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 »
Josephine listened to Lonan's response, and as she gazed at the road ahead her eyes narrowed as she let out a soft sigh through her nose.
”You said 'if I knew the best route'... It seems that I do.” She said, more to herself than Lonan though it was still loud enough for him to hear.
She turned her head to look back at him.
”Following the main roads, it's almost impossible to reach Triveila in a fortnight. However, when you travel straight as the crow flies you can cross Cre' Est in just under twelve days. That's how I reached Veilbrand the first time long before meeting you all on my return. Cutting straight through Cre' Est from Triveila on Old Rey here,” she said, patting her horse's neck. ”And I know I can do so again.” She said with confidence, giving her horse a smile.
”I do appreciate you being mindful of my desire to return swiftly, Sir Arzura, and trying to accommodate me. It was quite noble of you. But time is something I can ill afford."
She looked back to Lonan.
"Besides, safety off the main roads is not a huge concern in Cre' Est like it is in Veilbrand. The occasional bandit group is nothing I cannot handle, and they're few and far between these days thanks to Cre' Est's new King and his policies on the economy and taxes. People live lives of plenty in this land now, so bandits and degenerates are on the decline.”
She looked ahead.
"Come the next fork in this road the right side leads to the capital, the left to Triveila. I shall take the left and ride as the crow flies to my destination.”
She looked back to Lonan and offered a small smile.
”You have all been wonderful company, but I'm afraid my business cannot wait. But I shall wait to say good-bye until we reach that fork come this evening.”
And with that she returned her gaze forward to continue her ever watchful vigil on the horizon line for any signs of danger.
”You said 'if I knew the best route'... It seems that I do.” She said, more to herself than Lonan though it was still loud enough for him to hear.
She turned her head to look back at him.
”Following the main roads, it's almost impossible to reach Triveila in a fortnight. However, when you travel straight as the crow flies you can cross Cre' Est in just under twelve days. That's how I reached Veilbrand the first time long before meeting you all on my return. Cutting straight through Cre' Est from Triveila on Old Rey here,” she said, patting her horse's neck. ”And I know I can do so again.” She said with confidence, giving her horse a smile.
”I do appreciate you being mindful of my desire to return swiftly, Sir Arzura, and trying to accommodate me. It was quite noble of you. But time is something I can ill afford."
She looked back to Lonan.
"Besides, safety off the main roads is not a huge concern in Cre' Est like it is in Veilbrand. The occasional bandit group is nothing I cannot handle, and they're few and far between these days thanks to Cre' Est's new King and his policies on the economy and taxes. People live lives of plenty in this land now, so bandits and degenerates are on the decline.”
She looked ahead.
"Come the next fork in this road the right side leads to the capital, the left to Triveila. I shall take the left and ride as the crow flies to my destination.”
She looked back to Lonan and offered a small smile.
”You have all been wonderful company, but I'm afraid my business cannot wait. But I shall wait to say good-bye until we reach that fork come this evening.”
And with that she returned her gaze forward to continue her ever watchful vigil on the horizon line for any signs of danger.
Aetrius remained looking forward, but her ears and eyes were open and aware of her surroundings. She listened in on Lolan's and Josephine's conversation and chuckled at his attempts at keeping her around, but to obvious no avail. His attempts were good, but not good enough for her apparently. She gently pushed her heels into Bree's sides and mushed her between Lolan and Josephine and waited until they had finished speak, "After noon, Miss Dezantro. I'm sorry for my behavior these passed few days. I just...I don't take well to new people, for obvious reasons. Hell, I shouldn't even have been with this group for very long, nor even at all. I was a wanderer, much like yourself. Lived alone, all the like. I think we have a common mind set, in that area mind you. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm sorry for not being as nice or welcoming as I should have, it's my apologies." she said as she gave Josephine the Saharan Salute, and small bow.
Josephine listened to Aetrius, and nodded her head.
”Hmm... You seem a kind soul, miss Aetrius. My thanks to you.”
She gazed ahead.
”I suppose I was as well more stand offish than I should have been with all of you. I sometimes judge people more quickly than I should... My apologies.”
”Hmm... You seem a kind soul, miss Aetrius. My thanks to you.”
She gazed ahead.
”I suppose I was as well more stand offish than I should have been with all of you. I sometimes judge people more quickly than I should... My apologies.”
Aetrius smiled at her words and nodded, "It's nothing, honestly. If I were to be honest, I'm more than certain that I treated this lot far more worse than you have." she gave a genuine chuckle. It was true, she did. Her first impression back then was to get the job done, then leave. It was only when they assisted her to Veilbrand that she decided to stay with them longer, and Aetrius explained that to her, not why, but that they only stuck around to get what she needed done. She remained silent after a few moments and then spoke up, "Said you were from Triveila, yes? May I ask what it's like? I've never been there, even with all of my travels." she asked, genuinely curious for what other lands were like, as far as she did travel, there were few and far places that she hadn't gone, and these were some of which she'd never been to.
Josephine's eyes started to light up a bit as Aetrius mentioned her homeland.
"It's a beautiful, lush paradise for me. But then, I grew up there, so I suppose I'm a little biased." She said with a soft smile gracing her lips.
"The closer you go to the Westward coast the more marshy it becomes. Dense mud plains and thick rivers halfway up the tree trunks are all you get. But as you go Northward it becomes firmer, flatter, and greener. Grasslands. Lush forests along the Northwest coast. And along the Northern coast is almost pure beautiful white sand beaches and the finest fishing grounds you could ever hope to enjoy." She said, closing her eyes.
