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Post by Amber on Oct 29, 2019 19:32:07 GMT -5
(Sounds good.)
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Post by Myst on Oct 30, 2019 11:38:43 GMT -5
As they traveled in silence, the demon found himself drifting in and out of consciousness. He wanted nothing more than to lay down and just rest, or sleep, or something. Possession took a day of recovery at the least a day, which was a luxury he didn't have. Not until they got to Nyla's rest, and even then he wouldn't get a full day. Still, for now, he took advantage of the fact that he couldn't direct the horse, upper body resting against the animal's neck as they traveled. He considered himself lucky to even be mostly conscious right now.
Kiran, on the other hand, had worry written all over her face. She cast her eyes over to her guard every now and then, unsure of the full extent of his current state of being. He looked drained, and while his eyes weren't actively bleeding, the blood that seemed to have originated from the area. She couldn't remember how he said injuries worked while possessing something. Rather, she recalled the fact that if the vessel died, he died along with it.
The group rode on in silence through the dunes and were on level sands after about an hour. Fifteen minutes after that, they had arrived at the first oasis. The area was like a smaller version of the city, and it did have a small pond. Good - a freshwater source. The freckled woman brought hers and Cruva's horse to a halt, dismounting easily. She didn't have much to say as she walked around the animals, assisting the demon as he dismounted.
It was odd, needing help to get off a damn horse. Sure, he wasn't bitter about the event itself, but that didn't make being blind any better. Tails swaying gently behind him, the demon followed his summoner towards the water source. They were definitely in the oasis if the general area's scents were anything to go off of. When they came to a stop by the pond, he let himself more or less fall into a sitting position. This level of pure exhaustion was something he hadn't known in a very long time, and honestly, he genuinely wanted to just be unconscious.
The princess sat down beside him, frowning a little. "Cruva, I can-" He waved her off vaguely, eyes unseeing but looking at her. She sighed, standing to get her bag of things from her horse. It's not like he really had a choice - she was the reason he was here, and if he wasn't going to care for his own health then she would. After all, one of the vials of healing potions was surely potent enough to help him, although, she wasn't sure if he was in any actual pain.
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Post by Amber on Oct 30, 2019 13:02:11 GMT -5
The rest of the trip through the dunes went without issue. They didn't run into any other dangers and were able to cross through the Julko region without any diffculty. The dunes eventually melted away into flat ground once more. Kell was grateful for that. They would have better viability for any dangers that could be lurking in the sands. After a few more minutes of travel, the thief spotted some greenery up ahead. It was the first oasis. She nodded, glad they could reach a stopping point. Kiran halted the horses and dismounted. She helped her guard down and they headed towards the edge of the water.
Kell did the same, leading her steed to the small pond so he could drink. She grabbed her backpack and headed to one of the rocks on the edge of the oasis. Perching herself on the candy-colored stone, she took a brief look over the desert. After a moment, the thief opened her bag and pulled out a map. She had packed two maps. One for Zaestro and the other for Ereva. Taking a look at the sheet, she traced the path roughly with her finger. They were in the Nyla oasis. With a nod, she tried to figure out where they were headed to next.
Oswald sighed in relief when the first rest came into view. He followed the movements of the others, dismounting from his mare and leading her to the water. Tempest immediately seprated herself from the group, making it clear she didn't want to be around them. Meanwhile, Kiran and Cruva headed to the water's edge. The Zaestrin woman seemed worried about her guard while he seemed exhausted. The half-orc sat nearby the pair, silently.
The princess began to care for the demon, even though he seemed to not want that. She pulled something from her bag. It was a vial of some sort. Maybe some type of healing thing? Oswald wasn't sure, but she gave him the vial and seemed to not be taking no for an answer. After remaining silent for a moment, Oswald finally spoke up. "So what's the story with you and Cruva?" He looked at Kiran, directing her question towards the woman. Perhaps it was a bad time to ask. However the prince was curious and wanted to find out more about the situation.
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Post by Myst on Oct 30, 2019 16:17:03 GMT -5
She had gotten busy applying the liquid to his wounds from three days ago which had seemed to reopen. He'd been trying to deny her, however after a hissed command to 'shut up and deal with it' the demon fell silent. Still, it was clear he was unhappy about it. As she treated the wounds, she finally turned to his eyes. "Tilt your head back and stop acting like a child. You don't know if it'll help," Kiran muttered, forcing his head back. The demon quite literally hissed, though didn't move, as some of the potion was dripped into all four of his eyes.
