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Post by Bunhash on Nov 5, 2010 8:34:11 GMT -8
Naf'or allowed the contact, finding it seemed to be a way that the elf enjoyed expressing himself. It was not terrible anyway to allow a friend to touch your hand. He nodded slightly to the elf's comments then. They were very kind and upon the inquiry, Naf'or answered him with "I would like you to take my family's tale with you and share it. It is a good recollection."
He gave the man a rare smile then took a bite from his own bread. Not a moment later however, he reached out to scoop up the coins Frost had passed to the table and hand them back. He didn't say anything to the elf about it, only replace the money with his own. It was his treat.
He shifted closer to see the map with Frost, "We shall. Please speak."
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Post by ExlMagician on Nov 5, 2010 9:57:10 GMT -8
The forest elf enjoyed his little mysteries and kept the tiny box hidden away in his palm without much comment on it at all, tucking the coins away with the appreciative nod and heading toward the door. He whispered a kind word to the woman who had brought them the mead, enjoying her attitude more than the drink just like his Ashtel friend. The night air swept through his clothes with a slight chill, but his cheeks enjoyed the wash away from the musty scent of the inn. There wasn't a better feeling than the night air, it caused him to hum one of the man night tunes he had learned while visiting the lands of the elusive Mornequenta. They had so many customs he enjoyed, one of them being their strange affinity toward nightly parties. He had learned while there how much the enjoyed song and theirs was a strange variety at that.
"You know the moon is hidden tonight. Lovely." He spoke softly as he walked along some of the often walked paths of the tiny town, heading from the well lit street of the main path, down toward the farm quarters and fields. The company of Ashtel seemed to bother him not at all, wandering the small paths, until the stood beneath the little lantern on the mill. "I wonder if we're late..." They were more likely early, but the Dolour was the worst with time that there was. He would think it were still day time if the sun hadn't hidden from the sky. There was a chance he never slept th way that frost continued on throughout his days. He stood there, leaning on his tiptoes to peek around the corner looking about for his informant. It hadn't crossed his mind that Naf'or's presence might bother the old fellow, but when the door to the mill opened just a crack, a little old man peering out at them he whispered suspiciously. "Who's that fellow? Who are you? What's your business here?"
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Post by Bunhash on Nov 7, 2010 18:25:51 GMT -8
Naf'or was surprised when the elf hid away the map and got up to leave the table and inn. He was under the assumption that they were going to overlook it, but it was surely just his mistake. So leaning back to his place, he picked up his removed items and followed the elf from the inn. He gave the keeper a slight nod of the head, which was returned, the welcomed the night air. It was cool and crisp. It felt fresh to his skin and it was pleasing. He too enjoyed the travel with the other and remained in silent company.
When the arrived at the mill and lantern perhaps a little early, the Ashtel brought his hands before him and clasped them comfortably. He was prepared to wait here until the strike of midnight as was the elf and his greeter's arranged time, but to his surprise, the elf made contact through the nearest door. Naf'or was interested but waited passively.
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Post by ExlMagician on Nov 7, 2010 19:32:38 GMT -8
Eyebrows jumped up Frost's forehead, shocked as the little man opened the door nearly into him. "Elf eh? We don't get too many of those... You must be Frost Fiddleface or whatever it was...," his beady little eyes moved to Naf'or, glowering over him while his mustache did a dance on his lip, "didn't say you were bringing magiky folk with ya." After his apprehension had worn off, he opened the door the rest of the way to allow them access to the indoors. The room smelled of fresh dusty grain filling the air, and it glowed a soft golden from the oil lamps that were lit throughout the room. "I was expecting you a little later... but I recalled the note saying you were awful with time so its no surprise."
Dolour glee danced in his eyes as Frost followed him to the large, sturdy wooden table where the old fellow had obviously been eating rather dry biscuits with a tiny bowl of very coveted honey. He swooped to the table and hid his honey, scooping up his food as well rather suspect of them. He shuffled with old rickety knees and feet to the cabinets where he stowed his food, returning with a ragged old towel to wipe the crumbs away. "Alright, well there was a map as I recall so let's see it. I don't want you magik types wandering around here too long. Those villagers might appreciate and your business is as good as the next man's, but I don't want too much attention alright?" Frost nodded to all the man's words, enjoying the rather homely and badgering type of man he was.
Pulling the map from under his arm, Frost laid the hide skin map out on the table, putting the mug from the table on one corner and other bits and bops on the others. "Oranoma told me you might be able to help me. He told me of the shard, its glory and glimmer. That you had once long ago, been a much more adventurous man." It was the upside to being a bard, you found things out about people easily, and even better, people told you without prompting. "That in the days of your youth you have set eyes on the ship that will carry us to the Wyvren's Bell." The last words seemed to make everyone's hair stand up on the backs of their necks, the illusion of bell almost visible thanks to Frost's magik tainted words.
