both physical and spiritual. Most of the Chaklai saw Selibus as a beacon of hope for unity and eventual peace. It was at this point the priestess realized she had been silent for quite some time. Crap. He's important. Really important! I'm being rude. She gave him a light bow.
“I..Uhm.. Please.. forgive my rudeness.. Great One.” Her speech was a bit quick. She was nervous. She wasn’t quite sure how to address the Khan of all Khans.
“C-Custom.. dictates that I give you a full bow.. on my knees.. but uh.. box.. filled with fragile things.. Makes that a bit difficult.” She lifted them up a bit to emphasize the situation.
“Grand Khan Selibus... you are leader of us... Of this unification… And you are also in a station that is far higher than mine.. I.. understand. Your uhm.. polite intentions. But if.. I.. let you.. do grunt work. Especially, my grunt work.. I.. will be punished for it. So.. For that reason.. I must.. decline your aid. I’m sorry.” I don’t even know if i’m allowed to talk to you without my mentor present. She still kept most of her head low in a small effort to hide her red cheeks of embarrassment.
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Selibas
Hero
The Little Wolf
My Word is Iron.
Posts: 455
Etruria Fame: -1
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -3
Profession: Khan
Guild: Tribe of Sacae
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Selibas
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Post by Selibas on Dec 31, 2015 0:07:21 GMT -6
Damn it. He had brought the clans together to defend them all, and what was the reward he was given by the sky father? He couldn't talk to a woman without her calling him Great One. Some people might have actually enjoyed that, but he didn't. He just wanted her to see another Sacaen among many, at least for now. But not a great one, and he definitely didn't want her to bow. That was the opposite of what he wanted. "Um, no that's fine you don't have to bow for me." He placed his right hand on his neck, then said, "And ya don't have to call me Great One or Khan or anything like that. I'm Selibas, Selibas is fine. I'd rather talk to you with me just as a man and you just as a..." As a beautiful woman. "As a woman."
Then the Little Wolf lightly took the box from her, and smiled softly. "Well, not to contradict myself, but I am a Khan, and I think if I tell them I wanted to help you they'll listen. At least, I got them to listen to me this far." Selibas noticed a bit too late that she wasn't looking at him, she was averting her gaze. Dear Sky Father, did she want him to leave? Was he bothering her? Was he being creepy? Was this how women showed that they wanted you to leave them alone? A thousand questions rushed through his mind and not one of them helped make him feel calm. Something felt off in him. When in battle he was always scared, it was natural. Long ago he'd figured out how to conquer that fear of death or pain so that it did not bind him and instead spurred him forward. However, this woman made him nervous over every little word. Every thought in his head had to be scrutinized in hope that he didn't say something that would make her laugh at him. Except it seemed she didn't want to laugh, she wanted him to leave.
Well he simply couldn't. He had taken the box, and it would just seam silly for him to give it back. So for now he'd walk with her, and hope she wasn't too uncomfortable. Stepping out of her way and going to her side he asked, "So... where are you heading? Oh, and what's your name?
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Post by Midori on Dec 31, 2015 11:01:21 GMT -6
Midori couldn’t stop Selibus from taking the box of supplies. And he proposed that she address him as just Selibus and to talk to him as if he was just every other Sacean. Midori felt her insides turn a bit. As much as she wanted to simply address Khan Selibus as a regular man she just couldn’t. It would be extremely impolite. The Chaklai were his guests. She had to be as courteous and respectful as possible. She had to do this in order for the Chaklai to maintain good standing among the tribes. Skies above.. this has to be some sort of trial. Why.. would.. the Khan of Khans.. walk up to me and just be polite. Out of all of the people.. out of every Khan.. representative… warrior.. leader.. that happened to be here.. Khan Selibus.. is talking.. to me.
“I.. am sorry.. Grand Khan Selibus. It.. would be difficult of me to simply.. drop the formalities. It’s against my teaching. While.. some of the other Chaklai.. would be comfortable.. talking plainly. I.. must speak with respect. I have to speak and act like a proper Lady of my station.” Her voice started to straighten itself out. Her confidence slowly returning. Know your place Midori. That’s it.
