Setting
Default Location for Assassin's Pledge: Awakening
Minimap
northwest |
north |
northeast |
west |
You are here. |
east |
southwest |
south |
southeast |
Cre' Est is a part of 
Assassin's Pledge: Awakening.
7 Characters Here
Korriban "Aetrius" Borral [480] "They took everything that I had, and I will have my revenge."
Linde Xe' Almna [452] "Kyero is the Red-Eyed Demon, but he's also a human being."
Lonán Arzura [430] “By this sword I live, by this sword I will restore my family name.”
Kyero [239] "My purpose in life is my own to find. Nobody will tell me where I belong or what I can become!"
Josephine Dezantro [127] "I pray there is a purpose for me in this world."
Kieran Borral [103] "She's done everything she could to get me back, and I will make sure all of their efforts weren't for nothing."
Okumi Chrysanth [91] "... ...! ..."
Start Character Here »
Aetrius blushed as Linde said she wasn't mad at her and wrapped her arms around her, cuddling a bit. She chuckled softly and shook her head, "We'll need to make sure they don't know where we went, otherwise they'll easily track us and just cause more trouble than good...and I don't want an innocent village of people being killed because of us...But soon, soon you'll be able to rest, Linde." she gently caressed her hands, and rode up to Kyero, and when they were all together again, "Good job, now. We're to? Far enough from here I'd assume so they can't track us, Kyero?" she asked as she could hear some yelling a good distance away, obvious that the people from the auction were already aware of what happened and were after them.
Kyero nodded to Aetrius.
"Yes. The mountains along the North side of the nation run a line halfway through it, so you'll need to go around them to reach Cre' Est's border. Southeast is your best heading." He said calmly.
He looked back at the streets, hearing the yelling grow louder.
"Go on. I'll catch up with you all by morning. Scaring these half wits into fleeing the other way shouldn't be too much trouble." He said with a smile while drawing his orichalcum daggers and letting his eyes glow brighter.
"Yes. The mountains along the North side of the nation run a line halfway through it, so you'll need to go around them to reach Cre' Est's border. Southeast is your best heading." He said calmly.
He looked back at the streets, hearing the yelling grow louder.
"Go on. I'll catch up with you all by morning. Scaring these half wits into fleeing the other way shouldn't be too much trouble." He said with a smile while drawing his orichalcum daggers and letting his eyes glow brighter.
Aetrius nodded and looked in the direction he put and mentally noted where they were told to go. "Alright, will do. I'll lead them there safely. And...Kyero..." she called to him before he left to go deal with the angry auction leaders, "Thank you...We'll see you at the border...Be safe." she said, even though she knew he would be fine, she thought she at least owed him a small bit of kindness as he did help her with about everything up to this point. She looked at the others and led the group to the Cre Est's border, and headed to southeast, whever they would find themselves she wasn't sure, all she cared about was getting out of Veilbrand, to a safe place, and drinks and sleep. That is all she desired at the moment, and would eventually get it when they arrived to a safe place.
Lonán regrouped with the others as they got on their horses and began to follow them, giving Kyero a good luck wave. He then adopted a small frown as he took his time to ride closer to Aetrius and Linde. ”You were deadly close to losing my trust there Korriban.” Lonán said in a serious tone, his eyes, normally calm and topaz, began to flare like fiery dragon ambers. ”Be lucky that going with a contingency plan without telling your allies paid off this time, but Share with the group. We’re all friends here you should know that! I freaking gave you stories of my life!”
Lonán took a deep breath and sighed. ”But I forgive you Aetrius. You got your sister out, that’s all that matters.” He said more calmly. He turned and gave Kieran a small wave. ”Good to meet Aetrius’ sister at last! Lonán Arzura of the Arzura Warrior Clan.”
Hawk huffed a bit as Lonán looked at him. ”Oh, and this is Hawk. He loves attention at times. At any rate, it is good meet ya.” He added with a grin. With that, he kept following them, keeping a good watch as best he can until they can reach, or make shelter.
Lonán took a deep breath and sighed. ”But I forgive you Aetrius. You got your sister out, that’s all that matters.” He said more calmly. He turned and gave Kieran a small wave. ”Good to meet Aetrius’ sister at last! Lonán Arzura of the Arzura Warrior Clan.”
Hawk huffed a bit as Lonán looked at him. ”Oh, and this is Hawk. He loves attention at times. At any rate, it is good meet ya.” He added with a grin. With that, he kept following them, keeping a good watch as best he can until they can reach, or make shelter.
Arc 2: A Warrior’s Honor
Three days later…
The group had fallen asleep off the side of the main road leading Northwest out of Veilbrand back up towards Cre’ Est, having rounded the corner of the mountain range. Another two days or so and they’d be in Cre’ Est.
