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Post by Brandwyn on Jan 15, 2010 16:46:10 GMT -5
(OOC: *Private: This thread is open to Edwynus and Shanna)
Shanna sought out Crowley just as soon as they got back to the castle. The place was in an uproar and she found Crowley surrounded by people, most notably and very upset Princess Cassandra with Sir Horace hovering nearby.
The ball had ended and people were being questioned and detained and starting to get angry. “What on earth is going on?” Shanna asked as much to herself as Edwynus, not expecting him to answer. A Baron standing next to her turned to stare at her in amazement.
“Didn’t you hear? The King has been kidnapped! Right out of his own castle under everyone’s noses!” The man sounded like it was the most marvelous thing he had ever heard.
Shanna stared at him in amazement for a moment and then frowned at his attitude. It wasn’t her place to order the nobility around though so she just bowed and thanked him and squeezed in through the crowd to get to Crowley, pulling Edwynus along with her. Those she could pull rank on who were in her way she ordered back unless they had something useful to impart.
As they got nearer, Sir Horace suddenly took the situation to hand and began to set the place in order, devising an orderly way to interview everyone and those eliminated as suspects were escorted out the front gate, their names noted in case they needed to be questioned later.
Shanna got drafted into crowd control along with most every ranger who hadn’t been set a task yet, so she still hadn’t been able to report to Crowley. She fretted that the assassins may have been behind it, though that wouldn’t fit their usual method of operation. Finally she got a chance to pull Crowley to the side and told him about the assassin and his suicide.
Crowley escorted them back to his office on the 2nd floor and shut the door behind him. He sat down at his desk and put his elbows on it and rested his head in his hands, giving a great sigh of defeat. “How could this happen? I will never forgive myself if something happens to him… Why didn’t I see something was happening?”
Shanna walked over and laid her hand on his shoulder. “It isn’t your fault, Sir. They had to have had some connections and been extremely well-organized to pull this off. From what I heard they must have done so when you were dealing with Muse’s cousin’s poisoning.” He didn’t seem too convinced. “What you need to do now, Sir, is focus on how to get him back – alive.”
Crowley looked up at her, near tears. She had never seen the ranger Commandant in such a state. She noticed his years were really beginning to show on him, even though she still considered him to be the strongest ranger in the Corps. She glanced at Edwynus worriedly when he looked back down and said, “yes, I suppose so. Need to focus…”
Shanna patted him on the back and then sat down in the chair facing his desk. “The Assassin’s Guild could have been providing a distraction and working with whomever it was that took the King. I couldn’t determine from the tracks or anything in the building where exactly they may have gone, but one of the assassins was still there and alive and he was spouting off riddles.” She shoved the parchment over to Crowley upon which she had recorded everything the Assassin had said. “I would send someone to Morgarath’s Plateau and to Gorlon to check them out, if I were you.”
Crowley read over the ramblings of the assassin and asked a few questions and made some more notes. “I take it you have a request for a different assignment? You want to search for the King?” Many rangers had already requested that and Crowley had turned most of them down. Halt was heading up the search and Crowley knew the rangers were going to have their hands full keeping order in their fiefs once word got out that the King was missing.
Shanna shook her head, surprising him. “Actually Sir, I have another task I would like to undertake, since I am not assigned to a specific fief right now anyway. You remember Edwynus here?” Crowley nodded and smiled at the young man, a weary but warm smile, wondering what was going on. “Well,” Shanna continued, “His village was burned and his parents murdered several years ago by a knight and he was saved by a ranger who spirited him away from the village right after he—“ Shanna hesitated a moment and looked to Edwynus for approval, “After he witnessed their deaths at the hands of this knight and his henchmen.” Shanna let that sink in and then said, “He had been told that it was the ranger that had killed them, but since then he has had some dreams and memories surface that contradict that story. But you should hear it from him.” Shanna motioned Edwynus to come and sit down in the chair next to her.
“Why don’t you tell him what you remember, Edwynus?” She asked him gently. “Don’t forget that coat of arms too. We may be able to track down who it was from that.”
Crowley turned to look expectantly at Edwynus, at least this took his mind off the King for a few minutes when he couldn’t really do much until the interviews were completed or Halt found something. He waited for Edwynus to tell him about his village.
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Post by edwynus on Jan 15, 2010 17:18:50 GMT -5
Edwynus took a deep breath. He looked at Shanna a moment as he realized this why he was here.
Sir.. Excellency.." He stumbled for a moment. "My parents were murdered by a man wearing a black leather armor, The man had a crest on his sword. It was a red raven carrying a snake. I saw him order several men to kill my parents, a ranger was there, he saved my life... My parents.. step parents, told me that Ranger said a ranger has killed my parents." Edwynus wasnt sure what that meant.
He paused again, and carefully closed his eyes and started from the beginning of his nightmare. He felt a mixture of confusion, guilt, and some anger begin to fester as he finished reliving his nightmare. He felt Shanna's gaze on him as she watched him relay the story.
