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Post by Geraldine Killian on Sept 6, 2014 21:34:39 GMT -6
Geraldine's own blood boiled. She hadn't eliminated that possibility... but if she were to be honest, they had kept careful tabs of the highways because of caravan traffic, to limit the possibility of poaching. If Sulwyn were from one of those caravans... and they had been the ones to treat her so poorly, they had walked away free men.
They should have chopped off their legs at the knee and made them crawl back to their godless kin on the sands, leaving a red slug trail the whole way!
She kept these thoughts carefully under wraps all the same. It wasn't something to be proud of, her vengeful hatred of the caravans. And truly, it was those who supplied the caravans with the equipment to black market things that made her just as angry if not more so. Wagons with secret compartments; cages that hid metal from the magnets they used... she had also heard that there had been illegal pharmaceuticals coming in by being hidden INSIDE people... though she wasn't sure how that would work, and again, wasn't sure she wanted to...
But to be born blessed... What an honor...
"We've been looking for her kinfolk, but haven't found any. We're actually going to present her to the Rose and see if she can take on training there. Though, I don't think it will work out the way father expects it to. You see, my mother was nearly a priestess of the Rose. She failed to ever receive a gift from Orik, so she was never a full fledged Priestess, but she learned all the rituals and the rights... Sulwyn can neither speak fluently nor read... and has little hope of being self sufficient. I don't think they're going to accept her into their fold. Not yet. She... she eats and sleeps like a dog or a pet rather than a person... I think the transition would be difficult for her. But it's not for me to decide in any case. If she stays in our province, she is in my care. If she goes to the Rose, she is in Orik's."
She blinked and glanced up at the unlikely pair before her. "... So... what's it like? I mean... I've heard of being blessed in many ways... but ... Well, nothing of the sort runs in my family... Actually, kind of the opposite... at least as far as four generations back, we've had no blessings... I'm a little curious... Someone very dear to me was blessed, but he carried it like a curse. Said he ... hated it and hid it so he wouldn't be asked to go to the Rose for training."
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Post by Douken Sota on Sept 11, 2014 21:45:27 GMT -6
"Don't say little hope!" Douken swiftly barked back, hearing Gerdaline's worry about the one she called Sulwyn's planned training. "I told you she was not broken into their mold, so recovery into our normal sense of the world will be much easier. Trust me, I have seen many whose mentality have fallen so low that they only work by being commanded. If you are going to care for her, you need to take her off of that path of being a pet or a doll!"
Sitting back, he took a moment to catch his breath, staring up at the sky. From the time he left to when he got to the gate for inspection, a lot of time had past. Having to wait for the Shield ate up more time, considering he ha to wait further than any other trader. The sky was starting to grow orange with the sun setting. They had to make camp soon...
Gerdaline's words broke his focus though as she asked about his gift. "Well, one with a physical change like mine does stand out a bit, which can be good and bad of itself. I mean, a fox riding a kath as a trader does stand out, so it makes for interesting business relationships, but at the same time, standing out can be a huge hindrance. I mean, some don't take me serious enough for my look, and if rumor started spreading about a bad deal, I am easy to spot and avoid. Still, you can't label every gift as good or bad. Orik simply hopes that his gift will help other flourish."
Looking around at the woods, Douken gave a quick yip, causing the kath to stop immediately. "We should be getting ready to camp. There is a good spot off the road to set up. I am sure a hunter like yourself is fine with some off-road walking, no?" With a couple more, the kath began to move again, this time heading for a break in the trees and into the woodlands.
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Post by Geraldine Killian on Sept 14, 2014 9:51:54 GMT -6
Geraldine glanced up at the sky. She noticed a while ago that it was getting dark. However... She wouldn't be resting tonight. Not with those things still out there somewhere. But that's no reason to burden the merchant. She followed him quietly, her mind rolling back to Sulwyn since she absolutely did not want to think about those god killers.
"I meant for her to go to the Rose and start acting like a priestess all of a sudden. She doesn't even act like a little girl most times. Would be difficult to expect her to suddenly be able to do everything."
