The words were as surprising as the tone of pain that carried them. All thoughts of pranks and mischief disappeared with the suddenness of the sun setting in the eve. Markus felt a strange sensation. It was like a tearing sensation at his heart. Regarding his closest friend with an unreadable expression, Markus felt the lump in his throat first just before his eyes clouded momentarily. Even the way she talked now....it sounded so hollow and broken.
I had no idea....
Markus swallowed. The others had left now, with just the two of them there. But in all honesty it would have made no difference to him anyway right now. They might as well had not existed for all he cared. With a small smile, Markus Pridespear stepped up to Dariss Summers, and he looked her in the eye. Markus nodded.
"Dariss, I....."
What did it matter though? It didn't. Not in the slightest. This was still Dariss Summers. His Dariss. Smiling softly, Markus reached out and drew her into an embrace. Enfolding his arms around her, Markus closed his eyes, holding her tight. There he stood as the seconds ticked by and the evening drew on. He drew her head onto his shoulder, running his hand through her hair softly. Finally, he drew back slightly, although he still held onto her, looking her in the eye.
"Why didn't you.....no that doesn't really matter." He continued to smile softly. "I don't know who my parents are, and I probably never will. Every night I have nightmares. I see shadows who call themselves my mother and father. They tell me that I'm worthless, and that I don't even deserve a real name. I....." Shaking his head, he looked away for a moment, before looking back. "I guess that doesn't matter though. What I'm trying to say is that I understand."
Leaning in, he kissed her softly on her head before touching her chin, gently lifting her eyes up level with his. "No tears, and no more sadness okay? We've got the rest of our lives ahead of us, and I wouldn't have you any other way."
Letting go, he held his hand out to her. "Now, as you say, lets go get ****-faced."
Markus woke that morning in much better condition than he thought he was going to be. Last night, despite their words, had not been about the drink, or getting drunk. It had been about companionship and friendship. And the strangest thing this morning was that, for the first time that he could remember for a long time, there had been no nightmares. Markus felt more complete than he had for a long, long time.
Donning his travelling gear, Markus took a deep breath as he slung his backpack over his shoulders. He shook his head as his eyes scanned over the room. It was hard to pinpoint why, or how, but Markus got the strange sensation that he would not see this room again for a long, long time. He walked up to the table, and he picked up a wooden carving of a panther, turning it over in his hands. Dariss had given it to him once. He was unsure of whether she had made it herself, or whether she had gotten someone else to carve it, but whichever it was, it mattered little to him. Placing the carving in his backpack, the corners of Markus's mouth turn up in a slight smile.
Markus looked to the fishing rod mounted on the wall. There had been many days he had spent on the rivers around Bevel fishing. He looked to his desk, to the many paintings and drawings he had made in his spare time. Of the lake and the meadows around the area.
Opening a leather case, Markus withdrew the shortbow inside it. Turning it over in his hands, he held and pulled the drawstring back, almost as if firing an imaginary arrow. He had always been a deft shot with the shortbow, and he got the strange feeling that it would see use on this journey. Markus had no idea what life was like outside Bevel, but one way or another he was going to find out.
His eyes glanced back to the table at the back of the room and he reached out, picking up a small picture.
A girl, pale skin, dark hair, grey eyes. Dariss. Markus rolled it up, placing it inside the backpack also. Again, although he could not quite explain, it felt important....fitting even to have the portrait with him.
Finally, Markus went to the door of his room. He opened it, takes one step out, and then paused, hesitating. Looking back in, he stared at the room one last time, trying to etch its shape, its size and everything inside of it to his heart and soul.
Goodbye.
The door closed behind him.
When finally Markus reached the designated meeting spot, ready to go, he noted Gerrold, Arieril and Yvonne. Where is Dariss? Looking around, Markus couldn't see her. Inwardly hoping she was ok, he nodded to the others one by one with a slight smile on his face.
