Vague shadows played about in her thoughts, hints of memories that refused to surface to her consciousness. Shaking herself out of thought she took a sharp breath and looked around, noticing the bard watching her. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously but he seemed to be lost in his own thoughts now too. Sighing she reached up to scratch behind Ayden's ears, which she could tell had turned more cat-like as he lazily took his preferred cat form before he drifted off to whatever constituted sleep for him. She felt his languid pull on the edge of her thoughts. The exhaustion from the day had finally caught up to the both of them and she felt it now more than ever since she was allowed to finally relax.
Her mind and body both in need of rest decided of their own accord to pull her into sleep along with Ayden and she let it happen. Her grip on her glass relaxed and her head turned to rest comfortably against Ayden's soft, warm body still draped across her shoulders, her bright eyes dimming and fluttering shut. Soon enough she was fast asleep, strange dreams drifting about in her subconscious mind.
the Bard's Song
-
Heratio
The bard woke from his half-sleep a few minutes afterwards, the fire still glowing as brightly as it had before. He yawned and stood, his muscles tensing. He walked over to a small box in the corrner of the room, opened it up, and pulled out a loaf of bread. He then walked back to his chair and sunk back into it, ripping off a peace of the bread and eating it. The bread was deliciouse. He looked down at his new-found companions and shook his head. No more than a few hours before he said he didn't care to get involved, but look at him now. His home was no doubt destroyed, there was some manevolent force hunting them down now, and to top it all off there is a rather beautiful woman with a shapeshifter sitting directly in front of him. Such was the life of a bard.
-
Anonymous
Alarakh waited in line before the city gates as various people filed through. seeing around him the tents of various travelers and beggars. After passing the noticeably inattentive guards and actually making it into the city, he stopped to look around. It was mid-morning, and people rushed about doing business or simply strolled along with friends and family. It seemed exactly like every other city's downtown he had ever visited, with a few minor differences: the greater presence of city guards, the lack of performing sorcerors and magical creatures, and a large sign posted to his immediate right on a wall, listing the laws prohibiting magic in Thar Shaddin. Huh. Tried that last time I was here; that didn't turn out too well, now did it? He wouldn't be stupid enough to do it again.
Well, on the first order of business. Lodgings. The first time he'd been to Marn, he'd stayed at the Central Inn. Not bad accomodations for the price. But this time he decided to hang on to his bishani; he was looking for something in particular, and figured that the more money he had to spend, the easier it would be to find. So, where to wash up and leave my packs? Saddlebags are heavy. The second time he'd been to Marn, he'd been traveling with a bard, and they'd stayed in a safehouse. If he could remember how to get there, he'd be all set: a place to wash and shave, to leave his packs, and to sleep later. Plus, if he remembered correctly, it already had food and drink of some sort.
He made his way further into town slowly, his limp making his wish a little that Erofon wasn't in a stable. The buildings around him grew progressively more run down and battered, and the street activity seemed to disappear as he tried to remember where the safehouse was. At long last, he stopped before a rotted doorway like so many others. If this wasn't it, he'd turn around and find an inn. He reached up and touched the stone above the door. He sighed in relief as the door and surrounding wall folded inward to reveal a hallway. Stepping inside, he sealed the wall with a few whispered words, and made his way to the door at the far end. Forgetting the length of the hall, he hit his face against the far door and almost swore. With a whisper and a turn of the doornob, he smiled and stepped into the room.
He froze, seeing others in the room. His eyes quickly scanned the visible area of the safehouse and saw two other guests: a half-elf male, probably a bard, and a seemingly full-elf female, asleep in one of the chairs. She seemed to have some sort of rodent draped across her shoulders. Near them were some bags. "Umm. Am I interrupting something, brother?"
Well, on the first order of business. Lodgings. The first time he'd been to Marn, he'd stayed at the Central Inn. Not bad accomodations for the price. But this time he decided to hang on to his bishani; he was looking for something in particular, and figured that the more money he had to spend, the easier it would be to find. So, where to wash up and leave my packs? Saddlebags are heavy. The second time he'd been to Marn, he'd been traveling with a bard, and they'd stayed in a safehouse. If he could remember how to get there, he'd be all set: a place to wash and shave, to leave his packs, and to sleep later. Plus, if he remembered correctly, it already had food and drink of some sort.
