|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 25, 2014 3:23:51 GMT -6
Aidan had finally made his way across the desert. And it had nearly cost him his life. His one remaining water skin was slung around his chest and hung limply at his side. His bright blue eyes gazed around the desolated ruins. He didn't exactly know what had given him the idea to cross the desert, but he had succeeded in doing so for the second time in his life. And with water to spare this time... he thought as he reached up and pulled off the black shirt he'd been wearing to cover his face from the endless sand blasting. Blinking a few times, he reached up and rubbed his eyes with one hand. Lowering his hand, he was able to get a better view of the area. It was a small outpost or way station of some sort. There were merchants and trading caravans set up all around the area he'd stumbled into. Nomads, merchants, soldiers, and even what Aidan thought to be a few of the pilgrims.
As Aidan surveyed his surroundings, one of the guards pointed at him while talking quietly with two others. The three guards approached Aidan and stopped several feet in front of him. Aidan eyed the guards calmly never moving a muscle.
"Hey!" one of the guards said to him. He didn't respond. "I said 'Hey!' to you boy!" the guard said as he stepped forward, grasping the handle of a small club he kept tucked into belt. The other guards held their ground as Aidan continued to stare at them.
"What is it?" Aidan said as he looked at the center guardsman. The one who had addressed him as boy.
"State your business here wise ass, and your name!" the guard said loudly to him. By this point, several people from nearby tents stepped out see what the commotion was about.
I don't really have business here..Besides, this guy looks like he's just trying to pick a fight. However, this goes, it probably won't end well for me. Being an outsider, gets you treated like one... Aidan thinks as he holds his hands up at shoulder level, and smiles. "I'm just a traveler." he said as he shakes his head still smiling.
"If that's all you are, why do you have that sword on your back! And I still didn't catch your name!" the guard said as he nods at the other two behind him, who draw their rifles and aim them at Aidan.
"I didn't offer it. As for the sword....protection..." Aidan said as he looks coldly at the guard in front of him. He wasn't unaccustomed to this after all. But, it would be nice, to find people who treated him like a normal person instead of an outsider.
|
|
|
|
Post by Story E. Luminus on Mar 25, 2014 3:50:32 GMT -6
Her bare finger traced the harsh parchment of the map before her. It was stretched wide across the table, pulled tight and staked on the corners by pocket knives that had been volunteered for the time being. A soldier stood at her right - obviously a ranked officer - and another two at the other end of the table. The one beside her and one across spoke of weather and preparations for the evening to take shelter and be ready enough to continue the next day. 'The sands have passed for now. The gusts weren't too strong, we should break camp and set south further before it starts up again.' "No," she shook her head and they immediately all looked to her for answers, giving the Captain their attention. She stood straight and scrunched her mouth, still looking at the map in thought instead of to them as she spoke. "The gusts' strengths are the tell-tale signs that it's simply the calm before the storm. A baby brother sent before the large family behind it.. we wait it out. Come sunrise, we'll set foot again. But getting trapped in the darkness will only make us lose our way. We can't afford to waste time."The Captain's arm's folded - covered in only a tight, long sleeve shirt the color of the sands themselves; a tanned, unsaturated beige. Her legs, however, were decorated in silver plate armor fitting for the feminine form and etched with designs along the rims with small intricacy that symbolized her high ranking. The usual, trusted blade was on her belt and only barely moved from its sturdy position as she walked around the table - nodding to the 'Yes ma'am' symphony of the three now behind her. Her arm flicked the tent open, eyes squinting to the setting, blazing sun. Its fire lit the sand with a deep, brutal orange. It had been only seconds of peace and quiet that she was allowed to get upon her horse and sit a moment for a breath before they came over.. 'Captain! Captain - an outsider - at the trader's post!' he shouted, out of breath from having run the many yards of dry, cold air. She'd have to get a jacket as soon as the sun set... the desert was a freezer after dark. 'He's armed. No introduction, no reason-'
She said nothing but kicked her heels to the horse so that it jogged forward. Only a few minutes and she was behind the scene with moreso irritation than she was priority. The three that were in front of the stranger.. trouble makers.. an older man that craved power and two younger soldiers that followed his lead. Her horse caught their attention and immediately, with her in view, stepped a few paces back from the stranger. Her glare alone kept them silent... and they knew that they'd been seen and spotted - too late. "Back to your posts. All of you. Enough of your nonsense.. we have work to do," she clenched her jaw, nostrils strained, and they all mumbled their 'yes ma'am's and 'yes captain's. "You there," she faced the young man from atop her horse, a few yards away, "Your name and business. I'll have them known. The camp here worries for safety alone," a much softer tone than being demanded from a burly, unmannered man.. but still, her voice held an authority to it. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2014 2:17:52 GMT -6
Aidan watches as the the woman rides up to him and the guards. As she tells them off, he notices the crest on her horse, and realizes that is with the Hryst knights. Of what standing, he wasn't sure, but she obviously held reign over the three who had been giving him a hard time. As she turns and addresses him, he relaxes some. Although he hadn't been showing it, he was ready to fight if the need arose.
