|
|
Post by Ammodytes on May 9, 2013 4:23:22 GMT -5
The towers at the city gates looked smaller than Silvar remembered. The banners waving at their top seemed foreign to him. His horses were tired from the long ride and from all the equipment they were carrying. Armour, weapons, books, silver and gold were burdening the strong animals.
They entered the city and Silvar's heart started to race. He gazed upon the hand that carried his family ring. No one will remember the old family emblem, he thought.
The sun was slowly starting it's descent. The people on the streets didn't pay much attention to him, just another mercenary here to spend all the gold gathered by killing on command.
"Time to make my way to an inn, there is much work to do!"
|
|
|
|
Post by Iridian on May 9, 2013 18:53:30 GMT -5
Iridian was walking on her way home from the farmers market outside town, she'd stayed on the outside and waited most the day out in one of the better trading posts near the gates where she drank iced drinks for several hours and conversed with some of the old farmers joking and laughing about old times when finally had decided it was time to head back.
She stepped into the street, her long sandy colored silken dress feeling nice against her skin as the air cooled a bit around her. The basket she carried under her arms was filled with fruits and a few other items such as wool for knitting and even a new book she'd gained from one of those old farmers. She saw the man on horseback headed her way though didn't worry about hindering his way as she had plenty of time to cross before he'd have gotten to her.
Just then some clumsy oaf bumped into her rather hard, not only knocking her to the ground, but spilling the contents of her basket all over the street as well. Had she been a vindictive Mage she probably would have reprimanded him for his actions but as it were, she was not. Of course she was irritated that he hadn't even stopped to help her out and now, the rider approaching would be hindered by her crossing as she knelt and began gathering her things, her long locks of now messy hair dangling about her face even at her best actions of pushing them behind her ear as she tried to get out of the visitors way.
To any onlooker it would be obvious that this woman was no a simple girl by the dress alone. It wasn't just that though that made her stand out in a crowd. The way she carried herself even in a situation such as this one. Her shoulders never once slumped the entire time and her incredible self control over the entire circumstance would lend to the knowledge that if she wasn't a noble she was at least of a wealthy family. As it was though still, not a single person came to her aid; not that there were very many at the entrance to the city at this time.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ammodytes on May 13, 2013 9:06:48 GMT -5
The lovely lady caught Silvar's eye from the moment she entered the street. He had always been a lover of beauty, not only in a virile way, but also in an artistic manner; the same way one would admire a beautiful painting or sculpture. Seeing her knocked down made him shake his head and tighten his fist. The brute that had caused the incident was walking his way: a simple man, but with the type of rotten attitude that always got Silvar's blood pumping faster. As the man was about the pass by Silvar's horse, Silvar reached out and grabbed him firmly by the throat with his right hand, lifting him from the ground as the horse was still walking forward.
"Not so fast lad, he said with the voice a man makes when he is telling a joke, you seem to have forgotten something!"
By now they head reached the young lady that was gathering her things. Silvar stopped his horses and was still holding the man above the ground. The brute's face was turning purple, his feet were dangling and his hands were desperately trying to free his throat from the iron-grip it was in.
"See? Good thing I happened by! You forgot to help the lovely lady here pick her things up!"
The last sentence was yelled with a harsh voice, before it was finished he threw the man to the ground. The man crashed and coughed, breathing frantically. Looking up he met Silvar's steel gaze watching him. Chaotically, the brute started gathering the spilled things into the basket. Once finished he ran away with his head down.
Silvar dismounted and spoke calmly:
"Greetings my lady! I hope you are not hurt?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Iridian on May 13, 2013 10:03:44 GMT -5
As she was reaching out to grab a fallen apple, she saw the little heroic effort the man on the horse had made in her honour, so to speak. She smiled warmly to herself, a reminder to her that people still could be kind. She placed the apple in the basket just when the rider had 'placed' the oaf who’d knocked her down and in a gruff manner and told him how it was to be. She stood up dusted herself off and straightened her dress and hair a bit as she allowed the oaf to finish what she had started and then bent and plucked the basket from the ground again.
“Thank you kind sir.” She replied to the rider who had gotten off his horse. “No, perhaps my pride a bit...” She smiled warmly over to him. “But otherwise I do believe everything is in place.” She finished. “I apologize for hindering your way, it was not my intention.” She then added.
Of course it wasn't her fault and she knew it wasn't but still felt compelled to apologize anyway. Had she just waited that couple extra moments before passing, this never would have happened. Then again, perhaps it was meant to, who was she to say?
