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Post by Brandwyn on Jul 26, 2011 11:53:18 GMT -5
Crowley wormed his way through the woods early in the morning seeking out specific individuals to be on his team. He had already recruited Gilan and Will and they were quickly planning strategy after their initial disappointment that Halt wasn’t going to be one of the targets. Neither of them really knew Bunt all that well and Crowley felt that was both an advantage and disadvantage, but he hoped his knowledge of the southern ranger would make up for their lack and felt he had the edge so far in this little bet.
Ringulf was the next on his list of recruits and he hoped to get Mylia for Pepper’s team. When he saw Ringulf camped with Bunt, his spirits fell. Surely Bunt had already recruited him. Ever the optimist, however, he decided to ask anyway.
“Ringulf how was your evening?” Crowley called out, nodding to Rick and Bunt and the apprentices, “Morning everyone. My, what a lot of apprentices you have here!” He exclaimed and chuckled. He noted Tory’s look and frowned slightly, a puzzled look in his eye. Seemed no matter what he did, that girl was determined not to trust him. ‘Confound Palisade,’ he thought to himself, ‘he’s nearly ruined her.’ But he wasn’t here about Tory. He turned back to Ringulf. “I need to ask you something, my friend.”
He stepped away from the others a bit until they were out of hearing range, motioning for Mylia to follow them. “Ringulf, I need your help and it is not going to be easy seeing as how you are camping with Bunt.” He started to explain about the bet he had made with Bunt, “did he tell you about it?” Crowley explained it a bit further and then asked, “Ringulf, I would dearly love to have you on my team. You know Bunt pretty well and I already have Will and Gilan on board. I need some experience though and someone who knows how to outsmart that old codger.” Crowley glanced over at Bunt who was sitting in his camp chair blatantly staring at them and trying to figure out what they were saying. Crowley turned so Bunt couldn’t read his lips. “I would like Mylia here to be on Pepper’s team if she’s willing. I think Pepper would benefit from Mylia’s quick thinking and adventurous nature.” Crowley smiled at the apprentice. “Soooo?” Crowley looked sheepishly at Ringulf, waiting for the ‘I am sorry, but I already told Bunt I would be on his team’ comment, knowing it was coming.
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Post by Ringulf on Jul 27, 2011 12:09:58 GMT -5
"Yea Bunt that's fine, it seems like she is in great demand! I think Mylia will be able to help me run the throwing range and teach the axe class, but send her back to check in with me when she is done!" Ringulf growled like a surly old bear since he had not yet had his cup of coffee.
Crowley took him aside and murmered his invitation apart from the others, Ringulf knew what he would say and was prepared for it, thinking about it all night he had come to his descision.
"Comandant he said in a whisper, I would be honored...I can't speak for Mylia, but I think I may be able to put in a good word, she needs to mix it up a little too, I would like to see her work against Tory for once so they are not to dependent on each other."
"As for me, Tell Halt and Will that I would love to discuss their strategies, and that I may have some insight as to Ranger Bunt's tactics."
He then strode over to Bunt a second cup of coffee in his hand and handed the warm stoneware mug to the ranger as he carved, he squatted down and spoke very softly, "Look dissapointed.... well old man, the rabbit is out of the box lets see if the hounds run, I think your plan is gonna work, he gobbled it hook line and sinker."
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Post by Brandwyn on Jul 28, 2011 18:20:59 GMT -5
"Yea Bunt that's fine, it seems like she is in great demand! I think Mylia will be able to help me run the throwing range and teach the axe class, but send her back to check in with me when she is done!" Ringulf growled like a surly old bear since he had not yet had his cup of coffee.
“Will do,” Bunt waved with his knife. “Make sure ya bring all yer knives, Tory.” Bunt winked at her and Tory nodded gravely and went to gather her gear from her tent.
Bunt gave Crowley a sour look when he approached and began to speak with Ringulf. He eyed the pair intently, trying to hear what they were saying. He was reading their lips until Crowley turned him away, but he caught enough to know that Ringulf was agreeing to be on Crowley’s team.
Ringulf then strode over to Bunt with a second cup of coffee in his hand and handed the warm stoneware mug to the ranger as he carved, he squatted down and spoke very softly, "Look dissapointed....well old man, the rabbit is out of the box lets see if the hounds run, I think your plan is gonna work, he gobbled it hook line and sinker."
Bunt glared at Crowley as he accepted the cup of coffee from Ringulf and as he was looking into the mug he said loudly. “Sure, sure, old friend, I understand.” He gave Crowley another sour look. “Don’t gloat, you ole wildcat,” Bunt shook his knife at Crowley who was standing there with a big grin on his face. “I’m still gonna win this bet.” Bunt eyed the mug again and closed one eye looking into it, “Ya didn’t put no sleeping potion in this here mug did ya?” he asked Ringulf for Crowley’s benefit and then set the cup down on the ground untouched, eyeing it suspiciously.