"The ranger was a male, almost without question. My stepparents both said it was a he, and his whisper in my ear confirmed it. Sir Crowley, I want to find that ranger and ask what was so important that my parents lives had to be sacrificed." He looked at Shanna with moist eyes, wiping them dry.
"Shanna has been instrumental in helping me with these details, we figured that if there was some villian knight or rogue ranger, that you might know of it. I am just a lowly forester, milord, But i owe it to my parents to clear their deaths and my concience of this horrid nightmare." He looked into Crowleys eyes a moment as he knew he was watching his every move.
"Sir, I dont have much, but Shanna has opened doors in my life, that i am coming to you. Let me know what you know. If there is anything that might give us some direction, the crest, the mans discription." He cursed himself that he couldnt have seen the Ranger stealthly behind him in his nightmare, just the iron grasp restraining his young frame, and the whispered whip of a voice to stay silent.
Edwynus bowed his head a bit in a pause. "If you know anything, I vow my service to you and the rangers in return for clarity of thought." He looked at Shanna, his heart jumped a beat. She was beautiful and caring, but this was something that he had to do. He had to finish this task. Then, maybe then, he would ask Shanna...
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Post by Brandwyn on Jan 16, 2010 21:09:45 GMT -5
Crowley looked at Edwynus thoughtfully for a moment, strumming his fingers on his chin in though. He asked how long ago it was and what village, then he stood up and went over to a door and opened up a room that housed racks of books bound in hard leather covers. They were dated by year and location from what Shanna could tell.
Crowley searched through them for a moment and pulled one out, flipped through the pages for a moment, shook his head and replaced it. He pulled out the one next to it, nodded and then returned to his desk. He thumbed to a specific section and read for a moment in silence, searching through the pages rather rapidly.
Shanna could make out that the book was handwritten and obviously done in different people’s handwriting. Suddenly it dawned on her that these were ranger’s reports. All bound together by year and location. She glanced back at the next room in awe. She would love to get in there and read through those books. She couldn’t imagine the history they must contain.
“Ah… here it is.” Crowley said and tapped a page with his forefinger. The local ranger of your fief at the time, Karl Goodbread, sent in this report right after your village was burned. It was his last report. He disappeared and has never been found. We sent another ranger to find him at the time, but they didn’t turn up anything. He tells of your parents though, Edwynus.” Crowley looked up at him, hesitant to read the passage aloud.
He decided the young man would want to know, though, so he began to read, “‘I found his lair in the Teutlandt Mountains and saw what he was up to. The weapon he is building is terrifying and must be destroyed. I managed to steal a key component, but was nearly caught. I have been running ever since. I was chased for weeks and took refuge in a small village once back in Araluen. A local farm family took me in and hid me from his men. Unfortunately they paid for their kindness with their lives. I managed to save their young boy though and have given him over to another couple to raise. I did not tell them much about his parents for fear the villain will come after the boy and kill him. He burned the village to the ground and I fear took many of the townsmen as slaves. He had over 30 men, all armed and well-organized. I do not know who he is, but he seems to be building an army for some purpose and he is holding a grudge against Araluen. He carries a sword with a crest on the hilt of red raven carrying a snake. He also has a Saxe knife, throwing daggers and a ranger cloak. I do not believe him to be a knight, in spite of the fact he commands those men. I think he may be a ranger gone bad. He must be stopped before he completes the weapon. Right now I carry the key component, and the weapon will not work without it, if I understand the construction correctly. If completed the weapon has the potential to kill dozens of people at once. I must stop him but I cannot be caught. He must not get his hands on this piece of the weapon and I dare not hide it where he might find it. This will be my last report for some time as I am going into hiding…’ That is it for that report.” Crowley said and looked up at Edwynus again.
“I am sorry there is not more. Once we get the King back, I can spend some time looking through these archives and might be able to find some more reports from Karl. “He then looked at Shanna who was itching to get her hands on the journal. “These are for the Ranger Commandant only, Shanna, so don’t even ask.” He smiled as her face fell and shook his head. She wasn’t the only ranger that had seen the journals and wanted to look through them. “So, I suppose you would like to help out your young friend here in his search?” Crowley asked Shanna.
“I would, Sir, very much so.” Shanna told him and smiled at Edwynus. “I promised him I would help and –“ She looked back to Crowley and flushed slightly, “well, I like his company.” She smiled sheepishly and then glanced back to Edwynus and flushed again.
Crowley raised an eyebrow and looked from one to the other, making a mental note that there seemed to be something brewing between the two of them. Would it be a good idea for Shanna to travel with him? He needed the rangers to help find Duncan and keep order, but Shanna’s fief was already covered since she had been on long term assignment in Gallica for the past 6 months. She hadn’t had much of a break in the last three years actually, Crowley mused. She also may be able to find out what happened to Karl Goodbread, and determine if this villain still posed a threat. It had been many years, was the man still plotting and planning mischief?
“Very well,” Crowley stood up and put the book back in the room and locked the door. He leaned against the end of his desk and stared sternly at Shanna. “I would suggest you start looking in the mountains of Teutlandt. Maybe you can pick up Goodbread’s trail or find that lair he was talking about.”
