Re-posted and continued from here
Lo'en gave a tip of her cap and a light bow to Zou at his offer to listen for employment opportunites. She gave one more look around his home, observing the details and mentally confirming his admission of small circles- she doubted his scholarly contacts would have much use of a country-girl goatherd or a hunter. Moving without much ceremony, the half-elf let herself out into the street of the residential district of Marn, the cool, night air.
She took a deep breath, feeling both at ease on her own and slightly morose at not having a place to sleep. Her handful of bishani was not enough to pay for the rooms in this city, prices inflated beyond what she had been expecting. The half-elf wandered aimlessly from Zou's doorstep, deeper into the city without much thought to where her feet were taking her. Lo'en was tired, feeling slightly more worn than typical. She attributed her fatigue to having to deal with the different stresses of the city and the proximity and interactions with so many people at the same time. Her senses felt taxed, having to listen to multiple background conversations, maintaining a close watch on her purse and belongings, sifting through the different scents a city roils in.
Marn seemed to have fallen a bit quieter with the onset of the night. The few passerbys, stumbling or hurrying to their homes, paid the lone half-elf no attention, presuming her to be one of their numbers. Lo'en figured the hour to be just past midnight when she finally settled on a relatively clean alleyway between a plant shop and what appeared to be a pottery store, both of which were closed, shades drawn tight, but with no other outwardly obvious locks. Assuming the neighborhood to be fairly secure, she squeezed herself into narrow space between the two buildings, which gave her enough space to sit with her legs bent, feet against the one wall and her back against the other. Lo'en had slept in worse spots before- here was dry, the city was a bit warmer than the plains, as if the buildings were serving as a forest, blocking the chilling winds. Folding her arms on her knees and resting her head on her arms, Lo'en drifted into a fitful sleep.
A young girl raced down the street, never sparing a glance to the sleeping figure between two of the buildings. She was breathing heavily, her eyes rolling wildly as she tried to look behind her. Barefoot, smudged make-up, her dress torn, the blond daughter of some unimportant peasant was clearly in distress. She stumbled, rolling her ankle with a loud pop as she misstepped on a loose cobblestone, crying out in pain as she crashed to her side. The girl was too terrified to curse her earlier decision to disobey her parents' curfew and stay out late, carousing in a local tavern. Her mind was nearly shut down, only instinct prevailed, her flight from the men pursuing her was the only recognizable need.
Lo'en stirred but did not wake, instead slipping deeper into an unconscious state that held some semblance to sleep walking. She was aware that someone had passed, but her cognizance was not based on her five physical senses. Somehow she could sense something about the person- it... she was afraid of something. The girl's aura was nearly palpable and very tantalizing to the half-elf, more attractive than any of the fanciest spiced food she'd tasted. Almost unaware of what she was doing, she reached out to tug at that aura...
The girl would never realize that the men pursuing her had long ceased their chase. Her mind's eye saw, heard the mob of men she had angered at the bar, close behind her, shouting, screaming obscenities at her. Why didn't any of the sleeping residents waken? How could no one come out to her aid? She sobbed helplessly and tried to scramble to her feet but pain shot up from her ankle and she promptly collapsed again. The pain only heightened her fear, the sense of loss and panic flooding through her, rooting her to the spot.
~~Morning~~
Lo'en stumbled from between the two buildings. If there had been any observers, they might have attributed her staggering to a previous night's encounter with too much alcohol. Fortunately for the half-elf it was still too early in the day and neither shopkeeper or people were milling about yet. She blinked her eyes in the weak early morning sun. The blackness receded from the grey orbs, returning them to their normal state, revealing confusion mixed with a strangely sated gaze. She dropped her bag, shaking her head as if the violent motion could sort the images in her head into dreams and memories. The last thing she remembered was wedging herself between the two shops to settle down for an evening of sleep. She hadn't wanted to impose on the strange Zou's small home to house an additional guest next to Aura. Filtering through her consciousness were strange images of huge men chasing her- no, not her, but someone else who was frightened for her life...
A small quivering shape caught the half-elf's eye. It was huddling in the doorway of the pottery shop. Lo'en moved closer, peering at the ... girl. Something was wrong with her- she was rocking slightly, back and forth on her feet, her body curled tight and her arms wrapped around her knees. Her dress still looked as nice as it must have last night except for a tear at the hem along one side as if someone had grabbed it and held on while she had pulled away. Her feet were bare and bruised, soft city feet beat up on the street's surface after losing her shoes in her flight and one ankle was angrily swollen. The worst was her face- make-up smudged from the previous night created a macabre mask to eyes staring impossibly wide into nothing, red spidery veins intruding into her whites as if her eyes had dried out from being wide open all night long. Her mouth seemed frozen in a silent scream, drool dribbling out one side.
Instead of asking the girl if she needed help, which she obviously did, Lo'en backed away from the petrified girl who seemed far too familiar than she had any right to be. A small horror burgeoned deep in Lo'en's chest, an ugly lump that was rapidly weighing down the previous euphoric feeling that she had awoken with. Hastily scooping up her bag and tugging down her cap over her eyes, the half-elf walked down the street at a brisk pace, distancing herself from the scene as quickly as she could.
Just Passing Through
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Jaspenellar
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Just Passing Through
Last edited by Jaspenellar on Thu Jan 22, 2009 4:30 am, edited 1 time in total.
"She who can laugh at herself will never cease to be amused."
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Jaspenellar
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- Name: Loen
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Re: Just Passing Through
The morning wore on, seeming to amble along in no hurry like the others who were slowly populating the streets. Most of the city dwellers filtered through the downtown area with a lax sense of purpose, though undoubtedly with a purpose, which thankfully kept them from looking too hard at the wandering half-elf. She tried to mimic their steps, their demeanors, but having nowhere to go, Lo'en would appear a stranger to anyone who watched her for any length of time as she walked from street to street, never tarrying long in one place.
She kept her grey eyes averted to hide her discomfiture. If it had been any other day, her unease would have been attributed to her years of relative isolation in the wilderness. Instead she couldn't restrain herself from thinking about the previous night and wondering at the meaning of it all. The duality of her mind trying to suppress the last evening's nightmares and her body feeling undeniably invigorated caused Lo'en to halt more than once. Her step was light, a sharp contrast to her dark gaze.
