Advertise/Affiliate Other Forum Main Page The World Before You Play

Beyond the Realms of Shadows and Dreams

Started by Lion, March 30, 2017, 07:29:44 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Lion

[Tags to @Moonie ]

Passage through the Moraki Desert desert always conjured up a high price. Honest work was hard enough to come by as it was. For now, at least, Atalier had been able to take his place among the guard for the Hakir family merchant caravans wandering from Essyrn to remote settlements deep within the dunes. 

The day had just dawned and the trail of carts, Kaadir, and others left a visible silhouette against the horizon. Atalier's brow was covered with various beads of sweat, and he took a swig out of the water skin that was slung over his shoulder. His dark robes were light, and he was kept in the shade of the carriage he was riding on.  He was quiet, and watched the wheels turn beneath him.

"You gonna share that, aren't ya?" said Tellemac, an ebony fleshed mercenary that was one of the eclectic group that were hired by Hakir to guard the caravan on it's route. Scars riddled the man's chest, shoulders, and neck. Gladiator marks as he called them.

Atalier sniffed and tossed him the water skin, which he caught with a plop and took a hearty drink. "I'll go check on the others. And take over once I get back, okay?"  Tellemac nodded and tossed the water skin back to the mage. Although he had a blade at his side, Atalier really had no intention of using it. Not unless he really had to. The rout was well trodden before and the Hakir family was well-guarded. And it didn't hurt to hire a few expendable hands as well.

Triarch, their destination would be several long and hot days away. Nestled in dusty basin, and just northwest of Essyrn, it was a prime spot for mining. Nothing more than copper, but a commodity nevertheless. Water was present here from underground wells, and springs that were hidden deep within the canyon and spreading outward in narrow rivulets through red stone.

Atalier had never been there before, but he was looking forward to new surroundings. Anywhere was better than Essyrn. Out here there were few who knew him by name or face or reputation. He was a ghost like any other, a lost soul without a true identity. And perhaps there would be more information here on a trade route than there would be within the city walls.

For now, he wanted only to rest his mind and so he crawled back to the rear of the wagon and, passed across the gap that separated the two, held together by c-grip connector (like train cars). He crawled over the wooden slat that shielded those riding in the back. There were a few that had managed to pay for passage along this route, and they had to do little more than enjoy the ride, as the dual-wagons were pulled by the kaadir up ahead.

Atalier looked at them all, although none of them made eye contact with him.  Good.  Sliding down into the shade again, he looked to the woman across from him. Pear-shaped and crazy-haired, he stared at her for a time. She was pretty grimy, like she hadn't bothered bathing for a few days. Then again, sometimes that was a hard enough feat to keep up with.  Atalier scooted over to her, plopping at her side and pulled the water skin from his neck.

"Thirsty?  You can have some if you want?" he said, handing it over to her.




Like to kill mages?  Join the Order!
The Order of St. Agratha

Help Rebuild Connlaoth from the ashes of war!
The Red Legion

Jump in the water's fine!
Desert Valley Nights
Wrong Turn

"Go into battle determined to die and you will survive.  Go into battle hoping to live and surely you shall not." -Bushido proverb
"Life is a series of dogs." -George Carlin
"We must view with profound respect the infinite capacity of the human mind to resist the introduction of useful knowledge." -Thomas R. Lounsbury
"If a cosmic tree falls in the universal forest and nobody is evolved enough to hear it, does it make a sound?" -Unknown

Zero

Hitching a ride with the Hakir caravan had mostly been an act of desperation. Riza often wandered out into the desert by herself, seeking shelter at one secluded oasis or another to sleep. Going was always a large risk, because a woman alone out on the dunes, well who knew what ill fate could befall her out there? Slavers, murderers, and thieves were always threats.

Although she had nothing to steal.

Riding with the group was another great risk, but she was too tired to take the lonely hike again. So she did what she had to in order to gain a place riding in the back of the wagon. It was a decision she could regret.

There were people crowded around her, or at least it felt crowded. How many people would she hurt if she accidentally closed her eyes for too long? That was all it would take. Exhaustion was an ever present condition. Like a toxic parasite that you couldn't get rid of no matter how much you wanted to.

The motions of the wagon were especially treacherous. How it swayed in a steady rhythm as if conspiring to rock and lull her to sleep.

Riza was determined to fight it! She sat alone in the corner, keeping her head down and looking at no one. She barely even dared to blink as she stared at nothing through the miles. Some of the others spoke to each other, but she did not.

It surprised her when someone sat next to her. She glanced up suspiciously as the man offered her water. Unconsciously her tongue swiped over her dry lips. After a few moments hesitation she reached out to take the offered water skin. It took an effort not to gulp greedily from it, but somehow she managed to take a couple small mouthfuls to soothe her parched throat before handing it back.

"Thank you." She bowed her head in gratitude. While she had not made an effort to talk to anyone, well no one had really tried to talk to her either. Riza knew she looked ragged and out of place.

