Reed
Squire
"If some feller gives me a lance, I'm'ma fight tooth 'n nail for what I reckon is right."
Posts: 79
Profession: Farmhand
Affiliation: None
Guild: None
Affinity: Light
Profile: Reed
OoC Alias: Ardent
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Post by Reed on Sept 5, 2019 2:32:06 GMT -6
Reed hoped to himself that he wouldn't return to find his horse suffering some separation anxiety. Yes, Gracie had her ways of showing her independence from the young rider, but even she was stuck like glue to the humble farmboy thanks to him being the one to raise her from a foal to a daunting beauty of a war horse. But was worrying about his horse really the biggest thing to be considering at the moment? Once again, the boy's gaze wandered as he followed Midori to a back room of the temple. It wasn't like the place was constantly changing, but curiosity has its way of clutching one's attention and never letting go. Should he be given the permission to do so, he made a mental note to ask if a tour was appropriate.
As the individual behind the door answered the priestess' knocks, Riley ran a hand through his messy ginger locks and tried his best to broaden his shoulders. What kind of "mercenary" would appear like some scrawny little villager? "U-Uh, yep! That's me, ma'am! Surprised ya remembered me so well: didn't really try too hard for impressions when I wanted outta them ruins in two shakes of a lamb's tail, y'know?" he joked anxiously, managing a weak yet friendly smirk. Even without the armor and mount, Lady Lucy presented herself as the very image of an experienced guardian.
The squire, although there were seats galore within the room, decided against sitting down. Given the lack of instruction to do so (and the fact that resting for a second would have him potentially stumble over his words), Reed found it rude to do so. When asked of his purpose for visiting, he clenched his right fist over a fold in his cape, speaking slowly and with stilted confidence. Oh, uh... Thanks for havin' me, Lady Lucy! See, Pa's gone 'n told me I gotta get out there 'n get to work if I ever wanna be a knight. Yeah, that really got my goose there, but I ain't gonna just up 'n tell 'em he's wrong. So I ran into Midori in Bulgar, 'n she said that y'all were lookin' for some help with a caravan. Not much goin' on upstairs, but I'd say I learned a thing or two 'bout a lance 'n ridin'! No stranger to heavy liftin' either. Always happy to help out folks who need it. How 'bout it, hm?" the novice cavalier elaborated expectingly.
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Post by Midori on Sept 12, 2019 18:49:55 GMT -6
"Of course I'd remember you. Not to many young folk would willingly rush into a tomb full of monsters. Granted yo wanted out as fast you could. But, It took a lot of courage to go through with it all in the first place." Lady Lucy replied to Reed's statement. The truth of the matter was something a bit darker. Reed reminded her of her own child. Although, no longer with her. No longer among the living. Died long before Lady Lucy joined the Chaklai. She couldn't help but see the similarities between them. The hair was completely different. But, Reed shared her son's spunk. And when Reed explained what he was doing here. What his father had told him and how he had improved somewhat since their adventure in the cave, well, that just reminded her more of her lost son. Lady Lucy paused for moment. She stared at the table for a bit before closing her eyes. She was thinking.
Midori on the other hand was busy fussing with the cloth in front of her. She pretended to be focused on the task in her hands. But, her gaze shifted between both Reed and Lady Lucy. She mended the holes with the needle and thread perfectly. She then tied off the end of the thread so that it would stay in place. Then cut the excess thread off of the cloth. Midori hated that she had this particular talent for cloth, thread, and loom. Impressive, you did that with out pricking your fingers. She found the act of dealing with clothes to be something of a bore. But, that did not stop her from doing the best job she could on what she was given. Lady Lucy opened her eyes again.
"Well, we could always use some more hands with the chores around here. I know you be a farm hand and all. And we could use some extra help with the animals. While you help us out here.. food and board will be provided. As of right now we are trying to hire some extra guards for our next journey. It won't be for a few days. If you've feel like you've toughed up with that lance of yours. You can come with us to the Chaklai Village."
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Reed
Squire
"If some feller gives me a lance, I'm'ma fight tooth 'n nail for what I reckon is right."
Posts: 79
Profession: Farmhand
Affiliation: None
Guild: None
Affinity: Light
Profile: Reed
OoC Alias: Ardent
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Post by Reed on Sept 16, 2019 0:19:17 GMT -6
Reed averted his gaze to the floor as a bashful shade of red crept to his cheeks. "You, ah... Remember that, don'tcha? Heh, sorry 'bout leavin' ya early in there. I get a lil' spooked in enclosed spaces like that, 'cause Gracie can't do much to help me out. B-But I'm better now! Promise ya that much," he admitted while following up with the best guarantee he could think of. A promise to show improvement wouldn't be that hard to keep considering his most important contribution last time was just poking a skeleton's chest with a pitchfork long enough for someone else to obliterate it.
