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Post by Brandwyn on Jan 20, 2010 6:53:12 GMT -5
Tory couldn’t help but smile at Mylia’s comment about not knowing how she did it. “Maybe I will just have to watch you and maybe we can figure out how you do that silent movement stuff together.” Mylia’s enthusiasm was catching. “I can show you how to track animals if you are interested.”
Tory looked down at the ground again and said sheepishly, “I haven’t had a girlfriend to talk to in – well pretty much ever.” She smiled tenatatively at Mylia. “There was one girl in Meric that treated me decent, but only when her other friends weren’t around.” Tory shrugged. “I had the horses and other animals to talk to, though.” She rubbed Chip between the eyes.
“So, Master Ringulf, we aren’t going to be taking Chip with us?” She didn’t like leaving him behind. Then she asked the question she was dreading. “We are going to be sailing aren’t we?”
She hoped Mylia wouldn’t think she was a sissy, but Tory had had too many bad experiences where rivers were concerned. She had dealt with the crossing on the ship to and from Gallica only because Chip had been there. How was she possibly going to handle a ride down the river and up the coast to Caraway without her ranger horse? Who would take care of him while she was gone?
Though it might be interesting to travel with the pair, she really wasn’t too happy with the idea over all. Hopefully the ranger couldn’t see the fear in her eyes at the prospect of traveling on the river, she thought, wiping the sweat off one palm on her tunic.
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Post by Ringulf on Jan 20, 2010 11:10:34 GMT -5
"Well you two should be able to teach each other all kinds of things, I'm sure you will both teach me allot too!" Ringulf said in a jovial, half sarcastic tone,
"But there's no ganging up on the old man or you can teach each other and I'll sit here and watch ha ha"
He was pleased and somewhat relieved that the girls were trying to get along, after that first few minutes he wasn't sure if he wouldn't have to break up a fight!
But again Ringulf was surprised at the maturity that both girls exhibited, which is why they were chosen to be rangers in the first place.
"To answer your question Tory, Yes we will be sailing, if you can call it that, a drift down river aided by sail and a short hop southeast along a gentle coast does not constitute sailing to me! and I'm afraid you will have to leave Chip in the tender care of the rangers here but no worries, I will make sure he is well cared for, I've known the stable master and his grooms for many years and will see to that. When we get to Caraway I will be depending on you to help Mylia and I with the new horses, you are probably the more experienced rider of the three of us, and just so you know,"
and Ringulf leaned in just slightly in a confidential tone said,
"We may not always like them, but we always have choices."
With that he turned and started to leave the girls there but as he walked he called without turning to them,
"Get some sleep, we'll meet at lunch with our gear ready and head down to the Persephone," and then with a turn of his head and big shoulders he looked back and said,
Try not to stay up all night talking even though we have a late start." He gave them a smile and a wink and strolled out of the stable.
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Post by Brandwyn on Jan 20, 2010 13:43:14 GMT -5
Tory watched him go with a thoughful look on her face. Did she really have a choice? She supposed so, but facing Crowley's wrath if she decided not go didn't seem like a very good choice. She looked at Mylia and smiled. Maybe it would be nice to spend some time with someone her own age. Maybe they would even spend some time talking about boys. One of the stable boys here was awfully cute, thought Tory.
Then she turned back to Chip and looked over each hoof. Ringulf had done a wonderful job on his feet and he seemed to perk up, knowing he looked good in his new shoes, all nice and groomed. Tory led him back to his stall, thinking about the ride on the river and having to leave him tomorrow. She glanced at Mylia and wondered if she could trust the girl she had only just met.
"Hey Mylia, if I tell you something, will you promise not to laugh at me?" Tory chewed on her lower lip in worry. So far all the youngsters she had intereacted with around her own age had proven to be untrustworthy with any big secrets and tended to tease her mercilessly. She was taking a big chance sharing her fears with Mylia, but she plunged ahead anyway.
"I might need some help from you tomorrow." She looked down at her feet. "I don't want Master Ringulf to know that I am afraid to get on the boat. I mean really afraid!" She looked at Mylia solemnly. "Twice now I have nearly drowned in rivers and this time I won't have Chip to - to lean on. I -- I am not sure I can even get on the boat."