"I miss my homeland dearly... It's one of the reasons why I cannot delay my return. My business being the other." She said, opening her eyes.
"It's a beautiful, lush paradise for me. But then, I grew up there, so I suppose I'm a little biased." She said with a soft smile gracing her lips.
"The closer you go to the Westward coast the more marshy it becomes. Dense mud plains and thick rivers halfway up the tree trunks are all you get. But as you go Northward it becomes firmer, flatter, and greener. Grasslands. Lush forests along the Northwest coast. And along the Northern coast is almost pure beautiful white sand beaches and the finest fishing grounds you could ever hope to enjoy." She said, closing her eyes.
"I miss my homeland dearly... It's one of the reasons why I cannot delay my return. My business being the other." She said, opening her eyes.
Aetrius listened as she explained what her homeland was like and smiled, it sounded much different than what her own was like. While Saharan was dessert everywhere you look, Triveila was the very opposite, and sounded like something to see. Aetrius turned to look at Josephine as she spoke, "I'd have to venture there at some point, it sounds like a sight to see. Saharan is the exact opposite. Coarse, dry, and sand everywhere. Sand dunes, sand storms, and just regular sand...If the terrain and weather doesn't turn you away, then the just as coarse people probably would." she gave another genuine chuckle. She looked back ahead of them, and then back at the newest member, but back at the trail yet again, "How long have you been traveling, if I may ask? I myself have been on the road for.. six years now, I believe." she said with a rather sad tone, as her mind went back to her days in Saharan, and knowing she couldn't go back there anytime soon, at least not alone.
Josephine seemed somewhat surprised by what Aetrius had said about being on the road for six years, but she quickly adopted a soft smile and looked forward again.
"Seems we're kindred spirits in that respect. I have been alone now for seven years, and spent the majority of them traveling as well as practicing and furthering my studies of my art."
She glanced back to Aetrius.
"What have you been up to during your years of travel, miss Aetrius?"
"Seems we're kindred spirits in that respect. I have been alone now for seven years, and spent the majority of them traveling as well as practicing and furthering my studies of my art."
She glanced back to Aetrius.
"What have you been up to during your years of travel, miss Aetrius?"
Aetrius listened as Josephine explained that she too was on her own for years, for almost the exact same reasons as her own. But she felt her face turn a light shade of pink at the question of what had brought her out onto her journey of six years. She paused, and thought for a long while, she could lie, but that would be obvious to her and could possibly ruin her plan, or she could be honest and see if Josephine was honestly worth keeping around or not.
"Hm...Too many things..." she started, with a soft voice as things started to come back to her mind as she reminisced on her past years. "Well, I first left home with my sister, Kieran, many years ago...Bit of a long and personal story, sure you can relate there. After that, we were separated and for four years I searched for her, while doing so I picked up...various jobs you could say, and then I eventually came to a small town of Atlum a month ago, and while there I ran into this lot....And they decided to join me on my adventure to look for my sister, which evident-ally we have. And then, well, we wound up running into you. Many thanks, Miss Dezantro."
She said as she gave the woman in question another nod and a small smile as she turned back to the road ahead of them. If Josephine was keen on learning more, she'd further question her, if not the conversation would end there, and Aetrius knew that, therefore she left the majority of the information left to be desired, if it was so.
"Hm...Too many things..." she started, with a soft voice as things started to come back to her mind as she reminisced on her past years. "Well, I first left home with my sister, Kieran, many years ago...Bit of a long and personal story, sure you can relate there. After that, we were separated and for four years I searched for her, while doing so I picked up...various jobs you could say, and then I eventually came to a small town of Atlum a month ago, and while there I ran into this lot....And they decided to join me on my adventure to look for my sister, which evident-ally we have. And then, well, we wound up running into you. Many thanks, Miss Dezantro."
She said as she gave the woman in question another nod and a small smile as she turned back to the road ahead of them. If Josephine was keen on learning more, she'd further question her, if not the conversation would end there, and Aetrius knew that, therefore she left the majority of the information left to be desired, if it was so.
Josephine nodded slowly as Aetrius explained her circumstances and looked up the road the entire time.
"I see... Kindred spirits indeed." She whispered.
She looked back towards Aetrius.
"It sounds like you've lived through quite the combination of life-altering events and circumstances. I commend you for staying strong and persevering as you did. It's not the easiest thing to do..." She said softly as her voice trailed off.
She subtly shook her head.
"Regardless, there must be something holding you to this group. Perhaps your relationship with miss Almna, here?" She asked innocently.
Linde, holding calmly to Aetrius' stomach, blushed slightly and smiled.
"I see... Kindred spirits indeed." She whispered.
She looked back towards Aetrius.
"It sounds like you've lived through quite the combination of life-altering events and circumstances. I commend you for staying strong and persevering as you did. It's not the easiest thing to do..." She said softly as her voice trailed off.
She subtly shook her head.
"Regardless, there must be something holding you to this group. Perhaps your relationship with miss Almna, here?" She asked innocently.
Linde, holding calmly to Aetrius' stomach, blushed slightly and smiled.
Aetrius listened as Josephine commented on what she was told, and even commended her for sticking through all of her events and life changes, she silently nodded as the prior continued talking, and when the question of what was holding her to the group arose, she paused yet again. She never thought she had to speak of her relationship, not like this exactly. After a moment Aetrius cleared her throat, "Thank you for the kind words, Miss Dezantro. Things have been, interesting. Only way to truly talk about them and listen is over a few hard drinks, if I am to be honest. Plenty of adventures of tell, like how I got the scar on my face." she gave a chuckle and then a sigh, and looked back up as a shot of phantom pain went through her face, where the scar resided on her face, even speaking of it could bring back how it felt when she received said scar.
