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"Boomshakalaka" (closed group, pm first)

Started by Hiya, February 04, 2017, 07:42:18 PM

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Hiya

The ice was not so bad here. The caravan had been traveling for quite some time. This one was not meant for quick travel, but was all about safety. By sticking together, going around the safe places, one had access to a plethora of people and locations. Some came to see new faces - new customers were always nice. Some came to head south, away from Hyoite. Others... well, they were there for their own reasons.

Some were shared. others were kept to themselves. In one of the covered wagon driven by Old man Waters, there was a combination of both. One such was a very odd, very moody, blond girl with a sword.

"Hi. What's your name?"

Yisa leaned in, eyes lit and inquisitive. The very same way she had been the past 23 times they heard it. At least this was only the second time since leaving the last village.

She had come to them alone, but dressed for long survival in the Tundra. There was blood on her then, but the only thing she said was "Horse." Occasionally, she slipped a "My" in front of that word. After that, she slipped into a silence. Her name and what little others knew of her had been provided by Waters. He was the only Caravan driver with enough heart to take her on.

Clearly there was something wrong with the girl's memory. Still, she treated people as they once treated her, though she had no recollection of the event she would mimic. This blond girl was an odd, but her senses were there. That could be seen sometimes when she peered at others, as if seeing them beyond sight.

There was only one time the girl did not seem so naive and meek. That was if anyone tried to touch her sword. Thankfully, no one had. it was covered with a strange cloth that never seemed to get covered in snow. It also would not come off the blade, no matter how hard one might tug. As such, the sword remained with her. It was basically a nice blunt weapon. Yet no one had seen her wield it, not understand how she made it out there all on her own with just that.

Medievarad

There weren't much people who could say they ever saw a cursed, headless undead sleeping. Yet, it was an experience all in the covered wagon Waters drove now witnessed. The massively armoured creature sat there, his head on his lap. The bascinet of his helmet was opened, the dullahan snoring contently as he slept.

Others had met Gan with extreme prejudice and wariness. It didn't surprise him, most Dullahan were aggressive and vengeful towards others. A sick fascination or obligation to making others subject to their own fate. Namely, having their head lopped off.

He didn't waste his time with such things. Sure, he was a cursed undead. Though, he could live with it. He was still... Alive. Technically.

TheHopeseeker

The wagon wheels slid over the snow with nary a sound, the soft mush so thick that the dirt and stones underneath couldn't be seen, let alone felt. The wagon still bumped and rattled, however, jostled by the varying thickness in the snow's depth. Settled in the seat directly behind Walter, Amari Tarr rested her cheek on her fisted hand, elbow resting on her knee as the wagon plodded along.

Her traveling companions were a strange bunch, one a girl with what could only be short term memory loss, the other a headless Dullahan, but neither were a threat to the caravan, at least not that she could see yet, not even the cursed undead, and so she kept in their company without complaint.

Three days had slipped past since she joined the caravan, leaving the small village she called her home behind once again. This wagon train passed through once a year, and for the past three decades, she had joined it every year. It was somewhat melancholy to see the new faces that replaced those she had grown to know and cherish as the years passed by, her gift of long life seeming more like a curse at times, leaving her to watch as those she grew to care about passed on and she remained behind. At least, she supposed, Xenos would not abandon her, her precious little brother.

Thinking of her troublesome kin brought a smile to her face, stormy blue eyes brightening as she lifted them from the floor, dropping her hand to rest in her lap as she looked to the young girl, a kind smile on dry lips, "Amari, love. My name's Amari."

Gawfy

Sitting next to old man waters sat a mercenary. One who didn't care much for the cold. Sword in one hand extending over the wagon and his crossbow in the other he had the unfortunate position of riding shotgun to the driver who had hired him. Still this being one of the bigger caravan meant to scare off potential threats. Old man waters Had really only hired him for insurance should they run into danger, this had not been the first work he had gotten from the old man. His large sword could also act as a way point in case of any freak storms. The caravan trip had been anything but normal as it was entering the first month of how ever long it was going to take.  First picking up Some sort of undead and letting it stay. Then also picking up an armorer of sorts, and if it couldnt any more odd they go and pick up a bear, But the oddest of the bunch was the Girl that just wandered up to the caravan with blood on her. Carrying a long sword on her back instead of on her waist. Speaking in gibberish and dressed for a long expedition she must have tugged at the old man's heartstrings as she has been fed and warm on his dime. Gawfy shook his head getting the snow off of his helmet and fidgeted around.

Hiya

"Almost there, Gawf. Almost there...."

Evidence of Old Man Waters' breath was strong in front of him. Not by scent thankfully, but by sight. It billowed in front of him before coming back against his face, sticking to his beard and mustache. This time he drove one of the bulkier wagons. Pulled by two large woolly creatures, they carried on in the middle of the pack.

"It's been nearly four weeks since you've been back with us. Over the Tundra, we go... Regret it?"

