Seeking RP Writing Partner

[Guest]

Hidden Magic

Closed to Poganin and Ashkeyana0418

(Note about my character before you read. Ash is a wondering traveler. Has a knack for getting into trouble and has been alone for many years. She's strong both in body and soul, but is also lonely and seeking her life long love and companion.)

Ash's pale blue eyes were shining in the darkness that surrounded her, like little shards of glass. She wasn't sure where she was or what this place would hold. Only thing she knew for sure is that she was alone and completely exhausted from her wandering travels. One hand rested lightly against a dagger strapped to one thigh as she slowly walked around a building she was quite sure was the town tavern. Voices were heard faintly within yet instead of bringing comfort after long days of solace, they made her heart beat with nervousness. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end and her muscles were tense. Someone was watching her and it made her blood run cold. "Sweet Jesus!" she whispered to herself. Her legs seemed to have a mind of their own, steering her around a corner only to collide with a large dark figure.

A small cry of shock escaped her lips as she bounced back and hit the ground with a thud. The dark figure didn't introduce himself, but instead haled her body up as if she were a feather. His large hands holding her till as his dark lifeless eyes bore into her. Fear rushed through her now as a gut renching scream passed her lips...

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon Swordbearer

OOC: Ganelon comes from a very traditional family of fencers and being an heir to the Swordbearer legacy he had started a namequest, a quest that will earn him a name among his family and grant him the Swordbearer Longsword. Ganelon is 25, has long, brown, wavy hair gathered in a braid reaching to his hips. His eyes are green but they have a tendency to change their colour according to current weather. While not a swordmaster yet, he is skilled with all types of blades as is required for the firstborn son of the Swordbearers. His main traits are extreme agility and balance.

IC:
Ganelon reached the town of Artolia just before sundown, the last traveller to make it before the gates were closed for the night. A small bribe convinced the guard to let him in and tell him about the town, pointing to the tavern where beds were clean and spirits hardly baptised with redundant water. Whistling to himself merrily Ganelon walked in the direction the militiaman advised. He'd been on the road for his third week now after leaving the Swordbearer manor in Jeravellan. His visit to the Oracle resulted in one cryptic hint: find remains of a fire in Artolia, by this you will recognise your way. And so Ganelon came to Artolia, not sure what to expect in here. And how in Nine Hells were remains of a fire supposed to help him in making a name for himself?

Nearing the tavern he noticed a skulking figure, moving deftly in the shadows. Ha, a local thief, prowling the streets, looking for a mark probably. Ganelon could care less, he was tired and dirty and need a bath terribly. He doubted the tavern would provide massages though. And he could use on too, he was all cramped from sleeping on stones and tree roots. Being a pampered son of a noble family does not prepare one for the hardships of the road.

A small gasp of shock reached his ears from the alley next to the tavern. The thief probably met her better and now was paying through the nose. Oh well, worse things happened in big cities. A shrill cry brought all his carefully honed fighting skills to the surface and Ganelon sprinted in that direction, his long braid flowing behing him, his sword unsheathed the very moment the cry was uttered. Nearing the alley he notice the person he thought to be the thief held by the shoulders by two big hands of something dark, covered in shades. Jumping, he hit the thief with his shoulder, freeing her from the grasp of the big figure. He hoped she didn't injure herself while falling and faced her attacker in the first fencing stance.

"Are you okay?" he asked, watching the enemy intently.

 

[Guest]

Slightly dazed, Ash nodded and pushed back her dark hair from her face. Regaining some sense, she quickly moved to her feet and withdrew a set of daggers. The one she had carried before lost somewhere in the dirt around them. "Thank you, I appreciate the help." She replied, her voice coming out in a hushed whisper.

She took on a fighting stance, although not wanting to really get into things again. She was tired of constantly fighting and defending herself. Why on earth couldn't she live a normal life? She wondered to herself.

The dark creature remained still for some agonizing moments. Whatever it was seemed to shift, moving back a step. Then a deep angry growl filled the air. Black eyes turned to a deep, glowing red.

"I think he's mad now..." she murmured, more to herself than the stranger.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon Swordbearer

Ganelon nodded, acknowledging the woman's gratitude, thankful to the gods that he didn't hit her too hard. Whatever it was that had attacked her couldn't be human. No human being had red eyes. Seeing the monster raise its hands, he fluently shifted to the third stance, holding the hilt of his sword in both hands before him.

"I think he's mad now..." the woman murmured somewhere beside him but he discarded her words, he couldn't allow himself to deconcentrate, not when the enemy towered above him a good foot.

