432 replies to this topic

[Steel Samurai]

Wil pursed his lips. He would need to sell Dinga here; the ship was nowhere near large enough to keep a horse on board.

"How much will passage be, err . . .

"J'm. M' N'ms J'm."

"Jem. My name's Wil." He took the old sailor's proffered hand. "Also, do you know anyone who would be interested in buying a large horse?"

Jem stroked his coarse white beard.

"Mmm, th'r 'l 'lf d'wn b' r'ck'rs p'nd c'ld p'b'ly use 'n."

"Where's Ricker's Pond?"

Jem pointed northwest. Wil nodded.

"F'r y', 't'll b' tw' K'nm'rks."

A generous offer. Wil rode off towards the farm the old sailor had pointed at.


* * * *


Jem narrowed his eyes, crinkling the crow's feet at the corners as he looked at the other two who had asked for passage on his boat.

"T'n K'nm'rks each. F'n'l 'ffer. 'N 'nother t'n wh'n w' r'ch Ch' F'r'n." He turned and hobbled towards his ship, the oak walking stick tap-tapping on the rough boards of the pier.


* * * *

Wil rode up to a rough farmhouse, dismounted, and knocked on the door, almost bumping his head on the roof. A shadow elf maiden, with long dark hair and pointy ears, dressed in a long dress, cracked open the door looked at him, and then shut it abruptly. Rustling sounds came from within, and a tall male dark elf opened the door.

"Yes? Can I help you?

Wil bowed, the traditional respectful greeting in this region.

"My name is Wilhelm Schlieffen, I am on my way to Kinaancha, and must continue by boat, so sadly Dinga here," He motioned towards the gargantuan mare "Must be sold. I was told you might have need of a horse?"

The elf visibly relaxed when Wil bowed. He stepped out of the doorway and shut the door behind him.

"My name is Idror, and yes, I am, in fact, in need of a good plow horse." He stepped back and took a good look at the mare. "My, but she is a giant." He checked her teeth, felt along her coat for any problems, and studied her eyes. Finally, he stepped back and nodded. "You've taken excellent care of her. How much are you asking?"

Wil thought carefully. He had paid nearly half of the money he had been allotted for the trip for the mare, and, though once he got to Kinaancha he would no longer need to worry about it, he wanted to ensure he had enough to reach it.

"50. 50 Kinmarks."

The elf's eyes widened. "Done. That's an amazing deal."

Damn. He hadn't factored in the possible change in the cost of a good horse between here and there. No matter. He would not make the same mistake twice.

Idror went back inside the house and soon re-emerged with a small pouch of gold coins. Wil counted the coins into his own wallet and nodded. It was time to say goodbye. He stroked Dinga's neck slowly, whispering in her ear, and then fed her a small amount of sugar he had on his belt. He gave her a pat on the side of the neck, and then walked back towards the center of town.

[Shekey the Green]

"We don't want no cats on our ship," a toothless man said when she had asked for passage.

Adrasteia wasn't the begging type. So she had walked away from the docks. She had watched the docks carefully, asking everyone she could for passage to the island. The answers were all on the negative side. Either they weren't going to Kinaacha or Neko's weren't allowed on the ships.

Hateful. This had gone on for days.

Adrasteia sauntered through the city. Being eyed angrily because she was a cat. She sauntered in and out of the city for the next few days. Wishing and wanting passage to the city eventually was an issue that pushed back into her head as she was denied passage. This is the reaction she expected to get. Being a Neko by herself in a large city usually didn't go over very well. Especially since she did have the whiskers and tail and was slightly furry.

She wandered out of the city and explored the land. Explore was an overstatement. She had already learned this part of the world very thoroughly.

She made her way out of the city and decided she felt tired. She found a tree nearby the city limits. She unpacked all her stuff laid down underneath it using her satchel as a pillow, she kept a hand on her sabre. She listened to the earth around her and fell into a light but cautious sleep.

Edited by Shekey the Green, 06 August 2008 - 07:17 AM.

[SL the Pyro]

"You reek of blood, you repulsive grunt."

Shadow didn't even so much as look at the man who spoke to him. "The blood of a band of theives that had attempted to ambush me before I entered this village, some of them drunk. Retaliation was the only option," was his reply.

"T'n K'nm'rks each. F'n'l 'ffer. 'N 'nother t'n wh'n w' r'ch Ch' F'r'n."

