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Post by Brandwyn on Feb 27, 2011 15:02:42 GMT -5
(OOC: Tory, Adrianne and Mylia…)
"I'm Adriane and this is Bolder." Adriane replied. "Sure you can pet him. He won't bite." Adriane gave the dog a stern stare. Or a least I hope he won't any way. Adriane added silently. "So do you like animals? I do. I kinda have a...special taking to horses. My Ranger horse is named Lightning. What's your horse's name?"
After the initial sniff, when Bolder wagged his tail at her, Tory knelt down and scratched Bolder behind his ears and down his back. “Hello Bolder, nice to meet you and you too Adriane,” Tory looked up at her as Adriane launched her questions. Tory held back a smile at the girl’s enthusiasm and nervousness. It wasn’t so long ago when Tory felt the same butterflies at meeting Mylia.
“I love animals too, and they seem to love me.” Tory answered her, “even wild ones tend to come up to me most of the time. I guess they know I won’t hurt them.” She supposed if she got hungry enough and had to do it, she would hunt rabbit or deer, but she hoped she never would have to put that to a test. ”Oh yeah, I love horses the most, but I like dogs and cats too. I have a Skandian cat running around here someplace. Pounce is supposed to be in the stable with my horse, but she never stays put.” Tory grinned and stood back up so she could talk to Adriane more comfortably. “My horses name is Chocolate Chip. He is white with small brown spots all over him.”
"Do you like being in the Corps? I do so far...it feels like I was meant to be doing this. Like a second nature." Adriane continued to smile and hoped Tory wouldn't think she was being too talkative. She was just really excited, this could be her first friend...that is a girl and a Ranger!
Tory wasn’t quite as quick with an answer on this question and considered it carefully before answering. Finally she said, “Yes I do, for the most part, but my apprenticeship has been a little…odd… I suppose. At least that is what Cranky Crowley says.” Tory’s mouth quirked as she voiced her private nickname for her least favorite ranger for the first time ever. She was sure Crowley would give her a verbal reprimand if he ever found out she’d called him that. Adriane looked a little confused so Tory gave her the short version.
“I kind of coerced my original mentor into taking me on as an apprentice, but then it turns out he had supposedly killed some old couple, stolen their money and fled to Gallica with me in tow. At least that is the official word from Crowley. Personally I don’t believe it. I think he is working deep cover for the King and eventually his name will be cleared, but no one else believes me.” Tory glared at Ranger Harrison who was still keeping tabs on her.
“I didn’t know about any of that, though, until much later when some bounty hunters came after him and when Ranger Tandar and his apprentice, Drenith, were sent to bring Palisade back to Araluen. Anyway, Patrick managed to get away and I with him, though I was always afraid he was going to ditch me. We lived on the run for many months with his men and they taught me a great deal about living off the land, hiding, tracking – well I was good at that already – and how to fight with knives and shoot better. I didn’t get the usual ranger apprentice training, but rather more a trial by fire, hands-on type of training. We actually made a great deal of difference with routing out those mercenaries that called themselves the Grizzlies from Gallica and drove many of them out of the country back to Teutlandt where they came from, or killed them if they didn’t want to go.” Tory wasn’t sure why she was giving Adriane her story, but she hadn’t really told anyone but Mylia about it and she thought maybe Adriane would understand if Tory did something strange down the road.
“Anyway, eventually Patrick ran into the Royal Scout Master, Ian and his apprentice, Brandwyn and he made me stay with them and they brought me back here.” Tory scowled again, a haunted look in her eyes again. “For a couple months I didn’t have a mentor and Crowley was keeping an eye on me. They are still hoping Patrick shows up to see me so they can nab him. That’s why Harrison over there keeps looking at me. I have been trying to dodge him since I got here yesterday.” Tory moved her eyes in Harrison’s direction, but didn’t turn to look at him or move her head.
“So after that he assigned me to Ringulf for a few weeks to go to Caraway and there I was assigned to Tandar. Tandar was having some personal issues and so I am temporarily back with Ringulf and Mylia. It is all kind of twisted and convoluted!” Tory grinned sheepishly. “But then I am used to that. Story of my life,” She quipped.
Just then Mylia came dancing up to her, all decked out in a ball gown and looking very pretty. Tory smiled as she approached. "Hi Tory!" Turning to face the other girl as well, she said, "Hello. Nice to meet you." then to them both in general, "Are you excited about this?"
Tory shook her head, “it is not really my thing. Brings back too many memories of having to serve feasts back in Meric and falling flat on my face or spilling food on some toad that grabbed at my behind,” Tory said apologetically. “Not to mention Harrison won’t let me out of his site. I am sure Crowley told him to keep an eye on me to see if Palisade shows up to see me, like they would know it if he did.” Tory crossed her arms confidently. She then introduced Adriane. “Mylia, this is Adriane, Adrian – Mylia.” She turned back to the new ranger girl, “So, how long have you been a ranger? Who is your mentor?”
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Post by Ringulf on Feb 27, 2011 15:51:06 GMT -5
“Mylia, this is Adriane, Adrian – Mylia.” She turned back to the new ranger girl, “So, how long have you been a ranger? Who is your mentor?”
Just then a voice came from behind the three young ladies,
"Excuse me, my Ladies, but can anyone direct me to de ballroom, I seem to have lost my vay!"
Two of the ladies at least recognized the rather distinct Skandian accent and the short chuckle that could come from no one else in this country but Aribjorn.