Snorting, the old man looked to Naf'or curious of him more than Frost, but leaned over, poking at he map with the tip of an unlit candle. "I haven't got all night to listen to you regaling m with stories about when I was a youngin.' I got what you want. That fellow you are talking about, whatever his name was told me to leave you this baggy," He looked around before reaching cautiously into his clothes, pulling out a bag to place on the table. "I didn't open it, just like he said." He decided with Frost's serious expression that if the Dolour was so intent that he could be trusted. The spot he poked on the map made Frost scan with every detail. "The dock... its only accessible going in from the turmuck swamp. You'll have to travel through it, to the east along the coast, to a place that is hidden... A magik gate. Some kind of power guards the border into Draconia..."
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Post by Bunhash on Nov 9, 2010 11:52:02 GMT -8
Naf'or entered behind the elf quiet as a whisper. He meant to menace to the human male who looked at him as though he was a hungry wolf though did not try to sooth him by acting out of his norm. It was different. Men who looked first in suspicion did not gain his respect. Those who were open to someone new like Frost were wonderful and to be given extra kindness.
So when the pair took to the table with the map, Naf'or did not near, but settled his gaze on the thing. He was curious though not enough to enter into the conversation. He would save any opinions he had for his friend. He remained passive until the words 'Wyvren's Bell' fell from the bard. A great shudder rushed over his frame. He could feel the magik in the words. It was a new sensation. A bard's magik was unique in a way that he would have had little chance in his life to encounter it before. He would ask more about it later.
When the elderly man looked at Naf'or once more, the Ashtel greeted his gaze even though he was sure this would only make the man less trusting of him. Few outside his own could stand to look into the eyes of another Ashtel. The magik had bleached out the color there, leaving only a glow that was haunting to the normal folk. Still he was doing the man no favors. He gazed back until the man looked away from him.
Frost's intent caught his attention though. How he looked strongly at the point where the man had pointed out a destination. Still even that did not catch him as much as the last thing the man said.
Turmuck.
One did not go to Turmuck. And the bard would not be safe there by his reputation alone. It was very much like Luin. One did not travel through either place without great reason. The bard would be in great peril there. Naf'or, in that moment, was deciding what from there he would do. He was already calling this elf his friend. He bowed his head slightly to ponder his choices on the matter and the outcomes. He would speak to Frost after they left.
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Post by ExlMagician on Nov 9, 2010 12:27:40 GMT -8
The older fellow allowed Frost time to ponder over the map, each contour it held and ever variation before he perked up. "Turmuck it is then." He swallowed, refusing to, in front of these gentlemen, to show his rather large amount of reluctance. He knew well what he was doing and involving himself into, but that didn't stop him from feeling the small shakes in his knees at the journey he was about to embark on. He had already spent months on this journey, and years finding the information that would lead him to where he must go, but Turmuck was as though someone had told him, 'so where is your Dolour training now?' He was a bard, strong with a bow but certainly not a warrior like his brethren.
Gathering himself he started at the map, before scooping it up. "The border into Draconia? So you mean to tell me through Turmuck is a path that leads into an unguarded gate that allows access to Draconia?" The idea was preposterous, but then again. "Well then... I must thank you-"
The old man cut him off with a hand, stuffing them toward the door with just his presence and closeness alone. "Don't thank me. You're gonna' die out in that swamp... just take my warning and go... do NOT near Turmuck. Turn around and go home if you know what's good for you!" With that he slammed the door in their faces, and Frost stood silent for a moment, his eyebrows hiked up on his forehead before turning and forcing a smile to his face.
"Well! He's left me with less. What a story hm? I can't imagine." It was true, the ways to take a story as such was what kept Frost in his comfort. What kept him from ever truly fearing anything. "I thank you friend. Truly there can be no other braver than one to walk so blindly into the face of those will ridicule him. I did not know he would treat you such." He sighed, pulling out the map to stare at the tiny mark, his eyes glazed over with the excitement and certain amount of cold fear. He didn't care about the fear though that could be pushed aside for the glory and name that was set in stone to be his. "Well... I suppose a night for my friend to rest and then we will be off in the morning. Lump will be excited about the prospect of seeing Turmuck."