He parried the attack instinctively, repelling the swinging claws that aimed for his head with his long blade and slowly retreated, wanting to draw the creature into the main street where the light of moon and stars would deprive it of the advantage of shadows. The creature lunged and Ganelon ducked and pirouetted with his left leg extended to the side, cutting the monster's belly open... or so he should have, only the blade of his sword grated on somthing hard, focing a cascade of sparks to flow.

To save his life he rolled away to the left, grasping a small dagger that lay in the dirt as he did, barely dodging a blow that would brain him and jumped to his feet only to see the monster turn his attention to the woman again.

"Watch out!" he shouted and jumped forward to attack again.

 

[Guest]

Expecting the attach this time, she moved away from the creature as it charged for her. Her movements, swift and sure, she launched her daggers at it's head. One grazing it's cheek, while the other bounced off it's shoulder.

She cursed under her breath and dodged it's claws, rolling into the dirt and then jumping to hear feet at full speed run. Her heart raced, her pulse pounding in her ears as she ran towards the main street. The thing roared, furious and gaining more strength and energy.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon Swordbearer

Seeing the situation develop unfavourably for the woman, Ganelon launched himself into a risky slide, entwining his legs in between the monster's and making a backhand slash to the abdomen, again only sparks flew -- either it was armoured or had a stone skin. A damn waste of a perfectly good blade. With the creature tumbling down to the ground Ganelon tried to free his legs to prevent crushing his bones under the weight of this invulnerable mostrosity. He screamed as his left knee almost bent in the wrong direction, caught between the stone-hard calves of the monster.

A huge arm swung in his direction, claws catching him in the face, barely grazing his cheek but it was enough to almost tear his head off. Blood spurting in an artistic arc Ganelon threw the dagger reflexively in the creature's face and burning eyes. Hearing an agonised, animal cry, he passed out.

 

[Guest]

Ash turned just in time to watch the creature fall to it's death. It hit the ground with a loud thud. She stopped and turned, waiting to see if the danger was gone. Before her eyes, the large lifeless body began to shimmer a dark and sinister red and then vanished into thin air.

Puffing out her cheeks, she blew out air slowly, trying to calm her senses. The man she had just met was down and out. She prayed that he wasn't dead. Picking up the pace, she reached his side. Blood covered his face and her heart almost stalled. "Oh please, please be alright." she murmured. Carefully she felt for a pulse and smiled when she found one. There was no way she would be able to move him by herself. She would have to wake him in order to help in any way. Gently she patted his cheek, "Come on, you're going to have to wake up." She coaxed softly, "We'll just get into more trouble if we stay out here and I'm not leaving you, so wake up. Wake up"

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon Swordbearer

He was already on his way to play dice with the Grim Reaper when in the complete darkness that surrounded him he was approached by the Fiddler, Death's right hand... something.

"You can't face her nameless, Swordbearer. Your given name is but a shade of your true name's shadow. You've yet to earn it, there will come another time though and we shall meet again." This said the Fiddler slapped his face open-handed once, twice, thrice, four times... until Ganelon opened his eyes and saw the woman he struggled to save kneeling next to him and patting his cheek.

He tried to get up but the pain wracking his leg and mutilated face manifested itself, paralysing his muscles, preventing any movement. Ganelon groaned, and instantly groand again as he moved his jaw, the pangs in his cheek burning like molten sulphur. You're a Swordbearer, whelp, don't let pain conquer you! You've a duty to fulfil! Ganelon recalled his teacher's words and muttered the painkilling prayer. Slowly he felt the power of his ancestors' magic filling him, taking the pain away. He would have to take care of his wounds soon though, especially his face.

He sat up, blood dripping on his expensive silk vest embroidered with golden threads.

"Whorrappened? Wooaryuu?" he tried to speak but his lips wouldn't move properly. He saw her breathe a sigh of relief and smile. He would probably do the same if he could, if only his face listened to him.

 

[Guest]

A wave of relief washed over her as she smiled at him. "Thank the heavens! And thank you for saving my life. I was afraid that you had died, but looks like you made it through. Just a scratch or two." She leaned forward and gently touched his cheek. "I could help you with those, if you'd like. It's the least I can do." She continued, "As for who I am, my name is Ash. I'm a traveler...no one special. Although I do have a knack for attracting trouble."

She laughed softly. She had to look like hell. Covered in dirt, probably bruised up nicely by now, but she felt good. Happy to be alive. "And you are?"

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon Swordbearer

Ganelon had no time for idle chit-chat, he didn't feel almost any pain but he could certainly feel the bruised flesh of his face swell, he hoped the creature's claws weren't poisoned. Quickly he drew the three runes of his name in the dirt of the street. Slowly he removed his vest and pressed the soft material against his cheek. A scratch or two, huh? His face was probably ruined for the rest of his life, that wound would leave three long, ugly scars under his eye. Trouble, oh yes, meeting such a powerful monster in a small town like this...