Without another word, he fished his wallet out of his pocket and looked at the contents; well over 200 Kinmarks. It was somewhat difficult to fit all of the money into the small pocket wallet, but not impossible. After handing Jem 10 Kinmarks and putting his wallet away, he went to find a place to dry his cape and hat... he would rather not have to make this trip with soaked clothing.

Edited by Shadow_Link, 06 August 2008 - 07:51 AM.

[JRPomazon]

Well, it was quite clear that money was an issue. Gate didn't carry money on his person, it only attracted other people. And the last thing Gate wanted was unwelcome company. So, Gate nodded at the sailor and passed the others who were gathering by the dock and man his way into the busiest part of the town: the marketplace. Granted, it wasn't an amazing market, but there where plenty of people looking for something to buy, something to sell, etc. Gate looked on at the monotony of the scene, people wasting their lives doing the same damn thing over and over, day in and day out and for what? For putting food on the table? To get a paid an honest wage? It was all just so insignificant in the big picture of things.

Well, as much as Gate tried to avoid this parts of society, he knew that sometimes you had to do want you really didn't want to in order to get what you need and survive. In this case, it was the money. He entered the busy street, his hands completely covered by his long sleeves. The various people huddled together, as if they created a single mass. Fish stand followed by a Shell store and then another fish market, diversity wasn't practiced here much it seems. Gate began to wonder whether or not the people of this town were the product of inbreeding.

Thoughts aside, it was time to make money. Gate noticed a man with an oversized coin purse hanging by his belt. It was practically begging to be stolen. He ignored the prize, seeing as the man had noticed to poor looking clothes on the his person and began to eye him as though he were a thief. The two men passed each other and went on their way. Time for a new target: something less obvious. Gate looked over to a fish market stand that was making a transaction. The large woman who managed the shop seemed far too occupied with the handling of the large fish she was handing over to another large woman of no relation. This was his chance.

Edited by JRPomazon, 09 August 2008 - 02:39 AM.

[Ken the Wandering Soul]

Lotus watched the conflict between two of the strangers blow over.

"So," Lotus spoke, trying to be as articulate as possible, "the cost i' tehn dehn-mahks?"

"Aye"

Lotus rummaged through his robes. He did not know if what he had would work, but it was worth a shot.

"Will this be enough?"

Lotus extended a shining little rock, glistening in the sun.

"Eh?" the sailor said, taking the small rock.

He inspected it closely with his eyes, hefting it in his hands. Then finally, he bit the small rock.

"e' s'ld g'ld nug't!" he exclaimed, "M'r t'n e'nif!"

Lotus smiled.

Edited by Ken the Wandering Soul, 10 August 2008 - 02:30 PM.

[Steel Samurai]

Wil stood on the prow of the small fishing boat, inhaling the salty air. The wind was with them and the narrow hull sliced through the waves like a knife through hot whale fat. The sea had always captivated Wil, ever since he set eyes on it for the first time the last time he journeyed to Kinaancha, over 12 years ago. Something about the wild, untamed vastness of it made him feel free . . . There were no borders on the sea, nothing to close him in. Wil turned to Jem.

"How long until we reach Cha'Firen?"

"Mmm, b' m' r'ck'n'n, 'b't tw'lv 'rs."

Wil nodded and turned back, but then thought of another question.

"Why is the hull so narrow? Don't fishing ships normally need wide hulls in order to carry bigger loads?"

Jem slapped his thigh and chuckled, then tapped his forehead and looked knowingly at Wil.

"H'rrrrr, th'r b' n' g'lls on y' b'yo. Th's 's a sc't'n sh'p. I d' a b't 'f f'sh'n 'n th' s'd, j's 'nuff t' k'p m's'lf 'n m't, b't f'r th' m'st p'rt I s'rch 't wh'r th' b'g sh'ls 'r f'r th' y'ng'ns. Th'y p'y m' a sm'll p'rc'nt'ge 'f th'r t'k."

Wil saw instantly. The faster Jem could get to the large shoals and back, the quicker the other fishermen could get there and start fishing, and the more money Jem would get at the end of the day. He nodded with satisfaction.

"Thank you, Jem."

"Harrrr." Jem returned his attention to the tiller. Wil looked behind him at the other travelers. He hadn't really taken any notice of them as yet, but one of them, a young man clad in green with a long staff, attracted his attention. That outfit was familiar. A Mogili? Wil had seen pictures of them in books during his studies of the cultures of the land, but had never seen one in real life. He sat down next to the boy.

"You are a long way from home, are you not? My name is Wil." He extended a hand.

[Ken the Wandering Soul]

Lotus considered the hand for a few seconds before realizing the greeting ritual. He returned the favor, pointing his finger to the sky as a he spoke.