Sealing the vial and dropping it back into her bag, she glanced up when Oswald posed his question. "After several break-ins six years ago, I got tired of doing the guards's job. So I summoned him, and he's bound to serve as my personal guard." Personally, she thought that it was a very simple story. It wasn't as if there was a lot to tell. Her guards had grown incompetent after a time of peace, and she didn't want to yell at them, leaving that task to her mother. Rather, she took matters into her own hands.
Cruva didn't speak up on the matter, sitting there silently as he tried to keep himself together. He didn't really care much for the question the half-orc would pose, attention drawn to the dull ache in his head. Ah yes, another after effect of possession... Or maybe due to the wounds he'd sustained during it. Regardless, he wasn't happy with it. As his summoner answered, he cast his gaze elsewhere. At least he could still judge how much light they had available to them... It seemed it was at least evening. Maybe it would be dark soon? He couldn't tell.
(ehhh this is short, I'm sorry)
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Post by Amber on Oct 30, 2019 17:43:13 GMT -5
An amused smile danced on Kell's lips as Kiran scolded her guard. She was have tempted to joke about the situation, but decided aganist it. These people were not her friends. She had her back turned to the group, but could hear everything they were saying. The thief was glad none of them had tried to strike up a conversation with her. As the two royals spoke, the young woman listened in. It would be foolish not to find out more about them if she had the chance. The explanation for the summoning of the demon was surprisingly simple. Almost too simple perhaps. There had to be more to it than that. Summoning a demon and keeping him around for six years seemed overkill for some break-ins. Kell didn't overthink it, however. Royals and nobles were weird. That had strange ways of doing things and summoning a demon was no different in that case.
The young man nodded along in interest. That seemed like a reasonable enough answer, especially if they didn't know who was doing it or why. As he thought about it, Oswald couldn't help but glance at Tempest. "You think it was her?" He asked curiously as he gestered to the woman. He didn't really care if she hard him or not.
Kell rolled her eyes. He knows I'm not the only thief out there, right? Without moving, she spoke. "I can hear you, you know. Also I wasn't in the area six years ago. But take my word as you please. I don't care."
The half-orc glanced her way but said nothing. He wasn't entierly sure if he believed Tempest, but he also didn't press the woman for details. She didn't seem to be the chatty type and he was half convinced she wouldn't hesitate to stick a dagger in him. Turning his attention from the thief, he looked back towards Cruva and Kiran.
"So why summon a demon? No offense, but it seems like a lot of work when there are plenty of talented people out there who could do the job." Iswald hoped he wasn't insulting anyone by his words. However he was curious why the princess had gone down that path instead of hiring someone competent. Perhaps there was no one who fit what she was looking for. He couldn't be sure until she answered.
(It's a good reply. Don't worry about it.)
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Post by Myst on Oct 30, 2019 18:18:16 GMT -5
The freckled woman glanced over to the thief at the proposal, frowning a little. She personally felt as though that there was no way that it could've been her. Still, before she could respond, the blonde spoke up. She personally believed her, though she didn't speak on it. Judging by her tone, she didn't quite care whether or not she was believed. "Considering Cruva was the only person who knew she was there the other night, no, it couldn't have been her," Kiran stated after another moment had passed. After all, the rest of her guard had been effectively useless in noticing and catching her.
Cruva managed a vague nod of agreement, head turned in the direction of the thief. She was oddly quiet for somebody who chose to come along. After a few moments, he forced himself to his feet, groaning lowly as he did so. He walked off while the royals were talking, finding the throbbing in his head as he did so. He was vaguely aware of the blonde's general location, and he stopped about two feet and slightly to the left of her. He was a bit off, not that he could tell. "Why'd you come along?" He questioned. The demon would admit, he was curious as to why she came since she'd been so eager to leave.
