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maidenroseheart
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#1
Old 02-20-2014, 09:08 PM

The old church stood tall and imposing in the falling sunlight. As evening drew near, the small village began to hush as women carried last minute packages or jars of water home. Men brought in their heavy loads. The hunters and huntresses returned from the imposing forest that surrounded them. At the old church, a procession was forming of nuns. The village elders and wisewomen gathered close. As the group started forward, then headed towards the center of the village.

This village was set up like any other rural village in Berspia. A circle of homes with a tree growing on either side and the back formed the outer ring. Thick brambles and thickets providing more than enough protection from the wilds. Only in times of war would they build a fence to surpass that. At the entrance to the village was the church. At the opposite side of the village was the governing longhouse. In the middle were a series of hotsprings and coldsprings alike for bathing and cleaning and drinking.

These springs with their enclosed greenery was the life source of every small village. They could not be tampered with from outside sources. They had many uses such as bathing, cleaning, nutrition, and healing. There was one though that was unlike all the others. Smallest with room for one person to work in and shallow with a rock bottom, this was the center of the village in every way. The only way any small village so far from civilization received reliable communications was through it.

The procession of nuns and village leaders reached this center spring and parted. Letting the young lady in the middle step forward. Young, innocent, and scantily-clad, you could see her tense muscles and uncertain step. She was led by the hand by her mentor from the church. The nun who normally monitored communications had taught the young lady her trade, so that she could have something to carry her on. Normally those who learned water-communications stayed in their home villages. It would be out of the ordinary if this young lady passed, because she would be traveling and offering her services. Such was her restless heart.

Amber stepped forward, dipping first one bare foot, then the other, into the pool of water. Walking in a few feet until she was in the center, she turned to face the others. This was it. Her initiation. You only were granted one chance to prove yourself. Either she could or couldn't. Forcing herself be calm and relax, Amber started.

She bowed her head and knelt a knee down into the water. Concentrating, she focused as she was taught and began manipulating the water. Gentle and delicately, she raised her hands up lifting water on all sides of her until it reached high above her head. Her fair hair seemed to glow white as twilight glittered off the water. Looking up, she concentrating on keeping the water movement steady while forming her globe. Soon she had enough so that both she and those nearby could observe if the crucial step was made. Letting her conciousness step into that rushing water, she connected to the other eleven water communicators. Joy flooded her as cheers erupted in front of her and inside of her. For a space of a few moments, she was congratulated from all 12 villages as once.

This was her moment of triumph. Her moment of glory. Little did she know that the would outside the forest and away from the 12 villages were less peaceful. That her abilities and skills could be a devasting weapon if emotions were not kept under check. It was her moment of triumph. The beginning of a hard and long journey.


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#2
Old 02-21-2014, 12:11 AM

Arturo sat on his horse and surveyed the countryside laid out. It was peaceful, but then countrysides always looked peaceful. The gently rolling hills, the cute ramshackle cottages, the lolling sheep and the slow ignorant peasants. He wanted to go home to the capital, being out in the open made him itchy and a bit irritable, not that anyone would call him on in. He smiled slightly, not that anyone would call him on much of anything anymore. Well, his brothers and father still would, but they only saw him as Artie, that bastard. Leading his small group of men into the next town on the list, he headed directly to the mayor's house.

Arturo sneered in disgust, he hated mayors and elders who let the rest of the town go to ruin, while lining their own pockets. The mayor's house was immaculately kept, the whitewash fresh, even the flowers looked like they'd just bloomed that morning. It made the rest of the town look like garbage next to it. A few of the central houses had the appearance of genteel poverty, but even so, they looked like hovels next to the mayor's own home.

He could feel the villagers watching him from inside their huts and cottages. While they might not know exactly who he was, the bright crimson and black banner flapping behind the small contingent of men was well know. He was the king's man, and he was there on business. Dismounting his horse, he tossed the reigns to his waiting squire.

Once he grew to his full size, no one had ever called Arturo small. He towered over most men at nearly six and a half foot. He wasn't as wide, being slightly slender for his height, but he was by no means skinny. He snatched his helm off his head and tossed it to the same squire. Running a hand through his silver hair, a color that mark him of noble blood, he strode up to the mayor's door. Not bothering to knock, he kicked open the door to the mayor's house and strode inside, ducking his head to keep from hitting it on the door jam.