“Lotushendranae en Ordra Tanteri a.”

Lotus then blinked a few times, realizing his mistake.

"Ah, this humble one meant to say; The Bringer of the Blue Sky of the North Thunder. Not-Mogili call this humble one Lotus. This humble one likes meeting Good Stranger Wil," Lotus tried again, hoping he did not butcher the grammer and vocabulary too much.

[JRPomazon]

Gate "accidentally" knocked over the fish monger's table, ensuing a massive wave of chaos. The overweight fish woman grabbed Gate by his collar, her eyes filled with rage and killing intent. She was a particularly hideous creature, covered in warts and drool sliding down her mouth.

"My sincerest apologies, but it was the man over there who threw me at your stand." He said with absolutely no hint of sincerity in his voice.

Gate pointed to a random man in the crowd, the fish woman threw Gate down to the ground and went after her new target. She wasn't really too smart and Gate was counting on. While her rage consumed her attention, Gate swept up all the money he could, concealing his findings within his long sleeves. He scurried off from the scene as quickly as he could, moving swiftly past the people and left the marketplace behind. As he walked back to the docks, he counted the fish woman's daily earnings. The coins were nothing but pieces of metal but with them one possessed a power like no other: the power of wealth, a power a man would kill for.

After counting the last of his prize, he discovered he had enough to give to the old man at the port. But as soon as he arrived, the boat was gone. Gate wasn't fast enough to get the money and now he remained stranded in the back water port town. All he could do was look off at the distant ships in Lake Cha. He didn't feel resentful at the man who sailed off without them nor did he feel sad that he didn't make the boat. Hatred and self pity wouldn't do any good now. Even still, he still had the money he pilfered. He looked over to another dock, where a group of sailors where enjoying the simple pleasures of getting drunk after work was done. He came up with an idea and decided to try it out on the drunken sailors.

[SL the Pyro]

Shadow had managed to get onto the old man's "ferry" -- it made no sense to him how Jem could classify this run-down boat as a ferry -- though he had cut it a little close since he had to dry his clothes earlier, what a mad dash he had to make, but he still managed nonetheless. He sat on top of the cabin, trying to pay no attention to what the others were talking about below... a difficult task since there was virtually nothing else to do. They were only getting acquianted, though; he managed to catch their names, Wil and Lotus, before the boredom set in and he dozed off on top of the cabin.

[nameless]

"Excuse me. This is MY lake, so those are MY fish that you caught. You can either pay me for them, or give them to me."

Nameless spun around to look for the source of the fish demands. It was the Dwarf from before "The Dwarf I saw erlier? I didn't think this lake was owned" He thought.

"Oh I'm terribly sorry I had no idea you owned this lake. But I seem to be short on coin at the moment, so........."
Nameless pulled the fish out of his sack and handed them to the Dwarf. "I'll give them back." He smiled as he handed the fish over.

"Umm what's your name?, If you don't mind me asking."

[Goose]

"Snoogyfoofie"

The dwarf looked at his prize. They were big fish. With the largest fish, which was half the size of snoogyfoofie himself, he swung it around a bit as if he was to fling it out into the ocean, but instead of that, used it to hit the creature he'd got the prizes off in the head, sending him falling into the water below.

Snoogyfoofie then walked off. He wasn't hungry anymore.

[JRPomazon]

Finding a ship: Simple. Finding it's crew: even more Simple. Convincing a drunken horde to make a trip to Cha'Firen while promising them women and ale, knowing full well they will all forget by the time they are sober: Just as planned. Manipulating those who can't think straight was child's play for Gate, who was now a passenger about a nicely size brown fishing boat. As the medium sized craft was carried through the clear water of Lake Cha, Gate looked at all the money he gathered from his theft at the market, 50 kinnmarks precisely. What was he going to do with this money? He could spend it on meals, but the idea of being surrounded by the sounds of other people chewing around him made his stomach twist. He could purchase new clothing, then again he would have to have them sewn to conceal his weapons and even so they would end up becoming ragged like he current set of clothes. Besides, faded brown was the best color on Gate. The only logical option was to by new daggers, although he current supply was plentiful, he would still need to replace the ones he used on the band of blood dwarves.