The excited boy shot the valkyrie a toothy grin and a nod at her offer. Room and board in exchange for some labor and potential guard work? Sounded just like a fair trade in his eyes! Even without much payment, the farmer felt an obligation to help out somehow regardless: in his homeland, the general rule about strangers is that the ones that mean no harm are treated as hospitably and respectfully as possible. A humble notion to consider, and admirable if it weren't for the inherent lack of ability, bloodline purity, and general impression to the public on behalf of the tribe members. While it was true that literacy, etiquette, and anything unrelated to combat or survival was trivial to the Arkyans, the integrity of one was unrivaled.
"Got yerself a deal, m'lady! Might be feelin' a lil' too big for my britches, but maybe some confidence is just what I need. I'm on the job- Er... That is, if Midori here's alright with it, 'course. Sorta promised her I'd help her out with some stuff too, 'n I wanna make sure I can do that too."
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Post by Midori on Sept 21, 2019 19:32:37 GMT -6
"Of course I am alright with it." Midori replied, as she finished stitching the last hole on this one particular set of pants. She folded it neatly and set it aside. Then went to work on an old shirt.
"Well then. How am I to say no to that attitude. Welcome aboard Reed." Lady Lucy got up and gave Reed a strong but affectionate pat on the shoulder.
"Come on let me show you around. Midori's got her own duties to attend to for most of the day." Lady Lucy turned to look at Midori. Who nodded in response. She knew her duties. Prayer. Kitchen. Then inventory. And possible restocking. Lucy and Reed's duties for the day would be to tend to the animals and check on the garden. So on and so fourth. Until dinner time rolls around. Then it's prayer. Food. Tending to the fires. And the watch. The painfully boring mosquito and moth filled watch. But, hopefully Reed wouldn't have to go through with that the first day here. Maybe, Lucy will torture him with that on the second day.
"Afraid I will have to see you later Reed. Don't wear him out too quickly Lady Lucy." Midori smiled softly and gave him a wave. Needle and thread in hand. Lady Lucy held the door open for the young man.
"While I show you around, you can tell me a bit about your family and their farm. It's further to the north right? Near Ilia? Have you been to Bulgar before?" Lady Lucy wanted to clarify before she went about asking some probing questions. And while the former Ilian had become a tribe member of the Chaklai many moons ago. Part of her sometimes felt homesick.
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Reed
Squire
"If some feller gives me a lance, I'm'ma fight tooth 'n nail for what I reckon is right."
Posts: 79
Profession: Farmhand
Affiliation: None
Guild: None
Affinity: Light
Profile: Reed
OoC Alias: Ardent
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Post by Reed on Oct 28, 2019 13:58:10 GMT -6
Riley grinned and placed one hand on his hip in response to the pat on the back. Not bad! He did sway a little bit from the firmness of the pat, but not breaking posture in the process was a step in the right direction. In a way, just that small moment alone made him feel like a real man for once. As Lady Lucy held the door open for him, he gave Midori another smile and a wave goodbye for the time being. "Don't go countin' on that: I'm a stubborn one, heh!~"
Ah yes, back into the incense-filled air of the temple grounds once more. Maybe being inside helped a little bit to take his mind off of the fact that the place gave off that "worship place" aura from scent alone. Reed was surprised that Lady Lucy has asked him specifically about his home, as he wasn't quite sure what to think. The Chaklai weren't exactly the most popular of the Sacaean tribes either, but even so, Arkyans were generally bashful about disclosing their day-to-day lives due to their inherent status. Whether it was to humor or to respect him, it would be rude to be silent about it. "Yeah, we're right next to the mountains leadin' on up to Ilia. I've followed Pa there a few times, 'n he seems to know a lot more people there than I do. I've been to Bulgar, too. In fact, Gracie 'n I used to make the runs to the market in Bulgar! She don't look like much of a workhorse, but she's got it in 'er to do the work for a reward. You been there?" he asked in return.
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Post by Midori on Dec 26, 2019 19:58:23 GMT -6
The question brought a smile to Lady Lucy's face. She hadn't spoken to anyone about her roots in so long, she feared she would have forgotten. No, she would never really forget the trials and tribulations of her home land. How she was forced into mercenary work at a young age to support her family. She remembered sitting around the campfire. Helping her mother sort through the wool. Her little brother reading them a story to help pass the time. But the old woman had to interrupt her nostalgia and return to the thoughts of the present. Reed needed an answer to his question.
