Paths of Journeys Crossed (Closed for Dreamweaver)

[scarlettnuit]

Paths of Journeys Crossed (Closed for Dreamweaver85)

Iscara walked through the darkened dirty streets of Clivenhail. She felt like she had traveled for days, given the difficult ride she had endured to reach this town. When she was sent on her quest, she hadn’t minded the thought of slaying an foreboding foe or even a dragon, however, she hadn’t considered the long ride on rough terrain. While she had always been an excellent rider, her rear was nearly numb from the climb over the mountains.

She walked into the nearest pub, she pulled back the hood of her brown cape, not caring to disguise her pale skin, pointed ears or raven hair. Her violet eyes looked over the pub, taking in the possible threats and then moved to a table near the large hearth.

Once she reached the table she took off her cloak and hung it over the bench of the table before sitting down. Her black leather pants and dark blue tunic clung to her body revealing more than she wished. She pulled her tunic away from her and enjoyed the heat of the fire. Long had she been in the rain, hoping to reach this village, hoping for one night of a soft bed. Now that she had arrived, she certainly had no desire to do more than eat and sleep.

When the wench came to service her, she asked for a mug of ale and a roasted chicken. When the ale arrived she drank it deeply and then set it down. She was too tired to care about formalities as she wiped her mouth with the back of her sleeve. She hoped no one would cause her to draw her sword or bow.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

Sitting down near the fire someone caught his attention. The inn saw more travelers than adventurers. He had been there for the last night. While a sir coat hid most of his armor the triangular designs of the armor's silver scales that lingered over chainmai that was covered by a black surcoat. He had steel colored eyes, wavy black hair was partially tied back. The armor was clearly dwarven.

"You look tired," he said before sitting next to the elf near the fire. His size and stout body told everyone he was clearly dwarven. The man clearly came up to somewhere on the woman's chest if they were to be standing together. He had the start of a five-o-clock shadow on his face. In one hand was a metal plate with some bread and cheese. In the other was a pint of ale.

"What's your story?" he asked. The dwarf had yet to reveal his name. Looking over at the elf the the man listened intently. The man was an adventurer, and he was looking for work. Honestly, the man was hoping for some kind of business. If she had no work then maybe they could have found something together. It didn't hurt to have a competent ally.

 

[scarlettnuit]

Iscara looked towards the voice that now spoke. “Aye, twas a long hard ride over the mountains.” She told him as she drank more of her ale. A quarter of roasted chicken arrived and she tore off the leg and bit into it.

When asked of her story she looked at the man who questioned her. She had always been a bit wary of others especially when I came to her travels and the reasoning behind them.

“Simply a traveler, wanting to learn more about the lands outside those of the elven realm. We like to keep our maps and books of the work current.” She offered with a weak smile.

“What of you sir? What brings you to this dirty little down? Surely one in such finery has no place in a public house like this.” She offered and tossed down a now bare chicken bone.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

"Nothing fine about me," he said in reply that was meant to flatter, or imply he was royalty. "Dwarves like to stay in our caves, and mountains. Sometimes we go off to explore. Find our fortune. Well, fortune has run out on me," there was some sorrow to his voice. "I am an explorer without fellow explorers. There's a town a few miles east of here. I hear there are bandits causing problems. The only problem is I am but one dwarf. I can take half. Maybe more, but not all. I'd need another," there was a confident smirk on his face. He had some guts, or a lot of attitude.

"Name's Kabrem. Human's call me 'Kab' for short. If it helps your tongue then just call me 'Kab.'" The words were meant as no disrespect. Sometimes Dwarves and Elves stayed away from each other. Because of this he was unsure of some Elven traditions and some of their culture. He did not presume to know everything.

His gaze was on the chicken that was slowly being devoured, "I'd offer you a hand, but I don't want to deter you from eating." For a dwarf he spoke rather well. A lot of mythos about the dwarf was their crude speach. They just seemed to be the yelling, swearing and farting type. Kabrem was a little different in that regard. His words were chosen and he was trying to be respectful. Perhaps the world changed him.

