Post by John Harding on Aug 9, 2011 5:12:28 GMT -5
His destination: Wistvale. His feet: sore. His hair...still white.
Jonah had spent the best part of a month trekking through the wilderness only to discover he'd been misdirected to Westdale, a place so small it could hardly be considered a town. Nevermind, Jonah could forgive the old man he'd gotten directions from, who's hearing must've been fast failing. After all, if he hadn't gone the wrong way he would never have stumbled across the rare YogYog tree, with it's multi-colored blossom, or the hatching of a baby Roahgar snake.
Ah, natures' little wonders.
It was weird and wonderful things like these that kept Jonah moving from place to place, exploring the fascinating sights and meeting the people of a wide variety of cultures. What was life for if not to bask in the beauty of the world? It was for this reason that Jonah had come in search of the town called Wistvale.
The wanderer had been walking through a field of long grass for almost an hour when he finally broke free and came across the steady flowing river. The water sparkled under the sunlight, clear and cool. It was so inviting that Jonah quickly kicked off his sandals, slung down his sword and dagger, and jumped right in.
Ah, he was glad to soothe his weary muscles.
Last Edit: Aug 9, 2011 7:29:27 GMT -5 by John Harding
After about ten minutes of relaxation, Jonah was surprised to hear voices coming from the other side of the river, "Eh? Hey! Hallo! You there!"
Jonah saw a doubtlessly cantankerous old man, stooped just below the shoulders. The man appeared to be a farmer by his garb. It was quite obvious that the elderly man was addressing none other than Jonah himself--for, there was indeed none other present.
Post by John Harding on Aug 9, 2011 17:18:00 GMT -5
Jonah saw the obviously disgruntled old man and leisurely swam towards the riverbank. He shot the old fella a smile in the hope that he might bring some good vibes to the situation.
Greetings, sir! How goes your day?
The wayward wandered clambered from the cool river, brushing the water from his snow-white hair.
Last Edit: Aug 9, 2011 17:25:40 GMT -5 by John Harding
Once Jonah had swam a bit closer to the antiqued farmer, he could tell that the man was not as pleased as he was. In fact, the farmer looked quite displeased.
"I'll have you know that this section of the river is on my property," the man started with a expectant face, "That means that you're on my property." The man, with his hands on his hips, simply stood there chewing what was probably tobacco.
Post by John Harding on Aug 9, 2011 17:44:46 GMT -5
Woops, my bad, sir. I had no idea.
That was the honest truth. Jonah never meant to trespass and he sure wasn't looking to upset the old guy. He walked over to retrieve his sandals and weapons. His clothes were now wet but they'd soon dry off in this warm weather.
I'm on my way to Wistvale. Don't suppose you could tell me how much farther it is.
Last Edit: Aug 9, 2011 17:45:46 GMT -5 by John Harding
The man looked both surprised and confused, "Eh? Err... Yes. Westdale is about an hour's walk in that direction." The man pointed down the same path Jonah had just walked. Then the man simply stood and stared at Jonah--as if expecting him to move and leave, or else attack.
Post by John Harding on Aug 10, 2011 5:18:41 GMT -5
Westdale? Not again.
Jonah wondered if there was one of these old guys in every part of the land. Oh well, best not upset this one, he doesn't appear to be the friendly sort.
Instead of asking again, causing a big fuss and prolonging this old fella's annoyance, Jonah just smiled and nodded his thanks.
Well I have to continue on this way- indicating his original path to Wistvale -to go look for...the RoobaRooba plant. Yeah...I hear it's healing properties are astonishing.
This was partly true, the plant was used in some parts for medicines but Jonah knew it couldn't be found around here.
Enjoy the rest of your day, sir.
And he slung his sword over his shoulder and started to walk away.
"Eh? Wait-a-minute there, yeh young whippersnapper!" shouted the old man, "You won't be finding any Rooba-rooba plants around here. Perhaps you could tell me what you're really looking for?"
This time the old man seemed to have heard Jonah perfectly. It almost sounded like he was familiar with the plant Jonah had mentioned...
The man grimaced his face with disgust and spat. "My name--my name is not important anymore. I was once someone very much like you--full of high hopes and gumption. You ain't gonna find what you want over there. Maybe a little adventure at first; maybe some hints of friendship and at least a glass of mead, but none of it will last. If you don't die in your first month, you'll wish you did in the second. Wistvale has nothing to offer but pain and sufferin'."
Then, in an afterthought, the man slowly licked his lips and added, "and thirst--an unquenchable thirst."
He looked down and shook his head.
Last Edit: Aug 10, 2011 18:35:07 GMT -5 by Legault
Post by John Harding on Aug 11, 2011 6:12:02 GMT -5
Jonah wondered how a man who owned part of a river could ever go thirsty. There were definitely some negative vibes coming from this old man. Either way, Jonah wasn't going to let this encounter put him off.
Well the world is full of pain and suffering, sir, but I can always find a glimmer of hope in the darkest of places. You just need to be patient and positive.
I sense you may have lost your way.
Jonah wasn't kidding himself, he didn't expect a cool reaction after that. The truth hurts but after the burn comes the healing process. And this old fella appeared in need of some serious healing.
"Baaah!!!" shouted the crotchety old man! "You're dumber than you look, boy!" The man walked toward Jonah. The closer he got the better Jonah could see his details. The man had a few small scars on his face and one large scar on his neck. His arms also had a little scaring--or so it appeared from that distance. The man had obviously needed healing in more than one way in the past.
He spoke much slower now, carefully forming his words so that the gravity of the situation was understood, "If you go to Wistvale, you will be killed. I once considered myself a great swordsman and I entered Wistvale in order to prove myself and gain a following. I ended up humiliated and with these scars to show for it. It wasn't even one of the greatest brigands who did this to me. Only the most heartless and despicable brutes or cutthroats can survive Wistvale. You are too soft. Go back and seek elsewhere."