::The sun was high in the sky and had succeeded in burning off the chill that still came with the morning air. The North Gate was by far the busiest entrance to the town proper, given that most everything else was north of Wistvale, and today it showed it. Workers were heading out of the gate having finished their lunches and needing to return to work in the fields. Meanwhile a line of wagons were stopped trying to enter as each was inspected by the Sentinels on duty.
Familiar faces were waved through with barely a glance at the contents as they were seen almost daily. Others were checked more closely to be sure all was in order and occasionally there came a complaint from further back in the line by those that thought the process was going more slowly than desired.::
((OOC: This thread is for Zalini and Miroslaw. But if anyone else would like to hop in, let me know and I'm sure we can find room. ))
My first thought was, he lied in every word, That hoary cripple, with malicious eye Askance to watch the workings of his lie On mine, and mouth scarce able to afford Suppression of the glee, that pursed and scored Its edge, at one more victim gained thereby.
Mutt yawned and scratched his side, his eyes a little more blood shot than usual, not that you could see beyond his matted hair. He wasn't used to sleep in the same proximity of other, let alone one tent away from a rather noisy sleeper. Miroslaw's snoring had kept him up most of the night. He wasn't upset that Miroslaw had kept him, he paid for his meal and gave him shelter, one sleepless night on a soft bed roll wouldn't hurt. Seeing how busy the gate was, he found an empty spot near the wall knowing he was to wait here for anyone else to meet up with his contractor along with Mrioslaw himself. He plopped down, resting his back on the wall, not really realizing how much of a beggar he looked at the moment.
Miroslaw meandered to where he was to meet Alexander. He shivered at the sight of all the hustle and bustle around the north gate. He never really came to this part of the town and he just remembered why. Crowds made him uneasy and agitated.
He looked around for a familiar face and caught sight of his homeless friend, Mutt. With his hood up, he approached Mutt with a benign jest, "Are you going to ask for my coin?" He chuckled hoping Mutt realized what he looked like. He continued, "I trust you slept well?" Miroslaw is completely oblivious of his sleeping habits as his wolf can not talk.
Miroslaw crossed his arms and proped his back against the wall next to where Mutt sat and observed the scene before him. He peered out from under his hood at the crowds of people, watching them closely as he waited for the expedition leader.
Last Edit: Jan 21, 2014 11:38:02 GMT -5 by Miroslaw
Death is no more than turning us over from time to eternity. Whether that eternity is damnation or salvation is determined in the time we have.
Alexander of Deerfield had business at the North Gate. He loved the crowds, he loved seeing all those faces, and he tried to put his contagious smile on any person that came close to him. He had picked up goods from the docks, and now he was to meet somebody from the country side, bringing in more goods for his workshop.
Because of his outgoingness, he tended to be loud. And people who were focusing on getting from point A to B were sometimes irritated by his demeanor in the middle of traffic. Anybody observing the general scene would eventually notice him. He was too early, and his trade partner was late.
He was wearing his leather outfit's hood over his head to block out the terrifyingly bright sun. Coming from a longer stop in the tavern, the sun was the only thing bugging his mood in any way. Therefore, one couldn't see his head or face clearly, and anybody who didn't know him well wouldn't be able to recognize him.
After a while of waiting around, dodging carts and traffickers, chatting to women and aquaintances passing by, finally his contact showed up. "Alexander!" a man's voice yelled through the crowds. "Alexander! There you are!" The tanner didn't reply, but walked towards the man with a smile.
She started dancin' real slow, like she was puttin' on a show.
Wet sweat was pourin' off her skin, her body made me wanna sin.
Right then my buzz was kickin' in, she had a devil's grin.
She looked me in the eye and said: You give me the urge!
To do a little day drinkin'
A little bit of love makin'
A whole lot of world shakin'
'Cause it's never too late to get low down dirty!
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Low Down Dirty
::Alexander of Deerfield was motioned over by the tanner to a space off the road and therefore out of the traffic to conduct their business of trading goods. The spot was close to where Mutt sat against the wall with Miroslaw looking down on him. All were in easy earshot of each other dispite the noise level from the wagons and people.::
"Got a bigger shipment than usual here, Alexander" Said the tanner. "Some good game being driven south, and right into my traps."
He smiled, clearly happy with the way business had been going. But then it waivered a bit...
"Almost didn't come. The roads are getting dangerous, if word can be trusted. If it weren't for the need for coin I wouldn't have come."
"If you'ld like, I can have the boy deliver it for you in the wagon on his way to the other stops. I'll take your trade here tho. No sense putting off that bit o' business."