The sun was high, beating down incessantly. The half-elf was beginning to feel stifled in the city, as the heat of mid-day seemed to roll off the market crowds. Still dazed, the sarcastic part of Lo'en pushed forward as she paused to drink from a common fountain and sat on its wide ledge. No one had come to arrest her. No one was giving her curious looks or second glances. Perhaps her guilt was as fantasized as... The euphoria still had trace lines around pleasure sensors she had never before realized were there. Lo'en closed her eyes, shook her head for at least the tenth time of the day, and felt very alone in the crowded downtown Marn.
She kept her grey eyes averted to hide her discomfiture. If it had been any other day, her unease would have been attributed to her years of relative isolation in the wilderness. Instead she couldn't restrain herself from thinking about the previous night and wondering at the meaning of it all. The duality of her mind trying to suppress the last evening's nightmares and her body feeling undeniably invigorated caused Lo'en to halt more than once. Her step was light, a sharp contrast to her dark gaze.
The sun was high, beating down incessantly. The half-elf was beginning to feel stifled in the city, as the heat of mid-day seemed to roll off the market crowds. Still dazed, the sarcastic part of Lo'en pushed forward as she paused to drink from a common fountain and sat on its wide ledge. No one had come to arrest her. No one was giving her curious looks or second glances. Perhaps her guilt was as fantasized as... The euphoria still had trace lines around pleasure sensors she had never before realized were there. Lo'en closed her eyes, shook her head for at least the tenth time of the day, and felt very alone in the crowded downtown Marn.
"She who can laugh at herself will never cease to be amused."
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Jaspenellar
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- Name: Loen
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Re: Just Passing Through
However long the half-elf sat on that fountain was inconsequential- mid-afternoon eventually found Lo'en and being the ever practical one, steered her brooding, inconclusive thoughts back toward the immediate, physical problems. Her stomach rumbled in protest of missing both breakfast and lunch. Blinking her grey eyes, which probably had somewhat of a glazed look on them until that point, she looked about at her surroundings, finally assessing the various businesses, shops, and restaurants lining the street. She had come to some kind of minor intersection, allowing her to see down several different avenues.
Disgruntled, Lo'en turned her thoughts inward. What kind of skills could she offer to this city? She must surely appear to be the backwoods goat-herd wanderer she felt. She could hunt but most of these restaurants probably had farmed meat and regular sources of game. No one in their right mind would hire her as a cook after tasting anything she put to a fire, neither would they want her for a tavern wench or busty waitress in her current, less-than-pristine state of filth. Not to mention her rough, sarcastic persona probably didn't fit that job description. She had few other manual skills, discounting each shop her eyes passed- she couldn't cobble, tailor, smith, carve, tinker...
The half-elf snapped to standing in frustration. These soft city dwellers wouldn't be able to last a week in the woods, on the roads, yet here she was trying to scrap by for money in order to have some food and pay for a room. What a completely different world. There had to be something... Growing increasingly restless, she randomly picked a road and started striding down the cobble-lined street.
Lo'en's easy, leggy pace carried her swiftly along the storefronts. She was wondering with a kind of disgust why there would be a demand for so many different types of clothing stores when a sign across the street finally caught her eye. Fletcher, Bowyer...
Perfect!
Whether distracted by her hunt for employment or unaccustomed to city traffic, Lo'en stepped in the direct path of two large, black horses at a canter, drawing a light coach.
Disgruntled, Lo'en turned her thoughts inward. What kind of skills could she offer to this city? She must surely appear to be the backwoods goat-herd wanderer she felt. She could hunt but most of these restaurants probably had farmed meat and regular sources of game. No one in their right mind would hire her as a cook after tasting anything she put to a fire, neither would they want her for a tavern wench or busty waitress in her current, less-than-pristine state of filth. Not to mention her rough, sarcastic persona probably didn't fit that job description. She had few other manual skills, discounting each shop her eyes passed- she couldn't cobble, tailor, smith, carve, tinker...
The half-elf snapped to standing in frustration. These soft city dwellers wouldn't be able to last a week in the woods, on the roads, yet here she was trying to scrap by for money in order to have some food and pay for a room. What a completely different world. There had to be something... Growing increasingly restless, she randomly picked a road and started striding down the cobble-lined street.
Lo'en's easy, leggy pace carried her swiftly along the storefronts. She was wondering with a kind of disgust why there would be a demand for so many different types of clothing stores when a sign across the street finally caught her eye. Fletcher, Bowyer...
Perfect!
Whether distracted by her hunt for employment or unaccustomed to city traffic, Lo'en stepped in the direct path of two large, black horses at a canter, drawing a light coach.
Re: Just Passing Through
Alcippe felt as though she had been traveling for ages when she finally came to Marn. Her journey had a strong physical affect on her, tiring her out and making her slouch in her saddle. One hand rested on her thigh, and the other held the reins of her mount as he walked a steady pace up the road towards the city. Something in her woke up slightly at the sights and sounds of Marn, and she sat up a little straighter and moved her other hand to the reins. She could feel her mount react to her movement, and he stiffened slightly beneath her and lifted his head.
Alcippe tightened her fingers slightly, and Grane halted obediently. She couldn't help but be slightly overwhelmed by the sight of what lay before her. Within the walls of that city could be what she had been searching for: her mother's kidnappers. A small surge of rage rose through her at the thought of confronting those villains once and for all, but she crushed it in favor of taking a more rational approach. If she had learned anything, it was that irrational anger got her no where. As it was, she needed to get into the city and find accommodations for herself and her horse.
That should be a fairly easy task.
A subtle squeeze of her calves had Grane striding out again, his long steps pushing his frame forward with purpose now. Alcippe knew that he could feel her renewed strength, and his appearance reflected that. His head was high now, ears pricked and swiveling back and forth. In a way, she felt the same. Her head felt like it was constantly whipping from side to side as she took in the sights, smells, and sounds of the city. Beggars sat near the gates, and further in she saw the various vendors and shops. There was something very secluding about being on horseback...it felt as if the bustle and mess of the large city was all beneath her, and she was merely observing as she steered through the sea of people.