She watched Mylia for her reaction, hoping she wouldn't burst out laughing and call her a freak or worse, a sissy. Her hands were shaking just at the thought of getting on the boat and gripped Chip's stall door to hide that fact.
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Post by Firehead on Jan 20, 2010 16:22:59 GMT -5
"Hey! I understand what your talking about!...Well, most of the time anyway."
Mylia let out a laugh. "Yeah, you do...most of the time. And most of the time, I understand what you're talkin' about, too!"
“Maybe I will just have to watch you and maybe we can figure out how you do that silent movement stuff together. I can show you how to track animals if you are interested.”
"Sure! It's one of the down-sides ta living yer whole life in the city-- ya don't know squat from squat."
Tory looked down at the ground again and said sheepishly, “I haven’t had a girlfriend to talk to in – well pretty much ever.” She smiled tentatively at Mylia.
Mylia gave another bright grin. "Hey, don't worry! I ain't never had one either. They's all to busy tryin' ta beat me up, just like the rest of the kids."
“There was one girl in Meric that treated me decent, but only when her other friends weren’t around.” Tory shrugged. “I had the horses and other animals to talk to, though.”
Mylia sobered as she listened, fully relating to Tory's statement. "Yeah. Animals tend ta be listeners. Ya can always pretend that they care, too. As long as ya got food." she added.
“So, Master Ringulf, we aren’t going to be taking Chip with us? We are going to be sailing aren’t we?”
Gee, she sounds like she's just been led into the torture chamber. Mylia thought. She looked to her mentor to see what he had to say.
"To answer your question Tory, yes we will be sailing, if you can call it that. A drift down-river aided by sail, and a short hop southeast along a gentle coast does not constitute sailing to me! And I'm afraid you will have to leave Chip in the tender care of the rangers here. But no worries, I will make sure he is well cared for. I've known the stable master and his grooms for many years, and will see to that. When we get to Caraway, I will be depending on you to help Mylia and I with the new horses. You are probably the more experienced rider of the three of us.
"Least a-ways, you're better than me. I've had so many lessons, I could count 'em all on one finger!" She grinned at Ringulf, to show that she was only teasing.... sort of. She really didn't have that much experience riding.
"Get some sleep, we'll meet at lunch with our gear ready and head down to the Persephone. Try not to stay up all night talking even though we have a late start."
"Ha! Ya mean ta say that I can't go out and practice my night-stalking skills?" She grinned as Ringulf walked away.
"Hey Mylia, if I tell you something, will you promise not to laugh at me?"
Mylia tipped her head to one side, intrigued. "No.I mean, yes, I'll promise, but, why would I laugh at you?" And why are you acting so nervous?
"I might need some help from you tomorrow." She looked down at her feet. "I don't want Master Ringulf to know that I am afraid to get on the boat. I mean really afraid!" She looked at Mylia solemnly. "Twice now I have nearly drowned in rivers and this time I won't have Chip to - to lean on. I -- I am not sure I can even get on the boat."
Mylia kept her head tilted inquisitively to one side for a moment longer, before answering. "Well, I'll do my best, but I'm not sure how well I'll do. I've never been on a boat either." she explained. Then she gave Tory yet another bright grin. "But if I'm scared too, then we can be scared together!"
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Post by Ringulf on Jan 20, 2010 23:16:08 GMT -5
Ringulf woke with the first light of dawn. He looked over to were Mylia's bedroll was set up on a few hay bails on the other side of the loft.
Not wanting to wake his apprentice he quietly gathered his things and using all of his stealth skills, he slipped down to the main floor of the stable were he dressed.
He took all his equipment out to the well in the courtyard and he washed up and then shook out his brown leather covered grey woolen bedroll. He rolled it tightly and tied it to the bottom of his backpack.
He then sat down on a bench under a large tree in the courtyard and began the morning ritual he performed almost every day since choosing day so long ago.
First He picked up his belt and knife sheath. He removed the two blades from the specially made sheath made of dark brown leather with greened bronze fittings and lined with black sheepskin fleecy side in.
He felt the silky smooth silent draw of the steel blades as he removed them and saw that the natural lanolin in the fleece had done its' job keeping the blade free from any rust.
He honed both blades to their normal razor-like edge, pulled a little vile of oil from the pouch out of which he had pulled the small whetstone and with a square of cloth he applied a thin layer of oil to both.
