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Post by canislupus on Sept 29, 2012 21:23:56 GMT -5
( Time line note: Spring 657)
This rain is relentless, Justin thought as he listened to the steady pitter patter of rain turn into a true downpour from the shelter of the cave he had s found shelter when he noticed the ominous dark clouds over head.
The short walk he had taken had turned into an over night stay it seemed. Not that this bothers Justin much. Although he had left his trusty mount Moon in the care of a local horse breeder he had known since child hood and therefore most of his supplies were not with him he had taken a small pack with him and it would provide more than enough food for himself and Lupercus, his half wolf companion.
The clothes that he had dressed himself in this morning were those of a simple woodsman and he had left his cloak with his horse, he did have his silver oak leaf concealed in his boot just in case though. He had went on this short scout to replentish the herbs that he had used on his recent travels. Unfortunately, these herbs only grew near this cave in one of the more dangerous and ani-kings law areas of the western wood, thus his strange placement of his oak leaf and the lack of his cloak. Well,perhaps I will take some time to finish crafting that pair boots . I had enough sense to gather firewood before I got rained in here Justin thought as he and Lupercus warmed themselves by the fire and Justin began the makings of a stew in the small pot that he had brought with him. It was a true wilderness stew with bits of carrot and wild onion mixed in with one of the rabbits that had found their way into one of Justin's snares a day earlier. The second one was what his companion was currently feasting on. As, he was adding some spices to the now simmering stew, Lupercus looked up from his meal and began watching the mouth of the cave warily. Justin eased his weapons in their respective sheaths, although the half- wolf seemed more curious than aggressive one could never be to cautious. Caution was how one survived in the wilds after all.
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Kallie
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Posts: 422
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Post by Kallie on Sept 30, 2012 17:55:55 GMT -5
Nissa grumbled as she dashed through the rain. She hated rain, it made one cold and miserable and Nissa was just that. Cold and miserable. She had hidden her quiver of arrows beneath her cloak as well as her bow at the first little sprinkle now however she was sure they were sopping wet just like the rest of her. Rain ran down her face and dripped off her nose. Her blond hair hung down limp, she flicked it out of her face spraying an unfortunate tree with water. She looked around her looking for some kind of shelter.
"Blast this stupid rain! It's ruining my arrows!"
She stopped beneath a tree trying to shield herself from as much rain as possible. There was a cave in this wood somewhere every thief who had connections with higher up bandits and the like knew that. Course Nissa also known as Mouse didn't have any connections she had over heard and gone looking for the cave herself. She had found it and used it when she could. She saw a familiar landmark and struck out in the right direction dodging from tree to tree more for protection from the rain than to keep from being seen. After several minutes she finally made it, without a thought she entered the cave and stopped short. There was someone already here, it was a man by the look of it, she didn't like men, and he had a wolf with him. Nissa just stood there in the entrance dripping from head to toe and panting slightly, her body tense waiting for either the man or the wolf to attack her or both. Her hand twitched slightly, she had a dagger in her boot she wouldn't hesitate to use it if it saved her life.
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Post by canislupus on Sept 30, 2012 21:22:08 GMT -5
Nissa just stood there in the entrance dripping from head to toe and panting slightly, her body tense waiting for either the man or the wolf to attack her or both. Her hand twitched slightly, she had a dagger in her boot she wouldn't hesitate to use it if it saved her life.
Justin gave the girl a once over. She was small barly clearing five feet tale, by his estimation. This one looks like she can handle herself well, and it seems she isn't to trusting either, Justin thought as he noticed her twitch toward her dagger and her body tense as she saw him and Lupercus. Justin glanced toward his companion. The half-wolf was eyeing the girl with mild suspicion, but he did that almost everyone. And Justin's own instincts told him that the girl was simply looking for a place to shelter from the storm outside. But even if she was here for some other reason, e couldn't very well just turn her away, not in this kind of weather. He had been wet and cold all to often to wish it on anyone else. " You can come in, if you wish miss. You are welcome to the fire and some of this stew too.", Justin said with a small smile.
Gesturing toward his half-wolf companion he said" And don't worry about mt friend here. He is better behaved than any noble I have met, given that isn't very hard to do since most of them are lazy pigs. But you don't have to worry about him so the dagger in your boot shouldn't be needed. Oh. and I am Justin by the way" Justin finished as he moved his longbow and arrows over so that the girl could sit and dry herself by the fire.