“Do you perhaps need any direction?” She then asked, almost forgetting her manners. “My name is Iridian, Iridian Aster.” She then presented herself with a small graceful curtsy.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ammodytes on May 13, 2013 13:58:37 GMT -5
Silvar smiled and replied quickly and in a confident voice:
"My name is Denethor." He knew long before coming back to Meerin that he could not use his real name. "I've been here before, many years ago, and I was just heading towards the Inn. You seem to be heading the same way, my lady Iridian, he said with a smile, perhaps you can tell me what has changed around here since I last visited." He turned and stretched his hand towards his destination. "And perhaps you can join me for a drink once we get there."
|
|
|
|
Post by Iridian on May 13, 2013 17:40:59 GMT -5
Iridian listened to his comment about not having been here for a long while and was pleased when he asked her to join him for a drink. It was a long way still until she’d reach home and some gentle company would be most welcome.
“Well, nice to meet you Denethor.” She began with a mile. “Certainly I would most enjoy enlightening you as to the many different things that have happened in the city since last you visited.” She went on now beginning to walk towards the direction she'd started out on. “If it's good lodging you're looking for along with good food, I would suggest The Phantom.” She stated quite confidently. “Not only are their rooms better, but they are located next to the stable where your horses can have a good rest as well.” She told him as she let her smile turn towards the animals he now lead. "The handlers there are gentle and caring and honestly, these two look as if they would enjoy some pampering for at least a night.” She turned and winked at him.
It had been a while since last she'd seem someone come through those gates with animals this tired. He must have left a very long journey behind him.
“The Phantom might be a bit more costly than old Fred's Inn but it is worth it. If you have the coin to spare.” She now turned her attestation back to his lodging. “Before I can tell you what's changed however, I will need to know how long its been since your last visit to our quiet little city. Then perhaps we can talk about the city as it stands now over that drink.” She then stated and looked over at him expectantly as they moved forward toward their destination.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ammodytes on May 14, 2013 13:31:41 GMT -5
"Ah! Well... he stopped for a second to clear his throat, it must be 13 or 14 years since I last set foot here. I am a mercenary you see, I travel a lot. My mercenary band disbanded, so i came here to form a new one. I want to know which places would be best to start recruiting. I need some strong lads, two or three mages and, of course, someone who knows the darker places of the town. Where do you think I could find such people, The Phantom, or old Fred's Inn? Money is not a problem."
He paused, almost seeming like he had nothing else to say, but before his companion could respond, he continued:
"Also, how is the Ammodytes family doing? My father used to work for them..."
|
|
|
|
Post by Iridian on May 14, 2013 14:04:04 GMT -5
She listened to his words and after he'd mentioned the Ammodytes family she turned and looked at him before returning her gaze to the front. Perhaps that was why this man seemed so familiar to her. One did not spend 150 years in a city and not know who was who. Then again, that was a long time ago and so she just shrugged it off, he had told her who he was and that was that.
“You need look no further for your guide good sir.” She started out with a smile in her tone. “I've lived her my entire life and know the place better than most.” She told him. This was no lie. She knew every nook and cranny of the city as well as she did the back of her hand. She even knew things any spy would drool to know but of course, she kept secrets well.
“Either place will do to look for those you seek. In my experience mercenaries can be found in just about any place you will find a good drink and women.” She smiled back at him and then continued. “I think we will start at The phantom.” She then remarked with some degree of finality. “For if it is also a Mage or two you seek, they are more than likely to be there. Mages, I find, tend to like better food and ale than not.” She almost laughed at her own words.
Though Iridian would play no part in the actual harming of others, she wouldn't be put out at directing another to find their way to those they sought. She was a sweet woman, kind and very caring but not that perfect in character that she wouldn't help this man find that which he sought.
She hadn't talked about the Ammodytes family as of yet she'd wait until they were seated in the tavern to drop the news on him.
"Lets get to our destination and we will talk further on it." She then pronounced, once again with direct decision in her tone.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ammodytes on May 14, 2013 14:15:14 GMT -5
Silvar smiled and bowed his head slightly.
"Very well my lady! The Phantom it is!"
He was happy to meet such a charming person in the first few minutes he was back in his hometown. But still, the dark task that was ahead hovered over him like a storm cloud. He could not let himself be distracted.
The two walked on and soon they were at the entrance to the inn.
|
|