Ringulf replaced the blades and belted the sheath around his waist, he reached back around with his right hand to the small of his back where the sheath ran horizontally and gripped the hilt of both knives testing that each was in there place and could be drawn quickly.
Satisfied he went on to his two Skandian axes and repeated the honing and oiling process and slipped them into the two cuff-like fleece lined frogs attached to his belt on each hip.
The big ranger went on to his main weapon and picked up his quiver scrutinizing each dark brown shaft for any nicks, gouges or imperfections that could have been caused by any of the target practice the archer had engaged in since yesterday morning.
He sanded smooth anything that may have been a problem and inspected the green fletching making sure the barbs of the feathers were preened not split and the vanes glued and affixed properly.
He moved on to each arrowhead again looking for any imperfections and honing them smooth with a small file and his whetstone.
He took meticulous care of his weapons but then again he had a reputation for long distance accuracy that was rivaled by few in the kingdom and one could not maintain that reputation with faulty equipment.
Ringulf pulled on his bowstring feeling the tension and flex of the huge longbow. he waxed the rich dark wood and cared for the green sueded leather hand wrap.
Satisfied with his weapons, each one made by his own hand for he would trust no other, he donned his ranger cloak picked up his equipment and strode to the common room where he could smell breakfast had been laid.
Ringulf entered and placed his pack and equipment in the corner and propped up his bow against the wall confident that no one would touch them at their peril.
He sat down and got a bowl full of oat porridge with a big lump of salty butter and a large earthenware mug of coffee.
As he worked on his breakfast he read over his orders again and looked over a small piece of parchment, a list of provisions he would need, scribbled with a piece of charcoal from the forge.
As he read one of the young stable-boys that had been assigned to breakfast duty offered him a thick slice of curred ham, which he eagerly accepted.
When he had drained the last drop of coffee from his mug he returned the parchments to his belt pouch and checked his gear once more.
Leaving it carefully in the corner he headed out to the provisioner to secure his list so that he could be back to meet the girls before lunch.
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Post by Brandwyn on Jan 21, 2010 23:00:18 GMT -5
"But if I'm scared too, then we can be scared together!" Mylia told Tory. Tory grinned at her, a genuine, big grin.
“Thanks Mylia!” She felt better for having shared her fears. Maybe it would be nice to have a girlfriend. Mylia certainly seemed to be a positive influence, Tory thought. “I suppose we should turn in, since your mentor ordered us to.” She smiled and gave Chip a final pat. “I have to go back up to the castle. I will meet you both tomorrow.”
Tory went back to her room right next to Crowley’s room and pulled all of her gear out of her packs. She had done the same thing a dozen times over the last 3 days, making sure everything was in order in case she had to leave suddenly.
She repacked everything into one backpack and a bedroll, excluding her weapons and then crawled into the small cot and fell asleep.
She woke early in the morning when she heard Crowley stirring next door. She opened her door when he left his room and said, “Good morning, Sir!”
Crowley looked at her and said warmly, “Good morning Tory. Did you run into Ranger Ringulf yesterday by any chance?”
“Yes sir,” Tory answered, ignoring the fact that she was certain he already knew she had talked with Ringulf. “I have agreed to go with him, but I am not too happy about leaving Chip behind.”
“He will be fine.” Crowley assured her and put a hand on her shoulder. Tory flinched slightly, but didn’t shrug it off as she longed to do.
“I am not worried about him, Sir, I am not sure if I can stand being away from him for that long.” She said honestly, slightly opening up to Crowley for the first time. “Chip helps me - deal with things.”
Crowley nodded solemnly, “I know. That is why I suggested he take you along. I think it would be good for you to interact with kids your own age and not lean on your ranger horse for emotional support quite so much.” He winked at her, “know what I mean?”
Tory shrugged, “not really, but I will give it a try.” She smiled tentatively to let her know she really was going to look at the assignment with at least a shot at it being a good thing. “At least Mylia seems nice.”
“She is nice and is going to make a good ranger, just as I believe you will too.” Crowley looked at her solemnly. “As long as you focus on your goals and don’t let things that happened in the past steer you astray.”
Tory nodded, “Okay, Sir. I will try.” She looked away, back at her pack on her bed. “I am going to go on one last ride on Chip before we leave.” With that Tory scooped up her belongings and headed for the stable.