The heralds of the night began not long after she stepped into the forest. The sounds of the creatures getting ready to sleep from the day and the night creatures coming out to hunt and do their own things echoed through the trees as life continued on despite everything that had happened. The world was mad, sometimes. Or maybe it was just apathetic to the stress and trauma of humans. That would make sense.
Geraldine wasn't sure if it would be safe to sleep out here. But spring was almost over and the Kath shouldn't be hunting at night. Particularly this close to the road.
She let Douken guide her as she was silent. The kath had the front of the cart and it was unlikely they'd chance upon anything that could attack them. Geraldine would protect from the rear, and sleep when they got to their destination. Tonight was going to be a long night, indeed.
The young woman kept a hand on her sword, just in case.
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Post by Douken Sota on Sept 24, 2014 21:55:06 GMT -6
"Well, if what you say is true, then you need to slowly break her out of those animal habits. Change how you reward good deeds and how you do bad. Breaking her into a more human routine will help aid in recovery. Still, I think if you are with her, she is in good hands for the transition."
As the group continued forward, they hit a small break from the thick forest, the moon breaking through the leafy walls with the array of stars glimmering overhead. It was almost instinct now that when they got there, the kath would back the cart up against a pair of trees before Douken went over and undid the straps against her stomach. Being freed once more, she gave herself a long stretch before running into the woods for a moment.
"Don't mind her. She enjoys a fresh kill over chilled meat any day," Douken stated as he opened up a small compartment on the side, pulling out a sleeping bag for his size before looking at Geraldine. Knowing her duty, she will most likely stay up, but will she at least be warm? Thinking for another moment, he scurried back it no his cart before looking through his fabrics, holding them up and feeling their thickness to get a good idea, not caring if she could she or not.
However, as he sorted through the goods, he came across a small piece, muttering to himself, "I wonder if she would like this?"
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Post by Geraldine Killian on Oct 1, 2014 20:46:42 GMT -6
"Well, if what you say is true, then you need to slowly break her out of those animal habits. Change how you reward good deeds and how you do bad. Breaking her into a more human routine will help aid in recovery. Still, I think if you are with her, she is in good hands for the transition."
Geraldine held her tongue. This man didn't know her father at all... or how "human discipline" had been handled in her house... Perhaps it would be best for Sulwyn to be displaced from her home. It definitely wasn't a "nurturing" type environment.
Geraldine reached for an arrow as the Kath disappeared but when Douken assured her this was typical behavior and not indication of a nearby threat, like the alert a hound gives to unfamiliar approachers, she relaxed her arm. There were many things she didn't understand about this merchant... but she knew what she needed to do... She stepped over to the lining of trees and studied the ground and the branches. There wasn't a sign of kath brutes lingering in the treetops, so they were probably safe from that, but that didn't mean this wasn't a predator's territory. Studying the ground she found tracks of wolf packs having traveled through before, but with the scent of a kath nearby they'd be unlikely to return any time soon. Strangely, there wasn't any sign of dear in this area. The trees still had their bark and the grass was lush and full.
"...there won't be much big game in this area. Though I'm not sure why... unless we're in the territory of a Queen. A wolf pack passed by here not long ago... but they usually avoid the scent of kath. There's no sign of brute hunting either. I'd say we're ok for the night, but we should move on by daybreak. Head back to the path. Keep the flame low. It attracts unwanted company."
She strode around outside the circle of trees in a widening spiral, deliberately scattering dried leaves and laying brittle branches about to alert her to anything she might not see sneaking around out here. Then inside the circle she leaned her back against a tree and began setting out her weapons. A hunting blade with her family crest on it and a green pommel stone, her quiver and bow, and a long blade bestowed on her as a Guardian Shield, which she began to clean and sharpen with a whetstone that had been in the bottom of her quiver. She had settled in for the night. There would be no rest for her.
"...You should get some rest. You'll probably have a busy day tomorrow. Do what you need to, of course. Fill your belly. Check your items. But don't unload more than you need. I don't want to be here when we're visible, so I want us to be able to pack up quickly." She stopped for a moment and looked up, sniffing. "...It will rain soon." She then bent her head back over her blade and continued her work on it.