She stopped tilting her head and stood up properly. If this is a trial of the gods.. I must treat it correctly. Remember the order.. She could feel her heart rate steadily rising. She had no idea how many people might be watching this little exchange. She paused for a moment trying to think of the right words. The Grand Khan had asked for her name. Ok. I can do that..
“My.. name is Midori. I am a priestess in training. It.. is an honor to meet you Khan Selibus.” This time she gave him a proper half bow. Then picked herself up.
“I.. do apologize if it is.. uncomfortable for you.” She slowly relaxed her body. She was trained to avoid making direct eye contact. She'd have to focus her gaze on another part of his face. But she knew that not making eye contact was considered to be rude to other's. So she decided to look at him not directly in the eyes, but rather at the under eye. A nice middle ground between rude and not rude. She hoped she wasn't being too offensive. As much as Selibus wanted her to be herself she simply could not shake off her clan's teaching and morals.
“As to my destination.. I am heading towards the stables. It is my duty to see to it that the horses are ready for tomorrow. Please.. be careful with that box Grand Khan Selibus.. It’s.. filled with vials and bottles of medicinal items. I.. will not be able to.. get more if they break.” It would be seen as a sign of greed if I do. The Grand Khan stepped to her side and expected her to lead the way. While custom dictated that she was supposed to walk behind males, she also understood that Khan Selibus probably had no idea where the Chaklai stables were. It was logical if she took the lead because she knew the way.
“Please.. follow me.” She spoke softly and started to walk towards the stables. Wait, I was supposed to ask if he’d allow me to act as a guide. Not to just start moving. I hope no one saw that.
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Selibas
Hero
The Little Wolf
My Word is Iron.
Posts: 455
Etruria Fame: -1
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -3
Profession: Khan
Guild: Tribe of Sacae
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Selibas
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Post by Selibas on Jan 1, 2016 0:00:06 GMT -6
A priestess? That explained a lot of the formality. A priestess of what Selibas wasn't exactly sure. His understanding of his tribes beliefs were limited, he knew his people believed in a sky father and an earth mother, and that all Sacaens became something like a god when they died or ascended into legend. However, he knew that belief systems varied from tribe to tribe, and it was clear in the way she dressed that the Chaklai were different in many ways. Especially this etiquette she seemed to have, no one in his tribe spoke as formally if it wasn't absolutely necessary. They had long since dropped such a pretense where he was concerned, only speaking to him as a follower when he was actively leading. She however, seemed frightened of speaking to him in any way other than as a formality. Maybe she didn't want him to think she wanted to get familiar. Which was more terrifying a prospect than it had any right to be.
Yet there had come a grace, she had told him her name. Midori. It was as strange a sound among the Sacaen tribes as her hair a sight. He liked both. He made a bit of a show about slowing after she had requested he be careful. He smiled a bit to himself. She had even looked him in the eye, or at least he thought she did. Maybe she wanted him to keep speaking with her after all.
He made sure to walk just a bit behind her but still at her side, so that they could still see and speak with each other. "So," he started to speak but realized he hadn't thought of anything clever to say. "Um, do you like being a priestess? I'm not sure I'd be able to handle it. I mean, besides the fact that I don't think I'd be great with magic," he trailed off for a second remembering the sword of light at his hip. "But also the stress at having someone need you to save them. Still, if I had to bet, I'd say it was pretty rewarding."
Selibas noticed something else then that made him incredibly happy. He was taller than her. It was not by much, maybe two or three inches, but still he was just a little bit higher off the ground than her. That was something that did not happen often, or maybe it did, and he never cared enough to notice. He liked to think he wasn't too sensitive about his height, but for some reason he was incredibly happy that he would never have to crane his neck to her. "Oh, and um, the honor is mine. Midori." He smiled as softly as he could, but was suddenly all to aware of how his scowl had affected his face over the years. So long in anger and strain, and it was hard for him to appear tender. The Little Wolf was, ironically, worried about looking too intimidating.