The city was something entirely unfamiliar. Her whole life, she had lived on outskirts of small towns at best. For the most part, she lived in country outposts, outside of the towns. Working with her master had certainly not been an in city experience, since they were able to create everything they needed without ever leaving their property. The only time she did travel was when they went to other people's farms to break mules to pull ploughs or train a horse for a busy man's wife to use. But here in the city, she saw many different things. People that looked different, buildings several stories tall, and a surprising abundance of animal life. Horse drawn carriages clattered past, dogs and cats weaved expertly through the legs of humans and taller animals, and a glimpse down any alley would provide a picture into the society of rats the dwelled among the trash.
The tide of people swept her and Grane towards some sort of intersection with a common fountain. Looking in all the different directions, Alcippe chose a promising looking street and set off. Pausing in front of a fletcher's shop, she glanced around and saw a sign for an inn a little further down the road. A surprisingly swift moving carriage caught the corner of her eye, and as Alcippe turned to look towards it she saw a single girl stepping across the road without even looking. Gasping, she dug her heels into Grane's flanks and he lept across the street in several easy strides. Reaching one hand down, she caught the girl's collar and lifted her up, pulling Grane to a stop at the same time. The carriage rumbled past and Alcippe set the girl down safely on the side of the street.
"Are you hurt?" she asked, worried she had hurt the girl by snatching her up so quickly.
Alcippe tightened her fingers slightly, and Grane halted obediently. She couldn't help but be slightly overwhelmed by the sight of what lay before her. Within the walls of that city could be what she had been searching for: her mother's kidnappers. A small surge of rage rose through her at the thought of confronting those villains once and for all, but she crushed it in favor of taking a more rational approach. If she had learned anything, it was that irrational anger got her no where. As it was, she needed to get into the city and find accommodations for herself and her horse.
That should be a fairly easy task.
A subtle squeeze of her calves had Grane striding out again, his long steps pushing his frame forward with purpose now. Alcippe knew that he could feel her renewed strength, and his appearance reflected that. His head was high now, ears pricked and swiveling back and forth. In a way, she felt the same. Her head felt like it was constantly whipping from side to side as she took in the sights, smells, and sounds of the city. Beggars sat near the gates, and further in she saw the various vendors and shops. There was something very secluding about being on horseback...it felt as if the bustle and mess of the large city was all beneath her, and she was merely observing as she steered through the sea of people.
The city was something entirely unfamiliar. Her whole life, she had lived on outskirts of small towns at best. For the most part, she lived in country outposts, outside of the towns. Working with her master had certainly not been an in city experience, since they were able to create everything they needed without ever leaving their property. The only time she did travel was when they went to other people's farms to break mules to pull ploughs or train a horse for a busy man's wife to use. But here in the city, she saw many different things. People that looked different, buildings several stories tall, and a surprising abundance of animal life. Horse drawn carriages clattered past, dogs and cats weaved expertly through the legs of humans and taller animals, and a glimpse down any alley would provide a picture into the society of rats the dwelled among the trash.
The tide of people swept her and Grane towards some sort of intersection with a common fountain. Looking in all the different directions, Alcippe chose a promising looking street and set off. Pausing in front of a fletcher's shop, she glanced around and saw a sign for an inn a little further down the road. A surprisingly swift moving carriage caught the corner of her eye, and as Alcippe turned to look towards it she saw a single girl stepping across the road without even looking. Gasping, she dug her heels into Grane's flanks and he lept across the street in several easy strides. Reaching one hand down, she caught the girl's collar and lifted her up, pulling Grane to a stop at the same time. The carriage rumbled past and Alcippe set the girl down safely on the side of the street.
"Are you hurt?" she asked, worried she had hurt the girl by snatching her up so quickly.
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Jaspenellar
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- Name: Loen
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Re: Just Passing Through
Lo'en had heard the clatter of the oncoming coach only belatedly, her brain unused to filtering through all of the city noise her ears picked up on. Confusion probably delayed her reaction as she saw a woman on a young grey horse on the far side of the street suddenly leap in her direction, the rhythmic beat of other hooves coming from the wrong direction and of the wrong number. In an incredible, but not entirely surprising moment of luck, the half-elf had leaned forward in just the moment her unforeseen mounted rescuer raced toward her. The collar of her green tunic stuck out just enough for the other woman to grab it, and the momentum of the grey horse pushed her back out of harm's way.
Strangely enough, the first thing to register in the half-elf's jumbled mind was that she had miraculously not lost her feathered cap or dropped her bow in the process of being picked up like a lost kitten by the nape of the neck. The second thing was that she had been nearly choked to death with her shirt, having been grabbed with such force to actually lift her from the ground, and her reflex for breath was causing some pain in her half-crushed airway. Thirdly, she felt some sort of relief that her tunic, currently her only short-sleeved one, had not torn from bearing her weight.
Indignation was the first emotion to reach Lo'en's grey eyes as she looked up at the woman on the horse. Her very first impression was that the self-styled rescuer was the older of the two, the harsher face and short cropped hair making the mounted woman appear more mature than the bedraggled half-elf felt.
Strangely enough, the first thing to register in the half-elf's jumbled mind was that she had miraculously not lost her feathered cap or dropped her bow in the process of being picked up like a lost kitten by the nape of the neck. The second thing was that she had been nearly choked to death with her shirt, having been grabbed with such force to actually lift her from the ground, and her reflex for breath was causing some pain in her half-crushed airway. Thirdly, she felt some sort of relief that her tunic, currently her only short-sleeved one, had not torn from bearing her weight.
Indignation was the first emotion to reach Lo'en's grey eyes as she looked up at the woman on the horse. Her very first impression was that the self-styled rescuer was the older of the two, the harsher face and short cropped hair making the mounted woman appear more mature than the bedraggled half-elf felt.
The concern in her voice, combined with the sharp blue eyes gave Lo'en pause and filed the impression for later dissection. Instead of sharply replying with her first inclination, she made a show of straightening her misshapen cap, pulling her tunic smooth again, and adjusting the shoulder-straps of her light pack. Swallowing, and promptly wincing at the slight pain, the half-elf finally replied, "I wouldn't 'ave allowed m'self to meet such a ridiculous end, you know, being trampled by such ruffians." Lo'en attempted to turn her glare in the direction of the retreating coach, already swallowed by the swell of the city crowd, whose driver had never even slowed his charges."Are you hurt?"