She spent a half hour grooming Chip, though he didn’t need it and then rode him for an hour just outside of the city. When she finished she went over her weapons with a fine tune. One thing Patrick had pounded into her head was the importance of keeping your weapons in good condition.
Finally it was near time. She gave Chip a big hug and final instructions to the cute stable boy and gathered her stuff and went to meet Ringulf and Mylia, dreading the ship and the river with each step that drew her closer to them.
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Post by Firehead on Jan 22, 2010 9:59:26 GMT -5
“Thanks Mylia!"
It's not a problem." Mylia gave a grin that turned into a yawn that popped her jaw, then blinked her eyes in surprise. "Hmm. I'm tired."
“I suppose we should turn in, since your mentor ordered us to.”
"True. And it's late anyway. Are you staying here for the night, or up at the castle?" she asked.
“I have to go back up to the castle. I will meet you both tomorrow.”
Mylia thought about that a moment, then gave a nod. "That makes sense. After all, ya didn't bring a bedroll with you. OK, see ya tomorrow, then!" Mylia watched the girl head off toward the castle, the headed for her own bed. ---------
She awoke the next morning to find that Ringulf was already up and about, so she took her time preparing for the day. A careful check of all her weapons, a quick dust-off of her clothes--since she slept in them, then she rolled up her blankets, and was ready for the day to begin.
Throw it at me! she thought, as she looked about at the bright sun-light city. Early morning was her favorite time-- no one to bother you right away, the smell of dew on the ground, the fresh air, the feeling that today would be different. It always felt like a fresh start in the world.
Giving her head a brief, vigorous shake to bring herself back to the present, she went to the well and splashed the cool water in her face. If she hadn't been awake before, she certainly would have been now! After drying her face and hands, she went in search of breakfast.
Breakfast was tastier than usual, considering that only oatmeal, but she downed it as though she might be thinking that it would be her last. Finished, she went outside again, and scrambled up onto the roof of the barn. From this vantage point, she could see much farther, and today, she wanted to see as far as possible, as if hoping to see into the future. But in her mind the future could take care of itself.
A light, playful breeze brushed her cheek and combed her hair, which was still tousled from sleeping, reminding her once again to cut it. For now, though, she simply tied it at the nape of her neck to keep it out of her face.
Nothing to do now, but wait for the others to return.
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Post by Ringulf on Jan 22, 2010 11:20:33 GMT -5
A crowd of sailors had gathered on the aft deck of the Persephone. They were all looking rather worriedly over the port side at the water.
"It's got to be over a minute already!" said one sailor to another.
"More'n likely three!" said a second
" You're both wrong," said the captain "I have counted to one hundred twice! Are there any bubbles?"
"A few a moments ago but don't see any now." said another.
They all stood a few moments more, shaking their heads. Then the rope that was hung over the port side from the stern went taught and in a great rush of bubbles and water a shaggy reddish head and beard erupted from the surface with a gasp of breath and when it all settled down the sailors were looking at two bright blue eyes in a reddened face with water draining down off two long braided mustache ends.
"That oughta do it!" Came the burly voice of the man in the water as he pulled with his right hand on the line and hauled his body up so he could grab the top of the gunwale with the other.
He grasped the rail with both hands and hauled his large frame up and over and flopped on the deck like some big red fish.
It was a bright blue morning and a bit past lunch but it was a fortnight or two after Yule so it was still rather brisk.
The man stood up and shook the water off his head and face like a big dog and gave a toothy grin.
"Well the rudder is back in place and I lashed the pintil into the gudgeon so she won't come loose again but she may be a bit stiffer on the helm Roland!"
The captained clapped the big man on the back and the crewmen gave a wince as the sound of a flat hand on bare skin seemed to echo around the deck.
"Good job Ring, for a moment I didn't know if you were going to join us again for the cruise!"
Ringulf stood in the chilly breeze clothed only in his breeches as the steam started to rise from his head and cold reddened skin.
He flexed his muscular body as he reach for his cloak to dry himself off realizing he should get dressed if the girls were coming down.
Ringulf had no real problems with being un-clothed but he was a modest man and he saw some of the sailors staring at the various scars and old wounds that showed white on his tanned and ruddy carcass.
He had left a message with the cook in the common room to send the girls down as he had run into Captain Roland at the provisioner and heard about his rudder problem.