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Kallie
Apprentice Messenger
Posts: 422
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Post by Kallie on Oct 1, 2012 18:18:05 GMT -5
" You can come in, if you wish miss. You are welcome to the fire and some of this stew too.", Justin said with a small smile.
Gesturing toward his half-wolf companion he said" And don't worry about mt friend here. He is better behaved than any noble I have met, given that isn't very hard to do since most of them are lazy pigs. But you don't have to worry about him so the dagger in your boot shouldn't be needed. Oh. and I am Justin by the way" Justin finished as he moved his longbow and arrows over so that the girl could sit and dry herself by the fire.
Nissa eyed him suspiciously. She was put even more on guard when he mentioned the dagger in her boot. This man was obviously not someone to be trifled with. She would have to watch herself with this one, she smiled slightly at his jibe about nobles it was all to true. She simply nodded and slipped quietly closer to the fire keeping the man and the whatever animal it was in her line of vision. She didn't sit by the fire or by him she made sure she was on the opposite side from him, she angled herself so that half her back faced a solid wall and the other half faced the entrance. She was no fool, slowly she brought out her bow which was rather damp. She set it at her feet then brought her arrows out from under her cloak, the feathers were a darker red color than normal and looked very raggedy from the water. She sighed inwardly she would have to dry them out thoroughly and test them to make sure they shot straight. She took off her cloak feeling as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders it was so wet, she did her best to wring out the water away from the fire. The fire was warm and the soup smelled good her stomach rumbled betraying her hunger. Keeping her face neutral she sat down but in such a way as that if needed she could get up within a matter of seconds, she wondered if she should even try the soup. She didn't trust strangers and naturally wouldn't really accept food from them. But then again why would he poison his own food when he didn't know he was going to have company? While she thought about this she un-did her archers guard and laid it in front of the fire to dry as well. She finally looked up at the stranger and studied him not caring that she wasn't being subtle. He looked pretty average, but there was something about him, something familiar that she couldn't quite place. There was something about him that put her on edge and she couldn't quite put her finger on it. Perhaps it was his pet, or his weapons. His weapons! Thats what it was! He had a long bow just like every ranger and hunter she knew thats what she didn't like, his long bow. Of course she couldn't really judge to harshly he might not even be a ranger just a hunter he certainly looked like just a woodsmen but she had seem plenty of rangers to know what they generally looked like and on an average day with out those stupid cloaks they looked like an average hunter. She kept her expression bored so that he couldn't guess what she was thinking.
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Post by canislupus on Oct 1, 2012 19:08:24 GMT -5
She didn't sit by the fire or by him she made sure she was on the opposite side from him, she angled herself so that half her back faced a solid wall and the other half faced the entrance. She was no fool,
Justin noticed the way the girl carried herself and how she placed herself in a position where if she was attacked she could flee or respond in kind with equal ease. This girl is obviously no ordinary traveler. Well, I have nothing to steal so, if she is a bandit of some sort she is out of luck and if she is a local scout or guide I can't seem to place her, Justin thought as he watch the girl move and take her seat. He heard her stomach growl a bit and noticed her looking at the stew with mild suspicion Very cautious,this girl. Still pretty though for all that , Justin thought smiling a bit as he tried the stew with a wooden spoon to show that is wasn't poisoned. " You are welcome to some of this if you want," Justin said and glancing down at the arrows he added" Also, if you need to refletch those I can provide you with the glue and stuff you need. I always keeps some of that stuff with me, I tend to ruin fletching quite a bit for some reason." Justin finished as he extended a bowl with a spoon in it to the girl.
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Kallie
Apprentice Messenger
Posts: 422
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Post by Kallie on Oct 1, 2012 20:23:33 GMT -5
" You are welcome to some of this if you want," Justin said and glancing down at the arrows he added" Also, if you need to refletch those I can provide you with the glue and stuff you need. I always keeps some of that stuff with me, I tend to ruin fletching quite a bit for some reason." Justin finished as he extended a bowl with a spoon in it to the girl.
After a moment or two hesitation and debate she eventually took the bowl of soup. She was hungry and like she had assumed earlier. Why would he poison his food when he didn't know there would be company. Besides she had watched him the entire time since she had entered the cave he hadn't put anything in it. She blew on a spoonful and took a tentative sip. It was really good.