Lion

If her looking ragged and out of place was just her intention to keep people away, it seemed to work wonders with the others. They had little interest in making friends with anyone else but their companions. They were rather well-dressed themselves. Perhaps associates of the Hakir family?

Whatever the case, they made sure to separate themselves from the rabble. Not even bothering to look at him.

Atalier settled in beside her, watching her drink from the corner of his eye. She could have very well polished the rest of it off. There was plenty for everyone on the caravan. But he wasn't going to begrudge her for trying to drink sparsely. Atalier was much less put off by her appearance, and carefully capped the water skin when she handed it back.

"I'm Atalier," he said gently, reaching his hand out to shake hers.  If she took it that was.  "What's your name?"

A woman across from him gave Riza a contemptive glance.  And she cradled the pygmy goat she had in her arms that made a noise of frustration. Clearly it was a pet and unused to travel. "Animals belong in the pen to the front," Atalier remarked.

"Then what are you doing back here with the guests?" the woman snapped.  "Both of you look like you belong in pens."

Atalier frowned, and looked back at Riza. "Are you comfortable back here? Would you like to sit further up. Away from the rest of this - ahem - rabble?" And he shot the woman and her little goat a glare.




Like to kill mages?  Join the Order!
The Order of St. Agratha

Help Rebuild Connlaoth from the ashes of war!
The Red Legion

Jump in the water's fine!
Desert Valley Nights
Wrong Turn

"Go into battle determined to die and you will survive.  Go into battle hoping to live and surely you shall not." -Bushido proverb
"Life is a series of dogs." -George Carlin
"We must view with profound respect the infinite capacity of the human mind to resist the introduction of useful knowledge." -Thomas R. Lounsbury
"If a cosmic tree falls in the universal forest and nobody is evolved enough to hear it, does it make a sound?" -Unknown

Zero

Looking ragged and out of place was just how Riza always appeared. Made sense for a woman who had no proper place. She just hoped that nobody else decided that she didn't belong on the caravan and started questioning just how a wretched thing like her had even managed it.

She darted her green eyes around when he offered his hand, as if looking for the trap or catch. When it seemed like he was just trying to be friendly she awkwardly reached out to grasp his hand for a few moments, giving a tentative shake before withdrawing her hand and folding it close to her body again. "I'm Riza."

At least she was willing to supply her name. She was no one and no one would know her. The frustrated sound of the goat drew her eyes to the woman across from them for only a brief moment.

The comments immediately made Riza look down and away in shame. She knew that she did not belong among these people.

For a moment she didn't move when Altalier addressed her again, but she gradually forced her eyes to look back up at him. "This is where I was told to sit. I don't want to cause trouble or go where I am not supposed to."

Lion

"Ah," was all Atalier said. She didn't seem to be a much of a conversationalist. Which was just as well. No one else seemed to be. He stayed where he was and took another deep swig of the water skin before strapping it around his shoulder again.

"The people here are kind of assholes aren't they? But the truth is, as long as you don't make yourself a nuisance, you can sit wherever you want. If these people give you a headache, let me know."

His eyes flicked to her tired expression.  "You all right? You seem pretty out of it. Maybe you should be get some rest," he suggested.




Like to kill mages?  Join the Order!
The Order of St. Agratha

Help Rebuild Connlaoth from the ashes of war!
The Red Legion

Jump in the water's fine!
Desert Valley Nights
Wrong Turn

"Go into battle determined to die and you will survive.  Go into battle hoping to live and surely you shall not." -Bushido proverb
"Life is a series of dogs." -George Carlin
"We must view with profound respect the infinite capacity of the human mind to resist the introduction of useful knowledge." -Thomas R. Lounsbury
"If a cosmic tree falls in the universal forest and nobody is evolved enough to hear it, does it make a sound?" -Unknown

Zero

Riza have the stranger a sidelong glance. What would he do about someone giving her a headache? Even when things were not her fault, they were her fault. She was the outcast, the poor, homeless woman that had somehow managed to beg her way onto this ride. The others were obviously from wealthier families with a higher station.

If anyone was to be punished for upsetting anyone else, it'd be her.

"N-no!" She said, abruptly, sitting up straighter and trying in vain to look less 'out of it' as he put it. Rest was not something she could do until she'd managed to sneak away from everyone else. She wasn't going to put other people in danger. Even if they looked down their noses at her.

"I mean, I'm fine." Riza adjusted the cloth draped over her form restlessly. "Maybe a change of seating would help."

Lion

Atalier was not going to allow anyone to take the blame for something they didn't do if he could help it. He of all people knew what it was like to bear the weight of your ancestors sins, to see everything you called home crumble around you. Only an individual's actions had the right to prove their judgment.

Her reaction to being told to rest however snapped him out of his musings.  Atalier blinked silently at her, his owlish gaze sobering as he watched her hands.  Restless, tired.