And what roused them from their slumber were the sounds of horses stampeding towards them.
The group all got up as quickly as they could and prepared for battle, but battle isn’t what came their way. Instead, what they found was a sight which they could only marvel at.
It was a woman clad in… Fairly revealing armor, going toe to toe with what appeared to be a group of Rogues which were similar to bandits, but had a more organized structure and sometimes even had entire miniature societies. And what was more amazing was that she was holding her own.
She rode astride her own steed, a beautiful golden palomino with a black mane and tail and small dark brown/black stockings on its legs. The woman in question raised a beautiful sword above her head and charged the six Rogues without fear and a mighty battle cry. The Rogues galloped towards her with their own weapons drawn.
The clash which took place afterwards was tremendous and, dare they say it, beautiful. Like most things about this woman the way she fought had a certain elegance to it. Regal, even. Every motion was clean, precise, practiced, and perfectly on point. Each strike and slash on target. It didn’t take more than a few minutes for her to take all of the Rogues down save one which galloped towards the group with a naginata drawn and ready to strike them down.
However, as he rode up and attempted to line up his weapon to strike down Lonan who was the closest, the woman’s blade appeared through his chest and he fell off his horse to the ground. The horse rode away into the distance, and the woman trotted her steed up to them and hopped out of the saddle. She drew her sword from the man’s dead body, and lifted her helmet slightly to give them a better view of her emerald green eyes. Framed perfectly by her flowing blonde hair, which almost seemed to have a pink shine in the sunlight of all colors, those emerald eyes scanned them all in turn.
”Greetings, travelers. I pray you are all unharmed?” She asked, looking at Lonan as she sheathed her weapon.
Lonán was sleeping when he heard the noises of battle. He quickly got up and drew his sword and prepared for battle, despite his injured shoulder. ”Come on, who wants to face my blade today?” He said under his breath, ready for whatever came to pass. However, it seemed fate had other plans for what came to pass.
Lonán, along with any of the others that were awake, watched in slight amazement as a warrior woman fought off several rouges, and the fight was heading their way! He saw one of them with a nagniata poised to strike him and he got into a ready stance with his blade, one that put less stress on his injured shoulder, but he had to until he healed. He was ready to fight. ”Heresta watch my battle!” He Mentally prayed as all of a sudden, the man was impaled by the stranger’s sword.
What came next was the woman dismounting and removing her helmet. Lonán could feel a rising blush on his cheeks as he struggled to maintain his composure as he sheathed his weapon as he looked at the woman with a nod. ”I believe we are all unharmed, are we alright everyone?” Lonán asked towards Linde, Aetrius and the rest. After seeing their replies he turned to the stranger again. ”Well met and thanks are in order. I am Lonán Arzura of the Arzura Clan, and you are?”
He said this introduction with a slightly suppressed blush, as Lonán was trying to keep calm. He didn’t know what to think. ”What in Heresta’s name is wrong with me? My heart’s going crazy! Is it the fact I almost went into battle? The woman or her choice of attire?! I’ll have to ask Linde later.” He thought, all the while rubbing his sore shoulder.
Lonán, along with any of the others that were awake, watched in slight amazement as a warrior woman fought off several rouges, and the fight was heading their way! He saw one of them with a nagniata poised to strike him and he got into a ready stance with his blade, one that put less stress on his injured shoulder, but he had to until he healed. He was ready to fight. ”Heresta watch my battle!” He Mentally prayed as all of a sudden, the man was impaled by the stranger’s sword.
What came next was the woman dismounting and removing her helmet. Lonán could feel a rising blush on his cheeks as he struggled to maintain his composure as he sheathed his weapon as he looked at the woman with a nod. ”I believe we are all unharmed, are we alright everyone?” Lonán asked towards Linde, Aetrius and the rest. After seeing their replies he turned to the stranger again. ”Well met and thanks are in order. I am Lonán Arzura of the Arzura Clan, and you are?”
He said this introduction with a slightly suppressed blush, as Lonán was trying to keep calm. He didn’t know what to think. ”What in Heresta’s name is wrong with me? My heart’s going crazy! Is it the fact I almost went into battle? The woman or her choice of attire?! I’ll have to ask Linde later.” He thought, all the while rubbing his sore shoulder.
Their treck was a long one, a surprisingly long one, but when Kyero had rejoined with them, a weight was lifted off of Aetrius' shoulders. They traveled for a few days when they took camp, and Aetrius managed to sleep, knowing that Kieran was safe and with them relieved most of her stress. But her peaceful sleep was suddenly awoken when they heard horses coming their way, Aetrius' heart skipped a beat when she heard the horses and shouting, as it would only have been one thing, the people from the auction somehow managed to find them and were hunting them down. She, as well as the others scrambled to their feet and armed themselves, but what awaited them was something Aetrius never expected.