"No I don' t need anything for my arrows. They're fine." out of habit she didn't add any thanks yous. besides she still didn't trust the man.
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Post by canislupus on Oct 1, 2012 20:33:04 GMT -5
No I don' t need anything for my arrows. They're fine." out of habit she didn't add any thanks yous. besides she still didn't trust the man. The girl was still on edge for some reason. Perhaps if I try and make some small talk she will relax a bit,Justin thought. "Alright then. By the by it looks like we are going to be stuck here for a bit, Justin said as the rain increased, Might I ask your name?" He could see the girl still didn't trust him,so he was trying to make small talk to put her at ease.
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Kallie
Apprentice Messenger
Posts: 422
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Post by Kallie on Oct 2, 2012 8:21:57 GMT -5
"Alright then. By the by it looks like we are going to be stuck here for a bit, Justin said as the rain increased, Might I ask your name?" He could see the girl still didn't trust him,so he was trying to make small talk to put her at ease.
Nissa looked up from the fire having finished her soup and looked out the cave entrance. She cursed under her breath she didn't want to spend anymore time here. She wanted to go home she had a hideout on the far side of the forest nice and hidden. Her eyes swung back to him.
"No you may not."
She wasn't stupid enough to give a complete stranger her name. There was always the chance that he was a ranger and rangers hardly forget names she was going to have a hard time of avoiding him for the rest of her life so he wouldn't recognize her face should he ever come looking for her to turn her in. She grinned to herself three barons in three different fiefs already had it out for her. She was no longer welcome in Sea cliff, Marshwood, or what was the other name? She couldn't remember, oh well. She looked back out into the pouring rain, should she just press on? She was already wet what was a little more water gunna hurt?
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Post by canislupus on Oct 3, 2012 22:13:29 GMT -5
(OOC Note: Feel free to write your next post so that Nissa sensed the spear coming and got out of the way. I just thought that it would be interesting for her, if a Ranger helped her. Although, she doesn’t know that Justin is a Ranger, yet.)
"No you may not."
Well, at least I tried , Justin thought as the girl shot him a look and refused to give her name. “Well, have it your w—“ , Justin began, he stopped short and his eyes narrowed as he hand flashed with blinding speed to his belt where his hawk was hanging from his belt, taking the weapon from his belt he threw it in one smooth motion, almost directly at Nissa where is promptly collided with a metallic clang against a barbed spear that had come through the entrance of the cave. A gruff, raspy voice echoed off of the cave walls coming from somewhere outside in the pounding rain “We know that yer in there. This is our forest and you never paid tha’ toll to pass through it. Either give us yer valuables or we will hang yer filthy carcasses in the trees, so tha’ crows can feast on your eyes.”
Of all the times. Right now, really? [i/] Justin though sighing slightly as he walked over and retrieved his hawk. “Well, it seems the small talk has been interrupted, even though it was kinda one sided”, Justin added with a rueful grin. “Well, I don’t know how many of them are out there or if they found the secondary entrances, but there is another way out or we and stay and fight if you prefer. Unless, you want to give them all of your valuables and probably your clothes too” Justin said, as he began to pack up his belongings and began to rig up a surprise for the first of the men who came through the entrance to the cave and waited for the girl to make her decision.
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Kallie
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Posts: 422
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Post by Kallie on Oct 7, 2012 16:42:42 GMT -5
Nissa saw his hand go down to his belt and sensed something coming at her, very neatly she dropped and rolled twice the rolled to her feet. As she went she grabbed the dagger from her boot. She looked at the spear and raised an eyebrow.
We know that yer in there. This is our forest and you never paid tha’ toll to pass through it. Either give us yer valuables or we will hang yer filthy carcasses in the trees, so tha’ crows can feast on your eyes.”
She sighed and rolled her eyes. She ignored the man with the wolf and set her hands on her hips the dagger in her left fist. "Well thats rich coming from someone who was almost crow meat himself." she retorted. "And he don't have no valuables. So go away." the man outside was part of a band of bandits there were only five of them and Braxton Kinderhook known as Tick to most bandits 'lead' them. He was decent with a spear and not bad with a sword but very lousy with a bow. Some months back she had been a part of their group she had left not liking being under someones authority. They were under a mutual agreement she had saved his life and he let her do what she wanted within reason until he replied in kind. She wasn't stupid she simply didn't infringe on his territory merely passed through it.