::As they spoke a familiar (to some) dark figure rode out of the gate atop a horse. The reigns of three others were lashed to the first and followed along behind. They all carried the standard camping gear needed for a few days travel, the last held more than the others as it was currently being used as a "pack mule" of sorts in addition to being a spare mount if needed.
The rider went past the exchange between the tanner and Alexander of Deerfield, narrowly avoiding bumping into them. Without a look back, he rode to Mutt and Miroslaw before stopping to reach back and undo the tethers of the horses and tossing one lead to each man.::
"I trust you both know how to ride."
"I have gathered the supplies we may need for our outing. Have you gathered what personal belongings you wish to bring?"
::His eye fell on Mutt, noticing the apparent lack of armor or weaponry.::
"You DO know this will almost certainly be dangerous, right? I will not waste time protecting those that do not even make an attempt at protecting themselves."
Last Edit: Jan 21, 2014 13:41:00 GMT -5 by Alexander
My first thought was, he lied in every word, That hoary cripple, with malicious eye Askance to watch the workings of his lie On mine, and mouth scarce able to afford Suppression of the glee, that pursed and scored Its edge, at one more victim gained thereby.
Deerfield and his friend, Luthgold, both being in the armoring business, their ears twitched when they heard the notion of somebody needing protection. They were in the middle of haggling, and the subject of finances was always a delicate issue to the normal tradespeople, struggling to make a living.
Deerfield was more used to making a scene and having fun. He wanted to make fun of the person who supposedly couldn't protect himself. His businesspartner on the other hand was more cunning. He pulled down Deerfield's hood, and smacked him across the back of the head in the process of grabbing it. Luthgold knew he was going to say something stupid, and business had no room for anything slightly stupid.
The tanner stood up and turned around, putting his sales-face on, the one he wore when he didn't know the other party, yet. "My dear friends, protection is so vital in our times. And yet, it is so easy to come by!" He motioned his hands towards his oxcart, "I am sure any issue on this matter can be resolved in an instance." He seemed worried though, Deerfield saw a twitch in his eye when he figured out which one was missing armor. He didn't look like a wealthy costumer. "Of course there is protection available at multiple price ranges..."
Deerfield chuckled, collecting an elbow nudge as a response. He beheld the new party of conversation. He had no armor to bargain with, this was his friend's deal. But he couldn't help teasing his friend, "Or, you could hire somebody with protection and time to be wasted protecting you. That can often be cheaper, you know." He made an even brider pose, as if offering himself at that motion.
Last Edit: Jan 21, 2014 14:15:40 GMT -5 by Deerfield
She started dancin' real slow, like she was puttin' on a show.
Wet sweat was pourin' off her skin, her body made me wanna sin.
Right then my buzz was kickin' in, she had a devil's grin.
She looked me in the eye and said: You give me the urge!
To do a little day drinkin'
A little bit of love makin'
A whole lot of world shakin'
'Cause it's never too late to get low down dirty!
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Low Down Dirty
Miroslaw did not have to pause for long before he spotted a nightmare come true. It was Alexander riding up on a horse with what he assumed to be riding horses for Miroslaw and Mutt trailing behind. Miroslaw no longer leaned against the wall. He stood upright and tense. His eyes grew wide, staring at the horses from behind his hood.
His concerns were justified when Alexander spoke and tossed him a leash to one of the horses. He caught it and looked at his new companion for a few moments before answering, "Aye." The word was directed at the inquiry about personal belongings, not so much the ability to ride a horse. One with superior observation could see Miroslaw was pasty and sickly looking.
Miroslaw clumsily jumped into the horses saddle. His eyes remained fixated on a single spot on the ground as he leaned forward onto the horse. His hand slowly stroked the horses mane as he muttered imperceptible words of self encouragement, "It will be okay, we can do this. Its only a horse... surely not too far away." He failed to realize anything else around him as he executed this very peculiar ritual. He did not notice the reprimanding of Mutt nor the stranger's approach.
After he finally mellowed out through this ritual, his senses returned to him as the stranger was talking. He rose up from his lean onto the horse to observe what was happening. His color had returned and his breathing slowed. He tried catching up to what was happening. "Hire somebody with protection and time to be wasted protecting you," he repeated in his head. Miroslaw could not piece together what was happening, as he came in quite late. He remained quiet, continuing to stroke the horses hair.
Death is no more than turning us over from time to eternity. Whether that eternity is damnation or salvation is determined in the time we have.