It was a group of bandits going against one female warrior, all by herself. Aetrius was going to join in and help her, as well as Kieran, but they were only able to stand by and watch as the woman managed to single handedly fought off all of them, swiftly and almost in a beautiful and dance fashion. Aetrius watched as her draw dropped, and she stood their awstruck as one individual managed to fight off a whole group of people. When all was said and done, she expected her to attack them as well, and readied her hand at her side to go for her sword if needed be, seeing how she was already in her armor, and her hair tied tightly to her head, as it had started growing slowly over time. But that is not how the stranger acted, instead the woman walked up to them peacefully and asked how they were fairing, Aetrius looked as Lolan introduced himself and said that he was well, as well as the others.
Aetrius stepped forth and spoke with a slight tone of uncertainty of the woman, but enough courtesy as to not ward her off. "Like Lolan, I can suppose we're all managing, if not shaken up by the least. Aetrius is the name.", she started, and was about to end it there, but she decided to reveal more than she wouldn't normally, "Of House Borral, we appreciate the help, but...You didn't have to. Why did you, if you don't mind me asking." she said as she kept Linde and Kieran close and behind her, incase she needed to shield them from any attack, as this could possibly be an ambush as things went too well with the new girl. "Like our friend Lolan said...Who are you, love?"
It was a group of bandits going against one female warrior, all by herself. Aetrius was going to join in and help her, as well as Kieran, but they were only able to stand by and watch as the woman managed to single handedly fought off all of them, swiftly and almost in a beautiful and dance fashion. Aetrius watched as her draw dropped, and she stood their awstruck as one individual managed to fight off a whole group of people. When all was said and done, she expected her to attack them as well, and readied her hand at her side to go for her sword if needed be, seeing how she was already in her armor, and her hair tied tightly to her head, as it had started growing slowly over time. But that is not how the stranger acted, instead the woman walked up to them peacefully and asked how they were fairing, Aetrius looked as Lolan introduced himself and said that he was well, as well as the others.
Aetrius stepped forth and spoke with a slight tone of uncertainty of the woman, but enough courtesy as to not ward her off. "Like Lolan, I can suppose we're all managing, if not shaken up by the least. Aetrius is the name.", she started, and was about to end it there, but she decided to reveal more than she wouldn't normally, "Of House Borral, we appreciate the help, but...You didn't have to. Why did you, if you don't mind me asking." she said as she kept Linde and Kieran close and behind her, incase she needed to shield them from any attack, as this could possibly be an ambush as things went too well with the new girl. "Like our friend Lolan said...Who are you, love?"
The woman removed her helmet letting her golden hair billow out behind her as she shook her head.
... She was Heresta made flesh, down to almost the very last detail. Even the very nature of how her hair flowed was captured perfectly from the statues and artistic interpretations of the Goddess of Battle that Aetri, Lonan, and Kieran would remember from childhood and even more recently.
"You may call me Josephine, of House Dezantro. I hail from Triveila."
She straightened her back as she tucked her helmet under her arm.
"I spent the last month in Dead Man's Cove in Southern Veilbrand on business and made the decision to return home to Triveila. I was on my way up the road when I was beset upon by these now former Rogues. A minor distraction, to be sure."
She turned on her heel and gave a whistle which immediately got her mount's attention as it trotted up to her side.
"Now, if you'll all excuse me I must be on my way. Safe travels be with you all."
She twisted her hair into a bun and tucked it under her helmet as she put it back on her head and mounted her steed, preparing to depart.
... She was Heresta made flesh, down to almost the very last detail. Even the very nature of how her hair flowed was captured perfectly from the statues and artistic interpretations of the Goddess of Battle that Aetri, Lonan, and Kieran would remember from childhood and even more recently.
"You may call me Josephine, of House Dezantro. I hail from Triveila."
She straightened her back as she tucked her helmet under her arm.
"I spent the last month in Dead Man's Cove in Southern Veilbrand on business and made the decision to return home to Triveila. I was on my way up the road when I was beset upon by these now former Rogues. A minor distraction, to be sure."
She turned on her heel and gave a whistle which immediately got her mount's attention as it trotted up to her side.
"Now, if you'll all excuse me I must be on my way. Safe travels be with you all."
She twisted her hair into a bun and tucked it under her helmet as she put it back on her head and mounted her steed, preparing to depart.