The ship was just about to pass the other ferry that was taking the others he met at the dock, the large fellow and the other two. An idea came to Gate as the ship: could he manage to throw one of his knives on to the ferry and have it land on the 'walking deck'? Why not, for all he knew, his life could depend on throwing a dagger precisely onto a large moving target. He shook his right arm, releasing a dagger from his sleeve and caught it with his hand. Gate followed by tossing the projectile with a spin, the dagger span in the air as it made an arc and headed towards the other boat. Sure enough, it landed in the dead center of the outer deck. The target 'ferry' sped up, the ship seemed to be designed for speed and the medium size vessel just couldn't keep up.

"Nic' t'row m'te." Called one of the drunken crew.

Gate remained silent, not in the mood to talk to a drunk. Oh well, at least this drunk was giving him a free ride. Hopefully the ship would arrive shortly, the vessel smelt of hangovers and old ale.

Edited by JRPomazon, 15 August 2008 - 06:19 PM.

[Ken the Wandering Soul]

(ooc: If want some of this conversation edited Steel, just say the word.)

Wil bowed his head deeply in respect.

"What brings you so far from your native land, friend?" Wil asked.

"Ah, this humble one is searching."

"What for, if I may so inquire?"

Lotus started to look thoughtful, searching for the right words to say "This humble is searching for the way of Not-Mogili. Today, this humble one searches mostly for the machines of the sky."

Wil nodded contemplatively.
"These machines . . . they hold an attraction to you?"

Lotus paused again. "This humble one is curious about the machines of the sky for many reasons. This humble one believes to have seen one before, even before knowing of Not-Mogili."

"It would make me pleased if you would tell me of this," The boy's speech patterns were somewhat catching.

Lotus looked up to the clouds, and to the airship silhouettes on the horizon. "This humble one... remembers before remembering. This humble felt something that he did not know until reciently. This humble one heard of the machines of the sky, and felt that they were responsible for this humble one's memory before memory."

"Ahh . . . So you come seeking your origins. Why do you think they attract you so?"

Lotus had that deep, philosophical look cross his face again. "This humble one remembers his mother before remembering in the same way. This humble one remembers, especially because of this," Lotus pulled a pendent out from his robes, a beautiful emerald with an intricate carving on it, hanging around his neck by a leather string. "This humble one remembers especially because of his mother's last gift."

"May I?" Wil held out his hand

Lotus looked Wil over, a bit of concern crossing his face. After a few moments of contemplation, Lotus spoke.

"This humble one... this humble one trusts Good Stranger Wil." Lotus reached behind his neck and untied the familiar knot, before delicately handing the pendent to Wil.

Wil bowed his head again and took the pendant gently, admiring the fine craftsmanship that had gone into making the setting and polishing the emerald. He handed it back to Lotus.

"I thank you for your trust. Your mother must have been a great woman to have a jewel of such value."

"This humble one believes in seeing the true of someone. This humble one believes that the rhythm around Good Stranger Wil is an even beat." Lotus explained in his own twisted vernacular. "This humble one's mother..." Lotus paused again, that far off look in his eyes appearing again. "This humble one knew little of the mother that was not of the memory before memory... This humble one knew only that the mother was lost before she was found and gave this humble one to the world, only to be lost again."

"My mother also was lost as she gave me to the world."

A melancholy look graced Lotus's visage. "Good Stranger Wil... What of your family do you know? Your father at least... did you know of him?"

A shadow crossed Wil's face.

"My father . . . blamed me for my mother's death. He left when I was but a child. I do not know where he is now. My grandfather raised me, but he also is dead."

"This humble one apologizes. This humble one... knew nothing of his father. Not even in the memory before memory."

"Sometimes . . . that is better."

"...This humble one supposes so."

Wil fell silent. Lotus was unsure of what to say as well. However, he soon looked up to the sky. The blue sky... that was what he was supposed to being He needed to clear the grayness that had fallen upon the conversation.

"If this humble one is not intruding, why does Good Stranger Wil travel?"

Wil looked up, and forcibly brightened his face.

"Ah, has Lotus heard of the Order of the Dragon?”

Lotus held a curious expression, "Order of the Dragon? This humble one has heard of the giant creature Dragon, but this humble has never heard of what you speak."

"The Order of the Dragon is a . . . group of men dedicated to making peace between all men, and protecting those who cannot protect themselves." Wil said, his voice swelling with pride. "I have finished my training to become a Dragon Knight, and go to complete the ceremony. We have adopted the emblem of the dragon to symbolize our quest for wisdom and power to protect and make peace."

"This humble one is curious, and happy that there is a group of many seeking harmony. This humble one especially wishes to seek harmony between Mogili and Not-Mogili." Lotus said with a smile.

"As do we, my friend, as do we . . ."

Edited by Ken the Wandering Soul, 13 August 2008 - 09:17 PM.