Not one to be adverse to a cold swim, Ringulf had volunteered his services to the mariner and headed down early to the boat.
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Post by Brandwyn on Jan 22, 2010 15:32:57 GMT -5
Tory took two apples and a hunk of cheese at lunch and headed for the stables to look for Mylia. She’d received Master Ringulf’s message and knew there was little time left to get to the ship. She really dreaded the thought of getting on the boat and only ate half the apple and one bite of cheese, she was so nervous.
She got to the stables and gave Chip the other half of the apple and stored the cheese in her bag for later. Then she went in search of Mylia, rolling the apple nervously in her hands.
She found Mylia sitting on the roof of the barn and grinned up at her, thinking that was exactly what she would like to do, but they had a ship to catch. “Hey Mylia, Master Ringulf left a message we are supposed to meet him at the docks by the Persephone. We need to go! Grab your gear.” She handed the apple to Mylia when she jumped down from the roof.
Tory had her pack and her weapons and her bedroll all strapped to her back. Everything she owned, except for Chip was going to be with her. She could run, but knew she wouldn’t leave the horse behind. She sighed as she waited for Mylia and then headed down to the docks with her, hoping Mylia wouldn’t go back on her promise.
Her steps grew slower as the ship came into sight and by the time she reached the dock her hands were shaking and she felt cold and clammy all over. A sheen of sweat broke out on her upper lip as she eyed the river and the gangplank leading onto the ship.
She saw Ringulf and stopped, unable to make her feet go any closer. She just stood there shaking with fear, not even able to hide it.
She reached for Mylia’s hand and muttered, “I can’t do this. I just can’t do it.”
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Post by Firehead on Jan 22, 2010 16:32:32 GMT -5
Mylia spotted Tory coming toward her down the street, and gave a wave. Apparently, Tory was in an especially good mood today.
“Hey Mylia, Master Ringulf left a message we are supposed to meet him at the docks by the Persephone. We need to go! Grab your gear.”
Sure thing! I'll be just a jiff!" Mylia scrambled down off the roof, landing on the ground beside Tory, who presented her with an apple. "Ohh. Nice apple!" Mylia accepted the apple and stuck it in her pocket in order to free both hands for climbing into the loft, grabbing her gear, and sliding down again. Hitching her gear, over one shoulder, she dug the apple out again, and munched on it as they made their way to the docks.
As they got closer to their destination, Mylia noticed that Tory's steps grew slower, and that the closer they got to the ship, the more sweaty she appeared to be.
At the gang plank, she stopped altogether, trembling. She reminded Mylia of an incident that she'd all but forgotten, as she stood there, shaking like a leaf. A cold, clammy hand slipped into hers, as Tory muttered, “I can’t do this. I just can’t do it.”
Mylia thought fast. There were only three options that she could think of. One was just have Ringulf carry her on board--but Mylia didn't think that that would work out to well, Tory would probably freak out totally. The other two might work out better.
Stepping in front of Tory, Mylia blocked Tory's view of the river as best she could, and looked into Tory's eyes, bobbing her head about a bit to make sure that she had Tory's attention. "Which option would you like to try first? I can talk you aboard, or blindfold you and then lead you aboard, or would you rather be carried aboard by Ringulf?" she asked.
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Post by Brandwyn on Jan 22, 2010 17:14:53 GMT -5
Tory glanced up at Ringulf dripping wet in nothing but his breeches and turned even whiter. “Blindfold!” She said quickly. Then she changed her mind.
“On second thought just turn around, I will focus on your back and you just keep pulling me up there.” Tory suggested, noticing she was beginning to make a scene. She hated to be the center of attention.
She drew in a deep breath and focused her gaze on Mylia and willed her feet to move, trying not to see or hear the water. Her thoughts went back to the last time she tried to board the boat herself when she and Arrow got into the fight because she was afraid. She had marched on it then because she had been so angry at him.
Coming back from Gallica, she’d been led on by Brandwyn and Ian who had Chips reins and she’d had her face buried in Chips mane. She held onto those thoughts as she watched Mylia’s back. Just maybe this would work, she thought.
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Post by Ringulf on Jan 22, 2010 19:28:05 GMT -5
Ringulf stood on the deck of the Persephone, The breeze was starting to dry his wet skin and he reached for his tunic.