 

[scarlettnuit]

Iscara listened as the dwarf spoke. She could hear the sadness in his voice and did not comment on it, not wanting to draw out any further pain. She instead respected it and let it lay at peace. He went on to speak about bandits in a nearby town. She supposed it could be fun to use her blade. It had been some time since anyone had dared cross her. Anything but riding a horse at this point sounded like a bit of fun to her.

As his eyes lingered on the chicken she slid the plate towards him in silent offering. He was the first dwarf she had ever seen, at least since she was a young child. It was rare that dwarfs and elves intermingled, elves often thinking themselves above such company. Iscara, on the other hand, didn’t care much for snobbery and chose not to rely on stereotypes to make decisions about someone.

“I am Iscara. It is a pleasure to meet you Kab.” She said as she washed down another bite of chicken with some ale. She could feel the ale relaxing her knotted muscles slowly along with the fire.

“So you say there’s a bit of crack in the next town over. What reward is being offered?” she asked as she left the rest of the chicken for him to finish, having had her fill.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

Taking the chicken he ate at a small nibble. He was just fascinated that an elf was eating meat. All the stories he heard was for them to be plant eaters. It was just fascinating to watch. "Well met, Iscara," he said liking how that name sounded. There was just something to it. Elven names, and the languaged, flowed to the stark contrast of Dwarven harshness. The language of the eleves were like musical notes dancing in the air. Flowy, flowery sounding syllables. Dwarves the sounds were like a hammer coming down on an anvil with hard noises, and sudden stops that came with his own native tongue. He was afraid of an accent showing when he spoke basic human, or common. Luckily his wasn't as noticeable, but he didn't know that.

Kab smiled at the woman, "If we do this. Fifty-fifty split. Costs and rewards. We pay our fair share, we get our fair share. Agreed?" he said first before going on about the job, and the pay. He wanted the terms of their partnership identified first. Then Kab was willing to talk about the potential pitfalls.

 

[scarlettnuit]

She looked across the table at Kab for a moment before the right side of her mouth turned up slightly in a smile. After all, she needed a break from riding, some exercise would do her good.

“Agreed.” She said, wondering what the pitfalls would be. She had not known of any dwarfs to be so ready to battle. While a rowdy bunch to be sure, she felt that their demure stance would make battle more challenging.

“So you’re a sword for hire?” she asked as she motioned for the wench to bring them more ale. “It is my understanding that dwarves would typically hide in their caves rather than face the battles of men. What brings you so far from home?”

 

[Dreamwalker85]

"It's not uncommon for us to travel outward. We're still rare to see outside of our lands," Kab said softly. He looked at her when the ale came over. "Trying to drink me under the table? You may not last that long, lass. Fair warning," there was amusement in his voice. A second later he was finishing his pint in one continuous gulp.

As they waited for the drinks, "Here's the pitfalls. The town can give us little. If we take them dead into a neighboring city, the contracts may want them alive. There's a chance there may not even be a contract put out. So, we may be strapped for coin if we make the journey to the city without any reward. I can't guarantee there were be a contract," he was being completely honest with the elven woman. "Will you join me?"

 

[scarlettnuit]

She smiled a bit more and followed him in drinking down her new mug of ale. She then set it down with a slight thud and raised an eyebrow at him and then listened to the details of the task at hand.

“Sounds like a bit of fun to me. It would be a nice change of pace.” She smiled at him. She then tossed a few gold coins down to pay for their ale and food and then stood up, grabbing her brown cloak in the process.

“We will have our drinking contest at another time. I will see you on the morrow at sunrise.” She told him and then went to the pub owner and secured a room. She then took the stairs and entered one of the three rooms.