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Post by Douken Sota on Oct 6, 2014 22:27:10 GMT -6
With his ears moving back and forth as he shuffled through the collection of items he had on hand,listening to the terrain around them. While Gerdaline had tracking abilities, Douken's large fox ears would help him hear any type of immediate threat. "There is a den not too far from here," he told her, picking up a large, thick blue cloth bundled up, "but most travelers who know of this camp are already aware of it and bring protection anyways. With Starr around, we won't need to worry."
Hopping out of the cart, he walked over to her, the bundled cloth in hand before placing it before her. "It gets cold at night here. If you want a low fire, you should use this to keep warm. Getting sick is not fun." Thinking about his personal supplies, he figured he should stock up on some medicine while he was in town.
With the blanket handed, the foxfolk scurried back to the cart before pulling another thing out and running back. This time, it was a sheathed blade a few inches longer and taller than a typical dagger. "Take this as my payment. I would feel guilty if I did not repay you for your services, even if Shield was paying you for this as well. If I see it back in the cart come morning, I will be a sad merchant. Well, good night!"
AS he crawled himself into his small sleeping bag, the kath returned with prey in jaw before setting it down and began nourishing herself. If during that time Gerdaline went to examine what he gave her, she would see it was a carving knife made from Damascus steel; a solid blade that swirled with light and dark colored metals. The fabric he also offered was thick, but soft.
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Post by Geraldine Killian on Oct 6, 2014 23:43:55 GMT -6
With his ears moving back and forth as he shuffled through the collection of items he had on hand,listening to the terrain around them. While Gerdaline had tracking abilities, Douken's large fox ears would help him hear any type of immediate threat. "There is a den not too far from here," he told her, picking up a large, thick blue cloth bundled up, "but most travelers who know of this camp are already aware of it and bring protection anyways. With Starr around, we won't need to worry."
So that was the power of a gift from the gods... it was truly a wonderful thing. He could tell there was a den nearby for certain when all she could do was guess from the evidence around her. However... even so... "As much as I trust that Starr is a strong young lady... I don't think she's going to be able to protect us from a Queen, her Princess and all their ladies."
He seemed unworried about the dangers of the forest after dark and approached her with a fabric in his hand, she set her sword asside for a moment to give him her attention and was surprised at what he said.
"It gets cold at night here. If you want a low fire, you should use this to keep warm. Getting sick is not fun."
She considered his kindness carefully as she ran her calloused, rough fingers over the fabric. It was a nice gift. She would return it in the morning, but for now... she cloaked it around her shoulders and was about to resume working on her blade when he returned to her side. He spoke of payment and feeling guilty... Foolishness. She was a Guardian Shield, and had a long family history within the military of Domhan Tir. She knew what was her duty. What was expected of her was to do this even if she was not being paid at all. She was keeping the peace and order and protecting the land she had always loved.
Yet as she looked at the knife it hypnotized her. It was beautiful... a rare swirl in the metal captured and kept her attention as she tilted it in the low light. If only all outside materials were as simple but beautiful as this... maybe then her job would not be so hazardous... her mind drifted back to the day she slayed her uncle over the forbidden technology he'd smuggled in. So much blood spilled... and over what? Because people wanted to make a profit... and healing was something everyone wanted.
She settled in to do her job and continued working with her blade. However, sometime during the night, the wind through the trees had lulled her into a soft sleep.
She leaned her head back against the tree trunk, just resting her eyes for a moment. And then, as clearly as if she were awake... she was back in that horrible nightmare...
She was in the forests, lilies in her hair, long braid just as she had worn on her birthday of coming of age. She was once again heading up that path... the path to the cottage, where her innocence lay slain.
She stopped at the foot of the hill, as always, and looked up at it. The red haired huntress remembered the closed shutters and the billowing smoke... the water wheel in the stream and the creaking it made... the small dock at the foot of the hill where a rowboat was docked, leaky and full of mold. There in front of the cottage was the stump that had served as a chopping block. The blood flowed from the chopping block to her feet, her little bare toes painted with the crimson of sin. Though the head was gone from her sight, the meaning was still there. She stepped past it toward the path to the door, her little bare feet making bloody footprints all the while, sticking with the fresh blood who's source was never seen. When she was at the bottom step, the door creaked open to reveal the ghostly and withered form of her aunt, dark hair flying about her like cobwebs, eyes sunken and hollow... one grisly, claw like hand reaching for her...
Geraldine woke with a start as lightning licked across the sky and she gripped her sword tightly. It was starting to sputter rain... but that wasn't what concerned her. Her emerald eyes darted about nervously. How long had she been out?
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Post by Douken Sota on Oct 7, 2014 21:05:38 GMT -6
As night pulled on, the small foxfolk snoozing away, the kath watched over the sight along with the huntress who stared at the metal as if it was entrancing her. Aside from the light breeze and the small pops in the fire, the night was really quiet as her fur glowed the same way as the night sky. However, as the hours passed, the kath looked over and saw the woman nod off, letting nature take hold and lulling her asleep. With the two humans out, the job was left to the nocturnal predator to keep watch if anything approached. Luckily for them, the night stayed in its tranquil state.
With morning soon on the rise, a couple drops fell onto Douken's face, stirring him from his slumber. With a long yawn, he picked up his head before looking around. With a quick chip to the kath as a morning gesture, he turned to see Gerdaline, sleeping away, murruring under her breath. With a slight smile, he went to work cleaning up the sight.
The sky flashed, which soon followed with the rattle of the blade as it was collected from the huntress, suddenly coming to. "Ah. you're awake!" Douken commented, back inside the cart, straightening up the goods. Though the clouds covered the sky, the greyness revealed that morning had come. "Would of thought I had to put you in here until you awoke. Though I guess from your mumbling, it wasn't a fun dream..." Thunder soon rang through the woodlands after the flash, causing the merchant to perk his head up. "The storm is almost right on top of us. No time for breakfast! Think you can help me with the canopy so we can go on our way? Town's not that far ahead."
With Gerdaline's help, the tarp was tightened over the goods as the rain started to pick up. Strapping Starr back as the puller, he hopped back on. "I think the closest town is only an hour's pull from here. If we are lucky, we can get get a room before it gets heavier." With a quick bark, the kath was once again on her way.
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Post by Geraldine Killian on Oct 15, 2014 23:28:32 GMT -6
The Kath lead the way and the Shield brought up the rear. But her mind was not on the path ahead. She had her head turned three quarters most of the time and had one eye glanced behind her. Her instincts were on edge. They were close to a village, sure, but it wasn't the one they'd been headed for. Technically her task still would not be done.
Her breath was fogging up the air in front of her. True to the misty mountain mornings, it was cooler here near the base of the mountain range that seemed to dance across most of Domhan Tir. It was sharp and crisp... and though the sun was up, the mountain's shadow and the tree's leaves still blocked out the harshest sunlight.
Her hair, now wet and flat, seemed almost the color of blood as she stepped forward through the muck and mire in her boots. She might have seemed to an approacher more like some kind of phantom wraith with her scar on her eye and her eerie coloring.
Still she was quiet and stoic. This time for a different reason than any discomfort.
They were becoming more and more apparent... signs of hunts crossing the path... Kath and wolf alike... they were being driven out from the denser forests... meaning one of two things.
Something had frightened them... or something had depleted their safer supplies of food...
Neither idea was good for the travelers. Geraldine didn't know if this were connected to the creatures that had appeared or not... but there was a faint metallic sweet smell on the wind when it went just the right direction. She was concerned about it. However, as long as they kept moving forward, it would be alright.
"...Do not stop the cart until we reach the village. For anything. No excuses." She pulled an arrow and her bow out and notched it, pulling it gently as she stepped just off the path, keeping herself where she could see the cart but where it was more difficult to see her... and where she could get a better look at tracks and other markings in the forest.
The closer they got to the village... the more signs of struggle she found.
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