He made his way further into town slowly, his limp making his wish a little that Erofon wasn't in a stable. The buildings around him grew progressively more run down and battered, and the street activity seemed to disappear as he tried to remember where the safehouse was. At long last, he stopped before a rotted doorway like so many others. If this wasn't it, he'd turn around and find an inn. He reached up and touched the stone above the door. He sighed in relief as the door and surrounding wall folded inward to reveal a hallway. Stepping inside, he sealed the wall with a few whispered words, and made his way to the door at the far end. Forgetting the length of the hall, he hit his face against the far door and almost swore. With a whisper and a turn of the doornob, he smiled and stepped into the room.
He froze, seeing others in the room. His eyes quickly scanned the visible area of the safehouse and saw two other guests: a half-elf male, probably a bard, and a seemingly full-elf female, asleep in one of the chairs. She seemed to have some sort of rodent draped across her shoulders. Near them were some bags. "Umm. Am I interrupting something, brother?"
-
Heratio
Horatio looked up with a start at the entrence of this newcommer. He had infact reached into his vest for his crossbow, but quickly pulled his hand out of the extra-dimensional garment with his arms wide open. "Ah, hello, brother. I am called Horatio. Please, come. You aren't interutping anything." he said happily, offering his seat to the man. "May I offer you a drink?" he asked. He didn't know why, but he always enjoyed playing host to people.
This man looked old and battered, which ment that he must have had a few stories to tell. And ontop of that he still held his bags in his hand, which ment he had just come from traveling, which was an even greater indication of a good story. "Please, friend, relax. No danger shall come to you as long as Horatio DeBrouch takes breath." He proclaimed in a classic bard welcoming.
This man looked old and battered, which ment that he must have had a few stories to tell. And ontop of that he still held his bags in his hand, which ment he had just come from traveling, which was an even greater indication of a good story. "Please, friend, relax. No danger shall come to you as long as Horatio DeBrouch takes breath." He proclaimed in a classic bard welcoming.
-
Ryalyn Kylana
- Citizen
- Posts: 121
- Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2005 3:22 pm
- Race: Edelan
Another Guest
Rya had been dreaming the most peculiar things when her all her senses came sharply and almost painfully into focus. She felt Ayden tense on her shoulders and could hear and smell the presence of a new person in their midst. In a blink of an eye, Ayden shifted forms and disappeared into one of Ryalyn's pockets just as her bright blue eyes flashed open, watching the new man near the doorway. She hadn't moved a muscle but rather held perfectly still, assessing the situation. She reached out her senses but could not pick out anything particularly threatening .... But still, she had to be cautious. Her softly glowing eyes never leaving the newcomer, Ryalyn listened with curiosity to Heratio offering up his usual friendly gallantries. She still did not quite understand how he could be so trusting to those he didn't know. . . .
Thoughtfully though, she took the time to studied the newcomer, her eyes a gentle yet guarded interest, and assessed that indeed he seemed a weary traveller. She could see many scars collected from time and could sense great strength despite his appearances. Oddly enough, however, his strength did not feel a threat at all, but rather a mere intrigue. . . . Finally deciding it was best to remain silent, she waited to see what the man planned to do now that he was faced with their presence.
Thoughtfully though, she took the time to studied the newcomer, her eyes a gentle yet guarded interest, and assessed that indeed he seemed a weary traveller. She could see many scars collected from time and could sense great strength despite his appearances. Oddly enough, however, his strength did not feel a threat at all, but rather a mere intrigue. . . . Finally deciding it was best to remain silent, she waited to see what the man planned to do now that he was faced with their presence.
Don't get your knickers in a knot. Nothing is solved and it makes you walk funny.
- Katherine Carpenter
- Katherine Carpenter
-
Anonymous
Alarakh noted with curiousity the disappearing rodent. Then his attention shifted to the elf's eyes as they assessed his presence. He almost started in shock and curiousity, but recovered before he actually did anything other than widen his eyes slightly. Hmm....So not an elf at all. But what's an Edelan doing in Thar Shaddin, of all places? Not exactly the most hospitable place for her kind.