Shanna nodded and stood up. “Thanks, Commander! I really appreciate this. I will keep my eyes open for leads as to who kidnapped the King too. Teutlandt would be one of my top picks for a foreign country pulling off something like that, if the caliber of the Grizzlies is any indication of the average skills of those from Teutlandt.” Shanna frowned, remembering how tough the Grizzlies were. She had tangled with them several times and they were expert fighters and well organized and very disciplined for a Mercenary group.
Crowley nodded, “I have thought the same. I am hoping it is not them, though. I must get back to the search for him. Take what supplies you need and Shanna?” He pinned her with an intent stare, “you be sure to report in on a regular basis. If things get too hot, you get back here. You have a civilian with you and his safety is your responsibility.”
Shanna nodded solemnly. “I understand Sir.” She turned to Edwynus, “Is there anything else we need to ask him?” She couldn’t think of anything, but thought maybe Edwynus had some more questions.
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Post by edwynus on Jan 16, 2010 22:07:40 GMT -5
Edwynus sat as Crowley processed his story, and retrieved a thick tome from a back room. He looked at him. then read its contents. Edwynus felt chilled as he heard the illusion of the thin raspy voice overlaying Crowleys as the report was read. It was clear that his parents had helped in a very important matter. Who was this rogue ranger, equipped with their weapons. A Saxe knife, he had seen one before, he had seen Rangers use them. But outside their corp, he had seen only a very few number, something about the way they were made.
“So, I suppose you would like to help out your young friend here in his search?” Crowley asked Shanna.
“I would, Sir, very much so. I promised him I would help and well, I like his company.” Edwynus heard Shanna speak up.. His ears felt red as his palms suddenly went slick. Why was he suddenly so nervous, had she just admitted that there was something there.. to her commanding officer.. He swallowed as he listened to Crowley and Shanna speak back and forth.
"Is there anything else we needed to ask him?" Shanna asked him. He looked at Crowley for a moment. "Actually yes. there was 2 items i was wanted a answer to." He paused "Both however conflict one another and since Shanna brought it up I would like to affirm that i to have found myself with feelings for Shanna, but with the current situation, I want to learn the ways of the Rangers to help protect Shanna and these lands. I want to be able to bring this rogue ranger to justice before everyone. But at the same time, i want to be at Shanna side as she is at mine. Its a conflict of interest somewhere. Maybe its a stupid question. My feelings arent stupid and the situation is from stupid but sometimes you meet someone that shows you life is greater then the sum of its parts...Sir." He looked at Shanna. "That is.. if things go well." He looked at Crowly and took a deep breath. "I dont know what the regulations regarding relationships within the Rangers are. But Shanna has been there and I trust that she has the kindoms and my best interests at heart." He stopped himself as he realized he was rambling. Shanna and he would certainly be having a interesting converstation as they got ready to travel tonight. He looked at Crowley as he stood slowly.
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Post by Brandwyn on Jan 16, 2010 23:38:04 GMT -5
Crowley studied him gravely and then looked at Shanna who had flushed very red. He hid a smile behind his hand as he stroked his jaw with thumb and forefinger, smoothing out the smile before he said, “Well, there is no rule against relationships between rangers or rangers and apprentices, and it has happened before.” Crowley answered. “I can see that you think a great deal of her, as do I.”
Crowley walked around Edwynus, looking at his build and the way he carried himself. “You are a might be old to be starting as an apprentice, but we have had far older. “ He turned to Shanna who was composing herself and looking at Edwynus with a thoughtful, pensive look. “Do you think he has the qualities we expect of rangers?”
Shanna nodded, “yes I do. I have been assessing him since the day he pulled me out of the ocean and saved my life. He is cool headed in a crisis – well for the most part.” She grinned, remembering how earlier that night he had been getting a bit upset when she was shot in the arm. “He is fairly good with the bow and can think on his feet. I see no reason to keep him from being an apprentice if he wants to do that.” She smiled at Edwynus. “We will talk about – the one possible obstacle later!” Her eyes sparkled and she flushed again.
Crowley nodded and took out an apprentice oak leaf from his desk and handed it to Shanna. “Well, you two can work that out. Here is a pendant if you decide you want to make it official. If you want to apprentice to another ranger that is possible too,” Crowley nodded to Edwynus.
Shanna pocketed the bronze oak leaf and then patted Crowley on the back again. “I know you will find the King, Sir and get him back in one piece. With you and Halt on the case, how can it come out differently?”
“I hope so,” Crowley sighed. “Good luck to both of you – and don’t forget to mail back reports.”
“Yes Sir.” Shanna promised and ushered Edwynus back out into the hall. “Let’s go get some supplies. We are going to need some winter gear.” Shanna said, not giving Edwynus a chance to dwell on the conversation they’d just had with Crowley about their possible feelings toward each other.
“We should get two weeks worth of travel food. Gallica doesn’t have much right now with the war just having wrapped up. A lot of their crops got destroyed by the fighting. We need warm clothes too for us and heavy horse blankets and feed for them and for Solo too. I think a larger tent – much larger tent – one that would fit the horses in with us. We may not have good shelter and with it being full on winter up there, we may need to bring them inside too, which means a pack horse I think. Darn! I should have brought one from Dad’s place.”