Gerrold returns Arieril's wave with a shy wave of his own. Gerrold was always comfortable in front of crowds and when plotting a daring prank or two, but for some reason his wits and his tongue always seemed to get silly around girls for some reason. Gerrold knew why - heck, EVERY young man his age knew why - but he couldn't understand why his usual unshakeable confidence suddenly betrayed him in these situations.
Seeing her approach, Gerrold is noticeably aware it is just the two of them. He stares at her eyes, wondering what color they actually are. They look blue, but then they look green. Blue or green? He wasn't sure.
He almost misses her good morning but does catch the question. "Good...morning! No, I don't see anyone else yet. Just us two."
His eyes then grow wide as he sees her armor and her crossbow. The questions start flowing. "Wow, you have armor?? How heavy is it? Is it hot? Is it yours? How far can that crossbow shoot? Do you have the arrows for it? Are you good with it?"
He stops suddenly, realizing he was being a bit silly. He then sees Yvonne approaching and feels even more self-conscious. She too is outfitted with armor and fancy weapons, and with the way she walks he can tell that she knows how to use them. Gerrold grips his grandfather's quarterstaff a bit tighter and secretly wishes it was a big shiny sword instead. Granted he had no training in the sword and he could actually use this quarterstaff fairly well, but for an adventure like this a sword seems more appropriate.
Speaking of how Yvonne walks... Gerrold is acutely aware that apparently the leather armor that she wears is much tighter than the armor Arieril wears. Gerrold tries not to stare as she approaches and warmly greets Arieril. He does manage to muster a friendly sounding "Good morning Yvonne."
He practically whooped in delight once he saw Markus approaching. Not only is the awkwardness of him being by himself around two older attractive women gone, but he is excited to see his friend and to go on the trip of a lifetime with him. Clapping his friend on the shoulder, Gerrold says "Morning ya git! Where's Dariss? She's not still drunk is she? If she's sleeping in still I vote we find a bottle of ink and get artistic on her face."
__________________ UPDATE 04/17: I regretfully must leave RPGX due to new employment opportunities. I wish you all the best. :(
Last edited by Sendor; Aug 20th, 2016 at 11:23 AM.
Dariss felt her heart seize up as Markus looked at her. She wanted to shake her head and tell him not to say it. She hadn't told him about her upbringing, fibbing about where she went home to. She knew it was wrong of her, but he didn't need to know. He had parents who loved him, even if they weren't his birth patents. He started to speak, but thankfully didn't address it. Then he did something she didn't expect. He drew her into a tight hug.
Against her want to bottle her emotions away, she found herself battling back sobs. She managed not to sob, only just, letting her head rest on his shoulder as he ran his fingers through her hair. Tears did fall, silent and telling. To her, he was her only family. The emotions of the day wore on her and they came out: the earlier rejection he had given her, her stubborn determination to get him on the caravan with her, her worry that he wouldn't make it on the caravan, and her fear that if he did make that he would be done with her as he had said earlier. But he had made it and he was happy to be going with her and he didn't hate her for slipping up about her past.
She sighed as the tears subsided. He pulled back from her, still holding her and he told her a thing she didn't know about... the nightmares. She had no idea his past weighed on him so much. He trailed off and she filled the silence. "You have a name. You're Markus Pridespear. You're my Markus Pridespear. Whoever those shadows are, they lost any right to call you anything or torment you the day that the Pridespears took you in. I just.... I'm sorry I never.... didn't want to burden you with the weight of my stuff too. You didn't deserve it, so I stuffed it all in. Guess it finally got too much to keep in and it leaked a little." She gave a small smirk, recalling pranks that made people leak a little.
He leaned in a little and kissed her forehead a little, in a completely "we are only friends" kind of way. But still she enjoyed it and the small day dream that they could ever be more than just friends. She nodded in acquiescence to his demand for no more tears, not trusting her voice to work just yet. When he let her go, Dariss worried that she might well fall over, and thank God she didn't. That would have been awkward.
When he held out his hand, she mustered a small smirk as she took his hand and the two walked hand in hand to the tavern and proceeded to inebriated.