"I'm quite familiar with Ilia. Born and bred there. My family used to live in the woods near Remi. Probably, would have stayed there had life gone differently." She paused for a moment. She remembered the chain of events that led her to becoming a member of the Chaklai. She remembered having to bury her grown son. And being lost in such a pit of despair before a group of Chaklai found her. She didn't show her pain. Instead she did the mature thing and took a small breath in then let it out.
"Some things happened.. left me in a bad way. But, then the Chaklai found me and I've been with them ever since. But, some things I miss about Ilia that the Chaklai cannot give. Like the herring." She gave Reed an affirmative nod.
"Ha, yer Gracie sounds like the opposite of my Cinnamon. She's a big work horse. Meant to pull a plow through the cold icy earth, not run about the plains chasing after wild game. But, we've managed to make it work." As they talked, they walked and it wasn't long until both teenager and old woman were back at the stables. Hopefully, the horses were behaving with one another.
"Well, this is where I'd normally start my tour. But, I see, that Midori already briefed you. But, space is tight here so the stable is currently doubling as a shed." She guided Reed to one of the stable walls. Hung up on that wall were all of the various farming tools that were used to keep their patch of land fertile.
"The temple property has a small garden the monks like to keep. It's full of herbs, other medicinal plants, and bugs. But, those who aren't affiliated with the cloth are required to go out into the communal fields. There's a shed there too but sometimes tools are misplaced. This is where we keep the extras." She motioned for Reed to follow her further. They were heading down a path behind the stables. Off towards the communal fields. As they walked they passed by other familiar things. The chicken coops. A small training ground. An empty space.. that wasn't really empty. It was full of people camping and living in a various array of tents and wagons. This was where the rest of the Chaklai were. Among them were others, refugees, migrant workers, and some guardsmen.
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Reed
Squire
"If some feller gives me a lance, I'm'ma fight tooth 'n nail for what I reckon is right."
Posts: 79
Profession: Farmhand
Affiliation: None
Guild: None
Affinity: Light
Profile: Reed
OoC Alias: Ardent
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Post by Reed on Mar 1, 2020 2:36:17 GMT -6
"Well, I'll be. Ain't ever been to no 'Remi', but I done heard a lot 'bout it. Pa only took me as far as my horse'll carry me: Gracie don't like no cold, 'specially when it's when she's gotta pull somethin'. Heh. Guess I've gone 'n spoiled 'er rotten, huh? Most-a the time he brings us 'round to an ol' family friend's house, 'n he takes my load 'n sends me right back down the path so I'm home 'fore dark," he remarked with a small smile, which faded shortly after Lady Lucy's story took a brief and short-lived turn for the worst. While he did have many questions for this seasoned traveler to answer, if he was anything, Reed was his mother's boy. The advice of "don't pry when you don't have to" would be helpful advice to heed when someone was clearly uncomfortable about their past, and now seemed like the appropriate time to zip it and just leave her be. For now.
As his guide continued on to describe the facilities and spaces available for the Chaklai, Riley's gaze drifted off to the gathering of tents out in the field. Being someone who was raised in a tribe that valued its privacy and lack of proximity to even its own kin, the notion of people living together like this grasped his curiosity like a suction cup. He never considered being able to understand how people coexisted in places like cities, with large buildings and no place to run around, and yet he found the settlement of tents oddly comforting: a middle ground, of sorts. Organized and whole, yet still free. "Golly... Y'all done and made a lil' town without no paved roads 'n all, haven'tcha?" he wondered aloud, eyes still glued to the area.
"Feels... More cozy'n a big city, I'll tell ya that. So I'm'ma be workin' in the fields as well as with the animals, yeah? I-I just hope I don't let none-a y'all down. Looks like I'm gonna have to work mighty hard to keep up!" the squire remarked with a chuckle. "I think I'm 'bout ready to get started whenever yer ready, ma'am!~"
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Post by Midori on Mar 29, 2020 15:08:24 GMT -6
"Heh, if your so blown away by a town of tents wait till you see a real city proper. I've heard stories of Eturian cities that have buildings that touch the sky. And people living in large structures made of marble." Lady Lucy chimed in. She found it hard to hide the small smirk on her face at Reed's reaction.