She tossed her cloak over the wooden chair and began to unload. She placed the bow in the bed with her and the sword just under the straw mattress, the hilt out for a quick grip. She too a few more precautions before disrobing and hanging her damp clothing by the small fire place to dry. She slipped into bed and began to sleep.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

Like her, Kab had paid for a room. Unlike Iscara he was a little less cautious. His fire he dumped whatever what he had in his water skin over it. Then he started to take off the armor. While the surcoat was not cared about the armor was. That was set out with the utmost care. His sword wasn't hidde, but the man didn't make a boast of showing it. Taking it out of the hilt he admired it before putting it away.

Boots and everything else went off. Then he was laying down in the bed naked. At least tomorrow was going to be interesting. When sunrise came he wasn't awake. The bed was just too good. She was going to have to knock at his door before they were going to be off.

 

[scarlettnuit]

Iscara woke shortly before sunrise and dressed. She went outside and saw to her horse whom had been well kept in the stables. She saddled Snow and mounted, waiting outside for several minutes. She eventually dismounted and asked the owner if he had seen the dwarf. He merely pointed to one of the doors upstairs and continued to wipe down the bar.

Iscara went upstairs and quietly opened the door. She then withdrew her sword and placed the tip of it’s blade just inches from his throat. She then shoved the bed with her foot.

“I do not like to be kept waiting dwarf.” She told him. She had no intention of killing him, simply wanted to get his point across.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

Pushing back into the bed Kab felt the blade against his throat. The tip was there, it just wasn't as deep as before. Moving quickly the knife cut his throat, a surface cut instead of anything fatal. Running he tackled the woman pinning her down. Honestly, he didn't care about the nudity. Yes, she was being pinned by a naked dwarf.

"And I do not like being threatened by my partner," his face met hers as he was breathing hard. Red stained his neck a little bit. "Your point has been made," he said with a similar tone as her threat. Sliding off of her he began to move toward his things, "Unless you want a show then I will be down to the stables when I'm dressed."

On his left bicep was an obvious slash one. There were a scars that caused the flesh to dip. These were obvious stab wounds. Probably been shot once or twice. Turning around his frontside showed that he could have pleased a woman. The man looked to be as wide as a dwarf would be expected, but a bit bigger.

From there he went to grab a vial filled with a dark red liquid. Drinking it the wound on his neck began to close. "I'll need a moment to wash up," he commented to Iscara. One thing had to be given to the elf's credit. At least she had some guts.

 

[scarlettnuit]

She gazed upon Kab with an interested look as he pinned her down to the ground. She hadn’t though dwarves could move so fast or pack such a powerful blow. She simply nodded her approval as he said that he got her point and then stood as he moved to get his things.

She watched as he drank a red elixir that caused the wound to heal. She wondered where he had gotten such magic, but decided not to ask. All would be revealed in time. She sheathed her sword and quickly turned away when he turned towards her. While she was not completely ignorant in the way of things, seeing a man she barely knew naked was quite another.

“I’ll meet you at the stables.” She said shortly and left the room. She headed down the stairs glad for the time to allow her cheeks to cool. She was soon mounted on Snow once more and wondered what type of animal a dwarf would ride.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

For Kab it was just a matter of knowing how to knock someone down. A lot of people were bigger than him. So, he had to learn some tricks that followed the old saying, "The bigger they are, the harder they fall." Also, it was used to moving in armor that had a little bit of heft to it. Moving without it made him faster. He always had strength as dwarves were used to wielding weapons with heft. That's how he moved at the woman quickly.

By the time he made it out there the man was in the black surcoat, the silver armor with gold trim that was triangular, and the chain mesh underneath that, the hilt of his sword could be seen as he moved. Facing him she could see the blade. Humans would have called it a short sword, but it was a a little thicker than most. The hilt was a bit smaller. It was clear the weapon was used for deflecting and combat. Most people would have used a hilt. Must have been a dwarven thing.

His eyes were Iscara, and Snow, before asking, "Got room on that thing for me, or will I have to rent? I came on foot," he admitted. The dwarf looked over at her. Whether she would be friendly, or not, was entirely up to her.

 

[scarlettnuit]

She looked down and when Kab spoke and without hesitation, reached down and pulled him up to the saddle so that he was sitting in front of her. He grunted slightly, as the hidden armor under his tunic made itself known with it’s weight. When he was comfortable she clicked at Snow who began a stable walk.

