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(I thought it was fine :) not sure if i like my intro or not xD)
Flashes of a not so distant past ran through his mind. Corpses on a battlefield the screams of the innocent these scenes plagued his mind. A woman was before him on her knees pleading to be spared, her request would not be granted as his blade struck out against her. The face changing mere seconds before the blades impact, to a more familiar face one he had once loved. His hands quivered as he stood there looking at the corpse of this woman, the face never returned to it's true form it remained that familiar face. Fire quickly engulfed the area catching anything that was flammable on fire and consuming the corpses around him. His eyes shot open as he gripped the reins tightly, the steed snorted in protest at what it's rider was doing. His eyes were wild for a few moments searching trying to find that area he had just visited, but realizing that it was a distant memory. Releasing his grip to allow the horse a bit of freedom. The shire took the leeway as it shook it's head in protest to before. He held one hand out to his side and looked oddly at it as a snowflake fell into his palm. 'Snow?' He questioned it, surely he had not gone that far north. Regaining himself Abel glanced at his surroundings, this was nothing like the area he was in not two days ago. The gods really must have forsaken him he thought as he made a movement to get the horse to keep pressing forward. Deeper into unfamiliar territory, he had no choice not with his supplies being low and the horse could use a moments rest. Keeping the massive steed at a slow walk he decided it was safest to stay on a path, surely it lead somewhere. A small town was better then being lost in the wilderness, especially when he had no idea where he had ended up. His snooze had cost him this time, or had something drawn him here. No that wasn't it nothing was here not that he needed. He had passed a few humans, or at least from the looks of them they were humans as he kept to the path. He never bothered to ask for directions, but he didn't need them either. Though his steed seemed to pause a moment when they passed a ... woman from the structure, he wasn't sure due to the hood she had up. He never paid this any mind at all getting the shire to press onward. There had been a sign not too far back saying there was a tavern and general supply store in this direction. That's all he needed to know, somewhere to rest the steed and himself then he'd move on to restocking on the essential supplies before going about his business. It was probably a good idea to go ahead and ask the barkeep as to where here was so he could get back on course. Once he reached the tavern and dismounted he left the horse untied before walking in. He got a few odd looks, they probably thought he was drunk already to leave such a prize untied and unattended. Though most didn't know this beast was a trained war steed, following it's rider's commands is what it was taught to do from a foal. Most seemed to stay clear of the horse even though it seemed calm enough to pay more attention to the water trough at the buildings side then to care about the passerby's. The room seemed to refocus it's attention on Abel when he walked through the door. Though his weapon alone seemed to be enough to deter anyone from trying their luck against this newcomer. Not that this town was violent but there were still a few who'd gladly try to over take a new face. He walked with heavy steps towards the counter before taking a seat, he seemed weary. The man behind the counter eyed him before leaning against the counter waiting for this stranger in armor to order. "The strongest you have... and a water" Was his only reply to the barkeep. Not that he needed to say more as the order was placed before him. He placed a few coins on the counter, whatever the amount it seemed to cover the costs of his order. His weapon was beside him against the counter but within arm's distance and he seemed to keep his guard up. Even as he started drinking the liquids he did so, though he wasn't here to get plastered. Just a quick drink to clear his mind and then he'd go about his other business. Someone had gotten too close for the horse's comfort outside as it made a snap at him. Pawing it's hoof at the ground before snorting and returning to it's resting pose. The horse was even lightly armored, though both rider and steed didn't bare any of the kingdom's colors. It seemed they weren't among the army, but it wasn't suck a common sight for a traveler to be in full armor. It was probably the reason Abel got so much attention when he traveled, not that he cared. He had one goal in mind and what he sought wasn't here. Most didn't know his story and never would, to them he just looked like a average middle aged male. Probably being around 30 if not a few years older. His eyes showed he wasn't a innocent, and his weapon supported that all the more with wear and tear shown on the handle that supported the well maintained head. He wasn't overly tall but he was tall enough to be above average at 5'10, his frame seemed built enough or at least in shape. His face and hair were well kept, at least for a traveler. His brown hair just short enough to prevent them from getting in the way of his forest green eyes. The eyes that had seen so much blood shed over nothing, things that couldn't be taken back. |
It wasn't surprising that no one had ran our after her to offer their services. Most had wives and if they had wives then they had children. They had people to care for and if anything were to happen to them then it would be a tragedy. She couldn't imagine how she would feel if she made a woman a widow and made his children fatherless. Olivia looked up at Sebastian, he didn't seem to be in such a good mood this morning. Perhaps he was getting sick of the cold as well. She ran her hand down his strong neck gently. "Stop making a fuss," she whispered to him softly. The horse snorted at her and pulled his head away from her. He was probably not happy with the weight that he had to carry around. Olivia stopped as she saw an unfamiliar face. Her eyes followed him examining his odd choice of clothing and the way that his horse was dressed as well. He was definitely a traveller, if he was a villager than she would have recognized him without a doubt. She wiggled her toes inside of her boots wondering if she could perhaps convince him to escort her. Surely he didn't know what had been happening in this little village for the past three years, no one here really travelled other than to purchase supplies. Though even if he had heard of the rumours then he wouldn't know that she was the woman who the villagers suspected to be the Goddess. She would just be another villager. Olivia pulled her horse back and tied him up. When she entered the bar the same men looked up and were confused by her presence again. Though they didn't make any comments, they kept to themselves and continued to drink and speak to each other. Olivia approached the traveller, the men who sat around him looked up for a brief moment curious as to what she intended to do. "Excuse me," she said softly to the man. She smiled at him then pulled her hood down from her head. "I was wondering if I could ask you to help me." Olivia reached into her pocket and played with the coins that she had. "I wish to travel but not alone and no one else here seems interested in escorting me even if they know they will be paid. Do you suppose that you could escort me?" she asked, a smile still on her face. She hoped that he would say yes, it would be very dangerous for her to travel alone. Not only was she was a woman but if anyone discovered what she was then that could be a problem, too. |
(kicks self for a short post~ D<)