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Post by Midori on Jan 1, 2016 12:44:14 GMT -6
Midori continued to walk out towards the stable area. With Grand Khan Selibus following either next to her or behind her. She kept her hands on the strap of her personal bag. Her mind tried to recall things she was supposed to do in this situation, much to her frustration she was drawing a blank. She knew when she was in the presence of someone in a higher station, she wasn’t supposed to speak unless spoken too. However, that rule could be over-written in emergency situations such as providing medical attention to people. Since, Selibus was not in any sort of danger presently.. she couldn’t quite ask him anything. Not that she really had anything important to ask. the Grand Khan. She was still a bit awestruck at the fact he was even here. The whole ordeal was both mysterious and complex.
“So” Oh good. He’s breaking the awkward silence. The healer thought.
"Um, do you like being a priestess? I'm not sure I'd be able to handle it. I mean, besides the fact that I don't think I'd be great with magic." I wouldn’t be so sure about that. Midori knew magic came in many forms. She recalled her scripture on magic Magic is the mysterious force of the spirits. The power of the elements is channeled through a item and manifested into physical form to be used. This item could be a person, place, or thing.. Her concentration was broken as Selibus continued speaking.
"But also the stress at having someone need you to save them. Still, if I had to bet, I'd say it was pretty rewarding."
She was silent for a while. Selibus had asked her a question to which she had no real answer too. She did enjoy her life as a priestess. However, it was the only life she had ever known. It offered a glimpse into many lives. As a woman she was exposed to a multitude of domestic responsibilities each that offered a small glimpse into a different livelihoods. Seamstress, cook, farmer, scribe, maid, but, as a healer her life revolved around travel, medicine, and intern. She had to stop and turn around to address Selibus properly.
“A priestess life is a life like any other. I cannot say that I fully enjoy it.. when there are moments in that life where I wish to curse it. Like all lives.. it is one full of it’s merits and faults.” She paused for a moment, her mind tried to think of the next thing to say. Her green eyes met his grey ones for a brief moment as she went to fix her gaze back at his under eye.
“Grand Khan, I do not think you are incapable of magic. Magic.. is a matter of perception. Sometimes, it is a power of the spirits.. that it.. manifests itself differently. Most use it to harness the power of the elements to do amazing feats.. such as to command fire or mend bone.” She paused for a bit to make sure that Selibus was still listening. Her voice was calm, proper, and sincere.
“Grand Khan… you have managed to something.. castors could not. This Grand meeting between tribes would not have happened because of you. This unity between tribes would not have happened because of you. The chaos of war with Eturia forced us all to come together.. but you are the one who will keep us together. That in itself is a sort of magic.. a blessing.”
And for the first time in this entire meeting, she gave him a soft smile in return. It was a brief but genuine smile. She then bowed her head lightly this time, turned around, and resumed walking. Which was good because now there was a warm flush of red on her cheeks, unsure if she was embarrassed due to complementing a Grand Khan, speaking openly to the Grand Khan, or because the Grand Khan was honored to meet her. Regardless of the reason it wasn’t long before the two of them made it towards the stables. Inside there were many different horses and people shuffling about.
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Selibas
Hero
The Little Wolf
My Word is Iron.
Posts: 455
Etruria Fame: -1
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -3
Profession: Khan
Guild: Tribe of Sacae
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Selibas
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Post by Selibas on Jan 2, 2016 1:33:55 GMT -6
The little wolf halted his steps as the pink haired woman suddenly stopped and turned to begin speaking with him. What she said was, “A priestess life is a life like any other. I cannot say that I fully enjoy it.. when there are moments in that life where I wish to curse it. Like all lives.. it is one full of it’s merits and faults.” That was not exactly the answer that Selibas had been expecting. It was an incredibly honest and candid answer, which Selibas hadn't really expected for all of her politeness. She was correct though, it was life to always wonder. The short Khan doubted he had met anyone that was truly happy in their life. There was likely no farmer that didn't occasionally wonder about life as a tailor, or a smith as a bard. Why should priestesses be any different?
