Post by Tallia on Jan 27, 2012 5:01:21 GMT -5
The town of Wistvale. Filled with its usual hustle and bustle, nothing could really tell it apart from any of its long past days. The afternoon market is jam packed with many a traveler, looking to pick up a few items or two on their way to their unforeseen destination. Among them, as well as the merchants themselves, are the patrons of Wistvale itself, looking to stock up on any necessary items for their quiet and peaceful households.
Tallia stretched openly as she entered the busy street markets of Wistvale herself, intent on getting some food and supplies for herself and Margrett. They hadn't shopped for quite a while, causing their rations to run low. Not to mention that she was in the market for a new blade; her current one was nice and all, and has remained plenty sharp for her, but she felt she needed a change of pace. After all, she has had it ever since starting her journey—that was many years ago from today.
Looking up to the beaming sun, she gave a smile, enjoying the delightful weather. However, as she made her way over to the market for some fresh vegetables, she spotted a new stall sitting relatively out-of-place. She cast aside her current task to inspect this mysterious booth, approaching with caution, as though it could leap out at her at any given moment. The stall had no visible signs, and was quite plain looking, composed of cheap wood and nails, hurriedly put together. Sitting in the shoddily constructed stall was an elf, his golden hair resting along the surface, as he continued dozing. Tallia wasn't sure to make of this situation. Had this elf just been watching the stall and simply dozed off, or had business been so bad that he lacked the determination to even try...? Either way, she wanted to find out what this thing was doing here, so she promptly prodded him awake with a finger.
H-huh...? Wha... What's going on...?
The groggy "shopkeeper" woke, whipping his head about to see what had risen him from his slumber. Upon spotting the curious Cathian, he propped himself up into a more attentive posture.
A...aha...ahahaha-*ahem* G-greetings, M'lady. I take it from waking me that you are interested in what I have to offer...?
The frail elf batted his clear, blue eyes, along with giving off a smile to reassure Tallia.
"W...well... W-w-what exactly... are you selling...?"
Oh... Ohoho... M-my mistake, M'lady... I haven't been able to procure many materials to create this little stall of mine as... well, to put it simply... I am broke...
His head sank as he said the words. Money troubles had Tallia a bit down in the dumps before, but she could see from his face that it was a lot worse than that. The elf's head came back up again to finish the rest of his story, a sad look replacing the once-beaming smile.
Y-you see... this wood was gathered by me, since I had no money to buy any slices myself... I borrowed a whole bunch of tools and equipment to make what you see here... Unfortunately, I didn't have anything to make signs with... b-but... I... I really need to sell this thing...
Tallia scratched her head in confusion, not sure whether to believe what was going on.
A-alright, M'lady... let me start from the beginning... A few days ago, I was in the markets, just as you and I are now. There was this odd woman, cloaked in a blue and black robe, with a veil hiding her face. She had approached me about an "interesting housing offer". Now, I was perfectly satisfied at where I had currently resided. But, she told me this place was big, gigantic even. Could house a giant or two. Anyway, I couldn't believe she was offering me this thing. So, like anyone else, I had her show me around this thing. It was a castle... this huge castle, just randomly built in the middle of nowhere. We took a full tour of the thing, everything was just fine. Nothing broken or in disrepair; it's as though the thing was brand new. Anyway, I sold just about everything to give her the money, which was actually a pretty good deal, considering the possessions I had. I made that castle my new home that very night.
However... it was that night when I had figured it out: that castle is cursed! I had seen it all: suits of armor moving on its own, tree limbs moving oddly, portraits distorting or disappearing completely... I-it was frightening, I tell you...! I hadn't realized it then, but the castle is filled with some sort of magic... as a mage myself, I tried to see what I do to fix it, but to no avail. Since I couldn't find peace there, I've had to stay at a friend's place while I've been trying to sell the thing; that woman has seemingly disappeared from here, and I can bet you I won't be seeing her again, so I can't just get my money back. At first, I made up a few stories to try and get it to sell for easy money, but people caught on real quickly to my scheme...
The elf paused to give out a big sigh, dissuaded that the Cathian would even consider putting money towards his cause to help himself.
So... here I am... trying to sell this thing... I-I don't suppose... you're still interested...?
With that, the elf rested his upon his hand waiting for Tallia's reply. She had to think about this very carefully; it could very much be a tale spun to feed money off of people, as ridiculous it sounds. But, if it were true... the man was in dire need of help.