Re: Just Passing Through
Alcippe watched the petite girl closely after setting her down. The thing that struck Alcippe first were the long ears that came out on either side of the girl's cap, meaning that she was at least part elf. Immediately, Alcippe was intrigued by this. The idea of meeting an elf - or part elf, for that matter - was fascinating. She had only ever met other humans, and while she had heard stories of elves, she never thought she might actually meet one.
Moving past the ears, Alcippe began to notice the rest of the elf's outfit. A dark green tunic reached to the middle of her thighs, and gray leggings continued from there to her calf high boots. The whole ensemble had a distinctly...woodsy feel about it. The bow and light pack completed the picture, and Alcippe was suddenly aware of the fact that this elf was just as much of an outsider in this bustling city as she herself was. A small smile crossed her features at the thought. Despite only having known the elf for seconds, she felt a little less alone in such a seemingly unforgiving place.
Grane danced to the side, impatient and wound up from the sudden leap into action. Alcippe turned him in a tight circle before managing to hold him still, facing the elf. He snorted, stomping a foot in impatience and Alcippe reached a hand forward to stroke his arched neck in a calming motion.
"I'm Alcippe," she added quickly, flushing slightly in frustration at what she was sure was being perceived as incompetence. "I'm not from the city, is why I ask."
Moving past the ears, Alcippe began to notice the rest of the elf's outfit. A dark green tunic reached to the middle of her thighs, and gray leggings continued from there to her calf high boots. The whole ensemble had a distinctly...woodsy feel about it. The bow and light pack completed the picture, and Alcippe was suddenly aware of the fact that this elf was just as much of an outsider in this bustling city as she herself was. A small smile crossed her features at the thought. Despite only having known the elf for seconds, she felt a little less alone in such a seemingly unforgiving place.
Grane danced to the side, impatient and wound up from the sudden leap into action. Alcippe turned him in a tight circle before managing to hold him still, facing the elf. He snorted, stomping a foot in impatience and Alcippe reached a hand forward to stroke his arched neck in a calming motion.
"I wouldn't think so," Alcippe replied, a smirk appearing on her lips at the elf's slightly prickly reply. "You're not from the city, are you?" she asked, realizing a bit too late that she was probing a stranger for information without even asking for a name first. Old habits were difficult to break."I wouldn't 'ave allowed m'self to meet such a ridiculous end, you know, being trampled by such ruffians."
"I'm Alcippe," she added quickly, flushing slightly in frustration at what she was sure was being perceived as incompetence. "I'm not from the city, is why I ask."
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Jaspenellar
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- Name: Loen
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Re: Just Passing Through
Lo'en cast a somewhat critical eye to the woman at her first comment, given her own state of peasant-ish dress, but her expression quickly turned more wry than argumentative as she mentally conceded that her outfit was indeed a bit foresty when compared to the city folk. The half-elf decided it wouldn't hurt to behave sociably toward ... Alcippe, though she subconsciously refused to acknowledge the possibility that she had been saved from harm. She would have been able to dodge out of the way in time.
"Alcippe, I hate this city and I 'aven't even been 'ere for a full day." Her accent was very scarce, hardly discernible over the din of the city, coming more from the beat of her words than the actual pronunciation. A tuned ear would probably recognize that Lo'en had grown up speaking this language, but from some remote part of Thar to the north. "I am Lo'en, and if y'were looking for directions, I'd be the exact wrong person t'ask."
With a smile mostly directed to the grey horse, the half-elf opened her free hand, palm up and fingers flat, to let the animal sniff and made a soft clicking sound under her breath. She wasn't any kind of animal charmer but having grown up as a goatherd had left her with a good sense of animals. The light coloured equine was young, spirited, and obeyed his rider as well as a horse of his age and temperament would. Lo'en had thrust her hand toward the horse without overly invading his space and waited patiently for the beast to inspect, if he was so inclined.
"Nice animal," she murmured by way of compliment, keeping her voice low and pitched toward him. The half-elf was clearly more at ease dealing with the animal than the humans around her.
"Alcippe, I hate this city and I 'aven't even been 'ere for a full day." Her accent was very scarce, hardly discernible over the din of the city, coming more from the beat of her words than the actual pronunciation. A tuned ear would probably recognize that Lo'en had grown up speaking this language, but from some remote part of Thar to the north. "I am Lo'en, and if y'were looking for directions, I'd be the exact wrong person t'ask."
With a smile mostly directed to the grey horse, the half-elf opened her free hand, palm up and fingers flat, to let the animal sniff and made a soft clicking sound under her breath. She wasn't any kind of animal charmer but having grown up as a goatherd had left her with a good sense of animals. The light coloured equine was young, spirited, and obeyed his rider as well as a horse of his age and temperament would. Lo'en had thrust her hand toward the horse without overly invading his space and waited patiently for the beast to inspect, if he was so inclined.
"Nice animal," she murmured by way of compliment, keeping her voice low and pitched toward him. The half-elf was clearly more at ease dealing with the animal than the humans around her.
Re: Just Passing Through
Alcippe smiled at the elf, feeling herself warm slightly to the smaller woman. She wasn't the one to ask for directions either, and really she had simply been wandering aimlessly in search of something that resembled an inn. The least she might do is ask Lo'en where she had been staying, or at least where she was planning on staying.
She watched as Lo'en extended a hand towards Grane, and she tensed slightly. Normally her horse was not very social - in fact, he could be downright anti-social. However, he seemed interested in this stranger and he extended his nose to her hand, his nostrils flaring as he took in her scent. Convinced she was a decent elf, Alcippe felt more inclined to continue the conversation. Anyone who was good with an animal tended to be a decent person at their core, despite whatever outer layers they may try and put forth.
"I'm not searching for directions so much as a place to stay," she said, hopeful that Lo'en might have a place in mind. Alcippe was sure that she could use a bath, and Grane could certainly use a stall. If nothing else, they both needed one night of sleep before beginning their search again. The long journey had taken a mental and physical toll on them both.
She watched as Lo'en extended a hand towards Grane, and she tensed slightly. Normally her horse was not very social - in fact, he could be downright anti-social. However, he seemed interested in this stranger and he extended his nose to her hand, his nostrils flaring as he took in her scent. Convinced she was a decent elf, Alcippe felt more inclined to continue the conversation. Anyone who was good with an animal tended to be a decent person at their core, despite whatever outer layers they may try and put forth.
"I've known him since his birth, and owned him for almost as long," Alcippe said, stroking his neck lovingly. The compliment warmed her heart, and she couldn't help but study the elf a little more closely. With her gray eyes turned to the horse, she seemed almost to be relaxing, as if she had been with more animals than humans in her time. Alcippe knew the feeling, and she actually preferred animals to really anything that could talk. Grane lifted his nose and blew into Lo'en's hair gently before relaxing and dropping his head to sniff at the street beneath them."Nice animal,"
"I'm not searching for directions so much as a place to stay," she said, hopeful that Lo'en might have a place in mind. Alcippe was sure that she could use a bath, and Grane could certainly use a stall. If nothing else, they both needed one night of sleep before beginning their search again. The long journey had taken a mental and physical toll on them both.
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Jaspenellar
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- Name: Loen
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Re: Just Passing Through
The half-elf seemed to keep her eyes on the light, velvety muzzle but she did not miss the intonation from Alcippe's voice. She figured this horse probably meant the world to her- Lo'en had never quite developed that deep an affection for an animal but she respected it well enough. Sometimes it was better if animal companions did not talk. Her wry expression lit her face as she reflected on Justinaryn', not for the first time that day.
She finally tilted her head toward the mounted woman as the horse dropped his head to the ground. "I'm sure there're several inns along th' road. I 'ad a nice drink last night... Drunken Rat or something like that." Lo'en gave a shrug. The tavern hadn't been very fruitful in her search for employment. "Most likely charge arm 'n a leg for room and stabling."
The woman seemed weary, and her grey steed seemed even lighter in color from the kind of dust one collects from long roads of travel. Lo'en felt like something more was expected of her, but she unfortunately had run out of words for Alcippe so she toed the dirt in the uncomfortable pause.
She finally tilted her head toward the mounted woman as the horse dropped his head to the ground. "I'm sure there're several inns along th' road. I 'ad a nice drink last night... Drunken Rat or something like that." Lo'en gave a shrug. The tavern hadn't been very fruitful in her search for employment. "Most likely charge arm 'n a leg for room and stabling."
The woman seemed weary, and her grey steed seemed even lighter in color from the kind of dust one collects from long roads of travel. Lo'en felt like something more was expected of her, but she unfortunately had run out of words for Alcippe so she toed the dirt in the uncomfortable pause.
Re: Just Passing Through
"I'm sure they will charge a pretty penny for stabling," Alcippe replied, chewing her lip in thought for a moment, "Do you know of any place outside the city to camp?" she asked, wondering if it would be wise to pitch a tent outside the city. Her whole life, she had heard about how dangerous cities were, and what strange things could happen if one traveled alone and slept alone. Being outside was making herself vulnerable, but at the same time she would be saving money and she could be closer to Grane.
Turning her eyes to Lo'en, she felt slightly intrigued by the elf. Not only had she never met an elf, she had never met anyone quiet so...mysterious. Alcippe had known many people in her life, and none of them had the slight aura of inscrutability. Really, though, she was probably making it all up in her mind. Lo'en was probably a perfectly reasonable elf, and with a perfectly reasonable and mostly not mysterious life.
There was one thing Alcippe did know: she wasn't so sure about being in the city alone, and meeting anyone would probably be more difficult than meeting Lo'en. She wasn't quite ready to let Lo'en get lost in the mass of people. Maybe they could be of some assistance to each other.
Turning her eyes to Lo'en, she felt slightly intrigued by the elf. Not only had she never met an elf, she had never met anyone quiet so...mysterious. Alcippe had known many people in her life, and none of them had the slight aura of inscrutability. Really, though, she was probably making it all up in her mind. Lo'en was probably a perfectly reasonable elf, and with a perfectly reasonable and mostly not mysterious life.
There was one thing Alcippe did know: she wasn't so sure about being in the city alone, and meeting anyone would probably be more difficult than meeting Lo'en. She wasn't quite ready to let Lo'en get lost in the mass of people. Maybe they could be of some assistance to each other.
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Jaspenellar
- Citizen
- Posts: 305
- Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2008 8:56 pm
- Name: Loen
- Race: Half-Elven
Re: Just Passing Through
Lo'en looked down the street, but they were too deep in the city to see the surroundings. She knew that before she looked, but it didn't prevent her from trying anyway. Though she appeared to be a woodland creature, compared to the city-dwellers, the half-elf knew how to appreciate a mattress and warm bath. And she had her doubts about the security of the roads in close proximity to the large city. Beggars, brigands, and generally unsavory people hung about where there were perceived easier targets. Strking camp outside the city limits did not sound as tempting as a room in a cheap inn, but she was in sore need for money for said room. She looked around the grey horse to the fletcher's shop across the street again.
Getting an idea, the half-elf held up an hand to Alcippe. "Wait here?"
Without waiting for a reply, Lo'en darted around her horse and crossed the street. She pushed the door open to the Bowyer/Fletcher shop and looked around for the store owner. It was typical for the type of store, with various, beautiful new bows hanging on the wall, about half of them were pre-strung. There were more weapons than she was used to seeing, probably due to the fact that it was in the city, and her keen eye and familiarity with hers found a few of them to be more ornamental than practical. Supplies were also handy, but in fewer quantity, leaving Lo'en to conclude that this indeed was a city's bowyer store. She waited with an air of impatience, glancing through the warped shop glass to see if Alcippe would follow her in.
(feel free to follow, or not)
Getting an idea, the half-elf held up an hand to Alcippe. "Wait here?"
Without waiting for a reply, Lo'en darted around her horse and crossed the street. She pushed the door open to the Bowyer/Fletcher shop and looked around for the store owner. It was typical for the type of store, with various, beautiful new bows hanging on the wall, about half of them were pre-strung. There were more weapons than she was used to seeing, probably due to the fact that it was in the city, and her keen eye and familiarity with hers found a few of them to be more ornamental than practical. Supplies were also handy, but in fewer quantity, leaving Lo'en to conclude that this indeed was a city's bowyer store. She waited with an air of impatience, glancing through the warped shop glass to see if Alcippe would follow her in.
(feel free to follow, or not)
Re: Just Passing Through
Theuse wandered along the dirt road leading to the city of Marn, the path was well worn and easy to move on but each step seemed laborious to the wanderer. Theuse had been traveling hard for the last week and now he was exhausted. In all truth he should have stopped for the day and just taken it easy while he regained his strength, but when he had set out, just before sunrise, he knew he could make the city in a matter of hours. The thought of finding a nice bed at one of the inns had spurred him onward, as they would doubtless be more comfortable than the ground beside the road. Not only that, Theuse’s mind begun to race, I can get some real food. Oh what I wouldn’t do for a nice leg of mutton or some ham. The images of golden flesh and good ale set his mouth to watering and added strength to his stride.
Cresting a final, low, hill, Theuse met with a beautiful sight: The city of Marn. It was not the most elegant of cities, he had seen many that eclipsed this in terms of splendor in his travels across the realms, but it was a wonderful thing for one who had been in the wilderness for so long. Adjusting his pack to sit more comfortably on his shoulders, the wanderer started in for the city with a grin on his face. It took another fifteen minutes to reach the gates and pass through, but that was just fine; it gave Theuse the time to realize he should probably have bought himself a horse years ago. Of course he had no idea how to take care of such an animal, and some of his treks would not have allowed for one, but the idea of having one still cropped up every now and again. It would shorten some of his horrendous travel times. But then I might miss something worth seeing in my haste. No, it is best I use the feet I was born with. Theuse glanced down and grimaced, And maybe buy some new boots.
When he finally breached the walls, Theuse found himself entrenched in the crowds of Marn and the noises he had long ago associated with the city. The place bombarded his senses and for a moment he just stood there, breathing deeply and taking in the sights. It had been years since he had come to Marn, not long after the day that he had lost his best friend and mentor, and he had treated the place like it was cursed during his first visit. But no longer was it something to be reviled, the years had seen to that. Now it was a refuge for a traveler who simply wanted to rest and relax for a time.
From here it was possible that he could travel west along the trade road, he had never been to the West before and now it felt like the right time to go. A sudden commotion caught Theuse’s eye and broke his train of thought. He watched as a woman on horseback leapt to save another from a high-speed carriage. When the carriage had passed he looked again and neither appeared hurt, it was then that Theuse realized he had held in his last breath. Letting it out in a sigh of relief he smiled.
“I forgot how dangerous these places could be.” He said aloud. “Going to have to watch my step or I could get myself hurt."
Cresting a final, low, hill, Theuse met with a beautiful sight: The city of Marn. It was not the most elegant of cities, he had seen many that eclipsed this in terms of splendor in his travels across the realms, but it was a wonderful thing for one who had been in the wilderness for so long. Adjusting his pack to sit more comfortably on his shoulders, the wanderer started in for the city with a grin on his face. It took another fifteen minutes to reach the gates and pass through, but that was just fine; it gave Theuse the time to realize he should probably have bought himself a horse years ago. Of course he had no idea how to take care of such an animal, and some of his treks would not have allowed for one, but the idea of having one still cropped up every now and again. It would shorten some of his horrendous travel times. But then I might miss something worth seeing in my haste. No, it is best I use the feet I was born with. Theuse glanced down and grimaced, And maybe buy some new boots.
When he finally breached the walls, Theuse found himself entrenched in the crowds of Marn and the noises he had long ago associated with the city. The place bombarded his senses and for a moment he just stood there, breathing deeply and taking in the sights. It had been years since he had come to Marn, not long after the day that he had lost his best friend and mentor, and he had treated the place like it was cursed during his first visit. But no longer was it something to be reviled, the years had seen to that. Now it was a refuge for a traveler who simply wanted to rest and relax for a time.
From here it was possible that he could travel west along the trade road, he had never been to the West before and now it felt like the right time to go. A sudden commotion caught Theuse’s eye and broke his train of thought. He watched as a woman on horseback leapt to save another from a high-speed carriage. When the carriage had passed he looked again and neither appeared hurt, it was then that Theuse realized he had held in his last breath. Letting it out in a sigh of relief he smiled.
“I forgot how dangerous these places could be.” He said aloud. “Going to have to watch my step or I could get myself hurt."
Re: Just Passing Through
Alcippe blinked in confusion as Lo'en took off across the street. What on earth was the elf doing? Torn between curiosity and confusion, Alcippe slowly crossed the street. After waiting outside of the shop for a moment, she gave in and slid off of Grane. A quick flick of her wrist looped the reins around a post for tying horses, and she ventured inside. Seeing Lo'en at the shop's counter, Alcippe joined her.
"Feel a sudden need for new weapons?" she asked wryly, cocking an eyebrow and looking down at the elf. Now that they were on even footing, it was apparent how much taller Alcippe really was. Looking over the elf's feathered cap, she noticed some particularly nice looking bows. Archery was something Alcippe never managed to become proficient in. In fact, she was more of a danger to herself than any enemy with a bow in her hands. Her skills lay in her abilities to wield a sword.
Looking back at Lo'en, a sudden surge of uncertainty washed over her. She was standing in a Fletcher's shop at the beckoning of an elf she had known for mere minutes, and for what? What was she hoping to get out of this? Sighing, Alcippe resigned herself to staying where she was, and seeing what came of all of this. She had already followed Lo'en...could she possible make a bigger fool of herself? There wasn't much left to lose.
(Sorry this took so long, work has been hell this week!)
"Feel a sudden need for new weapons?" she asked wryly, cocking an eyebrow and looking down at the elf. Now that they were on even footing, it was apparent how much taller Alcippe really was. Looking over the elf's feathered cap, she noticed some particularly nice looking bows. Archery was something Alcippe never managed to become proficient in. In fact, she was more of a danger to herself than any enemy with a bow in her hands. Her skills lay in her abilities to wield a sword.
