AU: Northlands

Paxus Asclepius · Nov 19, 2003

It is mid-afternoon on the 8th of Flameleaf, and a cool breeze brings the promise of rain tomorrow. Your caravan is bound for Ke-Donal, a prospecting town some 280 miles north-northeast of Ao-Manasa. The area has been calm of late, so little trouble is expected, but Varaten the Sentinel, guard-captain to the caravan, insists on maintaining a full watch. The rest of the wagon train is relaxed and jovial, with many prospectors eagerly discussing their chances and plans, and many merchants happily comparing the ways in which they intend to fleece said prospectors. Winter seems very far away, despite the chill, and even the most diligent guards have gotten into the cheerful mood. By midnight tomorrow, you will have reached your destination.

FaenFriend · Nov 19, 2003

Kai-Moash strides along, his giant maul slung nonchalantly over one of his broad shoulders. Closing his eyes for a moment, he savors the gentle wind and wonders, somewhat romantically, how far and over what lands it has traveled to greet him here. He feels a bit too awkward, not to mention too tall, to strike up a conversation with anyone. Instead, he daydreams about the smithy he plans on establishing once they reach Ke-Donal.

It doesn't take his mind long to wander from such practical concerns to imagining himself defending the town from a sudden invasion of brigands seeking to plunder the prospectors. His brow furrows slightly as he envisions each swing and stroke of the battle, his imaginary self whacking and hewing through attackers on every side. In no time, the townsfolk have thronged around him to congratulate and thank him for saving their lives. In his mind's eye, he pictures a soft hand resting on his arm and feminine voice saying, "You must have been so brave." "It was nothing," he gruffly replies. Absorbed in his own thoughts, Kai-Moash stumbles slightly over a stone and nearly careens into a wagon before regaining his balance.

His face reddens slightly and he straightens his shoulders, glancing surreptitiously about to see if anyone observed his clumsiness.

Erekose13 · Nov 19, 2003

Jonas Temm, human akashic/unfettered

Jonas Temm rides alongside the caravan moving from one group of travelers to another, talking to everyone there. He walks with a very assured stride, very confident in himself. He wears a nicely tailored leather coat and a deep purple cloak. He appears out of place as a caravan guard, but his carefree manner and very personal approach tend to make people see past that. On his back he sports a long staff studded with many sharp spikes and on his hip some can see a very well crafted crossbow. The staff has numerous decorative runes running along its length and the crossbow has very intricate metalwork detailed into it. The horse he rides on is a light grey gelding and it too mirrors its masters confident step.

As he talks with the various groups of people travelling with the caravan, Jonas makes notes about everyone in his mind. He likes to know the people he is travelling with. Indeed many of the merchants seem at ease talking with him and take no offence to his joining in on their discussions, nor do the prospectors or the other guards for that matter.

tenkar · Nov 19, 2003

Tenkar rides alongside the caravan, replaying the situation that got him here. This is not the job for a hero he thinks. Not that I am a hero, the gods themselves know that well. Next time I hold on to my gold and I'll buy a map to a tomb or such... not be stuck escorting a caravan because I am a week from hunting my own dinner. Such thoughts occupy Tenkar's mind as scans the surrounding for bandits and such. At least some of the others that signed up for this seem like decent lads and such. Would that I have saved my coins and bought the map I saw. Least I shall eat well and the conversation is good. Jonas seems to hold himself well, though Kai needs to watch where he walks.

darkdancer · Nov 19, 2003

From atop her somewhat moth-eaten steed, Esme glances somewhat listlessly about. she catches the giant's stumble and allows a brief smile to cross her face, but then the gloom takes hold of her again as she rides along lost in her thoughts.

her horse is piebald-colored, bought cheaply, a little more cheerful than her rider. Esme is wearing strong, serviceable clothes, albeit a little dull in color - a jerkin worn over a mid-length split-skirt, both made of reddish brown leather. She hasn't talked much as of yet, although she has answered briefly to any questions put to her.

Arden · Nov 19, 2003

Galed maintains an easy pace as he rides along near the head of the caravan. He is very aware that his plain blue surcoat does not conceal the quality of the armour he wears, or the fine longsword at his hip. I must stand out like a sore thumb here, he thinks to himself. Although I don't seem to be the only one who's out of place. I wonder if I'm not the only one who joined this caravan to get away from something.

Despite the placidness of the surroundings, he keeps a watchful eye on the road ahead. No excuse for easing up on discipline; an order's an order. Still, he finds himself growing increasingly curious about his new companions and does not go untouched by their levity. As the day wears on Galed becomes less taciturn and begins to talk a bit with the others, but still can't bring himself to shirk too much on his duties.

Paxus Asclepius · Nov 19, 2003

Night falls, and Varaten orders the wagons circled. The mules are brought inside the circle and tethered, and some begin cooking supper. Jonas is placed on the first watch, Galed and Tenkar on the last. As darkness falls a little early this time of year, many of those in the train continue to chat around campfires well into the night.

FaenFriend · Nov 19, 2003

Kai-Moash sits at the outer edge of the circle of fire-light, his belly full. Slightly out of tune, he hums an ancient, Giant melody to himself. These are the times that he wishes he wasn't quite so imposing and that he could talk with people as easily as … well … someone like Jonas. He wouldn't mind taking part in the caravan's joyful mood, but he doesn't really know how. Instead, he listens to the chatter, feeling himself somewhat excited by the idea of prospecting and gold. Perhaps more than a forge awaits him in Ke-Donal.

Arden · Nov 19, 2003

Galed finds that he isn't tired yet after eating some supper and tending to his horse. His practical side tells him he should go to sleep right away to be well-rested for his watch duties later that night, but he is unable to contain a growing sense of excitement about his journey. It feels good to be out on my own like this. Maybe I can do some real good here, instead of working for an Order more concerned with restoring the past than doing good in the present.

While pondering where his travels might take him, Galed finds himself observing the solitary Giant on the edge of the campsite. His people had been the source of so much contention between Galed and his father. I don't think he's said a word to anyone all day--he seems even more out of place than I do here.

Intrigued, Galed walks over to the imposing figure and confidently introduces himself. "Hello there. I'm Galed. What brings you on this journey?" After exchanging pleasantries, he quickly turns the conversation to what he knows best. "It looks like you could fell an ox with that maul of yours. Have you had much combat training with it?"

FaenFriend · Nov 20, 2003

Kai-Moash chuckles deeply. Perhaps I’m not such an outcast …

"Not really, my friend. I’m a smith by trade. A simple hammer is more comfortable in my hands than this,” he says, patting the maul. "But, the principles are the same, I imagine. Smashing foes can’t be much different than hammering out nails."

He makes a deep rumbling noise at his own joke, but cuts it short self-consciously.

"You, on the other hand, wear your weapon like you know how to use it. Are you an old hand at this guard business?"