He looked down the gangway toward the quay and saw the girls coming toward the boat. He hesitated for a moment as he saw the girls faces, He noticed the look of absolute fear on Tory's face and then saw Mylia turn and say something to her. Mylia turned back and they proceeded to the gangplank.
Ringulf knew he had to do something about Tory right away or there would be trouble, so in a stern and almost angry voice he barked at the two.
"Rangers! You are late! We have been waiting for you, get aboard immediately, stow your things in the forecastle and report to me when you are done, and bring your bows!"
Ringulf hoped the use of there titles might snap them into a more professional frame of mind so he used it rather than referring to anything that would focus on there youth or femininity. His tone was unequivocal and meant his orders were to be obeyed without question.
He was still pointing to the forecastle (the small cabin like structure before the main mast) as the girls passed him, He waited till he could catch Mylia's eye without Tory seeing him and gave her a quick wink, never once removing the stern look from his face.
He turned to captain Roland who was somewhat taken aback by the instant transformation in the big ranger and said,
"It's OK Ringulf they are right on time...." Roland said a bit sheepishly.
Ringulf put a finger to his lips and the captain trailed of his sentence.
"Lubbers" he said in a whisper and a wink, "We may have to make them useful till they get there sea legs." said the ranger
I will allow you to give them jobs as you see fit and afterward feel free to take a trick at the helm to show them a bit about sailing." Roland said graciously.
"Thank you Roland" Ringulf said with an almost imperceptable bow, "They are good apprentices, I want them to get some confidence and experience, maybe even enjoy the trip as well. If you will, let us make sail quickly before anyone has a chance to change their mind!" he said only half jokingly.
He finished drying off with his cloak, dressed and donned his weapons as the crew cast off the lines and pushed the small ship out into the river. As they started to heave up the triangular Lateen rigged sail they started to sing a traditional hauling chanty all in one accord.
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Post by Brandwyn on Jan 23, 2010 21:57:00 GMT -5
"Rangers! You are late! We have been waiting for you, get aboard immediately, stow your things in the forecastle and report to me when you are done with your bows!"
Tory jumped at Ringulf’s command and she nearly took her eyes off of Mylia’s back to look at him, but then remembered he wasn’t wearing much and so she just tried to walk faster, her face turning a bit red at being admonished in front of all the sailors on top of showing them how scared she was.
She heard the river splashing up against the boat as they moved up the plank and she squeezed her eyes shut for a moment.
Tory held onto Mylia’s hand and concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other and after what seemed like hours they were on the ship, the deck moving gently under her feet. She squeezed Mylia’s hand gently in thanks as they walked past Ringulf. She looked at him fearfully and with chagrin on her face, sorry that she had disappointed him.
She trembled still but followed Mylia to the forecastle thing and stowed her gear. Now that she was out of site of the river, she didn’t want to go back out there.
“You think he would be mad if I just stayed right here?” She asked, sitting on one of the bunks with her heels on the bunk and her arms around her knees, huddled up in a ball. She took a deep breath and let it out real slow, then did it again and her nerves settled slightly. “I suppose he would be. He sounded pretty stern.”
She swallowed and then stood up from the bunk and picked up her bow and arrows. Squaring her shoulders and taking a deep breath she nodded at Mylia. “I guess we better not keep him waiting.” Then she pushed open the door and walked back out onto the deck. She was relieved to see Ringulf was fully dressed again and she approached him tentatively, the motion of the ship making her stomach lurch, threatening to loose the apple she had just eaten. She avoided looking over the bow and downriver, but it didn’t seem to make much difference.
She stopped in front of Ringulf and looked at her feet, her hands shaking and her face red as she mumbled an apology for being late, “I am sorry Master Ringulf. I came as soon as I got your message.”
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Post by Firehead on Jan 24, 2010 14:26:33 GMT -5
“Blindfold! ...On second thought just turn around, I will focus on your back and you just keep pulling me up there.”
"Okay." Mylia turned away and tugged her new friend up the gang-plank. You know--" she was interrupted by Ringulf barking in a loud, angry voice, "Rangers! You are late!"
"Oh go jump in the river... again!" Mylia snapped. One of the things she'd never liked was being told that she was late when she was actually on time.
"We have been waiting for you, get aboard immediately, stow your things in the forecastle and report to me when you are done, and bring your bows!"