He was dressed in a rather formal, but rather comfortable looking Hauberk that was made of black suede over witch was several different shades of brown leather trim on the mantle, the upper parts of the sleeves and down the front in a lattice work fashion
Under the hauberk was a Blue long sleeved tunic and bracers that matched his hauberk. He wore black pants and wore a pair of tall dark brown boots. His beard was trimmed nicely as was his mustache and seemed to have gotten a haircut.
"I am glad I found you ladies I haff been vandering around here all day and feel like I am gonna get into some mischief if my attention is not directed properly!" He said with an impish grin.
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Post by Brandwyn on Mar 11, 2011 12:12:44 GMT -5
Tory turned at the sound of the voice and her heart gave a great leap in her chest. The battle school seemed to be agreeing with him for he looked even more handsome than the last time she had seen him just a few weeks ago.
Tory glanced at Mylia, noting that she was decked out in a fine dress and Tory felt self-conscious and a bit embarrassed that she was in her travel worn ranger gear, even though Aribjorn had seen her in the clothing many times before. Somehow it seemed out of place. Her embarrassment caused her to hesitate instead of following her impulse to leap into Ari’s arms as she had back in Marshwood when he’d shown up for the Yule dinner. She was also conscious of the other ranger’s eyes upon her of not only Harrison, but of some of his ranger friends, so she curbed her initial enthusiasm and tried to behave in a more dignified manner.
She smiled warmly at Aribjorn as he drew close and let him approach close enough before she stepped in and gave him a hug in greeting. “Aribjorn! I was looking for you too. I have been stationed here keeping the door in sight so I could see who was coming in and out.” She stepped back, giving Mylia a chance to greet him. “Mylia just got here too.”
Then she pointed to Adriane, “this is our new friend, Adriane. She was just about to tell us all about her.” Tory grinned. “Her dog here is Bolder, isn’t he a handsome fellow?” Tory ruffled the dog’s fur again and he didn’t seem to mind it a bit.
Looking around the room Tory noticed that Ringulf and Fin were here, but she didn’t see Gyr. “Hmmm, I wonder where Gyr went.” She said half to herself. “I thought he was helping Fin with the merchant table.”
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Post by Firehead on Apr 4, 2011 11:11:37 GMT -5
Tory shook her head, “it is not really my thing. Brings back too many memories of having to serve feasts back in Meric and falling flat on my face or spilling food on some toad that grabbed at my behind,” Tory said apologetically. “Not to mention Harrison won’t let me out of his site. I am sure Crowley told him to keep an eye on me to see if Palisade shows up to see me, like they would know it if he did.” Tory crossed her arms confidently. She then introduced Adriane. “Mylia, this is Adriane, Adrian – Mylia.”
Mylia smiled at Adriane, offering her hand to shake. "It's a real pleasure to meet you. By the way, nice dog." she added.
“So, how long have you been a ranger? Who is your mentor?” Tory asked Adriane.
Just then a voice came from behind the three young ladies,
"Excuse me, my Ladies, but can anyone direct me to de ballroom, I seem to have lost my vay!"
Mylia spun to face Ari, her face lighting up. "Ari! How are you? When did you--Oh, wow..." she trailed off when she laid eyes on him. He looked quite grown-up and handsome in his squire's uniform, and for a moment, she forgot that she too, was wearing fine clothes. Then she remembered that he had asked them a question, and answered. "The ballroom's right through those doors over there. Can't miss it--huge room, music playing, lots of people dancing." she gave him a mischeivious grin.
"I am glad I found you ladies I haff been vandering around here all day and feel like I am gonna get into some mischief if my attention is not directed properly!" He said with an impish grin.
Mylia smiled, her eyes dancing with laughter. From within the ballroom, she heard the music shifting to a familiar folk dance known as a waltz. It recalled a memory from her childhood, the winter before her parents had died, when her father had taught her to dance to some of the old folk songs while her mother set the tempo with a fiddle. --------------------------------------------------
Rab walked down the hall looking for his apprentice. After she'd dashed off into the castle, he'd lost track of her and had no idea where she might have disappeared to. He finally spotted her talking with a small group of young people who looked to be apprentices. Rab watched them a moment, then turned to wander away, but before he could he heard a voice behind him ask rather incredulously, "Rab? What are you doing here?"
Rab turned to see another Ranger standing there, looking at him. It took him a second to place the man. "Harrison. Good to see you too. What's it look like I'm doing here?" he asked, mild as ever.
"It looks like your doing noth--. Wait a minute, did I just hear you say three whole sentences inn a row?"
Rab mentally rolled his eyes as he answered. "I do know how to carry on a conversation, Harrison."
"Wow, a multi-syllable sentence!"
Rab sighed quietly and said nothing.
"I think you just broke a record: most syllables in a sentence from Rab."
Even though Rab kept his voice low, one could still hear the sarcasm that etched his voice as he retorted, "I don't remember you having this low of an intelligence, Harrison. I think I'll go look for someone with a higher intellect." With that, Rab turned away.
"Don't forget to tell 'em you can talk!" Harrison called after him.
Hearing Harrison's good natured laughter behind him Rab sighed, knowing that Harrison would soon have spread the word far and wide among the Ranger Corps that he, Rab, had actually carried out an entire conversation with someone! Rab knew he'd be hearing about it at the Gathering. If he thought Harrison's jibbing was bad enough, wait until the entire Corps had gotten together. He resolved to not say anything about how often he talked around Adriane to the rest of the crew. If he did, he'd never hear the end of it. ----------------------------------
Simone wandered through the hall for a good forty-five minutes before leaving to find some fresh air. She walked around the courtyard alone for several minutes before drifting over toward where Fin had set up shop. She gave Fin a polite smile as she leaned against the wagon, out of the way of Fin and her helpers. "Afternoon. How's it going?"