The man gave a glance to the scarred man beside him. He could not see most of the scars due to the snow. They called him Waters because like water, he could change. The older man was 65 going on 50 by the look at his face. They called him 'Waters' because like water he could change. Often warm and refreshing, even he could be icy and stern if crossed.

In the main carriage was only so tall. Shorter humans aside, the most comfortable was Amari. The headless man didn't complain any about needing to hunch over for comfort. He was undead. How much more uncomfortable could he be? He was already dead. Kind of.

In the back, blocked by with said headless man, Yisa stared at the black haired woman. For how long, the blond knew not. What she did know was the sound of the womans name in her own mouth.

"Amari. Ama. Ma. Ri. Ari. Ima. Mai..."

So flowed every variation that Yisa had for the woman. Over and over she went until finally:  "Amari. That is a pretty name," her chipper voice was accompanied with a small smile. It did not erase the lines of sadness on her face. Turning around, she went to lay back n her slated bench to sit on. The nineteen year old was much too young to be burdened. Yet, those who were looking might know there was much behind the voice and manner. There would be no finding out on this voyage. No one had been able to get much from her so far.

The group would travel through the tundra, heading for the North Western quadrant of the Tundra. It would get slightly warmer in the next settlement. Not as many storms hit it. It was hopefully the warmer side of the area by now. One could hope.

The group traveled on. Yisa was left to stare at the ceiling or the far side of their vehicle. Waters would converse with his hired sell-sword, usually making sounds of agreement or disagreement when it was too cold for words.



ooc: I did a summary post here. Those on the wagon are welcome to interact as you see fit until a post of the settlement they were waiting on. I hope to get that up Tuesday or Wednesday.

Gawfy

Gawfy cracked a smile under his helmet. You always say we are almost there. He said as he shifted toward the bearded old man.And no i dont regret hopping on with ya again. You payed me up front and in full with the added cherry on top that i havent had to smash or slice up any one. Gawfy then opened up a small wooden sliding hatch in the middle of the two. He then pounded his hand inside the wagon as he spoke. You lot have been awfully silent this trip! Cmon sitting in silence couldn't be that fun. He said to the others awaiting a response

Medievarad

Gan woke with a loud snort and a loud yawn, scratching at his face, which was in his lap. "And I was having such a nice dream," the Dullahan snorted, pushing himself up, leaning forward to put his head down between old man Waters and Gawfy, before his body settled back into his seat.

The dullahan's head looked up to Waters and then to Gawfy. "Hello gentlemen," he stated with a soft grin. "No trouble up ahead, I trust?"

Gawfy

If there was then i wouldnt be sitting here getting colder, and what does a Dullahan even dream about? He said as the disembodied head spoke to him. Gawfy then looked in the wagon again to take inventory on his passengers. The Odd girl was still there as was the other woman. Hey, You woman in the back you still breathing back there? He shouted in her general direction

TheHopeseeker

Amari looked up from her lap calmly when she heard the Dulluhan speak, a softly amused smile gracing her lips at his cheery words. It had been somewhat surprising to find a member of the undead to be so...amusing. Shaking her head, she looked over to where the young, amnesiac girl lay, asleep. That one was truly a puzzle, her appearance, her mannerisms, her memory problems... all were tiny pieces in a much larger jigsaw. She could feel it in her gut.

Jerked from her thoughts by the rude shout of the sellsword riding up front with dear Waters, a displeased frown pulled the young -for a Valkyrie anyway, not that these people knew that- woman's brows down. Distasteful man. No respect for others, let alone women, from the impression she had gathered of him over the past several weeks of travel. Sighing softly to herself, she merely shook her head again and rested her chin back in the palm of her hand.

Medievarad

That was a question Gan did actually not expect. He frowned softly. And his body followed suit, rubbing a non-existent chin. "What do humans even dream about?" He settled on with a faint, even sad smile.

"I dream of a life past, a family astray. Weeping for a fallen knight. I dream of what used to be, which warms this cold form. I dreamt of a man of honour. One who would die for his ideals in a far away land. A knight surrounded by rose petals and warriors. Branding large swords that whistled on their way down," he took a deep sigh. "That's when I usually wake up."

He coughed softly. "Anyhow! Besides all that! If there's nothing left, I will entertain the other guests. Be sure to tell me when there's trouble ahead. Whither is but a whistle away."

At that, the Dullahan's body jerked forward again, grabbing the plume atop his helmet and pulling him back in again. As he passed Amari and Yisa, he gave the two a soft smile. "Ladies," he stated as he nodded his head, with help of his hands.

Then, he placed it back on his neck and rested back against the wagon. "I trust you both have gotten enough sleep?"

Hiya

Waters allowed them to carry on. Finding the topic interesting. "Won't be trouble for some time now." Another saying Gawfy was familiar with. He muttered other sayings also. Mostly in the form of an interesting grunt or thoughtful hum.