“We should reach this other city you spoke of by nightfall at this pace, or so the inn keeper lead me to believe. I don’t want to tire Snow out by racing to them. She’s had a long hard ride the past two days.” She informed him.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

"Time is against us, but if you push the horses then time and fortune are against. Ride until they need a break. Camp if we must because fortune would be against us as well if we're dead," Kab smiled grimly but nodded.

He noticed her warmth but said nothing. "Tell me about yourself. We have time." Kab wanted to know more about his partner in crime. This was an opportunity to do so.

 

[scarlettnuit]

She clicked Snow in to a gallop and they were on their way. “We could always walk if need be” she told him as the moved onto the main road going to the town in question.

He asked her where she was from and she wasn’t sure how much she wanted to let on. After a few moments of silence she finally spoke.

“I’m from the Elflands. I’ve been sent out to survey the countryside to ensure that our mapping and knowledge is correct or if it needs updating.” She said. “What of you? You seem to be a long way from your mountain cave.” She had assumed he only wanted to know the business side of her travels and never thought to mention more.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

"What kept you out here?" Kab asked with curiousity. He figured she had more to do with herself than just help the mapmaker. "Not asking for more than you're willing to share. We might be mercanaries but we don't need to act like it."

"Do you want the nice answer or the truth?" Kab asked softly about the question about what brought him so far out.

 

[scarlettnuit]

She didn’t want to tell him about the danger she had in her future. There was a very impressive diamond, sword and shield that was stolen by a dragon. It was she who was sent to get it back and slay the beast. It was going to be a difficult task, she would be lucky to survive, however, it was her burden to bear and hers alone.

“I suppose I just like getting out and seeing the world, a little adventure.” She smiled a little. “While my homeland may be beautiful, it’s nice to see other places as well. Knowledge can always come from the most surprising of sources.” This of course was true, she simply left out her mission.

She raised an eyebrow when he asked if she wished the truth or not. “Whatever you’re willing to give I suppose. Though truth is preferable. Hold on.” She told him as she wrapped one arm tightly around his torso. She nudged snow into a run and they were soon flying over a large tree that had fallen in the roadway.

Once they had cleared the obstacle, she slowed Snow’s pace to a trot and continued on.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

Kab cleared his throat a little. Her answer seemed so pure compared to his. However, there were no secrets and so he was going to be forth right. "I left my home in the mountains a while ago. Father was a black smith. Guards saw me swingin' a stick. Got corrected. Could never be a formal knight. Not in the eyes of the king. No royal blood."

Kab shrugged and tried to refine his voice again. He felt the accent slide into place earlier. "It's not uncommon for my people to send out mapmaker and caravans. When my guard tour was up I stayed here. I earned some respect of my people, some coin, and I continued it. Spent coin on brew, naked women dancing, the simple things in life. Then about a year or so ago I thought there had to be more to life...so, I'm trying to find it. Whatever that is," until recently Kab was simple. Take honorable jobs, do them, get paid, watch women strip for money, eat, sleep and repeat.

He wasn't looking for redemption because there was nothing to redeem. Just a fun loving fighter that was trying to take life more seriously.

 

[scarlettnuit]

She listened carefully and smiled. “I think that’s as noble a cause as any.” She replied to his story. “So I suppose in a sense, we have both set out to see what the world has to offer us. So far I haven’t been disappointed.” She told him.

They rode for a few hours and then Iscara stopped by a stream that was a little off the path and helped Kab down. She soon dismounted and let her drink and nibble the sweet grass. The was no need to tether her, she would always come at the sound of Iscara’s voice or whistle.

She moved to the saddle bag and pulled out a small burlap sack. She moved to sit under a tree and motioned for Kab to join her. From the back she took out a fresh loaf of bread and gave him a healthy chunk of it as well as cheese. She took a chunk of both for herself and nibbled on it.

“I think we should be there by dusk at the rate we’ve ridden.”