She looked back up and spoke with a sincere tone as she kept her eyes on the way ahead of them and gently held one of Linde's hands with her right hand as her left held the reins, "If I were to be honest, Miss Dezantro. I was all alone until I came to Atlum a month ago. I had my fair share of...relationships to say. But...Something about this one..It's something else. Aside from Linde here, this group is made of good people, trust worthy people...People I, people I would easily lay my life down for." she said softly as she gave Linde's hand a gentle squeeze, then looked back up at Josephine.
"I don't think that anyone would have ever expected such an at times heartless, brutal and rather renknown Bounty Hunter such as me to ever have such a change of heart. I know I wouldn't have. Only because I stayed when I was injured back in Atlum did any of this happen."
She looked back up and spoke with a sincere tone as she kept her eyes on the way ahead of them and gently held one of Linde's hands with her right hand as her left held the reins, "If I were to be honest, Miss Dezantro. I was all alone until I came to Atlum a month ago. I had my fair share of...relationships to say. But...Something about this one..It's something else. Aside from Linde here, this group is made of good people, trust worthy people...People I, people I would easily lay my life down for." she said softly as she gave Linde's hand a gentle squeeze, then looked back up at Josephine.
"I don't think that anyone would have ever expected such an at times heartless, brutal and rather renknown Bounty Hunter such as me to ever have such a change of heart. I know I wouldn't have. Only because I stayed when I was injured back in Atlum did any of this happen."
Josephine listened intently to Aetrius' response, especially about how it was only because she stayed when injured in Atlum that she was here with everyone now.
"Is that right?..." She trailed off.
"So you stayed with this group, and you found something more."
A very subtle smile appeared on her face as she looked to Aetrius and Linde.
"I am... I'm happy... For both of you." She said shyly, the faintest blush appearing on her face as she looked back to the road to hide it from them.
"But I... I shouldn't stay... I can't." She whispered to herself.
Her mind was racing with conflicting emotions and thoughts. Should she stay? Why? Why should she? Why would she? She had no reason to stay with this group. They were good people. That was for sure. And she was starting to enjoy their company, true. But her business would not wait. And her desire to see it through was burning like a bright and undying flame within her heart.
"I wish you two the very best, miss Aetrius. Miss Almna." She said at last.
And that was the last she spoke for the afternoon as they approached the fork in the road, now just a couple hours away.
"Is that right?..." She trailed off.
"So you stayed with this group, and you found something more."
A very subtle smile appeared on her face as she looked to Aetrius and Linde.
"I am... I'm happy... For both of you." She said shyly, the faintest blush appearing on her face as she looked back to the road to hide it from them.
"But I... I shouldn't stay... I can't." She whispered to herself.
Her mind was racing with conflicting emotions and thoughts. Should she stay? Why? Why should she? Why would she? She had no reason to stay with this group. They were good people. That was for sure. And she was starting to enjoy their company, true. But her business would not wait. And her desire to see it through was burning like a bright and undying flame within her heart.
"I wish you two the very best, miss Aetrius. Miss Almna." She said at last.
And that was the last she spoke for the afternoon as they approached the fork in the road, now just a couple hours away.
Lonán’s confidence shook ever so slightly at how Josephine politely declined, but when he saw her smile he returned it with a small, warm one of his own before he watched Aetrius begin to talk to her to maybe sway her. However, something she said began to bother him. Whilst she was flattered at the assistance it wasn’t about getting there sooner, it was to get there at the appointed time.
Time I can Ill afford. Time, the word hit his mind like a hammer more loudly then the recent pounding of his heart. Balder couldn’t pay his debt in time to ensure his Honor wasn’t besmirched. And because of that it costed Lonán many things. He couldn’t get to Clarissa in Time and look what has happened to him. ”Time ruined me in many ways. Heresta’s blade I hate time!” He thought bitterly before then it hit him like a free running caravan wagon. ”Time I can ill afford. Time I can’t afford. She, like my father, has got something that must be done within the Fortnight that has to be done! Hence the Crow Flies route!”
He took a deep sigh through his nose, afraid people would hate what he would say as he rode up to ride alongside them. ”I know I’ve offered my assistance before Miss Dezantro, but, I wish for Aetrius and Linde to hear this too. Besides the obvious business of helping Rose getting a new life, is there any business in the Capital that cannot Wait?” He asked, tentatively, as if nervous about what he was asking, ”If so then I won’t ask what popped in my mind again. If there is not, then can we at least make the journey to where Miss Dezantro’s going a little easier by going with her to Triveila? If it’s an issue of supplies running low, one of us (I will volunteer if you wish as penance for interrupting your conversation Aetrius), can go for a supply run to the capital..what say you Aetrius? Linde?”
He turned a bit to hide his face as he realized all of a sudden his cheeks began to feel warm and hid his Now quaking arm. ”Not another anxiety panic! Not now!”
Time I can Ill afford. Time, the word hit his mind like a hammer more loudly then the recent pounding of his heart. Balder couldn’t pay his debt in time to ensure his Honor wasn’t besmirched. And because of that it costed Lonán many things. He couldn’t get to Clarissa in Time and look what has happened to him. ”Time ruined me in many ways. Heresta’s blade I hate time!” He thought bitterly before then it hit him like a free running caravan wagon. ”Time I can ill afford. Time I can’t afford. She, like my father, has got something that must be done within the Fortnight that has to be done! Hence the Crow Flies route!”
