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It's Not About the Destination...(Talon)
Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2021 11:12 am
by Aria Greystone
35 Searing 121
“Really? This is where the line in the sand is for you? This very spot right here? You couldn’t have done this a little closer to the stable?”
It was difficult to be upset with her horse – a dappled gray, exquisitely colored with a ridiculously wide stubborn streak – for they really had only known each other for a little while. Sporting the noble name of ‘Reign’, the gelding had the regal attitude to match. He did what he wanted when he wanted, regardless of what she wanted, and currently she wanted him to continue walking with her and he had decided it wasn’t to be the case. The jaunt out of Kalzasi was meant to be a bonding experience but she wasn’t sure how much actual bonding was occurring.
In truth, it was a wonder it had taken her so long to get a horse. Having walked a good portion of the land in her time, the young woman knew many a thing about getting from one place to the next. That part had never been a particular problem and walking had been enjoyable, efficient and cheap. Aria had no family to speak of so there was nothing tying her to one location or another. Doing odd jobs here and there for money, she wasn’t wealthy by any stretch of the imagination but she was frugal enough to be able to afford a few nights at inn when she sauntered close enough to a town or village.
As she traveled and time had slipped by, something began to gnaw on the brunette a bit. Always having been a solitary creature, molded by the experiences of her childhood and being shipped from one orphanage to another, a few things had been forged deeply into her being. From an incredibly early age, young Aria had understood that the only one she could count on, was herself. Others were a distraction and would always be a disappointment. Even relationships with other orphans she found challenging, knowing either her or they would be relocated at the whim of another.
It was a lonely existence.
Her first years on her own, the solitude was incredible. It was everything she had hoped for. Having had no privacy within the orphanages, being able to do things on her own, make choices and simply commune with nature had been a life-altering experience. Slowly though, as the months passed, a small desire for companionship of some sort creeped in. It wasn’t overt in the least, appearing in her in minor but significant ways. Finding herself drifting closer to towns whereas before she would simply give wide berth, for example.
Once inside towns, the clues continued, such as actively seeking out taverns and engaging in people-watching. Towns previously had served the sole purpose of purchasing supplies but gradually, their appeal became wider and arguably deeper.
That wasn’t to say that Aria wasn’t familiar with companionship. There had been one. Only one. Not long after she had departed the last orphanage in Kalzasi, Eldis had found her. The Siltori man had been kind, taking the young girl under his wing and teaching her enough to ensure her survival, such as how to use a blade without stabbing herself. The skills he taught her were wide and varied, but after a few months, once she had begun thinking that there were people she could trust, he too left her behind, reinforcing her belief regarding taking care of herself.
Tugging gently on Reign’s lead, an idea flashed through her mind. Reaching into one of the saddlebags, the young woman produced a small canvas bag with a few apples and cherries she had purchased. Grabbing a knife from her belt, she quickly sliced through a smaller apple, dividing it up into several sections, and waved one in front of his nose. “Mmmmm…yummy appppllleeeee…..just take a few steps and it’s all yours.”
The gelding sniffed at the offered fruit as she carefully stepped away with it, trying to entice him to move a bit. Giving a frustrated grunt, he finally gave into her wishes, bridging the gap between them and capturing his crunchy prize. “Good job, Reign…let’s try It again,” she encouraged.
This dance went on for some time, each with the horse less and less apt to comply, regarding the young woman with curious eyes as she begged, implored, cajoled and otherwise pleaded for the animal to do as she asked.
If her continued journey was going to be anything like the little training session, she was going to need a lot more apples. Probably a bit more patience wouldn't hurt either.
Shoving a piece of the fruit into her own mouth, golden eyes gazed over the outskirts of Kalzasi, sighing gently. It had been one of the 'homes' of her past, although her situation then had removed her from having any particular knowledge of the place or the goings on within. That was part of the beauty of being able to come back, not being stuck with preconceived notions and being able to learn anew. What was it like there? What were the people like? Aria had no answers, but she couldn't wait to find out.
Re: It's Not About the Destination...(Talon)
Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2021 10:51 pm
by Talon
35 Searing 121
A curious chirp served as the only introduction for a fluffy creature that looked to be an odd mix between a wyvern and a bat. Its fur was pristinely white with spots of brown. An armored tail extended from its rear, swishing across the ground. Two large black eyes stared up at Aria inquisitively. The batlike ball of fluff idly flapped its wings as it fidgeted on the ground, creeping forward curiously, noticing the crunchy fruit in her grasp. At roughly the size of a housecat, the fluffy animal sniffed at Aria as though trying to discern whether or not she had any more fruit to part with in her grasp. Around one of its ankles was a silver anklet that was carefully crafted to look like a feather. The little animal made another chirping noise before puffing its cheeks and inflating what appeared to be an air sac around its neck. Slowly, the animal floated into the air, looking much like a furry ball of cotton drifting on the winds. After a moment, the animal deflated and fluttered back to the ground, making another trill at Aria as though expecting to be rewarded for its display.
“Trinket?” Talon called out for his furry companion as he soared through the air. Angling his body so that he could land firmly on his feet, he spread his wings to slow his momentum before folding them and dropping lightly to the ground. Rising to his full height, Talon eyed his mischievous little friend with narrowed eyes and an indulgent smile. He placed his hands on his hips, staring at the ball of fluff.
“There you are!” The animal, presumably Trinket, let out a pleasant churring noise before inflating itself and flapping over to him. The fuzzy wyvern-bat floated over to his shoulder where it promptly deposited itself, sprawling across Talon’s broad shoulders purring affectionately. Talon smiled at his companion fondly before turning his silver eyes to gaze upon the woman just a few feet from him.
“Apologies, ma’am. I hope he did not disturb you too much.” Talon reached up to scratch softly beneath Trinket’s chin.