The princess watched as her guard got up and walked away, telling him to mind himself. It was very much like him to ignore his health. Hazel eyes turning back to the Mithran, she hummed in thought. Why? Well, she had her reasons. Part of her had wanted to know if she would be capable of doing such a thing. "Unlike us, demons are bound by their word as well as a summons. When given a task, they can't leave unless it's completed. By agreeing to the task, they are giving their word, and betrayal would result in a slow death for them, especially considering I specified he was to be loyal." Kiran paused, motioning for the half-orc to sit beside her. "Finding a trustworthy mercenary is hard - demons are much easier to work with when you know how to articulate their task."
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Post by Amber on Oct 30, 2019 20:02:16 GMT -5
Oswald nodded. If Kiran said that Tempest wasn't the intruder, then he was inclined to believe her. She had a point about the guards recognizing the thief if she had been the one causing the break-ins. As the demon got up, the princess warned him to be careful. He didn't really seem to take Kiran's words to heart. The Mithran prince glanced between the two for a moment. She seemed to really care for him. His attention turned towards the Zaestrin as she explained her reasoning for summoning a demon. Oswald nodded along.
"That makes sense. Criminals are diffcult to trust, if not impossible. It would also be an opportunity for spying for one as well if it came to it." Oswald couldn't speak from expierence, but it made sense. Hire some mercenary from the street and there would be risk involved. As the day began to cool to the evening, the man wondered what they would do next. He glanced towards Kiran. "Where to next from Nylo oasis?"
Kell had turned her attention away from the conversation for a moment as she put the map in the bag. She didn't notice Cruva joining her on the rock until he stopped to the left of her. She glanced over at him, but didn't say anything. She would prefer him to initate a conversation if he wanted one. He asked her why she came. She frowned lightly. He was there when Oswald had threatened her.
"Well being on the run from the princeling isn't something I would actively look forward to. And he saw my face so hiding would've been diffcult. Besides, all my crimes excused for going on a little journey seems worth it, I suppose." That much was true. As much as she didn't want to be there, only a complete fool would pass up the opportunity to free herself. Of course, that was also the obvious answer. Truthfully, she thought of her family. She smiled fondly as her thoughts drifted to a little farmhouse on the outskirts of a small town and then one of the port towns of Mithra.
"Anyway, why ask?" There was a hint of curiosity to her voice as she mused the question. "I thought you were having fun with the royals back there." She gestered with her head towards the pair by the pond. Why had he come to speak with her? She had been the most quiet during their journey so far. Perhaps he was trying to find more information about her. Though that didn't seem to make sense to the thief. She blinked, waiting to see what he would say.
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Post by Myst on Oct 30, 2019 22:13:51 GMT -5
Kiran nodded to his words, thinking on it. He had a point, she could have just as easily hired a couple of mercenaries or the like, but she had done her research on the creatures. They were bound by their word and would fall ill if it was not kept. They were also bound to whoever summoned them and could not leave until they fulfilled their reason for being. There was a catch with that, however - if the summoner was not specific enough, the demon had leeway, and could screw over their summoner if they wanted. And they usually did.
When asked where they would be going next, she couldn't help but sigh. She hadn't expected to get here so late, and at this rate, they had no chance but to stay the night. "The border of Zaestro - it gives way to that field like region, the one nobody claimed. We're a bit off track, but we'll get there before dark, given there are no other interruptions. I just want to avoid spending another night in the sands. I love my kingdom, I do, but it's harsh."
The demon gave a slight nod at her answer, figuring that was the most likely outcome Even still, there had to be something else. "I suppose so," he murmured, sitting down slowly. The lower to the ground he was, the better he seemed to feel, so this was his current preferred position. He didn't bother trying to look up at her, not totally sure of her exact position. Rather, both sets of eyes were 'focused' on the dessert ahead.
It was when she posed her own question Cruva turned his head in her general direction. As she continued, he gave a vague shrug. "I don't like being questioned," he responded. He was too easily annoyed to deal with however many questions the prince had. That, and he was generally unwell. Back to her question, however, he hummed lowly in thought. "Call me curious - you seemed so eager to leave three days ago." He genuinely hadn't expected to see her on the other side of the palace doors this morning. He honestly didn't expect her to stay with them for this long, either.