He took a deep sigh through his nose, afraid people would hate what he would say as he rode up to ride alongside them. ”I know I’ve offered my assistance before Miss Dezantro, but, I wish for Aetrius and Linde to hear this too. Besides the obvious business of helping Rose getting a new life, is there any business in the Capital that cannot Wait?” He asked, tentatively, as if nervous about what he was asking, ”If so then I won’t ask what popped in my mind again. If there is not, then can we at least make the journey to where Miss Dezantro’s going a little easier by going with her to Triveila? If it’s an issue of supplies running low, one of us (I will volunteer if you wish as penance for interrupting your conversation Aetrius), can go for a supply run to the capital..what say you Aetrius? Linde?”
He turned a bit to hide his face as he realized all of a sudden his cheeks began to feel warm and hid his Now quaking arm. ”Not another anxiety panic! Not now!”
Linde's eyebrows went up as Lonan suddenly suggested going to Triveila with miss Dezantro. While Linde was also somewhat sad to see her leave, why would Lo-
Linde's eyebrows rose further before settling back down. Her eyes shut slowly and a small, knowing smile appeared on her face as she rested her cheek against Aetrius' shoulder.
So Lonan is starting to... She thought.
She opened her eyes and her smile grew warmer.
"I don't have an issue postponing our trip." She replied sweetly.
"I can return to the capital at any time, and my clinic runs itself when I'm away."
She looked over towards Aetrius.
"Any objections, Aetri?" She asked.
Josephine's head slowly turned towards everyone as they started speaking of perhaps changing their plans and coming with her to Triveila.
"But surely you don't actually have business there as I do. I must insist you do not change your plans for me." She objected.
Linde's eyebrows rose further before settling back down. Her eyes shut slowly and a small, knowing smile appeared on her face as she rested her cheek against Aetrius' shoulder.
So Lonan is starting to... She thought.
She opened her eyes and her smile grew warmer.
"I don't have an issue postponing our trip." She replied sweetly.
"I can return to the capital at any time, and my clinic runs itself when I'm away."
She looked over towards Aetrius.
"Any objections, Aetri?" She asked.
Josephine's head slowly turned towards everyone as they started speaking of perhaps changing their plans and coming with her to Triveila.
"But surely you don't actually have business there as I do. I must insist you do not change your plans for me." She objected.
Aetrius listened as Lolan came up with an idea of his own to persuade her, this time it was to go with her. Aetrius silently thought to herself, it would make the most sense, would be a bit out of their way, but if it helped push back having to meet Linde's parents, she couldn't say no. Aetrius then listened as Linde also said she had no problem with delaying going to Cre' Est, for Josephine to only try to object them joining her.
"I have no issue with escorting her to her destination. It is but the least we could do. Besides, we're kind of going wherever the wind takes us at this point, as well as we were going to go visit there anyway, I don't see why we couldn't make it sooner rather than later. So, I have no objection in going there, could be a nice change of pace." she gave a nod, and looked at the others as she felt Linde rest her chin on her shoulder, a small blush and smile covered her face.
"I have no issue with escorting her to her destination. It is but the least we could do. Besides, we're kind of going wherever the wind takes us at this point, as well as we were going to go visit there anyway, I don't see why we couldn't make it sooner rather than later. So, I have no objection in going there, could be a nice change of pace." she gave a nod, and looked at the others as she felt Linde rest her chin on her shoulder, a small blush and smile covered her face.
Josephine was more than a little shocked that these people all wanted to come with her. What had she done to deserve that? Those bandits who'd attacked attacked her, not them. She didn't really save them from anything. But... Then again, had they not found her they'd probably have found this group in their sleep. So...
"I guess I have no choice but to accept your offer then, if you're all in agreement and determined to come with me." She said rather reluctantly.
She looked ahead to the horizon and sighed deeply.
"Very well. I welcome your company, everyone. And I will find a way to repay this kindness once my business is complete."
"No need for reimbursement, miss Dezantro!"
Josephine looked back to Linde, eyes wide, mouth slightly agape.
"This is what having friends is about. Ehe. We're coming along because we simply wish to come with you, not because we want something from you."
Josephine attempted to respond, but no sound escaped her lips as she looked out towards the horizon.
"I... Thank you." She said quietly, her face flushing pink while she hid it by riding slightly ahead.
"I guess I have no choice but to accept your offer then, if you're all in agreement and determined to come with me." She said rather reluctantly.
She looked ahead to the horizon and sighed deeply.
"Very well. I welcome your company, everyone. And I will find a way to repay this kindness once my business is complete."
"No need for reimbursement, miss Dezantro!"
Josephine looked back to Linde, eyes wide, mouth slightly agape.
"This is what having friends is about. Ehe. We're coming along because we simply wish to come with you, not because we want something from you."
Josephine attempted to respond, but no sound escaped her lips as she looked out towards the horizon.
"I... Thank you." She said quietly, her face flushing pink while she hid it by riding slightly ahead.
Lonán took a sigh of relief when Aetrius and Linde agreed with his suggestion. It seemed it was all it took for the two to convince Josephine to allow them to travel with her to Triveila. Then he heard her say thanks to them as he once more smiled softly. ”You’re welcome Miss Dezantro.” He said as he took out a piece of jerky to eat to settle his slightly frayed nerves.