"Though I shouldn't talk too much about Eturia. They are the reason why we've got a large number of refugees. The city of the Chaklai is nice too. The homes are mostly made of wood and stone. But, their artistry, agriculture, and pottery is something else. We are planning to move on with our travels in about a week. You are free to come with us if you like. But, not everyone here.." She made a hand motion towards the settlement of camps and wagons.
"..will be coming with us, so we want to make sure those that stay, at have a means to make a living. We can't be having people draining the resources of the city by doing nothing." She spoke.
"I admire your enthusiasm Reed. But, first we've got to get you settled. As much as i'd like to keep you under my wing, my duties prevent me from doing so. We don't have an extra tent to spare for a single person. But, I know of a family here who could use an extra set of hands. If you run into any trouble with them, simply find me." I'll either set them straight or find another family for you to fit in to.
(Feel free to make up the dynamics of Reed's temporary foster family.) -- Ten days later --
Ten days had gone by. Throughout that time Midori and Lady Lucy were busy. Very busy, managing their appointed duties and training. Lady Lucy was either supervising, or teaching those who stood guard. And Midori was regulated towards the temple and clinic duties. A large series of tents had been constructed to act as a makeshift hospital for those members of their settlement who were injured on the job. And those who were sick would be visited by the healers through out the day. Those folks who eventually succumbed to their ailments and passed away were either buried or burned as per familial custom. And Midori was sometimes involved in those ceremonies. Offering words of prayer and solace to the families of the departed. Her spirituality had grown within that time. And one day during her prayers she realized a change within herself. She had ascended. Those that were around her described is as if she had a holy aura around her. Blessed by the powers of divinity itself. And then the aura had faded as quickly as it came. When the aura dissipated, Midori sat up, and felt as if she had come to understand something important. From that point forward the pink haired priestess, learned that she could manifest the most basic form of her will into being, in the form of light magic.
Lady Lucy who was not so secretly overjoyed at the news. Gave her student her old light tome. With instructions to treat it well and her training with magic would become more intense from this point forward.
What little time Midori had to herself was reserved for Ashes. Since, the tribe was currently stationary. She had little reason to take Ashes out for a ride. But, bond between troubadour turned Valkyrie, and horse was important. So the pink haired priestess would take her horse out for a ride whenever she could. She would also give treats to Ashes stable mates Gracie and Cinammon too.
A routine had developed among the tribe. They would be up at the crack of dawn and preparing for the day ahead. They usually made a light breakfast of porridge and what ever nuts or eggs they had available. Key members of the Chaklai would then ring a large brass bell and offer a morning prayer. Those who were dutiful would make their way towawrds the temple. Bow and pray towards their family gods. Then it was off to work. But on this day in particular, it was announced that the Chaklai would be moving on from this settlement. And to those who wished to travel with them, towards the south west and into Bernese territory were welcome to join them. Arrangements would be made for those families and caravans who wished to travel into the southern lands. But, they had to inform those who would be in charge of those arrangements today. So that preparations could be made with a proper head count. The people who wished to travel had three days to prepare, before the Chaklai would set off.
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Reed
Squire
"If some feller gives me a lance, I'm'ma fight tooth 'n nail for what I reckon is right."
Posts: 79
Profession: Farmhand
Affiliation: None
Guild: None
Affinity: Light
Profile: Reed
OoC Alias: Ardent
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Post by Reed on Mar 31, 2020 18:49:20 GMT -6
Lady Lucy was right: the thought of buildings touching the sky itself was astounding to the country bumpkin that thought even the small settlement in front of him was large. Etruria was something to behold, that much he could guess. The comment about them being the reason for the refugees, however, caught him off-guard. "Huh? Yer sayin' that place is the reason y'all got so many folks here as refugees? Hm... I-I ain't much for none-a that 'pole-tick' stuff, but it don't matter who's gonna go 'n hurt people. Ya got me sold if anyone's messin' with this place," he tried to reassure the woman with a determined nod. With that said, he regained his small yet still noticeable excited smile as he followed Lady Lucy to meet the people who would host him. ----- Fortunately for him, it appears that the family to give him a place to stay were Etrurian refugees. A grandmother, her daughter and son-in-law, and their two year old son. As Lady Lucy was there, there didn't appear to be any issues and they seemed grateful for the help. After the time that they needed help, though, the family was already sitting down together when Reed was questioned by the son-in-law directly. "Riley, was it? You're Sacaean, right? What tribe are you from?" "I'm from Arkya, sir. 