Some time later, when Dariss and Markus stumbled back toward their respective dwellings, Dariss had a brilliant idea. One part prank, one part pragmatism, she stumbled back to the bakery where she rented a small room in the baker's house. Quite intoxicated, she fumbled with her key until she got the front door open and went to her tiny room.
The space was barely bigger than a large closet with a small bed and a chest. Dariss stubbed her toe on her bed whole crossing to light a candle next to her bed. Swearing, she pulled open her trunk and retrieved the pack she already had ready, her courier satchel and her weapons, including her short sword. Then she set back out, leaving her candle to gutter like she sometimes did when leaving on a mail delivery.
It took her five tries exactly to get the for locked behind her. Then she set out for where the wagons were for the caravan to White. The looks on their faces would be well worth a cold night. Still, even drunk as she was she managed to pray before falling asleep.
***
Early morning came and with the sound of jingling harnesses and someone checking straps and harnesses. Dariss shifted under the tarp she was sleeping under, but made no sound. Slowly steps came up to the wagons. She stirred again. Voices sounded. The mayor, Arieril, Yvonne, Gerrold and Markus. Yes, it was time to get up.
Hungover, she pushed the tarp up on the wagon and cast a glare at Gerrold. "Thanks for the warning, I shall now confiscate all ink pots from you before we set out. Just to be safe." She was acutely aware that her hair was likely a disaster from sleeping in wagon, but such was life. She sat up and slipped out of her spot, sword on hip and pack and satchel in hand.
"Morning.. had to make sure I wouldn't be late.." she said, her voice thick with sleep. She walked over to Markus and leaned her head on his shoulder, eyes closing on their own. She was nearly asleep on her feet. Today would not be pleasant.
__________________
No Posts on Weekends
Having IRL issues. Posting may be delayed or lackluster.
Last edited by ArionNaomi; Aug 21st, 2016 at 06:39 AM.
Mayor Gaines greeted Gerrold and Arieri roughly as they arrived, still contemplating the many and varied physical injuries he would inflict upon Markus should the young man hold up the Caravan. He was distracted by the arrival of Mr. Wade and spent a few long moments exchanging increasingly tense words with the man while the rest of the companions trickled in. Finally breaking from the man with a curt gesture, he made his way over to the young folks milling around the wagons, smoothing his features in mayoral firmness while he approached.
"Good. You're all here." He met each of their eyes in turn, resisting the urge to stand Dariss up and smooth our her wild hair. His eyes eventually settled on Arieril, "Have you settled on which route you are taking? I've got a map here with both routes marked although I dare say your Courier probably has the same map." Mayor Gaines wasn't shy about calling the Caravaners to task, practically barking Dariss' title in the direction of the dozing young woman.
Handing the map to Arieril, he motioned to the five wagons standing ready in the pale dawn light. "As I told you last night, you'll each take a wagon. It would be best if all the wagons arrived at CityGate." He gave them all a hard look. "Otherwise, the wagons have been provisioned to keep you comfortable during the trip out, but you'll have to pick up supplies at the CityGate market for the way back. Arieril will have enough gold for that once you get there. Have fun, but remember, Bevel is counting on you. We'll see you in a couple weeks. Any questions?" His piece said, and seemingly distracted by the duties of his august office, Mayor Gaines nevertheless remained to see the caravan well off or to critically oversee the caravan's departure, depending on how one viewed the man.
Making her way over to the beautiful, black draught horse that she'd been eyeing all morning, Yvonne stowed her pack into the cart that had been hitched onto the animal. She was on a mission to get to CityGate as soon as she can, and the Courier woman was obviously in such a physical and mental state that would not be conducive to driving a horse-drawn wagon. While she really could not care any less about the woman, any trouble with her and her wagon would slow down their progress. Somehow, the Courier's well-being had an impact on the silvery-haired woman's mission.
"With all due respect, Your Honor," the young woman called out even as she climbed onto the driver's seat, "but the Courier seems unfit to drive on her own. I suggest that her cart be attached to the back of mine, and her horse be hitched alongside mine so that I can keep an eye on her." She cast a cold gaze upon the Courier, looking her up and down, sizing her up.