“Y-y-your Highness...” came the stammering of a small portly man, well dressed. His wig, silver to match Arturo's hair, was askew as if It had been jammed on his head.

“Mayor Fairwright?” Arturo asked reaching over as the small man nodded and grabbing him by the scruff of his neck. With a fluidity of movement from his years in the military, Arturo turned and tossed the butterball man outside where he landed at the feet of the other soldiers.

As Arturo stepped back into the sunlight, he looked around the town. “Hear my words! I am General Arturo commander of the Armies, Prince of Bersipa! I am arresting this man and taking him back to the capital for his crimes against the people of this village!” He spoke loudly and quickly.

As he spoke a few of the older men came out of the cottages. A man so stooped, it seemed he was bent in two, approached the general prince. “Your Highness,” he said in a voice that belied his years. “We are grateful for your service here.”

Arturo nodded. His men had trussed up the mayor and set him in the wagon for the trip back home. “The king cares about his people,” he answered. “A replacement will arrive in a few days, until then my man Jamison will correct the mistakes that have been made here.”

A well dressed, clean cut honest looking man approached and smiled at the old man. While Jamison assured the people that they would be fine, Arturo reclaimed his helm and reigns and headed out of town with his men. It was almost time to go home.



Last edited by lavndrdream; 02-21-2014 at 12:15 AM..

maidenroseheart
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#3
Old 02-21-2014, 12:42 AM

It had been several days since Amber had proven her worth as a communications specialist. Walking through the forest past a few of the small villages had been a pleasant experience. There was usually a pool of clean spring water available near sunset. She always stopped to make camp before communicating with the others. The twelve villages had not always been her home. When she had been but a toddler, she had memories of rolling hills. Somehow, time and space had separated her from her past. Amber wasn't out to find her former family. The likelihood of that was slim. She was just out to make her way in the world.

Stepping out from the forest, she started walking through a flowing meadow of tall grasses and flowers. In the distance was paths and roads. Slightly elevated, she could make out small creeks meandering through the countryside. Yet there was no sign of humanity anywhere near her. Reaching the first path, she looked back at the looming forest. Perhaps people were afraid of the place. Not that they had reason to be. Shrugging it off, she turned and continued walking. It wasn't long until she saw a group of men approaching on horseback. They appeared to be in a hurry so she moved to the side and continued walking. To her alarm, the riders circled her instead.

"What do we have here?"

"A goddess come to torment us no doubt. You bring pleasure or pain?"

"You're dressed like you have would be of that sort. Come here."

Amber shied away from their hands and ducked under a horse. Stepping to the other side, she looked up at them apprehensively as they laughed and turned towards her again.

"We ain't going to hurt you."

Finding her voice, she nervously replied, "If you don't mind, I rather be on my way."

"That wouldn't be hospitable of us..." and one of them rode around her and scooped her up into his arms.

Gasping in shock as they went into a canter, Amber could barely think as they laughingly continued on their way. Desperation to get away, for some space, filled her senses. She saw a creek coming up as they neared and unthinkingly reached out to it with her mind, one hand outstretched towards it. Not thinking what she was doing, she drew the water up into spikes. All the men's horses impaled themselves on them. Some tried to rear out of the way but the spikes grew out catching them too.

Tumbling off and away, she rolled to a stop and propped herself up with wide eyes. The men were cursing and finding their way off their dying and dead mounts. The horses with blood dripping down the icy spikes a gory sight upheld for all to see. It left her numb inside. The shock was rather great. One of the men, the leader of the group, stood there glancing back and forth between her and the horses. Then without further ado, he pulled his sword and advanced on her.

She shrieked and crossed her arms in front of her, leaning back reflectively. Water followed her movements and encased the man before freezing solid. Amber just wanted everything to stop. The ice cracked as the man bulged his muscles. Breaking it, he glared at her. She stared wide-eyed back at him. How had she done that? How had death followed in her wake so easily. His men rallied beside him and they stood there. Slowly a sneer crossed over his face. "That all you got?"

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#4
Old 02-23-2014, 01:57 AM

The screaming of horses, made Arturo turn sharply in his saddle, causing his mount to startle and rear up beneath him. With two quick hand motions, he turned and headed off in the direction of the noise followed by a group of five men. The rest continued on to their original location. There was no reason to involve prisoners, and wagons to something potentially dangerous. Thundering onto the scene, Arturo stopped, his blood running cold.

Large spikes of ice impaled horses and a few men feet away from a small creek trickling near by. Stopping, he turned his eyes to the men who seemed to be approaching a cowering girl. The leader stood, shattered ice around his feet. The most amazing thing about the tableau was the water that seemed to follow the girl.

He barely spared a glance at his men who were cursing under their breath. Making a quick decision, Arturo stepped into the middle of things, drawing his sword but leaving it point down. He stepped between the girl and the bandits.

“It seems it's not,” he said, smiling at the man. His one good eyes gleaming with unholy glee at the thought of a decent fight. He wasn't normally violent man, but he liked even odds and one pathetic girl against half a dozen men. It added up to trouble for the girl.

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#5
Old 02-23-2014, 04:11 PM

Staring up in numb shock at the man standing between her and the bandits, Amber took in his words. He was on her side? She had not met him before. At the moment though, that was the least of her concerns. The men shuffled nervously, looking to the man who had shattered the ice for some hint of what to do. Amber realized that she was on the ground in an undignified manner and hastily scrambled to her feet. Heart pounding, she noticed the water that had followed her from the creek reverberating in response to her movements. How did she make that stop.

Suddenly the big man grinned. "I can't you squirt and that girl of yours." His men laughed and started to circle them.

Feeling out of breathe already from before, Amber gasped for more air. Turning her back to the confident stranger and facing the men that were circling that way, she raised and crossed her arms in front of her in restrained terror. The water formed a shield protecting her and the stranger's backside.

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#6
Old 02-24-2014, 07:22 PM

His eye followed the men spreading out in front of him and the girl. He'd been in worse situations, but not by much. He grinned evilly as he thought of the situation that had taken his eye, and that had been a “friendly” game. He was aware of the woman moving behind him, but he paid her scant attention. If she was armed, he was the heir apparent. He inclined his head as the few men he'd had followed him surrounded the bandits.

“I do think you may want to reconsider your options,” Arturo said. He lunged at the bandit leader before giving him a chance to answer. A large sweeping arc of his sword down toward the leader. The clang of the two swords meeting reverberated though the small clearing.

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#7
Old 02-24-2014, 09:32 PM

The bandit leader met steel with steel and brought a few of his own moves into play. He felt that he stood a good chance as he blocked, dodged, and delivered blows. He was after all the leader of this rag tag group. Experienced many fights and got in a lot of practice. What could some rich fellow do, especially one wearing an eye patch. He had two men flank him to help provide protect and add their blades to the lot.

The other two circled closer to the girl. One of the grinned, seeing her white face through the water barrier. She would make a sweet thing to have back at camp. A trophy they could definitely use. Might have to chop off her hands or something though until they figured out how to tame that water ability. The other gave the shield a few test swings. Always defected by the ever moving water, he didn't give up. The other guy tried to get around and between the girl and eye-patch guy to see if he could get a hit on either of their arms.

Watching the two, Amber cringed. The movement though of one of the men coming around alarmed her. Her shield immediately transformed as she leaned away from him, turning into water drops that flew like small bullets towards him and coming out the other side of the man red. He stood there a moment... and then fell. The other guy gagged, bending down between his knees. Amber didn't think, just acted. Clenching a fist, she swung down and up, sending the water in an arch towards the ground and up the man's throat. Her fear and the beginnings of anger towards the bandits causing her abilities to make a kill... her first intentional kill.

The bandit leader and the two beside him were unfazed by the deaths of the other two. They formed a fighting trio so well for a reason. They were used to the horrors of war. And they aimed to not let their demise be because of some young woman who wasn't even welding a blade.

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#8
Old 02-25-2014, 09:06 PM

Arturo was impressed as the three men advanced on him, fighting as one. It was a bit frustrating and a bit tiring. He tried to keep himself between the girl and the bandits in front of him. He noticed as his men took care of the few bandits that hadn't run scared at the girl's icy fire. Knowing this was going on long enough, he drew a small blade and threw it at the man to the leader's left. It stuck in the man's throat, causing him to back down. Now the odds were a bit better, two on one.

“Not that I'm not enjoying our bit of exercise, but I wonder if you might want to surrender now. If not, I can keep going until you're both dead,” he said letting the bandits realize they were the only two of their own still standing along the creek bed.

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#9
Old 02-25-2014, 11:01 PM

The bandit paused, his comrade following his lead. It wasn't looking good if he wanted to win. Wasn't looking good if he wanted to live either. The other option, surrender, guaranteed his life a little longer but this man had men with them. It wouldn't take much to be delivered to a prison. Life in prison possibly shortening by execution was how he considered living life. He glanced at his comrade and saw the grim set of his lips. They were of the same mind then. "Naw, thanks for the offer though. We live by our swords and won't be having no one best us while we still breathe."

Amber stood shivering, looking at the dead bodies and the men that had come with the stranger. They were all rather foreboding in their heavy clothes and weapons. She backed away from them and the stranger alike, turning to watch the final outcome of this skirmish. It was with somewhat an astonished gaze that she saw the bandit lung foreword, sword flashing in the sunlight.

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#10
Old 02-27-2014, 04:27 PM

Arturo shrugged. He'd given them the chance. Stepping in close to them he let the arcing sword fall on him, but without cutting too deep. He grunted at the fire racing down his arm, but he held on knowing it would be over soon. Moving in close, he hindered their ability to use their longer blade effectively, but not so much himself. He'd practiced fighting in tight quarters, it was what set him apart. It was one reason he was the General of the King's armies. He drew another short knife. Taking the surprise of his stepping in, he dropped his broadsword and drew his short blade. With a few more parries, both men had been wounded, if not immediately critical. They would not survive the afternoon. Ignoring the two men, he turned to the first felled one, he removed his knife and wiped the blood on the dead man's jacket.

Once he'd stowed his weapons back upon his person, he turned to the girl. Water still flowed around her, as if she were using it as a shield against the world. She was a comely thing. He had no doubt what the bandits had wanted with her. He held his damaged arm and he stalked toward her.

“Are you alright, lass?” he asked, not realizing he might look like an approaching monster. Around them, his men moved to clean up the dead bodies, setting them up to be burned. They were efficient and silent.

One of them approached Arturo and looked pointedly at his arm. “Set up camp. We'll stay here tonight and meet up with the others in the morning. Send Thomas to let them know,” he ordered, his eyes never leaving the girl.

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#11
Old 02-27-2014, 04:44 PM

These men were nothing like those whom she had lived with in the Grand Forest. The way they talked was a little different. The small movements made while walking. All of it was strange. The clothes were different. Those in the Grand Forest only hunted. Violence was rare. To see this man with blood covering him arm from the wound and the blood on his clothes from where his opponent's blood had sprayed upon projection created a gruesome sight for her. Heart racing, she involuntarily took a step back.

"What do you want?" came out almost as a squeak, but were offset by her eyes that hardened in resolve. No matter how scared she was, she didn't want to panic. Glancing over at the Grand Forest, she wondered if she could ever make it back there before he or his horsemen caught up. It was tempting, but it didn't hold the answers or future she wanted to find for herself. Gulping, she turned and asked again in a steadier voice, "What is it you want from me?"

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#12
Old 02-27-2014, 06:44 PM

As she backed away from him, fear in her eyes Arturo stopped. He looked down at himself and sighed at his own stupidity. He smiled at her bravery as she repeated herself as she seemed to find a core of steel inside herself. “I just want to know if you are okay, lass” he said moving slowly to remove his helm and tossing it onto the ground. “I want you know, though I doubt you'll believe me, that no man here will do anything to harm you.”

His squire walked over and began helping him out of his jacket, a quick intake of breath the only hint that he was in pain. Finally, he stood in nearly half naked, his chest riddled with scars from his long career as his squire looked at his arm. Poking at it and cleaning the wound. “You'll live, sire,” the boy said wrapping a clean bandage around the cut.

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#13
Old 02-27-2014, 07:41 PM

((Dang girl, I'm falling in love with him and I'm just a writer))

Pausing as he shed his armor in evident pain, Amber gave his words thoughts. It was a decent question to ask. She just wasn't sure how to answer. She felt confused in this strange world and overwhelmed more than anything else. Yet, it was obvious that however she was doing, he was the one in worse shape. Compared to him, she was fine. Giving a slight nod, Amber carefully said, "Yes. I'm okay. You need healing though. Hyrdotherapy is good for cleaning wounds. You should go rest in the creek for awhile."

Now her attention drew to him more closely, with him not moving towards her anymore. He was definitely fine looking. Despite the scars. There was a good many scars though. Sudden alarm filled her. He had fought so easily and with those scars added to that fact, it was evident that this man was a man of battle. Fighting down those thoughts, she tried to figure out how else this situation might play out. "Who are you? What do you do? Why did those men attack, why did you fight so well, and what are you planning to do now?" She wanted answers. Needed answers. This was not her home and if she wanted to live here then she needed to know the rules. Especially if fighting was common.

However, for whatever reason it been from his question to stripping off the armor, the water around her began losing it's strange suspension around her. Droplets slowly began to drip to the earth, to seep or flow wherever they wished. It wasn't something she noticed nor cared about at the moment. Her whole attention was on the man in front of her and the attendant that obviously cared deeply for him.

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#14
Old 02-27-2014, 11:06 PM

(Awww....blushing! Thanks!)

Arturo blinked at the girl's tirade of questions before laughing. She was a stunning creature, while unsure of herself, she had an inner core that drew one toward her. “I am sorry, my lady,” he said making an elegant bow, the kind only seen at court. “My mother would have my head served on a silver platter if she knew I had forgone the niceties.” He glanced around the area wondering if his mother really would do such a thing in such circumstances.

“I am Arturo Mattenger. I am a commander in His Majesty's army and these men are mine to command,” he said. He knew he left a lot of information out, not necessarily lying to her, but he wasn't sure she wouldn't just freak out from shock if he told her exactly who he was. He motioned to the creek. “You are a healer?” he asked wanting to make her more comfortable and knowing that having half a dozen large men bristling with weapons wasn't going to do that.

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#15
Old 02-28-2014, 02:17 AM

Finding herself grinning from hearing the sound of his laughter, Amber felt her muscles relax. The water finished dripping down to the earth, free from her grasp. She wasn't sure what a 'majesty' was, but evidently it was someone extremely important. Though she couldn't imagine any mother treating her son thus, it was amusing nevertheless. Time to return the information, "My name is Amber, from the Grand Forest, apprenticed under the 10th village." She stepped a foot behind the other, one hand crossing to the opposing shoulder, and bowed low as she had been taught by the village elderess.

Raising back up, she glanced at the creek and frowned. "Not a healer, exactly, though I'm not sure what I am now. I was trained to be a communications specialist." Wondering if that was not normal here, she thought to add some extra information to what she said. "The 12 villages communication across the Grand Forest by means of water. Those who are taught the ability are called communications specialist. We manipulate water to create a connection with others who are also manipulating water."

Which probably explained how she was able to do what she did, though that had been weaponized water and not peaceful means. "I could try to heal with it I suppose, but have no training so could do more damage than good." Amber pointedly looked at the bodies Arturo's men were piling up. "I didn't mean to harm anyone. What reparations will occur because of that?" She nervously glanced at him. He seemed nice, even if he did command an army. Still, there were rules for every place that had a society. She needed to learn to respect that.

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#16
Old 03-18-2014, 03:03 PM

Arturo allowed the girl to lead him to the creek. If it made her more comfortable, the better it would be for him and his men. He wanted her to ignore the bodies, glad it was only a few. He wanted her to focus on him. “There is no need for reparations,” he answered her question lowering himself to sit at the edge of the water. “Once the sun begins to go down, we will create a funeral pyre and burn those who died in battle today, both friend and foe.” Wanting to comfort her, and not really sure how to do it, he took her hand. His whole life had been rough and mean, even his mother had had nothing but mean words for him. He'd only been half kidding about her serving his head on a platter. Absently, he rubbed the back of her hands with his rough thumbs. “I know you did not mean to hurt anyone, yours is a gentle soul, but sometimes the gods force our hands to violence. You were remarkable.”

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#17
Old 03-19-2014, 12:10 AM

((AH!! I'm falling in love with him!! So unfair!!))

Startled when he touched her, she froze. It was not something she was used to. Human contact that was. No one in the village at least ever did because it was saved for relatives with each other. Focusing on each movement of his thumbs, she felt her face warming while her heart hammered away. What in the world? He was nice, so why was she acting like a startled deer? It had to be the blood. Looking up at him with wide eyes, she didn't have time to warn him as water from the creek rose up and rushed them both.

It raced over them like they were standing sideways in a water fall. And he said she was gentle. He wouldn't be so forgiving of her now. As the water finished it's drenching dance, she blinked water droplets from her eyelashes and looked at him in wonder. So much better without the blood, but... what had she just down now?! Convulsively she gasped the hand that was holding hers and gasped as a headache developed from the over use of her abilities. The water had felt good and he was still injured. Whether he was furious or not with that last dose of water, she could at least do something.

Again the water rose up and more gently enveloped them. Part of it was streaming in a caress across her forehead in an attempt to relieve the headache. But most of it centered on his wounds. Seeping in, cleansing cells and tissue somewhat rudimentarily, and seeping away. Repeatedly. Until not even the water could still her headache any longer. Then she released the water and let it flow down away. Now her head was ready to burst. The only keeping her feeling somewhat grounded was the tight hold she had of his hand.

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#18
Old 03-20-2014, 10:12 PM

Arturo stood there, still holding the girl's hands, water dripping from him. He looked around at his men, they stood transfixed a moment having witnessed his dousing and her magic. He didn't know what had just happened, it was beyond his knowledge. He was just a soldier, a damned good one, but a solider none-the-less. He did know one thing. How he reacted would determine how his men treated the girl.

“Get you're no good selves to work! Camp won't set up itself!” barked making everyone jump and move to finish their work.

He looked back at the girl and frowned. Her brow was furled as is she were in pain. He really wasn't sure what to do, but he wanted to make her okay. He released her hand and lifted his toward her face as if to stroke away the frown, but he stopped. Clenching his fist, he let it drop to his side. He didn't know what spell she had cast over him that made his wits addled where she was concerned. He was a prince! He was General Arturo Mattenger! He bowed and cowed to no one, least of all a slip of a girl.

When she looked at him with those too large eyes, he cursed knowing in his heart his bravado was for nothing where she was concerned. “Come, let us find you something dried and warmer to wear,” he said drawing her toward the fire that had already been lit. “Sean! Bring me your spare clothes!” he ordered his squire. While, the young man was no where as small as the young water-sorceress, his clothes would have the better fit.

“Aye, mi'lord,” he scurried off to do as bid. He brought back a small bundle of clothes he handed to the Amber. He handed another similar bundle to Arturo. “I've set up your tent.”

Arturo nodded and looked at the girl. “Come, lets get you out of your wet clothing and back to the fire to dry. You'll feel a bit better.”

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#19
Old 03-21-2014, 01:58 AM

Surprised at how practical he was handling current needs instead of being angry at the good dousing, she could only follow in shock. It had to be shock because she wasn't thinking anymore. As much as she wanted to. Numbly she accepted the clothes and followed to the tent that had been set up. Stepping inside and pausing at the entrance, she looked around and finally got a little common sense back. Turning, she bowed slightly and mumbled, "I'll be out in a moment. Thank you." Slipping the rest of the way in, Amber momentarily closed her eyes.

The headache was immense. It was the use of her abilities so much as such strange magnitudes. If she was smart, she would take some time to do some calming exercises and possibly stay away from water for awhile. Closing her eyes to try to relieve the headache a little, the face of Arturo rose before her. Man alive, he was a strange one. He didn't fit the mold of the men from the villages of the forest, nor that of the scary bandits whom had threatened her. What would become of her after this though? He was kind, but surely she needed to find her own way in this new world.