Crowley chuckled and walked away whistling happily as he decided on who his next recruit was going to be. Then he remembered he was going to have to make the announcements and so he headed back to the command tent.
When he was gone, Bunt picked up the coffee and took a deep drink. “Thanks, Ringulf. Heh, that went well.” He said with a grin and then stood up, draining the rest of the coffee and handed the mug back to Ringulf, grinning at him. This was going to get interesting, he thought as he gathered up his gear.
“Come on gals, le’s go find a quiet patch o’ woods, after he makes his speech this morning, ta see what ya got goin’ with those knives. I don’ want a gaggle o’ boys hangin’ round watchin ya while we work.” Bunt said to Tory, Ivy and Dian.
In a few minutes they heard Crowley’s horn giving one long blast. After another minute they could hear another long blast signaling the rangers to gather at Crowley’s tent. Bunt led the girls in that direction.
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Post by Brandwyn on Jul 29, 2011 11:15:49 GMT -5
Crowley left Ringulf and headed straight back to his tent on the little rise in the center of the Gathering Grounds. There he picked up his old carved ram's horn and stood for a moment surveying the rangers who were in various stages of their morning libations and breakfast. Most of them seemed to be up and most of the way finished with breakfast. Gathering his thoughts and pulling out his little handmade notebook, he decided it was time to make what announcements he could. He gave a long blast on the horn, waited a minute and then blasted out another long wailing note. Then he stood waiting while the ranger’s began to gather around his tent.
After about ten minutes it looked like most of the rangers were gathered around and there was a general hum of conversation as they waited for things to begin. Crowley took one last look at his notes giving himself one final chance to change his mind on the assignments and then made another long blast on his horn, calling the meeting to order.
“Welcome my friends to the Gathering of the year 657! It seems we have nearly everyone here this year which is a far cry over last year during the middle of the war.” His face grew somber, “At the bonfire tonight we will be drinking a toast to those of us who died in service during this past year as is traditional. May they all have found peace and happiness in the hereafter.”
He let them reflect for a moment on friends lost both in the war, after the war and in the line of duty and for the two retired rangers that had succumbed to old age or illness this past year. Then he cleared his throat and brought them back to the present. “I will start by giving out the assignments for this next year as that is what you all are always dying to hear first. Following that will be the competitions and classes for the next three days. After that you all can report on any problems in your fief that you feel the other rangers should know about. Now on to the assignments.”
Crowley held up his notebook to the early morning sun and consulted it for a moment. “Halt, you and Will Treaty have a special assignment. We’ll talk about that privately.”
“Nicolette Amara Dace will be taking over Seacliff, knowing her preference for the warmer climates.” Crowley winked at her. “Perhaps you will have some luck in keeping those islanders in fighting shape. There are other pirates out there besides the Skandians, but they don’t seem to remember that. Make sure they have a decently trained and outfitted defensive force.” Crowley advised. “Pirate activity out of Toscano has increased recently and there are even some Aslavian pirates attacking along the southeast coastline.”
“Next, Allison, who we fondly call ‘Smiley’ of Whitby Fief, is going on her first assignment as a Silver Leaf to the fief of Redmont while Halt is on special assignment. Allison, Redmont is a very large fief but should be in fairly good order, right Halt?” Crowley raised an eyebrow at his friend questioningly. Halt just grunted neither acknowledging Crowley’s comment, nor denying it. “Anyway, should you need some assistance, don’t hesitate to contact myself or for more immediate help, get in touch with Gilan who is only one fief over in Whitby.” Crowley advised the new ranger. “Congratulations on your first assignment!” Several of the rangers clapped and cheered, remembering their first assignment and how nervous they had been at the time.
“During this past year, since the last gathering there were a couple of changes many of you might not know about.” Crowley continued. “Ringulf, with his apprentice Mylia, was assigned to Marshwood fief and is working on the river pirate issue. The previous ranger’s apprentice is still missing and presumed dead, although we have not given up all hope. Perhaps you can give us an update as to Marshwood’s current situation after I finish with the announcements, Ringulf?”
“Another change was Bunt being assigned to Caraway after the loss of old Harold at the hands of the mercenary group calling themselves The Grizzlies.” Crowley bowed his head for a moment. Harold had been a good friend to him over the years, although he had let things get a bit slack in the Fief as far as the Baron was concerned. Perhaps Crowley should consider putting a younger person in there to shake things up, but he wanted to give Bunt a chance to straighten out the Baron and get the fief back in order.
“Robin Dale and his apprentice were assigned to Greenfield Fief and Monkuta Jakys and his apprentice Marina are still in Drayden since right after the war. That should about sum up the changes although there will be some more changes at the end of the Gathering depending on this current class of apprentices that are hoping to graduate.” Crowley looked at Dustin, Pepper and their group of friends that were all expecting to pass their last evaluations and be elevated to Silver Leaf Rangers. They grinned at each other, a couple of them looking doubtful.