She then turned to look to the sky, her bright-grey eyes taking in the color that was beginning to spread throughout the dark, early-morning sky. "It is just a suggestion, Your Honor," she continued. "Whatever is decided, we should be going soon. We are wasting valuable time. Daybreak comes."
HP 12/12, AC 16 (Leather, Shield), Hit Dice 1d10 Speed 35', Initiative +3, Senses Passive Insight 12, Passive Perception 14, Darkvision 60ft.
Str 8 (-1), Dex 16 (+3), Con 14 (+2), Int 9 (-1), Wis 14 (+2), Cha 14 (+2)
Saving Throws Str +1, Con +4 Skills Acrobatics +5, Deception +4, Perception +4, Stealth +5, Survival +4 Languages Common, Elvish (Provincial Dialect) Special Abilities
Fey Ancestry: Advantage on saves vs. charms, immune to magical sleep Mask of the Wild: Can hide while lightly obscured by natural phenomena Second Wind (1/1): Once per rest, as a bonus action, regain 1d10 + level hp
Longbow ranged 150/600, +7 to hit, 1d8+3 piercing damage Rapier +5 to hit, 1d8+3 piercing damage Dagger thrown 20/60, +5 to hit, 1d4+3 piercing damage Handaxe thrown 20/60, +1 to hit, 1d6-1 slashing damage
Background Criminal (Zealot Assassin), Faction Followers of God Physical Description This slender, young woman moves with the grace of a stalking panther, her movements lithe, her steps quiet. From the small patches of skin that are left uncovered, it can be seen that she has a pale complexion that contrasts sharply with her dark, unassuming clothing. From the dark depths of the hood that is pulled up over her head come the occasional strands of long, silvery hair, and the sparkle of vibrant, bright-grey eyes.
Wait wait wait nobody's seen her. Markus looked a little bit out of sorts as Gerrold asked where she was. He shook his head as he answered in an unusually subdued voice, "We went separate ways on the way back, I was kinda hoping she'd already been here."
Dariss ended the night in a fairly bad state, far worse than him. He'd put that down to the painful thoughts that had surfaced inside her earlier on than anything else. Inwardly Markus cursed the fact that he hadn't escorted her home, especially in the state she was in. It was not like her to be late for anything, especially with her being a courier.
Then she popped out of the wagon, glaring at Gerrold. Markus chuckled slightly at the sight of her and the warning she fired over to the youngster, more to cover his own unease at her disappearance earlier than anything else. When she came over to him and placed her head on his shoulder, seemingly struggling to stay upright, he unconsciously slipped his arm around her waist to help her stand upright. Markus remembered what she had said to him last night, that he was her Markus and he felt something of a warm glow inside of him. It had been so long since he had felt like he belonged anywhere truly, if indeed he'd ever felt that at all that he had really appreciated the words. It made him extra eager to hold on to everything that they had, whatever it took.
As he gazed idly towards her, he wondered what it was exactly that the two of them had. Markus wasn't sure, they had been friends now for so long that the idea of anything else between them seemed ludicrous, not that she wanted anything more anyway. Of that he was pretty sure.
Sighing inwardly, Markus was temporarily distracted by the Mayor's question. He nodded his head in the affirmative to the question, looking over towards Arieril as he did. Strange, when did I look to Arieril as a leader? It was at that point that Markus realised that he had subconsciously accepted Arieril as the leader of the little troupe. Of them all, she seemed to be the most rational and sensible. He nodded to her in affirmation of this fact.
And then Yvonne suggested that Dariss ride with her on the journey there until she was in a fit state to go herself. The mere thought of the suggestion caused Markus to frown darkly, and the cold look she gave Dariss did not improve his disposition towards the idea. Subconsciously he clutched Dariss tighter to him. No way I'm going to let that one sink her claws into you.