Aetrius listened as the woman introduced herself as Josephine of House Dezantro, from Triveila. Her eyes widened at the name, she wasn't their daughter, was she? Especially hailing from Triveila, she had no mistaking it. She was a born warrior and was a natural at if if anything less. As Josephine explained herself, but then pardoned herself after making sure they were all alright, Aetrius stepped forward again, "Wait, Josephine. Please, if you want, you can tag along with us if you wish. We're headed for Cre' Est for a short visit, and after that, we're not sure yet. We just left Veilbrand, and wouldn't mind having someone else join our group." she said with a silver tongue, but was being genuine with her words. She pondered for a moment and looked at the woman, examining her from head to toe, but quickly scanned over the parts of her that were not fully clothed, just examining her for whether she was about to make the right offer or not.
"What I'm requesting is, join us. Even if it's only for a short time, come with us to Cre' Est. Seeing as how you are more than capable with a blade, some may say you could possibly match or even outmatch me and Lolan combined-" Aetrius was cut off as an, "Ahem" came from Kieran who was standing behind her, "And Kieran, or hell, you could probably even stand toe to toe with Kyero. But my point or well, my offer is, come with us to Cre' Est, even if it's only until we reach the border, then you can go back where you were headed. For now, I think large groups would be safe to travel in. Besides, I think we wouldn't have a problem having a new comer tag along, even if it's only for a short time. But if you reject, we understand. Just thought I'd offer on our small group's be hath as a way of saying thank you for your unexpected help. And if you reject, may Heresta bless you and keep you safe, m'lady." she said as she brought her right hand up to her heart in a first and gave Josephine a small bow, only bending from the waist up, signalling the Saharan salute for well being and departure.
"What I'm requesting is, join us. Even if it's only for a short time, come with us to Cre' Est. Seeing as how you are more than capable with a blade, some may say you could possibly match or even outmatch me and Lolan combined-" Aetrius was cut off as an, "Ahem" came from Kieran who was standing behind her, "And Kieran, or hell, you could probably even stand toe to toe with Kyero. But my point or well, my offer is, come with us to Cre' Est, even if it's only until we reach the border, then you can go back where you were headed. For now, I think large groups would be safe to travel in. Besides, I think we wouldn't have a problem having a new comer tag along, even if it's only for a short time. But if you reject, we understand. Just thought I'd offer on our small group's be hath as a way of saying thank you for your unexpected help. And if you reject, may Heresta bless you and keep you safe, m'lady." she said as she brought her right hand up to her heart in a first and gave Josephine a small bow, only bending from the waist up, signalling the Saharan salute for well being and departure.
Lonán felt his heart hammering in his chest at the newcomer’s name. He nodded as he gave out a small, slightly stuttered, ”P-Pleased to meet you.” This didn’t make sense to him, usually he’d be more calmer in introductions, but this Josephine, who looked like Heresta made flesh, managed to tongue tie and befuddle him. She was going to Triveila, which was past Cre’est so having her join them, at least for awhile wouldn’t be too bad.
”It’d give me time to sort out what’s going on with me, or maybe get to know her more... Oh Heresta, please give me the strength to keep calm!” He thought as he then began to listen to Aetrius making a case for Josephine to join them. However when he heard that Josephine might be better then himself and Aetrius combined, he gave the latter a hard glare. ”Why you!” He seethed mentally as he prepared to march straight to Aetrius but Hawk, being disturbed by all the ruckus, had moved in front of his master with the intent to make him rub his neck to greet him good morning and to calm down whatever stress the Saharan was feeling.
”Morning to you too buddy.” he muttered as he rubbed the horse’s neck as the horse exhaled a huff. Mission accomplished in Hawk’s book. ”Interesting, think that woman can take me Hawk?”
Hawk’s right ear twitched as the stallion gave him a look as if to say “At your current state? Are you kidding? She’d wipe the floor with you!” Lonán deadpanned at the look. ”Worried about a Horse’s criticism again.. My shoulder must be sore again.” He looked at Josephine to listen for her answer, trying really hard to look her in the eyes and not to wander any lower, the hints of the earlier blush still on his face.
”It’d give me time to sort out what’s going on with me, or maybe get to know her more... Oh Heresta, please give me the strength to keep calm!” He thought as he then began to listen to Aetrius making a case for Josephine to join them. However when he heard that Josephine might be better then himself and Aetrius combined, he gave the latter a hard glare. ”Why you!” He seethed mentally as he prepared to march straight to Aetrius but Hawk, being disturbed by all the ruckus, had moved in front of his master with the intent to make him rub his neck to greet him good morning and to calm down whatever stress the Saharan was feeling.
”Morning to you too buddy.” he muttered as he rubbed the horse’s neck as the horse exhaled a huff. Mission accomplished in Hawk’s book. ”Interesting, think that woman can take me Hawk?”
Hawk’s right ear twitched as the stallion gave him a look as if to say “At your current state? Are you kidding? She’d wipe the floor with you!” Lonán deadpanned at the look. ”Worried about a Horse’s criticism again.. My shoulder must be sore again.” He looked at Josephine to listen for her answer, trying really hard to look her in the eyes and not to wander any lower, the hints of the earlier blush still on his face.