She nodded to Fin's reply, eyes on the crowd, surreptitiously scanning them for anyone....Her gaze caught sight of a figure shifting his way effortlessly through the press, moving unconsiously toward them. He looked familiar to her and she watched his face closely, then gave a soft snort as she recognized him. Rab. "Hmph. Hey, Ringulf--look who the cat dragged in." She tilted her head just the slightest, to indict the man.
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Post by Ringulf on Apr 19, 2011 21:35:01 GMT -5
Mylia smiled, her eyes dancing with laughter. From within the ballroom, she heard the music shifting to a familiar folk dance known as a waltz. It recalled a memory from her childhood, the winter before her parents had died, when her father had taught her to dance to some of the old folk songs while her mother set the tempo with a fiddle.
"Vell Tory, ve vant you to get a chance to enjoy de ball... Pehaps Mylia and I vill dance some if she vould like, andt den ve vil findt a vay to creat a diversion andt get you in for a bit ya?"
"I am tinking dat it would not be right for us to be so dressed up ant not get to try it out! Come my freint let us go dance for a while!" Ari said jovialy putting out his arm with his palm down so she could rest her arm on his formally.
"Don't vorry Tory ve vill be back for you soon!"
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Simone's gaze caught sight of a figure shifting his way effortlessly through the press, moving unconsiously toward them. He looked familiar to her and she watched his face closely, then gave a soft snort as she recognized him. Rab. "Hmph. Hey, Ringulf--look who the cat dragged in." She tilted her head just the slightest, to indict the man.
Ringulf popped his head out from behind Fin's booth,
"What's up Simone? Someone we know?"
He looked down the isle following her gaze and saw the same figure she did.
"Steemflag you old reprobate! how you doing?" he called out with a scowly smirk, as he moved out to were Simone and Fin were standing.
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Post by Firehead on Apr 21, 2011 8:36:35 GMT -5
"Pehaps Mylia and I vill dance some if she vould like, andt den ve vil findt a vay to created a diversion andt get you in for a bit ya?" "I am tinking dat it would not be right for us to be so dressed up ant not get to try it out! Come my freint let us go dance for a while!" Ari said jovialy putting out his arm with his palm down so she could rest her harm on his formally.
Mylia snapped out of her nostalgia and back to the present. What had Ari been saying? Had he been talking to Tory, or her? A faint blush rose to her cheeks, as her mind scrambled to catch up with the conversation. Then Ari offered her his arm. It took her a half a second to figure out why he was doing so, then her face flushed just the slightest bit more as she wordlessly took it, placing her arm lightly on his.
A tingle of excitement ran through her as she allowed him to escort her into the ballroom and onto the dancefloor. She hadn't had the chance to dance much over the past several years, but she delighted to find as they fell into the rythm of the waltz, that she hadn't forgotten any of what her father had taught her. As they spun gracefully about the dancefloor, Mylia beamed up at Ari, enjoying herself more thoroughly now than at any time in the past year. -----------------------------------
"What's up Simone? Someone we know?"
"Yeah, Take a look. Tell me if I'm mistaken as to who that person is." 'Cause I don't think I am. Simone chuckled to herself.
"Streamflag you old reprobate! how you doing?" he called out with a scowly smirk, as he moved out to were Simone and Fin were standing.
Rab stopped midstep, and looked up, scanning the crowds. Now who? He finally spotted Ringulf as he stepped out from behind from behind a booth. Rab wrinkled his brow as he studied the older man. Old reprobate? What's he talking about? He's older than I am.
Feeling the slightest of misgivings, he started foreward again, toward the other Ranger, wondering if Harrison had had anything to do with this...chance...meeting. "Ringulf...oh ancient one...I'm doing fine. And how about yourself?"
His gaze was drawn to the woman standing close by, wrapped in a forest green cloak, watching him. He studied her for a minute before placing her. ""Simone." he tipped his head respectfully in her direction. She returned the guesture. "Rab."
Out of polite habit, he acknowledged the other woman as well, the one who wore a blacksmith's apron. "Ma'am." He returned his gaze directly to Ringulf, looking him in the eye and awaiting his response.
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Post by Ringulf on Apr 22, 2011 6:35:25 GMT -5
A tingle of excitement ran through her as she allowed him to escort her into the ballroom and onto the dance floor. She hadn't had the chance to dance much over the past several years, but she delighted to find as they fell into the rhythm of the waltz, that she hadn't forgotten any of what her father had taught her. As they spun gracefully about the dance floor, Mylia beamed up at Ari, enjoying herself more thoroughly now than at any time in the past year.
Ari also enjoyed their closeness and the way she felt in his arms, Mylia was quite a good dancer, he liked this much more than wrestling and fighting with her at the Harvest fair.
He so admired the fact that she could be so tough and athletic and then on a night like tonight dressed like a fine lady of the court, hair done beautifully, her eyes beaming...
Suddenly he realized how deeply he was gazing into her eyes as he was twirling about, Ari was a good dancer himself having been taught by his mother practicing with his sisters when he was younger. He took many a ribbing amongst his peers but then again he could fight just as well as he danced so they were normally silenced quickly.