Crowley looked around the grounds for Tandar, knowing he was around someplace. He hadn't had a chance to talk to him yet though so he decided to wait until the end of the Gathering to make any permanent decision concerning Meric, Tandar and Tory.
“Now on to today’s classes,” Crowley silenced the murmuring that had started with a wave of his hand. “There will be a throwing weapons class open for anyone, apprentice or ranger, who wants to learn some alternative weapons to throw. It will be on the throwing range and is being taught by Ringulf. When is it you are holding that class, Ringulf?”
After his answer, Crowley then noticed Tory standing next to him and decided to go through with his thoughts concerning her. “There will also be a class the day after tomorrow, right after lunch on mounted archery down at the archery range.” He saw Tory perk her ears up at that, looking at him eagerly and suppressed a grin. “This class will be taught by apprentice Waterton and is mandatory for all first and second year apprentices. Others are of course welcome to join if they want to.”
“ME?” Tory squeaked loud enough for everyone to hear and then her face turned bright red as she first looked at Crowley in shock and then to Ringulf with her mouth hanging open. “Me? Why me?” She blurted and then noticed all eyes in the crowd had turned on her and she blushed even redder and hid her face in Ringulf’s cloak, trying to disappear under his arm. Several rangers chuckled and called out encouragement.
Crowley held his hands up again and said, “Because, Miss Waterton, I have it on good authority that you are one of the best riders in this group and your secret practices have not gone unnoticed.” Crowley pointed at her. “I am sure you will do just fine and I can’t wait to see you demonstrate this new skill.” Crowley turned back to the rest of the rangers as he caught Tory pulling back from Ringulf and glaring at him as if betrayed. “For those of you who don’t know, this young lady likes to canter her horse and shoot from it at the same time. I hear she has gotten fairly good at this technique and I would like some of you to learn it. So if you feel comfortable enough on your horse to try, please join her class.”
Crowley went on to announce several other classes, mostly for apprentices and then several competitions that were going to be taking place. “See the announcement board here for a complete list and schedule,” he finished up, knowing he likely forgot something. The morning was moving on apace, however, and he wanted to wrap this meeting up.
“Now for reports,” He said, forestalling those who were about to wander off. “We will be getting into more details on these situations over the next couple of days, but there are a few issues that are affecting many fiefs if not the entire Kingdom. One of these is the seemingly random movements and attacks in the north by what we believe to be a band of Scotti rebels bent on destroying the treaty between Picta and Araluen. The army and its agents are taking the lead in this matter, but you are ordered to offer whatever help and support you can to those agents should they ask for it. Please report any information you have that might relate to this issue immediately upon discovering it.”
People grew somber, many of them having had contact with these rebels and knew of the terror they were causing across the countryside. “As most of you know there were Wargals at the Norgate Winter Revel. The investigation in their movements is ongoing. Please report any and all sightings, even if you only suspect it could be Wargals.” He ordered.
“As I mentioned earlier, pirate activity along the southeastern coast has increased since the war. For those of you in those coastal fiefs, keep watch on the water and warn the villagers to be prepared in case of an attack. That goes for those of you with ports that have ships travelling in those waters. Keep your eyes open for suspicious looking sailors and cargo.”
“There seem to still be many Grizzly operatives in Araluen. Should you see anyone sporting one of these pendants, detain them and send them to Araluen Castle for questioning, after you get what information you can from them.”
“I also mentioned the river pirates plaguing Marshwood in particular but also are a problem in Norgate, Caraway and Araluen fiefs as well. Ringulf, do you have any new information concerning these pirates or the missing girl?” Crowley asked him.
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Post by Firehead on Aug 6, 2011 8:11:56 GMT -5
After the Official announcements were over, Red loped up to Crowley. "You got it coming to ya now--an don't think I gunna run interference for ya either." When Crowley looked askence at him, Red rolled his eyes with an Is'nt it obvious? sigh, and told him, "Shane's on Bunt's team."
Red was one of the few who could call Qwade by his first name and not have to worry about any reprisals later on down the road. Everyone else was content to call him Qwade. "Oh, and by the way, Ben's also on Bunt's team, so...I'm really not helping you out. I mean, if one of them has you by the scruff of the neck, I'm not getting in their way. Ben's still looking to get me back for the ants in his bedroll anyway. I'm not about to give him a good excuse for cracking me over the head." He added.
"Oh, While I'm at it, on the good side, we have Pippen and Mylia--Pippen's feeling sorry for you. At least, that's what she said. It could be because Rick is on Bunt's team. I think Tam's going to go on Bunt's team, though he might stay out altogether. I think his main reason for being on Bunt's team would be because...well, because he has to live with him. And Rab is going to stay out and watch."
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Post by Brandwyn on Aug 8, 2011 14:44:19 GMT -5
Crowley listened to Red and his smile turned to a frown. Bunt had been busy, at least as far as the apprentice team went. Either that or the apprentices were far more eager to hunt him than they were Bunt. Crowley didn’t know why, Bunt was much more of a grouchy old man. “must be the title,” Crowley muttered under his breath.