'S a lil' far from home, but I manage.""'Arkya'... Really?" "Can't see why I wouldn't be? Why? Somethin' wrong?""Nothing, nothing at all wrong with it. I just thought that tribe was long dissolved. I've done a little digging into Sacaean culture since we've been here. What happened to your tribe leader?" "I dunno. Nobody goes askin' for 'em, we just manage.""You 'just manage'? Huh... So I suppose the rumors might not be as true as I thought." "Rumors?""Yes. Your tribe isn't really looked highly upon by even some Sacaean tribes. The tribe leader's suspected to not even be doing his job, you all live such distant lifestyles, you have almost no presence in a unified Sacae should it ever come to fruition..." "Sounds mighty depressin'... Oh well. Guess that's how the cookie crumbles.""Huh? You're not concerned about it?" "Don't need to be. 'S long as I'm doin' what's right and good for folks, I ain't givin' a rat's rear what's said 'bout Arkyans. We done 'n got ourselves a pretty bad rep, but that ain't a sign we're bad people. 'N what if most really are? I'm from there, but I'm my own man."The matter-of-factness of a statement Reed gave very little attention into delivering brought a smile to the man's face, as it did his mother-in-law and wife. The ice was broken as easily as it formed, and there was a lot more discussion in the once quiet, anxious space. Interestingly enough, Reed couldn't tell the difference and carried on, business as usual. ----- The ten days seemed to last an eternity, but far from being a purgatory for the farmhand. Every day he would periodically rotate between his duties at the stable, helping and advising those working in the fields, and assisting the family with the miscellaneous tasks that they gave to him without even one complaint. What free time he had was spent practicing with his pitchfork dismounted: surprisingly opting for beating up a "scarecrow" he built rather than finding a training partner, he sometimes was seen mumbling some sort of lesson to himself under his breath before each swing and stab. The stable was clean, well-organized, and the horses seemed smitten by their mysteriously upbeat and soothing caretaker. The fields were about the same as when he entered, although some of the ones working on it commend the squire for his expertise and efficiency with tending to the crops: by Day 3 there were already some that were trying to adjust the schedule and work allocation to his recommendations to minimize their unnecessary effort for the same result. Last but certainly not least, the Etrurian refugee family was more than happy to have Reed around the house to help out and talk to: the husband spoke with him about more geography and politics, the wife enjoyed learning about Arkyan culture, the grandmother marveled at the stories Reed remembered well enough to retell (while also sharing some of her own), and even the two year old seemed happier having another person to play with. If he were to be truthful, it was almost like having another family of his own for ten days. Gracie, on the other hand, was FAR from pleased about the amount of time spent away not only from her master, but from familiarity. She would whine and knock on the gate to her enclosure, fling hay over the side and into the walkway where the stable workers walked, and once or twice she had spooked off the ones sent to take care of her. [Daunt used...?] Interestingly enough, she appeared to have paid little mind to her stablemates beyond acknowledgement and mostly caused a bit of trouble for the human workers. Poor Riley would occasionally be called to the field and asked if he could be present while Gracie had her space cleaned. It was like babysitting an unruly child considering how irritating she had been at times. Besides Reed, however, the horse peculiarly allowed Midori the priestess to feed her treats. Even as the move approached, the stable workers were puzzled as to how odd the steed behaved: an angel when her rider and the rider's friend were around, but a tantruming hurricane without. It was after the ten days that Reed decided to find Midori and speak with her about his arrangements. They had to move eventually, right? Now that people were mobilizing, it would soon be time to depart for the south. His work against the "scarecrow" he built had raised his confidence fighting without Gracie, and riding with her would only be easier since the horse missed her rider dearly and would be more than happy to oblige to a ride again. "'Scuse me, folks, heh... Hey, Midori! We headin' out to the south soon? I heard ya gone 'n learned some magicky spells! Can I see? Please?" he goaded eagerly upon finding his friend during her time at the stable with Ashes, Gracie, and Cinnamon.
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Post by Midori on Apr 9, 2020 19:26:34 GMT -6
Midori was busy. She was in the middle of brushing down Ashes and simply thinking about the days before. Her journey into light magic was incredibly difficult. She how to get the light spells to work. Lady Lucy had taught her the fundamentals well. But, she found it to be difficult to launch her magic at certain targets. She wasn't used to the idea of suddenly being able to wield magics that could hurt someone. Most pain she's willfully inflicted was smacking some people with the blunt end of her staff. She caused pain when she had to treat people. Setting broken bones back in place caused a tremendous amount of pain to the patient. Stitches and stings caused pain as well. But it was momentary pain. And she knew she was doing those people a service. They would heal from that pain. But, that was different than the pain she could inflict with this new magic. She had to completely dismiss her whole nature as a healer, in order to cast light magic.