As he was about to respond, she addressed his comments on magic. “Grand Khan, I do not think you are incapable of magic. Magic.. is a matter of perception. Sometimes, it is a power of the spirits.. that it.. manifests itself differently. Most use it to harness the power of the elements to do amazing feats.. such as to command fire or mend bone.” Selibas actually knew a little about magic. He'd known two mages deeply in his life, and they had given him a little bit of insight into the arcane, but their interpretation was certainly . That might actually be a good thing to bring up. I have some friends in Bern who practiced elder magic. Least one of 'ems in Bern for sure. I always felt like magic was more about knowledge to them. Your version... he trailed off trying to think of a way to explain what he was thinking. He shrugged lightly enough to avoid jostling her supplies and smiled, "Well your version sounds nice."
She still had a few more comments on the room for magic in Selibas' world however, “Grand Khan… you have managed to something.. castors could not. This Grand meeting between tribes would not have happened because of you. This unity between tribes would not have happened because of you. The chaos of war with Eturia forced us all to come together.. but you are the one who will keep us together. That in itself is a sort of magic.. a blessing.” Touched as he was, there was something that threw her words from his mind, replacing them with a single thought. She smiled at me. She smiled at me. The short Khan couldn't hide the grin that crept across his face. At that moment he felt like the tallest man in Sacae.
"I must have been blessed to have met," to have met you "so many Sacaens here." He cursed himself, Why? Why not say it? Then he thought of course about how he knew very little about her, and she very little about him. Only moments ago he had thought she'd have like him to leave her alone, now was not the time to let her know that he felt struck upon looking into her eyes. However, she did smile at him. That was a good sign if there ever was, right?
As soon as they entered the tent, Selibas hurried over to one large Pinto coat horse. He wanted to stroke its neck, but couldn't due to the box in his hand so he just hummed for a moment near its ear to keep it calm. Then he turned to Midori, his face still bright. "This horse has the same coloring as Lightning." He looked back at the horse before realizing he would have to explain. "Lightning's my horse, not the weather lightning. This horse is a lot bigger than him though."
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Post by Midori on Jan 2, 2016 15:55:21 GMT -6
“And the tribes have been blessed to meet you as well Grand Khan.” She talked back to him and held open one of the tent flaps for him to pass through.
The stables themselves weren’t stables in the traditional sense. When someone mentions stables the first thing that usually comes to mind are wooden structures, with wooden walls, and a wooden roof. In the case of the Chaklai, since they had arrived later than the other tribes their stables comprised mostly of tent cloth, dividers, and wooden fences. These fences were constructed quickly with what wood the Chaklai had brought with them on their wagons. Thin wooden poles were poked into the ground in order to provide a base for the fabric like walls. Tent tarp was then tied onto these poles in segments until it provided a wall like structure. Above them was a roof made of thick semi water resistant cloth.
Hmm.. it’s breezy in here. Midori thought to herself as she scanned the area looking for her grey spotted mare. Most of the horses were tied down towards their respective wooden barriers. There was enough rope on them to have them move around towards their hay bales and water troughs, without running into another horse. Mares were kept separate from stallions via distance and several hay bale walls.
The Grand Khan Selibus made a comment about Lightning. Midori turned around to see which horse he was talking about. A large brown and white gelding to which Midori recognized as Bruce. Bruce was the horse of one of their Nomad Troopers. A skilled swordsman and archer on horseback.
“Oh? I did not know you had a riding horse. But, be careful with him Grand Khan. He likes to bite.” Rather, he likes to bite and chew on shirts. Regardless if you are in it or not. Midori managed to find her mare. The grey pinto with multiple spots of white and black. As well as the wagon that she, Lady Lucy, and several other members of the Chaklai shared.
“Please put the box over here. Onto this wagon.” Midori led the way and pointed out the wagon. She then walked up to the pike that had Ashes’ leash.
“Ashes.” She called out towards the mare and the mare walked forward and pressed its snout into her chest. She raised a hand up to pet the horse and whisper something sweet. She hadn’t seen her mare since the morning. She pulled away from the mare and continued to rub her hand on it’s head then down her the mare’s neck.
“Grand Khan, this is Ashes. My horse.” She motioned over to the grey mare. Midori turned around to look at the “stable” next to her and noticed the other horse.
The brown mare moved over as far as her leash could over towards Midori. The healer took a few steps over and petted and nuzzled her too.