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Post by Amber on Oct 30, 2019 23:10:31 GMT -5
Oswald softly chuckled. "That's fair. The desert reminds me of the sea in some ways. Both vast, open spaces with dangers hidden beneath the surface. Anyway it's good to know we're not that far off from the edge of the territory." Truth be told he wanted to get out of the desert soon as well. He wasn't built for an environment like the desert. He was used to cool sea breezes keeping Mithra comfortable during the hottest points in the year. Besides that, he was eager to discover what exactly what was happening with Ereva. The party had been fine so far and hadn't run into any trouble with people. The prince was grateful for that, but as they reached more habitable areas that would change. He briefly cast his gaze towards Tempest and Cruva. A part of him hoped that if they ran into that kind of trouble, the thief and demon would come in handy.
Kell lightly smiled to the guard's response. "Well that makes two of us then." She said nothing more as she glanced up towards the sky. Her eyes drifted towards the area ahead, although she knew there was nothing of note to look at. It was all the same. Sand, rocks, shrubs, more sand, maybe a bird, and sand. That was one reason why the young woman had rarely gone to Zaestro. There was nothing of note out in its wilds. That and she didn't want to risk being trapped in the desert. At least in Mithra and Ereva there were plenty of ways she could survive if she got lost. Out in Zaestro she didn't know where to begin for that.
She nodded as the man spoke for a final time. "Fair," she simply replied. She continued to look out ahead into the sands. As a thief a lot of what she did involved waiting. She didn't mind waiting or stirring still and doing nothing. However she also was itching to do something. Aganist her better judgement, she pulled out a small notebook and a charcoal pencil. She quietly began to sketch the desert ahead. It was a simple piece, but it let her relax some. As she focused on the piece, she glanced at the demon once or twice. She remembered his words before she left. A part of her wanted to ask what exactly he meant by that. However she didn't care enough to ask. If it were important, he would say something about it.
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Post by Myst on Oct 30, 2019 23:35:05 GMT -5
She grinned a little at his words, nodding slowly. She didn't have a lot of experience with open water, but she could understand what he meant. "We'll be there soon... If we're lucky we'll get to see a sphinx before we leave. They don't pose any danger, but they're a wonderful sight." Or she liked to think they were. The creature were walking stone treasure vaults. She didn't know how they came to be, but it was rare that somebody would get inside, and even more so that they left safely. Despite being a princess, she had made a life goal to get in and out of a sphinx with some of its treasure. She followed his gaze to the other two, humming quietly in thought. "I don't know when he'll get his sight back," she commented. Kiran didn't know if the potion would help, but more importantly, she didn't know how long the effects of his little stunt would last.
He managed a slight grin at her answer, though it was gone as soon as it was there. Despite the fact that he couldn't see, he knew this land well enough. He was facing a lot of nothing, though he was sure that there was at least one serpent under the sand in the distance. What he did know was that at least three times a month, there was on sphinx here. He listened as he pulled out what he assumed was a source of paper and charcoal. The sound of the strokes weren't consistent, so it didn't seem was writing anything. Maybe drawing? Without turning his head, Cruva found himself commenting on it. "If you're up early, you're likely to see a sphinx. Much more interesting than whatever you're seeing now."
Cruva fell silent once more, closing his eyes as a gentle breeze carried itself through the oasis. There were a lot of things he could be doing right now. He could be laying down and resting properly. He could be working through his exhausting and pain which would ultimately result in his body giving out on him and forcing him unconscious. Or, he could strike up a conversation. Now, he didn't care much for conversation, however, after six years of being constantly talked to, it was odd for it to be quiet. So, against his typical nature, he opted for the last option. "What are you?" It was a general question thrown in the thief's general direction. She had something about her and he wanted to know. Partially out of curiosity, partially in case something went wrong and a fight broke out within the group.
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Post by Amber on Oct 31, 2019 0:27:04 GMT -5
"A sphinx? I've seen paintings of the creatures, but I've never encountered one of them. I don't think the pictures I've seen do them justice, however. It's good to hear they're not dangerous too." The desert was full of cerberus, basilisks, serpents, and various other wildlife that posed a threat to the party. To hear that there was one beast out there that was at least safe in comparison was relieving to the half-orc.
Oswald glanced towards the woman with sympathy as she continued to speak. She was concerned about Cruva, which likely meant something was really wrong with the demon. He offered a smile and placed a hand on Kiran's back. "I'm sure he'll be fine soon enough. It's not like his ailment is permenante, right?" He didn't know much about demons. Of the little he did know was their resilience. He would hopefully get his sight back soon enough. If not...Oswald didn't want to think of the disastrous possiblities.