"I have to think of it like another side of my staff magic." She spoke to Ashes. Talking to Ashes like this, with out anyone around, helped to ease her mind. She gave the horse's chin an affectionate scratch. Her talking therapy was interrupted by the sounds of another. Midori turned her head over to see Reed coming up to check on Gracie. Seemed that the horse was being a pest to the other stable hands and would only mellow out once Reed was nearby. Which was strange as the priestess herself never really found much issue with Gracie's behavior whenever she came around. Then again, she would always come around with treats.
"Hello Reed." She greeted him with a warm smile.
"I haven't seen much of you since I brought you over. I'm sorry about that." She bowed her head lightly.
"How have you adjusted to life here? Have your temporary patrons treated you well?" She was curious about that.
"Yes. We are going to leave in a few days. Everyone is going to be busy packing and prepping for the big move."
The young farm hand seemed to be excited to hear about Midori's new magic. And wanted to see it for himself.
"Not yet Reed. I'm still fairly new to the magic myself. And not.. confident in my ability yet. I do not want to accidentally hurt anyone with my mistakes. But, I promise to show you soon."
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Reed
Squire
"If some feller gives me a lance, I'm'ma fight tooth 'n nail for what I reckon is right."
Posts: 79
Profession: Farmhand
Affiliation: None
Guild: None
Affinity: Light
Profile: Reed
OoC Alias: Ardent
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Post by Reed on Nov 4, 2020 15:44:50 GMT -6
{OOC: Ayy, I'm alive! So sorry for the delay, real life hits hard. I know this thread's a little old, so let me know if you want to stop at some point: if you're good to keep it going, I'm down!}
"Oh, they're some mighty fine folk awright! Really know how to make a feller feel welcome. Startin' to get a hang-a that 'gee-oh-graff-ee' thingamajig. Couldn't make a lick-a sense outta them maps when it came to little details, but I think I remember stuff," Riley admitted rather sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. Indeed, the son-in-law did an alright job teaching a virtually illiterate farmer how to spot out the areas of Elibe's map. He had a good idea where Arkya was in comparison to the rest of Sacae thanks to the Ilian mountains, even if it wasn't explicitly marked out due to the widespread nature of its people. In fact, the experience of hearing an outsider's perspective on his people felt like an eye-opening revelation. Nothing that he found appalling despite the bad reputation, but enough to get a better understanding of what Arkyans were in the grand scheme of things: outsiders, but ones whose way of living was too simple for most of the outside world. Not a bad thing to be in his mind. "Just, ah... Heh, don't rely on me to make a path. I can cut one right good if ya need it, but plannin' that's not for me."
As soon as Reed was in view, Gracie immediately let out a low, short whinny and poked her head over the stable door. The ranchhand smiled and walked over to gently pat his animal companion on the muzzle. "Aww, hey girl! How ya been, hm? Not gettin' in no trouble, I hope? I know ya don't like it when I go leavin' ya here all day, but we're gonna get goin' soon anyways. Yer one tough cookie, you'll be alright," he reassured the war horse, brushing her a few times before nodding to Midori again.
"Thought as much. I dunno the first bit 'bout no magicky stuff, so ya done 'n impressed me just sayin' ya started doin' that. Prolly best not to go tryin' that out all willy-nilly anyways. As for me? Well, a strong warrior knows all sorts-a combat styles... I think! Or at least that's probably what a strong warrior's gonna say. I want ol' Gracie here to be nice 'n ready for when we head south, so I've done 'n worked on my, uh... What's the word? 'In-fan-tree'? Yeah, that's it!~"
Puffing out his chest and balling his fists against his hips, the rural squire grinned from ear to ear. That scarecrow he had made to practice on broke several times, but at the very least he felt just a little better about the possibility of being in dismounted combat. In a way, he felt like Vincent in that he didn't need to rely so much on his mount to fight (even though having Gracie certainly makes him able to not be incapacitated in two seconds). "Yes siree, I'm feelin' better'n a tick on a fat dog! I- ...Oh, sorry! I'm gettin' ahead of myself, huh? Ain't no guarantee we're gonna go 'n pick a fight or anything. I-I'm sorry, I'm just so excited! Ain't ever been in no real fight before besides givin' them raiders back home a good whoopin'. But trust me: gimme a target 'n I'll charge in like a bat outta hell to give 'em what for!" Reed enthusiastically boasted, pumping his fist into the air with a big smile.