“I didn't forget you Cinnamon. Lady Lucy is still busy working so I'm grooming you today.” Cinnamon, the chestnut brown mare of a large size. Ashes and Cinnamon were usually housed together. Cinnamon being Lady Lucy’s horse. Cinnamon was a large horse, a mare, who would be perfectly fine plowing through snowy farmlands, pushing carts of goods, as well as running through the fields. Lady Lucy’s horse was a farm horse, bred in Ilia, and meant to serve many purposes in the icy lands. She was a brown mare with white patches of hair near her hooves and a blondish colored mane. Not quite as large as some of the other Ilian breeds but still considerably larger than a majority of the other swifter nomadic horses. A horse that looked a bit out of place among the others.
Midori then looked into the wagon. She could see her belongings as well as the farrier’s tools she would need to work with.
“Grand Khan, I thank you for your assistance.” She placed her hands to her sides and bowed to him again.
“If you will excuse me. I must change into proper attire and tend to the horses.”
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Selibas
Hero
The Little Wolf
My Word is Iron.
Posts: 455
Etruria Fame: -1
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -3
Profession: Khan
Guild: Tribe of Sacae
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Selibas
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Post by Selibas on Jan 6, 2016 0:01:34 GMT -6
"Oh, thank you." Selibas said with a small laugh as he turned away from the horse. He followed the pink haired woman to where she motioned, and set it down carefully as he could. Then he watched as she walked over to a gray horse. "Ashes." What? Is that a code that women use to tell you to do something? Do I leave? Do I pick her up? What's Ashes supposed to mean. Lost in thought the short khan watched as the robed woman whispered in the horses ear, and his questions were answered when she said, “Grand Khan, this is Ashes. My horse.” Ohhhhhhhh, Ashes is a horse. Right, that makes sense. There couldn't possibly be codes people used in romantic conversation. Hopefully. "She looks like a good horse." If she hadn't been able to see him he would have winced, good wasn't a very interesting adjective to use. He must have sounded like a simpleton.
Then, still smiling, he watched her comfort another horse. The horse was sturdy, that was for sure even if it looked a bit slow. Its coloring was odd, it didn't entirely Sacaen. Perhaps that was just another odd interesting facet of the Chaklai. Then however instead of some strange code, she asked him to leave. Well that was, disheartening. He looked at the ground and said, "Yeah, no problem." Then he walked outside, patting a dark brown horse as he went. Once he was outside he stopped, and lost himself once more in thought. Just ask if you can stay, maybe she just didn't think you'd want to hang around. If she says no, then you leave and you avoid this part of the camp for a while. Still he took a moment before calling, "Midori. If you need a pair of extra hands, mine are here."
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Post by Midori on Jan 6, 2016 16:24:54 GMT -6
“She’s a good horse.” Yes she is. There was a bit of a warm feeling in her chest, it usually happens when ever anyone complements Ashes in her presence. The Grand Khan Selibus stepped away for a bit. This gave Midori the permission she needed to enter the Chaklai wagon and close the curtains. She buttoned it closed so as to avoid the gaps a person could peek through.
Midori started to remove most of her floral pattern, priestess garb. Until, she was left her in just her white sleeveless undershirt, a short thin inner haori like robe, and black slacks. She folded up the more elaborate parts of her priestess garb neatly and then placed it ontop of the crate. Midori even removed the floral hair band that kept her hair in place. Carefully she tied back her hair with a ribbon. She then opened up the wagon curtains and took a seat in back end of the wagon. She removed her sandals, dusted off her feet, grabbed a pair of long thick leather boots. These boots were a bit too large for her but they would serve to protect the bottom half of her clothes from the muck. She tucked in the spare bits of her robe and pants into the boots.
Midori grabbed the bulky, leather, tool apron, that was hanging, and put it on. She checked the tools to make sure they were in order. A metal large nail filer for the horses hooves, a pair of iron clippers, a hoof pick, scissors, a large metal comb, a blunted metal curry brush, a hard bristle brush, and a soft bristle brush. She she stepped off of the wagon and back onto the ground she appeared to be a different person. She looked like a regular ranch hand rather than a shrine maiden. She felt a bit more casual. She breathed in and acclimated to the scent of the stables.
