| Jitsumi1221 |
06-28-2007 09:11 AM |
#86 Friends- Chars: Kailex and Porthos
Scenario: Porthos trying to convince Kailex to join the Alundra League.
- The dust rose off the road in lazy swirls, rising and falling at each plod of a horses hoof, each step of the men surrounding the wagon. The steady churn of the wagon wheels kicked up a steady cloud of dust that burned the eyes and throats of those unfortunate enough to be caught in the wake. The dull metallic clangs emanating from each swaying wagon told of hundreds of finely crafted weapons in tow; a true prize for any raiding party. It was in this slow procession of wares that Kailex found himself for the hundredth time; protecting a merchant and his wares from the possibility of vagabonds and thieves.
Wiping the grime from his sweaty brow, he held his hand before him, scowling at the dirty smear across his hand. What he would not give for a cool damp cloth, or a soothing bath; this particular route always promised to conjure such wistful daydreams with its endless stretches of dry, choking dust. He couldn't help but long for the pristine military barracks back in Filela of two years past. Frowning he forced the thought from his mind; instead refocusing his mind on his duties; scanning the surrounding terrain for any signs of approaching men or better yet, any signs that they were nearing Liram.
The faint shout from ahead alerted everyone in the assemblage that Liram was now in sights and they would arrive at their destination in an hour's time. It had been a fortnight since he had last seen the city and he had missed the bustling life with all manner of species roaming about interacting with each other. Giving a silent thanks to the heavens for everything having gone smoothly he considered what he would take as payment. The merchant he escorted was renowned for his fine craftsmanship in axes. Instinctively thumbing his trusty old axe from home, he wondered vaguely if he should finally give up this last momento of his parents in exchange for a more remarkable weapon. Deciding finally, that should any of the wares really call out to him he would know his answer.
Two hours later he walked swiftly towards an inn well known to him, new axe bouncing jauntily at his hip as he swaggered through the door to wave at the robust human behind the counter. "Welcome back" smiled a barmaid as she placed a large tankard of milk before him and sauntered off; hips sashaying with every step she took. Shaking his head, he took a long gulp of his drink before waving to the portly man behind the counter. A few moments later the cheerful looking man lowered himself slowly into the chair across from Kailex, passing him a thick towel damp with water. Smiling gratefully, Kailex scooted his chair back and began to clean the dust and grime from his armor, working steadily from boot to thigh in a span of a few moments. As he cleaned he would pause every few moments to take a sip from his tankard and question his friend of two years.
"Any news?" Kailex asked as he moved to his other boot and scrubbed at a particularly difficult spot of grime. The sudden sound of struggle caused him to quirk a brow and watch his friend try to pull something from his back pocket with difficulty, trying to keep the curl of a smile from showing, he coughed and quickly grabbed his milk to drink deeply. "Ah! here we are" said Porthos dropping a thick yellowed parchment, folded and crinkled onto the table between them, "go on" he urged with a wave of his meaty hand, "I thought it might interest you".
Picking up the parchment delicately in between his clawed fingers he flipped it open and read for a few moments in silence. "It seemed like something you might do. . ." prodded Porthos with a maddening smile on his face. Dropping the paper, Kailex leaned back in his seat and stared almost as if the paper were some offending object, "and what would give you cause to think so?" he murmured silkily, giving no hint to whether he was pleased or not. "Ach! This.. this does not suit you" motioned Porthos at Kailexs' dusty clothing, "Ah, but this would be more fitting for a proud Ejderha" he said pointing down at the paper with his sausage of a finger, "one that had paraded in here two years ago roaring for something to quench his thirst, clad in all his military splendor.".
"Perhaps" said Kailex non-commitedly as he finished off the dregs of his tankard. Porthos merely shrugged and leaned back in his chair for a moment before a slow smile creeped to his lips, "You do know it is one of the greatest cities, and that in great cities there are amazing armouries". Kailex's ears betrayed him and the slight perk encouraged Porthos on. "The League" he motioned to the paper for the third time that night, "is well known for their ability with the arts of battle, and if I am not mistaken, it might be very much like a military atmosphere", he paused for a moment to watch the eager gleam cross his friends eyes, "think on it." Rising, Porthos returned to his bar in a slow amble to continue with his omnipresent duties to his inn’s patrons.
Kailex sat staring at the paper in the center of the table for what seemed like an eternity. Inwardly he debated going or not and finally came to the conclusion that he had nothing to lose by going to see for himself and everything to gain. Carefully folding the towel he had used so that all the grime faced inward, he placed it on the table before lifting the empty mug and placing that on top of the towel. Grabbing the paper he folded it carefully and placed it in a hidden pocket while also drawing out the required payment for his drink. Standing he saluted Porthos and walked out the door; if he was to go no time should be wasted, there was still light to be had for 2 more hours.
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