Still frowning darkly, Markus spoke up in opposition to the idea. "With all due respect to Yvonne's suggestion sir, but if Dariss is going to drive with anyone on this journey, it should be me." He cast his own cool gaze towards Yvonne as he continued. "But I'm sure Dariss is perfectly capable of speaking for herself, as she is looking after herself."
"Good...morning! No, I don't see anyone else yet. Just us two." Being it the first time she had the opportunity to address Gerrold without any of the others around, the thought of scolding the lad's mischievous behavior from the previous day briefly crossed Arieril's mind, but her trail of thought was abruptly interrupted by a barrage of questions. "Wow, you... heavy? ...hot? ...yours? How far... crossbow... arrows... good with it?" Being it so early in the morning and still feeling her eyelids somewhat heavy, Gerrold's words were simply all jumbled up when they reached Arieril's ears. The young acolyte shook her head in distress, attempting to come back to her senses. "Huh? I... hot? I..."
"Good morning Yvonne." Turning herself around, Arieril saw the elegant silver-haired Follower approach, eagerly stretching out her hands to meet with hers. "It is wonderful to see you, Arieril. I look forward to our time together." The woman's calm voice had an irresistible soothing effect to it, and the auburn-haired cleric's mellow morning torpor was quickly restored. "So do I, Yvonne," she said in a rather drowsy tone, "it'll be a very pleasant journey, I'm sure of it."
Next up was Markus, who arrived in an unusually sulky mood. Yet, just when Arieril was about to bring up the subject with Yvonne, a ghastly Medusa-like figure suddenly sprang from inside one of the wagons right next of her. She could not help but let out a gasp in terror, and a chill went up her spine as every cell in her body finally became fully awake. However, Arieril felt completely silly and blushed once she realized the apparition was in fact just their courier companion, who apparently had some eccentric mannerism regarding sleeping places.
Gathering up the party, Mayor Gaines suddenly started to ask Arieril about the route they had chosen and then handed her a map, just as if it had been clear ever since yesterday that it was she who would be officially taking over the Caravan's command. "Sir... I..." Realizing the dimension of her responsibility, Arieril felt disheartened and was at a loss for words to answer, and the man was apparently just too eager to get the expedition underway in order to wait for her response. Nevertheless, as he continued, her gaze diverted to the space behind him, and there it met with her father's eyes, which had been keenly observing the meeting from a distance. William was simply amazed at the Mayor entrusting his daughter with such an important task and happily signaled his support by smiling at her while assuringly displaying his clenched fist. Arieril smiled back and, once the Mayor finished speaking, finally found the courage she had lacked before. "Mayor Gaines, sir, we've decided to take the bridge route on the way. It is the safest path, and we do not wish to take any risks, not with such an important cargo. As for our way back, we'll decide that once we arrive in CityGate." And then she hesitated but still added, "rest assured... we value your trust and faith in us. We shall not let you down."
__________________ Status: Getting back on track...
Gerrold was still snickering at the thought of decorating Dariss' face when all of a sudden the tarp on a nearby wagon shot up and a wild-haired woman rolled out of it. Gerrold instinctively takes a step back in shock, and his mind suddenly flashes to the stories of witches he occasionally hears when he can make it to the square for any travelling bards. It was then he realized the yelling pale-skinned demon with the hair of black flames was actually Dariss. A hungover, grouchy Dariss. Gerrold cannot help but double over in laughter as he sees her struggle to climb out of the wagon and head towards Markus.
Trying to speak through his laughter, he says to her "Buh...by the gods, Dariss! You look like something a cat threw up!" He giggles inanely at her odd appearance as he tries his best to stifle them by holding his right hand over his mouth, but it does little good. Her threat merely falls on deaf ears it seems.