She looked around for the buckets and bottles she was going to need to groom the horses with. The Grand Khan had offered to help her. Midori stared out towards the two horses for a bit. I don’t usually get help with this. I don’t know how they might react to a stranger.
“While.. it goes against courtesy.. Grand Khan. I-I will accept your offer.” She placed a hand over her chest and bowed lightly.
“The job would go by quicker if we both work together. However, I shall warn you. The horses might be a bit skittish if handled by a stranger. Or.. if you feel uncomfortable around them.. they will pick up on it and act nervous in turn. Please, do not take offense to them.” Despite her appearance she still spoke in the same manner and grace as she did earlier. She then went ahead and brushed Cinnamon’s nose with her hand. I need to follow my own advice. She breathed in deeply and exhaled slowly. She was about to do something no one in the history of the Chaklai had ever done. She was going to give the Khan an order. A proper order for work. Not him helping himself, or her asking for permission to excuse herself to do something, but a bonafide order for him to do something.
“I apologize for using you as a glorified retriever Grand Khan, but I need fresh water from one of the troughs.” Midori pulled from the wagon two buckets. She approached the Grand Khan and handed him the two buckets.
“The trough for clean water is behind you. If.. you would be so kind.. And.. thank you.”
Great job Midori. Way to assert yourself. Spoke the semi-sarcastic voice in her head.
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Selibas
Hero
The Little Wolf
My Word is Iron.
Posts: 455
Etruria Fame: -1
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -3
Profession: Khan
Guild: Tribe of Sacae
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Selibas
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Post by Selibas on Jan 10, 2016 0:03:56 GMT -6
Selibas reentered the tent only a moment after she accepted his aid. Upon walking in, he felt he looked at a much different woman than he had seen. She didn't look quite as refined, instead she looked like a youth who'd worked with horses her whole life. She looked more earthy, more physical. Selibas felt like a man hit by a second arrow after the first already put him down. He laughed lightly at her warning and after taking the buckets from her hands and turning to fetch the water said, I haven't been spooked by a horse since I first had to look a Wyvern in the face." Was that braggy? Did he sound like he was trying to sound too brave? Do women even like men who act all brave? Should Selibas be questioning every move? That probably wasn't what anyone wanted. Especially in a khan. He didn't want her to treat him too special because of it, but he still was one. He needed to keep that in mind.
Quickly the Little Wolf had filled up both buckets in the trough, and hauled them over to the woman and lightly set them down, trying not to spill any water. Satisfied with himself, he didn't. Then Selibas dragged a stool over to himself with his foot and plopped down. Smiling, the short khan said, "If you need me to retrieve something else, I'd be glorified to retrieve it." He was being sarcastic, but he'd gladly grab anything for her. So much time as a commander and he'd forgotten what it was like to do something akin to common soldiering. Of course, time as a common soldier or as a commander was world's better than his time in a cage.
Sitting for a few moments and watching her work, Selibas clasped his hands and rolled his thumbs over each other. He racked his brain, trying to think of something to say. Something he could find out about her, or something he could share about himself. Not wanting to sit too long without speaking he said, "Midori, if it's not a sensitive subject, what were your parents like? Did one of them have hair like yours?" That was... an odd question. He'd never had someone ask about his parents save Zach, and that was only when he'd given the magi cause to ask.
Still, he wanted to know whatever she'd tell him, and if she would share he'd gladly listen.
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Post by Midori on Jan 10, 2016 12:40:34 GMT -6
“Wyverns are fascinating creatures. I’ve never had the honor of staring at one in person. I have only seem them in books. Despite our Clan being across the river from Bern.. we see few riders. Most correspondence has.. been by horses.. or ship.”
Midori took one of the buckets and prepared it. She added a small bit of rice wine vinegar and soap mixture made of ashes, goat milk, and oil. She also grabbed a pumice stone from the wagon and set it aside. She gingerly brushed her hand on Cinnamon’s face. The Grand Khan had made a comment about him being glorified to retrieve things for her. There was a bit of a smile on her face at that. She enjoyed a good play on words.