He seemed to ignore her at first as he finished his drink. Sitting there a moment he was taking in the reactions from the people around the tavern. 'odd... to refuse payment' He thought this over a moment, not that he had any right to judge anyone based off a small towns reaction to them. A few of the men close by muttered that the traveler is a fool if he accepts or that it's asking for trouble. He never did bother to look at the woman, his eyes stayed fixed on the empty glass on the counter. He made a slight gesture towards the barkeep before the man took the glass and refilled it. "Heh... cruel mistress you are lady fate" he said aloud though such talk was not common in these lands. He sat up a little before speaking to the woman still looking over the glass. "Depends, what direction are you headed." He paused a moment as a few men near by picked up conversations with one another saying he was a fool. "If your going north I could be convinced to assist you." He never explained why, but he had his reasons, his own mission so to speak of why he needed to get north. His last reason to live was up north or that's what he was told. Though he didn't know if it were mere rumors or the truth. He'd have to go there and see with his own eyes. "If you accept my terms then after I get supplies we'll leave. Seems like the best course of action" He was referring to the murmurs and whispers the town seemed to do behind her back, surely she knew and he wasn't deaf. He waited for the woman's answer as he picked the glass up and drank it's contents as well. He remembered seeing her and her steed on the road when he came into the town. Truth be told he was curious why no one here would take such a beauty up on her offer. Even in his gut he knew he was asking for trouble but his life was hardly worth living in it's present state so why worry about such things. A few of the men near the bar got up and left. He was sure they thought he was damned or crazy one of the two. But he hardly cared, why bother caring. truth be told he didn't want the woman's money he wasn't going to baby sit her the whole way he was just going to provide traveling company. Long as she didn't ask too many questions they'd get along just fine. |
( It was fine! xD ) Olivia knew that the men were speaking about her, did they think that she was deaf? Even though they were whispering they were still quite loud. A few seemed to think that she didn't feel their eyes on her or that she had caught them looking at her. They could have at least tried to be subtle. It was a little surprising, their behaviour, usually they kept to themselves and didn't openly speak about her when she was around them. Perhaps they didn't care too much anymore because she wouldn't be here any longer, with or without the travellers help. "I have no real destination," she replied to the man, her smile still on her face. She wouldn't allow the other men around her to see that she felt nervous by their whispers and their looks. Besides if any of them tried anything she could easily defend herself. She liked the villagers but if they became a threat then she wouldn't have a problem with hurting them at all. "Though that is where I would like to go as well. I don't mind waiting for you to gather supplies, I insist that I pay for them as well." her eyes remained on him, even if he refused her offer she would go through with it anyways. "Of course I will pay you every day that we spend travelling together as well. How much would you like?" Olivia had plenty of money to spare, whatever he wanted he would certainly get. She brought her attention to the men who were leaving, as her eyes wandered over them they looked back at her. Though they turned when she didn't and as they left she brought her attention back to the man who she could potentially be travelling with her. "May I have your name?" she asked him, it only made sense that she knew his name if they would be travelling together. She would give him hers if he wished to know it. |
He listened to her before standing from his seat. "I can very well pay for my own way, I wasn't looking for payment when I said you could come along... don't expect me to slow my pace for you to keep up either" He spoke in such a commanding tone it was almost intimidating, though he never bothered to meet eye contact with the woman. Really this whole time he had avoided looking at anyone keeping his expressions and personal thoughts on the matter at hand well hidden.
He had started to walk towards the door when he stopped briefly to answer her question "Abel Leinguard milady" The name in this area didn't seem to spark anyone's attention, that gave him a good idea of his current location. Certainly outside of the kingdoms reach. Really the fact he got no reaction to his name made him breath a little easier, it would make leaving all the easier. Some of the people in the tavern were still watching the two as he spoke again. "I don't care for your name, it's not important, as I said you slow me down I'm leaving you behind." With that out in the open he walked out of the door and patted the black and white shire outside of the building who happily walked up to him. He never said a word to the horse as he walked past it and towards a supply building making a mental list in his head of what they needed. The horse didn't follow him, not for the moment as it stayed near the water trough. It was still odd to see a untied horse in this area let alone one of this build, it was a heavy horse so it's speed wouldn't be that of a standard horse. The shop owner watched Abel as he entered, though his thoughts were put aside as he walked towards the counter and told the man what he needed out of the blue without a second thought. Though one request was a little odd as he asked for a few bags of salt in the mix of everything else. He was getting enough dried food supplies to last a while in the case they didn't cross paths with a town. This supply list also included water and the salt as well as a few other odds and ends that would prove useful in the case they were needed. He seemed to ponder if that would cover everything, he had taken into account there was a extra person as well as horse he was assuming. Unless the girl planned to walk the whole way. "Should cover it... if we run out of supplies and don't cross a town by then I guess that lady fate really did forsake me" He spoke to himself a little to wort his thoughts. |
Olivia was a little thrown off by the man's attitude. He didn't accept her offer to purchase his supplies for him, he didn't want to be paid for his services and then he told her that he had no interest in knowing her name. She also felt a little worried about not being able to keep up with him. Perhaps she would bring herself to unpack a few things and leave them behind, she would feel guilty for pushing Sebastian harder than she usually did with all of those things strapped to him. The horse was also stubborn at times and when he wanted to rest he would refuse to go any further. She let out a sigh, maybe she would bribe him with treats to continue going if he decided that it was suddenly time to rest. Would that even work? "I understand," she said to him, she would tolerate his behaviour for the company that she wanted. "I can assure you that I will not be a hassle and I will not fall behind." she wondered if the man knew that she was lying about that. Olivia could be quite the chatterbox and this man didn't seem interested in speaking to her for more than a few minutes. How would she be able to travel with him? "My offer still stands for paying for whatever is needed and for paying for your services." she said before he left. Olivia left the tavern shortly after Abel did. She brought herself to Sebastian who seemed restless. "Calm down," she said to him, Olivia ran her hand from the top of his head to his nose and smiled. "We won't be here for much longer." she looked over at Abel as he went to buy supplies. Olivia decided not to follow him, she didn't want to annoy the man and get in his way. |
Sure he knew that he'd have to slow his pace with the woman to keep up. But he doubted the steed he traveled with would mind at all. 'What have you gotten yourself into this time' He sighed a little after paying for the supplies and taking a few of the sacks with him as he walked outside. The shire walked up to him and seemed use to this treatment as it turned it's side to him and stood there.. waiting.