The thief paused her sketching as the man spoke. She glanced as him and nodded. "Interesting," she quietly replied. Despite her simple word, a spark of excitment flickered in her chest. She had never seen a sphinx before, it could be interesting opportunity to draw something new. She kept that in mind for the next day. She quickly finished her small desert sketch. It wasn't complex. In fact she added a few birds in to make it more interesting. Kell looked to the next page and paused for a moment, deciding what to draw next. Nothing came to mind, so she drew something she was used to. The symbol. She didn't know why it stuck out in her mind or why she was compelled to draw it often. She had easily drawn the strange image hundreds of times. Something nagged at her to continue to sketch it, however.
She quickly finished the small piece. It was identical to the ones she had drawn before. It was a small deer head whose antlers formed a tree. She hadn't seen anything like it before and yet there was a feeling of familiarity to it. Perhaps that's why she drew it so often. Qhen the demon guard spoke up again, Kell raised an eye. What was that about questions again? She briefly half-smiled at the man's question and answered, however. "I'm not quite sure what you mean by that, so I apologize if the answer isn't satisfying. But I'm a human if that's what you're looking for. A human wizard." Probably, she added silently. "A failed wizard specifically. Of course I never had the proper-" Kell cut off her words. She was revealing too much. She turned back to her notebook and began to sketch again. This time it was the beginnings of a run-down city street somewhere in Mithra.
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Post by Myst on Oct 31, 2019 0:39:47 GMT -5
She grinned, nodding. They were truly a sight to behold - she'd only seen one. The princess had been thirteen a the time, but she remembered being so in awe of the large creature, watching what she thought to be just a large sandstone statue stand up and walk away carelessly. They were interesting creatures to her. Still, her mind turned to the demon as Oswald laid a hand on her back. Giving a slow nod, Kiran sighed. "I don't know, and he won't tell me. I don't think it is..." After all, it wasn't as if it had been a fatal blow, right? Right, so sure the effect would take care of itself.
As she answered, Cruva raised an eyebrow. Human? That... Didn't feel quite right. Even just sitting next to her like this indicated to him something more. Something with much more power behind it. He only listened as she continued, sorting the information away in his mind. Failed wizard? As her words fell short, he only gave a slight shrug, assuming the last word would have been 'training.' Even still, that wasn't the energy he was receiving. He was used to wizards - after all, the royal court had two of them. "You answered the question just fine. Incorrectly, however, but it's answered."
Pausing, the demon drew in a slow breath, letting his eyes slip closed. "You're something more, though you'd be right not to trust my words. I am a demon, after all." While he didn't care for her personal sense of self, he wanted to know. As far as he was concerned, she was still a threat to Kiran. The quicker he figured out what her odd energy was, the quicker he could figure out how to deal with it. In this sense, he was known to be social out of necessity.
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Post by Amber on Oct 31, 2019 1:29:49 GMT -5
The half-orc moved his hand away and slightly tilted his head. He took a quick glanced towards the guard. He was speaking with Tempest, which slightly surprised the half-orc. Once he made sure the man wasn't listening he turned to Kiran again. "He probably doesn't like people caring for him. At least that's what I assume by his personality." He didn't seem to like the princess doting on him. Perhaps that was part of his personality or maybe it had something to do with the man being a demon. He wasn't entierly sure what it was. After a moment, he glanced up at the sky. The sun would be setting soon and they likely needed to begin preparations for camp. "Should we go ahead and set up for the night?"
Kell nodded along as Cruva spoke then paused and blinked in surprise. She raised her brow. "Incorrectly? How?" She was human. At least that was the most likely answer because nothing else made sense. A reluctant part of her felt like he might be right, however, and she hated the thought. Pushing it aside, she continued to listen to the guard.
"Something more." What was that supposed to mean? It wasn't that she didn't trust what the demon was saying, it was that she looked, sounded, and had the general abilities of a human. What else could she be? Kell was curious about what the demon sensed and why he brought it up in the first place. Perhaps it had something to do with his duties or maybe he was genuinely curious. The thief wasn't sure what the answer was, but also didn't want to ask. With that in mind, it would be something she could discover for herself before someone else figured it out. Assuming the demon was being completely truthful.