"...I...I can't say... I-I can... buy it—"
Ah... no, no... I... I understand completely, no need to explain yourself or make fun of me, you can just walk away right now and forget this whole thing ever happened. OK? Alright? Well, thank you for your time, M'lady, and have a good day.
"Wait... b-but..."
The shopkeeper looked puzzled as to why she still was standing there, even more so as for her "but". He hadn't ever gotten this far before...
"...I... I can h-help you... um... f-fix it... or try to..."
She couldn't really believe she was even suggesting the notion herself. After all, what could she even do, if this thing was for real? The elven shopkeeper just stood there, not really sure whether or not he should believe her now.
Really...? You... would do that...? For me...?
Tallia gave him a slow nod. The least she could do is see if he was lying.
Great! H-hold on, I'll have to tell my friend about this, and I'll be right back, I promise. Thank you so much, I... I can't even... I... just hold on...
And, with that, the elf excited tore off, as though he had stumbled upon the greatest treasure in the world. A few minutes passed, and, true to his word, the elf returned to the stall. With a grin spreading from ear-to-ear, he brought out a piece of paper and placed it across the booth.
Here. This is the deed to the thing. Even if we do get it fixed and everything, I can't say I really have anything to provide you for your service. So, this will have to do.
If things could get more confusing, Tallia certainly didn't think they could any more than this.
Yes, I understand, I've been trying to sell it and everything... but... no one really believes me. Even then, who would want to buy a haunted castle...? So, the least I can do is give it to someone willing to do something about it. As I want to see this through to the end, I'll come with you and try to help to figure out what's going on. Meet with me at the town gate come nightfall. We shall set out then. Until next time...!
Just like that, the elf tore off again, running lightly in his shoes with the heavy burden lightened from his shoulders. Tallia watched him go, dumbstruck as to what has occurred today. Before he was out of earshot, she called back to him.
"W...wait...! What's... your name...?!"
Falion...! And yours...?!
"T... Tallia! Tallia Felestine...!"
We shall see each other soon, Tallia!
Falion disappeared from Tallia's line of sight, seemingly off to prepare for their upcoming adventure. Getting back to her original task, she wandered back into the rest of the busy market, purchasing the supplies from the money Margrett gave her, and headed back to Margrett's place, quite satisfied with herself today.
Tallia stretched openly as she entered the busy street markets of Wistvale herself, intent on getting some food and supplies for herself and Margrett. They hadn't shopped for quite a while, causing their rations to run low. Not to mention that she was in the market for a new blade; her current one was nice and all, and has remained plenty sharp for her, but she felt she needed a change of pace. After all, she has had it ever since starting her journey—that was many years ago from today.
Looking up to the beaming sun, she gave a smile, enjoying the delightful weather. However, as she made her way over to the market for some fresh vegetables, she spotted a new stall sitting relatively out-of-place. She cast aside her current task to inspect this mysterious booth, approaching with caution, as though it could leap out at her at any given moment. The stall had no visible signs, and was quite plain looking, composed of cheap wood and nails, hurriedly put together. Sitting in the shoddily constructed stall was an elf, his golden hair resting along the surface, as he continued dozing. Tallia wasn't sure to make of this situation. Had this elf just been watching the stall and simply dozed off, or had business been so bad that he lacked the determination to even try...? Either way, she wanted to find out what this thing was doing here, so she promptly prodded him awake with a finger.
H-huh...? Wha... What's going on...?
The groggy "shopkeeper" woke, whipping his head about to see what had risen him from his slumber. Upon spotting the curious Cathian, he propped himself up into a more attentive posture.
A...aha...ahahaha-*ahem* G-greetings, M'lady. I take it from waking me that you are interested in what I have to offer...?
The frail elf batted his clear, blue eyes, along with giving off a smile to reassure Tallia.
"W...well... W-w-what exactly... are you selling...?"
Oh... Ohoho... M-my mistake, M'lady... I haven't been able to procure many materials to create this little stall of mine as... well, to put it simply... I am broke...
His head sank as he said the words. Money troubles had Tallia a bit down in the dumps before, but she could see from his face that it was a lot worse than that. The elf's head came back up again to finish the rest of his story, a sad look replacing the once-beaming smile.
Y-you see... this wood was gathered by me, since I had no money to buy any slices myself... I borrowed a whole bunch of tools and equipment to make what you see here... Unfortunately, I didn't have anything to make signs with... b-but... I... I really need to sell this thing...
Tallia scratched her head in confusion, not sure whether to believe what was going on.
A-alright, M'lady... let me start from the beginning... A few days ago, I was in the markets, just as you and I are now. There was this odd woman, cloaked in a blue and black robe, with a veil hiding her face. She had approached me about an "interesting housing offer". Now, I was perfectly satisfied at where I had currently resided. But, she told me this place was big, gigantic even. Could house a giant or two. Anyway, I couldn't believe she was offering me this thing. So, like anyone else, I had her show me around this thing. It was a castle... this huge castle, just randomly built in the middle of nowhere. We took a full tour of the thing, everything was just fine. Nothing broken or in disrepair; it's as though the thing was brand new. Anyway, I sold just about everything to give her the money, which was actually a pretty good deal, considering the possessions I had. I made that castle my new home that very night.
However... it was that night when I had figured it out: that castle is cursed! I had seen it all: suits of armor moving on its own, tree limbs moving oddly, portraits distorting or disappearing completely... I-it was frightening, I tell you...! I hadn't realized it then, but the castle is filled with some sort of magic... as a mage myself, I tried to see what I do to fix it, but to no avail. Since I couldn't find peace there, I've had to stay at a friend's place while I've been trying to sell the thing; that woman has seemingly disappeared from here, and I can bet you I won't be seeing her again, so I can't just get my money back. At first, I made up a few stories to try and get it to sell for easy money, but people caught on real quickly to my scheme...
The elf paused to give out a big sigh, dissuaded that the Cathian would even consider putting money towards his cause to help himself.
So... here I am... trying to sell this thing... I-I don't suppose... you're still interested...?
With that, the elf rested his upon his hand waiting for Tallia's reply. She had to think about this very carefully; it could very much be a tale spun to feed money off of people, as ridiculous it sounds. But, if it were true... the man was in dire need of help.
"...I...I can't say... I-I can... buy it—"
Ah... no, no... I... I understand completely, no need to explain yourself or make fun of me, you can just walk away right now and forget this whole thing ever happened. OK? Alright? Well, thank you for your time, M'lady, and have a good day.
"Wait... b-but..."
The shopkeeper looked puzzled as to why she still was standing there, even more so as for her "but". He hadn't ever gotten this far before...
"...I... I can h-help you... um... f-fix it... or try to..."
She couldn't really believe she was even suggesting the notion herself. After all, what could she even do, if this thing was for real? The elven shopkeeper just stood there, not really sure whether or not he should believe her now.
Really...? You... would do that...? For me...?
Tallia gave him a slow nod. The least she could do is see if he was lying.
Great! H-hold on, I'll have to tell my friend about this, and I'll be right back, I promise. Thank you so much, I... I can't even... I... just hold on...
And, with that, the elf excited tore off, as though he had stumbled upon the greatest treasure in the world. A few minutes passed, and, true to his word, the elf returned to the stall. With a grin spreading from ear-to-ear, he brought out a piece of paper and placed it across the booth.
Here. This is the deed to the thing. Even if we do get it fixed and everything, I can't say I really have anything to provide you for your service. So, this will have to do.
If things could get more confusing, Tallia certainly didn't think they could any more than this.
Yes, I understand, I've been trying to sell it and everything... but... no one really believes me. Even then, who would want to buy a haunted castle...? So, the least I can do is give it to someone willing to do something about it. As I want to see this through to the end, I'll come with you and try to help to figure out what's going on. Meet with me at the town gate come nightfall. We shall set out then. Until next time...!
Just like that, the elf tore off again, running lightly in his shoes with the heavy burden lightened from his shoulders. Tallia watched him go, dumbstruck as to what has occurred today. Before he was out of earshot, she called back to him.
"W...wait...! What's... your name...?!"
Falion...! And yours...?!
"T... Tallia! Tallia Felestine...!"
We shall see each other soon, Tallia!
Falion disappeared from Tallia's line of sight, seemingly off to prepare for their upcoming adventure. Getting back to her original task, she wandered back into the rest of the busy market, purchasing the supplies from the money Margrett gave her, and headed back to Margrett's place, quite satisfied with herself today.