"Thanks...." he said as he watched the guards disperse. "I've gone by many different names. But the one I was born with is Aidan Braxton. As for my reasons here, I don't really have one. I haven't crossed the desert in Gods knew how long." Aidan said as he looks up to the woman on horseback. She was pretty, and well built. Probably from her time with the knights. The most distinguishing feature Aidan noticed about her, was her scarlet hair.
At any rate, I need to find a new place to go. If not I can become like the pilgrims here. The ones who wander the desert endlessly searching for enlightenment... Aidan thinks as he gazes around the area.
"What is your name?" Aidan asks as he raises his gaze to meet hers.
|
|
|
|
Post by Story E. Luminus on Mar 26, 2014 10:46:42 GMT -6
He had already calmed, something she had expected. If anything, she felt a small pang of guilt and shame from the example of her knights that he'd been shown. The ideals of protection through hatred were not something she lead.. An enemy only became an enemy after proving themselves to fit the title - not just when assumed. "Thanks.... I've gone by many different names. But the one I was born with is Aidan Braxton. As for my reasons here, I don't really have one. I haven't crossed the desert in Gods knew how long." "A desert-crosser?" the horse beneath her moved a tad to the side and she kept her grip on the reigns, raising her brow to him. "Either you're the boldest of outsiders or the greatest fool." It wasn't an insult.. In fact, she nodded almost in understanding, in acceptance. To each their own, after all. "What is your name?" It wasn't often that Story laughed. But a smile eased barely across her face and a tiny chuckle occurred in her chest, albeit quite silent. His question was humorous to her. Quite the guts he had to ask so informally.. but she didn't mind it.. It was ironic to her that he'd just proven her point; either the boldest or foolish. "You're an interesting outsider, indeed," her chin dipped down, "Captain Luminus of Aster," the small bow of her head showed practiced humility. "And you're welcome within my camp for rest as an apology for your mistreating, Aidan Braxton." |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 28, 2014 11:13:06 GMT -6
Aidan smiled slightly. It was a little uncommon of him to do, but he hadn't seen a person in well over a month. The desert wasn't exactly small, and it was by no means forgiving.
"I'm a little of both to be honest." he said gruffly as he watched the merchants go about their business. Captain Luminus, you don't know how much of an outside I am honestly... he thought as his bright blue eyes looked up at her.
"Thank you for your kindness Captain..If you can think of a way I can repay you. I'd be happy to do so. But for now, where can I find some food?" Aidan asked as he walks forward and looks around slowly. Some of the merchants had food, but he assumed it was for their destination. Nevertheless, a paying customer shouldn't be turned down.
"You know...I wish I had a reason for crossing the desert, but in all honesty. It just seemed like the right thing to do at the time. It had been years since I last crossed it..." he said lightly, almost under his breath. He watched as two merchants unloaded more food. Isn't it odd for trained soldiers..to be escorting merchants? Isn't that a job for mercenaries? Unless....they have something bigger planned..
|
|
|
|
Post by Story E. Luminus on Mar 28, 2014 22:30:09 GMT -6
CPT. STORY EVE LUMINUS I suppose I'm playing chaperone for the evening.. They walked in silence for a small time, a peace once again returning to the air. A few merchants busied around.. children ran in front of her, playing with some sort of ball along the dirt, and laughed happily. She glanced at them a tad too lengthily and quickly returned her focus forward before the man spoke at her side."Thank you for your kindness Captain..If you can think of a way I can repay you. I'd be happy to do so. But for now, where can I find some food?" "Am I not the one offering my hospitality as compensation?" she looked down from her horse, hands hanging loosely gripped at the reigns. "Worry not. You're free to stay out our camp.. we've rations there to keep us well-enough fed and hydrated," she nodded kindly - her expression already having returned to the habitual 'stone' that she usually wore.The captain had already been focused on other things, and she heard the mumble only barely.. but couldn't quite make the words out. She figured he didn't want it repeated or asked of, so she simply said nothing and only kept her horse trotting slowly ahead to lead him. The merchants were plenty, and the camp was smaller in population but larger in side. Tents of deep purple and grays were strewn about in formation - some larger, some shorter, smaller, longer. A few had the Hrystic flag raised and a few had guards posted on the outside or simply welcomed others in with open doors."Soldiers' quarters are not the most 'friendly'. I shall stay within them tonight.... My tent is your's," she didn't look down at him.. no, the offer was kind enough. A captain offering her officer's resting place for a stranger. It was not something that would be considered even 'seldom'. "I'll have rations delivered to you should you require to wash-up first.." A few soldiers that they passed through the camp saluted their fists to their chests. She'd put them at ease and continue on silently... obviously not the talkative type... "Your blade..." she reached her hand out down to him, horse stopping before her tent's entrance.There was no explanation needed. He was within her home and she was in charge of keeping the peace and ensuring safety. A stranger, armed, entrusted with her place of rest.. hopefully he'd show the same amount of respect in complying. |  |
(C) ELLIE @ GANGNAM STYLE |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2014 23:08:53 GMT -6
Aidan watched as the children ran past giggling and he smiled, even though it hurt his cracked and dry lips to do so. Children...was I ever as carefree as these young ones are? I cannot recall any of it. I remember fighting and training as my first memories. Children playing in the streets, chasing after each other and laughing happily while I trained day and night to become a warrior. I remember envying them, sprinting to their mothers and fathers, being scooped into their arms and hugged tightly. I always wondered what it felt like to be held like that...but I found out life was far harsher, and maybe my mother and father were right. I received love and affection from her and training and torment from him. Aidan thinks as he stares wistfully at the children. He shook his head as the memories faded and returned to walking alongside Story's horse.