His attention returned to the half-elf as soon as he started speaking. He smiled slightly at the theatrics. "So, Horatio DeBrouch, you are the bard in this couple, and your....interesting companion here is simply another guest, I take it? I'll gladly have any drink you have to share, but put it in wood or metal if you have it, please. If you don't, I have a cup to pour it in. But no glass." He took the offered seat and set his bags on the ground beside him, leaning his stick against the seat and removing his baldric before sitting. "Thank you for the hospitality and the offer of protection, but I'm not worried about danger in the near future. I'm just passing through."
His attention returned to the half-elf as soon as he started speaking. He smiled slightly at the theatrics. "So, Horatio DeBrouch, you are the bard in this couple, and your....interesting companion here is simply another guest, I take it? I'll gladly have any drink you have to share, but put it in wood or metal if you have it, please. If you don't, I have a cup to pour it in. But no glass." He took the offered seat and set his bags on the ground beside him, leaning his stick against the seat and removing his baldric before sitting. "Thank you for the hospitality and the offer of protection, but I'm not worried about danger in the near future. I'm just passing through."
-
Heratio
Horatio smiled, reaching back into the chest in the corrner, and pulled out a cup of wood. He poured the blue liquid into the cup and handed it to the weary traveler. "So, if i may ask, where are you coming from this day, Traveler?" he asked, sitting down in another chair he had possitioned at between Alarakh and Rya. He could feel the tension still from Rya, so he figured it would be better to keep between them so as to stop any fights that may occure. He didn't want a possible friend to be mauled by an evil rat of doom today anyway.
-
Ryalyn Kylana
- Citizen
- Posts: 121
- Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2005 3:22 pm
- Race: Edelan
Shiftiness ...
When Rya's eyes connected directly with the man's she saw recognition in them and sensed surprise. In sudden concern she dropped her eyes and took to staring intently into the glass that still rested in her hands and lap, worried about another knowing what she was. She continued to listen in however, never missing a beat of the conversation just in case there was a hint of anything odd.
<i>'Interesting companion?'...</i> Ayden drawled in her thoughts, chuckling as he did so. <i>Heh, well that's an understatement I daresay, what with his reaction. Perhaps it </i>is<i> best that we leave. Before anyone else discovers us here in the city....</i> Ayden commented, finally voicing his thoughts after remaining silent and observant from his hiding place.
Rya eyed the wooden cup that passed between them as she contemplated Ayden's words. She didn't want to move let alone leave for that would only draw more attention to her.... A movement out of the corner of her eye indicating that Horatio had positioned himself quite specifically inbetween the two of them. She almost smiled at the gesture wondering why he had done it. Glancing carefully over at Heratio, she tried to read his expression.
((OOC- just so anyone new knows, if anything in my posts is in italics it means that my character is either thinking or mentally talking to Ayden or that he is talking to her))
<i>'Interesting companion?'...</i> Ayden drawled in her thoughts, chuckling as he did so. <i>Heh, well that's an understatement I daresay, what with his reaction. Perhaps it </i>is<i> best that we leave. Before anyone else discovers us here in the city....</i> Ayden commented, finally voicing his thoughts after remaining silent and observant from his hiding place.
Rya eyed the wooden cup that passed between them as she contemplated Ayden's words. She didn't want to move let alone leave for that would only draw more attention to her.... A movement out of the corner of her eye indicating that Horatio had positioned himself quite specifically inbetween the two of them. She almost smiled at the gesture wondering why he had done it. Glancing carefully over at Heratio, she tried to read his expression.
((OOC- just so anyone new knows, if anything in my posts is in italics it means that my character is either thinking or mentally talking to Ayden or that he is talking to her))
Don't get your knickers in a knot. Nothing is solved and it makes you walk funny.
- Katherine Carpenter
- Katherine Carpenter
-
Anonymous
Alarakh greatfully accepted the drink, taking a sip to hide his smile at Horatio's choice of seating position. Apparently, he actually meant it when he said no harm would come to those under his protection.