He gave her a broad smile and looked out to the floor trying not to make her feel uncomfortable and to see that there were quite a few admiring gazes pointed at them as well.
It seemed there were not allot of young people dancing and their youth and enthusiasm had earned them some notoriety.
"So, lofely girl, has it been as long a time since you have danced as it has been for me? By de vay,... you look...ravishing dis evening! I know ve don't get a chance to get this way often, but every now and den it is a nice change,...and it surely becomes you." Ari said capturing her eyes again as though he were drinking from a deep pool.
"I vas taught that a lady or gentleman should round out their lives vit many tings so dat dey vould be able to meet life verever dey vere, gracefully. You seem to be able to adapt to just about anyting! You are quite a clever girl...woman I should say der is very little girl here tonight!" He said with a grin as he spun her just a bit faster and laughed.
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Rab stopped midstep, and looked up, scanning the crowds. Now who? He finally spotted Ringulf as he stepped out from behind from behind a booth. Rab wrinkled his brow as he studied the older man. Old reprobate? What's he talking about? He's older than I am.
Ringulf chuckled at the blustery look Rab gave him as he searched for reason in his chiding.
"Ha Ha come Little Brother, you are always so serious!" Ringulf said
Feeling the slightest of misgivings, he started foreword again, toward the other Ranger, wondering if Harrison had had anything to do with this...chance...meeting. "Ringulf...oh ancient one...I'm doing fine. And how about yourself?"
"Feeling a bit less ancient, till I saw you...Ah you remember Simone don't you?"
His gaze was drawn to the woman standing close by, wrapped in a forest green cloak, watching him. He studied her for a minute before placing her. ""Simone." he tipped his head respectfully in her direction. She returned the gesture. "Rab."
Out of polite habit, he acknowledged the other woman as well, the one who wore a blacksmith's apron. "Ma'am." He returned his gaze directly to Ringulf, looking him in the eye and awaiting his response.
"And this remarkable woman is Glorfindel Therensdatter and these are her wares," Ringulf said as he swept his hand around to indicate all of her booth "My love this is Rab Streamflag an "old" Ranger friend of ours." Ari said with a twinkle.
He was not letting go of the running jab that had started many years ago when during a ranger moot they had been competing and trying to psych each other out. If Ringulf remembered correctly they both ended up on the grass panting and calling for water as they were both rather stubborn at the time about giving in. Some things never changed.
"I like this new trend! I used to feel rather unique being one of the only Scandians around but it seems they must have started a new policy over there and are sending over their best and brightest to show us up!"
"Speaking of the best and brightest isn't that Gyr flying in on his skis like the Falcon he's named after? Were is the fire?"
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Post by Brandwyn on Apr 22, 2011 11:41:03 GMT -5
Tory pursed her lips to hide a good-natured smile at Mylia’s blush when Aribjorn asked her to dance. Then she watched them move off to the dance floor and looked once again at her ranger clothing with some distaste.
“Why’d I go and volunteer to be on duty tonight?” she muttered under her breath as she watched Mylia and Ari wistfully. She turned back to Adrianne, “I guess I am going to have to make up for it tomorrow night and go all out in that new gown I bought a few weeks ago. I actually had it custom made for me. Ringulf keeps hinting that I need to – how does he say it? – ‘take advantage of some of my other more feminine attributes’ and stop looking so much like a tomboy.” She grinned at Adrianne. “Mylia looks like she is really having fun. Look at how graceful she is.” Tory sighed wistfully again. “I know the dance steps for a lot of them that my Dad taught me, but I dance like a cow.” Tory wished she could dance as effortlessly as Mylia and Ari were doing, but she always felt awkward and self-conscience on the dance floor. It always seemed like everyone was watching her and laughing at her.
Tory looked around the room again and glanced along the merchant booths. Fin’s indoor booth was empty, neither Ringulf nor Gyr manning it at the moment. It appeared that the merchant next door was keeping half an eye on things, but most of the items on Fin’s table were covered up with a cloth that was pinned down to keep sticky fingers from running off with any of her items. Tory swept her gaze around the room again and saw Harrison was flirting with some dolled up courtier, his interest in Tory obviously waning. Now might be a good time to slip away from his supervision.
“Hey Adrianne, have you seen the stuff they have on the dessert tables over there?” Tory pointed to the far side of the room where a crowd of people were filling their plates with a great number of delicacies from raw fish in rice cakes to slabs of honey glazed ham, to rich grain breads and soft creamy cheese. The items that had caught Tory’s eyes earlier however were the amazing subtleties the cooks had crafted. These were items made from food, entirely edible, but they looked like something else, such as the bread sculpture of a huge red dragon in the center of the bread table. The eyes of the dragon were a sparkling red candy made from sugar syrup with red coloring from red onion skins, cooked until it set into a hard candy and then cut to form the eyes. They were set onto the golden brown bread with a dark frosting. More red onion skins formed the scales on the dragon’s back, stuck to the bread by garlic juice. The bread dragon had its tail coiled around its feet and its mouth was open, hissing at those who approached the table as if it were guarding all the rest of the breads on the table.