Mylia Tugged Tory the rest of the way up the ramp and stalked past her mentor to the front of the boat. She nearly missed his wink at her, but caught it from the corner of her eye. She immediately thought of other times when he'd supposedly snapped at her, but in reality, he'd been merely acting... to a point.
In the cabin, she tossed her belongings down on the floor, stowing them in a corner so that they'd be out of the way. She retained her knives, bow, and-- just in case-- her quiver.
“You think he would be mad if I just stayed right here?”
"Dunno. Probably."
“I suppose he would be. He sounded pretty stern.”
"Yeah..."
“I guess we better not keep him waiting.”
"Yeah. Just in case he is mad."
Mylia followed Tory out of the cabin, and across the deck to where Ringulf waited for them.
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Post by Ringulf on Jan 25, 2010 15:25:41 GMT -5
The Persephone glided out into the river passing many other small vessels moored in Araluen's bustling port. Smaller oared craft scurried hear and there between quays and wharfs and other ships, propelled by various number of oarsmen depending on the size and purpose of the craft.
The large triangular sail with its white and light blue stripes was set and drawing wind, catching the light southwesterly breeze and heeling the small craft slightly to the port side.
The gurgle of the water on the smooth river against the hull as the boat made headway was pleasant. All in all a very good afternoon for a sail. At least for those who enjoyed sailing as Ringulf did.
The ranger was a bit concerned about his apprentice and young Tory who he believed were unaccustomed to travel on the water and searched his thoughts for the right words to say to comfort and encourage them after the tenuous embarkation they had just made.
He stood on the small quarterdeck with his hands clasped behind his back expertly rocking in time with gentle motion of the boat. He looked toward the bow and saw the two girls emerge from the forecastle looking a bit more confident, their bows in their hands.
They walked across the deck of the ship to him and he was impressed by their steadiness even though the ship was moving. "Ah the gracefulness and resiliency of youth" he thought to himself as they came to stand before him.
Tory was the first to speak, looking down at her feet she said, “I am sorry Master Ringulf. I came as soon as I got your message.”
Ringulf raised a hand to keep her from going any farther and said in a strong voice so all the men around them could overhear,
"Rangers, my apologies I was incorrect in my reckoning you were unaware that Captain Roland had decided to depart a bit early to catch the noon breeze, you followed your instructions to the letter."
His voice softened and a smile came to his eyes as he said to both the girls so as not to single them out, " I would also like to commend you for your courage in the face of an unfamiliar situation and let you know that before we get to Caraway you will both be experienced sailors, Our captain has given me permission to train you both in the art of seamanship and while you are aboard you will be expected to perform your tasks as crew members."
"Your first duty though is as rangers and in that regard you will be primarily responsible for the safety and well being of the ship and her crew, you will be the first line of her defense." He looked at them both to see that what he was saying was registering to them.
Satisfied that it was he reached into his pouch and removed two small wooden tubes corked in one end and two small leather cylindrical belt pouches.
"Here," he said and presented them to each of the young ladies, "You will need these, open the pouch first, These are spyglasses used by mariners to scan the horizon and see things at a longer distance, they should be maintained as you do your weapons to prevent them from rust and salt. I think they may also come in handy on land so put them on your belt and use them well."
"We are depending on you to use your ranger skills and power of observation to be aware of any danger to us from obstructions in the water, sand bars or other ships, when not engaged in another task you should be constantly vigilant just as you are on land." "I will teach you more bout that and how to distinguish dangers later, the next thing is the wooden tube open it and pull out what is inside."
"These are special bowstrings that have been impregnated with a wax that ill not breakdown in the salt water environment fit them to your bows now and put your normal strings in the waterproof tubes. They are a little stiffer than your normal ones so you may have to compensate slightly, we will set up a target and fire a bit the length of the ship later so you can get used to them."
When you are done with the bow strings acquaint yourself with the ship, you may want to use your glasses on the fighting top, that platform above the forecastle you can see well ahead of the ship there. I'll wait for you here in the stern and we will start your helmsmanship lessen once we clear the port and head down river, oh and one more thing, There are no dumb questions at sea, you have one you ask, it is the only way we learn. OK now turn too!" he said with a smile and gave them a joking salute along with his now characteristic wink.
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