"I come from no place in particular, but the last town I was in was in Caeleth Eyrop. I am called Alarakh Feldan, born in the northwest steppes of Tiàn Xià. In my time I have been a soldier, a mage, a monk, and many other things, but now I'm mainly just a vagrant wanderer." He nodded toward Rya, sensing her concern about him. "You have no need to worry about me, girl. I am no enemy of the dragon elves. I once spent several seasons with an Edelan--best illusionist I've ever met. But in your case, I don't know what your troubles are, and, while I'm always glad to help a pretty girl, they are no concern of mine, apart from ever-present idle curiousity. But I assure you, I will take no offense if you choose not to trust me." He smiled, shook his head slightly, and sipped his drink. "I figure it's for the best to get that out in the open immediately. I'm a simple man: either you calm down, attack me, or flee, but at least it gets rid of that annoying build up of tension."
"I come from no place in particular, but the last town I was in was in Caeleth Eyrop. I am called Alarakh Feldan, born in the northwest steppes of Tiàn Xià. In my time I have been a soldier, a mage, a monk, and many other things, but now I'm mainly just a vagrant wanderer." He nodded toward Rya, sensing her concern about him. "You have no need to worry about me, girl. I am no enemy of the dragon elves. I once spent several seasons with an Edelan--best illusionist I've ever met. But in your case, I don't know what your troubles are, and, while I'm always glad to help a pretty girl, they are no concern of mine, apart from ever-present idle curiousity. But I assure you, I will take no offense if you choose not to trust me." He smiled, shook his head slightly, and sipped his drink. "I figure it's for the best to get that out in the open immediately. I'm a simple man: either you calm down, attack me, or flee, but at least it gets rid of that annoying build up of tension."
-
Heratio
Whatever tension there was in the air, the bard was for the most part unaffected by it, for his smile almost completely took up his face. "Tian Xia, really!?" He asked in amazement, "Did you by chance come across an order of monks called the Order of the Fluid Hand? Did the Edelan teach you any of their illusionary magic? What sect where you in while you were a monk?" The eager man asked, then took a deep gasp of breath to calm himself. "I apologize for the questions. Would you like something to eat?"
'Calm yourself, Horatio,' the bard thought to himself, 'no need to rush this, just sit back and enjoy the company.' With that, he poured himself another glass of the glowing blue liquid and gulped it down.
'Calm yourself, Horatio,' the bard thought to himself, 'no need to rush this, just sit back and enjoy the company.' With that, he poured himself another glass of the glowing blue liquid and gulped it down.
-
Ryalyn Kylana
- Citizen
- Posts: 121
- Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2005 3:22 pm
- Race: Edelan
Quiet Reflection
Rya listened vaguely as the man, now identified as Alarakh, told his background. When he mentioned the Edelan though, it caught her attention. Her eyes locked on him with excitement but Ayden simply impressed upon her his feelings of suspicion. <i>As I recall, Taelon told us that Edelan do not socialize with others outside their kind.</i>
<i>Then how do you account for us?!</i> she shot back mentally. <i>And as I recall, Taelon told us that my parents refused to follow such practices. Perhaps they were not the only ones...</i> She hesitated, wanting to ask questions but not knowing where to start. They were her people but most of what she knew came from what she knew about herself and what her foster father had told her. She'd never seen another of her kind before and was curious to know what they were like. But Ayden was still suspicious. She felt so conflicted....
Staring into her cup quietly reflective she listened as Heratio seemed to match her in curiosity, rattling of several questions before he managed to gain control of his excitement. She couldn't help but smile.
<i>Then how do you account for us?!</i> she shot back mentally. <i>And as I recall, Taelon told us that my parents refused to follow such practices. Perhaps they were not the only ones...</i> She hesitated, wanting to ask questions but not knowing where to start. They were her people but most of what she knew came from what she knew about herself and what her foster father had told her. She'd never seen another of her kind before and was curious to know what they were like. But Ayden was still suspicious. She felt so conflicted....
Staring into her cup quietly reflective she listened as Heratio seemed to match her in curiosity, rattling of several questions before he managed to gain control of his excitement. She couldn't help but smile.
Don't get your knickers in a knot. Nothing is solved and it makes you walk funny.
- Katherine Carpenter
- Katherine Carpenter
-
Anonymous
Alarakh smiled. Well, now, she hasn't attacked or fled. That's a start. He then turned his attention back to Heratio as the bard began pelting him with questions.