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Post by Myst on Oct 31, 2019 8:30:45 GMT -5
Kiran couldn't help but sigh, nodding slowly. He'd hit the nail on the head - ever since being summoned, ever injury sustained had been a problem. Eventually, he'd grown used to the medics tending to him, however, typically wouldn't allow her to worry any further about him. It bothered her, especially now since she was in violation of their summons. Not that this is what she was concerned about, as she'd grown rather attached to him over time. "You'd think after six years he'd just get over it and let me do it, ya know?"
When asked if they should set up for the night, the freckled woman nodded. "Might as well - we won't reach the second oasis at a decent time, and we should be safe here." She stood up, dusting herself off and pulling up her bag with her. "I think I brought some stuff, though not enough. I'll go out in the morning and get extra food for us."
"I said what I said," Cruva responded. He knew he didn't have a true answer because he didn't know. He couldn't tell her how she was incorrect when he didn't even know himself. What he did know was that she wasn't exactly human. Not quite a halfling, but not human. At least, not completely. Opening his eyes, he took note of the change in lighting. So, they were likely staying here for the night.
He fell silent for a few moments, simply taking in the stimulus around him. It was quiet aside from whatever idle chatter the other two were having, and it had cooled down a bit. Now, if he'd had his sight about him, he could've seen the symbol she'd drawn. He would've down which deity it belonged to. This, however, was not the case.
The demon pushed himself into a standing position, nearly going back down as soon as he was up. Still, he remained standing, letting himself adjust for a moment before turning away. "I'd set up for the night if I were you," the guard murmured, beginning to walk away from her. He figured he could leave her to her own devices, as nothing had seemed to change.
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Post by Amber on Oct 31, 2019 10:19:37 GMT -5
Oswald nodded in agreement. "Yeah, exactly. Maybe he'll come around soon? I mean, there's only so long someone can be stubborn for, right?" It at least seemed logical to the half-orc. However there was still the reason why. Why would Cruva deny the princess to worry about him? It did seem odd, especially when it came to just treating wounds. Maybe he doesn't want to get attached or something, the prince thought as his eyes drifted back towards the demon. After their contract ended, perhaps he could be summon as an enemy against her. The thought ch illd Oswald. Someone who was once their ally and friend turning against them because he had different matters to attend to. The man didn't mention his thoughts as Kiran spoke up once more.
"Alright," he responded as he followed the woman's movements. He stretched and let out a light yawn. "Should we get a fire going?" He asked after a moment. He knew desert nights were much cooler than the days. However he didn't know what Kiran thought of the idea. It could be a risk to their survival, which was the exact thing Oswald wanted to avoid. They were in no position to deal with any dangers now.
Kell rolled her eyes but said nothing more. She continued to sketch the street and the buildings. In front of one in particular, she added children of varying ages playing together. The thief smiled fondly as she thought about those kids who now have all gone down their own paths. Some were good, others were lost, and the rest had fallen further. The young woman closed her eyes for a moment and sighed. Her attention turned towards the guard as he got up and turned away. He suggested setting up for the night before leaving the rock.
A part of her wanted to be stubborn for the sake of it and do what she wanted. However it appeared the royals were already getting to that and it would be childish. As the land became darker, she set away her notebook and pencil before pulling out a bag. Kell brought enough food for herself to ration across the next few days. She began to abscent-mindedly chew on a piece of jerky as the others set up their own things fir the night.
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Post by Myst on Oct 31, 2019 15:27:37 GMT -5
(happy Halloween!)
He had a point, although, she personally felt that six years was much too long. Even still, it was entirely possible that he was just being stubborn. It was did sound like something he would do, after all... Her attentions quickly fell to setting up camp and she smiled a little. She hadn't slept outside in a very long time, but she missed it. Camping was a freeing event in her opinion.
At the question of starting a fire, Kiran nodded. "Fire is a good idea - it'll keep things away - not that anything large enough to do damage is nocturnal, but still." She just didn't like the feeling of things touching her while she slept, so it was better to keep them away for as long as possible.