Shanna thought for a few minutes as they made their way out of the castle and back to their horses, her silver oak leaf allowing them to bypass the security fiasco still in progress. “We already restocked our weapons. Anything else you think we need?”
She handed Edwynus 4 gold pieces. “This is for supplies and stuff. Get what you need and anything else you may want. Consider a gift from my Dad – Thank you for having my back!” Shanna grinned. She knew Edwynus was not wealthy and she had never known poverty, so she was rather cavalier with her Father’s money, always giving to street kids and poor farmers when she saw them in need. She wanted Edwynus to be able to get the supplies he needed without having to worry about the cost.
“Hey! We get o go shopping again!” She grinned broadly. “Let’s go back to Rick’s to camp tonight and then we will get all this stuff tomorrow. It is very late now, probably even close to dawn by this time.” She looked at the dark sky as they wound through the fairly quiet streets.
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Post by edwynus on Jan 16, 2010 23:59:30 GMT -5
Edwynus listened to Crowley and followed him around the room as he and Shanna discussed his comments. In a nod of approval, he handed Shanna a small bronze chain. Then he was ushered out with Shanna quickly listing off the equipment needs. He nodded at her and quickly engaged his mind into what he might need.
She handed him 4 gold coins. He looked at them briefly, and at the suggestion of getting a gift for her father, he returned a grin. Yes, certainly. A gift fit for her father would be something worth giving. He had never had 4 whole gold pieces before, at the most he had held 2 gold pieces after working at a small town, providing hunting services and honest work in exchange for the harsh winter.
He was glad that Shanna hadnt lost her smile and how she gleamed at him for his comment to crowley. Was she glad that i wanted to be a ranger.. was she glad that Crowley seemed to accept his statement of admittingly stammering honesty. He pushed it aside, mentally drawing up some important items of food stuff. 2 weeks wasnt long, but they would need something a bit more higher calorie during their travels. He nodded at Shanna as she suggested they spend the nights at Ricks tonight and get the supplies the next day.
He looked up at the stars, he had almost forgotten it had been dark, the castle was lit up like its own tiny sun. He brought his stride up to Shannas.
"Shanna, I am sorry if Iembarrased you, but it was only fair that I told Crowley how i felt, he asked." Edwynus paused a moment. "And now you know too. I dont know how this trip will turn out, or if we will even find my parents murder. But i am glad that met you and you entered my life in a big way." He stopped.. "well you entered it, airborne.. but certainly in a big way."
"Do you think that my becoming a Ranger with you will mean we might be seperated by our duties?" He thought for a moment. He wondered, what would their future have in store for them as they arrived at Ricks Cabin.
"Should I go make camp or..?" He stopped midsentence, noted a shadow cloaked clearly moved into view, approaching Shanna and Edwynus.
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Post by Brandwyn on Jan 17, 2010 1:19:40 GMT -5
Shanna listened thoughtfully to Edwynus.
"Shanna, I am sorry if I embarrassed you, but it was only fair that I told Crowley how I felt, he asked." Edwynus paused a moment. "And now you know too. I don’t know how this trip will turn out, or if we will even find my parents murderer.” “You didn’t embarrass me, but I admit I was momentarily surprised you brought it up. I do understand why though and I am glad you did. Now I know that what I am feeling you are feeling too.” She smiled up at him.
“But I am glad that met you and you entered my life in a big way." He stopped. "Well you entered it, airborne. But certainly in a big way."
Shanna laughed at that, remembering sailing off her horse and over the waterfall into the churning surf. “I did at that!” She chuckled. “I don’t know if we will find their murderer either, but whatever happens, I am glad you fished me out of that water and I am certainly happy to be traveling with you.”
"Do you think that my becoming a Ranger with you will mean we might be separated by our duties?"
Shanna pondered her feelings for a moment before answering. “Well, if you are my apprentice then, no. At least for the next few years we will be together. Once you become a full-fledged ranger however, it could very well mean we won’t see a lot of each other.” She looked up at the stars this time, thinking about their options.
“Of course there are a couple of ways to remain together if – well if the path we are on ends up leading to something long lasting between us – as in marriage.” She paused, trying to get her mind around that idea and wondering where Ian would fit to that. Everyone had assumed she and Ian would get married at some point. “I could retire, though I prefer not right now.” She glanced at him, “though I might in 3 or 4 years. Also, we could request Crowley to assign us together or to fiefs next to each other. He has made special arrangements for married rangers in the past.”
Shanna shook her head, thinking that she must be smitten. She had only known Edwynus a very short time and here they were talking about a future together. Obviously there was something between them, something very strong. But then what about Ian? What about her qualms of having a romantic relationship with her student? She had some hard thinking to do.
