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Post by Doronlas on Apr 13, 2009 20:50:16 GMT -5
Through a fine haze of pain, Doronlas heard the sound of his faithful stallion's hoofs beating through the din of the crowd of unhappy humans. With his movements slightly sluggish, the elven archer turned in time to see Olmec shrieking in the face of an elderly man trying to beat him with a club and then see Dagnir wading through the humans. Glad to see the fair lady relatively safe on Dagnir's back, Doronlas ducked a dagger that had been aiming to sever the connection of head and body. The dagger swung over his head and when Doronlas straightened, he caught sight of Nostariel's hand reaching down to pull him onto Dagnir's back.
Grabbing her hand, Doronlas swung himself onto the horse's back behind the elven lady, whistling sharply to bring Olmec to attention. The hawk shrieked and wheeled high overhead, flying just over the dark horse as the pair set off into the woods away from the men, Nostariel leaving a parting insult that for whatever reason Doronlas' brain wouldn't process. Olmec chortled in a strange bird way, swooping low to fly alongside the stallion's head, sensing safer skies ahead. Dagnir for his part, moving as swiftly as he could, his stride fluid to cause as little pain as possible to his master though he could feel blood on his flanks that was not his own. Coming into another clearing far from the tavern, Dagnir came to a halt without a spoken command and stood as still as a statue.
Doronlas had slipped into a stupor of sorts during the ride, one arm loose around Nosariel's waist to keep himself balanced but the other hand pressed against the stab wound. When Dagnir came to a halt, Doronlas winced, dimply aware of hearing Olmec land in a low tree branch. His dismount was clumsy and painful but he was a bit too hazy to properly worry about his bruised pride though he did try to assure Nostariel it was alright as he laid in the grass.
"In naeg lond" Doronlas said, his voice a bit quieter than he had intended. (The pain will pass.)
It seemed the elleth did not buy it for she was soon sweeping away into the woodland no doubt in search of herbs. Doronlas sighed but winced sharply as the breath caused pain to shoot through his side. His bow and quiver were still on his back, digging into his spine while his knife slipped from his grasp and laid in the grass at his side, glinting darkly in the moonlight still red with blood. Dagnir stood like a guard over Doronlas, listening to his master's uneven breathing and watching the elf's face twitch with the pain of each breath, snuffling his soft condolences.
Doronlas came to himself again when he heard Nostariel's return and jerked instinctively away from her when she pressed the herbs to the wound causing the pain to flare. While the wound was not the worst he had had, it was in a sensitive area that caused pain when he breathed but he forced himself to remain still as Nostariel ministered to the wound.
"Le hannon" Doronlas said, though he was not usually one to accept help. (Thank you.) "Are you well?"
From his perch, the handsome hawk, Olmec, took wing. Coasting across the clearing the hawk landed beside Nostariel and chortled at her, looking up at the beautiful elleth with his intensely keen eyes. He seemed to be giving his own thanks as well as seeking if she was alright. Those that helped his master were of his flock and he was a...protective bird to say the least.
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Post by Arlenwa Nenharma on Apr 14, 2009 18:19:54 GMT -5
"Le hannon. Are you well?" The elf nodded, smiling as Aras tottered over to her. "Gelir na thaed Doronlas." (Happy to help Doronlas) She let the little, red animal crawl into her lap. "Im gelir ceni ad lín Aras." (I'm happy to see you again Aras) "I am. Just a small cut, nothing more." And a bruise. Nostariel thought to herself, moving her shoulders to get an idea of how large it was. Pain radiated between her shoulderblades down to her midback. Apparently some of the other men had gotten a good whack at her when she had been on the ground. "And thank you.. for staying with me." The female pulled her cloak back on, shutting out the elements around her.