He didn’t know what to think of himself as he rode on Hawk, who gave him a small chuff as if to ask if he was okay. ”Not too sure Hawk. I feel like I stuck myself out of a comfort zone for the first time in about.. let’s say awhile. But I guess it was worth it.” He thought to himself. Indeed, he did something that’d normally scare him, but he finally realized he didn’t have to worry about voicing his opinion amongst friends. Plus, it was to help a potentially new friend. He had a right to munch on his jerky to settle his nerves, Which he did as he rode on with the group, to a new adventure.
He didn’t know what to think of himself as he rode on Hawk, who gave him a small chuff as if to ask if he was okay. ”Not too sure Hawk. I feel like I stuck myself out of a comfort zone for the first time in about.. let’s say awhile. But I guess it was worth it.” He thought to himself. Indeed, he did something that’d normally scare him, but he finally realized he didn’t have to worry about voicing his opinion amongst friends. Plus, it was to help a potentially new friend. He had a right to munch on his jerky to settle his nerves, Which he did as he rode on with the group, to a new adventure.
Aetrius smiled as Josephine thanked them for accompanying her and how she would have to repay them in some way afterwards. She chuckled and nodded at Linde's comment, and listened as the others said it was no trouble, and that they'd be happy to. "It really is nothing, Miss Dezantro. We'd be happy to accompany someone, and who else is better than someone that once lived there herself, eh? Besides, only payment I'll accept is after all is said and done with your business, I say we get some drinks. I don't think drinks are ever a bad idea, especially after a stressful few days of traveling." she gave the group a small smile and nod, and gave Bree a gentle pat on the side of her neck, gently brushing her thick main. Aetrius slightly eased up, and lightly laid back onto Linde for a moment, and felt her face light up as she felt herself press against Linde, and immediately sat right back up, a blush covering her face.
Kieran looked at the rest of the group as well, and was in full agreeance of joining them, and at the notion of drinks she perked up. "I agree with Aetrius. Drinks are indeed never a bad thing. How about after whatever Josephine gets what she needs to do done, Aetrius here and I can help entertain you all with a traditional song among us Saharans? That is if you aren't opposed to the idea, of course?" she asked as she gave a small smile and hoped the others wouldn't be against the idea of drinks and songs after all way said and done with whatever Josephine had to do in her old homeland.
Kieran looked at the rest of the group as well, and was in full agreeance of joining them, and at the notion of drinks she perked up. "I agree with Aetrius. Drinks are indeed never a bad thing. How about after whatever Josephine gets what she needs to do done, Aetrius here and I can help entertain you all with a traditional song among us Saharans? That is if you aren't opposed to the idea, of course?" she asked as she gave a small smile and hoped the others wouldn't be against the idea of drinks and songs after all way said and done with whatever Josephine had to do in her old homeland.
Three nights later, the group pitched camp just off the main road. A campfire in the center, their tents surrounding it. Together they ate around the fire having partaken in the meats Aetrius and Kieran hunted for them, and for the most part they made pleasant small talk though Josephine was still in the process of warming up to them all. So she was still somewhat quiet compared to the rest. However, she did smile a little more frequently whenever something amusing came up in conversation.
Suddenly, Kyero's head came up and he turned it slightly Southward.
Linde caught the gesture and asked him what was wrong, and he lifted his chin in the direction he was looking before dropping it again. A "look that way" gesture.
Linde followed his head and saw a stranger approaching camp. He was very well dressed. A Noble, obviously. With him were three horses, each one carrying something different. On the back of the first horse in line was a sack of goods wrapped in cloth. The second had saddle bags filled with what could only be presumed to be a combination of gold and jewelry. And the third had... Something else draped over the saddle. The man himself was on foot at the moment, which seemed odd since most would not dare walk from one place to another.
Who was this man?
As Linde looked at Josephine, she observed a suppressed rage burning within the blonde woman's eyes. But rather than frown, Josephine was smiling. But the smile was full of contempt and hatred, like few Linde had ever seen before. Her eyes trailed to the individual as he approached camp and stepped into the fire light.
He was young. Probably no older than Kyero at around twenty three or twenty four years of age. He was quite handsome as well, sporting dark brown hair, brown eyes, and a lean, muscular physique for a Noble. At his hip was a broadsword, and at his back a small double-bladed axe. A dual wielder, perhaps?
"Ah, good evening! I didn't expect to run into any fellow travelers at this time of night! Ho ho ho ho!"
He looked around the faces of the campfire and his eyes fell to Josephine. And as they did, he grew a rather condescending and vicious smile though his tone of voice still radiated familiarity and friendliness.
"Lady Dezantro! What are the odds I'd run into you on the road like this?" He asked, extending to her a slight bow. Josephine stood and replied with a light curtsy.
"It's a pleasure to see you again, Count Orral. What brings you down these roads?"
He tied his horses to a small tree branch nearby and approached Josephine, putting his hands on her shoulders and pulling her into an embrace. She returned it, but reluctantly, and with a hidden expression of disgust all the while.
"Business, my dear. Of course!" He replied as they separated from the embrace.
Josephine smiled and chuckled warmly.
"Is that so? I thought your business was limited to Triveila, Count."
"I have a permit for trips throughout the Mother Nation of Cre' Est. I'm returning from one such trip now. I intend to reach Triveila within the next eight or nine days, presuming weather is kind which it seems to be. A bit gusty a few days ago, but nothing too bad."
"Indeed."
"May I ask what you are doing out here, my dear?"