The girl had not moved much. Eventually, she sat up with a stretch. "Done sleeping. We're almost there. Almos-"

Yisa stopped speaking. For once it could be seen that she was thinking. This time, they were happy thoughts. She launched forward, sticking her mouth in the hole Gawfy spoke through. If she hit anything, she paid it no mind. "How much time, how much time?" Yisa lowered her head, letting her eyes peer between the guard and the driver. "How much time until we reach the next city?"

Recognition. To some degree, she recognized something, someone, or some purpose.

Waters replied, "Not far now. We will get there soon enough."




The settlement they were approaching would not be as frigid as where they had come from. One thing for certain, it had a cozy bar. Tents aligned the outside of the settlement. These were mostly travelling merchants or guards posts. The closer one got towards the center of town, the more sturdy it all became.

Like all people of the Tundra, the citizens came in all shapes and sizes. Including a fuzzy one.

TheHopeseeker

Amari offered the Dullahan a pleasant smile, inclining her head in reply tohis query. Her many years travelling with various caravans had taught her how to block out the bumping and banging of the wagons when trying to sleep, plus her natural talent for blocking out the world around her when it was required.

Blinking slightly when the youngster woke again, she watched her lean forwards and speak with Waters quietly, nodding to herself when she heard the old man's reply. Nearly there. Soon, the land would flatten out somewhat, leaving the mountain passes behind for a short time aa they entered into the valley. It would be good to leave the caravan for a little while after travelling for so long.

Codex

"AYYY! GET BACK ON YER FEET!" A voice would ring out as the crowded tavern would be filled with cheering and loud music. Outside was nothing but wind and snow, but inside the tavern no payed any attention to the rather miserable conditions of the weather. They were much to preoccupied observing a brawl. But this just wasn't any brawl. It was a 4v1. four men against one very large, very strong bear!

"His legs! His legs!" One of them would yell, diving underneath the beast's body as the monster just slammed another man through a table. The beast felt the new assailant and looked down. "Now that ain't fair! Going for my blind spot eh?" It would speak. Quickly the bear would reach down and snatch up the man by his neck. He'd quickly pull him up and slam him against the ground again as he rolled to the edge of the makeshift arena the tavern drinkers had made. The man on the bear's back tried to retain his grip, but it was obvious the white beast payed no attention until he was the last one standing. With one quick yank, he'd grab the man and throw him across the room as the watchers beat their fists and mugs on the tables shouting with amusement as the man would crash directly through the wall and out onto the street!

The whole tavern grew quiet for a moment as they peered through the hole to see the man slowly try to get back on his feet, but he couldn't do it. His body let out and he fell to the ground completely knocked out. With a loud cheer the whole tavern erupted again! The bear would simply cross his arms and lean back against the table.

"HAHA! Y'all know the deal! Kave Frostfur the victor again! Pay yer gold!" A man would yell, standing on the table.

"Damn right! Any more challengers? No? RIGHT THEN! I NEED ANOTHER ALE!" The Kave would  yell, the bartender quickly responding.

Hiya

And such was their reception to the town.

Not long before the man got thrown through the wall, the caravan had arrived right on schedule. While Waters and the other wagon drivers took care of their beasts and duties, those that traveled with them were free to do as they needed. They were scheduled to stay there for two days, to give enough time for those who came to do their business.

Thankfully, the only business most had was keeping warm and relaxing for a bit. Waters asked Gawfy to keep an eye on Yisa. Whether anyone else followed was of their own volition. Yisa was a slippery one though. Soon as she was able to get out, she was heading into town.

When she was found, it was in the nick of time to see a man fly through the tavern wall. Yisa watched on in delight, she leaned over the man, looking through the hole in the wall. Her eyes landed on the winner of the fight. "That bear can dance!"

Gawfy

Gawfy shook his head as he hopped off of the wagon, he then stretched his arms before looking back for Yisa. He opened the flap on the back, and like that she was gone. Blasted girl must have jumped out while we where slowed down. He said to himself as he grabbed his blade and harnessed it onto his back and started into town after her.  He would find her pointing at was a bear trough a hole in a tavern wall? Making some remarks about dancing. Gawfy said nothing as he placed his hand on her shoulder to announce his arrival. stay where i can see you Yisa. He said

Medievarad

Gan glanced at Yisa as she exited the wagon, immediately getting to his feet and getting out after her. After all, she was young. And in a previous life. He was a father. So his care and worry were natural. Not that he'd show it. He was a big, bad Dullahan who had to look tough.

A man came flying through the window of the inn. A small smirk plastered across his face as he pushed his head on his neck, attaching it once more. Gan glanced at Gawfy, and instead of keeping Yisa in sight, he pulled her up on his shoulders. Making her sit high and safe. "Don't grip my head too hard! It may come off!" He warned, before entering through the door like normal folk.

Once inside, when seeing Kave. He bellowed a thunderous laughter. "A bearkin?! It has been a long time since I last met one! What brings you here, friend?" The undead moved up to greet Kave. While the other patrons. Even Kave's supporters backed off, or at least recoiled, at the sight of the undead. The wispy energy around his throat and neck was enough if a clue that he was in fact a headless rider. And most, if not all here knew the legends.