The desserts were a wonderful array of fantastic creatures of many types as well as trays of more traditional treats. One tray Tory knew had come from Fin and it was her favorite. Tory had three pieces wrapped in a scrap of cloth in her pocket she pulled them out and handed one to Adrianne. “This is called maple sugar. Try it” Tory encouraged her. “Fin made it. It just melts in your mouth and the flavor is simply divine!” The sugar was molded in the shape of a horse head. Tory had helped Fin gather the syrup from the maple trees and cook it down for the sugar and pour it into the little horse head molds Fin had carved from some maple branches. “Like it?” She asked Adrianne as she led her new friend over into the thick crowd to load up a plate of food. It had been several hours since she had eaten and her tummy rumbled slightly at the smells radiating from the food tables.
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Post by Brandwyn on Apr 22, 2011 13:11:02 GMT -5
Fin was already doing a great business, having sold several items of armor and even two swords since she had set up. She now had four commissions for weapons, but she was focusing on the one for Sir Katrina since that was for a special occasion that was fast approaching.
Ringulf was helping her get organized and get her goods all out on display and they kept going into the wagon and bringing stuff out, often ending up inside at the same time. On those occasions she would plant herself in front of Ringulf on his way out, his arms loaded down and she would give him a kiss before letting him pass. It was turning into quite the game and more than a little bit of a distraction for her when she should be focusing on doing those commissions.
She had just stepped back outside the wagon and deposited an arm load of fur lined woolen hats on the table in front of her while she set up their display stand when Simone greeted her. Fin smiled at Simone and offered her a camp chair, but before she sat down Simone saw someone and called out, "Hmph. Hey, Ringulf--look who the cat dragged in." Fin followed her gaze and studied the other ranger with some interest as Ringulf came out and called the man over and introduced them.
"Simone." he tipped his head respectfully in her direction. She returned the gesture. "Rab."
Out of polite habit, he acknowledged the other woman as well, the one who wore a blacksmith's apron. "Ma'am." He returned his gaze directly to Ringulf, looking him in the eye and awaiting his response.
"And this remarkable woman is Glorfindel Therensdatter and these are her wares," Ringulf said as he swept his hand around to indicate all of her booth "My love this is Rab Streamflag an "old" Ranger friend of ours." Ringulf said with a twinkle.
Fin stepped forward, slipping her left hand into Ringulf’s as she extended her right to Rab. “Pleased to meet yah,” Fin smiled at Rab. “Ye are vwelcome at my vwagon. Any friendt of Ringulf’s is a friendt of mine.” She gave Ringulf’s hand a squeeze. “Should vwe break out de svweet ale from dis fall? It is a bit young, but Ah vwill bet it tastes lovely just de same.” Fin let go of Ringulf’s hand and rummaged through the cold chest she had placed under the wagon earlier where the afternoon sun would not warm it and melt the ice within, not that there was much need of that in the frigid Norgate air this time of year, but she didn’t like to take chances with her spirits and cheeses. The clay lined wooden cold chest would also keep the contents from freezing during the night.
She pulled out a glass bottle that was very round on the bottom half and had a long tapering neck. Inside was a golden liquid that sparkled in the sunlight. They had racked the ale so many times there was very little of the normal sludge in the bottom of the bottle. She handed it to Ringulf and then produced several cups and set them on the table, fishing out a loaf of dark bread, some herbed butter and a slab of dark yellow cheese. “I don’t know aboot any of yah, but Ah am famished!” She laughed as she then pulled out a cheesecloth sack full of slices of a spicy sausage. There were enough camp chairs in and around her booth for everyone and she gestured for their guests to have a seat.
Before anyone could get settled however, she heard Ringulf say, "Speaking of the best and brightest isn't that Gyr flying in on his skis like the Falcon he's named after? Where is the fire?"
“I belief it is our young falcon and he looks as if he is scart outta his vwits.” Fin looked at the young hunter with some trepidation, her knife poised above the loaf of bread, mid slice. “Vwhat is vrong, Gyr?”
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Post by Brandwyn on May 23, 2011 14:01:26 GMT -5
(OOC: Backpedaling to bottom of page one where Ash arrived at Baron Rathbone’s rented cottage… Recap of what Ash was saying at the end of that post, reply # 14:
“That is a ledger of business transactions. You are listed in 3 places. I found the entries very interesting. It seems that the owner of this book may have duped you on a business deal, but I could not tell for sure.” Ash explained. “My brother-in-law and my Father are both in there as well. I found some rather interesting business arrangements with some key people. Some quite surprised me, such as Cardinal Winlow and the director of the Araluen hospital, one Fistan Dobarton. There are others too you will likely recognize.” Ash took another sip of his cider.
Ash was reluctant to explain who was the owner of the book and where that man’s body was now. He knew the guy’s name, but he hoped the Baron wouldn’t be that interested in how he came into possession of the rather remarkable secret journal of one Sinbad Shantilly.)
Ash gave the Baron a few minutes to look over the journal while he contemplated the favor he wanted to ask, unsure if he should trust the man with the things most precious to him or not. Snowy chirped and moved to the back of a chair across the room away from the fire, drawing Ash’s gaze for a moment before he turned back to watching the flames. The snow owl was going to want out soon, but Ash ignored him for the moment.
“Your Excellency…” Ash said somewhat hesitantly, switching his gaze to the Baron. “I am in a bit of a dilemma I am afraid.” He paused again, making sure he had the Baron’s attention. This was his last chance to let the matter drop, but he had pondered his problem and asking the Baron’s help seemed to be the best course of action – if the Baron was trustworthy.