"I myself am returning to Triveila alongside some new companions, as you see." She said, turning to the others and gesturing to them one by one. "This is Kieran, sister of Aetrius. Lonan Aurzura. And Linde Xe' Almna."
"Oh ho! The Angelic Knight of Cre' Est herself! I must say that your beauty truly is beyond compare for any Maiden in Cre' Est I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. It's an absolute pleasure to make your acquaintance, my Lady." He said, giving Linde a deep bow.
Linde stood up and bowed in return before taking her seat.
"The pleasure is mine, Count Orral."
"Please, dear Lady. Call me Clifton."
"Count Orral. May I ask what it is your horse in the back is carrying?"
"Oh that's just a sack of blankets and rugs I bought for my dear mother back home. She's been nagging at me to find her some from the Capital, so I finally made the time in my schedule to fulfill her request."
"My. How dutiful of you!"
Linde had to give Josephine credit... Her acting was superb. If Linde hadn't seen that momentary flash of contempt early on, she'd think Josephine actually liked this man.
"Well, unfortunately my dear I must continue on. I must return my wears and goods to Triveila for sales before I miss the Bazaar."
"Of course, Count. I won't keep you any longer. It was a pleasure seeing you again."
He walked forward and shared another embrace with Josephine, his hands resting on her lower back.
"The pleasure was mine, my dear. I'll see you back home!"
And with that he grabbed his horses and continued on down the road disappearing into the night. But until he was fully out of sight, Josephine remained standing and watching him with that warm smile hiding her contempt for the man they just met.
Suddenly, Kyero's head came up and he turned it slightly Southward.
Linde caught the gesture and asked him what was wrong, and he lifted his chin in the direction he was looking before dropping it again. A "look that way" gesture.
Linde followed his head and saw a stranger approaching camp. He was very well dressed. A Noble, obviously. With him were three horses, each one carrying something different. On the back of the first horse in line was a sack of goods wrapped in cloth. The second had saddle bags filled with what could only be presumed to be a combination of gold and jewelry. And the third had... Something else draped over the saddle. The man himself was on foot at the moment, which seemed odd since most would not dare walk from one place to another.
Who was this man?
As Linde looked at Josephine, she observed a suppressed rage burning within the blonde woman's eyes. But rather than frown, Josephine was smiling. But the smile was full of contempt and hatred, like few Linde had ever seen before. Her eyes trailed to the individual as he approached camp and stepped into the fire light.
He was young. Probably no older than Kyero at around twenty three or twenty four years of age. He was quite handsome as well, sporting dark brown hair, brown eyes, and a lean, muscular physique for a Noble. At his hip was a broadsword, and at his back a small double-bladed axe. A dual wielder, perhaps?
"Ah, good evening! I didn't expect to run into any fellow travelers at this time of night! Ho ho ho ho!"
He looked around the faces of the campfire and his eyes fell to Josephine. And as they did, he grew a rather condescending and vicious smile though his tone of voice still radiated familiarity and friendliness.
"Lady Dezantro! What are the odds I'd run into you on the road like this?" He asked, extending to her a slight bow. Josephine stood and replied with a light curtsy.
"It's a pleasure to see you again, Count Orral. What brings you down these roads?"
He tied his horses to a small tree branch nearby and approached Josephine, putting his hands on her shoulders and pulling her into an embrace. She returned it, but reluctantly, and with a hidden expression of disgust all the while.
"Business, my dear. Of course!" He replied as they separated from the embrace.
Josephine smiled and chuckled warmly.
"Is that so? I thought your business was limited to Triveila, Count."
"I have a permit for trips throughout the Mother Nation of Cre' Est. I'm returning from one such trip now. I intend to reach Triveila within the next eight or nine days, presuming weather is kind which it seems to be. A bit gusty a few days ago, but nothing too bad."
"Indeed."
"May I ask what you are doing out here, my dear?"
"I myself am returning to Triveila alongside some new companions, as you see." She said, turning to the others and gesturing to them one by one. "This is Kieran, sister of Aetrius. Lonan Aurzura. And Linde Xe' Almna."
"Oh ho! The Angelic Knight of Cre' Est herself! I must say that your beauty truly is beyond compare for any Maiden in Cre' Est I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. It's an absolute pleasure to make your acquaintance, my Lady." He said, giving Linde a deep bow.
Linde stood up and bowed in return before taking her seat.
"The pleasure is mine, Count Orral."
"Please, dear Lady. Call me Clifton."
"Count Orral. May I ask what it is your horse in the back is carrying?"
"Oh that's just a sack of blankets and rugs I bought for my dear mother back home. She's been nagging at me to find her some from the Capital, so I finally made the time in my schedule to fulfill her request."
"My. How dutiful of you!"
Linde had to give Josephine credit... Her acting was superb. If Linde hadn't seen that momentary flash of contempt early on, she'd think Josephine actually liked this man.
"Well, unfortunately my dear I must continue on. I must return my wears and goods to Triveila for sales before I miss the Bazaar."
"Of course, Count. I won't keep you any longer. It was a pleasure seeing you again."
He walked forward and shared another embrace with Josephine, his hands resting on her lower back.
"The pleasure was mine, my dear. I'll see you back home!"
And with that he grabbed his horses and continued on down the road disappearing into the night. But until he was fully out of sight, Josephine remained standing and watching him with that warm smile hiding her contempt for the man they just met.
Lonán was enjoying his meal on the third night of travel when Kyero signaled them to look towards a traveler on the road. He observed the man for a while, more notably his weapons. He watched as he recognized Josephine and approached her, learning that his name was ‘Count Orral’. His eyes narrowed as he watched the man embrace Josephine. His brows furrowed suspiciously.