In truth he didn't mean to be that harsh with the woman, but he needed to lay out group rules for her to follow. She could chat all she liked but there was no promise that he'd answer. For a human he seemed different as if his will to live was broken. A soul-less human was probably something that should be left alone no will to live meant he had no fear of death. After the supplies were fixed to the over-sized horse he double checked the ropes before he was satisfied. Patting the horse on the side of the neck it looked at him as if it expected something. Rolling his eyes he finally did give in and gave the beast a sugar cube. It would seem there was hope still for this stranger to regain his humanity. He walked over to where the woman and her horse were, being followed by the shire. Stopping a few feet from her he cleared his throat. "If your ready we're going now, we'll make a few good miles before dark falls." His tone was a little less commanding this time around, he needed to remember he wasn't in the same position as he was before. There was no point in trying to push a civilian like he did his men. Once he was done talking he quickly hosted himself up into the saddle of the horse and waited for her to do the same. He seemed to be looking over the horse maybe thinking he was sorry for the creature having to carry that much. But really he was seeing how far he thought he could push it without over working the animal. |
( I'm sorry this was horribly short. o__o ) She couldn't help but be curious about how his shire behaved. It was not tied up but didn't run off like Sebastian would or any other horse would. He seemed calm and followed Abel obediently. Olivia nodded and hoisted herself up on to Sebastian, the horse pulled back his head a little bit in protest of carrying around so much weight. Olivia didn't weight much, though that didn't mean that she didn't add to the weight that Sebastian was carrying. She was afraid that adding anymore weight would break her poor horse's back. She ran her hand gently down his neck calming him. "Be patient, Sebastian." she whispered then tugged on the reins lightly. "Did you train your horse to do that?" she hoped that he wasn't annoyed by her question. Olivia was just impressed by the shire's behaviour. She wished that Sebastian was obedient like that. Olivia looked over her belongings making sure that they were strapped on properly, she didn't need them to fall off during their travels. Olivia didn't feel like being left behind by Abel. Most of her belongings were clothes, though she did had a rather large sword strapped tightly to Sebastian's side. If needed then she could easily slip it out from it's place to defend herself. Though if she couldn't reach that in time she could use her abilities. Sebastian began to walk slowly as she tugged once more on his reins making him pay attention to what she wanted. |
(your fine :P)
He had already started moving forward when she had asked her odd question. Though from the area he guessed they didn't commonly see armored troops or any mentions of war for that matter. Really he wasn't annoyed he laughed instead out of the oddity of it. "It's a war steed, they are all trained in this manner... a knight has to be able to rely on his steed as a extension of himself." He didn't go into details aside from that, but each knight did have to train his own steed so the beast would know who it's master was. He had noticed her over burdened steed, and the weapon she had attached to him as well. Though he hardly thought she'd need such a thing while she was in his company. But he didn't know much about her either.. there must be a reason. The village seemed overjoyed that she was leaving the town. Sure the mutters gave him a few clues but he wasn't sure how reliable the information was. Once they were a few miles outside of the town he finally spoke again, he had kept his weapon in hand, seemingly use to this form of travel. "you said you had no destination in mind.. why bother traveling. Let alone to the north one of the harshest regions in the lands." He didn't really care if she answered him or if what she said was the truth but it was something that his mind had been pondering. Though it was odd, the further they got from the village the less snow there was in the area, it was like the snow had just been around the town. Was that even possible? It was the middle of summer wasn't it? Surely his travels hadn't changed the seasons even in his dazed state. Maybe some of the remarks from the villagers were true about this woman.. He wasn't one to judge someone though so he'd wait to see for himself. |
When he told her that his horse was a war steed it caught her attention, her eyes ran over his horse curiously. The horse was much larger than hers and it would explain how he had dressed it. Olivia was naturally a curious person, she was almost as bad as a child. If she could ask questions for hours without annoying the other she was speaking to then she would. Though she wouldn't do that with this man, he didn't even wish to know her name and didn't seem to be a chatterbox like herself. "Perhaps you could show me how to make Sebastian more obedient," the horse snorted as if he knew she was talking about him. "He is a good horse, though he can be stubborn and restless sometimes." she looked over at Abel and smiled at him warmly. "I don't really enjoy staying in one place for long," she said then shrugged. Of course there was other reasons but she didn't feel the need to tell this man them, it would give away who she was and she couldn't really trust anyone. The people inside of the village didn't mind her kind even though her behaviour had been tedious but she didn't know how people outside of the village would react to her. "I can never really find a place that I can truly call my home. It never feels quite right." Though it was very odd and something that seemed impossible, the village did seem to be surrounded by clouds the most. As they went farther from it the clouds slowly went away and eventually there was no snow. Olivia turned to looked back at the village, the clouds that had surrounded it began to slowly drift apart and the sun peaked out from them. For the first time in three years the snow had stopped. Olivia smiled to herself, she wondered what the villagers thought of it. It probably filled them with joy to finally feel warmth upon their skin. |
He didn't seem to reply to her asking if he could help with her steed. Though he did glance back at her for a moment. The shire hardly seemed affected by any of this conversation, though it had gotten what it wanted out of Abel before they left the village. About the time you could probably give up on him answering the question he finally did speak up again. "It's easier to train them as colts.. but you could use sugar cubes for when he listens or performs exceptionally." Over all he was saying you'd have to bribe the horse, it'll learn that good behavior is rewarded and if it misbehaves that it gets nothing. After a while of this the actions will become second nature to the animal.