Confidence was good, but he clearly hadn't gotten the hint of what real battle was like if he's that eager to get out there with halberd poised for the attack.
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Post by Midori on Nov 20, 2020 19:02:29 GMT -6
Midori couldn't help but smile at Reed's comment about learning geography. Education was rare in this world. Midori knew it. And she was grateful that the of a holy woman came with the ability to learn how to read and write. Most people of the era felt that women shouldn't need to learn those things. But, she had to learn it so she could help her tribe. Ancient scriptures needed to be learned, read, written, recited. Midori had to learn the lay of the land so she could be of use travelling. She needed to learn how to make complicated potions and tonics to cure what ailed the masses. She couldn't do all of what she could do with out learning literature.
"Maps. Are easy to read once you get the gist of it. I'm sure you will get it in time." She reassured him.
"Sometimes.. it's easier to see the place in person.. than on paper. Then once you see it.. the mind clicks.. and you learn to recognize where you've been on the map." She nodded. Than gave Ashes a pet on the head. The grey mare was happy to see her owner.
"The journey home will be a long one. I hope we don't run into trouble. But, if we do I will be counting on you to watch my back. Until.. I am comfortable at using my magic to hurt someone." She pulled her hands away from Ashes for a moment. Reed's talk about wanting to hurt some bad guys made her think.
"It's.. such an odd.. change. The magic I use now.. it's sort of the same like I do with the staff. But, if I fight with it.. I have to want to hurt the person. I.. am having a hard time thinking that way." She looked at Reed and Gracie for a moment. She sighed softly. Then shook her head. She slowly made motions to open the gate and saddle up Ashes.
"I want you to teach me how to be that.. confident. You can give me some tips while we ride around the city. I'm sure Gracie would appreciate the break from this stable." She smiled again. And then handed him Gracie's saddle. -- OOC- you may skip us to the morning of the departure.
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Reed
Squire
"If some feller gives me a lance, I'm'ma fight tooth 'n nail for what I reckon is right."
Posts: 79
Profession: Farmhand
Affiliation: None
Guild: None
Affinity: Light
Profile: Reed
OoC Alias: Ardent
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Post by Reed on Dec 7, 2020 3:38:00 GMT -6
Reed took mental note of Midori's advice about getting the hang of navigation and geography. While it was easier said than done, he had a hunch that he was already doing something like that on his own already. After all, he made frequent trips from the farm to Bulgar without anything to guide him other than the winds and his memory of a few landmarks. Then again, the plains themselves hardly had many landmarks in the first place for him to reference, so at times he had to make his own: a scratch in the bark of the occasional tree, a tied rope, whatever was available at the moment. Where he was lacking in book smarts, the Sacaean was quite resourceful when it came down to the wire. Everything had at least three different uses, and it was only a matter of figuring out what uses said tool had.
"'Confidence', eh? You, ah... Ya sure I'm the feller ya wanna hear that from? I-I'm right flattered ya think so highly-a me, but... Yeah, I got my moments quakin' in my boots, eh heh," he confessed with a lighthearted chuckle and a fist over his chest. The little experience he had in combat he brushed off as either training, adrenaline, Gracie doing all the work, or a combination of the three. Hearing someone say that he possessed an admirable trait like confidence lifted his spirits enough to shoot her an eager grin back. "But that don't mean I ain't prepared to tell ya some-a them trade secrets! Don't look like it, but my Pa's so good with a lance he'll whack a fly blindfolded if ya ask 'im. Still gotta lotta trainin' to do if I wanna be half the man he is, but I probably picked up some advice I could give ya,~" he replied, taking the reins. The unruly horse scratched at the hay beneath her in anticipation.
"'Ey, c'mon, girl: awright, I'm movin', I'm movin'! This time I ain't gonna use no safety harness, though, so please don't buck me off? Please?"
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{OOC: skipping to departure woosh-}
Unfortunately for poor Reed, Gracie was a bit too excited and threw him off four times in that leisurely ride. No surprise that it's difficult to give tips when you're being launched off of your mount, but nonetheless Riley managed to get at least a few points across in between hitting the ground and the next time he would be used as his companion's favorite throwing toy. After that adventure, while she was sad to see her master go yet again, this time she seemed a little bit happier to have been given the much-needed attention from Reed. That relief of knowing his trusty steed would do just fine (mostly) on her own until departure gave him enough reassurance to work without fear of having to be called back again to calm her down. He did make a mental note to make another formal apology to the stable workers for the trouble, though.