Talon stood at average height for an Avialae. He was a solid seven feet tall with the muscular build of a man who had spent most of his life as both a forgesmith and a warrior. A pair of large eagle feathered silver wings sprouted from his back, softly reflecting the sunlight in the skies. His black hair was done in a traditional warrior’s undercut, with shaved sides and a ponytail that hung to the middle of his shoulder-blades. His skin was paler, with a slightly alabaster-grey cast and a minor point to his ears denoting Siltori elven heritage. Across the left side of his face was an elaborate runic pattern that shimmered with a violet-blue hue. He wore simple but well made garments that were tailored to his build. A plain white sleeveless vest, a pair of leather trousers tucked into knee high boots. A pair of bracers covered his forearms. Across his arms were various runic markings that, even at a glance, were easily discernible as magical in nature.
He was prepared to depart almost as soon as he arrived but a nagging feeling presented itself in Talon’s mind. He paused, eyeing the woman and her horse for a moment. Talon was not a horseback rider. He had no need to be and it was not a skill that he had ever spent time contemplating. The warhorses that would have to be bred to carry the size and weight of an Avialae, not to mention the training that he would have had to undergo so as not to end up with trampled wings, seemed far too much hassle than was worth it for him.
“Did you need assistance, ma’am? You look as though you could use a hand.” He eyed the beautiful horse behind her.
Re: It's Not About the Destination...(Talon)
Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2021 9:02 pm
by Aria Greystone
35 Searing 121
With Aria’s focus on the stubborn horse, the silent approach of the peculiar creature went unnoticed. Not until the curious chirp sounded did the young woman realize that they weren't alone. Turning her head quickly, a smile appeared with an arch of the eyebrow. “Hello, little one. Where did you come from?”
Slipping her hands along the leather reins, giving a bit of slack so she could lower to a kneel and slowly moving so as to not startle, Aria spoke in a soft voice as the creature watched her inquisitively. It was only then that she remembered she had the fruit in her hand. “Are you hungry? I bet you are.” Watching carefully, the animal seemed to put on a little show for her, floating up into the air and back down again, chirping as it did. “Well,” she began, smiling the whole while, “…that was very impressive. I think that deserves a treat…”
Before she could share the fruit with her new friend, however, a male voice was heard nearby, calling out for something or someone. It only took a few moments to attach the voice to a face as the man came into view, landing not far from them. Rising as ‘Trinket’ made its way over to him, happily trilling along the way – or at least what Aria took to be joyful noises – and landed on his shoulder, Aria was allowed to focus on the Avialae.
The young woman was normal height for a human female, and somewhat used to being the shortest one around, since most of her dealings were with men, but it never ceased to impress her when she ran into Avialae. It wasn’t a common occurrence in her travels but often enough to recognize the race when she saw them. This one, Trinket’s companion, was handsome enough, certainly. That was also something she had noted a time or two about the race - a certain aesthetic beauty that she appreciated.
Regripping the leather reins, Aria went to step forward, fully intending on greeting the man but was quickly reminded why she was in the predicament she was in, stopped in her tracks since the animal on the other end of them still refused to move.
Grinning at Reign, the young woman took a deep breath and gave the Avialae a sincere smile, long dark curls framing a sun-kissed complexion that spoke of time in the outdoors. While she wasn’t entirely comfortable with other people, she was never rude, and he was offering apologies for the adorable creature’s antics. “It was nothing, I assure you. I’m always grateful for the opportunity to make new friends.” The way the words flowed from her lips, it was no wonder her name conjured thoughts of musical exquisiteness. The beautiful tone was honey to the ears, spoken with uncommon lyrical grace.
“I’m fairly certain that he was interested in a few treats, “ said as she held out her hand, showing the apple slices and a pitted cherry, “…and I’m quite happy to share, if that is alright with you?” Aria’s smile continued, although laced with a tinge of unease. Used to being on her own in the wilderness, conversations were not a strong suit of hers. Especially those she classified in the ‘small talk’ category.
Regardless of his answer, she would move closer to the pair, finally rolling her eyes at Reign and dropping the reins. “Really? Can’t even be sociable, eh?” Laughing a bit, she walked away from the horse, turning her attention to the pair before her and, if permissible, extending her hand to Trinket, offering the apple slice and ripe cherry.
As Aria considered the man, his ears stood out to her. Siltori. He had Siltori somewhere in his line, and that made her reminisce, for a moment, about her one-time traveling companion, Eldis. A full-blooded Siltori, he had taught young Aria enough in the way of survival skills that she could function on her own in most environments. Once he had been assured of that, however, he had said his goodbyes, vowing to find her after whatever ‘mission’ he had been on completed. While she was grateful to him for the time spent with her, there was still underlying anger over what felt to be another abandonment.
Shaking herself out of the unexpected musing, the man spoke to her again, asking if she needed help. Laughing a bit, she turned to regard her horse, who she assumed would still be back where she had left him, but no. Ever the surprise, Reign had inched his way forward towards the group, curiously eying Trinket, and even going so far as to sound off a few soft…purring noises? Well, that was a first.
Arching her eyebrow gently, Aria smiled at the man again. “Just communication issues. I’m sure we will sort it out soon enough. And please, call me Aria. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Re: It's Not About the Destination...(Talon)
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2022 7:10 pm
by Talon
R E W A R D S
Name: Aria Greystone
XP: 10 XP
Requested Lore: +8 Lores. You are not authorized for secret or special knowledge as a result of the events in this thread.
Name: Talon
XP: 10 XP
Requested Lore: +8 Lores. You are not authorized for secret or special knowledge as a result of the events in this thread.
Note(s): Thread closed as a result of absence of Aria.