Cruva, after walking away from the blonde, made his way towards the pond, listening as Kiran and Oswald began to set up for the night. Right, then they weren't moving to the second oasis. He supposed that was for the better considering what time it was. Rather than attempt to help, which he knew could end poorly, he sat himself besides the pond, listening to the water move which the breezes that passed.
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Post by Amber on Oct 31, 2019 16:44:52 GMT -5
(Happy Halloween to you too! Also I took my driver's test earlier for the third time and passed with a 79! So that was an excellent highlight.)
"Alright, let's get some wood and other fire stuff. Uh do you know how to build a fire?" Oswald inquired as he looked at Kiran. The prince had no expierence with camping. Whenever he travled, he had always found inns to stay out. Sleeping in the oasis would be an interesting expierence and he couldn't help but feel some excitment at the prospect. Of course the lack of expierence meant he didn't know how to do the basics. Hunting, fishing, making a fire, forging, and other aspects of camping were out.
The prince glanced towards the demon as he joined the group. He gave a small grunt of acknowledgement as the guard sat on pond's edge. He was curious to know what Cruva and Tempest talked about, but he knew it would be a bad idea to ask the man. Instead, he turned his attention towards his bag. It was packed with food and books mostly. Of course he had money and a change of clothes, but hadn't brought much else. Kiran knew where they were going, so he didn't need a map. The group settled into a quiet. It made Oswald uncomfortable, especially because he did like talking with people. He was just usually bad at it. He glanced towards Tempest as she spoke, happy there was something he could turn his attention to.
"Who's going to take first watch?" Kell asked from where she was still perched. She didn't care about any of them, but she also didn't want to end up dead because no one kept an eye on the area. Just because a place seemed safe, didn't mean it was.
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Post by Myst on Oct 31, 2019 17:00:00 GMT -5
(awe heck yeah dude! heckin proud of you!)
The princess grinned, nodding to his question. "Sure do. We'll be fine," she assured him. She herself knew a decent portion of the basics. Though, she didn't know how to fish or forage properly, she was one hell of a hunter. As Cruva made his way over and sat himself at the ponds edge, she relaxed a little. Well, he was still conscious... that was something, right? Right. She would at least tell herself that, anyway.
Setting bag down, she got to work collecting woods and small portions of dead plants for kindling. It took a few minutes longer than she would've wanted, but soon enough she had a good enough piles to get something going. Kiran figured she could just as easily get more wood as time went on. Grinning a little to herself, she drew the dagger from it's sheath, watching as the blame caught fire. "It's not the traditional way of starting a fire, but it's so much easier," she commented, touching the weapon to the kindling for a few seconds. She watched as it caught, sheathing the dagger. Soon enough the wood would catch some of the flame as well.
It wasn't until Tempest brought up a good question that she turned around. Right, it would be important to keep an eye out for danger while the others slept. "I'll take first watch." It wasn't as if she was going to sleep anyways - she wanted to see a sphinx in motion again. Besides that, she was head of the party, and had essentially almost killed them. They were out here because of her, so she would watch their backs.
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Post by Amber on Oct 31, 2019 17:33:02 GMT -5
(Aw thank you!)
The half-orc smiled and gave a small nod. That was good to know. He wasn't the survivalist type, so having someone else in the party who filled that role was a good thing. He watched as the Zaestrin princess began to collect all the material needed for the fire. Even if the young man wasn't much if a nature lover, he could at least see the general way to set up a fire. Once it was all placed together, he couldn't help but grin as she pulled out the fire-throwing dagger. That was on way to make a fire efficiently. "Hey if it's easier, why not do it?"
With the fire lit and the day winding down, Oswald relaxed a little. He was glad that their first day had gone so well all things considered. Cruva was still injured after poessing the basilisk earlier and he didn't seem well. Oswald hoped the demon would be better by tomorrow, but he couldn't be sure. Shifting his attention away, he looked towards Tempest. Night watches, right. That was an important detail to consider.
Kiran claimed the first watch. The prince nodded. "I'll take the second watch," Oswald chimed in. If he wasn't going to be useful in a fight or for hunting, he was going to have to be useful by keeping watch over his companions.
Kell nodded as the first two responded. She figured the guard likely wouldn't claim any watch considering how weak he seemed. "I'll take the final watch," she stated. The thief was an early riser anyway, so she wouldn't lose much sleep by keeping watch last. She was also interested in the sphinx Cruva had mentioned earlier.