The interactions seemed harmless and the Man himself was cordial, but Lonán almost felt a hint of steel in Josephine’s voice as the conversation bounced from the two, and to Linde, who’s reputation seemed known to the man. Then the man prepared to leave and gave her a less then appropriate embrace. He held a death grip on the spot he was sitting on with his right hand to stop him from drawing his sword.
”The way he embraced her....I wished my stare would turn him to stone!” he fumed as he watched him leave, his face beginning to turn red with anger as his knuckles began to turn white in it’s death grip. He cursed that his code forbade him from attacking this man, due to him showing to be no threat for the time being. ”Heresta’s Teeth I am not happy and Hawk is probably already taking his beauty sleep!” He raged mentally as he took a smaller second helping of supper and ate at it, trying very hard to settle his nerves and calm the small flame of anger back to a spark.
He did not want to emulate the Berserker at this time. But he was very well angered at how the man embraced Josephine that second time.
The interactions seemed harmless and the Man himself was cordial, but Lonán almost felt a hint of steel in Josephine’s voice as the conversation bounced from the two, and to Linde, who’s reputation seemed known to the man. Then the man prepared to leave and gave her a less then appropriate embrace. He held a death grip on the spot he was sitting on with his right hand to stop him from drawing his sword.
”The way he embraced her....I wished my stare would turn him to stone!” he fumed as he watched him leave, his face beginning to turn red with anger as his knuckles began to turn white in it’s death grip. He cursed that his code forbade him from attacking this man, due to him showing to be no threat for the time being. ”Heresta’s Teeth I am not happy and Hawk is probably already taking his beauty sleep!” He raged mentally as he took a smaller second helping of supper and ate at it, trying very hard to settle his nerves and calm the small flame of anger back to a spark.
He did not want to emulate the Berserker at this time. But he was very well angered at how the man embraced Josephine that second time.
Aetrius was now enjoying dinner around the fire after another three days of traveling, as they had pitched camp and Kieran and her had gone hunting for dinner. This time they were more lucky in their hunt as they brought back another deer and a few rabbits. She was currently enjoying the meal and small talk as she was sitting on a log next to the tents, surrounded by the shadows of the night besides the light of the fire that flickered across their camp. She noticed Kyero looking into the darkness, and peered over to see a figure emerge from the dark and immediately recognize Josephine, but from the way that she interacted with the young man, she noted her well hidden disdain and disgust for the supposed count.
She remained silent and perceptive of the whole entire exchange that happened between them. Aetrius was even calm throughout the whole ordeal, until he bade them farewell, but only after touching Josephine rather inappropriately, which resulted on her placing her hand by her side on her sword's hilt, and slowly began to stand up, but Kieran quickly grabbed her hand and held her hand and shook her head. Which resulted in Aetrius to growl as she watched the man leave and disappear into the night, keeping her eyes on him until he was out of her sight. She looked back towards the others and sighed, and shook Kieran off of her and put her plate down, her appetite being clearly upset at the display of inappropriate behavior from someone of supposed high notoriety.
She remained silent and perceptive of the whole entire exchange that happened between them. Aetrius was even calm throughout the whole ordeal, until he bade them farewell, but only after touching Josephine rather inappropriately, which resulted on her placing her hand by her side on her sword's hilt, and slowly began to stand up, but Kieran quickly grabbed her hand and held her hand and shook her head. Which resulted in Aetrius to growl as she watched the man leave and disappear into the night, keeping her eyes on him until he was out of her sight. She looked back towards the others and sighed, and shook Kieran off of her and put her plate down, her appetite being clearly upset at the display of inappropriate behavior from someone of supposed high notoriety.
Josephine stood by silently as Count Orral left the area... Her back burning as if she was just touched by the Devil.
Linde, meanwhile, sat quietly looking at Josephine. She knew exactly how she felt. Linde had been touched in all sorts of inappropriate ways throughout the years by overly entitled men who felt they had the social clout to go above cultural boundaries and sometimes even laws.
"Miss Dezantro. Are you all right?"
Josephine turned around slowly and smiled for Linde.
"Of course, Lady Almna."
Linde remained silent, choosing not to press the issue as Josephine sat down and continued the meal which Count Orral had interrupted. And though her exterior hid it very, very well, Linde could sense that she was overcome by rage and hatred.
Linde, meanwhile, sat quietly looking at Josephine. She knew exactly how she felt. Linde had been touched in all sorts of inappropriate ways throughout the years by overly entitled men who felt they had the social clout to go above cultural boundaries and sometimes even laws.
"Miss Dezantro. Are you all right?"
Josephine turned around slowly and smiled for Linde.
"Of course, Lady Almna."
Linde remained silent, choosing not to press the issue as Josephine sat down and continued the meal which Count Orral had interrupted. And though her exterior hid it very, very well, Linde could sense that she was overcome by rage and hatred.
Aetrius sat in silence as Linde asked if Josephine was alright, who was clearly upset but said she was fine nonetheless. Aetrius sighed as she remained sitting in her spot near her things, and looked at Kieran for possibly any idea on what to do. Kieran thought for a moment, of anything they could do to possibly help lighten to mood. The sisters both sat there in the completely dark wilderness, except for the light that came from the fire. The flames danced and flickered across the faces of those that sat around the fire, even Kyero's who's was mostly covered by his hood.