[nameless]

"Snoogyfoofie" The Dwarf stated simply as he began swinging the fish that Nameless had so recently handed him around and around.

Nameless extended his hand "I'm Nam.." WHAM! Nameless's feet left the ground as the fish struck his head. He was sent head first into the lake, the force of the blow stunning him. He regained consciousness underwater, and started scrambling for air. "Not good, not good, need air." After kicking for a bit he relized that he was only four feet underwater and could easily standup and get out. He qucikly scrambled out of the water and ran for the tree where he had all his things. "Awww man that was not fun, why did the Dwarf have to hit me in. I need to get dry now."
In the distance he saw the Dwarf strutting off with the fish over his shoulder, Looking rather happy.

"Hey Shamus are you up yet?." He shouted as he began to dry off. He moved towards the flyer.

Edited by nameless, 14 August 2008 - 11:51 AM.

[Tseb]

Shamus had slept like a rock. Long days of travel, and two years of living in his flyer had taught him how to fall asleep in an instant. Before falling asleep he offered up a prayer to Junda and Frokda, that all was well with his family. It had been two years since he had seen them, and though he had left them he missed them. In his dreams His life as a noble played back through his head.

He was five.

His father had left to fight off raiders in one of the northern holds. Everyone was acting weird, like something was wrong. He knew that da would be back.
He was right Da came back, but he was different now, he came back without one of his arms. Da always looked like he was hurting inside after that.

He was Eight.

Life was so boring. All he ever did was learn, Learn how to manage a hold, learn what it took to be a lord in Erin. Da was always busy dealing with people. Shamus missed the time when Da would talk to them.

He was seventeen.

He was going to leave, he was finished with his family. They never let him learn what he wanted, they barely ever talked, except for Erin, she was the only one who even tried to talk to Shamus, everyone else was to busy with managing the new lands granted to them. The family was traveling away, it would be a good time to leave them.

He awoke to the kids voice "Are you up yet?"

"Blast the dreams!" He cursed as he woke, wiping moisture from his eyes.

"Ye!" he called to the kid.

"I'll be flying to Cha' Firen is ya want a ride"

Shamus began getting things in order to take off, grabbing some dry rations and shoving them unceremoniously into his mouth.
If the kid wanted to come he could but he wasn't going to wait on him.

Edited by Tseb, 14 August 2008 - 12:19 PM.

[nameless]

"I'll be flying to Cha'Firen is ya want a ride"

"Umm sure let me grab my stuff" He went to grab his stuff, the engine started. "HEY WAIT!!" Nameless ran towards the flyer and tried to jump onto the deck, He failed landind with his lower body haging off the deck. "OOF, stomach catch owww." He managed to finally get his whole body onto the ship. "Whew made it" He found a place to stash his stuff and then started looking for Shamus. "Hey so we are headed to Cha'Firen right?. Whats there that interests you?"

[Goose]

Snoogyfoofie saw a boat that had nobody in it. People were headed off places. Snoogyfoofie decided to follow them. He got in the boat and started to follow. As he was casting off, a man, who might have owned the boat jumped in and swore at snoogyfoofie. Considering the dwarf didn't know how to control a bot, this was a blessing in disguise so he got out his hammer and looked at the guy who owned the boat in a way that stated everything.

Snoogyfoofie was going sailing.

YAY!!

[Shekey the Green]

Adrasteia woke up from her nap.

She got back up and dusted herself off. Black clothing wasn't the smartest idea around dirt. x.x

Again, for days, she wandered in and out of the docking area. Getting the same answers. Her days in Cha'Firen were pretty drab.

She sat down at a table outside the bar and watched the docks for the next ship to come sailing in.

[Steel Samurai]

Wil stepped off of the ship, his pack over one shoulder. He bowed his head in respect to Jem.

"Thank you for your kindness, Jem. Tell your grandsons not to argue."

"Rrr, y' b' a g'd m'n, m's'r W'l. T'k c'r 'f y'rs'lf."

Wil nodded again and turned, waving goodbye to the other travelers.

Jem stood stolidly in front of the gangplank and held out his hand for the rest of his payment.

* * * *

Wil walked slowly down the muddy streets, his high leather boots keeping his feet nice and dry. Cha'Firen was a fair sized city, but the docks area took up a large portion of it. Nearly anything one wanted could be found at the port, but unless one was a sailor and knew the correct protocols and etiquette for the docks of Lake Cha, one would either be ripped off or robbed blind. Wil had read about this in a traveler's guide to the region as part of his training back in Dvorec. Apparently things were completely different on the Hamners, as Wil had had no trouble finding cheap accommodation at the docks there. However, it was best not to risk things, not so close to his goal. Wil was not a fully fledged Dragon Knight yet, and so had none of the respect that came with the insignia on his armor, and he knew this, though he had not yet learned of the respect and fear that came with being a man of his size and wielding a sword as large as he did. Not yet, anyway.