“I was expecting Qwade to stay out of it, but no surprise he is on Bunt’s team once he decided to participate. Well, I need to do some recruiting. See if you can find any more apprentices for Pepper’s team, will ya Red?” Crowley asked and then as he turned to look for his next recruit he added, “Thanks for the information.” He wondered, however, if Red was going to be more of a liability than an asset. He had plans for the young man though that should be right up Red’s alley.
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Bunt turned around and motioned for the girls to follow him immediately after the announcements ended. He’d seen Tory freak out and knew Rick could handle that situation, but he deliberately slowed his pace until she caught up. Meanwhile he had a talk with Ivy.
“Ivy, I think it might be good fer you ta be with Mylia on Pepper’s team, if’n yer of a mind ta participate. Nothing says ya have ta and it’s yer choice, a’course, but it is lookin’ like Pepper might be a wee bit shy o’members an’ I think ya might be happier ifn ya didn’t have ta put up with Tory making cow eyes at Dustin all day.” Bunt suggested. “I won’ hold nothin’ agin ya fer being on tha ‘other side’ so don’ worry none about that. Oh an I almost fergot ta tell ya, I signed ya up fer the Hiding in Shadows class that should be startin’ in about a half hour. Yer supposed ta meet up there by the Three Sisters.” Bunt realized that Ivy had no idea where he meant. “Member those three trees twisted ‘round eachother that you girls saw on the way in here? They are known as the Three Sisters, an’ don’ be makin’ no jokes in front of us older rangers about them being ‘twisted sisters’ neither. We heard ‘em all already. Run along now an’ I will see ya back at camp at lunch time.”
“I thought we weren’t going to get lunch?” Tory asked as she ran up and winked at Dian. She was still shaken up about teaching and her stomach was full of butterflies, but she was going to try out Rick’s advice and concentrate on what to teach and how to teach it. Maybe it would calm her nerves. A good sparring match might help too.
“Figure of speech,” Bunt grunted and scowled at her. He’d forgotten that youngsters took everything so literally. He led them on to the very edge of the gathering grounds, seeming to be looking for something.
When they were out of earshot of everyone Tory asked quietly, “Hey, Bunt, are we going to actually spar with these practice knives once we make them?”
Bunt zeroed in a copse of trees and began to scan the ground and the smaller saplings. Tory noticed they were Ash trees and looked at them with interest. It was obvious that they had been harvested for bows many times in the past. “Depends on how long you gals take makin ‘em.” Bunt picked up a newly fallen tree limb that was only about 4 inches around, but a good four feet long. It was broken on both ends like something had crashed into it. The wood was still green and the cracks glistening with the tree’s sap.
“We got four more years afor we can harvest any more fresh wood from this here clump. Crowley made it off limits except for deadfall to give the trees a chance ta recover,” Bunt explained. “It looks like someone tried ta sit on this ole branch last night and they was too fat fer it. Our lucky break!”he said and led them off farther from the Grounds. When they were in a secluded spot away from the general hubbub of the Gathering, he unfolded his camp chair and sat down on it.
He had Tory break the limb in half and then showed her where and how to cut it up into knife sized lengths while he did the same with his half. Tory gave two pieces to Dian and then pulled out her throwing knife, glad they didn’t have to carve copies of their saxe knives. The Ash was hard and she had been hoping to use pine which would have been fast and easy to carve. “So what is the best way to go about this, Bunt? Fin and Ringulf have shown me a little bit about carving, but nothing that has to be proportioned so that it keeps a nice throwing balance.”
Bunt nodded and smiled in approval. “Well, first I would get it thin on both sides like this.” He took his Saxe knife which was razor sharp and peeled off a layer of the wood and bark along the whole length, Then he flipped it over and peeled off another layer on the opposite side. He flipped it back over and repeated his actions.
Tory kneeled down on the leaf covered dirt and watched him intently and then set the end of her chunk of tree limb in the dirt and tried to copy his movements while not slicing off a finger. The saxe knife bit into the wood and she grunted and pushed and then it stopped and the blade wedged in about three inches from the top where she started. She looked at Bunt in exasperation. “This is going to take all week.”
“Nonsense, you dug in too deep. You have to shave it like you are peeling an apple. Like this.” He showed them both the angle of the knife against the wood, doing it in slow motion this time.
Tory sighed and pulled her knife loose and tried again. this time she managed to slice a very thin layer off all the way down. It was pretty much just the bark, but it was a start. She smiled triumphantly and then flipped her branch over and started again. “Damn!” she cursed when the blade stuck again. “Going too fast,” she muttered to herself and reset the blade. After a few tries she seemed to get into a rhythm, but every time she tried to speed the process up, the blade stuck.
“Ya in some sort of hurry, girl?” Bunt asked her. “Got a hot date or something?”