After the Mayor hands Arieril the map and they all head to their wagons, Gerrold first slowly approaches the chestnut colored horse hitched to his wagon. Seeing she's a female, he addresses her softly as he slowly approaches her from the front to show her he means no harm. "Hey girl, hey! Hey! I'm Gerrold. I'm going to be riding with you today!" He continues to speak in a calming tone towards the horse and slowly extends his hand towards her, pausing slightly and still talking nicely until the horse gives his hand a friendly brush. Smiling broadly, Gerrold gives the horse's nose a quick scratch and then runs his hands through her mane. "We're going to have a nice trip, girl" he whispers, "Don't you worry!"
Gerrold then takes his backpack and hooks it securely on the bench, sliding his quarterstaff in between the straps where he can grab it quickly if he needs to. He gets comfortable and grabs a light hold of the reins, and waits for their departure.
__________________ UPDATE 04/17: I regretfully must leave RPGX due to new employment opportunities. I wish you all the best. :(
Dariss yawned widely, raising a hand to try to smooth out her wild locks. Instead of her fingers going straight through her hair, her fingers got caught in a tangle. The Mayor called her out and she yawned again in an exaggerated fashion. "Yes, sir, I have my map. If Arieril loses her map, I can navigate us. If we stick to the road, I don't see how we can get lost."
Yvonne called her out on her state of being and it caused her to enervate, if only a little. She leveled a glare at the woman and straightened a little, noticing for the first time that Markus's arm was around her waist. She made no move to remove it. "Hey now! It's just a little hangover and I've only just woke up... Gimme an hour and I'll be right as rain."
Gerrold's giggles make her eyes fall on him next. "Thanks, buddy.... Let me thump you on the head and see how you fair with a thumping headache and say you look just peachy." She stuck her tongue out at the young farmer's son.
Falling silent, she tried to untangle her hair some more. "I am just not a morning person... If I don't fall asleep near where I leave from, I could oversleep and be late. This way, I could oversleep if I need to and still make the departure time with everyone else." She winced as her fingers caught in the tangles and she tugged them straight, gradually making her hair lay flat-ish. There was not too much help, it had become quite frizzy under her forceful ministrations. It fluffed and little pieces settled around her face, making her look more wild than ever.
__________________
No Posts on Weekends
Having IRL issues. Posting may be delayed or lackluster.
Markus smirked to himself as he glanced over to Gerrold and back at Dariss. Now there's a fight that I'd pay good money to see, he thought to himself at the vision of Dariss thumping Gerrold on the upside of the head. He was blissfully unaware of the fact that his arm stayed around Dariss, but even had he been conscious of the fact it was unlikely that he would have removed it anyway.
At Dariss's protestations, Markus frowned again slightly, though not as much as he had frowned earlier at the thought of Yvonne riding with her. He thought about it for a moment and shook his head slightly as he responded. "You certain that you're going to be ok riding yourself bestie?" His frown then changed into a slight grin as he added, "Sure you don't want to ride with me for a little bit, at least until we are a hour or two down the road?"
Keeping his arm around her, he leaned in to whisper into her ear, "For one I'd really enjoy the company on the first part of the journey -- noone's better than you bestie." Balling his fist, he punched her lightly on the arm with his other hand. "And secondly, we can make plans for the journey ahead." With a conspiratorial wink to Dariss, he glanced over towards Yvonne, "I can think of at least one person on this trip who really deserves a Pridespear and Summers special."
If Yvonne were to glance over in their direction, Markus would smile sweetly and wave innocently, with what he hoped was a "not guilty" expression on his face.
Mayor Gaines grunted at the distinct lack of questions he was receiving from the group. Instead, he weathered the banter with ill disguised impatience, content that at least some of the youngsters were getting mounted up. Turning to Dariss, he responded to Yvonne's suggestion. "Ms. Summers would have to actively mislead the horse to get him to go anywhere but CityGate. They know their business better than any of you, so just let them do their jobs, keep them safe and fed, and they'll get you there." Turning his gaze upon Markus, he nipped all that whispering in the bud. "Ms. Summers will be riding her own wagon, Mr. Pridespear. I suggest you get to picking, unless you'd like me to go find the more flatulent horse for your wagon."
Please let the make it at least out of sight of the village, Mayor Gaines prayed silently.