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Post by Bunhash on Nov 9, 2010 12:49:50 GMT -8
Naf'or was not surprised the man had ushered them out so quickly and rudely. It was nothing less than he expected. Still, he did give them his warning which meant he wasn't a heartless man, but a crude one. He responded to Frost's comment automatically, "Fear not. I could see it was in his mind to remove us swiftly. I could also see that he had not quit his adventures simply because of age; he is paranoid of the world now and of the people he does not know personally. I do not mind because he was kind enough to see us through."
Perhaps the last drop of 'us' would ring a bell in the elf's mind. Naf'or had already decided to go with the bard. Subconsciously he was responding in a plural sense. If not, well the elf would know short enough.
The upperclassmen waved out his hand beside him, beckoning Frost to walk with him, "Come stay in my rented room this eve. It is large and I do not sleep often. You're welcome to the bed. I will be about taking care of my last business here. I will return before dawn if you are in agreement." of course he was steering the elf to the inn all the same. He would wait for him to make his decision before telling him his.
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Post by ExlMagician on Nov 9, 2010 13:02:08 GMT -8
Frost's ears easily picked up on little things, and a small smile perked it's way over his face as he listened to him. A strange thing to travel with people again, after having left his family behind for his 'tyrannical' adventures as they claimed. "It sounds in the best of interests to me. I'm sure that my instruments are safe and Lump will be cared for accordingly. If your offer is genuine," he turned and bowed to him deeply, despite his rank it was for his companionship. "I most humbly accept." And indeed his things were safe, were anyone to carelessly attempt lifting his instruments in the night he had set a rather... interesting trap.
Allowing himself to be herded, Frost headed inside, waving kindly at the man in charge the Dolour followed suit of Naf'or's offer, allowing himself to be led inside to tend to his own needs for the night. He wouldn't ask about the Ashtel's current situation, it wasn't his business and asking a man what you were interrupting only further announced that you were rude. If someone was kind enough to put up lodgings to you, you did not ask where he was going to be. Gathering his parcels, he placed them on the small table, not opening what the old man had given him. He had no intentions to do so until he was groomed and dressed for the night.
"I thank you Naf'or. A much more cavalier man might have done something rash... and one so thoughtful as yourself I am lucky to have." It was mixed, but it was what he meant. There were too many things in the world to have to deal with your companions as well, and with Naf'or's capabilities to tend for himself and his own problems... it made for a rather helpful relationship.
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Post by Bunhash on Nov 10, 2010 10:24:08 GMT -8
Naf'or showed the elf to the door then took his leave. His business would keep him busy most of the night as he had said already.
The room, the elf would find, was small but clean. The bed was mostly straw but smelled fresh and there wasn't a bug to be seen. The walls had once been painted blue but it was cracked and peeling badly now. There was a single, rough table with an oil lamp that was lit, giving the room a soft warm glow and a small travel bag that seemed as though it might belong to Naf'or. Maybe this was a trial of trust for the Elf and the Ashtel. Maybe the upperclassman had simply forgotten he had left it there. And most of all, the room was snugly warm. This was a contrast to most places and even a contrast to the bar downstairs. It was almost magikal. The elf would be able to sleep well.
Naf'or was outside. He had crossed from the inn and to a man waiting for him as well. To any that passed, it would seem a shady transaction at work. Naf'or, dark as night and the other, garbed in stained traveling clothing, spoke in soft whispers to one another. A pass of coin and a package was given to the traveler from Naf'or, then the cloaked one left.
But that was not all for his nightly adventure. Indeed, Naf'or found his way to the edge of town, then crossed its lines and seemed to vanish. His deeds were hidden ones. More conversations with more seemingly dark people.
As promised though, Naf'or returned as the sun began to peer over the horizen. He stood outside the door of his own rented room and gave a gentle knock to rouse the bard inside if he was still sleeping then entered. "Good morning my friend. I hope you slept well. I purchased for us a pack of food to break our fasts then some more simple dried items for travel. They are waiting for us downstairs. As well as..."
He was then cut off by a soft knock and a voice, "Sir, I'vea got yer bath, sir." a feminine voice sounded. The bath would be a bowel of water and a towel.
Naf'or would allow the elf to let her enter, depending on how awake and decent he was. He signaled his intention with a tip of his head toward the door.
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Post by ExlMagician on Nov 10, 2010 10:57:55 GMT -8
Like most of his kin, Frost was an early riser, already dressed, and sorting through his things to prepare for the morning. Lump most likely would want away from the horses and other mounts after a night of their ridicule, but other reasons such as his own ambition and giddiness to be on his way was like a drug that one might take to remove themselves from a stupor. At the sounding of Naf'or's knock and smoothly tenor voice, he came to the door, opening it as the woman cut him off with tidings of a nice clean bath.