Damn! of course, that was why he was supposed to come here! Saving the woman in Artolia was probably the first step on the road of his namequest. What did she say her name was? Ash? What remains after a fire? Ashes of course! This is it!

"It's good you're unhurt," he said, barely moving his mouth, his voice muffled by the material of his vest. "I need to find a healer before it's too late." He started to get up trying not to put too much strain on his leg but it did support him without failing. Now, where would be the healer?

 

[Guest]

"I told you, I can help you with that." She instisted. "If you're in a hurry, then I'll do it right here. I just figured you would want to clean up first. No matter." She continued to talk, her hands lifting to his face, "Let me." Pushing away the material of his vest, she watched him wince a little. Ever so carefully and gently, she placed her hands on his face. Her face once smiling, now a mask of pure concentration. Softly she began to whisper, words that he couldn't quite make out. Her eyes began to shimmer, her gaze never leaving his face. Warmth flooded from her hands and eased away the pain as it healed the bloodied wounds until there was nothing.

When it was over, she moved away, feeling drained, but happy that she could have helped him. "There, not a scratch left."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon Swordbearer

Disbelieving what just happened Ganelon raised a hand to his face and delicately touched the place where the monster scratched him -- not a trace of either the wound or even a scar. Ash was not only a thief but an enchantress as well. This was getting interesting, she appeared to be a woman of many facets. He knew he had to stick with her if he wanted to complete his quest, the problem was if she would have him as a companion and maybe her bodyguard if she had such an aptitude for drawing trouble.

"Let me thank you for saving my face, lady Ash," Ganelon said and bowed, touching his right fist to his heart as he was taught. With a wide swipe of his arm he picked his sword up and checked the cutting edge. Luckily it was undamaged and with a relief he sheathed the precious blade.

Straightening, he let his eyes sweep along her legs and up. She was definitely good-looking and she was strong, much stronger than she showed.

"Why don't you tell me your story over a cup of local wine?" Ganelon invited her, pointing his arm in the direction of the tavern.

 

[Guest]

She nodded and fell into step beside him as they made their way to the tavern. Inside, he let her pick a seat. She opted for a small table near the front door, always on the look out for an easy way out if trouble was to come around.

Sitting in the dimly lit room, she let him order the wine. She took a moment to study him. Although flilthy he did have striking features and beautiful eyes. She glanced away, not wanting to stare, but she suddenly felt a little nervous. She knew she wasn't looking her best and she hadn't been in the presence of a decent man in god knows how long.

Shifting in her seat, she fought the urge to wipe at her face. She hoped to soon find herself a place to bathe and rest for the night. "Well, there really isn't much to tell." she finally spoke, taking a goblet of wine from him with a small smile. "What exactly would you like to know?"

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon Swordbearer

Ganelon chuckled to himself as he saw Ash choose a table close to the door -- she must have really been a trouble magnet, always on the lookout and ready to hightail it before something serious happened to her. In the tavern's dim light he noticed they didn't look their best, Ash's clothes were dirty and covered in dust, his own were like that too, not to mention blood covering his shirt. Seeing this, a few locals moved a pace away, not too eager for troubling those strangers.

"Barkeep, a jug of your best wine and two cups!" Ganelon shouted over the hubbub of the tavern and the room grew silent for a while to gaze at the caller but the conversations were resumed promptly.

The owner brought them the wine and Ganelon poured the red wine into cups, handing Ash one of them he smiled at her, grateful that she healed his face.

"I'd like to know, why did you come to this town. What drove you here? And that thing? Are you in some deep trouble now, lady Ash?" Ganelon asked a torrent of questions, realising how uncomfortable she must feel in this place, with her clothes dishevelled and dirty face.

He turned to a local sitting nearby.

"Hey, friend. Is there a bath-house here in this town."

"Why, suree, sir. Ish just a waysh down the main shtreet." Ganelon nodded, thanking the man for his information.

"What would you say to continuing this conversation and introductions in a tub of hot water, lady Ash, or after taking a bath? I think I feel uncomfortable speaking about such things in here and..." he briefly glanced at his clothes. "...in such a state."

 

[Guest]

She smiled at him and nodded, "You've read my mind. I think that would be wonderful." They took a moment though, to drink their wine in silence. He was right in every way. She didn't feel comfortable sitting there all dirty and feeling equally self conscious about their convorstation.

With their drinks done, Ganelon paid the barkeep and together they set out to the bath-house. The local had been correct in his directions. At this time in the evening, it was extremely quiet. Ash looked around, scanning their surroundings before Ganelon opened the door and motioned her inside.