“As you know, my sisters have been in the custody of my father and brother-in-law for some months now, against my wishes as well as their own.” His brow furrowed in anger as he recalled their abduction nearly two years ago and the treatment he had witnessed just a short while ago. He paused again, looking intently at the Baron, then Cyrus and then his eyes lingered on Maureena, wondering if she would ever betray her lord by passing on information she was privy to. Ash suspected that she would not have lasted long as the Baron’s companion if she were in any way disloyal to him. The look of utter devotion on her face when she even so much as glanced at the Baron tended to turn Ash’s stomach. How could anyone let someone else have such power over themselves? Ash just couldn’t understand it, but he could tell that this woman would most likely kill herself if the Baron ordered her to do it. No, he likely would not have any reason to fear her leaking information to his father.
Realizing he had been silent a bit too long, Ash cleared his throat and looked back at the Baron again. “I have a plan in place to liberate both of my sisters.” He glanced again at Maureena who was now giving Cyrus a neck massage, but her eyes were on the Baron. Cyrus looked uncomfortable with the attention and soon motioned her away. Maureena glanced inquiringly at Ash and he shook his head. He had no desire to be touched so intimately, the thought made his skin crawl.
“I believe the part of the plan to extricate them should go smoothly, however, I do not have a secure place to smuggle them off to where my father could not find them again, and where they can be comfortable. Arielle in particular needs to be in a place where trusted servants can care for her and the twins. I fear for her health, especially after seeing the way that toad was treating her today when they arrived in town.” Ash scowled again, his words coming out short and crisp as his hand clenched tight around the goblet of cider, turning the knuckles even whiter than their usual pale shade. “I was wondering if you have a place or could recommend a place that would be comfortable and yet safe from my Father’s clutches?”
He looked to Rathbone and took a sip from the mug to settle his stomach which was still growling with hunger. Maureena must have determined his state, because suddenly she was holding a plate of flakey pastries in front of him. Ash took one and nodded his thanks, biting into it as Maureena offered the other two men the plate as well. The pastry was light, with many layers that flaked off and melted in one’s mouth. Inside was a dab of venison flavored with pine nuts and smothered in melted brie cheese with a dollop of raspberry preserves in the center. Ash held up the last bite, “my compliments to your chef, Your Excellency. These are magnificent and I thank you, Lady.” He nodded to Maureena. Delicacies such as these were never served to the common monks in the monastery, but Ash was no stranger to them none-the-less. He was looking forward to the evening meal.
Taking another sip from his nearly empty mug, Ash awaited the Baron’s response, hoping that he could make arrangements for his sisters without giving away his plan for the morrow. He wondered what the Baron would want in return, should he agree to help Ash out.
“I should think that they would need to stay with you for about a month to give me time to secure a more permanent location for them. That will also give Arielle a chance to regain her health after her recent ordeal.” Ash wanted to pace, but resisted the urge. “My thoughts were that my father would not think to look for them in your holdings and that they would be safest out of sight right under his nose, so-to-speak.” The corners of his mouth quirked upward in what could almost be called an impish grin. “I have some means of paying for their upkeep, or perhaps we could come to some other arrangement as payment.”
After tomorrow, if the Baron actually attends the meeting Ash’s father had arranged, the Baron would have a first-hand account of some of Ash’s more secret abilities. Of course Ash suspected that the Baron already knew a lot more about them than Ash preferred. Cyrus would have filled him in on all of Ash’s formal training before he fled from his father’s estates, and probably a good deal of the schooling he did afterwards. Although he was a priest, Ash had managed to finagle a great deal of private tutelage in the arts of war. He wasn’t as good as the Baron in a straight on sword fight, but that didn’t mean he was a lousy fighter, only that the Baron was exceptionally good. Just how much the Baron knew of Ash’s training remained to be seen. He smiled up at Maureena as she refilled his goblet and waited for the Baron’s answer, wondering what he would do if the answer was ‘no’.
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Post by Ringulf on May 27, 2011 10:07:14 GMT -5
“I belief it is our young falcon and he looks as if he is scart outta his vwits.” Fin looked at the young hunter with some trepidation, her knife poised above the loaf of bread, mid slice. “Vwhat is vrong, Gyr?”
Gyr was moving so fast that as he closed the gap between them he realized he was not going to stop in time.
He turned his ski's at right angle to his momentum and they dug in to the snow of the pathway. Even as packed as it was the wooden blades shaved off the top layer flinging it up in a rooster tail of frosty powder that gave the group a healthy dusting of white, cold, wet snow.
The quick stop was effective but it was actually almost too affective as Gyr could not maintain his balance against his forward momentum and started to topple forward over his turned skis.
Fortunately Ringulf and Rab, though now being the two who looked the most like snowmen, were right in front of him and he fell into the big arms of the bearlike ranger and Rab steadied the pair.
"Whoa now boy! Steady, steady! Damn that was a nice little cloud you hit us with what the hell is chasing you!" Ringulf said through the frosty white crust that had turned him into the image of father Christmas.
"The woods...skiing..very fast..big..black.. thought it was a man...no man...no man...ugly..hairy...lots...fighting...pant...pant...killing...lots....in the woods...hurry!" Gyr tried to get the words out but the short snippets were the best he could do through his rasping breaths.
"Ok. ok calm down get hold of yourself, what is in the woods Gyr, who were you fighting?" Ringulf tried to focus the young man.
Then Gyr hardly able to speak anymore reached into his satchel and pulled out the grizzled trophy of his combat with the creatures.
Ringulf stared in amazement at the dark hairy clawed hand a bit larger than his own, it was barely cold and a bit of the tar-like, black blood, still oozed from the wrist.