Opening her eyes reluctantly, Amber looked around the room. Her whitish silver hair hung in tangled strands around her face, but she didn't move a hand to swipe them aside. Seeing a table off to one side, she stepped softly towards it. It's fragrance a little more familiar to her with it's musty earthy scent than that of the cloth of both the tent and the clothes in her arms. Setting the strange clothes down, she looked them over. These were definitely for men and covered a lot more than her own did. Perhaps that was a good thing. The wind outside the forest was chillier.

Slowly, almost reluctantly, Amber stripped off her own garments and carefully set them to the side. Looking at the top items first, she figured out from how the squire had been dressed with was the shirt. She pulled the jacket on over that. Then she slipped on the pants and belted it. Hoping it worked okay, she used her fingers to brush out her hair. It wasn't but a moment later that she began to massage her temples and scalp. It felt good and took away her focus from the headache.

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#20
Old 03-24-2014, 12:50 AM

As Amber changed in his tent, Arturo quickly divested himself of his wet clothes. It was warm enough he didn't bother dressing fully, just pulled on his pants and shirt and leaving the rest for later. Leaving Sean out front of his tent in case she came out and needed a guide, he walked around camp, checking on the progress. He stopped at the funeral pyre and nodded at the way the bodies had been laid out. “As soon as everyone is done, we will light it,” he said walking away.

He glanced at his tent. The girl perplexed him. He'd heard of the water speakers, the castle kept one. But he'd never heard of them using the water then more then a medium for communication. This girl seemed to have a special relationship with the water. She could manipulate it to do as she wished. His mind, being on the bent of military couldn't stop from thinking of the implications of her ability in battle. Of course it wouldn't work on a large skill, but in a small area and battle it would be nice to have a “secret.” Also the idea of having a way to communicate would be a wonderful thing to have. Running a hand through his hair, he sighed. He would have to take her to the capital and speak to his advisers.

He looked once again at his tent and frowned. He wondered if she were okay. She had had a traumatic episode. She'd been doing so well, he hoped she hadn't broken down.

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#21
Old 03-24-2014, 01:14 PM

Despite the headache, Amber wanted to think this through. Why had the water reacted like that? What was different here from the village? She went over the possibilities. The water itself was calm and clearer at the village. It flowed faster and had bits of grit in it here. However, that shouldn't have been a problem. What next? The setting in the village was surrounded by quiet people and trees. Here it was loud, roused people and open land. The physical setting again didn't make sense, but the people might. Wait! Her! It was her! Amber paused in her massage of her temples to reflect in shock over this. At the village from the beginning of her training, she had always been calm. It was instilled as an essential practice of being a water communications specialist. Out here, she had for the first time not been calm. Her heart racing at the implications of this, it took a moment for her to notice the water in the water pitcher started to swirl out of it's vessel. Quickly calming down, it dropped back and settled to normal calm water.

That was the key then. She needed to master her emotions once again. In addition to that, Amber figured she better learn real fast how to not only interact in this world but also how to manipulate the water at will instead of it reacting to her as it had earlier this day. It was like a mother deer. Normally in a serious situation, she would flee. However, if she had kids, then she would fight. Today had been an almost flee situation where she reacted without thinking. She needed to learn how to think and control what happened instead.

Figuring that she better head outside, she walked to the door and hesitantly looked out. Each movement of her legs and arms caused the clothes to rub against her skin. It was not what she was used to at all. Seeing the other people about the encampment, she paused and noticed their hair color. Everyone had shades of brown, black, blonde, red, and even some gray. However, only Arturo's hair had come close to hers. It was obviously more silver than her white hair. "Ah, you are ready?" She turned and saw Sean standing off to the side.

"Aye. That I am. But please, if I am not dressed correctly, redirect me before I blunder into anyone else," she said with a small smile.

He nodded with a smile as she stepped outside the tent fully. "You are decent. Come towards the fire." Amber followed him silently, taking in the strange sights and smells. "Here you are." He motioned towards a log of wood to sit on and passed over a cup of cider. "Is there anything else?"