Carefully, she pulled Aras into the wamrth of her cloak, stroking the soft fur, brushing the loose hairs off of the animal and onto the ground. "So, where were you heading before I got you into trouble?" She asked in low tones, spreading Aras' fur at certain spots to examine a few of his less gruesome scars. One ran in a jagged lightning bolt pattern, and gently, Nostariel ran her pinky finger along the wound, making the animal twitch in annoyance. "Aníral maded?"(Do you want to eat? I think) She whispered to the animal, smiling as he only curled up in her lap, pawing a fold in the elf's dress to move it out of his way. "Man anírach cerin an le, Aras?" (What can I do for you Aras?) The red panda ignored her, and soon fell asleep in the warmth of her lap. A small smile crept up on her lips and she wrapped her cloak around her body for the animal.
"I can help you get there if you would like me to. It's the least I can do after I- Well.. I can help you with whatever you need." She spoke louder this time, stopping him before he would have the chance to speak, but without the intention of cutting him off in the middle of a sentence. She listened quietly as she heard Doronlas' hawk cried again from the skies. Birds of prey had been one of her interests when life was a little less complicated. She had seen a great deal of birds owned by several male elves of the court, but this one seemed different. As though he actually cared for his 'master'. The thoughts made her frown mold into a smile.
{Word Count: 410 ><}
{Notes: Look! IT'S AN EAGLE! No... it's.. a ha- Ah, never mind. -.- *is a teensy bit crazy*}
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Post by Doronlas on Apr 14, 2009 19:19:57 GMT -5
From his corner of the clearing, Dagnir laid down in the grass giving a loud huffing sigh through his nose. The bay stallion seemed to be determined not to move from that spot until he had had a good rest after running all day and then carrying two riders through an angry mob to safety. Yes, the stallion seemed to feel he was entitled to a peaceful graze and good bit of rest before taking to the road again. Flicking his black tail, the stallion snorted again before arching his neck to nibble at the grass that grew around where he lay.
Doronlas watched his mount, turning his head when he heard Olmec spread his wings and take flight from where he had landed beside Nostariel. Watching as the hawk flew just above the treetops, Doronlas whistled softly and received a chortle from the hawk in return. Hawks of all kinds had always been the symbol of Doronlas' family. A golden hawk flew proudly on a field of red for his sister's banner and Doronlas could remember his father telling him that there had never been a lord or lady of their family that did not find deep companionship with a fierce hawk. He called them "Keepers of the sky" which was a sentament Doronlas often agreed with his father about.
Nostariel's soft voice made Doronlas' mind wander back into his skull. Turning his head, the elven lord-to-be looked over at the cout elleth beside him. "I was slowly making my way to Algar Arda. The harvest festivals cause such an influx of travelers I can often see my sister with no one knowing of my presence."
Wincing slightly as he shifted a bit, pain shooting through the stab in his side. He was trying to find a position where his quiver was not pressing into his spine but the effort seemed in vain. Falling still again, Doronlas looked up to see Olmec flutter down to land on a branch in a nearby tree, head up and alert for danger. The worst of their troubles seemed to be behind them but one could never tell where darkness may lie. Doronlas doubted the humans would find them again and if they did they would most certainly meet a cruel end at the tip of his blade or the head of his arrows. It was not often his bow sang for the blood of mortals but when it did, it was often calling for retribution or revenge.
"I ask no aid m'lady, it is not something I make a practice of" Doronlas said, glancing over at her. "I intend to ride with the dawn and perhaps seek healing with my sister's aid though I doubt a mortal wound will require such things."
Forcing himself to move, Doronlas pushed himself up into a sitting position. His breath caught in his throat as pain flared in his side and red became visible through the makeshift bandage. From his perch in the trees, Olmec squawked unhappily, flapping his wings but not tacking off, simply using the noise of his wings to help voice his displeasure with his master moving. Still, Doronlas braced his hands against the ground, arms stiff and holding his upper body off the ground. His green eyes were fixed on the ground, breathing shallow with the pain through his wound though he tried to push it away.
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Post by Arlenwa Nenharma on Apr 14, 2009 19:37:56 GMT -5
"I was slowly making my way to Algar Arda. The harvest festivals cause such an influx of travelers I can often see my sister with no one knowing of my presence." Nostariel listened quietly, not realising how roughly she had been petting the small creature in her lap. "Goheno nin Aras." The creature rolled slightly, apparently ignoring her apology. Well, that was the way he was and Nostariel would not try to change him. He was a stubborn creature which had surprised her when she had first taken him along on her travels after purchasing him from the Battonian trader.
Ah, Battonia. What a filthy, decaying city. There some of the elves had traveled, giving aid to their new queen. Rhiannon was such a fool. Nostariel had thought that she was a good natured, smart human girl when she had first met her, but ever so slowly her opinion of the exiled princess had deteriorated until she had not a shred of respect left for the murderer.
Nostariel nodded again to herself, keeping at least a part of herself anchored in the present instead of all her insignificant memories. "I ask no aid m'lady, it is not something I make a practice of." Her eyes searched his face as he glanced over in her direction. "I intend to ride with the dawn and perhaps seek healing with my sister's aid though I doubt a mortal wound will require such things." The elf bit her lower lip, shifting. "I think it is about time I visited there anyway. I haven't seen.. my former companions for quite some time." She gently pulled Aras' loose hairs out, dropping them on the ground just as she had been before. "I believe I should travel with you there."
Nostariel looked over at Doronlas quietly, studying him. "You could aquire even more injuries if you go alone. If you will not allow me to travel with you I think I might travel a few miles behind in case you are in need of assistance." She didn't mind announcing her plans to him. How would he stop her anyway? He wouldn't kill her or threaten her.. Or at least, that's not would she thought he would do. He was too much of a gentleman.
{Word Count: 374}
{Notes: Longer than I anticipated, but not long enough. >=O}
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Post by Doronlas on Apr 14, 2009 19:59:49 GMT -5
Doronlas watched as his newfound companion stroked the strange little red bear in her lap, noticing really for the first time the rough scars hewn across the creature's flesh making him think instantly of the animal traders in the south. Wincing in sympathy for the unfortunate creature, Doronlas glanced over at his unhappy hawk. The bird was watching him intently with the look similar to a worried mother hen. At the mention of Lady Nostariel accompanying him to his sister's home, or at least following behind him, Doronlas shot her a curious glance. He appriciated the offer but it was not often he traveled with company, male or female of any race apart from Dagnir and Olmec. Of course he doubted either hawk or horse would allow him to go without them, even if they had to follow him at a great distance. Raising Dagnir from a colt had seemingly imprinted loyalty to him upon the horse.
Olmec was a descendant of one of the hawks that had been one of the falcons his father had bred in cages in the courtyard of their home in the outpost many years ago. Doronlas had kept him from an egg since he had kept Olmec's mother and chosen Olmec from her nest as his next hawk companion. He also doubted the hawk would ever truly leave him to travel alone but traveling with another elf? It was an unusual thing.
"I would not inconvenience you by asking you leave me be" Doronlas said at last, glancing at the elleth with his sharp green eyes. "My sister would shelter you when we reach the city, I have no doubt of it. You would enjoy her home, like my father she keeps an aviary for her hawks in the main courtyard and leases the birds at night to hunt. It is something to see indeed."
Doronlas smiled, remembering his father's aviary. Of course that was what Rowena had modeled hers after and was what she was mainly known for among other lords and richer families. Her hawks were among the finest of hunting and traveling companions, intelligent but gifted only to a select few of Rowena's choosing, often given as hatchlings so they would bond to their new owner at an early age. Of course her flock of hawks was fairly small, only five to ten select hawks of various breeds were kept and tended usually by Rowena herself since she seldom was called upon into the inner courts of the monarchy.
"The palace city is two days' ride from here if Dagnir travels with one rider through the night. With two his pace will be slowed. Do you have a mount of your own?" Doronlas asked, looking over at Nostariel.
Of course he had no problem stealing a horse from the humans though he doubted any of the country nags kept by the lowly farmers would be fine enough to bear a lady of Nostariel's stature. Even as an ex-member of the Council of Elders her status remained higher than that of Doronlas or Rowena and their family. Still, if they found a larger town they could perhaps purchase a finer horse from a local stable if Nostariel had no other mount. Again, Doronlas was not afraid to steal. He had actually become decently skilled at it since he had natural stealth and humans were easily charmed by the face of an elf.
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Post by Arlenwa Nenharma on Apr 14, 2009 20:15:14 GMT -5
"I would not inconvenience you by asking you leave me be" Nostariel smiled to herself. Of course he wouldn't. "My sister would shelter you when we reach the city, I have no doubt of it. You would enjoy her home, like my father she keeps an aviary for her hawks in the main courtyard and leases the birds at night to hunt. It is something to see indeed." Her smile faded almost as soon as she understood what he was saying. "Oh no, I have somewhere I could stay, but I believe I would indeed enjoy seeing her aviary." Her smile returned, and she adjusted her cloak to keep the warmth her body heat had created for the red panda within the darkness of the cloth.
"The palace city is two days' ride from here if Dagnir travels with one rider through the night. With two his pace will be slowed. Do you have a mount of your own?" Nostariel had nearly laughed out loud, and let her hood fall down to lay against her back. "Of course, I had almost forgotten." The elf stood, holding Aras in her arms now. "I left Amarth- my stallion" she added quickly. "behind somewhere near the tavern. I will only be a moment." She excused herself, pulling off her cloak, wrapping Aras in it, and walked into the darkened trees.
Nostariel whistled, feeling she shouldn't walk any closer to the tavern than she already was. She could see the lights far off in the distance. A dappled stallion trotted up to her almost instantly. He had been following his lady without her being aware. The female grabbed the reins, smiling at the animal, and led him back to Doronlas was. "I would not be able to travel anywhere if not for Amarth." She picked up Aras and put her cloak back on, stroking Amarth with a free hand before she sat down. "So you see, I am already accomodated(Sp)."
{Word Count: 324}
{Notes: Meep.}
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Post by Doronlas on Apr 15, 2009 6:18:59 GMT -5
Doronlas had expected as much. Of course an ex-council member would have powerful connections within Algar Arda. He held no ill will against her, simply inclined his head and focused on staying upright with pain stabbing through his side like the man with the knife were still alive. Ha! That wasn't very likely at all with deadly aim like Doronlas'. The poor mortal was probably busy facing whatever judgement awaited him. Though he disliked the idea of Nostariel going back even near the inn alone, Doronlas couldn't get a word in edgewise before the elleth was flowing away into the darkness and soon swollowed by the night, the bear-like animal in her arms leaving Doronlas under the watchful eye of Olmec and the protection of Dagnir's hooves should misfortune befall.
Sighing to himself, the archer shifted his weight to one hand and raised his right hand to wrap his arm around his middle. His fingers brushed the bandaging for his wound making him wince but Doronlas made no sound of pain. By dawn it would be at least clotted and if he moved with care he could make it to Algar Arda by the time it was half healed. That would leave his sister with nothing to worry about other than perhaps a scar that would fade with time to add along with the others. How many times had he gotten an arrow in his back and nearly died by now? What was, five times had been him at death's door? Something like that. When delirious with pain one tended to loose count. The only thing Doronlas had to fear was not poison on the blade but perhaps the fact that it was likely not a clean dagger the man had stabbed him with. More than likely in places like this it had been used on more than one victim.
Grimacing at the grizzly mental image, Doronlas looked up to see Nostariel coming into the clearing followed by a handsome and powerful beast. Solid silver, the equine rippled in the moonlight as he came into the clearing. Of course, across the clearing, Dagnir rose from where he had lain quiet. Doronlas glanced at his own stallion and found him watching Amarth. Dagnir snorted and pawed the ground with a hoof, advancing on the new stallion and nickering unhappily. Unlike most equines, Dagnir had come to like his herd that was not a herd, not having to dominate other stallions though he did have his share of a brood in Rowena's stables.
"Sídh Dagnir, dain lín rúth" Doronlas said to his mount. (Peace Dagnir, silence your anger)
Obviously doubting his master's mental stability, Dagnir snorted again and struck the ground with his hoof like a child stomping his foot.
"Sídh Dagnir" Doronlas said again. (Peace Dagnir)
Lashing his tail, Dagnir snorted and walked over to the tree where Olmec was perched and took up a sentry-like post under the branch where the hawk was roosting for the moment. Doronlas sighed and looked back to Nostariel.
"Forgive him, he is still young and very much set in his ways" Doronlas said. From his place, Dagnir nickered unhappily and Doronlas could swear he heard amusement in Olmec's chortle. Doronlas caught Amarth's eye and studied the beast. "Ðin nama is rochon." (Your name is knightly)
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Post by Arlenwa Nenharma on Apr 15, 2009 7:00:29 GMT -5
"Sídh Dagnir, dain lín rúth" Nostariel watched Dagnir, quietly admiring his bravery. Beside her, Amarth watched with what seemed to be mild amusement in his eyes. "Sídh Dagnir" The elf smiled, moving Aras to a more comfortable postition. His small claws had been digging into her stomach, but it was no more than an annoyance then pain that motivated her to move the grumpy beast.
"Forgive him, he is still young and very much set in his ways" Nostariel's smile grew wider for a moment before giving way to a small frown. "I see no need for forgiveness. When Amarth was younger he was about the same in his mannerisms." She paused, watching her stallion lower his mouth to the ground and began eating. "He is much quieter around other stallions now." He had to be. Being on the battlefield had required cooperation with other stallions, and without it he could have gotten everyone else killed. Though, if it was needed, Amarth could still provide that young spark of excitement and throw fits.
The silvery brute grunted loudly at the other male, lifting his head, chewing quietly. Hearing the noise, Aras poked his head out of Nostariel's cloak, staring at the stag. His elf looked down at him, stroking his head quietly as he stared at the beast. Reluctantly, Amarth poked Aras with his muzzle, but lost interest and began to look around at the others. He already knew the animal so, to him, it made no sense to further the investigation.
"Ðin nama is rochon." Amarth's ears flicked towards the male elf, and he snorted, shaking his mane before beginning to graze again. "Amarth is a bit disinterested at times."
Morning
It was still dark, and the female felt it better to get everything ready. Nostariel lifted her head from the ground, disturbing a still very grumpy Aras. She apologized, and stood, leaving the animal on the ground complaining. The elf picked up Amarth's saddle and began to adjust the straps and such things. She checked the saddle bags for all of her belongings, and picked Aras up, putting him in one of the bags. Amarth turned his head, nickering quietly to the animal. Nostariel pulled a small piece of bread out, breaking a piece off for Aras and ate the rest herself.
{Word Count: 379}
{Notes: None.}
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Post by Doronlas on Apr 15, 2009 19:29:48 GMT -5
Chuckling softly despite the throbbing pain in his side, Doronlas lowered himself slowly so he was once more laying on the grass. He winced as the movement irritated the stab but pushed the pain away. By morning it would be a dull ache until he tried to move so he tried to focus on just letting himself relax. There were still a few hours until dawn and Doronlas had not slept since the previous night when he had let Dagnir rest some miles from the Dancing Deer. From the shadow of the tree he could hear Dagnir snorting softly and knew the stallion was unlikely to sleep, now high-strung by the presence of another stallion. It would slow their progress in the morning but Doronlas knew from experience he would be unlikely to rest. Unlike Nostariel's mount, Dagnir had never been used in the formation of a proper battle. Fighting mounted bandits or fleeing from fortress guards? Yes, he had experience with that but since Doronlas was not technically in the army, Dagnir lacked the tolerance of other stallions that Amarth had.
Letting himself drift into elven slumber, Doronlas found his dreams restless and discovered he seemed unable to fall into a truly restful sleep. While he did sleep, the sleep was thin and not the typical healing sleep encouraged for the wounded. Several times Doronlas would startle himself awake on instinct when a breath of wind passed the clearing. Being wounded made him uneasy, like anyone could find him and kill him which was definitely not a good thing. Still, each time when he found all of his companions, human and animal alike, fast asleep Doronlas would force himself back into a fitful slumber.
It was the soft clink of tack buckles that woke Doronlas from his restless sleep. Blinking awake the young archer carefully shifted and glanced around. It was still dark but the moon had moved and dawn would be near. Once more moving slowly, Doronlas pushed himself into a sitting position, seeing Nostariel with Aras in her arms and a saddle upon Amarth's back. Doronlas grimaced seeing the thing. How could anyone ride like that? He glanced at his own mount, standing still under the tree without bridle or saddle. The ache in Doronlas' side protested painfully when he stood sluggishly. Though the wound had clotted it was still sore making him grimace but thanks to the herbs Nostariel had used the night before it had no visible infection.
Seeing his master rise, Dagnir nickered and swished his tail. He had spent the night as far away as possible from the other stallion and seemed determined to keep it that way. He was still young and defiant at times though loyal to his master but hardly a battle-ready warhorse despite having the build, power and courage for such a thing.
Doronlas made his way to the horse, seeing Olmec raise his head from under his wing. The hawk chortled at his master and Doronlas smiled, his mood lightened a bit by his companions. "Maer minuial mellon nin" Doronlas murmured, stroking Dagnir's dark mane. (Good morning my friend)
Catching a handful of Dagnir's mane, Doronlas pulled himself onto the stallion's back. Pain shot through his side as a sharp warning to not repeat such motions. Grimacing at the annoyance of such pains, Doronlas patted Dagnir's neck when the stallion snorted and flicked his ears at Doronlas.
"Shhh Dagnir, im mae" Doronlas assured the stallion. (Shhh Dagnir, I am well)
Snorting as though he did not believe it, Dagnir shifted his weight, waiting for the command to move forward. Olmec dropped from his perch in the tree to perch on Doronlas' shoulder, a warm and familiar weight for the elven archer. Doronlas raised a hand to stroke the fierce hawk's white breast feathers before looking over to Nostariel.
"Mae lin, híril nin?" Doronlas asked. (Are you well my lady?)
He knew she had probably taken quite the beating the night before between the time they had been separated by the mob and the time Dagnir got her for the most part out of their reach. Still, it was likely her bruises healed faster than his stab, but it was the thought that counts.
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Post by Arlenwa Nenharma on Apr 15, 2009 19:49:10 GMT -5
"Maer minuial mellon nin" Nostariel listened to Doronlas speaking to his stallion, and finishing her bread she mounted, pressing a hand to the long slash along her arm."Shhh Dagnir, im mae"
"Mae lin, híril nin?" The elf looked over at him, smirking. "Im maer" (I'm well) She shifted in the saddle, stroking Amarth's warm neck for comfort. "I find it strange you are asking me if I am well when it is clearly I who should be asking you." Her smirk died quickly and she looked away. "Tolo hi." (Come now)
Nostariel turned Amarth in the direction of Aglar Arda, nudging him gently on. Soon she would be back within the former home that used to bring her comfort, and the others might confront her... ask her to come back.... Nostariel pushed all thoughts out of her head, urging her silvery stallion on.
{Word Count: 141}
{Notes: Ergh..}
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