Tory kept her eyes on the tree limb that was ever so slowly taking shape into a semi-flat stick. Her face blushed red, but she answered quietly, “as a matter of fact, I have, and a class to plan for as well, thanks to that- to Crowley.” She decided she had better keep her descriptions of Crowley to herself, Bunt was his friend and he was the Commandant, so the rank alone afforded some measure of respect. She was pretty aggravated with him right now, however, so it was difficult for her to keep her tongue in check.
“Ah youth, I remember when…” Bunt trailed off and left the thought hanging, “Never mind.” He checked on Dian’s progress. “Speakin o that class, what are yer plans, Tory?”
Tory looked up at him sharply to see if he was mocking her, but he looked genuinely curious. “None, I have no idea what I am going to do.” Tory answered, looking back at her hands so she didn’t cut herself. She had a long history of knives in the kitchen always making nicks in her fingers. “Either of you got any ideas on what I should do? I am scared witless to even think about it.” Tory asked Bunt and Dian. “I am going to be a dismal failure and they will probably kick me out of the Ranger Corps.” Not that it would be the end of the world if they did so. She would just take up her search to find Palisade, but she would have to convince them to leave her Chip. She would never leave him behind.
Bunt didn’t answer right away as he examined his first piece of wood that was now about 4 inches wide and a quarter of an inch thick. Tory looked at it in amazement. How had he done it so fast? She noticed hers was now about 3 inches thick, but she had a long way to go. “Follow yer instincts, I always say,” Bunt finally answered her and Tory hid a scowl. That was a big help, she thought, but didn’t say anything. “An’ they won’t kick ya out o’ the Corps fer being a bad teacher, otherwise a good third of the rangers here today wouldn’ be here.” Bunt added. “Sides, I have seen ya teach one-on-one and you’ll do jes fine, I’m sure.”
Tory looked at him skeptically. “Easy for you to say,” she muttered and hacked at the piece of wood, sticking her saxe knife again. maybe she should give this class thing a rest and turn her thoughts to Dustin. They were supposed to go to the lake this evening after supper and look at the stars.
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dian
Apprentice Scribe
this status thing reminds me of Facebook
Posts: 100
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Post by dian on Aug 8, 2011 18:07:27 GMT -5
After less then a few seconds of distraction Dian followed Bunt away from Crowley and the other rangers, and they kept a slow pace until Tory caught up with them. Bunt sent Ivy away, but Dian and Tory continued into the forest surrounding the gathering grounds. Not to far in and Bunt found a long Ash branch that they could use for carving, and nearby Dian spotted a very small branch, that could be JUST big enough to copy her couriers knife if she ever had the extra time. If knives where her specialty then she would have to be prepared with extras. When Bunt lead them to a small clearing of sorts away from everybody else.
Tory broke the larger branch and handed her two bits of it to make her throwing knives. Dian watched as Bunt showed them the gist of carving, Dian thought she had it down and so attempted it. She didn't even start though when Tory said "This is going to take all week!" but Bunt corrected her saying she had done it wrong. Wanting to do her best, and as fast as possible so she could do a third knife, she made sure she didn't dig her knife in too deep. She used her Saxe knife to take of the hard bark off, only sticking once, so far.
“Either of you got any ideas on what I should do? I am scared witless to even think about it.” Tory asked the two of them. Dian's brain started turning with possibilities, and she started picking out what she wanted to say. Before she was even half through sorting out her thoughts Bunt simply said to use your instincts. Tory then said she might get thrown out of the corpse, the first thing that came to her mind was it was a joke, they wouldn't think about throwing out an apprentice who just couldn't teach a class... would they? Bunt tried to reassure her but it was obvious it didn't work.
"Well, you could always start slow, isn't that what your always suppose to do? Start them off at just shooting in the saddle and slowly raise the speed. 'Course there are other ways, but that's the first to pop in my head." Dian said. She wasn't trying to contradict Bunt in anyway, but Dian could tell Tory needed a little extra help with all of this being thrown on her in seconds, with no warning what so ever.
Dian looked at what she had in her hand. The piece of branch had no outer bark and began to get the right shape, Dian figured after she got the basic shape of the knife down she could switch to her throwing knife to get the last extra bits of wood of to get it balanced and the right shape. She showed her work to Bunt "Am I doing this right?" She didn't think she was, and with her luck might end up having to restart.
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erevan
Apprentice Cook
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Post by erevan on Aug 9, 2011 9:22:36 GMT -5
After finishing his report to Crowley, Jack decided to go find Bunt. He already had some ideas for causing headaches for Team Crowley. Eventually, he saw him with the apprentices, carving some wooden knives.
"Toning things down a level for competition are we Bunt?" he asked cheerfully as he walked up. "Not a bad idea, might made a set myself later. Anyway, I got some ideas for making this a real headache for old Crowley and his team." He glanced toward the apprentices, then looked back at Bunt. "We safe to talk here? Or should we meet later on? That reminds me, I got to find Gil at some point, find out when he's teaching his knife class. He was asking if I could help him out with some of the younger ones."