Josephine listened to Aetrius speak, and arched an eyebrow.
"Kyero?" She asked aloud, more thinking to herself though as she glanced to the man in the hood.
I suppose that's Kyero there. She thought.
She considered Aetrius' words, but found them less than convincing. When Lonan spoke, stuttering that it was nice to meet her, she sighed softly through her nose.
"The pleasure was mine, sir." She replied.
He wandered off to his horse, and Josephine looked towards her destination before glancing back to Aetrius and the others.
"Apologies, but my goal is to reach Triveila within the fortnight. Stopping in Cre' Est would delay my arrival, so I must decline your offer."
She had begun to turn her steed when Linde spoke up, pushing past Aetrius and Kieran.
"Perhaps, if I may?"
She paused her horse again, a slightly irritated sigh escaping her lips as she looked back towards Linde.
"The roads between here and Cre' Est are unsafe. Despite your obvious combat prowess it would be dangerous for you to go alone. At least allow us to accompany you on your way. We have horses of our own and can keep pace until we reach the border, as Aetrius suggested, and then we can go our separate ways. Would you allow us that much at least? It would help us sleep better knowing that you were not alone out here."
Josephine eyed Linde warily, her face empty of emotion but her eyes suggesting a searching of Linde's very soul.
"... If you believe that your mounts can keep pace with my own, you are welcome to come with me to the border. Beyond that, I must make for Triveila straight away."
She turned her horse and began to trot down the road at a brisk but easily managed clip. Linde looked to the others with a smile.
"She doesn't look like she's waiting for us, so may I suggest we move quickly to catch up to her? We're barely dressed for traveling as it is."
And it was true. They'd woken up and scrambled to be combat ready so they were still mostly in sleep wear. It was time to get dressed and follow her before she disappeared from sight!
"Kyero?" She asked aloud, more thinking to herself though as she glanced to the man in the hood.
I suppose that's Kyero there. She thought.
She considered Aetrius' words, but found them less than convincing. When Lonan spoke, stuttering that it was nice to meet her, she sighed softly through her nose.
"The pleasure was mine, sir." She replied.
He wandered off to his horse, and Josephine looked towards her destination before glancing back to Aetrius and the others.
"Apologies, but my goal is to reach Triveila within the fortnight. Stopping in Cre' Est would delay my arrival, so I must decline your offer."
She had begun to turn her steed when Linde spoke up, pushing past Aetrius and Kieran.
"Perhaps, if I may?"
She paused her horse again, a slightly irritated sigh escaping her lips as she looked back towards Linde.
"The roads between here and Cre' Est are unsafe. Despite your obvious combat prowess it would be dangerous for you to go alone. At least allow us to accompany you on your way. We have horses of our own and can keep pace until we reach the border, as Aetrius suggested, and then we can go our separate ways. Would you allow us that much at least? It would help us sleep better knowing that you were not alone out here."
Josephine eyed Linde warily, her face empty of emotion but her eyes suggesting a searching of Linde's very soul.
"... If you believe that your mounts can keep pace with my own, you are welcome to come with me to the border. Beyond that, I must make for Triveila straight away."
She turned her horse and began to trot down the road at a brisk but easily managed clip. Linde looked to the others with a smile.
"She doesn't look like she's waiting for us, so may I suggest we move quickly to catch up to her? We're barely dressed for traveling as it is."
And it was true. They'd woken up and scrambled to be combat ready so they were still mostly in sleep wear. It was time to get dressed and follow her before she disappeared from sight!
Lonán watched as Linde negotiated with Josephine before realizing that the latter must be ready to go now. He began to look at most of the others before running to get ready the rest of the way. He didn’t want to wait another second if he wanted to keep up with this woman.
He quickly got himself dressed and his supplies packed and he was astride Hawk within the next three minutes. He then urged the horse to start moving to keep up with Josephine’s, just to prove he can keep up with her. Lonán’s heart was still drumming away but he would not let that distract him on the road ahead. He had to focus on the task at hand.
”So, Triveila within a fortnight? What is this business that requires you to be there within that time, may I ask Miss Dezantro?” He asked, feeling curious as to try and get to know her in the time that they had. ”Or May I call you by your first name Miss Josephine?” Hawk twitched an ear as if he was approving what his master was trying to do.
”Yes, best foot forward at least. Mum would be proud in my next letter at least.” He thought as he rode.
He quickly got himself dressed and his supplies packed and he was astride Hawk within the next three minutes. He then urged the horse to start moving to keep up with Josephine’s, just to prove he can keep up with her. Lonán’s heart was still drumming away but he would not let that distract him on the road ahead. He had to focus on the task at hand.