He listened to her talk about not liking to stay in one place for long, he didn't understand that. He rather missed his home but there was little to nothing to go back to now. "I see.." was his emotionless answer to her as he kept his eyes forward. She wasn't telling him everything, but he didn't care so long as she didn't try to cross him. "So you look to find such a place in the northern lands?" He seemed amused by this, there were little to no inhabitants in the northern reaches, aside from a few beast men clans and then one or two villages of humans. He didn't pry further into the woman's mind, he had no need too. If she found what she was seeking they would part ways. Or if he located what he was after first he wasn't going to risk his neck any further then he needed to. Though if she did manage to keep up with him for that long of a journey she might find out his own reasons for wanting to travel to such waste land of snow and ice. |
"Well, I'm not too sure what I'm looking for. I at least want to find some place that is interesting. I get very bored easily," Olivia brought her hand to the back of her horse's neck and began to pet him gently. "I would like to go some place where there are very little people. I have always found it difficult to live with others, I enjoy the company of others but for only so long." Olivia had enjoyed her time spent in the little village, she had even thought of remaining there for longer until she started to feel unwanted. "I'm quite nice to people and polite, most people are nice to me and are polite as well but sometimes there are those who prefer for me not to be near them." it had bothered her that others didn't like her for what she was but there wasn't much that she could do about that. People would always find a reason to dislike those who are different. She had to learn to accept that some things would never change. "Why are you travelling out here?" she asked and looked at the man curiously. "If I may ask of course, I wouldn't want to make you feel uncomfortable and you certainly don't seem too interested in me. You didn't even want my name earlier." she added then laughed quietly to herself. Olivia looked up at the clear sky, the sun was touching her skin for the first time in three years. It felt odd to feel warm from the sun, it was different. Olivia wondered if she could get use to such a thing. She would have no choice if she had to go into hiding of course. She valued her life more than anything else, especially when the number of her kind was slowly sinking. |
(my poor slightly emo character x'D)
He at least seemed to be a good listening as he made no comment to her story. He knew sort of what she was going through, but on a different level. He almost felt a bit of pity for the woman. Someone of her age should have a place to stay or at least the age she looked to him. Though on that note someone of his age shouldn't be traveling the corners of the world either.. he should be stationed up near his family and be among his ranking officers. "knowing your name would not change matters any, but if you wish to say it then don't let me stop you" Was his first reply blowing off the first question all together. He seemed to get irritated when she asked it, though he had his own past he was running from or rather it haunted him. "My reasons do not concern you, not to be rude but there's no need to drag you into my affairs." He left it at that, really he didn't have a real reason just a rumor that he should go to the north... he had no town name no direction or location nothing more then the words go north. Probably a death wish but it was all he had, the slim hope he had a reason to live in this forsaken world still. A reason to keep fighting and moving forward. Surely a stranger wouldn't understand such a thing, let alone a woman who seemed to have no family or friends. |
Olivia wondered if she should even bother telling him her name, they would only be together as they travelled and that would probably not be a very long time. She wondered how long it would take to reach the next village, perhaps a week if they rushed it and she felt irritated when she tried to come up with how long it would take if they took their time. She wasn't the most patient person and Sebastian wasn't a very patient horse. "My name is Olivia," she finally said bringing herself back to reality. Her mind always seemed to wander and she hoped that he wouldn't find it rude. Olivia's eyes wandered over the surrounding area, the weather was much warmer here and the grass was healthy and green. "Though I suppose it really doesn't matter if you know my name or not. I'm just temporary company." she said then looked at Abel smiling. It only made Olivia more curious when he refused to share details with her, though she did understand why he had chosen to keep to himself. She had chosen not to share some things with him as well. Besides, he didn't know her and had only just learned what her name was. Why would he want to share anything with her let alone want to build some sort of relationship? She was just another person to her and nothing more. For a moment she was afraid that she had upset Abel, though he didn't seem too upset or even angry. Really she couldn't tell what he was feeling, he seemed like a shell of a man, empty inside. Olivia wondered if she should have just travelled alone, perhaps this man would end up causing her more trouble than helping her. He seemed a little bit on edge. |
He never said a word when she poke her name, he heard it but he was more focused on watching the road ahead it would seem. Though her next statement made him sigh a little before he spoke. "No it doesn't matter.. though even as temporary company your still my charge for the time being." There's a statement you didn't hear out here so far from the kingdoms rule. Sure he wasn't accepting payment from her and he didn't expect her to do much of anything but he still wasn't going to let harm befall her if he had breath left. Not tat he truly cared for her well being but it still was against his nature to let a companion fall into harms way.
After what he had gone through it was almost amazing he didn't just break down and allow death to take him. Though he didn't show it his armor hid a few wounds that were still in the healing process. He could still fight well enough to protect this woman, or that's what he thought. Though if he failed he'd hardly complain about death taking him. If this journey he was on proved to be fruitless what more would he have to live for anyway. Even though he didn't answer her for the time being if they traveled long enough she might get his story, or if his past came back from the grave to haunt him. Though his tale was hardly something you would want to hear. A man pushed to the edge of breaking having lost everything, he really was a shell of his former self. If it wasn't for his soul being anchored to his body it would probably forsake him as well. The war steed snorted a little before taking a few steps forward and shaking it's head once. "You think so.." Abel spoke to the creature like he understood what it was saying, the horse shook it's head again in a up and down motion of sorts as it's answer to the man. This probably looked odd to most, though not so odd from where he hailed from. But even going back there was lost to him, nothing remained aside from painful memories. Though he did finally speak again seeing as the day was slowly turning into dusk. "We'll stop in another hour.. there's a grove ahead that will provide cover till daybreak" He said nothing more about it, though he wasn't looking forward to the time during the night, sleep brought dreams ... and with them images he'd rather forget. It didn't help that this woman would probably chat his ear off in the process. |
Olivia's eyes curiously looked around the current area that they were in. She wondered if they would find shelter or just set up a temporary camp. "Where will we sleep tonight?" she finally asked, she wondered how it would feel to sleep on the cold ground. It had been some time since she had done that, she didn't travel too far usually, this was one of the few times that she would have to sleep then continue her journey. "I see a few mountains, perhaps there are some caves." she suggested though she wasn't sure if Abel would find a cave suitable for a night's stay. Olivia nearly fell off of Sebastian when he suddenly stopped, the horse lifted his front legs and let out a loud neigh, he seemed frightened. "Sebastian!" Olivia yelled, she pulled on his reigns attempting to stop him. "Calm down, stop!" she said softly. The horse stomped his front legs against the ground and shook his head almost violently. She brought her hand to the back of his neck and began to pet him gently. "What's wrong?" she whispered to him. She looked around to see if she could see what had frightened him but nothing seemed to be there. |
"where ever we find a safe place to do so" was his short answer to her question, it was true enough he had supplies to make a camp if they couldn't find some form of shelter before night fall. After she said something about caves he thought on it a moment, though he didn't speak again. It was a good idea it would give them the advantage and disadvantage of having a wall to their backs, though a roof of some form was a blessing on it's own.