She turned her head a bit to look over at the Grand Khan who had sat down on a nearby stool. She could feel a strange warmth coursing through her followed by a bit of a chill. This always happened whenever she was being watched while doing something by herself. Her heart started to race and Cinnamon let out something of a neigh. She took a few breaths to calm herself down. Calm. Remember the Horses react to you Midori.
“Alright Cinnamon.. i’m going to clean up your hooves first. I know you don’t particularly like that. So let's get it out the way hmm.” She spoke softly to the horse. The horse seemed to acknowledge her voice and shook its head. She gave the brown mare a once over and noticed something funny with one of her legs. Midori put on a pair of thick leather gloves and got into position. She pulled up Cinnamon’s front hoof in between her knees and went to work fixing the hoof. An old worn out horse shoe was causing Cinnamon’s leg to land a bit funny. So, Midori went ahead and removed the horse shoe. Clipped the hoof into it’s proper shape and filed down the hoof so it would land properly. Cinnamon wasn’t exactly fond of this, so Midori had to keep reassuring her by talking and petting.
“It’s all right Cinnamon. Here.. look. This rusty old thing was making you walk funny.” She held up the rusty horse shoe and it’s nails so that Cinnamon could see it. The horse pressed her nose towards it and snorted. The priestess then threw the old horse shoe and it’s nails into another empty bucket. They landed into the empty bucket with a plink and plonk. And then she went to work on the other three legs. She was careful with her work. Picking off any excess debris off the hoofs with a hoof pick.
Farrier work wasn’t easy. As it involved lots of clipping with large iron tools and filing. However, it was needed. The horses required as much care as the humans. Without the horses the troubadours would be severely slowed in the battlefield. But Midori had been doing this sort of work for five years. Even before she got Ashes, Lady Lucy had been teaching Midori about horse care. She even taught her how to heal horses and other livestock. After all the animals were needed in order to make food, to plow farm land, and to deliver messages. If they got wounded they couldn’t work. So healers were trained in aiding animals as well as people, but to a slightly lesser degree.
Somewhere in between the second and third leg the Grand Khan spoke up again. He was curious to learn a bit about her family. It’s been a long time since Midori actually thought about her birth parents. She shook her head. She finished her work on the current hoof and moved on to the next one. But not before stopping to address the Grand Khan.
“I apologize Grand Khan. But my parents died before I had a chance to make memories of them. My maternal grandparents could not raise me on their own so I was given up to the temple. However.. I do know a small bit about them. I was left a journal from my father along with a shield of a crest I am unfamiliar with. My mother was a farmer of the Chaklai, she was a full blooded Sacean. My father was formerly a knight of Bern. He passed the test to become an member of my clan and threw away his life from Bern. But, I did inherit my hair and eyes from him… his journal would often state how he was teased for it.” She gave a slight bow before returning to her work on the horse. Once she was finished she petted Cinnamon lightly on her sides.
“Alright, Cinnamon. Pedicure is over. Now I get to brush and groom you.” She paused for a moment. The Grand Khan had been sitting there for a while. She removed the gloves and washed her hands in the bucket of water she prepared earlier.
“Uhm.. Grand Khan.. would.. you like to help me groom Cinnamon?”
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Selibas
Hero
The Little Wolf
My Word is Iron.
Posts: 455
Etruria Fame: -1
Bern Fame: 4
Illia Fame: -3
Profession: Khan
Guild: Tribe of Sacae
Affinity: Ice
OoC Alias: Selibas
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Post by Selibas on Jan 18, 2016 23:18:18 GMT -6
Well, the Wyvern comment had gone as horribly as he'd worried it would, just in a completely different direction. He'd thought he'd have sounded like some ridiculous blowhard, instead he sounded like a coward, or someone overly critical of the giant flying lizards. "They are fascinating to be sure, but I'd say I prefer a horse." He looked over at the horse with Lightning's coloring, expecting the bigger horse to share his smaller one's sense of humor and give him some reaction. It did absolutely nothing to show it could even begin to understand him. That seemed about right for your everyday random horse.