”So, Triveila within a fortnight? What is this business that requires you to be there within that time, may I ask Miss Dezantro?” He asked, feeling curious as to try and get to know her in the time that they had. ”Or May I call you by your first name Miss Josephine?” Hawk twitched an ear as if he was approving what his master was trying to do.
”Yes, best foot forward at least. Mum would be proud in my next letter at least.” He thought as he rode.
Josephine trotted ahead and looked over her shoulder Lonan and Hawk caught up to them, with Lonan asking his questions, eyeing him carefully.
"My business is for me to know, good sir." She said calmly, looking ahead to the road once more.
"And it's Miss Dezantro, if you please.", she said over her shoulder.
"My business is for me to know, good sir." She said calmly, looking ahead to the road once more.
"And it's Miss Dezantro, if you please.", she said over her shoulder.
Aetrius watched and listened as the woman easily dismissed their request to join them at least until she made it to the border of Cre' Est, and she growled slightly. Apparently she was going to be an even harder egg to crack. But as the woman clearly had no intention of sticking around and started to leave in the direction they were headed, they all scrambled to get their things, and Aetrius pulled Linde up onto the back of Bree as she had already mounted and took off at a faster pace than the others, at Josephine's notion of them not being able to keep up with her horse. Aetrius knew what Bree was capable of, she went from a slave and circus horse to a mighty and fast warrior horse, and she easily passed up Josephine and kept the lead of their caravan. As they proceeded, Aetrius was giving off an obvious aura of jealousy, as well as somewhat of a hurt sense of pride, and if Linde was smart enough she'd recognize it and try to help Aetrius clear her head. "Who does she think she is anyway...And after I offered her to come with us...." she mumbled softly, almost above a whisper for anyone else to hear, but Bree caught onto her attitude and huffed as well as flicked Aetrius with her tail, "Not in the mood, Bree." she growled, which only resulted in Aetrius growling again and slouching a bit in the saddle, the expression on her face was one of less than amusement.
As Linde hopped up onto Bree with Aetri's help, she noticed Aetri guide her steed to the front of the pack, not content to follow Miss Dezantro. The urgency and almost aggression in the maneuver as well told Linde that perhaps there was something amiss. And as she looked at Aetri from over her shoulder while holding her stomach, she heard her growl at Bree when the horse whipped Aetri with her tail.
"My love, are you all right?" She whispered against her ear.
Aetrius didn't turn her head to look at Linde when she asked if she was okay but she did answer with a sigh, "Yes, love...Just, didn't think that trying to help someone was this hard...or annoying..." she said with a slightly annoyed tone, but paused for a moment and continued, "Was I really this annoying...?" she asked softly, a small tone of timidness in her voice as she asked Linde that question.
Linde's hands around her stomach softly rubbed in circles as she uttered a faint chuckle.
"Helping someone who doesn't want to be helped can always be a little frustrating." She cooed.
She kissed Aetri's cheek and hugged her stomach a bit tighter.
"Listen. Don't take what she said as a true challenge or personal affront. It's a defense mechanism. I've seen it in many patients before, even in my clinic. Sometimes they just don't want any help and refuse to cooperate when asked politely. You just have to stick to who you are and let them ease into a state of mind that's more open to receiving help. But that comes in time. So don't let her get to you."
She gently nibbled Aetri's earlobe.
"Just focus on me, okay?"
Aetrius nodded silently as Linde spoke and was trying to think of something to say, but she tensed up tremendously when she felt Linde bite her ear, which resulted in her stiffening up and sitting up fully, not being able to do anything but sit there, with an immense blush on her face as the young bounty hunter wasn't very accustomed to pure and wholesome affection, or even what Linde just did, causing her to only nod silently at Linde's last statement, and keeping her eyes on the road ahead of them.
"My love, are you all right?" She whispered against her ear.
Aetrius didn't turn her head to look at Linde when she asked if she was okay but she did answer with a sigh, "Yes, love...Just, didn't think that trying to help someone was this hard...or annoying..." she said with a slightly annoyed tone, but paused for a moment and continued, "Was I really this annoying...?" she asked softly, a small tone of timidness in her voice as she asked Linde that question.
Linde's hands around her stomach softly rubbed in circles as she uttered a faint chuckle.
"Helping someone who doesn't want to be helped can always be a little frustrating." She cooed.
She kissed Aetri's cheek and hugged her stomach a bit tighter.
"Listen. Don't take what she said as a true challenge or personal affront. It's a defense mechanism. I've seen it in many patients before, even in my clinic. Sometimes they just don't want any help and refuse to cooperate when asked politely. You just have to stick to who you are and let them ease into a state of mind that's more open to receiving help. But that comes in time. So don't let her get to you."
She gently nibbled Aetri's earlobe.