"Mouse? It can't be ye can it?"
"It can. I see your grammar hasn't improved much."
He gave a gravelly chuckle and he and his band minus two entered the cave.
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Post by canislupus on Oct 10, 2012 20:44:23 GMT -5
( OOC: Sorry about the wait for the post. I had alot of my plate this week in school. ) "Mouse? It can't be ye can it?"
"It can. I see your grammar hasn't improved much.Justin an eye brow slightly. Well, I knew she wasn't your average traveler. It appears I wasn't mistaken. Good thing I don't have anything worth stealing though, Justin thought with a rueful grin as the bandits entered the cave. " Aye,well there init much user fer grammar when yer stealin' ', Braxton sated as he walked into the cave" Speaking of stealin' what are ye doin' in these parts ye got a job goin' ?" " And what do you know of this guy? "Braxton asked gesturing toward Justin and adding " He don't it right with me fer sum reason." as he finished this he spat in Justin's general direction. Earning a growl from Lupe.
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Kallie
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Posts: 422
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Post by Kallie on Oct 12, 2012 17:30:00 GMT -5
" Aye,well there init much user fer grammar when yer stealin' ', Braxton sated as he walked into the cave" Speaking of stealin' what are ye doin' in these parts ye got a job goin' ?" " And what do you know of this guy? "Braxton asked gesturing toward Justin and adding " He don't it right with me fer sum reason." as he finished this he spat in Justin's general direction. Earning a growl from Lupe.
Nissa cocked her head to one side one eyebrow raised then she shrugged. Braxton Laughed. "I fergit how silent you are Mouse!" Once again she shrugged but felt there was a need for elaboration.
"I'm just passing through. I don't know him, all I know is that he doesn't have anything valuable although you could try the soup it is pretty good."
Braxton regarded the pot with new interest he was always hungry. "Better than yours?"
Nissa simply nodded, she looked back outside to the falling rain wondering if she should just leave the man to his own devices. Like Braxton there was something about him that didn't seem quite right.
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Post by canislupus on Oct 16, 2012 14:48:37 GMT -5
Nissa simply nodded, she looked back outside to the falling rain wondering if she should just leave the man to his own devices. Like Braxton there was something about him that didn't seem quite right.
Justin smiled a bit at her nod. It wasn't an smug smile or anything of that sort, he genuinely please that she seemed to like his cooking. I haven't cooked for anyone, but me and Lupe in awhile. It is good to hear it still tastes good at least. Justin thought as he got up and reached for the soup bowl to hand to the bandit.He might be a thief, but I guess they have to eat too, Justin thought as he did this he didn't notice the silver oak leaf that worked its way out of a hole in his boot and ended up on the floor.
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Kallie
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Posts: 422
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Post by Kallie on Oct 16, 2012 20:55:22 GMT -5
"So Mouse what ye been up to?" Mouse shrugged. "Still silent huh?" once again she shrugged and bent down to look at her cloak when something shiny caught her eye. She stared at it for half a minute there glinting in the fire light was a sliver oak leaf. It had come out of the mans boot. She knew that symbol every thief did it was a ranger Symbol this was no simple traveler this was a ranger! She thought his long bow had been a little suspicious now she realized why! She straightened and glared at Justin coldly.
"Don't take the stew from him. He;s a ranger. He's tricked us all!"
Braxton Pulled back his hands. "Are Ye sure Mouse?"
She nodded. "Look" She pointed to the symbol she hated most in this world. They grouped together and glared at him.
"Thought you could get away with it did ye?" asked Braxton pulling out his sword. She laid a hand on his arm.
"Careful Tick h e has a wolf with him." They looked at the wolf a little more cautious of there aggressiveness toward the man.
"What are ye doing in the woods ranger?" he spat the word.
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Post by canislupus on Oct 23, 2012 20:15:23 GMT -5
What are ye doing in the woods ranger?" he spat the word.
He says woods like he owns them or something Justin thought rolling his eyes a bit at the mans attitude. " Well, I like most people am doing what ever the hell I want to. Not that it is any business of yours,but I am gathering a few herbs I ran out of.", Justin said. He hadn't had a problem with sharing a bit of soup with the man, but this sudden shift in his attitude was really making Justin start to dislike the man.
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