He would wash his hair, being as vein as he was but Frost had bathed that night and there was no reason to keep them from travel for his own purposes of the like. He allowed her to enter, his travel things set out in order on the table like the would appear on himself. He liked to see what he was donning in perspective, see how he would appear to those he traveled with. Until they would take Turmuck, he was maintaining his bard's appearance. The golden travel cloak with the embroidered lute on the back as well as his many accessories. He was certainly not living life hidden away.
He allowed them both access apologizing swiftly for taking up the tiny space with so many of his own things. "I must thank you though friend, the accommodations were quite fine indeed. I will have to recommend stay in this place to those weary and in need of a friendly place to lay their heads." As she left them he made sure to wash his chocolaty hair thoroughly, with the things he kept in the small personal bag that he had toted with him all night. Soap was a rather... sought after thing and he had the good fortune of owning a hard bar of it.
Upon finishing, he dried quickly with a towel, pulling his hair up in a twist before hanging the tiny bumblebee clips he kept in his hair. His under clothes were nothing special, he had no reason to impress a the moment so he wore a simple jerkin with toggles to keep it closed and thick breeches. He got cold easy and wasn't about to beginning a travel wishing he'd dressed more accordingly. "Do you require the water friend? It is yours to use. I will need a few moments to speak with the innkeeper." He spoke as he clasped the cloak around his shoulders and swept it back with his usual grace. "You've no idea my friend... how much this matters to me."
He of course was speaking of his companionship, and Naf'or would find his own bag untouched as Frost had all the gourds and skins he carried filled with water. As much as he could pay for anyway, and made his way to Lump to reattach them about him. The bump was indeed ready for travel and stood at his 'master's' entrance of the stable, nudging him with his extremely rumpled head. "I know my friend. You seemed to have eaten. Grapes was it?" He smiled as the skins were attached to the netting and slipped his extra bag with the parcel he received to the secret place. Lumps were a very lumpy sort of beast to say the least. Hiding a bag on them was as easy as singing a song. "And your friend he slept well too I hope."
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Post by Bunhash on Nov 10, 2010 11:34:04 GMT -8
Naf'or was neither displeased or surprised that the elf took to the water first. He didn't mind since the room and its accommodations he had gifted to the bard anyway. Still, the bard was a clean man and the bath water was still very fresh after the wash. And now even a little soapy which was very nice indeed. He waited for the elf to leave the room before closing the door softly behind him and busying himself to his own small bath.
It was a simple act of removing his clothing and washing up the necessary parts of himself. Face first, which would allow him to not use more.. dirty water on his face later. His arms and underarms next, chest and torso, a rub down the legs and his feet then his more private bits. Once finished, the Ashtel set the basin aside and sought out his pack that was left in the room. Inside was a few clean article of clothing that smelled fresh. He slipped back on his white under shirt and trousers then slipped on the long tailed vest. It was leather and tied firmed on the sides. He put on a soft pair of leather pants that fit comfortably over the others. Lastly was his boots that he had already been wearing. They reached mid thigh and strapped tightly.
When complete, the Ashtel collected up his belongings, slipped them into his pack then made his way downstairs and outside to the stable. Frost was there and speaking to his bump who looked more than happy to see him. He purchased some feed for his own Knehoy and came to his companion's side. "They seem comfortable enough." There was an odd scent in the air that he assumed was from the bump. He made no mention of it, simply slipped the bag over his beast's head. It began to eat rapidly.
"We are low in Tirin's lands right now. We could travel into Turmuck's lands within four days, given we walk normally for at least eight hours a day. That or should we stop somewhere else first? I'm not sure what all you will need." It solidified that he was going with Frost. And that he was prepared as he was for the most part.
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Post by ExlMagician on Nov 10, 2010 11:56:47 GMT -8
The bump's maw opened wide, a heft amount of noxious gas emitted from it, before clambering up on its trunk like legs. Frost laughed before nodding his head, strapping on the last bit of water before responding, never really kneeling in the hay that his bump had slept and made all the more stinky. "Well if I might, there's a rather small town outside of the Muxen Shrine called Palidrem. I've got a cache there and if we'll be traveling into Turmuck I'd like to drop off some of these more... sightly accessories I carry." He of course meant his instruments, but he was after all a bard, and planned on carrying the few essentials.
He looked to his new friend, admiring him with his blue eyes before proudly turning to the bump. "Alright my friend, would you like to know our new heading?" He held pat the scraggly hairs that grew off him before leading him out, letting the Ashtel catch up with him and move his knehoi. "Is there any place you'll be needing to stop?" He spoke with a rather gleeful ton in his voice, despite being watched by most the villagers and a fair amount of them very sad to see the pair leaving. It wasn't often that they were treated with such pleasant distractions. It was for that very reason that Frost had songs about gallant workers of farms that made the lives of the bright and colorful so possible.