“I should tell you though, that I see some problems if we – well if we explore our feelings for each other and you are my apprentice. It will be difficult to balance the student teacher relationship with the partner relationship. There is our age difference to consider as well, and there is someone….” Should she bring up Ian now? She probably should get it all out in the open. Let him know what is going on. “Well, there is Ian and I am not sure where I stand with him. We had assumed we would get married eventually, but I keep putting it off. I think maybe it is because I know it isn’t right between us. We are just very good friends, but I will—have to sort all that out.” She looked at him, thinking he was so young. “I think this conversation may be pushing us too fast. You haven’t had much of a chance to experience many women, so it is possible you are just feeling infatuation and not something more.” She reached out and touched his hand. “The only thing I am certain of is that I find you incredibly handsome and I enjoy your company and I am glad we will be traveling together for a while longer at least.” She smiled at him and then realized they were at the ranger cabin.
"Should I go make camp or..?"
Shanna looked up and noticed a cloaked figure approaching them. She thought it might be Rick.
"Hello Shanna, Edwynus," Rick nodded to both of them. He looked tired as he brushed his long black hair back from his face. "I didn't think you were coming back out here. Muse said you had gone after an assassin."
Shanna nodded back, "Hi Rick. Sorry we are coming back so late. We thought we might be going after them, but the one we found was not exactly helpful. He kept spouting off riddles. I gave the info to Crowley to decipher. Besides, Edwynus has a quest we are going to start on in the morning." Shanna wondered what he was doing up so late when everyone else seemed to be sleeping, then she remembered his apprentice. "How is Tam doing?"
Rick smiled, "He seems to be fine. I have to wake him up every couple of hours tonight though. They suspect he hit his head, but it seems poor Katrina broke his fall quite nicely. I sure hope she is ok."
Shanna nodded, "I do too. You heard about the King, didn't you?"
"Yeah. Happened right under my nose, in my Fief! If not for Tam... well I would be out there with Halt right now."
Shanna understood, "well it isn't your fault any more than it is Crowley's fault. You need to think about getting him back now and stop beating yourself up over what you can't change. Tam needed you and he still does. Just be there for Crowley tomorrow. He is going to need you. He feels worse than you do." Shanna gave Rick a hug. "Besides, you are the best tracker in the Corps, you will find the King!" She smiled at him and he gave her a half-hearted grin.
"Well It is late I am going to go get two more hours of sleep before I have to wake Tam up again." Rick turned to walk back to the cabin. "The cabin is still packed, but make yourselves to home."
Shanna nodded. "Thanks Rick, Good night!" She watched him walk away. This was the first time she had ever seen him with his spirits down. She looked after him sadly, for a moment and then turned back to Edwynus. "Come on, lets find a spot to pitch the tent and catch some sleep."
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Post by edwynus on Jan 17, 2010 11:14:19 GMT -5
Edwynus acknowledge Rick with a nod as Shanna and him spoke, they were close friends it seems as he overheard the conversation, strangely no longer kept as silent as it was before. Shanna hugged Rick and they headed to where he had pitched the tent before, quickly rolling out a pair of bed rolls on top of a thick horse blanket, this time, he didn't bother to judge their distance, realizing he was too tired to argue about the etiquette of where he should sleep, he gave Shanna a quick hug, then layed down, pulling his cloak around him, he felt Shanna lay down beside him, as soon as her cloak was pulled tight around them. He fell asleep, I have got to get one of those ranger cloaks.... then darkness.
He woke with a start. It was cold but the sun had already started to rize, he realized that Shanna was already up and had disappeared. Parley was already standing there, saddled and his harness gently tied to a nearby tree limb. He smelled the town as morning fires were started and the commosion of city life began moving. Quickly he gathered his bedroll, and headed to Ricks Cabin.
As he approached he heard the whispers of voices and the smell of sweet foods. He opened the door to see Shanna and Rick talking over a glass of juice and eggs,sausage and fresh crusty bread, that still steamed. Shanna nodded to him and gestured for him to sit beside her, across from Rick.
"Better eat something. I think we are going to get going as soon as we get our supplies." Shanna pushed a plate of food towards him.
On the edge of the plate was a shiny bronze oakleaf with a chain, appearing as if by magic as Shanna hand withdrew. He noted that Ricks eyes shifted to the chain, then to Shanna and then to Edwynus. He felt suddenly a few pairs of eyes studying his ever move, every faulter, grading his performance as he entered and sat down.
He looked at the Oakleaf for a few moments. It gleamed as the morning sun entered the window. He knew that if he took that oakleaf, his decision was made. But could he do it without being a Ranger? Would Shanna stand by him? Of course she would. She said she would, and he trusted her. What if he refused? Would she be offended?. The words her comment ran through his head. I should tell you though, that I see some problems if we – well if we explore our feelings for each other and you are my apprentice. It will be difficult to balance the student teacher relationship with the partner relationship. He thought about that. But Crowley had said it wasnt the first time it had occured. He could make this work. He cared deeply for Shanna from the moment her eyes drew him in as he rescued her. That was his position in life. He was sure of it. Nothing would keep them apart. He made up his mind. There was no longer anything to think of.