"No, I've never come across any Order of the Fluid Hand. I'm a Brother of the Hawk--" At this he turned over his left arm to reveal the hawk branded on the inside of the forearm. "--a monastical order of mages and sorcerors. We keep to ourselves mostly. Not surprised if you've never heard of us.
"My Edelan friend--never could pronounce his right name; tried to learn Edelani once: never got past "Hi, how are you, I'm well," it's too damn complicated, and I'm pretty good at learning languages--he was known in the order as Firox, he's the one who started me learning magic. Matter of fact, I met him just after I retired from the mercenary companies; he's the one who recruited me into the Brotherhood. Every bit of illusion I know I learned from him or one of his apprentices. But 'bout eighteen months after I joined the brotherhood, he left suddenly. Think he was called back home to the north or something like that. Dunno really.
"But the monastical life was too much for me. I've never been one to sit anywhere long; gotta travel. After 'bout five years, I took the title To-har, means Seeker, and left the temple. A To-har's job is pretty much to travel the world and learn. Every so often, we report back to the brotherhood what we've learned. Also, we try to find potential brothers and sisters and recruit them. 'S what I'm doing here in Marn, of all places: heard of some kid in Thar Shaddin's got himself some mage powers."
Finishing, he gulped down the rest of his drink and shook his head at Heratio. "No thanks for food, brother. I'm all set." He reached into one of his saddlebags and pulled out a waxed-paper covered lump, which he folded open to reveal a meat-like substance. Tearing off a piece and placing it in his mouth, he re-folded the wrapping and put the food back in the bag.
"No, I've never come across any Order of the Fluid Hand. I'm a Brother of the Hawk--" At this he turned over his left arm to reveal the hawk branded on the inside of the forearm. "--a monastical order of mages and sorcerors. We keep to ourselves mostly. Not surprised if you've never heard of us.
"My Edelan friend--never could pronounce his right name; tried to learn Edelani once: never got past "Hi, how are you, I'm well," it's too damn complicated, and I'm pretty good at learning languages--he was known in the order as Firox, he's the one who started me learning magic. Matter of fact, I met him just after I retired from the mercenary companies; he's the one who recruited me into the Brotherhood. Every bit of illusion I know I learned from him or one of his apprentices. But 'bout eighteen months after I joined the brotherhood, he left suddenly. Think he was called back home to the north or something like that. Dunno really.
"But the monastical life was too much for me. I've never been one to sit anywhere long; gotta travel. After 'bout five years, I took the title To-har, means Seeker, and left the temple. A To-har's job is pretty much to travel the world and learn. Every so often, we report back to the brotherhood what we've learned. Also, we try to find potential brothers and sisters and recruit them. 'S what I'm doing here in Marn, of all places: heard of some kid in Thar Shaddin's got himself some mage powers."
Finishing, he gulped down the rest of his drink and shook his head at Heratio. "No thanks for food, brother. I'm all set." He reached into one of his saddlebags and pulled out a waxed-paper covered lump, which he folded open to reveal a meat-like substance. Tearing off a piece and placing it in his mouth, he re-folded the wrapping and put the food back in the bag.
-
Heratio
Horatio smiled, putting his hand on the man's shoulder and pouring himself another glass of the ale. "Alarakh, you are a man after my own heart" the bard said with a laugh. "But you say you're here on account of someone with magic powers? My good sir, i've come to find that more and more people are comming to have connections to the astral plane. I mean, even i have a limited amount of power. You might need to be a bit more specific."
The bard then, as an example, pulled out his flute and played a little tune. And as the tune was played, lights began to twinkle and spark from it, untill the small flames changed from simple fireworks into the image of a small red dragon that moved and even roared. And, after a few seconds, the image faded away, and the bard simply leaned back, drinking up this glass of the glowing ale aswell.
The bard then, as an example, pulled out his flute and played a little tune. And as the tune was played, lights began to twinkle and spark from it, untill the small flames changed from simple fireworks into the image of a small red dragon that moved and even roared. And, after a few seconds, the image faded away, and the bard simply leaned back, drinking up this glass of the glowing ale aswell.