Mutt frowned, looking directly at Alexander. "I assure you that I'll be fine, I've gotten along just fine as this, don't assume anything about me." He barked, being quite agitated. Grabbing the reins quickly he walked over to the horse and jumped on with out much trouble. Looking over at Miroslaw, noticing how his complexion paled. He didn't pay much mind to it as he wanted to just get going, almost wanting to prove himself to Alexander, almost.
((OOC:I can edit to include Deerfield's post, juts didn't quite understand what was going on in his posts sorry))
::He noticed the change in Miroslaw's demeanor, but chose not to comment yet. It was unsettling to see whom he considered his best asset on this journey near unmanned by the thought of riding. However, if he was able to pull it together enough to get from point A to point B without incident, he was willing to overlook it. For now.
A slight smirk played across the face of Alexander as he heard Mutt's retort. It seemed the street urchin had a bit of backbone after all. It's just possible that he may not die as quickly as he first thought. Which was good news to him. The longer he had others to serve as targets for their quarry, then less likely he himself would be made a target.
With that thought in mind he turned his head to the man standing with the tanner. He adresses the tanner first before turning to the young man.::
"It seems young Toad here feels he has no need for your wares."
"You, boy, are welcome to come if you wish. I have no coin to spare to pay you myself. However, I can provide you with a mount, meals, and a place to rest your head. Should you survive, perhaps will will even find something to make it all worth your wild. But I make no guarantees."
"You have until I finish repacking our gear to give you room to sit the horse to make your decision and collect your things. If you are not here by the time we are ready to go, then we leave without you. Understood?"
::Alexander slipped from his horse and made for the spare mount that was currently laden with supplies and began to remove and rearrange what was there to make room for a rider. It would not be as comfortable as the others, but it would do. He spared no look behind to see how the young bravo reacted to his offer, but hoped that he was not being made to waste time and energy for nothing.::
My first thought was, he lied in every word, That hoary cripple, with malicious eye Askance to watch the workings of his lie On mine, and mouth scarce able to afford Suppression of the glee, that pursed and scored Its edge, at one more victim gained thereby.
Of course Deerfield would live up to his claim, even if that wasn't at all intended at first. He didn't like the prospect of no coin, but he had enough with him to last a few days on a low budget. Besides, it was about time he roamed into a new area anyway. His friend would bring the new leatherwares to his shop in Armor Alley, and his associates would manage a couple days without him. He was sure everything would be fine at home, and was probably underestimating the danger implied by the words "should you survive".
"Sure thing, count me in." He said in a calm voice, unlike his boasting before. Obviously, the dark and somewhat mysterious man was something of a leader. He would follow him and his instructions, until he proved himself unworthy of his loyalty. "Tell me what to do, Sir. I offer my swordarm to you and your cause, unless this cause is one of mere evil."
Luthgold rolled his eyes, but would do what had to be done in Deerfield's absence, for a price of course. Yet he couldn't believe how quickly his friend got himself caught up in strangers' Business. He bid farewell and reminded Deerfield of his debt.
When his friend was gone the young man turned back to the entire group as far as they were paying attention, a huge smile on his face again. "Oh and, well, my name is Alexander, but people call me Deerfield."
Last Edit: Jan 22, 2014 10:16:32 GMT -5 by Deerfield
She started dancin' real slow, like she was puttin' on a show.
Wet sweat was pourin' off her skin, her body made me wanna sin.
Right then my buzz was kickin' in, she had a devil's grin.
She looked me in the eye and said: You give me the urge!
To do a little day drinkin'
A little bit of love makin'
A whole lot of world shakin'
'Cause it's never too late to get low down dirty!
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Low Down Dirty
::His head lowered a bit as he heard what Alexander of Deerfield said. With a sigh, he replied while continuing to rearrange the gear on the horse. He was almost done.::
"What I wish of you, is to do what you are told. A task which currently includes getting your things together in a timely manner and sit this horse before we are ready to depart."
::He finishes making the adjustments needed to make room for a rider and returns to his horse, climbing into the saddle as once used to such actions. Before turning his head back to his newest recruit.::
"As to whether our actions are going to those of 'evil'. I think you will find that in most cases 'good' and 'evil' are just a matter of perspective."
::With that he urges his horse into motion and begins to head down the long road north.::
"I suggest you mount up, if you plan to keep up with the rest of us."
My first thought was, he lied in every word, That hoary cripple, with malicious eye Askance to watch the workings of his lie On mine, and mouth scarce able to afford Suppression of the glee, that pursed and scored Its edge, at one more victim gained thereby.
Deerfield's smile schrank to a puzzled grin, but he did as he was told without further need for words, swinging himself onto the horse and giving it the spurs, perhaps to ambitious for a start, but he tagged along fine.