"Just focus on me, okay?"
Aetrius nodded silently as Linde spoke and was trying to think of something to say, but she tensed up tremendously when she felt Linde bite her ear, which resulted in her stiffening up and sitting up fully, not being able to do anything but sit there, with an immense blush on her face as the young bounty hunter wasn't very accustomed to pure and wholesome affection, or even what Linde just did, causing her to only nod silently at Linde's last statement, and keeping her eyes on the road ahead of them.
”Right. Miss Dezantro, may I say I think you’re a terrific fighter?” Lonán asked, trying to bridge the gap between the group and the new, if not temporary addition to the group. He rode quietly. His heart had calmed down some but it still beat like a wardrum. He wanted to at least try in the time they had. But her answer to what business she was to do in Triveila perked his curiosity, but he held his silence.
For now, her obvious prowess for combat was something to talk about, for now at least. That was something that his upbringing and lifestyle has had a part of in his life. ”She is intriguing, to say the least. Hopefully Linde will help me figure out why my heart went crazy.” He thought as he saw Aetrius ride past them up to the front of the group.
”Is Aetrius challenging me and Hawk?” He thought incredulously trying to figure out what would be the best course of action on that front.
For now, her obvious prowess for combat was something to talk about, for now at least. That was something that his upbringing and lifestyle has had a part of in his life. ”She is intriguing, to say the least. Hopefully Linde will help me figure out why my heart went crazy.” He thought as he saw Aetrius ride past them up to the front of the group.
”Is Aetrius challenging me and Hawk?” He thought incredulously trying to figure out what would be the best course of action on that front.
Josephine looked over her shoulder at Lonan.
"Many thanks, Sir Arzura." She replied before looking ahead to Aetrius.
"Tell me, if you please... Does she have some kind of complex? I noticed her race her horse ahead for some reason. Is she usually at the front of the pack?" She asked him.
"Many thanks, Sir Arzura." She replied before looking ahead to Aetrius.
"Tell me, if you please... Does she have some kind of complex? I noticed her race her horse ahead for some reason. Is she usually at the front of the pack?" She asked him.
”You’re welcome Miss Dezantro.” He said, finally figuring out something about her from the way she spoke. She talks like a Noble. Practice talking like one for the past few days made him remember as much. He decided to keep up with that for now.
He looked towards Aetrius then towards Josephine. ”Well, I don’t think its her having the lead is the problem.” Lonán answered, ”Mayhaps something you said put her off? I’m not completely sure. I was trying to ease Hawk from being a grumpy sleepyhead at the time.” He points at his own horse as the Stallion In Question gave him the slight stink-eye for being blamed on.
”Well you walked up to me Hawk, don’t you give me that look.” He said to him, before slightly turning pink as he realized he said that out loud. ”Oh no..”
He looked towards Aetrius then towards Josephine. ”Well, I don’t think its her having the lead is the problem.” Lonán answered, ”Mayhaps something you said put her off? I’m not completely sure. I was trying to ease Hawk from being a grumpy sleepyhead at the time.” He points at his own horse as the Stallion In Question gave him the slight stink-eye for being blamed on.
”Well you walked up to me Hawk, don’t you give me that look.” He said to him, before slightly turning pink as he realized he said that out loud. ”Oh no..”
Josephine blinked.
"Something I said, hm?... Intriguing."
Then when Lonan said something about Hawk, his horse, Josephine glanced over her shoulder again as he seemed to blush a little and look away.
She looked forward without saying a word, content to keep riding.
"Well, if she wishes to take lead I don't mind. So long as we maintain awareness and keep ourselves safe on the road then it doesn't matter to me who is in front."
"Something I said, hm?... Intriguing."
Then when Lonan said something about Hawk, his horse, Josephine glanced over her shoulder again as he seemed to blush a little and look away.
She looked forward without saying a word, content to keep riding.
"Well, if she wishes to take lead I don't mind. So long as we maintain awareness and keep ourselves safe on the road then it doesn't matter to me who is in front."
Lonán Mentally sighed in relief as it seemed Miss Dezantro hadn’t figured out what he did as he gave the horse a small glare before trying to continue the conversation somehow. Having heard her say it doesn’t matter who was in front he gave a shrug of his shoulders. ”I can agree on that, quite foolish to not maintain awareness in these parts. As long as we all have each others backs we’ll be fine.” He said in agreement.
He wanted to talk to her further but he had now, at this point in time run out of ideas and topics to speak of. ”Well, I suppose for the time we are together; I, Lonán Arzura as a member of the Arzura Warrior Clan of Saharan, will be at your service Miss Dezantro. Not that you’d need it, but I’d be without Honor if I did not offer it.” with that he nodded his head and began to ride on in silence, falling into pace nearby Josephine but tried to stay within earshot of Aetrius and Linde should they spot something.