He picked up the Oakleaf, and looked at Shanna and then to Rick. He excepted the challenge, he knew that Shanna had a duty, he would bear that duty with her. But he knew there would be nights in a valley with a lake. These duties would be set aside for life to take its course. He knew it wasnt infatuation. It was fate. Fate, Shanna would be rescued by him, that he would become her apprentice, her courter, and maybe the fates had more instore.
He quickly placed it around his neck. He felt Ricks hand on his shoulder. It felt heavy, strong. He watched Rick leave the room, leaving Shanna and Edwynus alone. Edwynus, quickly grabbed a few mouthfuls of food, Shanna sat in silence as She looked over her new apprentice for a few minutes.
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Post by Brandwyn on Jan 17, 2010 12:57:56 GMT -5
Slowly a smile spread across Shanna’s face as she looked at Edwynus, meeting his eyes. She pulled a package out from under the table and set it before him. It was a large ranger cloak wrapped up and tied with a string. She’d had Rick procure it from Crowley earlier that day.
“This could get a bit awkward you know.” Shanna said, a warm smile on her face, “but I can’t say I am sorry you decided to become a ranger. Besides, now I get to order you around!” She laughed.
“Starting with; eat up! Rick is a great cook in spite of the fact he is a womanizer. We need to go shopping and you are going to need your strength to keep up!” She grinned and finished off the last of her breakfast; a huge piece of bread teeming with hot butter and honey.
When they were finished she led them outside and they mounted up, her limp a bit more visible than it had been yesterday. The previous day’s exertions had taken a toll. She was almost looking forward to the seven day voyage to Gallica so her ankle would have time to heal, almost.
She led him back up to the city and went first to the livery to purchase a pack horse and saddle. Once that was done they made their way to several shops gathering what they would need.
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Post by edwynus on Jan 17, 2010 21:43:07 GMT -5
Edwynus quickly unwrapped the Rangers Cloak, its fabric was soft, yet, strong, he felt the dense fibers soak in the air as he tied it on. He reined parley through the streets, feeling folks watch him and Shanna. It had a air of mystery around it. Why, what was it that gave the Rangers their history of secrecy. He supposed he would find out soon enough. Shanna would be a good and fair teacher, he looked forward to learning from her.
He ducked into a store, picking up a new knife, and some high quality leather pieces. Carefully rolling them up, he was sure they would make wonderful surprises. He also slipped into a jewelry shop, and selected a fine silver ring. This would do nicely. But it was a matter of taste and timing. If they survived. He slipped it on in a small leather pouch and hid it away. That left just one more item. He walked over to the butchers. Talking with the Butcher he explained what he wanted.
The butcher nodded then dissappeared in back with a small package and a few words of advice. Edwynus grinned then tucked the package away. He hoped that Shanna would enjoy his surprise. He carefully spent the rest of the coins on additional arrow heads, and materials. he purchased some additional supplies, including a second flask and filled it with additional pitch.
He returned to meet up with Shanna, he carefully packed his second pack with the additional equipment and supplies that they would need for the trip. He tucked the leather pouch into a pocket at his breast. He hoped that he would get a oppurtunity to thank Shanna for this opppurtunity as he fingered the oakleaf.
A Apprentice. Of the Rangers. Mom .. Dad.. im coming to find your kills. He grinned at Shanna as she flashed those eyes at him. The day was going to start out with a smile. He hoped it would end with one too.
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Post by Brandwyn on Jan 17, 2010 22:57:42 GMT -5
Shanna booked them passage on the next ship to Gallica, noting that security had been increased tenfold around the docks. Their packs were searched and she had to show her orders from Crowley once even, where normally the ranger’s silver leaf would have been sufficient.
Finally they were aboard The Stella Marries and heading down the river toward Gallica. Space was limited aboard the ship and they ended up in the same cabin that had two hammocks and a small storage area. There was a fold down table with two fold out benches for seating. Not exactly comfortable, but it was private.
Shanna had ensured that their horses were settled in the livestock hold safely and comfortably and stowed their gear in the locking cabinets, except her weapons. She turned to Edwynus, and handed him a double scabbard containing a Saxe knife and throwing knife. She explained to him what they were and their various uses including how they were mark of the rangers. No one else had the same scabbard configuration. The blades were of high quality steel and superb workmanship.
“Well, Apprentice, have you ever thrown a knife before?” She grinned wickedly and motioned for him to follow. The upper deck was a bustle of activity and she didn’t want to get in the sailor’s way, so she led him down to the hold from whence they had just come. She set up some scraps of fabric in various locations as targets.
“I figure we might as well do something constructive with the next 7 days!” she chuckled. After a brief lesson on how to hold the knife and the dynamics of air flow and technique, she sat down on a nearby crate and massaged her ankle. “Ok, let’s see what you got. Pick a target.”
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Post by edwynus on Jan 17, 2010 23:54:02 GMT -5
Edwynus lifted the pair of knives. These he had seen before, but had never used one. He felt the handle and fingered the blade to test its razor sharp blade. It felt heavy, but he noticed the metal looked slightly different then his own blade, perhaps it had been treated with something.