Ringulf looked from the dismembered appendage up to Rab and Simone, who's knitted brows and stern expressions matched his own, and all three said in a hushed unison... "Wargals!"
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Post by Ringulf on May 27, 2011 10:39:10 GMT -5
He smiled up at Maureena as she refilled his goblet and waited for the Baron’s answer, wondering what he would do if the answer was ‘no’.
The Barron had sat down by the fire and was transfixed in studying the ledger Ash had given to him. He seemed deep in thought as Ash made his request of him.
As Maureena filled their glasses he realized the young man was looking at him intently, in anticipation of his response.
The Barron brought his glass to his lips, taking a deep drought.
Then he leveled his gaze, almost predatory in nature, at the young priest, and in a quiet controlled voice said.
"I will not inquire of you where you may have come into possession of this information, I will however receive it as a token of your earnestness toward me and as an example of your capabilities, I thank you. Now as to your dilemma, I would have no problem harboring your family and of course you are correct in your thinking that your father will have much to much on his plate to be looking to me as the one safeguarding them.
I could have them removed to a port city such as Marshwood rather quickly and when they are sufficiently rested, have my personal yacht take them to one of my holdings in the south of Gualica, The one I am thinking of is small but well appointed and the coastal climate on the Southern inland sea will work wonders for all their constitutions.
It seems to me though that you have many other plans roiling about underneath your tonsure, I will not pry as your business is your own but I would submit that if you were to make me privy to your thoughts I might be of assistance if only by way of wise council."
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Post by Brandwyn on May 27, 2011 15:04:55 GMT -5
Ash looked relieved at the Baron’s acceptance of caring for his sisters, but held his tongue until the Baron finished.
“I thank you, Your Excellency, I believe that would do both of my sisters good and I know Anyia has long wanted to travel overseas to experience the wonders of Gallica and her merchants.” Ash held up his glass in thanks. “That is a great burden off my mind and I am sure they shall be well cared for which will relieve my mind enough to deal with other more – sinister matters that must be attended to.”
Ash took a sip from his goblet again. “As for my plans, I would like to entrust you with them, however I have sworn oaths to others involved and therefore cannot divulge much. I trust you understand.” Ash knew the Baron would respect a person who would not talk easily.
“As to that ledger, I believe I can shed some light on it, but I am afraid the revelation may paint me in a bad light and therefore I was reluctant to divulge how it came to be in my possession.” Ash paused, looking into the flames again for a few minutes to give himself time to decide how much to say. So far his secret life had remained just that to all but his targets and his Brothers. He needed it to remain that way or he would be rendered ineffective and then he would become the target. “So, what to say and what not to say,’ Ash pondered for a full minute before making up his mind.
“That is the real business journal of a merchant named Sinbad Shantilly, perhaps you have heard of him.” Ash began, pointing at the book with his long, elegant forefinger. “He has several ledgers on display in his office, but this is the one that he recorded all of his real and mostly illegal business transactions in for the past three years. He kept it on his person at all times, inside a rather intricately locked leather case.” Ash pulled aside the cowl around his neck to reveal some half healed black scorch marks on his neck and shoulder. “It also had a nasty little surprise that amazingly enough did not damage the ledger when I tripped it.” He shook his head ruefully. “If not for some fast reflexes I believe I would be blind now, if not dead from the poison.”
“I won’t go into details on how I managed to get my hands on the book, but suffice it to say that Shantilly is answering to God right now for his crimes.” Ash made the sign of the cross in front of his face, kissing the rosary hanging from his belt. “God rest his soul and grant him the justice he deserves.” Looking back up to the Baron he said, “I do wish that, after reading this journal, he would have been alive for me to question further, but he was reluctant to part with the book or repent his deeds.”
“If you look at one of the later entries in the journal there is mention of receiving hospital supplies from one Baron Rathbone for the Araluen hospital back at Yuletide. Under that notation, if I can make out the handwriting correctly, it states that the boxes of supplies were valued at over 1000 gold pieces. There is another note just a bit further down: Baron’s merchandise reported lost.” Ash crossed over to the Baron and flipped the pages forward. “Now look at that entry some days afterward.”
He pointed to another note in the scrawling handwriting that was barely legible. Contract with MacIven for 500 swords and round shields. Paid to Smithy Renwald with hospital supplies profits (805 gold pieces). “It looked to me like he may have declared that merchandise you sold to him lost and then used the profits from it to pay for these swords. He then received another 1000 gold pieces from this MacIven guy for those weapons.” Ash pointed to another spot on the next page. “Quite the entrepreneur and this is only one of many such transactions as you will see. He was double dealing and double crossing all over the place.” Ash grinned for a moment, “I had to applaud the one he got over on my stupid brother-in-law, Avignoned, but I will let you decipher that one out, otherwise it will spoil the pleasure.”
Ash grew serious again, walking back to the fireplace and warming his hands near the flames. “That entry there about MacIven concerns me most however. I have already begun to delve deeper into it. Unfortunately it is hard to find a Smithy named Renwald in Araluen. Before I left Greenfield fief to come here I looked all over for him there. No one knew of a Smith going by that name. I suspect it is not the man’s real name.” Ash turned back to his chair and sat down again as his owl, Snow Dart, gave a low whistle. She was getting impatient. Ash held up his arm and she glided onto it and stroked her head against his cheek, eying the Baron hungrily. “The closest I found in Greenfield is a Gallican smith named Renault.” Ash watched the Baron’s face closely. Perhaps Rathbone knew the man.