"Okay, follow me, yeah?  Look. I have to change rounds with another guard, but I'm sure he'll understand. I'll sit with you, make sure you don't fall asleep, yeah?  Here...  Have the rest of the water, it's yours.  Come on. It's much nicer up here."

Atalier stood up and stepped over the wooden board, holding out his hand for her to grasp, to step into the front wagon. "Watch your step. Don't want to go under those wheels."




Like to kill mages?  Join the Order!
The Order of St. Agratha

Help Rebuild Connlaoth from the ashes of war!
The Red Legion

Jump in the water's fine!
Desert Valley Nights
Wrong Turn

"Go into battle determined to die and you will survive.  Go into battle hoping to live and surely you shall not." -Bushido proverb
"Life is a series of dogs." -George Carlin
"We must view with profound respect the infinite capacity of the human mind to resist the introduction of useful knowledge." -Thomas R. Lounsbury
"If a cosmic tree falls in the universal forest and nobody is evolved enough to hear it, does it make a sound?" -Unknown

Zero

People being nice to her were suspicious.

Still, Riza did not know what else to do, so she took the water skin when he was offered to her, and held it close to her chest as she rose from her spot and followed after him obediently, eyes darting here and there to make sure no one was about to stop her or punish her for moving.

"Is it okay with me to sit with you while you're guarding?" She questioned softly as she took his hand and did her best to step over the gap without slipping. Riza almost succeeded, but she stumbled just a little, her tiredness did not lend to great coordination or motor function. Thankfully she didn't fall under the wagon. Instead she fell forward into him.

"I'm sorry!" Came the quick apology as she recoiled slightly.

Lion

Better to sit and speak with a stranger than to feel alone and isolated. At least that's what Atalier's old philosophy might have been. For now, she was a stranger that looked like she needed someone to keep her company, for a short while at least.  And while it wasn't like him to just reach out to anybody, he saw no harm in this instance. 

He would be occupied for the time being afterward.

The motion of the wagon was enough to make anyone else feel queasy. Atalier kept his footing firm when he felt Riza's grip suddenly tighten, and his hold on her hand subsequently followed suit. As she tilted forward, her whole body went catapulting into him and Atalier slipped and fell back awkwardly against the corner of the wagon, falling inside.

He caught her with his arm, letting her use him as a cushion as he slipped back to the wagon's floor, wheel's churning underneath them. "Wow! Are you okay?" he asked, looking up at her with saucer eyes.




Like to kill mages?  Join the Order!
The Order of St. Agratha

Help Rebuild Connlaoth from the ashes of war!
The Red Legion

Jump in the water's fine!
Desert Valley Nights
Wrong Turn

"Go into battle determined to die and you will survive.  Go into battle hoping to live and surely you shall not." -Bushido proverb
"Life is a series of dogs." -George Carlin
"We must view with profound respect the infinite capacity of the human mind to resist the introduction of useful knowledge." -Thomas R. Lounsbury
"If a cosmic tree falls in the universal forest and nobody is evolved enough to hear it, does it make a sound?" -Unknown

Zero

It was an awkward and clumsy descent to the wagon floor, and Riza felt her face heating, though her dark skin hid the blush well. Of course she would reward his kindness with trouble! That was all she caused no matter what she was doing - or trying to do.

"Yes, I'm okay. Are you?" She scrambled away from him as quickly as possible, practically prostrating herself before him. "Forgive me for my clumsiness. I did not mean to drag you down with me."

Lion

It wasn't any trouble, but her reaction certainly gave Atalier a little more cause for concern. He sat upright, shuffling backwards until he was against the wagon's side. What was she going on about?

"You're fine!" he said, chuckling and reaching out touch her reassuringly. "You're okay.  Let's go sit up there.  Come on."

He shook his head and offered the frazzled woman a helping hand to her feet once again.




Like to kill mages?  Join the Order!
The Order of St. Agratha

Help Rebuild Connlaoth from the ashes of war!
The Red Legion

Jump in the water's fine!
Desert Valley Nights
Wrong Turn

"Go into battle determined to die and you will survive.  Go into battle hoping to live and surely you shall not." -Bushido proverb
"Life is a series of dogs." -George Carlin
"We must view with profound respect the infinite capacity of the human mind to resist the introduction of useful knowledge." -Thomas R. Lounsbury
"If a cosmic tree falls in the universal forest and nobody is evolved enough to hear it, does it make a sound?" -Unknown

Zero

Maybe he thought her overreacting, but Riza had been conditioned to do so. Any little slight or mistake was grave to her. Only if she was the one making said mistake, of course.

She flinched a little, bowing her head more as he reached to touch her, but then she nodded slowly, looking relieved that he was not angry about her knocking him over. Riza was quite embarrassed about that, but her dark skin hid the blush well as she took his hand and climbed back to her feet.

"Yes, sorry." It required biting her tongue to not ask if he was sure that he wanted such a clumsy woman to sit with him. He was being very nice to her. "Thank you."

Tags: