Fantasy Wildsong

[Red Thunder]

Djen Vajebünd

​

Nostalgic memory is a powerful force, powerful enough to push away the vague worries of the future and the pressing fears of the present. Powerful enough, even, to cover over the negative memories of the past, if only for a small time. Within the warm comfort of nostalgia, the world seems perhaps a little less disturbed.


He honestly didn't feel like talking to anyone. Didn't feel like being around people, for who was to say whether...It was in the next person he greeted. No, Djen would certainly have preferred to head home to his little cabin on the far side of town and to take comfort in its shabby ill-kept solitude. And yet his feet began taking him off his path. Too tired from his emotional encounter with the Order, he followed.


Djen had often played at the tavern before leaving eight years ago, and the songs that sprang from his lute and his throat were loved well-enough. If he were honest with himself, it had been one of his favorite places to just be. Idris (long time daughter of the tavern owner who had inherited it just before he left), it seemed to him, had always been kind to the young man, though whether it was in gratitude for the music, the regular company, or for some other reason, and he'd always felt welcomed by both her and her father. So, as he rounded to last corner and approached the tavern, seeing her as she re-entered her establishment brought a sense of peace that he's not felt in some eight years, since the last time he'd been here and said goodbye to his fans and his hostess. Gripping the familiar handle with a shadow of a smile on his face, he pulled open the door and stepped inside.


It didn't seem as though the inside had much changed: the furniture sat in much the same place it had been, the hearth crackled merrily with a bright fire, and a few patrons sat comfortably around, creating with their quiet talk a gentle buzz in the air. To the bard it felt like coming home. So, keeping his head down, Djen stepped over to what in years past was his usual table by the window and sat, eyes closed. He inhaled deeply, smiling a bit more deeply at the wholesome smells, and pulling his lute from off his back, strummed a contended cord.


@Kal

 

[CloudyBlueDay]

Quinn Stephen

Caveat
​

There wasn't much Quinn could do, or rather, felt like doing now. The whole incident had her upset and uncomfortable, and she crossed her arms tightly against herself, taking in deep breaths attempting to calm herself. I'm fine. She told Rudy, and maybe herself a little bit, too. But Quinn found herself to suddenly be wrapped up in a quick, cute little hug, and she looked down to see Ivy.


"Say, Quinn, look what that man over with Kieran and Soren gave me! Isn't that nice? We should make sure to thank him, 'cause I didn't get to before." "Oh, my gosh! That is the cutest thing, how sweet of him! Yes, absolutely, let's go thank him." And Quinn took Ivy's hand, intertwining their fingers together, and giving the young lady a smile, as if she hadn't been angry just seconds ago. How did one cover up such emotions so quickly? Simple. It wasn't covering it up. Quinn was that bipolar.


They walked over together, Quinn's bright eyes darting around the scene, soaking it up, processing it all. "Go on, Ivy!" Quinn paused. "Oh, hiya, Kieran. Did you hurt someone again? Shame on you."

Rose Terren


Nothin' you could do
​

After Kieran had left completely, Rose got back to work.

First, she cleaned up the small cuts Henry had earned from the stone-throwing, and bandaged the more nasty looking of them, all the while singing to him. Then, she got to feeding the chickens. And after she'd milked a good majority of the cows, she settled down to shear the sheep.




"Men are assholes." Rose said aloud. Maybe to herself. Maybe to the sheep, who did in fact give a large "baa" in response. "I'm not going to the tavern tonight. I won't humiliate myself by doing what he asks." She announced. "And.. if I do go to the tavern tonight.. it will be.. purely for myself. Yes. Not because he asked. And if he's there I'll say I had simply forgotten." Oh. God. This was awful. She was awful. "Why do I want to go so bad?" Rose groaned, burying her face in her hands, eliciting another large cry from the sheep she had left half-sheared.​

 

[The One Called X]

Kieran & Ivy

​

"A-alright? Yes! You're just so very chivalrous! Even if others had stopped him... I doubt they would've!"


Kieran stepped away from the bailiff, returning his attention to Mayebelle. He liked her, he decided. She was just... cute. The way she was blushing, hiding her face... it was almost enough to make him feel a little guilty. Almost.


"Go easy on the poor woman, alright?"


He couldn't quite hold back a small smile at that. He was going easy on her. Though, the poor thing seemed to be under the impression that he was chivalrous. He'd be happy to disabuse her of that notion. Repeatedly. In various locations and positions. But he was getting ahead of himself. First things first, as always.


"Well, if you want to thank me..." he raised his hand to her face, almost cupping her cheek but not quite touching, dropping his gaze to her lips. After a few moments- just long enough to make an impression- he pulled his hand back, looking away. "No, I shouldn't." He sighed. A quick look up the road showed Quinn and Ivy headed their way, and inspiration struck. "I can walk you back to the square, if you'd like. My comrades and I are likely to head to the tavern soon, though, and you are more than welcome to join us." He leaned closer, lowering his voice and smiling a little secretively. "If I'm entirely honest, I'd prefer it if you came with us."


That was when Quinn and Ivy arrived. The small girl darted over to the bailiff, while Quinn addressed Kieran.


"Oh, hiya, Kieran. Did you hurt someone again? Shame on you."


Kieran shrugged. "He was stealing from a lady. What could I do? Speaking of, Quinn, this is Mayebelle. Mayebelle, this is Quinn." That done, he focused on Ivy.


She was standing in front of the bailiff, rocking back on her heels. "'Scuse me, mister, but I wanted to say thanks for the things you gave me, cause I didn't get to before, cause you were dealing with the guy. I hope it all works out!" She bit her bottom lip, uncertain, and then gave in to impulse and gave the man a swift hug before darting back to Kieran and Quinn.


"Kieran! You caught the bad guy!" He looked down at her, looping an arm around her shoulders. "I suppose I did. Ivy, this is Mayebelle. Mayebelle, Ivy."


Ivy smiled bright, and waved to the new girl. "Hi, Mayebelle! Nice to met you!"


"Ivy, where's Ava?"


"She went to the tavern. We're prob'ly gonna go too, right? To see my mama?"


"'Course we are."


Ivy smiled, leaning into Kieran. She didn't notice, but his eyes changed when he looked at her. It was a softer expression, younger. Other than Sal, she was the one who had the most success in coaxing real smiles out of him. He rested a hand briefly on her curls, noting the stuffed dog in her bag. He slanted a sideways look at the bailiff. He could just be being nice to a little girl, but then, Kieran had a tendency towards paranoia when it came to Ivy.


@Diminium @CloudyBlueDay @Archie

 

[Zelda18]

Win



​

Win seemed to grow more and more bemused by the situation, a sheepish smile on his face. He furrowed his brow at mention of taking the thief to the tavern, looking down at the injured man uncertainly. Finally, he shrugged. "Okay," he said agreeably. Win wasn't an argumentative type. Healing would be much easier at the clinic, but he could probably manage to do some good in a tavern as well.


He smirked as Kieran mentioned he "didn't mean to" break the man's wrist. It looked pretty purposeful, if you asked him. He smiled lightly as Sven thanked him, rubbing the back of his neck in mild confusion. "You're... welcome?" He mumbled, looking at Soren and then back to Sven slowly.


Win followed after Soren in slight panic, doing his best to help support the injured man in his arms. They finally got him to the tavern, Soren placing him gently in a chair. Win lowered himself to his knees, lifting the thief's eyelids to check his pupils and checking his pulse. "What will happen to him now, do you know?" Win asked casually as examined the man. In truth, he was slightly anxious. Despite seeing all sort of unpleasant things as a healer, he wasn't too keen to see a flogging firsthand. @RubyRose

 

[RubyRose]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_01/57a8c6e81254c_WildSongSoren(1).jpg.c74b65f607f2cc1e2157cb77997d3d3d.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="97268" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_01/57a8c6e81254c_WildSongSoren(1).jpg.c74b65f607f2cc1e2157cb77997d3d3d.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>


Soren was extremely grateful for the extra hand he was given. Though scrawny looking, Soren was far from weak but he also wasn't exceptionally strong. He was somewhere in the range of having the muscles to work on the farm, but those muscles were trained for certain activities and carrying another man wasn't it. He watched the man, Win, as he took his respective seat in the tavern. It interested him to see that Win was lifting eyelids and checking on other fancy things like a doctor. Perhaps he was one? Or one in training, at the least.


"What'll happen to 'im?" Soren repeated, blinking for a moment before looking at the worse for wear thief. "Dunno; figure the tradesfella will give'em a job. Soundin' like he got'em off without a floggin' er nothin'." Soren pointed out, wondering what kind of sway the man held. It couldn't be all powerful if the people spoke back to him, but then it was definitely there with the way the people responded to his orders and how they had more or less acquiesced when he had pointed out Soren's helmet. The man's cheeks flushed a bit at the reminder of his fancy cookin' wear that doubled as noggin protection for him.


"So, Mr. Win, Sir... you a doctor?" Soren asked with true interest. He had a lot of respect for doctors; almost as much respect as he had for knights. He watched the man work quietly, though his eyes would dart to the door to see if the tradesman was coming back in, before returning to the thief. "Do ya know this here fella, Mr. Win?" He added, unsure of how much Win knew about this thief. Probably more than Soren knew, at any rate.


@Zelda18


<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_01/57a8c6e81ae60_WildSongAl(2).jpg.fbfaac0fa6b884e4e61d7070815e81e4.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="97270" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_01/57a8c6e81ae60_WildSongAl(2).jpg.fbfaac0fa6b884e4e61d7070815e81e4.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>


Al surveyed the town the order was currently in. It was not common knowledge to him why they were there or what they were meant to accomplish; though it was more than likely he had been told. Multiple times, at that. Al had never been very good at remembering such tedious details; he had always been the type to be told 'kill this' and so he would or 'do that' and so he would. Not that the giant of a man couldn't think for himself or make his own decisions, it was more along the lines of he didn't really like to so he didn't. Unfortunately, being part of the order meant fairly vague requests of him and he was still yet to get an answer about whether he would ever be allowed back into the King's Guard. His wonderful warrior skills were being wasted at this rate and if he wasn't careful he may also end up getting rusty.


It was for this reason that, instead of being in the tavern where he usually spent the majority of his time while in a town, he was out with his large, broad sword, working on attacks and proper foot positions. He had actually amassed a little audience of wide eyed children; a rather large pack that seemed to have come from somewhere else, though what they had been up to Al couldn't say. A couple of the kids had even picked up sticks and had begun attempting to mimic his movements, which would have caused raucous laughter from him if he hadn't been so focused on the task at hand.


Sweat was beading on his brow as he took a particularly hard swing at the air, but was distracted from his next move as a cry of surprise came to him. He looked around fearfully, wondering if he had accidentally hurt someone when he saw one of the children on the ground... Al didn't know if he had been hit or just fell down, but he pinched the back of the child's shirt and hefted him back to his feet with extreme ease.


"You young ones should give yourselves more space, and add some width to your stance so that you have a strong base." He said, gesturing for them to spread out before showing them, via example, how their feet should be. "Don't stand flat footed, either, because then you'll be slow to move and react." He added, before taking another swing. His bond thrummed with life and happiness and Al was fairly certain that the wolf was running around somewhere nearby, safely hidden away by the trees. The last thing Al needed was the wolf gallavanting into town and getting himself shot because of some ignorant farmer fearing for his chic

 

[CloudyBlueDay]

Quinn Stephen

Caveat
​

"He was stealing from a lady. What could I do? Speaking of, Quinn, this is Mayebelle. Mayebelle, this is Quinn." "Oooooh. Stealin', was he? Well then, I grant you full permission to hurt him." Quinn said, glancing at the man on the floor. Then she smiled at the girl Kieran introduced her too. "Hiya, Mayebelle! I love your name. So pretty!" Quinn chirped.


"She went to the tavern. We're prob'ly gonna go too, right? To see my mama?" "'Course we are." "OH, we goin to the tavern? I'll race you!" Quinn cried. Then, bam, she was gone, rushing in the direction of the place that held her favorite apple cider. Quinn loved to run. She was pretty fast, understandable for a girl of her size, but oh did she enjoy the wind against her cheeks, blowing her black locks back behind her. Oh, and running with Rudy? That was the best. She felt.. whole in times like that.


"You young ones should give yourselves more space, and add some width to your stance so that you have a strong base." Quinn skidded to a halt. A crowd of children surrounded a large, red haired man. "Don't stand flat footed, either, because then you'll be slow to move and react." "Al!" Quinn exclaimed happily, grin widening. It looked like her face would split in half with such a big smile. "Oh, goodie! Are you showin' em how to fight? Pick me, pick me, let me demonstrate! You taught me some too!" Quinn squealed like a child just the same age as the ones surrounding her friend.

 

[Zelda18]

Win



​

Win exhaled in relief, pressing his fingers tenderly under the man's jaw and counting the beats of his heart in his head, keeping his gaze half-turned towards Soren. "Not even a flogging?" He asked in mild surprise. Though perhaps he shouldn't have been; he'd heard that Sven always seemed to find a way to get what he wanted. He didn't know him well as his parents seemed to, but he'd heard enough through the amused stories they told over dinner.


"Am I a- oh, not really. My mother specializes in helping women with their deliveries, and my father makes herbs and other remedies. So I... just took it upon myself to help when I was young," he explained, pushing his long hair out of his eyes impatiently as he knelt down. "Everything I've learn has been self-taught through books and experience," he mumbled with a small smirk. He usually explained all of that to his patients before he treated them, but he'd yet to meet a patient who cared. They were usually in too much to care much either way, especially when they had mandragora in their system to help ease their pain.


"One day I'd like to study under an Arab specialist," he said dreamily, almost more to himself than to Soren. The specialists rarely took apprentices, and then only when a large sum of money was offered to them. He raised an eyebrow at Soren's last question, snapped out of his thoughts. "I've seen him before, but I don't know his name. Better not to ask him now, his jaw might become unhinged," he said pleasantly, his dark green eyes scanning the thief's face.


A flash of irritation went through Win, though his expression stayed one of bemusement. If they had brought him to the clinic, he could help the poor man. He had half a mind to ask the tavern's owner for some brandy, but he didn't want to pry the man's mouth open at this point. The bruises spouting up along his jawline were looking nastier by the moment. All he could do, he supposed, was wait for Sven to arrive. @RubyRose

 

[Diminium]

"The tavern?" Mayebelle had been there a fair amount of times. She had a friend who would occasionally work there, and she had been once or twice in the companionship of her father. "I-I'd love to!" She exclaimed, clasping her hands together before resting them at her sides. He wanted her there! "Hi, Mayebelle! Nice to meet you!" A younger girl chirped, waving at her. Mayebelle waved back. She always loved kids. Always so energetic and eager. "It's nice to meet you too!" she said, but not only out of respect, she was genuinely happy to have met these people!


Another energetic girl came up, noting the situation, before complementing her on her name. She blushed, swishing her hands behind her back. "Oh! Thank you! It's my grandmother's name... Quinn... That's very unique! I like it!"





And with that the girl was gone, rushing off towards the tavern. She turned to Kieran. "...So, uh, I guess we should go then!" She chuckled quietly, true happiness bubbling up from inside. It was rather hard to keep down, a keen smile playing on her lips.

 

[RubyRose]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_01/57a8c6ec1c88f_WildSongSoren(1).png.fb81116ea653dd038ced59e8e4a08654.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="97426" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_01/57a8c6ec1c88f_WildSongSoren(1).png.fb81116ea653dd038ced59e8e4a08654.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>


"I'mma not thinkin' so." Soren said with another shake of his head while he watched Win work. It was nice to be around another man, and one that was of such a calm nature. As much fun as it had been to be around all the pretty ladies, and dancing with the younger gal, Soren was glad to have a calming presence when the situation was kind of nerve wracking. "Do ya... wanna have the man flogged?" He said uncertainly; unable to interpret the surprise as being for or against the idea.


"Well I reckon ya got enough know how ta almost be a Doc, so I'mma call ya Doctor Win iffin' ya don' have no problem with it. Yer doin' more doctor-y things then I ever seen anyone do; even the lil ol' doc back at my home town." Sorren said as the man did things that were obviously important and yet Soren had no idea what he was doing. Touching the man's neck and lifting eye lids and everything. "Sides, with yer ma and pa's knowledge givin' ya a leg up, I betcha you could be a real good doc if yer in the mind ta bein' one."


"A 'A-Rub Spe-shuh-liss-t?'" Soren asks, head tilting. "Wa's that?" He questioned. At Win's wonderful suggestion not to talk to the thief, he nodded in understanding. "If I had a coin ta my name I'dda be in mind a buyin' y'all drinks an' what not, but ain't got nothin' but my fox furs that I'm still tryin' ta sell. So." Soren looks around the establishment... he hadn't ever liked going into places of business unless he needed the business. Waiting in a tavern without being able to buy anything didn't sit well with Soren.


"Do ya think the tradesfella's gonna be much longer?" Soren is trying so hard not to shift around in his seat but he can't help it, guilt making him squirm around on his seat and try different positions while he waited for the guy to show up.


@Zelda18


<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_01/57a8c6ec17646_WildSongAl(3).jpg.39196e0648beaf3276573860f284938e.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="97425" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_01/57a8c6ec17646_WildSongAl(3).jpg.39196e0648beaf3276573860f284938e.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>


"Lass." Al greets, looking up and grinning at the face that he recognizes so well. He had always been told that his spirit fit well into his massive body, and yet this tiny dark haired lass had just as much spirit as he and it came in such a small package. It was rare to see folks with such energy anymore, and just having her around could break the huge man into grins. He sheathes his sword, straightening as he looks at the enthusiastic girl, and shakes his head in amusement, chuckles rumbling through his massive chest.


"I wasn't training them, actually.. they were following my training." He attempts to explain. "But if you want to show'em how I taught you to use your enemie's size against them, when they're bigger then you, I could do with a good wrestling match." He says, gesturing for her to come over with one arm and shooing the kids to move away. "Be for warned, I won't go easy on you if you take the challenge, but I promise I won't crush you either." He said, giving her a bow before awaiting her response.


"Also, what would you say to drinks at the tavern afterwards?" He added after a moment, his thirst reminding him of where he would be if it weren't for the sudden desire to get back in shape. His eyes sought out the friendly building before returning to Quinn's, smile still sparkling in his eyes and stretching his face into a broad grin.


@CloudyBlueDay

 

[Zelda18]

Win



​

"C-certainly not," Win stammered, his eyes growing quite wide as he blinked at Soren in surprise. With his curls and innocent expression, Win looked not much older than a boy; let alone his actual age. "This man has endured enough pain, would you not agree? I don't condone robbing young ladies... but flogging..." He trailed off uncertainly, chewing his lip. Win wasn't sure he'd like to get into the heavy discussion of the justice system, so instead he busied himself with patting down his pockets on the off chance he'd brought some gauze with him. He sighed as his search came up empty as he'd expected.


He smiled softly at "Doctor Win," giving Soren an absent-minded shrug. "You can call me whatever you'd like," he assured him. He was surprised Soren hadn't questioned him already on his... strange name, though he had a certain fondness for the man for keeping whatever he thought on it to himself.


"An Arab specialist," he repeated excitedly, finally turning his full attention from the thief to Soren. "They come from the Middle East, and they're the best doctors alive," he explained enthusiastically. "They could teach me things that would save a thousand lives... but they rarely travel through here, and... I doubt they'd take on any students." He shrugged once more, then wrinkled his nose at the mention of drinks.


"That's incredibly kind of you, but I... can't drink," he responded vaguely, though his eyes lit up at the mention of fur. "Fox fur? My mother will buy them from you," he said without a trace of doubt, moving to examine the thief's wrist. He pursed his lips; it was certainly fractured if not entirely broken, and growing more swollen. "She has a fondness for... um, "debonair" clothing, as she says," he said with a chuckle as he fiddled with the man's fingers to test their mobility.


"Sven? He'll show up," Win mumbled, looking to the door for a brief moment. In truth, he had no idea if Sven would or not. It didn't matter much to Win; in fact, he'd be glad to bride some well-muscled man in the tavern with free herbs to help him haul the thief back to the clinic. Having something- or someone- broken in front of him that he couldn't fix was like an itch he couldn't scratch.


@RubyRose

 

[Archie]

Sven

​

"Mighty welcome" Sven replied with a smile as the girl he gave the stuffed animal to came up and thanked him. He looked back over to the imposing blonde male, his voice thinning as he hushed a reply.


"Visit Dragonslayer goods and I'll present ya with all ya need", he said, being very careful to say present and not give. Outsiders, he thought, wouldn't know the price on his most exotic goods, so he could pretend they were "on sale".


He made a quick exit from the love stewing between the man and the daughter of one of the town's most powerful families: Sven was never one to third wheel, and didn't like the idea of being seen with some outsider hitting on Overseer Erlest's daughter. He walked through the crowd that was starting to disperse after Soren took the man off the ground and went with Winn to the tavern.


Knocking on the door before he entered, he bumped into the burly guard captain, who opened the door to exit.


"Nice fertilizer, knave. Should I have ya arrested for rippin someone off?" the captain asked, shoving Sven aside. The former soldiers' instincts told him to fight, but his brain told him to say something instead.


"I wouldn't. No ma'er what I'm sellin' to outsiders, it's still bullshit" he said with a wink.


"Hell, ya might lose yer job for incompetence. People'll ask why ye didn't do it before. I musta paid ye. Well, to that act, there are only two witnesses"


"You wouldn't dare. That never happened" the huge man in his armor and tunic, putting his rough hand on his swordhilt asserted.


"Dos it ma'er? I'm goin' to jail anyway if ye arrest me" the bailiff commented, rushing into the tavern.


Sven's power walk inside turned into a small jog, his head frantically searching for the table where kettle-man was so he could head there fast, and nobody else would try to bump into him or worse, make conversation. He beelined to the table where the two men were sitting. From his encounter outside, he had a lingering blush. No matter how much he could wheel and deal, making enemies wasn't good, especially since he was on bad terms with every powerful man in town. He forced a smile and took a seat next to Winn and the kettle man, and a bleeding Rojer.


"Ey, hope ya don't mind if I join ya" he said, sounding unusually nervous. What if I'm arrested? No... I gotta run. Or fly. I'll take a dragon! he thought, his mind racing between impossible options.


"Thanks for rescuin' him. I mean it" he said, looking both of them in the eye. His voice wasn't smooth like it usually was, it was rushed. Sven inhaled through his nose, his redness vanished, and he told himself to focus.


The merchant sized both of the men up when he stared at them. He didn't know kettle man's name, but he did share a lot in common with him. Fun to hang out with, maybe. As for Winn, they hadn't talked much, but Sven had a vague idea from the pretty boy's lovely long hair and soft voice as to how to get on his good side: ambiguous flirting. It was risky, but Sven liked that.


He put his hand on Winn's, like they were comrades in arms, or lovers, and looked him in the eye.


"I dunno if anyone told ya this before, but I appreciate what you do for all of us. Yer the only healer in town who doesn't charge, and yer a good man. I owe you, so let me know what ye need"


Sven turned to the kettle man, loosening his grip.


"As for you, brother, I know what I owe ye. Come to my store any time, and I'll exchange ye the goods, and throw in a nice blade with em, to cut yer game, or to defend yerself. Wuts yer name by the way? I'm Sven, the... Right Honorable bailiff here"


In Sven's pocket, he fingered his purse of coin. His heart pounded. He wasn't afraid of what these men might do to him, but his shame overwhelmed him at what he was about to ask of Roj. Sven's luck was catching up on him: it wouldn't last him forever.


@Zelda18


@RubyRose


@The One Called X

 

[hosaki]

Alasdair Croft

​

No sooner had Alasdair finished rearranging the fragile bottles on his counter than a man's sales pitch caught his attention. "Give us yer food, yer fers, your beer, yer wine, yer medicine for hard coin!" He swept his gaze through the thickening crowd, just catching glimpses of a large market stall across the square. A bold scrawl on the large sign above gave the name "Dragonslayer Goods"… He didn't know about "Dragonslayer", but the sooner he sold off his own wares, the better. "Pardon me. Watch the stall." He stumbled out from behind the counter, a leg catching on one of the wooden supports. The entire structure shook, setting off a chorus of clinking glass. For a moment, Alasdair froze, fearing that the rickety thing would collapse. Who knew how long the planks of wood had been lying for in the back shed? Upon closer inspection, the wood-grain was slightly warped, with green specks that were a sure sign of mold. Hm. He hadn't noticed that. Running a finger along the weathered surface yielded a fine dust with a musty odor that made his eyes water. Definitely mold.


The man straightened up from his awkward bend and wandered into the stream of bodies, towards the general direction of the tradesman, all the while musing about how the mold came to be. It was a serious question (to him anyhow), almost as serious as this whole trade deal that would provide his next meal. Thus, Alasdair hardly noticed the disturbance of the crowd, which rippled as one mass when cloaked figure and girl barreled through.


"Somebody stop that man! He is a thief!"


The natural reflex upon hearing this would be to turn, which is exactly what Alasdair did. He caught only a glimpse of the hard lines beneath the hood before being roughly shoved aside. Thief. That was the thief. He broke into a run himself, muttering apologies under his breath in an almost bizarre chant as he pushed through the people. They were almost at the shady area along the line of trees -- only a few more paces before they broke free from the clogging crush of market day. His eyes followed the trailing cloak and his hand reached out in preparation…


The sight of a very one-sided fight greeted him -- a bystander who had managed to snag the culprit threw a few punches, and it was all over. The man seemed to be used to violence, and Alasdair winced as every dull thwack landed squarely on their target. The situation seemed well handled, so he drifted back into the throng, feeling somewhat foolish for running so hard when the other man had caught the thief with such ease. The sky told Alasdair that it was only noon, yet he already felt like returning home, with food or not. Town life was too… Exciting. Chaotic. Too many people, and they stole from each other. He could always just survive on berries… or mushrooms… But he'd promised the young woman forty percent of the profit; he couldn't go back on his word now. So Alasdair found himself before the large market stand, "Dragonslayer Goods", his destination from the outset. The crowd from before was already dispersing, yet a few disgruntled customers still lingered about.


"I'd like to trade my medicines." He aimed this at a large man who was packing the last of the boxes into the wagons.


"Oh, trade? Ye hafta talk ta Sven." The man gave an inexplicable laugh, like dead rattling leaves. " 'E's in the tavern most times. Catchin' up wit an ol' friend, 'e says." He pointed towards one of the buildings near the market square, answering Alasdair's blank look. "Good luck." A wink followed this cryptic parting message, and Alasdair wondered why the man's eyes twinkled, as if in response to some inside joke. He mumbled his thanks with some measure of confusion, which only elicited another laugh from the mover.


By the time Alasdair had reached the tavern, he was already regretting his decision. Why did it feel like he was the butt of some horrible, horrible joke? He hesitantly approached the nearest table, attracted by a dim recognition of the man who lay slumped amongst a trio of other strangers. "I'm looking for a man named, uh… Sven?" That was the trader's name, right? His sentence turned question hung awkwardly in the air.


@Archie @RubyRose @Zelda18

 

[CloudyBlueDay]

Quinn Stephen

Caveat
​

Oh, how she loved to see a smile arise on his face when she greeted him. It made her already giant smile even gianter! That was a word. Quinn was positive it was a word.


"I wasn't training them, actually.. they were following my training." Quinn raised an eyebrow. "Oooh, are they?" She said curiously, glancing at the children around them. "But if you want to show'em how I taught you to use your enemie's size against them, when they're bigger then you, I could do with a good wrestling match." As he gestured, Quinn happily bounded over to him, taking no notice to the fact that he'd shooed a kid away. "I'd love ta!" She squealed. "Be for warned, I won't go easy on you if you take the challenge, but I promise I won't crush you either." Quinn giggled. "Well, I won't go easy on you either, and I'll definetly crush youuuu!" Quinn stuck out her tongue playfully. She admittedly was the teeniest bit nervous about wrestling with her very, very, very large friend. But Quinn obviously didn't show it, and she had done this with Al a few times before. What could go wrong? She trusted him fully.


"Also, what would you say to drinks at the tavern afterwards?" "Yes! Apple cider!" Quinn announced. "If I win ya gotta buy it for me!"


"Alright! Let's go!" Quinn said, now bowing as well.


(@RubyRose + people who could possibly be outside the tavern woooo)

Rose Terren


Nothin' you could do
​

Well. She was out of chores to do. She was out of distractions and excuses. She's sheared the sheep, milked the cows. Fed the chickens, horses, cows, pigs, and sheep. Could she.. no. She did that yesterday. How about.. ah.. nope, she couldn't do that either.

She slowly put her coat on. You're making a mistake, Rose. She scolded herself.

She left her farm and walked into town. She paused in front of the tavern, watching a ridiculously large red-haired man speak with a much smaller young lady (compared to him at least) with black hair. They were laughing and talking, with a crowd of children surrounding them. Rose didn't stay to find out what was going on, despite her curiosity, opening the door to the tavern.

Rose scanned the entirety of the tavern. She saw no Kieran, and exhaled, moving towards the very back of the place. She wasn't feeling very chit-chatty, and while she usually took a seat at the bar, she wasn't quite sure she was up to it today.

She passed a table that Rose suddenly realized held a familiar face.




"..Djen?" Rose said slowly, turning back around again to glance at the man who held the lute. A small smile spread across her face as she got a good look at him. "Wow. It really is you. Been a long time."

( @Red Thunder)

​

 

[Red Thunder]

Djen Vajebünd

​

It was funny, how the least little thing could change the notes of a tune. As patrons moved about, the air within the tavern shifted, accommodating their movement; the warmth from the fireplace stirred it as well, casting it toward the ceiling before it fell back down it waterfalls of gentle breeze. And as it danced about, the wind sang happily, contentedly, and Djen smiled. His fingers danced to its rhythm, and he hummed to himself. The world almost seemed to fade away.


A voice, friendly if perhaps distracted, interrupted his music. Or perhaps it supplemented it, its measured feminine tone lending yet another level to his lute's voice. His smile, touched with sadness before, abandoned any negativity in favor of joy.


"Rose?" He stopped strumming and looked up. Though happy, the bard still sounded hesitant. Eight years was a very long time, after all, and meaningful interaction was yet difficult for him. "Yeah, I've uh... I've been out of town. You know, traveling around. Learning new songs from other villages.


"And what about you?" Djen gestured to the chair opposite him. He'd only known her for about a year before leaving, but Rose had seemed like a great young woman, and her father was wise and a fine hard worker. "How's the farm- sorry, ranch? And Henry? And how's your father?"


@CloudyBlueDay

 

[CloudyBlueDay]

Rose Terren

Nothin' you could do
​

"Rose?" He remembered her name. It had been so long. She was surprised. "Yeah, I've uh... I've been out of town. You know, traveling around. Learning new songs from other villages. Rose raised an eyebrow. That sounded a little hesitant. But it wasn't her place to pry. Thinking of traveling reminded her of her old home. The village she lived in before her mother had passed. Rose often thought about going back some day. But she had a good life here. Why would she need too?


"And what about you?" At his gesture, Rose took a seat. "How's the farm- sorry, ranch? And Henry? And how's your father?" Her smile disappeared. "Oh." She said quietly, looking away, leaning back in the chair. "He.. well, he passed away a few years ago." Rose admitted, giving a sad sigh. "Sickness took him." Rose drummed her fingers on the table awkwardly, unsure how to continue speaking about it. "Let's.. not talk about that, alright?"


"The farm is doing great. It's really expanded, I've been keeping it up." Rose said, forcing a smile now. "Henry's getting old.. but he's okay." God. Death just surrounded her, didn't it? She couldn't escape it no matter how hard she tried.


"How was traveling, huh? Saw some nice things, perhaps?" Rose said, desperate for a subject change.

 

[RubyRose]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_01/57a8c6fb78f23_WildSongSoren(1).png.45b89d48c08ee6d6af6840be85dd4032.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="98014" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_01/57a8c6fb78f23_WildSongSoren(1).png.45b89d48c08ee6d6af6840be85dd4032.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>


"I dunno much 'bout 'proper punishment' an' what not, but nah, I'm not in the mind ta think the violence is needed when he's already been beaten black an' blue." Soren agreed with Win, giving him a solemn nod as he did. He continued to watch in interest as the doctor continued to work on the thief. "Whatcha lookin' fer, Doc?" Soren asked, patting his own pockets and what not to remind himself what he had on his person. Perhaps he could lend the doctor a hand.


It was wonderful, seeing a light of excitement enter the man's eyes. After having such stoic and worried expressions, to see it lit with passion... well it made Soren want to help the man. Though he didn't know any A-Rubs so he couldn't help none. "Ya know, I'mma thinkin' that yer passion'll change their minds." Soren replied earnestly. "An' then yew'll become he best darn doctor there is 'round these parts or others." He stated matter of factly. "If they ain't comin' here, then shouldn' you be uva mind ta go where'en they are?" It's why Soren had left home, after all. Not necessarily to chase after any special doctors, but most certainly to seek out a place where he could start his dream of being a doctor. "I'm of the mind of huntin' down a town where'en I can train ta be a knight." He admitted; if Win would share info with him, Soren would return the favor.


"Well then, if yew'd be so kind as ta point me in the direction of where yer ma is, I'd really jus' like ta sell the furs. I ain't found no one 'round here who knew their worth, and I'm in need of some coin so I can continue my journey." He said, trying not to get his hopes up at the possibility of yet another person who may buy his furs for decent coin. It wasn't that he had forgotten his deal with Sven, it was more that he wasn't entirely sure he and Sven was seeing eye to eye. Speaking of which, shortly after asking about the man and Win's answer, the man appeared before their eyes.


He watched as the man spoke to Win with a kind voice and appreciative words, unable to stop himself from smiling. He knew Win was a good guy, there were just so many things pointing that out. Weh Sven turned to him, next, he straightened up a bit. The thought of perhaps getting a nice blade out of the deal had him reconsidering finding someone else to trade the furs to... his own blade was rather old, and far past the time of being replaced.


"Well Mr. Right Honorable Bailiff, meh name's Soren. Nice ta finally meetcha all proper like." Soren said, smiling openly. Before anything else can be said on the matter, there is a voice asking after Sven and Soren's turning to gaze at another pretty lady. There were so many pretty ladies in this town, it had Soren thoroughly baffled and tongue tied.


@Zelda18 @Archie @BlueInPassing


<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_01/57a8c6fb73c6b_WildSongAl(3).jpg.e9845ddf608881545342883c82601443.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="98013" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_01/57a8c6fb73c6b_WildSongAl(3).jpg.e9845ddf608881545342883c82601443.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>


"And if I win, I do believe I'll have you pay for the first round." Al said with a hearty chuckle before he focused his mind at the task at hand. At first glance, anyone might think that the large man could easily defeat the smaller dark haired girl. At one point in time this had been true, but with every loss she had learned, and Al was aware that this may very well be the time that she finally beat him.


Al knew that Quinn was smart, and that in being so she wouldn't make the first move. That left it to him, then, and giving a mighty war cry he charged at her. Quinn, with a giggle no less, deftly moved out of his way so that he was running right past her; almost as if this were a game. Which, Al supposed, it really was a game between the two of them... at the same time, it was a battle of wits and of strength.


If he could just capture her, gain a strong hold on her of some sort, the game would be over; he would pin her, carefully, with his great mass and will have won. But she was quite a bit slipperier than an eel covered in melted butter. She, as per Al's partial instruction, had been focusing heavily on her strengths. Believe it or not, being small, though usually seen as a weakness, could be a great strength when your battle style was right. No longer charging at Quinn, Al was slowly closing the distance, and when he was close enough he snatched at her, one great hand reaching out to grasp some part of her. She twisted her body just enough that he reached right past her, and then there was a grip on his wrist and pressure on his elbow, and then he was soaring over Quinn and crashing onto his back. He gazed up at her, dazed from all of his weight hitting the ground.


"Well Lass, I do declare you winner of this round." He wheezed, and appreciated the hand to help him back up. He accepted it, though he used his own legs to push him up then he used her hand to pull himself back into a standing position. "An apple cider is what I owe you, right?" He said, taking a moment to catch his breath before straightening up and patting Quinn's head. It was odd; Al's mind was caught in seeing Quinn as a child, and as a kind of equal. Equal or not, Al swept the girl up into a hug before lifting her and placing her on his shoulders. "Off to the tavern." Al boomed with a hearty guffaw following suit. He waved the kids off -they would not be allowed into the tavern without a parent and Al was not interested in babysitting- before making his way through the doors. He was careful not to hit Quinns head on anything, like the top of the doorframe, as he made his way in.


"I need a large glass of apple cider for this victorious lass, and a mug of ale for me." Al said, carefully removing Quinn from his shoulder and setting her onto the ground. "You've learned well, Quinn. I'm proud of you." He said, a true glint of sincerity in his eyes before he let out a loud laugh. "Who would have thought that such a small warrior could defeat such a large one." He said, gesturing from Quinn to himself. "You should be proud, Quinn, and I'm sure your partner will be as well." He said, referring to Quinn's bondmate.


@CloudyBlueDay @ Anyone Else in the Tavern

 

[Red Thunder]

Djen Vajebünd

​

"How was traveling, huh? Saw some nice things, perhaps?"


"I saw a few," Djen nodded, keen to Rose's desperate change of subject. "It's funny, really, how similar and yet how very different two villages can be."


He fell quiet, pondering. It was a bit difficult, sorting the good things from the bad, and he certainly didn't want to bring her spirits lower than they already were. Indeed, the bard almost felt the desire to leave altogether, taking his troubled memories with him. But suddenly he lifted his eyes, the new life of narrative within them. He strummed a chord upon his lute, effectively setting the stage for some tale.


"For example, it's pretty common knowledge in Surton that one should lock one's doors at night. There are, after all, wicked things roaming the woods that the Ord- that is to say, that our strong men can't always intimidate. And yet, there's a village on the coast, a small fishing town, where they have no locks! Indeed, they even have no doors!"


His fingers, having been set free briefly before to sound a mood-setting chord, burst to life, unable to contain themselves further. They danced across the strings, and about him the air stirred gently with the faint scent of brine and fish, and several patrons about him could have sworn that from his lute came the ringing of a ship's bell. Laughing at the sudden independence of his appendages, Djen found the rhythm and followed it, the words from his mouth matching the tune that his fingers had remembered from that tiny fishing village.


*song lyrics to be edited in later. My brain is not cooperating for poetry right now*


@CloudyBlueDay

 

[CloudyBlueDay]

Quinn Stephen

Caveat
​

"And if I win, I do believe I'll have you pay for the first round." Quinn nodded furiously. "Deal!" She said.


The match was invigorating. She'd sparred with Al enough times to confidently tell herself that this was the one where she'd win. Quinn could feel Rudy, as if he was beside her, strengthening and encouraging her.


It was a waiting game. Waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Quinn was not the greatest waiter. But this time, oh this time. She wouldn't let a good opportunity slip through her fingers just because of her impatience. And when that moment came, Quinn was ready.


Before she moved to celebrate she offered Al a hand to help him up. And then she cheered, pumping her fists in the air and squealing.


"Well Lass, I do declare you winner of this round." "Huzzah!" Quinn cried. "An apple cider is what I owe you, right?" "Yessiree!" Quinn announced, grinning up at Al as he patted her on the head. She let out a little oof when he swept her up into a hug, and then laughed as she was moved to his shoulders. "Off to the tavern." "Away we go!" She ducked to make sure she didn't hit her head on the doorway of the tavern on the way in.


"I need a large glass of apple cider for this victorious lass, and a mug of ale for me." Quinn grinned and nodded, confirming the order, and giving Al another big hug once he'd set her down. "You've learned well, Quinn. I'm proud of you." Quinn gazed up at Al, eyes sparkling, beaming with pride at the compliment. "Who would have thought that such a small warrior could defeat such a large one. You should be proud, Quinn, and I'm sure your partner will be as well." Quinn felt like she was on Cloud nine. All this praise was making her giddy and she blushed and smiled. "I think Rudy's proud too." She tapped her noggin. "He's been buggy today."


"Thanks, Al." Quinn said after a moment of silence, smiling up at her friend.

Rose Terren


Nothin' you could do
​

"I saw a few, It's funny, really, how similar and yet how very different two villages can be." Rose gave an absent-minded nod. She wasn't sure how to respond. It had suddenly become so awkward. Rose looked at the bar, trying to focus on something else. And then, Djen strummed a chord on his lute. Rose glanced back at him.


"For example, it's pretty common knowledge in Surton that one should lock one's doors at night. There are, after all, wicked things roaming the woods that the Ord- that is to say, that our strong men can't always intimidate. And yet, there's a village on the coast, a small fishing town, where they have no locks! Indeed, they even have no doors!" Rose chuckled. "Dear me. A village with no doors? Don't they get cold at night?" She joked, grinning at Djen as he began a song.


Though Rose was never really comfortable singing in public, sometimes even singing for herself could be awkward, she found herself humming along to Djen's tune though she'd never heard it before. She tapped her foot and smiled as he played, his joy becoming infectious to her. She knew of Djen's gift, and sniffed the air as it began to smell of fish and brine, and perhaps the sound of a ringing bell. Rose began to clap as well, now grinning as the song played.