He stopped with the sudden outburst from the other horse as he made his mount turn and walk over to her instead of keeping the distance he had been. "If he that poorly trained?" He spit out before looking the horse over, it seemed it had fear in it's eyes. Getting his mount to face forward again he seemed to look for something, even his horse seemed on edge about something. "tell me.. is there any tales of these woods?" He was asking if there were rumors or tales of people going missing or being attacked, such information might explain the horses uneasiness at the moment. Though with the sun slowly fading he could hardly see anything in the forest ahead. He'd have to keep his guard up, and hope that her horse wouldn't throw any further fits like the last one. The less noise the better off they were. |
"I-I'm sorry about that," she said softly then looked over her horse, she seemed embarrassed by his sudden outburst. "I should have trained him more, but I'm an impatient fool." she laughed softly then ran her hand along Sebastian's neck gently. The horse's breathing returned to normal and he seemed calm for now. "Well, every forest has a tale of course. Though that can be said about anywhere in the world. People like to tell tales and fill each other's heads up with nonsense." she let out a heavy sigh and looked up at Abel. She was a bit surprised that he had stopped for her, even if it wasn't for too long. Considering how he had threatened to leave her behind if she wasn't quick enough. "Most tales are made just to keep the children from wandering too far from the village and to keep them in their beds at night." she added then shook her head, hair fell in front of her face and she brushed it away. "They say that a beast lives in the forest, it's big of course and very strong. It's cruel and enjoys eating small children, women and men." her eyes wandered over the various trees. Did Abel think that something could really be in the forest? "It sleeps during the day but comes out at night. That's why everyone who has to cross through the forest resists doing it at night." Olivia remembered that her own parents had told her tales to keep her from misbehaving. Though once she became older and learned that they were just tales she being a little rebellious. From her times spent in various villages she always heard the same thing. Monsters here, beasts there, but they only come out at night so you better go to bed and not wander off at night. Sometimes if the children didn't do their chores or misbehaved the parents would tell them that the beast stole misbehaving children from their beds at night. |
he listened to her telling him of the tale for this forest, sounded about like any other tale. Though he had his own reasons to be weary of such tall tales and to not shrug all of them off. "are you sure it's just a tale?" He seemed to question her, like he had crossed blades with a beast of myth and legend before. This was a world where the gods walked among the mortals so it wasn't that odd to think there were some beasts in the dark..
He made a slight click noise before the horse seemed to walk a few paces faster ten before so he got his distance back, though he also wanted to have enough room if he needed it... his weapon was a poor choice at close range that was certain. Something did seem off about this forest. Granted the beast of her tale might not be what lurked here.. the tale might still have some form of truth to it. He did finally speak again to explain why he questioned her. "Some tales are not just tales.. travel enough you will find some that are very much true and that's when you wished you had listened to such warnings." He never spoke of what tale he had encountered or what the beast was he had lived through but he probably wouldn't tell her either. They needed to hurry then while they had sunlight if they were to reach the mountains edge to check for caves. Though they were rather close to the forest still it might not be safe there if something lurked in the darkness of the woods. "I'd advise picking up the pace unless you wish to test that tale of yours" He said to her noticing she was falling behind a little, sure he had threatened to leave her behind.. but he couldn't just do that it went against his nature. Even if he wasn't the nicest person on the planet. |
"Well, it could always be true. The tale could always be based off of the truth, though it's mostly just made up things to scare children and to keep people in their homes at night." Olivia wondered how many years it would take for her kind to become nothing but a legend. Eventually if they continued to be picked off one by one then there would be so little left that it would seem like they didn't exist anymore. Then stories would be made and passed down through generations, eventually people would laugh at them and say how silly it is that they could be true. It wasn't necessary a bad thing though, if Olivia managed to find somewhere to live where she wouldn't be bothered then she could live to see such days come. Then she could live a normal life amongst humans because they wouldn't even think that anyone could be a God or Goddess. "Come on," she whispered to Sebastian and pulled on his reigns. "Don't worry, I will protect you." she added, Sebastian hesitated to move at first but then began to walk. She could tell that horse wanted nothing to do with the forest. Either because maybe the tales were true or because there could be other creatures that he didn't like. She hoped that they could travel through the forest quick enough to avoid any creatures. |
"I see.." was his short reply though he wasn't sure but something was bothering the horses. And it was a known fact that animals were more in tune with nature then anything else.. aside from maybe druids but he was hardly a druid. Either way he wasn't going to test this myth.. as he kept the horses moving till they cleared to the other side, it wasn't a overly fast pace but it was good enough, as he didn't want to wear the steeds out.