He wanted to talk to her further but he had now, at this point in time run out of ideas and topics to speak of. ”Well, I suppose for the time we are together; I, Lonán Arzura as a member of the Arzura Warrior Clan of Saharan, will be at your service Miss Dezantro. Not that you’d need it, but I’d be without Honor if I did not offer it.” with that he nodded his head and began to ride on in silence, falling into pace nearby Josephine but tried to stay within earshot of Aetrius and Linde should they spot something.
Josephine nodded to his first comment about awareness. And as he spoke of honor in his intention to be at her service, she glanced over her shoulder very subtly at him before returning her gaze forward.
”Many thanks, Sir Arzura.”
She gave her steed a soft kick to speed his trot to get a bit closer to Aetri and called up to her. ”Pardon, Miss Borral. Mayhaps you know the quickest route to the border? I'm afraid my knowledge of these roads is limited and I would appreciate whatever guidance you have to offer.”
”Many thanks, Sir Arzura.”
She gave her steed a soft kick to speed his trot to get a bit closer to Aetri and called up to her. ”Pardon, Miss Borral. Mayhaps you know the quickest route to the border? I'm afraid my knowledge of these roads is limited and I would appreciate whatever guidance you have to offer.”
Lonán listened to the question at hand and thought very hard on what Josephine has said. He then realized he might know a thing or two about the road leading to Cre’est. He moved a bit forward and nudged Hawk to ride a bit closer to the two up front.
”Aetrius, if I may make a suggestion. We’re on the Northwestern road right now. If we were to follow it till we reached a three way fork by this evening, we’d be able to get a more direct route to Cre’est if we took the right path.” He suggested, hoping Josephine would hear this as well. ”Left and center paths would take us straight to the coast which would be a bit more out of the way then we’d want. A Profitable job escorting a caravan cross country showed me that exact route.”
Lonán then spied the sword the Triveilan had, and examined it with his blacksmith’s eye the Old Wolf gave him. ”Holy Heresta, that is an incredibly remarkable blade you have Miss Dezantro. Where did you find such a weapon with such structure and quality metal, and what style were you using earlier to use it in such fluid like movement?” He asked, feeling very comfortable with his question, as if he was back in the Forge with the Old Wolf, helping him with either the bellows or helping him shape an ”Azure Anvil” Quality weapon.
”Aetrius, if I may make a suggestion. We’re on the Northwestern road right now. If we were to follow it till we reached a three way fork by this evening, we’d be able to get a more direct route to Cre’est if we took the right path.” He suggested, hoping Josephine would hear this as well. ”Left and center paths would take us straight to the coast which would be a bit more out of the way then we’d want. A Profitable job escorting a caravan cross country showed me that exact route.”
Lonán then spied the sword the Triveilan had, and examined it with his blacksmith’s eye the Old Wolf gave him. ”Holy Heresta, that is an incredibly remarkable blade you have Miss Dezantro. Where did you find such a weapon with such structure and quality metal, and what style were you using earlier to use it in such fluid like movement?” He asked, feeling very comfortable with his question, as if he was back in the Forge with the Old Wolf, helping him with either the bellows or helping him shape an ”Azure Anvil” Quality weapon.
Josephine turned her head as Lonan answered her question to Aetrius, and nodded as he suggested the right fork in a 3-way forked road they would reach presumably by nightfall. And then he asked about her blade, and as she looked back at the handle of the blade on her hip she smiled warmly at it.
”This blade was forged for me by a dear friend using a combination of folded steel for the core, and platinum for the actual blade. I designed the mold for it myself, after a design created by my late Father.”
”This blade was forged for me by a dear friend using a combination of folded steel for the core, and platinum for the actual blade. I designed the mold for it myself, after a design created by my late Father.”
Lonán nodded as he listened to the components of the blade until she mentioned the core. ”I...beg pardon? Platinum Core? Holy Heresta that’s amazing. A whole lot better then the bronze and steel alloy I had to make for my sword’s core.” He complimented, gazing back at his blade and looked upon what he could of the weapon he had made on his eighteenth birthday. It was according to Magnus, his coming of age test to see if he was a capable warrior as well as a blacksmith. He remembered the long hours of hammering and shaping the metal forging out the sword piece, by piece.
Turning back to gaze at Josephine’s blade then at her he nodded his head. ”A beautiful and unique weapon. I must say you and your father are remarkable designers Miss Dezantro.” he complimented, adopting a grin. ”It must’ve served you well during your travels.”
Turning back to gaze at Josephine’s blade then at her he nodded his head. ”A beautiful and unique weapon. I must say you and your father are remarkable designers Miss Dezantro.” he complimented, adopting a grin. ”It must’ve served you well during your travels.”