A sign caught his eye. It was a rather graphic depiction of a pig with a dagger in its throat, bleeding all over the ground. The letters above the sign said "The Squealing Pig." One thing Wil had learned upon his journey was that the more vulgar the name of the inn, the cheaper it was, the worse the food tasted, the better the ale tasted, and the more the patrons were likely to be cutthroats. This actually made it safer, in general, to spend the night there, as unless one was obviously wealthy and foolish enough to stay there, the regulars knew that if one was staying at an inn such as this, one likely didn't have enough money to bother with. There were richer pickings to be had elsewhere. With all this in mind, Wil stepped in and sat at a rough hewn wooden table in one of the booths on the right side of the room. The wooden bench seat was rather hard, and his legs were cramped, but the privacy offered by the booth made it worthwhile. Presently the inn-keeper noticed him and bustled over. He was a rather fat man with a long, coarse mustache and no hair whatsoever. On first glance his face was pleasant enough, but upon further inspection, one noticed a crafty gleam in his eyes that bespoke of a man who was just waiting for the opportunity to take advantage of someone. To Wil, however, the man seemed friendly enough.

"Ahh, what kin I get for ye master?" Fortunately that impossibly difficult accent was not prevalent in Cha'Firen, it seemed.

Wil looked at the menu on the wall next to him. "Special please. And a stout ale."

"Aye, comin' right up master." The innkeeper bobbed his head and scurried off, rather like a rat despite his impressive girth.

Wil sat back and looked around the smoky room. There were a couple of elves scattered around the room, mostly in booths like his own, and a dwarf here and there, but the remainder of the patrons seemed to mostly be the short, olive skinned cutthroat humans who frequented the docks of Lake Cha. Wil relaxed. There would be little enough to worry about tonight, he thought.

[JRPomazon]

Gate was still afloat on the ship filled with the drunks, who appeared to be more sober. It wasn't certain whether or not they would believe the fantasies of women and ale anymore, so keeping a low profile was a good idea. All they knew was that they were heading to Cha'Firen for some reason. Gate stared out into the water from the side of the boat, trying to make sense of what he was doing. Why was he going all this way? Was it because of that man he met in town previously, or perhaps it was to follow the man in bloody clothing in some hopes of seeing him kill. Or maybe it was because he was just plain bored. He just wandered from place to place, never staying too long in one spot. But what was he looking for in this world?

Not even he knew the answer to that question. He would have to drift aimlessly until whatever he was looking for would reveal itself to him. It wasn't long before the ship could see the shape of Cha'Firen on the horizon. This meant maybe a few dozen minutes to reaching the destination. Gate looked on to the shores of Cha'Firen, there might be something there waiting for him.

[Renegade]

Alabast stepped out of the building, into the sunlight and stretched.
He had just completed a delivery job for some family or other, one of those dont ask dont tell type of situations he figured. So with the 50 kinmarks ha had just earned, he thought he might indulge himself a nice meal..well better than the killing and trying to cook whatever he could find.
Alabast walked between the buildings of Cha'Firen(being here for this is where said package was supposed to be delivered) and looking here or there, then coming out by the docks walking by a bar and noticing a Neko sitting alone at a table.
'Huh' thought Alabast as he walked on to the stand next to the bar and bought some cooked fish.
Alabast brought his food to a table outside the bar and started eating, then realizing he had bought too much for just himself he looked over at the Neko "want some? I've more than enough"

[SL the Pyro]

Shadow thought it would be a good idea to leave Wil's and Lotus' company; he had caught enough of their conversation -- there were times that he didn't like being a light sleeper -- to know that Wil was training to be a Dragon Knight, and if Xervan was also a Dragon Knight like the rumors claim, then having Wil pry into his plans would cause many complications.

After purchasing and devouring a small meal -- to save money and time -- he went to the nearest horse stable. The owner, who was tending to the stable of a black-haired horse, eyed the shady character suspiciously. "I want to purchase a horse."