Once they got to the other side he checked behind them to make sure, it was getting darker by the second. After he dismounted he started to walk towards the mountain side, there were a few small caverns but he followed the edge till he found a larger one, so it could fit the horses as well. "Well this should do" He finally said before he looked back towards the forest, he didn't trust the shadows. "get inside I need to prepare a few things before we settle for the night.." He seemed agitated a little that he had to preform this task but it was better to be safe then wish you had done so after the fact. Once she was in the cave and the horses as well he took a few steps out and pulled a small pouch from his belt. Opening it he pinched a small amount of what looked to be green light or dust from it and then closed it once again. quickly drawing a symbol in the air he stepped back from it as it glowed for a few seconds in the air before vanishing. he walked back towards where his horse had picked to lay down as he sat and leaned his back against the beast. "That should do well enough.. or at least give us a fair chance to prepare ourselves." He sat there a few moments before speaking again seeing as she didn't seem to move much after he told her to get in here, sure green magic wasn't common placed and only druids could use it but it wan't that odd was it. "You can make a fire can't you? At least try to be useful" |
Olivia could feel that Sebastian didn't want to go into the forest, she was afraid that he would panic and knock her off of him. "Stay calm," she whispered to him. All she could really do was stroke the back of his neck gently and assure him that there wasn't anything to be afraid of. Olivia would give him something for his good behaviour after they got through the forest. When they go through the forest she let out a sigh, she was relieved that thy had made it. Olivia really didn't want to find out if the tales were true or not. She brought herself to the ground once they reached the mountain side. Olivia took hold of Sebastian's reigns and made him walk behind her. She didn't say much, Abel probably knew more than she did so she didn't argue that they could possibly find something better. Olivia stepped inside of the cave, it was cold and damp. She brought Sebastian inside of it with her, the horse breathed out a sigh. He was tired from all of the walking. She watched Abel curious as to what he was doing. Her eyes watched the symbol as it lit up, she wondered what it meant. Though it probably gave them some sort of protection. Olivia was brought out of her thoughts when he spoke to her again. "Oh," she said it almost shyly. "I'm sorry, I will do that right away." she patted Sebastian on his nose and told him to stay here. Olivia took one of the empty bags that were strapped on to Sebastian. When she returned she had filled them with wood and rocks. "I gathered as much as I could," she said softly. She hoped that Abel didn't get mad at her for not getting enough. She dumped the wood and rocks out of the bag, then she made a circle with the rocks and placed the wood inside of it. "I hope that that's alright." she said then looked up at him nervously. |
He waved a hand lazily at her, she seemed nervous for some reason. Though it wasn't like they knew much about one another for all she knew he could be a murderer and was just luring out to the woods to kill her. Not that he was, but it was still possibly.
"Relax, that's fine. I just don't have the energy to go about gathering stick at the moment." He'd go out after he had a moment to rest and gather more, considering it was at least a good start of a fire. He moved a little and fiddled a little with the wood inside of the circle before he lit it, the arrangement would hold the flame a little longer to buy him some more time. The horse that was behind him snorted as it sat down on all fours. It seemed tired but not like Sebastion was, then again it was use to walking long distances and with it's rider in more armor then he was wearing currently. The horse hardly seemed bothered by any of this aside from it being a little uneasy close to this forest. Maybe there was something in it after all if the horses were both a little spooked. He moved back again and leaned against the horse before speaking "Do you commonly go about asking strangers for assistance or is that something you just started?" He seemed amused oddly enough as his face held a slight smirk. Normally he didn't ask such questions but it was odd that the village had rejected helping her even with pay. This woman there was something about her he couldn't put her finger on. But truth be told he didn't care to know that much about her. This bit of small talk was to get her to calm down. He kept looking out towards the forest each time the horse shifted, like he expected something to jump out. Though maybe he did, she had no idea where his travels had taken him or how long he had wandered the lands. Hell truth be told she didn't know anything aside from his name. |
Olivia smiled at him nervously she hoped that he wouldn't want to leave her if he thought she was a threat. "They don't really like me," she waited for Sebastian to lay down on all fours then she brought herself to sit against him. He snorted seemingly annoyed by her doing so but she did not move. "I have lived there for three years perhaps they just got fed up of me being there for so long. I.." she went quiet trying to think of what to say. "I was kind to them all, I don't know why they would dislike me." she lied, really she knew why. They had just become fed up of the constant weather that she caused. She looked over at the forest, Olivia wondered if they would see the so called beast though deep down she doubted it. What was it about humans? They spoke of monsters and beasts... they filled their heads up with nonsense. Did they like scaring themselves and others? They seemed to get some sort of thrill from it. She brought her eyes back to Abel and smiled at him. "Thank you for putting up with me," she said softly though she knew he would probably shrug what she had said off. "I really do appreciate it and I still wish to pay you. I think it's unfair that you have to drag me around without getting something in return." Her heart jumped in her chest when she heard a sudden noise, it was odd. Something that she had never heard before and she couldn't even think of a way to describe it. Though it only happened once... she waited to hear it again but she didn't. Perhaps she was letting the idea of a beast in the forest get the better of her. She was simply being paranoid. |
He listened to her story but he didn't think she was telling him the whole truth. But for now he'd let it slide she'd probably tell more later with how much she talked. "I see... well I can understand why you would want to look for somewhere else to live then. Though it's still taking a risk to trust a stranger who wandered into town." He was just going to say she was lucky he wasn't that type, most would have tried to take advantage of her in her situation. On top of things her looks were far from something that you could just shrug off, that could have landed her in trouble as well. Yet at the same time she seemed to have some aura about her that said she could handle her own if it came to it.