His impression of the leader not being too friendly, he tried to ride closer to the others, waiting for some sort of name to fall.
She started dancin' real slow, like she was puttin' on a show.
Wet sweat was pourin' off her skin, her body made me wanna sin.
Right then my buzz was kickin' in, she had a devil's grin.
She looked me in the eye and said: You give me the urge!
To do a little day drinkin'
A little bit of love makin'
A whole lot of world shakin'
'Cause it's never too late to get low down dirty!
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Low Down Dirty
Miroslaw only observed what was taking place, remaining silent. He was now fully acquainted with the mount and looked like a regular individual on a mount. His strangeness had halted, no longer stroking the mane. As they finally set off, he spurred the horse forward, tailing only somewhat behind the leader.
After they escaped the crowds of people, he broke the silence by introducing himself to the new recruit of the group. “I am Miroslaw, by the way.” he stated in a low gruff voice from behind his hood. He looked back only slightly as he spoke. He desired to keep his hood up until reaching the woods. The sun was not good for his skin. After giving his name, his attention turned to the leader as he inquired, “So, how far off is our place of interest?” Miroslaw really just wanted to know how long they will have to ride. He rode fine after his ritual, but he still did not like it.
Death is no more than turning us over from time to eternity. Whether that eternity is damnation or salvation is determined in the time we have.
"I do not plan on pushing hard. I have no desire to wear us, nor our mounts out before we even get to where we are going. We will follow the road north into the forest until we reach a trail that breaks off to the right. Our destination is a vale deep in the woods. Keeping a steady pace and barring any unforseen...incidents...we should be there and back again in under a week."
((OOC Pushing things along a bit. feel free to converse all you want without worrying about turns until we hit some action. Then we'll go down to one post per turn then.))
::And so things went just as Alexander stated. The party kept a steady pace north along the road. Resting when needed and camping at night. Meals consisted of bread and cheese and dried beef. ((Unless someone wants to cook lol)) There was nothing of note that happened along the journey aside from some things about their leader that the perceptive may pick up on.
He seems to eat as one not accustom to it. Often times not seeming to notice he is hungry until others eat themselves.
He speaks very rarely to the group unless directly spoken to or there is a need to give direction or orders for setting up camp.
He has not said anything about their journey, or what he expects to find aside from what he has already stated. But then again, that may be because no one has asked either...
He has yet to call Zalini buy the same name twice...
After a few days travel, the party finds itself atop a small hill overlooking a valley below. The valley stands out from the rest of the forest due to its twisted and warped appearance. Even from this distance, everyone can tell there is something odd about what awaits them ahead. The wood appears to have a sickly, corrupted look to it, but only getting closer will bring out the details. There is a small break in the trees that can be seen from your current vantage point that shows a small pond or pool of water, but instead of the normal blue or grey color, it appears to have a green sheen to it, adding to the corrupted feel of the valley below. All together, it appears as more a bog or swamp than it does a true forest like that which surrounds it.
Alexander reins in his horse and sits atop the rise looking down into the valley below, as if studying it before turning back to those that followed.::
"We will set camp here and rest for a bit before we continue on. We will be leaving the horses behind from here on out."
::He didn't mention it to the party, but he wanted to give time for the sun to move more in the sky to allow the shadows to grow on the forest floor, but still allow light to travel by. He had a feeling he would need all the help he could get, were they to encounter what he was looking for...::
Last Edit: Jan 23, 2014 10:41:00 GMT -5 by Alexander
My first thought was, he lied in every word, That hoary cripple, with malicious eye Askance to watch the workings of his lie On mine, and mouth scarce able to afford Suppression of the glee, that pursed and scored Its edge, at one more victim gained thereby.
Mutt followed closely with their caravan of sorts along the path. His eyes forever scanned the grass and terrain for anything new to him. Plants, insects or animals that he hasn't seen before. Taking out his journal and jotting down a few things here and there. He only strayed from the group twice to further inspect something that caught his attention, surely getting shouted at by their leader. Mutt was relatively silent as well, but only due to the fact he was studying this new area. When it came time to set up camp and do what was required of him to pull his weight, he did just that, taking in any creative name Alex had for him in silent. it was clear that it agitated him, but he hid that the best he could, which wasn't too hard due to the way his hair hung in his eyes. Studying as the trees changed shaped being more twisted just up ahead. "Tell me, that isn't natural is it?" He asked Alex, reaching to his journal and double checking his notes to see if anything even hinted at such a drastic change.