He absorbed the quick lesson as Shanna set about hanging a series of clothes from varies points. He picked one about mid range, he felt the wieght of the Saxe Ax, and threw it... it clumbsily clanked on a wooden board as he felt the floor pitch slightly with the river. He hadnt accounted that he would be training on a river. He had been on boats, but never to train or fight. Perhaps this was some lesson he was supposed to learn... Now if he could hit the target. He retrieved the Saxe, and returned to the position as Shanna settled down and watched him wind up for a second throw. Miss, and a Third throw, off Center of a cloth.
Edwynus cleared his throat and concentrated.. He retrieved the knife one more time. This time he closed his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he tossed the knife again, this time winging the targeted cloth but burying itself into a box. He looked at Shanna. He walked back retrieve his knife. Was it the boat? Maybe it was him. He stepped back from the target. He felt the roll of the ship again. He felt it rock gently, then he heard it, a creak, of the boat rocking, not only was it rocking, but it was telling him when it would roll back.
He threw again, this time hitting the full edge of the cloth target. He knew he had alot of work to do. He repeated the exercise for what seemed like hours, finally when his arm was burning to the point of unusablity, He turned to Shanna as she got up from the crate.
"Shanna..um Master, Im used to throwing axes.. not knives." Edwynus answered.
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Post by Brandwyn on Jan 18, 2010 10:05:06 GMT -5
Shanna watched Edwynus pick out his Saxe knife and practice throwing it. She got up and corrected his hold on the blade and gave a couple of tips while he practiced. He slowly improved and she smiled at him encouragingly. He was starting out learning to throw the hardest one first. When he tried the throwing knife tomorrow it should be easier for him, so she let him continue, telling him to correct his stance a couple of times and to point his fingers and thumb at his target and keep pointing them after release. She noted that he swung his arm in a nice straight motion which kept the blade from arcing to the left or right like many did when they started out.
"Shanna... um Master, Im used to throwing axes. Not knives." Edwynus answered.
Shanna smiled at him, “That is good, and I want to see you throw an axe too, but you need to learn to throw the knives. There will be times when an axe is too conspicuous and I think once you get the hang of it you will like them.” She patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry; you did just fine with your first attempts. No one gets it perfect on the first day. Tomorrow we will work on the smaller knife which is actually designed for throwing. You should find it easier.”
Then she stepped back from him and looked at him sternly for a moment, “And don’t call me ‘Master,’ I would much prefer we keep our relationship informal and stay on first name basis. Besides that is how most rangers do it anyway.” She smiled at him again so he would know she had been teasing him with her stern look. “Just be yourself. I wouldn’t want you any other way.”
She figured it must be getting close to supper time by then. “Let’s go find some food. Tomorrow I will demonstrate some alternative techniques that might help you and you can dazzle me with your axe throwing skills!” She grinned as she collected the ‘targets’.
They went up to the galley and sure enough, the cook was serving up a corn beef and cabbage soup with fresh baked mini loaves of bread that was crispy and seasoned with dill on the crust and light and fluffy on the inside, perfect for soaking up broth. Shanna loved the soup and made sure to get extra potatoes. There was a big hunk of cheese too that the cook placed on a plate for her and Edwynus.
“A moment Ranger,” the cook reached behind him and brought out a sliced orange and placed half on her plate and half on Edwynus’s plate. “Always like to stay on the good side of you rangers, Ma’am” He winked at her.
Shanna gave him a delighted smile. “Ah and I always make a point to stay on the cook’s good side, my friend! This smells delicious! I thank you for the fruit, it must be hard to come by this time of year.” He winked at her again and Shanna smiled back and then led Edwynus to the packed, tiny galley. The Sailors fell silent when they entered, but Shanna ignored that. She smiled at those who caught her eye, but not many smiled back. Many sailors believed it to be bad luck to have a woman aboard a ship and Shanna had dealt with that superstition many a time. She would sing for them tonight and most of them would be won over.
She found two seats at one of the tables for six and the four sailors sitting there looked uncomfortable when she asked to join them. One got up and excused himself, “begging your pardon, Ranger, but I must go on deck to relieve the helmsman.” He bowed and left quickly, glancing behind him at Shanna and Edwynus.
The others nodded and she sat down next to a thin, waif of a man who reeked of sweat, garlic and fish. She turned and extended her hand, noting the other men didn’t have any fruit, she offered a slice to each of them. The man beside her took it hesitantly. “I am Ranger Shanna.” She smiled at him.
“Ringo, Ma’am.” He said and bit into the orange. “Yummm Good. Cook doesn’t give out the good stuff to us grunts.” He said.
Shanna nodded, “I figured as much.” She nodded. “But I figure table mates should share and share alike, don’t you?” She winked at him and he smiled back. Suddenly the three at the table were talking again and regaling them with stories as they ate their soup. Shanna winked at Edwynus, hoping he picked up on this lesson in dealing with people.
Shanna was finding it difficult to keep up with her plate, bowl of soup and mug of ale as the boat pitched and rolled beneath them. She then realized that it had suddenly gotten choppy. Many of the sailors were already moving for the ladder to the main deck. “What’s going on?” Shanna asked Ringo who was getting up to turn in the dirty bowl and mug.