Nodding thoughtfully, Amber slowly asked, "What kind of jobs can a female get around here? Like in a small, small village?" She really did think at this point small might be preferable. Not that she couldn't handle large crowds. Just that she was starting to feel shy.

Sean suggested, "Well, traveling musicians are often given free room and board at inns... places to sleep and eat, you know them by the wooden sign with carved wheat on top... if you are willing to play instruments or sing for them at supper." Seeing her shake her head, he tried another, "There is weaving, mid wife, herbalist, baker, nun..." Amber lit up. "You are familiar with nuns?"

"Yes, I was raised and educated in a nunnery. I might not return to one though. Will see what there is in whichever village I come to I guess." She turned and looked thoughtfully into the fire. Sean watching her closely.

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#22
Old 03-25-2014, 07:55 PM

Arturo glanced over at the fire, where he noticed Amber sitting with Sean. The boy was close to her to take care of any needs she might have, but far enough as to show her respect. She looked so small in his over sized clothing. He smiled slightly to himself, he would have to find her some better fitting clothes before they arrived at the capital.

He finished making his rounds and walked over to where there was a smaller fire food cooking set up. He collected two plates of food and moved over to where Amber and Sean were sitting. Sitting on Amber's other side, he inclined his head toward Sean. He handed Amber a plate.

“You are okay?” he asked, not having over heard her and Sean's conversation. He watched her as he shoveled food into his mouth. It wasn't the best tasting food he'd ever had, but after a long day of riding and fighting, it was hot and filling. It could be heated mud and he'd still enjoy it.

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#23
Old 03-27-2014, 01:20 AM

Accepting the plate, Amber settled in. The food on it was different, but she was sure it must be tasty. The aroma sure was. Letting the warm settled into her fingers, she pondered what kind of reply to give. She had noticed each of the twelve villages had had slightly different customs from each other. One village would have asked about someone's welfare with genuine interest in the response. Another would have used it as a way of greeting and nothing but a simple declaration of good before continuing the discussion would suffice as a response.

Deciding to attempt a middle ground with Arturo, she said, "Okay. How are you?" There, that would give her an indication as to how one responds in Arturo's world.

While waiting for his reply, she cautiously took a bite of food and was pleased at the different flavors that filled her mouth. The food at least was agreeable. Belatedly, she wondered if it was polite to eat and talk. But since he had handed her a plate, and then asked a question, surely it was alright. She glanced at Sean to see how he was reacting to Arturo and herself for clues.

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#24
Old 04-06-2014, 10:40 PM

Arturo smiled. Small talk, something simple and easy, at least for most people. He'd never been strong on polite chit chat and idle banter. “Besides the fat that I know I'll be stiff and therefore very grumpy in the morning. I'm doing very well. I am enjoying a lovely meal with lovely company,” he said peering at her to gauge her reaction. Most ladies of his acquaintance expected compliments and flattery, they thought it their due. Normal women baffled him when it came to that, then again normal women thought he was going to take instead of ask. Unlike his brothers, and others he'd known, he never took more then was offered.

“How are you holding up? I think I say with very little doubt, that today's activities are not something you normally deal with. If you need something, please ask. I don't want you to feel as if you can't get something you need,” he said.

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#25
Old 04-06-2014, 11:56 PM

Trinity was still working around that headache and felt she was managing pretty well. So listening to his voice really did relieve some of the mental uncertainty she was dealing with. It was unexpected to have him compliment her. Startled, then pleased, she smiled around her food. Waiting until she chewed and swallowed, she felt she knew how to answer his questions of her welfare now. Be honest. He had been. "You are right. This is all very much not normal. I seem to have developed a headache from it. Not something I was expecting. Surely it will go away by morning. Then I can be on my way."

She motioned towards Sean, "I learned there are several small villages near here where employment can be gained. So you don't have to worry about throwing me out to the wolves. I was thinking about working at an inn as a musician or kitchen assistant." She smiled at the thought. No headache took away her excitement to strike out on her own. To live her dreams.

Realizing he might want help with the stiff muscles, she quickly piped up realizing this was how she could repay him. "Oh! In the morning I could attempt a warm hydro treatment. To soothe away your stiffness. In repayment for your help to me today."

 


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