After a few moments of silence except for the crackling of fire, and the animals all around them, Aetrius looked back at Kieran who looked back at her in silence and nodded. Aetrius reached for her satchel behind her, and Kieran searched for something in the saddle bag next to Bree. After a few more moments, Aetrius retrieved her small, wooden, wind based instrument, the same she had used the first time she played music back in Ukron. And Kieran returned with a rather small harp, and sat down as Aetrius did, next to each other they looked at one another and nodded in silence. Kieran silently tuned her harp while Aetrius cleared her throat and took a few deep breaths.
Together they looked at each other one last time and nodded, and began to play a simple and common tune from Saharan, one that they were sure that even Lolan would recognize, as well as possibly the others. It was a catchy, upbeat, and happy song that could cause even the most unemotional type of person to smile, and possibly even dance. Which, as the song progressed as Aetrius and Kieran played, Aetrius stood up and danced along to the beat with a small smile on her face every now and then, hoping the small song would lift the other's spirits, or at least help ease the tension thy were all feelings, especially Josephine.
After a few moments of silence except for the crackling of fire, and the animals all around them, Aetrius looked back at Kieran who looked back at her in silence and nodded. Aetrius reached for her satchel behind her, and Kieran searched for something in the saddle bag next to Bree. After a few more moments, Aetrius retrieved her small, wooden, wind based instrument, the same she had used the first time she played music back in Ukron. And Kieran returned with a rather small harp, and sat down as Aetrius did, next to each other they looked at one another and nodded in silence. Kieran silently tuned her harp while Aetrius cleared her throat and took a few deep breaths.
Together they looked at each other one last time and nodded, and began to play a simple and common tune from Saharan, one that they were sure that even Lolan would recognize, as well as possibly the others. It was a catchy, upbeat, and happy song that could cause even the most unemotional type of person to smile, and possibly even dance. Which, as the song progressed as Aetrius and Kieran played, Aetrius stood up and danced along to the beat with a small smile on her face every now and then, hoping the small song would lift the other's spirits, or at least help ease the tension thy were all feelings, especially Josephine.
Lonán was near blinded by the anger he was feeling towards the event that happened, the moment Kieran and Aetrius played their song, he blinked in surprise. But really, he shouldn’t be surprised, recalling their shared homeland. The anger he had was cut in half by the familiar sound. ”The Melody... so calming and uplifting...My goodness m-MY FEET?!” He Mentally realized as he began tapping his feet the moment the song began to become more upbeat.
He then realized what was about to happen, and as the music progressed, he set aside his plate and subconsciously began to dance to the beat, Joining Aetrius and Kieran in the cause of uplifting everyone’s spirits, deciding this was a more worthwhile battle for the time being. Their enemy, the negative emotions caused by the encounter. He couldn’t help but give a rallying cry of; ”Yahhoo!” as he danced. His cheeks flushing pink in embarrassment as he simply continued to dance, clapping his hands to the beat.
”This is the second time this week i’ve Jumped out of my comfort zone!!” He thought as he danced, his grin and chuckling laughter betraying the happy feeling he got from the song.
He then realized what was about to happen, and as the music progressed, he set aside his plate and subconsciously began to dance to the beat, Joining Aetrius and Kieran in the cause of uplifting everyone’s spirits, deciding this was a more worthwhile battle for the time being. Their enemy, the negative emotions caused by the encounter. He couldn’t help but give a rallying cry of; ”Yahhoo!” as he danced. His cheeks flushing pink in embarrassment as he simply continued to dance, clapping his hands to the beat.
”This is the second time this week i’ve Jumped out of my comfort zone!!” He thought as he danced, his grin and chuckling laughter betraying the happy feeling he got from the song.
As the music started and the dancing began, Linde couldn't help but join in the dancing along with Aetrius, Kieran, and Lonan.
Josephine, however, was far too absorbed in her anger to register what was going on as anything but an irritating mess. The music was nice and had a certain upbeat nature to it. But it did little to settle the fire in her heart.
She set her plates down and stood up.
"... I'm going to bed. Goodnight everyone." She said quietly.
She went to her tent and laid down to rest, but she would not sleep at all this night.
Josephine, however, was far too absorbed in her anger to register what was going on as anything but an irritating mess. The music was nice and had a certain upbeat nature to it. But it did little to settle the fire in her heart.
She set her plates down and stood up.
"... I'm going to bed. Goodnight everyone." She said quietly.
She went to her tent and laid down to rest, but she would not sleep at all this night.
It seemed that everyone was having some measure of fun as the song played. Except for Josephine herself, who didn’t seemed swayed from her anger. Whilst he couldn’t blame her, the feeling of looking a little bit foolish in the time he danced in the song returned. He rubbed the back of his neck and gave a weak chuckle. ”Well, I suppose not everyone can get infected by that energetic song from home. Thanks for playing it Aetrius, Kieran.” He said as he stretched his legs.
”I guess I should turn in as well. All that dancing can wear out a person.” He said, the embarrassed side of him slowly winning over as he headed for his tent to sleep for the evening. He’d need the rest after having a good meal and then a second helping of said meal due to stress. ”See you all tomorrow.” and with that he vanished into his tent to get ready for bed.
He didn’t even think to meditate he was so embarrassed.
”I guess I should turn in as well. All that dancing can wear out a person.” He said, the embarrassed side of him slowly winning over as he headed for his tent to sleep for the evening. He’d need the rest after having a good meal and then a second helping of said meal due to stress. ”See you all tomorrow.” and with that he vanished into his tent to get ready for bed.
He didn’t even think to meditate he was so embarrassed.