He looked up at the red head on the horse and nodded lightly. Unbuckling the latch on his bare and scarred chest, he pulled his sword and scabbard off, handing them to her.
"I trust that no harm will befall that blade here. It's very old and it isn't made form any blacksmith in these parts. I doubt there is another like it anywhere." Aidan said as he looks down at the old but intricately made blade from his long forgotten homeland. I wonder...
No! Best not to think of such things now... Aidan thinks as he shoves the thought away, but not before a hint of pain flashes in his bright blue eyes. Handing his blade away he would turn and survey the rest of the camp, his eyes resting on the purple tents and the Hrystic crest.
"I thank you for your generosity, but I cannot accept handouts. I want to earn my keep if I am to stay here with you for the night. I may not appear to be much, but with some water and decent food. I'll be running circles around your men. Also, if I may I request to sleep outside. I think I am a little more accustomed to doing so, and I would hate to take your bed from you Captain. The one request I do have, is a simple place to wash up." Aidan said and was quite surprised with himself. It was more than he had spoken to anyone in a long time. Why am I so talkative all the sudden? he thinks as he looks back to the captain on her horse and waits to hear what she has to say.
|
|
|
|
Post by Story E. Luminus on May 4, 2014 14:18:51 GMT -6
CPT. STORY EVE LUMINUS There's a fine line. It seemed the man was quite trained in his knowledge of respects. As he undid the buckles that held the blade in place, she saw the old wounds that had long-since healed across his skin. A warrior of old, perhaps. Indeed the sands were a very dangerous place and could only be traveled safely in groups as a caravan or alone as a trained individual. It seemed he was more proven to be the latter. A careful eye would have to be kept on him, that went without saying, but she feared his skill little. Not as an insult to him, of course. The Captain acknowledged the fact that he was more than likely well-versed in the ways of battle - but the air of honesty he held around himself spoke naught of threats. There was little to know worry within her.She reached her gloved hand out, gripping the scabbard of the sword securely and placing it horizontally to lie in her lap. A few men of the camp who were outside casted glances their way, but didn't mind much since the stranger seemed to be in her presence and not off on his own. The Captain was quite obviously highly trusted by the men around. Her chin dipped down slightly in a nod as the man spoke. "No harm will befall it, outsider. I'll keep it in my possession 'til you depart our camp.""I thank you for your generosity, but I cannot accept handouts. I want to earn my keep if I am to stay here with you for the night." The Captain huffed. It was very rare for someone to turn down an offer from an officer that showed kindness and favor towards someone not of their kin. Almost disrespectful... but he wasn't educated in their customs. Earning his keep though - now that sounded down her alley. Ideas started running through her head of different chores that needed doing around the camp. An extra pair of hands was always needed."I may not appear to be much, but with some water and decent food. I'll be running circles around your men." Her brows lowered as she looked back down at him, the horse jostling a bit again beneath her as she clenched her grip tighter towards her chest around the reigns to keep the mustang steady. "Careful, outsider... these men are well-trained. I wouldn't go throwing such words around in your host's camp. Especially in the presence of one who has taken part in training them," she mentioned, a brow raising. Though she hadn't been responsible in all of their basic training, the knights in this squadron specialized under her command as a front-line force against the creatures that lie past the walls of Aster. Aman Arakh and odd things in the sands alike."Also, if I may I request to sleep outside. I think I am a little more accustomed to doing so, and I would hate to take your bed from you Captain. The one request I do have, is a simple place to wash up." Another huff came from her as she looked outwards towards her camp. "Very well, stranger.. a bath tent lies set-up there-," she pointed in the direction, "-the east corner of the camp. Large and low. We've engineers with us from the city.. they've set up pumps to bring water from under the ground. It's neither hot nor cold.. but it serves its purpose; aye? Go. Wash yourself up, gander around the peoples' caravan and the camp, but meet me at my tent by sunset."Story said nothing more, heeling her steed's sides and trotting him towards the opposite end of the camp to leave the outsider trusted and on his own until later that night. | |
(C) ELLIE @ GANGNAM STYLE |
|