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Post by Brandwyn on Aug 9, 2011 10:46:45 GMT -5
"Well, you could always start slow, isn't that what your always suppose to do? Start them off at just shooting in the saddle and slowly raise the speed. 'Course there are other ways, but that's the first to pop in my head." Dian said.
Tory considered her suggestion as she shaved more wood off the knife blank. She was slowly working it down, but it wasn’t as even as Bunt’s. “That’s a good idea. At least the horses should all be used to the sound of the arrows since they get that training before they come to us,” Tory agreed. “I just started cantering Chip past the target I had chosen and made the motions of firing without actually shooting anything. That got the rhythm down so I knew when his feet were in the air. That’s when you want to shoot because your shot is more accurate.” Tory mused. “I don’t know how to teach that, though. It is just instinct with me.” Tory scowled again. “I’m glad I’m on your team, Bunt, cuz I owe Crowley some payback for making me do this stupid class,” she dug at the piece of wood in frustration and gouged into it again, then muttered softly, “among other things.”
Her thoughts went to Patrick and all the days they were on the run thanks to Crowley putting out the wanted poster on him. She had actually killed two bounty hunters that had come after him, but it was in self defense since they were out to kill Patrick and anyone else that got in their way. She grew quiet and listened to Dian as she showed her work to Bunt "Am I doing this right?" She didn't think she was, and with her luck might end up having to restart.
Bunt took a look at her piece of wood. “Yep, it’s comin’ along nicely. Jes try ta keep it even all tha way down.” Bunt was making his second of four blanks and occasionally stopped and honed the edge of his saxe knife on his whetstone. “Yer both doin jes fine,” he said looking over Tory’s work. “I been carvin my whole life, so don’ expect ta be as fast as me when yer jes starting out.”
Tory looked up and saw another ranger approaching and warned the others, “We got company.” He was a young ranger with red hair and a goatee and looked to be very wiry in his build. Tory wasn’t sure who he was, but Bunt looked up and recognized him.
"Toning things down a level for competition are we Bunt?" he asked cheerfully as he walked up. "Not a bad idea, might made a set myself later. Anyway, I got some ideas for making this a real headache for old Crowley and his team." He glanced toward the apprentices, then looked back at Bunt. "We safe to talk here? Or should we meet later on? That reminds me, I got to find Gil at some point, find out when he's teaching his knife class. He was asking if I could help him out with some of the younger ones."
“Hi Jack, yeah, the girls here are on my team, so it’s safe ta talk. This is Tory, Ringulf and Tandar’s apprentice, and Dian, my other new apprentice. Ivy is off at a class right now,” Bunt gestured to a fallen log a few feet away, “feel free ta drag up that there log an’ have a seat. Girls this is Jack McAllister.” With introductions out of the way, Bunt wondered what was on Jack’s mind, “What’s yer idears?” he asked, resuming his carving.
Before he could start Tory blurted, “The Gillan is teaching a knife class?” She knew Gillan was known for his hand-to-hand combat skills, especially with the rapier. “I would like to take that class. Of course with my luck he will be doing it while I am royally mucking up my mounted archery class,” she muttered that last bit and concentrated on her carving, glancing at the newcomer every so often. He seemed a fairly nice fellow, but she was still a bit reserved around rangers she didn’t know. She’d already noticed a bias from some of them whenever they found out she had been Palisade’s apprentice. “So you know Gillan?” Tory asked Jack. He had called the famous ranger by a nickname and that implied a close friendship with him. Tory was still in awe of Halt, Will and Gillan and was glad she wasn’t on Crowley’s team just for the reason she would have been scared to speak up in their presence.
She was listening to the two rangers when she noticed that there was one particular blue jay making an awful noise. She looked up and saw her Skandian forest cat that Aribjorn had given her last year in the tree above her head. She had just enough time to drop her saxe and the piece of wood to the ground before Pounce landed in her lap and attacked a curl of shaved wood that flew up over her leg. “Yike!” Tory screeched, startled by the rather large house cat. Pounce was just a little be smaller than Rick’s lynx, Kira, who was also running around the woods. “Pounce!” she admonished the nearly full-grown kitten as she circled Tory’s lap and then plopped down and began to clean herself. “You could have gotten stabbed doing that, you silly cat and where have you been? You were gone for nearly a whole day this time. I was getting worried.” The cat ignored her and Tory petted her for a few minutes until Pounce started purring and then she resumed her carving. “Sorry for the interruption,” she apologized to Bunt and Jack.
“I hope she gets along with your puppy okay,” Tory leaned over and whispered to Dian. “Your poor pup is outnumbered in our camp, I’m afraid. Mylia has Pounce’s brother and Rick has a lynx named Kira. The three of them seem to like each other, as much as cats do anyway, but I would hate to see them gang up on your poor puppy.” Tory looked at Pounce now and noticed she was ignoring Dian’s dog. “Looks like Pounce doesn’t seem to mind Obsidian though.”