He couldn't help but sing for them as they began walking, just a ditty he'd made up for the last few years as a small departure. It was a thank you in its own.
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Post by Bunhash on Nov 11, 2010 16:40:11 GMT -8
Naf'or removed the feed bag from the large pack animals face. It was almost empty anyway. He quickly made a purchase of another decent sized bag of feed for the road then collected up the Kenhoy's reins and tug the tired animal out toward the open road. He slowly caught up to the bard's side as he readjusted the packs on his beast while moving. As Frost spoke about their first stop, Naf'or only nodded which would probably go unseen by the elf. Finally when his pack was completely adjusted and the new feed stored, he brought the beast and himself up to Frost's and Lump's sides.
"I am in no need to stop elsewhere before we leave." he said lightly while the bard sang, not that he meant any disrespect by it "I will purchase anything else in Palidrem."
The travel from their current place to Muxen's shrine, or close to, would take longer than he had first anticipated. His bearings on the land made him assume Turmuck was closer to Amoury, but this was not so. And the Shrine was actually further than the closest edge of Turmuck. Doing his math silently, the Ashtel came to the correct numbers and waited for the elf and himself to be out of the town to speak, "Friend, forgive my interruption again. I think you would like to know our travel time. From here to Palidrem we are looking at a decent walk. As of course it always takes its time to travel." Naf'or smiled slightly then continued, "At a normal walking pace, if we walk from morning to evening, we should arrive there in about 10 solid days, given the lack of problems. If you would like to walk from day break to sun down, we should arrive around seven days from this morning. The choice is yours my friend." This would allow for plenty of sleep, but no extra stops. Naf'or was no innocent to travel. He had moved from the Felwyn Sea edge to Tirin by Kenhoy alone. It was a trek that took many months.
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Post by ExlMagician on Nov 11, 2010 17:20:23 GMT -8
Lump made a long guttural grunt at the end of Frost's song as the Dolour considered his options. He took into consideration that Naf'or had made the suggestions meaning his new traveling companion didn't have an opinion on the matter, so he allowed himself some decent thinking time before responding in a chipper tone. "Well if we arrive in seven days then it will give us time to restock on certain things, refill water and such. It is a small town so I don't imagine our stay will be lengthy or that they would be in possession of many of the fruits that Lump enjoys, but staying a night there might do us some good yes?"
Lump groaned, and Frost knew it had to do with the mention of fruit, but seeing as the beast had already recently eaten, he pat his mossy skin with compassion and left it at that. "I say we aim for eight days." The wind was already rather blustery that day which made him fairly pleased that he had chosen his clothing properly. The trek was barely noticeable on his feet, Frost well spoiled his bump so was use to traveling by foot for long distances. "I apologize that we must travel at such a rate, but I've not found it in me to purchase another animal, mounts are so often abused by others now that I can't give in to buying another unless I'm certain its the one and that it will be as pleased with me as I am with it."
The forest became dense quickly, but here in Tirin there wasn't trouble to be found by a bit of tree cover as most of it were fields open and wide to the people. As they entered through a field of grains being harvested Frost gave a wave to the people, who gave the pack of traveler's a look of what might be described and unrest. Lump merely snuffled at them.
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Post by Bunhash on Nov 14, 2010 12:11:08 GMT -8
Naf'or followed beside the other and his Bump with no haste. The two people were on their way for a decent-long trip and he would not keep his eyes from taking in all around him. The world was ever changing and beautiful. He only lived his one life and truly wished to see all parts of the known world.
His own voice was softer than before. It reflected his happiness at being on the road and was very conversational. "Ah I am coming to understand you, Frost, the more I am around you. Your compassion is unlike many others. So I believe I can also understand why you would only have another friend companion, like Lump here." for the first time since they met, Naf'or reached out and patted the Bump's mossy head kindly. Such a misunderstood animal by the world. Such a pleasure to get to know.
However, the thought about the abused mount did not get lost on him. If it was Frost's concern, well perhaps once they were done with this mission, he would see to finding Frost another companion he could raise from a small age and that Lump might get along with as well. It was a new thought to think about how the animal felt as well. Surely, he'd never given it much thought with his own knehoy.
After a time, the sky began to dull. But it was too early even for night and suggested rain might be coming. The two has passed the grain field then over more plain land. Another small farm came into sight. There were hogs here that snuffled loudly in the mud and it was here the rain started to fall. Slowly at first, but with more speed. "My dear friend, I think we might like to find some shelter."
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