"hrm?" He looked at her being drawn out of his thoughts. "Don't thank me yet, we haven't gone that far." He never mentioned a word about her still going on about paying him, he didn't need money he had enough to cover whatever they'd need easily. Though that was thanks to his past even if he didn't like thinking about it he did have it to thank for tat at least. "Your hardly anything to put up with.." He laughed a little though it was weak sounding and had a slight hint of sadness in it, it seemed he thought of a memory that he'd rather not. The sudden sound caught his attention as well as he stood from where he was, his pole arm in hand as he faced the forest. "guess we'll see if this village has one as well.." he said it more to himself then anything but it wasn't under his breath so she surly heard it. There were such beasts as the ones in myths and legends but they were very rare. Really he hoped it wasn't one such beast they were hard to kill and it was rather a shame to put down such a magical being. The odd noise didn't sound again but there seemed to be movement in the forest near the edge, it was too dark to see so pinpointing where the rustling was from was next to impossible. It may be silly to believe in such tails of two headed monsters and horses with horns.. but he had learned a few things in his travels. Some such tales shouldn't be shrugged off. |
Olivia looked up at Abel as he stood, he must have heard the noise as well. "I don't know what that was," she said quietly, Olivia stood as well but she didn't bring herself to stand beside him. "It sounded odd, I can't even describe it." she tilted her head and looked around the area curiously. It felt as if something was watching them, were they being hunted? "I think that we should take turns sleeping tonight, I think that something really is out there. I can," she paused and looked at Abel again. "I can feel it." Olivia became nervous, she could defend herself. She had her blade and she had her powers though she had wanted to keep her powers a secret from this man. The last thing she needed was for him to try to take her life or for him to even leave her to travel on her own. "Look!" she said suddenly disturbing the silence that had fallen. "Over there, by the trees!" she lifted her hand and pointed. There was sudden movement and a loud rusting sound. It seemed as if whatever it was was making it's way to them. "It's headed over here, it must have seen us come here." Sebastian let out a loud cry that startled Olivia. The horse stood, he appeared to be uneasy. Olivia took a hold of his reigns not wanting him to run off. |
He glanced back at her when she said she can feel it.. what did that mean humans couldn't sense beings or creatures that were near. Was she even a human? He would worry about such a question later as he stood his ground. "it would be wise, I'll take first watch if the creature doesn't attack by then i doubt it will." More or less he was giving her the easier watch it would be closer to dawn by the time he would bother switching.
"Stay here" He told her after she pointed he had caught the sudden movement as well as he rushed forward a few steps just outside of where the rune had glowed in the air. His weapon was held and ready to strike but his stance seemed to be relaxed and calm. By how he acted towards her earlier it was certain he was going to just kill whatever this beast was without a second thought. A sudden cry could be heard similar to the one before as a large creature burst from the forests edge into the clearing Abel was standing in. Bearing it's fangs as it growled and cried out again. The creatures eyes were a blood red and it's fanged were the size of small daggers. It stood a few moments on two hind legs before dropping down to all fours and moving slowly to start to circle to Abel's side. The beast seemed to be mostly wolf yet it help some human characteristics. It was at least 7 feet tall when standing on it's hand legs and even on all fours it's arched back was taller then Abel. Claws and fangs both seemed to shimmer in the moon light above as it walked and growled it's warnings towards the man. Though for now he didn't strike at it, instead he seemed to watch the poor creature a cursed being. |
Olivia struggled as she held Sebastian back from running off. The horse threw his head back and forth snorting as he did so. "Stop it!" she cried and tugged on the reigns, when he threw his legs out she became worried that he could potentially kick her. "Sebastian please, please calm down! I don't want to hurt you, I don't want you to hurt me!" she breathed out heavily as he continued to behave recklessly. Olivia pressed one hand to the horse's neck and the spot under became cold, a thin layer of ice formed. "Stop it before I turn you into a damn popsicle." she hissed. She tugged on his reigns once more and the startled horse let out a whine. Olivia's eyes grew wide as his head swung towards her own, she couldn't move in enough time. Her hands let go of Sebastian's reigns and she fell to the cave's floor with a loud thud. The horse ran away into the night, he ran in the opposite direction of the forest. She cursed under her breath, why had she stuck with such a stubborn horse for all of this time? Olivia stood and rubbed the sore spot on the back of her head. Abel would yell at her for having such a horse and she feared that he would leave her behind. What was she going to do then? No horse, no weapon other than her powers and no idea of where she should go. She gritted her teeth as she touched the back of her head, it was sore and maybe she was bleeding from hitting it so hard against the cave's floor. Her head was also pounding from Sebastian's head hitting hers. She couldn't just stand here and do nothing as Abel risked his life. Perhaps if she helped him then he wouldn't mind her riding on the back of his horse with him, what a thought! She brought her hand away from the back of her head, she was bleeding lightly. Hopefully it wouldn't become a mess and she didn't need stitches. Then her eyes wandered over to Abel, she found her feet moving as she approached him slowly. Though she stopped a few feet behind him. "You're going to get yourself killed!" she hissed. |
He heard the noise and fuss with her and her horse but he was keeping his eyes forward. He needed to watch this beast. as he made sure his front stayed facing the creature as it moved. He frowned a bit hearing her move up behind him a little and hearing her speak. "mind your own and I said stay back" He spat at her suddenly.
The beast growled and went to make a lunge forward but he moved and held the weapon in front of him his eyes were a bright green in the moon light as he faced the wear beast "this is dark magic at work... this creature is not of old.. it's soul is tormented to keep this shape." He seemed to be speaking but he wasn't directing his words to anyone as he took a few steps forward towards the creature. "forgive me but your true form is lost... this is the only way you can rest." He seemed to bow his head a moment staying there as he held his weapon, why was he saying sorry to such a beast a creature with nothing but blood lust. this human who had no direction in life yet seemed to know some of the old ways. The beast lashed out again though Abel was ready for it this time as he stepped again and trusted his weapon forward as the spear tip on his pole axe buried it's self deep into the beast's chest. In the same motion he quickly slammed it to the ground pulling his weapon free before spinning the weapon once to his side and slamming it's full force down upon the grounded creature's neck. After ensuring it was a clean cut through he drew the blade back away from the creatures corpse. Letting out a heavy breath he brought the weapon to his side before bringing both of his hands together and doing a sort of prayer from the looks of it. Mere moments later he turned and looked at Olivia with the same soulless expression he had from before when she first encountered him. "we'll rest for now, I'm sure your horse will turn up down the road" He hardly seemed worried then again there seemed to be more to him then meets the eye anyway. He walked past her and returned to his seat next to his horse without saying another word. He didn't feel like explaining why such a simple weapon killed a beast of dark magic, ones said to be immortal. Though he was sure she was going to question him anyway even if he didn't want to answer. |
She jumped a little when he told her to mind her own business. Olivia wanted to help him though she would stay back until he seemed to be in distress. She watched him battle the creature curiously, he was an older man and she was curious where he had trained. Perhaps she would ask him after they had settled back down. Right now wasn't an appropriate time to ask questions. When the beast became lifeless she felt relieved that she had not had to expose her powers. She watched Abel silently as he went back to the cave, Olivia retreated back to it. Olivia brought herself to sit on the cave's cold ground. She pressed her hand to the back of her head and whimpered quietly, it did hurt quite a bit. If she ever found Sebastian he was going to be scolded to death. She looked over at Abel, she really wanted to ask him so many things. She felt like a child. "Where did you learn to fight?" she finally asked, she chewed on her lower lip nervously wondering what he would reply. |
He frowned a little hearing her slight whimper as she touched her head. He stood once more almost at the same time she asked her question. Walking towards her he looked down at her for a moment before kneeling. "let me see it" He took a little nicer tone then the one he had barked at her earlier with, he needed to make sure she wasn't really hurt being a head wound that could be fatal.