The man sighed. "Ye might wanna look at another stable, or come back later, this one here is the only horse we have left." he explained. "And he's quite a maverick, never lets anyone ri--"

The horse interrupted the man's speech to prove its point when his rake touched its hoof; the dark horse retorted violently at the man, headbutting him and knocking him away. He groaned as he sat up, holding the side that was struck. Shadow only looked at the man briefly before turning back to the horse and walking up to him calmly. The horse growled and looked angrily at him, but Shadow only stopped when he was right next to his head. He looked into the horse's eyes... he'd seen these eyes before. Devoid of colour, devoid of all emotion except for hatred and frought with pain... just like his own. He reach out a hand to touch the horse's face... and to the stable owner's surprise, the horse didn't lash out, it let Shadow pet him. It even seemed to calm down.

"Incredible..." the stable owner muttered.

Shadow turned to the man and asked, "How much for this one?"

The stable owner shook his head. "Jus' take 'im. Keeping him here is bad fer business anyway."

----------

After taking some horse feed fro mthe stable owner -- which he did charge 20 Kinmarks for -- Shadow was riding his new horse out of Cha'Firen and to Kinaacha; it was a lot faster than walking at least. He decided to name the horse "Dark" simply because it fit its attitude and its appearance, and the horse didn't seem to object to the name either.

This was good, a companion he could actually trust; he was thankful that the judgment of a horse wasn't as bad as that of a human being, because most of them would either abandon or try to kill him. So together they rode to Kinaacha, and the sooner they got there, the faster he could seek his vengance.

[JRPomazon]

The ship finally arrived in Cha'Firen. The crew of the ship looked bewildered as to why they happened to end up here.

"Y'u kn'w w'y we'r h're?" Asked the now sober crew man to the other, who responded with a shrug.

Gate took no time to make a hasty exit off the ship and disappeared before he was missed. That was the last time he ever wanted to have anything to do with that port or it's inhabitants. This place was much different from his last location, much more orderly and well built. His worn clothing made him stand out in the crowds, people making a double take whenever Gate entered their line of vision. Gate kept his head down, his face hiding behind the large collar of his shirt.

"Stop looking at me you putrid swine, don't you have something better to do than just judge me by a glance?" He thought to himself.

It was true, the people looked on at Gate and then quickly looked away. Looking at him made them uneasy, like he was infected with some vile disease.

"Just go the hell away. You're all nothing but a nuisance, weaklings that couldn't possibly take care of yourselves outside the little worlds you live in."

His thought may of echoed throughout his mind, but on the outside he remained silent. Gate never let his true thoughts surface in front of anyone because he felt like explaining himself would be like preaching to trees and that he never stayed around anyone long enough to have a decent conversation.

"Excuse me, Sir?" A voice cried out. Gate continued on his way, there was no way that person was talking to him.

"Sir? You there in the brown rags?"

Gate stopped, this person was trying to talk to him after all. He turned around to find that the voice belonged to a woman in a lovely blue dress with gentle facial features. In other words, she was a lovely looking individual.

"Yes?" Gate asked the woman who cried out to him.

Edited by JRPomazon, 17 August 2008 - 11:29 AM.

[Shekey the Green]

Adrasteia sat at the table watching the docks with a certain expression of boredom on her face.

The day was a bit drab. She'd given up on passage. She thought about wandering North, to a smaller city. She thought she'd have found someone to give her passage. Kinmarks weren't a problem. She had money her Teacher gave to her.

Of course, she didn't know how to barter. Or Haggle. She'd burn it if she didn't use it every now and then.

She sighed at the thought of not getting to the Imperial City this way.

Maybe it was because she was a Neko.

Her heart sank a little at the thought of discrimination. She didn't understand why people treated her like they did, but they did. She had no choice but to be humble and carry on.

--"Want some? I've more than enough."

At these words, Adrasteia jumped a little. She noticed a scruffy-looking individual holding out a plate of cooked fish towards her.

She looked him up and down briefly. He wore a vest that didn't match his cloak. It made her smile a little inside. She didn't know why, though. He was still a stranger and she still didn't understand how to interact with people.

From the negativity she'd seen in Cha'Firen, this kindness was a bit unexpected.

"Uhm.." Adrasteia was a bit hesitant. The fish he had offered her was half-eaten. His breath smelled of fish, so she knew it was him who had eaten it. He didn't look like a coward who would poison it.

"Sure."

She hesitantly took the plate and moved a chair with her foot for him to sit. It only seemed fair.

"Have a seat, if you'd like." She smiled wryly. She didn't realize how hungry she was until she took that first, juicy bite of fish.

Edited by Shekey the Green, 17 August 2008 - 02:44 PM.