“We have reached the mouth of the river and are crossing over into the bay. The waters are rough here. But we will be through it in no time, Ranger.” He smiled at her. His buddy, Tar, suggested, “Best to stay in your cabin until you feel the waves settle out, Ma’am, it is going to get hectic on deck for a while.”
Shanna nodded and turned in their used dishes. “Guess we better hole up in the cabin for a while. I have a project to work on anyway.”
Back in the cabin Shanna rummaged through her pack and pulled out a wool satchel. Inside it contained everything needed for embroidery. She wished there was a bunk and not hammocks, but since there wasn’t, she pulled the table and benches down, locking them into the floor and pulled out her needles, thread and a large piece of creamy white linen. Upon close inspection, one could make out the linen was actually the makings of what would become a shirt. She set to work with some dark green thread, working the design from her head.
“So,” She asked Edwynus casually, propping her sore ankle up on the corner of the table, since there wasn’t any place else to prop it. The rolling of the ship made her stomach a slight bit queasy, and the movement made the embroidery a challenge. “How was your first day as an apprentice ranger? Anything you have questions on?”
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Post by edwynus on Jan 18, 2010 11:18:13 GMT -5
Edwynus ate his meal with gusto, it was indeed a tasty soup, flavored with garlic and spices. He was just getting used to the rocking, his stomach had calmed and his legs felt a little less rubbery sitting down. In a moment the boat lurched more heavily.. He felt his stomach perk up a moment. Oh this cant be a good sign, he thought. He followed Shannas conversation, noting they seemed very nervous about her presence. He had heard of some of the superstition, something about all boats being females and offending the sea for women being on board.. he wasnt sure, most sailors he had seen on shore, were drunk or knee deep in barmaidens. But he followed Shanna as she lured them in. She had a way with words and diplomaticaly in a few quick sentences, the Sailors had returned to their conversation.
“What’s going on?” Shanna asked. Edwynus eyed the sailor as he explained about the bay and the choppy waters. He had never been out on the sea. He had lived in the woods all or most of his memory.
He followed Shanna back to the private room, noting that the crew had a hold section with several stacked hammocks in the air, they must have been given one of the few private rooms aboard. He took note that the doctors cabin was at the bow of the ship, typical of many sailing ships. The captians room was sit in the rear of the ship above the stables which were next to the cargo hold and the galley, which doubled as a second crew birth.
Shanna settle down pulling a bundle of thread and linen and began sorting its contents. “So,” She asked Edwynus casually, propping her sore ankle up. Edwynus made a note that he would have to check her foot again before they went to bed. “How was your first day as an apprentice ranger? Anything you have questions on?”
Edwynus sat down, he felt a little nausuas, he dug through his pack and found a pinch of herbs that relieved nausua and hoped he had enough for this journey for him and Shanna. He offered a pinch to Shanna, instructing to her that it should be chewed.
"I think i need to practice more. I noticed you eased their concerns, you have a way with words. I hope that i can learn some of those people skills. But as first days of any job. I survived, we havent been attacked by hyenas.. and other then a bit of nausua. I hope we can get to sleep in these beds." He nodded at the hammock. He looked at Shanna. "You know, I can make those two hammocks into a double hammock. It will be more stable then a single hammock" He pulled a length of rope from his pack, with a grin.
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Post by Brandwyn on Jan 18, 2010 16:43:17 GMT -5
“Thanks.” Shanna said and slipped the herbs into her mouth and chewed on them, completely trusting that he knew what he was talking about. She normally tried ginger or mint to settle her stomach, the mint working better for her, but this combination of her herbs worked far better. Her stomach settled right down, and that was when she noticed her ankle throbbing. She was going to have to unwrap it soon and let it rest. It was at the stage now where the ugly purple bruises were turning a sickly yellowish green in the center.
Shanna eyed the hammocks with distaste. “I was considering sleeping right here in the bench.” She said thoughtfully. “those things are a death trap if you ask me.”
“You know, I can make those two hammocks into a double hammock. It will be more stable then a single hammock" Shanna looked up at him and a slow smile spread across her face. “I would welcome anything you could do to improve them, and even if they end up not being as stable, at least when I fall out, I can take you with me!” She grinned a Cheshire cat grin.
She decided not to tease him about having an ulterior motive for making it a double bed, because she found that she had been rather disappointed they wouldn’t be waking up in each other’s arms in the single hammocks during the trip. Somehow she was going to have to work out how to handle the feelings she had of wanting to be close to him and the need to keep things professional so he could learn what he needed to learn. She would have to retain her objectivity or his education could suffer. It wasn’t going to be easy, but then the best things in life were often the hardest.
“Then maybe I can rub some ointment into your shoulder. “ Shanna suggested. “It has to be killing you after all that time throwing knives, and I don’t want you stiff and sore tomorrow. You won’t be able to show me how you throw an axe.” Her eyes glittered as she watched him pull the rope from his pack. She suspected it was going to be an interesting night.
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