“I am certain that MacIven is Scotti and that the weapons were delivered into his hands someplace here in Norgate. I am following that lead now. You have heard of the large band of warriors roaming the mountains around here terrorizing military families, haven’t you?” Ash inquired. “I believe this MacIven is outfitting an army, or if not an army, a huge band of brigands.” Ash’s brows furrowed. “I have to find out more, however, before I can determine what course of action I should take with this information.”
“Snowy needs to hunt, please excuse me while I let her out.” Ash said as he rose from the chair, steadying the bird with his right hand. He bowed to Rathbone and Maureena and nodded to Cyrus, then glided to the front door and launched the snow owl into the air. She let out a fierce cry as she climbed into the early night sky, winging her way to her chosen hunting grounds. Ash watched her for several minutes until she was out of sight, going back over what he had just told the Baron. He took a deep breath, let it out slowly, vapor streaming from his mouth in the cold night air and then turned back into the house and the cheery, inviting fire and cozy sitting room.
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Post by Firehead on Jun 8, 2011 12:44:54 GMT -5
Mylia twirled around the dance floor with Ari, lost in the music, the laughter, the joyessness of the occassion. Perhaps it was this reason that she found herself gazing into Ari's eyes so intently. She realized this with a start and a faint blush crept up into her cheeks once more.
"So, lofely girl, has it been as long a time since you have danced as it has been for me?"
"Almost ten years this winter." Mylia replied, gratefully for a distraction from her current train of thought.
"By de vay,... you look...ravishing dis evening! I know ve don't get a chance to get this way often, but every now and den it is a nice change,...and it surely becomes you." Ari said capturing her eyes again as though he were drinking from a deep pool.
Once again, her cheeks colored as she blushed at his compliment. She'd been called pretty before--lovely little lady by her father--but never...ravishing. She dropped her gaze, murmering, "Thank you." She didn't know quite what else to say, and was glad when Ari continued.
"I vas taught that a lady or gentleman should round out their lives vit many tings so dat dey vould be able to meet life verever dey vere, gracefully. You seem to be able to adapt to just about anyting! You are quite a clever girl...woman I should say der is very little girl here tonight!" He said with a grin as he spun her just a bit faster and laughed.
Mylia followed his lead, once again laughing with pleasure and delight as they spun around the dance floor. meeting his eyes once more, she allowed herself to become lost in the depths of his gaze, and found herself thinking that with Ari, she could dance all night and not feel the slightest bit tired. -----------------------
There was a moments pause as the gravity of the matter sank into the minds of the three Rangers. Rab's mind kicked into high gear. At the end of that moment, Rab fired off a salvo of questions. "How many? How far behind you? Where at? Show me."
"Slow down a second, Ranger Boy." Simone said. She pionted a finger at Rab. "The minute Gyr gives you an answer, you get your tail end out there and start scoutin'. It's one of the thing you do best. Ringulf can get a force organized and up to the walls. I'll go up there now and tip 'em off that we may have company coming for a visit."
Rab stopped in his tracks, listening to Simone taking charge and giving him his orders. Then he grinned slightly at Ringulf as he replied to her. "Yes ma'am." He started to turn away, but stopped. "If I die out there, you get to take over training Adriane."
He guestured for Gyr to accompany him to the gate-- they could walk and talk at the same time. Behind him he heard Simone yell, "Who in the world is Adriane?"
Raising his hand so that she could see it over his shoulder he used the Ranger's sign language to tell her, 'My apprentice.'
Reaching the gate, he turned to Gyr, while unslinging his bow and readying it. "Now, how many are there? Where did you first see them, and if they chased you how far behind you are they?"
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Simone turned to Ringulf, surprise etched on her face. "Did you ever think that Rab, of all people, would take on an apprentice?"
my appologies if this seems a little take-charge.
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Post by Ringulf on Jun 10, 2011 12:40:56 GMT -5
Mylia followed his lead, once again laughing with pleasure and delight as they spun around the dance floor. meeting his eyes once more, she allowed herself to become lost in the depths of his gaze, and found herself thinking that with Ari, she could dance all night and not feel the slightest bit tired.
Aribjorn was also getting lost in the eyes of his dancing partner, this young slip of a Tomboyish ranger had transformed before him as if by sorcery. Mylia was a very special person. Since the first moment he heard her voice screaming like a banshee at the top of the mast of the Persephone to the moment she had dropped into his arms he knew that this girl would always surprise him and always be a part of his life. Now though he saw a different girl before him, still his comrade in arms, still his friend, but now for some reason, he realized, much more. It was almost as though he had been living in the small front room of a great hall and thought that was all there was to the building, then someone opened the main doors and bade him enter the feasting hall, and he was amazed.
It was Ari's turn then to break the intense gaze for fear of showing her the thoughts now running in his mind.
With a flourish and a definite retard the music resolved itself and then ceased. A physical pain made Ari's heart ache for the loss of the moment.
The two had stopped dancing, they were in the center of the room with many people milling about, laughing and talking yet he and Mylia stood still in each others arms, as if frozen, neither daring to move in fear of breaking the spell.
Once again gazing into her liquid eyes he felt his face magnetically drawing toward her, his gaze dropping to her lips...
"Mylia!...Aribjorn...Come quickly! We have a situation! Get your weapons and gear and meet me in the courtyard!"
As the two youths snapped out of their trance, they looked to the interloper and saw the back of Ringulf's head and broad shoulders as he disappeared through the crowd.
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