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erevan
Apprentice Cook
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Post by erevan on Aug 9, 2011 13:00:58 GMT -5
Before he could start Tory blurted, “The Gillan is teaching a knife class?” She knew Gillan was known for his hand-to-hand combat skills, especially with the rapier. “I would like to take that class. Of course with my luck he will be doing it while I am royally mucking up my mounted archery class.”
"Yes, he is," Jack said as he pulled up the log. "I think it's this afternoon, but I got to check with him. I'll let you know. By the way, I doubt you're going to muck up this class of yours Tory. As Gilan once told me just before I got my silver leaf, if they didn't think you were up to it, they wouldn't give you the job. And yes, I suppose you could say I know him. I was his apprentice." At these last words, Jack saw a look of shock cross both apprentices' faces, and he smiled.
"Yeah, that's about the reaction a lot of people have when they first find out," he laughed. "Anyway Bunt, I'm thinking even before the competition starts, I can give Crowley's strategists a headache. Being Gilan's apprentice has its advantages, one being I picked up his skills at disappearing. I hear Will Treaty is on their team too as a strategist. If I can find where they meet to go over strategies, and disrupt their meetings, not only will it keep them from being able to plan as effectively, but they will have to divert some of their attention during meetings." A certain mischievous gleam appeared in Jack's eye as he continued."
"Not only that, but remember, I have a reputation as the prankster of the Rangers, which I plan on using the night before. If I can pull it off, I want to slip into their gear and swap things around between them. Cause a little chaos that morning and maybe throw the lads off their game. Add in the inevitable headaches they will have once the real competition starts." He laughed with a smirk. "Gil is going to regret the time we spent training in unseen movement."
He sat for a while, chatting with Bunt and watching Tory and Dian working on their carving, when he noticed Dian had a different, yet familiar-looking, style of knife in addition to her standard Ranger gear.
"Hey Dian," he said, "is that a courier's knife I see there? Got a member of the Diplomatic Service in the family? My mother was a courier before she retired, so I recognize the style."
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dian
Apprentice Scribe
this status thing reminds me of Facebook
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Post by dian on Aug 9, 2011 14:16:36 GMT -5
Thank god she was doing it right. If she started over they would never get to practice, and then she wouldn't get use to the knives. Dian was also glad Tory liked her idea, she hadn't thought it was to great, but if it helped Tory then it didn't matter. Obsidian, as bored as she was just sitting there started nudging against Dian's leg. Dian rolled her eyes and quickly pulled out something for the pup to gnaw on while she worked.
Another ranger walked by, who apparently was on Bunts team, and started talking strategy. But before they did he mentioned a knives class, Dian immediately looked up to see what was going on. A knives class would be great for her to go to, so she could learn a bit more on how to use the ranger knives. Course she already knew how to use her couriers knife pretty well, but who knew, maybe she would learn a little bit about that too.
“I would like to take that class. Of course with my luck he will be doing it while I am royally mucking up my mounted archery class,” she was about to say something but the other ranger, Jack or something(she wasn't paying that close attention), beat her to it. "I think it's this afternoon, but I got to check with him. I'll let you know. By the way, I doubt you're going to muck up this class of yours Tory. As Gilan once told me just before I got my silver leaf, if they didn't think you were up to it, they wouldn't give you the job. And yes, I suppose you could say I know him. I was his apprentice." Dian didn't know a terrible amount of the Corps, but Dian did know of Halt, Will, and Gillan, some of the more famous rangers, and she was quite shocked.
After that moment of distraction, Dian went back to carving, she wanted to finish both of them so she could do her couriers knife, which was sheathed close to her double scabbard. Right as she was thinking about that, a cat jumped out of nowhere and went straight to Tory. Dian was a bit wide eyed at first but recovered. Dian looked to Obsidian, who was just winding her own business, she hoped the two didn't end up chasing each other and making noise.
“I hope she gets along with your puppy okay,” Tory leaned over and whispered to Dian. “Your poor pup is outnumbered in our camp, I’m afraid. Mylia has Pounce’s brother and Rick has a lynx named Kira. The three of them seem to like each other, as much as cats do anyway, but I would hate to see them gang up on your poor puppy.” Tory looked at Pounce now and noticed she was ignoring Dian’s dog. “Looks like Pounce doesn’t seem to mind Obsidian though.” "I don't know if she is completely out numbered, I saw a ranger with a greyhound earlier, and I know she and I aren't the only ones with dogs as pets. Though Obsidian probably would run or the hills if those three did gang up on her." Dian decided to keep an eye on Obsidian... just in case.
Just when she thought there would be quiet (which she didn't like anyhow) she heard the other ranger speak her name. "Hey Dian," he said, "is that a courier's knife I see there? Got a member of the Diplomatic Service in the family? My mother was a courier before she retired, so I recognize the style." "Yeah, my mother is a courier too... She wanted me to be a courier and as a 15th birthday present she gave me the knife among other things that day.... but I became an apprentice ranger the same day, and decided to keep it despite..." she trailed off. No one wanted to hear about how her mother despised her for becoming an apprentice ranger.