(Should we do another time skip here soon? Assuming you have nothing else planned that is.)
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Post by Myst on Oct 31, 2019 18:58:55 GMT -5
(Nope, I didn’t have anything else planned!)
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Post by Amber on Oct 31, 2019 19:41:02 GMT -5
(Alright time skip it is. How big?)
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Post by Myst on Oct 31, 2019 20:02:11 GMT -5
(Ahhh, I’m not sure. I didn’t really plan out any other events travel wise besides the desert attack)
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Post by Amber on Oct 31, 2019 20:09:21 GMT -5
(Maybe a few days into Ereva territory would be good?)
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Post by Myst on Oct 31, 2019 20:11:40 GMT -5
(That sounds good to me!)
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Post by Amber on Oct 31, 2019 20:16:46 GMT -5
(Alrighty! Do you want to get a starter up or should I?l
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Post by Myst on Oct 31, 2019 20:19:12 GMT -5
(I’m going out soon so I’ll only have my phone - if you’ve got the time could you? If not don’t worry about it I can get one up later tonight c: )
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Post by Amber on Oct 31, 2019 20:22:46 GMT -5
(Sure. I'm eating out with my family now, but I can definitely try and get something up after.)
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Post by Myst on Oct 31, 2019 20:23:42 GMT -5
(Cool! I hope your dinner is fun!)
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Post by Amber on Oct 31, 2019 20:29:25 GMT -5
(Thanks! )
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Post by Amber on Oct 31, 2019 23:22:21 GMT -5
The desert had been behind the group for a few days. They were in the mountainous kingdom of Ereva now, which presented new dangers for the party. Oswald road behind Cruva and Kiran with Tempest taking the back. They hadn't run into any Ereva soldiers. He wasn't entierly sure if that was good or bad yet. The journey had been long and boring for the most part. The group had a few conversations and general small talk as they went along, however they always ended quickly. He wasn't fond of how quiet things were. Maybe it was his unease of entering the kingdom or perhaps he simply enjoyed talking to people. He wasn't entierly sure which answer it was.
The young man looked ahead towards the mountains. They would likely enter through them by the end of the day. At least that's what he assumed, he was bad at judging how long travel took. They were a rather imposing sight, which only made him more nervous. He wasn't sure how much expierence any of his companions had with the region, which potentially put them at a disadvantage. He had heard stories about various dangers that lurked within the caves and winding paths in the region. Bandits, dragons, horse-sized spiders, and even supposedly giants were said to inhabit the mountains. He tried not tot think about it and instead focus his attention on the land around him.
Unlike the desert, trees and bushes dotted the land. The skies were filled with bird and gryphons while the grass was teeming with life from wild horse herds to small animals poking around. They hadn't come across any firebirds or wampus, which Oswald was grateful for. They were just as dangerous if not moreso than the basilisks. Or so he had heard and read up on. He didn't mention it, however and instead continued on the road in silence. He kept looking towards Kiran for decisions. He was a prince, but he was also a scholar. She was a princess, but much more of a survivalist. She had lead them through plenty of dangers and was a natural leader. Oswald respected that about the woman and was glad to follow her lead.
Kell looked over the horizon as they road along. They had managed to avoid running into other natural dangers as well as bandits or general criminals. That made the trip a whole lot easier on the group, if not a bit uninteresting. They hadn't seen much of other people since they left Zaestro and were mostly stuck with each other. The thief wasn't very fond of it, but she also didn't mind going on a trip with a bunch of people who didn't talk. The less they spoke the less they would ask her things.
Up in the sky, gryphons gracefully flew about. The thief was determined to get a sketch of one of the creatures before the trip was done. Her mind wandered back towards the morning at the first oasis. The sphinx was a stunning sight. She had managed to get a good enough drawing of it in her notebook. The event had been exciting if disappointingly brief. After that encounter, the party hadn't seen anything else. In the distance, dark-colored mountains lined the horizon as far as the eye could see. It was a breath taking view. Although Kell had travled through the mountains plenty of times in her life, she was always in awe of of the sight. She would be lying if she wasn't excited to travel through the great mountains.
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