With a faint grin, Selibas watched as Midori spoke with the horse while working with her. He couldn't remember the last time he'd changed Lightning's horseshoes. In truth, the little horse was probably overworked. Selibas would need to give him a few apples later. Just enough to remind the horse that he cared for him, but hopefully not so many that he spoiled him. Well, perhaps he could spoil the horse a little. When Midori began to discuss her parents, Selibas' face grew pale. Great, Selibas, bring up her dead parents. Still she didn't seem all too upset by bringing it up, although that may have simply been a brave face in front of a Khan. Had only she not known his name.
Still, there was some parts of her story that rang true with him. Well, one part. A Sacaen mother, and a Bernese knight for a father. Selibas had not thought his would be a shared story by anyone, but perhaps it was far more common than he thought. His voice was excited when he spoke, rare from him on the subject of his parentage, "I never knew my parents either, they left me with my people when I was a baby. My mother was Sumis, the Khan's daughter. They tell me my hair's the same shade as her's, and that if I didn't have flecks of yellow in my eyes they'd look just like hers. My father was a knight of Bern too, and well-" Selibas scratched his neck, "They told me I looked like him too."
Then Midori asked him to help her groom the horse, Cinnamon. A funny name for a horse. The Khan stood and walked so that he stood behind her. "Of course, if you will show me what Cinnamon needs." He'd brushed lightning once or twice, but the horse was much shaggier than those here. Plus, he was unclear how much was a part of grooming. If perhaps this business with the horseshoes was grooming as well.
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Post by Midori on Jan 20, 2016 19:44:05 GMT -6
“I prefer the horse as well Grand Khan. But I'd still like to meet at least one wyvern. Our clan sees them as sacred creatures.. the descendants of dragons.” The healer made her way over towards Selibus’ side of the pen. She petted Cinnamon on the face with her clean bare hands and grabbed the pumice stone. Slowly, she brushed the stone over Cinnamon’s coat. The pumice stone helps to trap eggs of bugs hiding among the coat. Occasionally, the healer would rinse the stone in the vinegar water to kill off anything that might have accumulated.
“It.. seems some of our history is common. I.. well..” She paused for a bit.
“It is common for the Chaklai to adopt and welcome people within our clan. So long as they pass a spiritual test.. and aren't.. Elibe’s most wanted. So.. mixed marriages aren't uncommon for us. However, outside of the clan.. I know how.. difficult.. it could be.” The priestess stopped talking for a bit. She was trying to think of the right words. And the proper way to discuss a difficult matter with a person of higher status. She wanted to say “Scrutiny… Outcast.. abandonment sucks.” She shook her head.
“Well.. let's just say I am aware of the consequences of such a union.” She found herself staring into Cinnamon’s fur. Her next few words were not that of a priestess who was trying to be proper. Her speech and tone changed ever so slightly so that it reflected Midori herself. Midori a simple woman from Sacae. She turned a bit so she was facing Selibus.
“Grand Khan.. I've.. been told that parents want what's best for their children. Parents who praise thair children for doing good and doing what is right. These things.. could be simple.. things.. like chores.. or big things.. like catching large game. And.. while it.. is currently impossible for me to know who.. or what your parents were like... I.. hope.. wherever your parents are.. they are proud and happy for you. For you.. and your accomplishments.. you have done something wonderful. And.. if they aren't.. well at least I am.” It took her a moment to realize that her final words could be misinterpreted. With a blush to her cheeks and slight stutter to her words she spoke again.
“I mean.. the Chaklai are proud. And the tribes who are here.. those who have pledged to you.” Right. That sounded normal. Oh.. hey Cinnamon! I was grooming you. Midori took a breath and regained her composure.
Midori smiled softly and pulled out the curry brush from her apron. The curry comb was a hand sized circular brush. It's bristles were small and curved in a similar manner like a human finger. This brush was used to help loosen dirt from the under coat so that another brush would scoop it away.
“Here you go Grand Khan. Please begin brushing her on this side. While, I pass the stone over on the other side of her. Ah.. please be careful with the boney areas of her. Please use simple, circular motions, in the opposite direction of the hair growth for brushing.”
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