After checking the wound a moment he walked back towards the horse who was still laying down and pulled out a small vial that had some cream of some sort in it. Taking it he walked back towards her an handed her the vial. "it'll keep it from hurting, the wounds not that bad your lucky the horse didn't kick you." He fell silent after he was done speaking about the wound, he knew she asked a question but he was debating on answering it, what would it matter. He sighed finally as he moved and kneeled down on one knee next to where she was watching the flame flicker. "I was a knight, the kingdom's power doesn't reach this far." He didn't seem keen on saying more then that, but that hardly explained why he spoke in riddles almost or where he learned the barrier that he cast earlier that night. Really he didn't want to tell her that much his name was slandered in the kingdom he was a traitor according to the king a outcast. His life had been torn apart and he was suppose to stand aside and watch it happen? Yes they expected him to but that's hard what he did. "what does it matter where I learned to fight from we're both alive be grateful" He said before standing once more and taking the vial once she was done with it. Walking back towards the horse he put it back in the bag he had taken it from before sitting once more. In truth he was one to talk, he wasn't grateful to be alive it was a curse to him anymore. |
Olivia hesitated at first to allow him to see her wound, just earlier he had barked at her for wanting to help and now he wanted to help her. She took his hand in hers and brought it to where it hurt. "I don't think that it's too bad, it could be a lot worse." she said then smiled weakly at him. She watched as he went to retrieve something for her. Her eyes wandered curiously over the vial, she wondered what the cream inside was made of. It had a peculiar smell when she opened it. "Thank you," she almost said it timidly. It was nice that this man was being kind to her. When she applied it it helped stop the wound from throbbing, she felt better almost instantly. She handed the vial back to him once she was finished. "You're so mysterious, you use techniques that I have never seen before and this and your horse..." she blushed a little realising that she might upset him. Olivia knew that she could talk forever without realising it. She didn't want to annoy him seeing as he was rather distant and kept to himself. "It's just amazing, I wish that my horse obeyed me like that maybe I should get a new one or be more demanding with him and I wish that I could fight like that, I'm rather pathetic." she laughed quietly and smiled at him. She chewed on her lip nervously wondering if she could talk to him a little bit longer. Olivia had kept to herself a majority of the time that she spent in the village. She talked every now and then to the children or the women, it was rare for the men to talk to her. Though she didn't want to be a chatter box. "Now, I have a question for you. Why are you helping me? I'm a stranger yet you're being so kind." Olivia breathed out heavily wondering what he would say. She felt bored, she wanted to know more about this man. |
He laughed slightly at her saying he was mysterious, he could say the same about her seeing as a village was happy to see her leave, he noticed the odd weather started to clear when they moved away from the village as well. But he never said a word. "The horse is also part of that distant kingdom.. he's trained to his riders voice and commands. Over there they are trained as foals to listen to one person. It's not all that amazing, it comes down to communication and team work you have to trust the animal and it has to trust you or you'll never get anywhere."
the way she spoke he sounded almost glorified.. he knew that wasn't the case there was enough blood on his hands to over that village they were just in. "don't wish for things when you have idea what the costs are to obtain them" He spoke bluntly though he said the truth, she didn't know what he had gone through and he didn't really want to tell her. In truth he already said more then he wanted to. "thats a good question.. we'll say I felt pity for you" He smirked a little, not that he really cared if she traveled with him or not or if he had to watch her or not he was going this direction anyway so why care. she wasn't slowing him down in the least so he didn't mind really. "We'll just call you lucky for now, you happened to be going in the same direction as I so I allowed you to tag along, simple." That was probably all she was getting out of him, he seemed to be of few words. But if he had been traveling for extended periods of times without company aside from the horse it would make someone anti-social. Though his goal of this quest he seemed to be on was hardly a selfish one.. he wanted to see.. with his own eyes if what he was told was true. |
Olivia leaned back away from the man as she saw a sudden change in his body language. "I'm sorry," she said softly, her smile disappeared and she seemed to be slightly frightened. "I hope that I didn't upset you, Abel. I won't bother you about such things again, besides I'm being too talkative aren't I?" she laughed though it was a weak laugh. "I'm lucky that you have not decided to get rid of me because of it." "Pity?" she smiled weakly at Abel and couldn't help but to laugh as well. "You just don't want to seem as if you're going soft, do you? Though I'm probably wrong and you actually did only feel pity for me." she leaned back against the cave's wall and a chill ran through her body. "I know that I have already thanked you, but thank you. I really do appreciate this and I wish that you would accept my offer of pay." she crossed her arms over her chest. Olivia still wanted to pry into the man's business, though then again she wouldn't allow him to pry into her own. She was allowing her curiosity to get the best of her. She couldn't risk getting too chatty with him because what if he picked at her to tell her why the villagers really disliked her? Olivia had a feeling that he knew she had lied earlier, she wasn't a very good liar anyways. She watched him, a smile still on her face. "I'm rather tired," she yawned a little then closed her eyes. "I hope you don't mind me dozing off." |
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