 

[Dreamwalker85]

Taking the offered bread and cheese Kab nodded in agreement with the time estimate before taking a big bite of each. His gaze went to the woman as he chewed with mouth close despite big portions. Once swallowed he spoke, "We should have a plan. If we show up and the bandits are there how do we want to hit? If we show up and we're waiting for the bandits how do we want to hit them? I'm better with close ranged attacks. If we're waiting on them I'll be bait and a distraction if you can cover me on the distance front."

He looked at Iscara, "I could use some ideas on stealth if they are in town. I'm okay at Stealth, but don't know your capabilities other than you can carry yourself well and look good while doing it." He said his filters and civility wearing since Kab felt there wasn't a need to impress. It had been a while since someone had comforted him like this.

 

[scarlettnuit]

She smiled a bit as he immediately began to plan an attack. While strategy was important, she wondered if she made him nervous.

“I’m sure, being travelers new in town, we will be an appealing target. Especially if we make ourselves appear to be so.” She said as she ate a bit of cheese. “I have some clothing that would suggest me a wealthy target. You will more than likely be underestimated, as fools tend to do.” She told him.

“I would suggest that we stay in the same room, I will name you my protector and that you are there to guard me. Should they attack in the night, which I’m hoping they will, we can take down the lackeys and then hold one for questioning and get to the bottom of the situation.”

She pulled out a flagon of wine and took a drink before offering it to Kab. “What think you of this approach? As for teaching you stealth…it is all in how one moves and how one uses the environment around them. It is something I am more than happy to council you in, though it takes some time to perfect.”

Iscara took a bite of bread and then took off her boots. She rolled up her leather pants as best she could and began to wade in the shallows of the stream. She, for the first time in her life, was unsure of what to say. She had always been fairly quiet, even for an elf, and now she was not sure what to say to this man.

“Are you tolerating the ride well?” she asked, for lack of anything better to say.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

"There is merit in deception. Your plan sounds better than mine," Kab had to admit that. Dwarves were not meant to be regal. There were regal Dwarves, but for every one that claimed regal origins they paled to the civility of other races when they put on their fanciest foot forward.

Taking the wine he nodded to her, "You need to loosen yourself. You're stiff when talking to others. Some people may use your discomfort to their advantage in negotiations if they aren't short. Tell me something about yourself few know. You need not worry about me telling those of your kind as you're the first I've seen in some time. You can tell me your homelands, and I may know of it. Being there, talking to your people, anything like that I will not know unless you introduce me. Even if that happens I will offer you my word that your secrets will be with me," Kab said with a soft smile before taking the first drink of wine. He looked at her.

"I will start us. I used to watch a lot of elves dance in seedier parts of certain cities. Places where elves will loose clothing, do more, if the coin was right. I didn't take them into my bed often, but I was a familiar face in some cities," Kab was being honest. Sure, it may have made Iscara blush more than him because yes the man used to have a thing for elves. Still, it wasn't exactly something he wanted to spread around in his homelands. So, she could possibly see that trust was given to her.

 

[scarlettnuit]

Iscara found herself blushing slightly at the “secret” Kab revealed. She herself had never thought much of what other elves would do after they left the kingdom. She had never had enough freedom to explore until now. Her knowledge of some things was embarrassingly incomplete.

She laughed softly and stepped out of the water, enjoying the feeling of the soft grass under her toes. She pondered a moment and then looked back to him.

“Funny enough, I’ve never learned to dance…well not in that way at least. I’ve only learned what was necessary to get me through a ball or formal function. It wasn’t much fun for me, my partners were not very charismatic.” Since she herself was not a royal, merely a cousin of a royal, being forced to dance with her was often frowned upon by those wishing to claw their place to the top.

“Also…” she paused and smiled a bit in memory, “I used to sneak out of my window at night and go on adventures in the forest. Of course, none of them were terribly exciting by adult standards. However, it did make me a prime candidate for going out and searching the different surrounding lands. I’ve always enjoyed traveling, as opposed to most elves.”