Looking back at Lo'en, a sudden surge of uncertainty washed over her. She was standing in a Fletcher's shop at the beckoning of an elf she had known for mere minutes, and for what? What was she hoping to get out of this? Sighing, Alcippe resigned herself to staying where she was, and seeing what came of all of this. She had already followed Lo'en...could she possible make a bigger fool of herself? There wasn't much left to lose.
(Sorry this took so long, work has been hell this week!)
-
Jaspenellar
- Citizen
- Posts: 305
- Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2008 8:56 pm
- Name: Loen
- Race: Half-Elven
Re: Just Passing Through
(She's only 3 inches shorter... that's not really that much shorter! 
)
The shopkeeper came out from the back room just as Alcippe uttered her sarcastic comment. Lo'en tugged at the point of her cap in effort to hide the smirk in her grey eyes. Next time she wouldn't phrase her words in a question. Not that she had figured the horse lady to wait outside- there had been a sort of hunger for companionship, as well as some kind of curiosity in her manner, and the half-elf figured she didn't want to risk losing the contact so quickly.
Turning her attention back to the store owner, her grey eyes assessed a shrewd, elderly man, whose race was indeterminable- he could have been a tall dwarf or very short, squat human. Even having grown up in the presence of her adopted parents, the strange man in front of her was something of a mystery. The counter appeared to have been built unusually low to accommodate his short height- even she could look over his head easily, and his build was very squarish, having to step sideways to get through the narrow door from the back room. Though his broad face was heavily creased and only a thin swatch of hair feathered his head, his eyes were still keen under thick, greyed brows and his manner was somewhat shifty. He was wiping his hands on a dirty cloth and smelled of wood varnish.
Lo'en cleared her throat as it became apparent in the silence that followed the shopkeeper's entrance that she would have to instigate the conversation. No doubt she looked only a step up from street rabble to his critical eye. "Excuse me, I noticed your stock seems t'be low on arrows. If you would please, I'd like to offer m'service as a fletcher." She consciously attempted to keep her outsider accent to a minimum, though she suspected just a hint of it would help with her proposition. Never one to simply mince words, the half-elf took one of her few arrows from the sheathe at her side and laid it on the counter top for inspection.
Raising a dubious shaggy eyebrow, he set aside his rag and took up the proffered arrow, giving the half-elf and her human companion a second glance as if daring them to lift something from his store while he was inspecting the arrow. He lifted it up to look down the shaft, running a light finger along the well-crafted projectile. The old man gave a harrumph of approval as he thumbed the feathered end, unable to find any fault in the fletching. Despite himself, he handed back the arrow to the dirty, travel-worn half-elf with a reconsidered shred of respect for her skill. "You used cheap supplies to make this poor thing."
Lo'en smirked openly now. She could sense the old man's approval. " 'fyou've got semi-straight shafts, iron or steel arrowheads, and half-way decent feathers, I can fletch four quiver's worth b'morrow mornin'. Twenty bishani each, and no charge f'supplies."
"You want me to supply you... and then pay you?" His tiny eyes opened wide, but it was not difficult to tell he was feigning, playing the bartering game. He grumbled to himself unintelligibly, but not for long and came back to Lo'en before she even thought about turning on her heel and making an act of walking out. "How about five quivers, due no later than ten tomorrow morning, at fifteen bishani."
"Eighteen." She leaned slightly forward, narrowing her grey eyes.
Unexpectedly, the elderly store owner widened his own eyes again, this time in surprise. Cocking his wide head to one side, he looked more closely at the feather in Lo'en's cap. "I'll give you eighty bishani just for that feather."
The half-elf leapt back as if burned. She took off her cap and held the feather protectively, unaware that she was simply making herself look like a lost little girl. Her indignant words quickly worked to erase such an innocent picture. "Crazy old coot! What'd y'want with a mutant hawk primary?"
The man-dwarf tightened his expression, but greed and recognition glinted in his beady eyes. "That ain't no hawk feather-"
"Feather is NOT part o'th'deal." Lo'en turned on her heel this time and took a few steps to the door. She was about to reach for Alcippe to join her when the shopkeeper harrumphed again, arresting her in mid-stride.
"Your lucky day, half-breed. My fletcher's hand is infected because he was clumsy and slipped with his splicing knife. Five quivers tomorrow."
Lo'en remained with her back to the old man, taking another deliberate step towards the door.
"Eighteen bishani." The half-elf could hear him rummaging behind his counter for supplies, in addition to his final offer, the clink of metal arrowheads soothing her ruffled feelings. Grinning, she turned to collect her items for the night.
"Deal." Without a second thought, Lo'en handed the large bag of feathers to Alcippe to carry. She gave a cursory look at the shafts the man laid out, rejecting only two for having an unsalvagable curvature. She replaced her cap before gathering up the box of steel arrowheads and binding the shafts with a string. "Don't worry, sir, I wouldn't dream of keeping any left over supplies for myself."
Without so much as a glance over her shoulder, Lo'en motioned for Alcippe to follow and walked out of the fletcher/bowyer shop, happily employed for the evening.
)The shopkeeper came out from the back room just as Alcippe uttered her sarcastic comment. Lo'en tugged at the point of her cap in effort to hide the smirk in her grey eyes. Next time she wouldn't phrase her words in a question. Not that she had figured the horse lady to wait outside- there had been a sort of hunger for companionship, as well as some kind of curiosity in her manner, and the half-elf figured she didn't want to risk losing the contact so quickly.
Turning her attention back to the store owner, her grey eyes assessed a shrewd, elderly man, whose race was indeterminable- he could have been a tall dwarf or very short, squat human. Even having grown up in the presence of her adopted parents, the strange man in front of her was something of a mystery. The counter appeared to have been built unusually low to accommodate his short height- even she could look over his head easily, and his build was very squarish, having to step sideways to get through the narrow door from the back room. Though his broad face was heavily creased and only a thin swatch of hair feathered his head, his eyes were still keen under thick, greyed brows and his manner was somewhat shifty. He was wiping his hands on a dirty cloth and smelled of wood varnish.
Lo'en cleared her throat as it became apparent in the silence that followed the shopkeeper's entrance that she would have to instigate the conversation. No doubt she looked only a step up from street rabble to his critical eye. "Excuse me, I noticed your stock seems t'be low on arrows. If you would please, I'd like to offer m'service as a fletcher." She consciously attempted to keep her outsider accent to a minimum, though she suspected just a hint of it would help with her proposition. Never one to simply mince words, the half-elf took one of her few arrows from the sheathe at her side and laid it on the counter top for inspection.