[Renegade]

--"Have a seat, if you'd like."
Alabast cracked a grin and sat down.
"wow you look pretty hungry there miss."
Alabast watched her devour the rest of the fish, then realizing he didnt know her name.
"Oh, sorry i didnt properly introduce myself, my name is Alabast, may i ask as to what yours may be?"

[Shekey the Green]

--"Wow, you look pretty hungry there, miss."

These words melted as they drifted to her ears as she tore into the fish.

--"Oh, sorry. I didn't properly introduce myself; my name is Alabast. May I ask as to what yours may be?"

She looked up at him quizzically with a little bit of fish still hanging out of her mouth. She swallowed what she had in her mouth and smiled.

"I'm called Adrasteia." She waved, fork in her hand and everything. "It was very nice to meet you, Alabast. Thank you kindly for the fish."

[Renegade]

--"It was very nice to meet you, Alabast. Thank you kindly for the fish."
"not any problem at all and it was a pleasure to meet you too," Alabast replied, with a grin on his face
"well as a matter of fact your the first Neko ive ever seen, I've only heard about Neko's in rumors and wisperings in passing i never really expected to see one, especially not in a human civilization such as this"
Alabast leaned back in his chair and put his hands behind his head, trying to get more comfy and relax.

Edited by Renegade Soul Reaper, 18 August 2008 - 11:01 AM.

[JRPomazon]

"Could you please help me sir? My mother's cat has found itself in a tree again and she won't come down." The young woman in blue asked.

After hearing this request, Gate shrugged and turned around.

"Wait! Aren't you going to-"

"No." Gate replied.

"Please, I'm begging you." She called out.

"Whatever your mother's animal does is of no concern to me." He said, trying to brush her off once again.

Just as be began to walk once again, a loud rumble echoed from Gate's stomach. He hadn't eaten in three straight days, but he never felt the hunger pains too much. The young woman in blue smiled at him.

"Well, well, how about that? I'll tell you what stranger, I'll make sure that stomach of yours in filled to the brim if you help me with my mother's cat. Deal?"

Gate needed food, there was no question about that. No one can survive for very long without something in their stomach. He lowered his head, trying to hide his face.

"Alright, fine." He said as he followed the woman in blue. He truly had no interest in helping this woman or that cat that was in danger, but taking care of his empty stomach was crucial at this time. Simply put, it was an even trade.

[Goose]

Snoogyfoofie had been holding the man hostage on his boat, making him follow the other boat. He liked the idea that they were paying for their ride, while he was getting a free ride.

The man looked at him with a mix of fear and hatred.

Snoggyfoofie looked at him again.

"I ate the last guy who looked at me that way. His eyes were squishy."

The man gulped. They were at their destination, and the man started to dock his little ship.

"I'll do that" the dwarf said as he hit the man with the side of his hammer, knocking him out cold. But rather than dock, since he didn't know how, he just jumped in the water and decided to paddle the rest of the way. And since the man did do what snoogyfoofie had said, he didn't kill him, he just left him in the boat to wake up and find his way home. He gave the boat one last push out away from shore and watched a current pick it up and send it sailing away.

It was the nice thing to do.

---

Snoogyfoofie found himself on the shore, and rather hungry. He saw a cat in a tree.

A nice meal. He started to throw rocks at it.

Roast Cat for lunch. Sounded good.

[JRPomazon]

The woman in the blue dress led the way as Gate followed farther behind. The people around him were still staring at him as he moved through the streets.

"Morons. All it takes is one tiny thing to change in their world for them to act up like this." He thought.

"So, what's your name?" The woman interjected as Gate was lost in thought.

Gate remained silent and the woman grew somewhat nervous.

"OK . . . well, my name is Marie. You can tell me your name later if you want." She said, a hint of nervousness in her voice. It was clear that Gate's lack of social graces made her feel uncomfortable. It wasn't long before Marie led Gate to the tree in question, where a particular dwarf was throwing rocks into the branches. Upon further notice, his target was indeed the cat.

"Hey! Stop that!" Marie cried!

"What are you trying to do? Kill it?" She asked the dwarf.

Gate shook his arms and down came two daggers. In one fluid motion, he threw the daggers into the trunk of the tree, creating a step path for the cat to follow. Sure enough, the animal was smart enough to follow Gate's lead and leap from the branch to the handles protruding from the wood. Briskly, the feline ran down the tree and into Marie's arms. The dwarf, who apparently was counting on that cat to serve as a meal, looked particularly mean due to the fact that he lost his meal.

Edited by JRPomazon, 23 August 2008 - 08:38 PM.