-
Ryalyn Kylana
- Citizen
- Posts: 121
- Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2005 3:22 pm
- Race: Edelan
A Comparison
Rya watched the proceedings in quietude. These men were strange yet kind. She'd never met any like them. And though Heratio spoke of Alarakh as being akin to his own heart, she felt that they couldn't be more different. Heratio was flashy, energetic, and talkative, seemingly thriving off his audience and enjoying excitement, a trait most likely attributed to his occupation. Alarakh on the other hand seemed more reserved, quiet and when conversing, strait to the point, only contributing to conversation as he saw fit.
She sat quietly observing the two, her face seemingly blank, the shadows caused by the fire playing across her face and hair, her eyes glowing softly. When Heratio took out his flute to play she turned her attention on him. Though she was impressed by Heratio's display of magic, she knew it was only a glamor. She'd read about them when she was young and watched her foster father teach it to his apprentices. She'd tried a few times herself since she left home and found it rather easy. Almost like an instinct.
Watching the bard she asked curiously, her voice inquisitive, "Any reason why you chose a dragon?" She thought it rather convenient since they had just been talking about her kind and their relation to dragons. She'd known that bit of information already as Taelon had told her but still.... Her eyes wandered over to the other guest, wondering if there might be anything he knew that she did not.
She sat quietly observing the two, her face seemingly blank, the shadows caused by the fire playing across her face and hair, her eyes glowing softly. When Heratio took out his flute to play she turned her attention on him. Though she was impressed by Heratio's display of magic, she knew it was only a glamor. She'd read about them when she was young and watched her foster father teach it to his apprentices. She'd tried a few times herself since she left home and found it rather easy. Almost like an instinct.
Watching the bard she asked curiously, her voice inquisitive, "Any reason why you chose a dragon?" She thought it rather convenient since they had just been talking about her kind and their relation to dragons. She'd known that bit of information already as Taelon had told her but still.... Her eyes wandered over to the other guest, wondering if there might be anything he knew that she did not.
Don't get your knickers in a knot. Nothing is solved and it makes you walk funny.
- Katherine Carpenter
- Katherine Carpenter
-
Anonymous
As Alarakh slowly chewed his food-like item, his eyelids lowered until they were barely open, his mouth ever-so-slightly curved in a smile. He listened to the flute, obviously enjoying it. He watched the dragon in amusement at the parlor trick. When it was gone, he swallowed the thoroughly-chewed meat-thing and opened his eyes.
"Very nice, brother. I love the sound of a well-played flute. But while that's enough to get you arrested or even executed in this town, the lad I've heard of is far more powerful than tricks and glamors. A few days ago, I heard tell from a merchant of a boy in this country who nearly killed his father-lightning running through the old man's body-and then fled. I was on my way through Marn anyway; I don't see any reason why not to ask around about this lad." That wasn't quite true, but close enough.
He pulled a flask out of his saddlebag. "No offense and nothing wrong with your drink, Horatio. I'm just a whiskey man myself." He took a swig from the metal flask. After holding it in his mouth for a second to get the taste, he swallowed the sip and looked over at the girl in time to see her look his way. He hadn't completely heard her question to Horatio, as she wasn't quite as loud-voiced as the bard, and he had some trouble hearing after a wound many years back, so he cocked his ear toward her and raised an eyebrow in question.
"Very nice, brother. I love the sound of a well-played flute. But while that's enough to get you arrested or even executed in this town, the lad I've heard of is far more powerful than tricks and glamors. A few days ago, I heard tell from a merchant of a boy in this country who nearly killed his father-lightning running through the old man's body-and then fled. I was on my way through Marn anyway; I don't see any reason why not to ask around about this lad." That wasn't quite true, but close enough.
He pulled a flask out of his saddlebag. "No offense and nothing wrong with your drink, Horatio. I'm just a whiskey man myself." He took a swig from the metal flask. After holding it in his mouth for a second to get the taste, he swallowed the sip and looked over at the girl in time to see her look his way. He hadn't completely heard her question to Horatio, as she wasn't quite as loud-voiced as the bard, and he had some trouble hearing after a wound many years back, so he cocked his ear toward her and raised an eyebrow in question.