Raising a dubious shaggy eyebrow, he set aside his rag and took up the proffered arrow, giving the half-elf and her human companion a second glance as if daring them to lift something from his store while he was inspecting the arrow. He lifted it up to look down the shaft, running a light finger along the well-crafted projectile. The old man gave a harrumph of approval as he thumbed the feathered end, unable to find any fault in the fletching. Despite himself, he handed back the arrow to the dirty, travel-worn half-elf with a reconsidered shred of respect for her skill. "You used cheap supplies to make this poor thing."
Lo'en smirked openly now. She could sense the old man's approval. " 'fyou've got semi-straight shafts, iron or steel arrowheads, and half-way decent feathers, I can fletch four quiver's worth b'morrow mornin'. Twenty bishani each, and no charge f'supplies."
"You want me to supply you... and then pay you?" His tiny eyes opened wide, but it was not difficult to tell he was feigning, playing the bartering game. He grumbled to himself unintelligibly, but not for long and came back to Lo'en before she even thought about turning on her heel and making an act of walking out. "How about five quivers, due no later than ten tomorrow morning, at fifteen bishani."
"Eighteen." She leaned slightly forward, narrowing her grey eyes.
Unexpectedly, the elderly store owner widened his own eyes again, this time in surprise. Cocking his wide head to one side, he looked more closely at the feather in Lo'en's cap. "I'll give you eighty bishani just for that feather."
The half-elf leapt back as if burned. She took off her cap and held the feather protectively, unaware that she was simply making herself look like a lost little girl. Her indignant words quickly worked to erase such an innocent picture. "Crazy old coot! What'd y'want with a mutant hawk primary?"
The man-dwarf tightened his expression, but greed and recognition glinted in his beady eyes. "That ain't no hawk feather-"
"Feather is NOT part o'th'deal." Lo'en turned on her heel this time and took a few steps to the door. She was about to reach for Alcippe to join her when the shopkeeper harrumphed again, arresting her in mid-stride.
"Your lucky day, half-breed. My fletcher's hand is infected because he was clumsy and slipped with his splicing knife. Five quivers tomorrow."
Lo'en remained with her back to the old man, taking another deliberate step towards the door.
"Eighteen bishani." The half-elf could hear him rummaging behind his counter for supplies, in addition to his final offer, the clink of metal arrowheads soothing her ruffled feelings. Grinning, she turned to collect her items for the night.
"Deal." Without a second thought, Lo'en handed the large bag of feathers to Alcippe to carry. She gave a cursory look at the shafts the man laid out, rejecting only two for having an unsalvagable curvature. She replaced her cap before gathering up the box of steel arrowheads and binding the shafts with a string. "Don't worry, sir, I wouldn't dream of keeping any left over supplies for myself."
Without so much as a glance over her shoulder, Lo'en motioned for Alcippe to follow and walked out of the fletcher/bowyer shop, happily employed for the evening.
Re: Just Passing Through
Theuse waited for a chance to cross the street, finding a place against a shop wall to lean on as the crowd pressed on by. Cities were troublesome to navigate, especially if one was not a native. The press of bodies, the fools driving their carriages, and the fact that the place was a maze meant it was easy to miss a turn or just get turned around. Resting for a moment, Theuse let his thoughts drift to his first trip to the city of Marn. It was years ago, he was younger then and not exactly in his right mind. Alone, afraid, and having just buried his best friend, Theuse had been in a bad way. He remembered roaming, aimlessly, and sleeping on the streets. He had no rhyme or reason to his travels through Marn, only the need to keep moving. As the shock he had endured during his travels had slowly worn off, he found himself disgusted with the uncaring city and had fled not long after.
Years of travel had hardened him somewhat, taught him how to deal with loss and hardship. Now he returned to the city that he had shunned in his foolishness. It was not the fault of the city that Sindri had been killed, nor was it Theuse's fault that the elf had died. He had done what he could and to die in the street would have been a slap in the face of his memory; Sindri's sacrifice would have been meaningless. Of course, even now Theuse did not have much in the way of direction. He knew that he should return to Marn, something seemed to be calling to him, but now that he had survived the trip here he was at a loss. Just what was he to do?
“Get a room.” Theuse grinned as he voiced his plan of action, it made it more real; something to hold onto. “I need to find a place to stay.”
Seeing a break in the traffic, Theuse pushed off of the wall and started to cut through the crowd. It was not easy, he had to slide between people and avoid stepping on toes. Finally, after getting through the mob and avoiding a wayward horsemen, he managed to find his way safely across the street. From here he could start toward an inn that he remembered; he had almost entered but could never bring himself too on his first trip. He hadn't believed he deserved the comfort. Starting along the street, Theuse failed to notice the door ahead of him open or the half-elf that stepped into the street.
Got to stay alert. He thought too late, not paying attention to the street.
Years of travel had hardened him somewhat, taught him how to deal with loss and hardship. Now he returned to the city that he had shunned in his foolishness. It was not the fault of the city that Sindri had been killed, nor was it Theuse's fault that the elf had died. He had done what he could and to die in the street would have been a slap in the face of his memory; Sindri's sacrifice would have been meaningless. Of course, even now Theuse did not have much in the way of direction. He knew that he should return to Marn, something seemed to be calling to him, but now that he had survived the trip here he was at a loss. Just what was he to do?
“Get a room.” Theuse grinned as he voiced his plan of action, it made it more real; something to hold onto. “I need to find a place to stay.”
Seeing a break in the traffic, Theuse pushed off of the wall and started to cut through the crowd. It was not easy, he had to slide between people and avoid stepping on toes. Finally, after getting through the mob and avoiding a wayward horsemen, he managed to find his way safely across the street. From here he could start toward an inn that he remembered; he had almost entered but could never bring himself too on his first trip. He hadn't believed he deserved the comfort. Starting along the street, Theuse failed to notice the door ahead of him open or the half-elf that stepped into the street.
Got to stay alert. He thought too late, not paying attention to the street.