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erevan
Apprentice Cook
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Post by erevan on Aug 9, 2011 15:25:52 GMT -5
"Yeah, my mother is a courier too... She wanted me to be a courier and as a 15th birthday present she gave me the knife among other things that day.... but I became an apprentice ranger the same day, and decided to keep it despite..." she trailed off.
"I get the feeling she wasn't too happy about your choice then?" he replied. "Just guessing from the way you trailed off at the end there. I can tell it's not something you really want to go into though, so I won't pry." Then he remembered his talk with Crowley; Bunt was one of the ones involved with the problems in the north.
"Oh, Bunt," Jack began, his tone a bit more serious. "Crowley's having me take over for Harrison in Norgate, so at some point I'd like to meet with you guys who've been working up there lately; he said other than Harrison, you and Ringulf know the details. I'm thinking it'd be the easiest if all four of us met up at some point, in case information conflicts or someone knows more details about a particular issue. I'll talk to the other two about it, but how would tonight or tomorrow night work, after things slow down for the day?"
'Man, I got my work cut out for me today,' he thought dryly. 'Not even here an hour and already I have a new assignment I need details for, I got at least three different people to track down, and possibly a knife class to help Gil with. I hope this whole Gathering isn't this busy.'
After Bunt's reply, he stayed to chat with the three for a bit before deciding it would be good to get going.
"Well, much as I wish I could stick around, I got some people to find. Tory, I'll let you know when the knife class is. Dian, if you're interested, I can let you know too. I saw you perk up when I mentioned it earlier. Bunt, as soon as I find the others and get the meeting confirmed, or if something changes, I'll let you know. Oh, and Tory," he paused, but smiled. "Don't worry about your class. I'm sure you will do great. It's certainly not my best skill, but I'm not bad at mounted shooting either, so if you need someone to practice ideas on or want a hand refining your presentation, feel free to come find me alright?"
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erevan
Apprentice Cook
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Post by erevan on Aug 9, 2011 17:44:58 GMT -5
"Who to find first?" said Jack to himself. "Ah who cares? Long as I can find them. I suppose I should look for Gil though, just in casr that class is today." With that decision, he set off to find his old mentor. A few minutes later, he heard Gilan and Will talking about strategy for the competition. After listening for a few seconds, he decided to approach, pretending he had heard nothing.
"Oh, hey Will," he said with a smile. "Didn't expect to run into you. Am I interrupting anything?" After an answer in the negative, he continued.
"I was just looking for Gil here. Just wondered, what time was that knife class? I missed Crowley's announcements this morning. Also, I know a couple apprentices thinking of coming. Depends on the time." As his old mentor replied, Jack found himself debating whether to try to get strategy information out of the two, on the chance they had not yet heard he was on Bunt's team. Finally, he decided.
"So, I hear you two are both on Crowley's team for the little bet," he remarked casually. "Sounds like old Bunt's in for some trouble. Care to let an old friend in on your plans for the guy?" He hoped it would convince the two, even if only temporarily. Even if his plan failed, it was worth a try.
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Post by Ringulf on Aug 9, 2011 20:50:34 GMT -5
"No Old man she is all yours, she earned some fun for that great breakfast, Thank you my dear..." Ringulf made a mock courtly bow to her "Our pallets were elevated!"
"Did you have any other plans beside preparing for your class?" Ringulf said not looking directly at Tory but pretending to figet with the tent rope.
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Post by Firehead on Aug 10, 2011 6:53:14 GMT -5
Ben wandered over to where Crowley stood, the crowd of Rangers around him thinning out as he took down their reports, and leaned against a nearby tree. He had no idea where Dalin was at, but he figured that the lad was fine. After the boar attack, he'd shown a lot of maturity in taking care of the fife while Ben recovered, and it hadn't disappeared when Ben had decided to volunteer for overseas duty. This was the reason that Ben now waited for Crowley to finish with the others. Or one of them, anyway.
At last, Crowley stood alone underneith the tree, and Ben started toward him. "Sorry, day's not over yet. My guess is, ye'll have to wait till about midnight, before you get left alone." He paused, then started to plunge ahead, but was interrupted by Red loping back up to Crowley. "Almost forgot that Qwade's apprentice Al is going to be on their team as well. And Jack too, in case he didn't say anything. Am I interrupting something?" he asked abruptly, looking back and forth between the two with a touch of apprehension.
Ben shook his head silently and slouched off. Maybe he'd get a chance to speak with Crowley alone later. In the meantime, he would go and find Bunt....and try not to look to depressed. He sighed and muttered to himself, "Some of these days I feel like just a shadow." --------------------
Tam slipped into the clearing where Bunt and the girls sat whittling, and took a seat nearby to watch them, and listen to their conversation. After a few minutes, he chose a few pieces of wood and started whittling.
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