A while passed until at long last the call came for the journey to commence once more. He had orders to report to Lady Lucy thirty minutes after sunrise, and wanting to honor that commitment he was up even before then hacking and slashing away at that scarecrow (or whatever was left of it) just to make sure he was sharp and alert for the journey. Having one "last" breakfast with the family he was staying with, the farmhand thanked the mother with a smile on his face and a compliment slipped in about the wonderful cooking. Yet another custom from the Arkyans that goes under appreciated: spare no expense when it comes to gratitude.
"Will you be alright, child? You said you were inexperienced. Do you think it wise to join the vanguard?" the grandmother questioned with a somewhat worried frown.
"Yeah, 's not gonna be easy I reckon. Nothin's easy if ya don't try somethin' to get started," the squire admitted with a hand on his hip. "Don'tcha worry, though: if I got any use, I'll go 'head 'n put it on the line for y'all if the creek don't rise. I promise. Just... Yeah. Just doin' what's right, 'n that's all I want." With a nod of satisfaction with those parting words, he gave them a small wave before pivoting around and heading out the door.
Slipping into the stable to get Gracie as quickly and incident-free as he can (as well as to steer her clear of anything valuable while she was still sleepy), Riley hustled over to the area designated for his meeting with the others helping escort the caravan. His Regal Halberd shone bright from its freshly sharpened blade, and the pitchfork crossing it over his back gave off the dull contrast that paralleled its wielder perfectly: dreams of the knight's path, but paved with the rural roots of a country bumpkin. If anything would prove to be his "test" to see if he was worthy of calling himself a warrior, this was it. "Hmm... Ease the nerves, Riley. This kinda feelin's normal. Not even a guarantee that somethin's gonna go sour. Just gotta be ready if it does!"
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Post by Midori on Sept 12, 2021 16:49:20 GMT -6
"Any fatherly advice would be greatly appreciated." Midori spoke and she was genuinely happy about that. The girl had grown up with little memory of her own father as he passed from plague when she was little. She knew bits about the man through what was passed down from her grandparents. A knight from a distant land, who became smitten by her mother, and was the one who gave Midori's signature hair and light eyes. The most fatherly advice she had ever been given in her life was that of the temple priest, and whatever sort of idiom Skye would use towards his children. I must remember to pay his children a visit once we get back.
"As a matter of fact you can tell more interesting stories about home. And I'll tell you a few of my own. Like.. the time me, Skye, and a few other children would sneak out of the temple borders for fun." She smiled softly. Midori didn't know what sort of mood Gracie was in, but the poor horse didn't seem to want Reed on her bare back. Midori counted four instances of the horse bucking young Reed off. And four instances of Midori bringing out her staff to heal him of any pain. Even Kiseki chimed in on Gracie's sour mood. Or perhaps.. the horse is poorly trained.[/b]
"Maybe you should talk to Lady Lucy about some horse training. Things are different out here then they are back on a farm. Perhaps she is moody because of it." --
The hour of travel finally came and went. They started to mobilize early in the morning and by the time the sun was up over the first hillside, the tribe was out of the City borders. The first land mark the group had hoped to reach before dusk was a small settlement which bordered a stream, that existed about 30 miles eastward. The path to that settlement was well known by both traders and bandits. Midori was regulated to staying in the middle of the large traveling pack. In the event of invaders she in theory was protected on all sides by her tribesmen. Lady Lucy rode along side her. Decked out in her full guard and garb. The tribe itself moved as a large unit. They consisted of several caravans, livestock, and people shuffled about in between. Those who were part of the guard surrounded the main group of civilians. Each patch of guard was divided equally with experienced fighters, novices, and trainees. Each had their own role to fill when it came to guarding. The elders who knew the way back were saddled upfront under heavy guard. Their children and grandchildren led the guards who were on the left and right side of the large mobile mass of mortals. They would be on the look out for any signals, smoke, or messenger bird that sprang fourth from the frontlines. Letting them know of any danger, be it man made or human that was out ahead.
The healers of the caravan were placed strategically around the herd of people. So that those who do get hurt along the path back home, could come to them for help. Most common injury to be sustained while on the move was a sprained ankle or scrape. Things that required more intensive care would have to be delta with once the caravan stopped moving and set up camp for the night. Unless, those people who were truly hurt got pulled into a wagon. Such as women who were on the verge of delivering life, or if some one fell, and felt the hoof of a bunch of animals over their bodies.
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