A large, portly lady stood behind a small pay counter and regarded them a moment before speaking. "Well you two look a sight. I have just what yer need. Come come, before you smell up the place." She ordered and hobbled out of the parlor, leading them to the back of the building.

Ash hid a smile and followed silently, Ganelon following behind. In the very back, the lady motioned to two very large tubs place next to each other. Already filled and steaming hot, she moved about placing towels and soaps out. In a flury and moving rather quickly for such a large woman, she turned and regarded Ganelon. "Out with you for a moment and let the gal get in first. I'll have no playing about in my bath-house."

Ash flushed in embarrassement. The thought hadn't quite passed through her mind, until the woman had mentioned it. Ganelon just seemed to grin and let himself be bullied out of the room so that she could get undressed in private.

With a deep sigh, she began undressing and was soon slipping her tired, aching body into the hot water. A soft moan of pleasure slipped past her lips as the water soothed her body and began washing away the dirt and grime of the day.

A soft knock jerked her back to reality and she made sure that she was completely covered. In dim lightly of this building and the deep tubs, it was hard to make out anything. "Come in! I think it's safe." She called out cheerfully.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon Swordbearer

Limping slightly, Ganelon followed Ash deeper into the bath-house building and gasped at the promise of the hot, steaming tub. That was exactly what he needed. Forgetting himself and his manners he was forced to submit to the overpowering owner and let himself be ushered out of the humid room. Outside the door he stood, grinning at the owner who studied him intently.

"Were you playing butcher, boy, or did the lady spurn yer caresses with her teeth?" she asked, pointing at the bloody stain on his white shirt.

"Just some trouble we ran into. Can you have a maid wash it?"

"A maid?! This ain't no lord's manor, boy. Ya'll have to wash it yerself in a stream." She knocked on the door. "Off with ya! Don't keep yer lady waiting!"

Smiling, Ganelon opened the door and bolted it behind him. He moved towards the empty tub unbuckling the belt and leaning the scabbard against the tub in case he'd need his weapon. Removing his shirt and boots he glanced in Ash's direction but could only see her head above water, her eyes closed, clearly enjoying her bath. He quickly removed his brown trousers and undergarments and slowly entered the tub, cupping his privates, and slowly crouching, trying not to put too much weight on his hurt leg. An involuntary sigh of pleasure escaped his lips as he felt the hot water surround and envelop him. He yearned for this luxury. Making sure his long braid does not get wet, Ganelon sat in the tub.

They enjoyed the hot water for some time, not speaking a word, only revelling in the feeling. Then Ganelon started washing himself, cleaning off the dirt, sweat and blood. He started whistling a merry tune and then rested his arms on the rim, spread his legs wide in water and sighed contentedly.

"So, what kind of trouble is following you, lady Ash? And why did you come to Artolia? If that's not some sort of secret that is..."

 

[Guest]

Having just finished washing her hair, she poored water her head and scrubbed her face clean. Turning slighlty his way, making sure her breasts were covered by the water, she flashed him a smile. "Nothing is following that I know. I just attrack trouble for whatever reason. Ever since I can remember it has been this way." She paused, her voice softening and a little sad, "Even as a child, it was so. My parents were brutally murdered when I was only 5. I was cast out then and there. No one wanted me. Everyone was afraid to get near me, fearing death themselves."

She sighed and toyed with her hair that gently swirled around her body in the water. "Lucky for me, I wasn't completely alone. I met someone. A man and he sort of became a father to me. He took me in, fed me, clothed me, made sure that I had some sort of training. When I was 16, he died also."

Her brows creased in thought, her eyes bright, but not with tears. "So I left and have been alone ever since. I've learned to take care of myself, but I must admit, it was a close call tonight. If it hadn't been for you, well....anyway. I suppose you could say I was drawn to this place. I follow my instincts. I have no rhyme or reason for my travels. What about you...what brings you here?"

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon Swordbearer

Ganelon listened to Ash's story in solemn silence, understanding that her life caused her a great deal of grief and pain - having lost everyone she cared about and deciding to live alone to avoid sufferring such a loss in the future. He admired her strenght and steel determination that helped her survive in this world where monsters prowled streets of small towns. It was a miracle they were both still alive, if it hadn't been for his luck when he threw that dagger, catching the creature in the eye, they would probably lay ripped to pieces on the ground.

Ganelon caught himself absentmindedly staring, trying to pierce the water to check Ash's bosom. A bit embarassed he turned his eyes to the small window just below the ceiling and sighed.

"I came here on the Oracle's advice. Find remains of a fire in Artolia, by this you will recognise your way - those were the words. As to why? I've embarked on a namequest to earn my place among the Swordbearers of Jervellan and be worthy of carrying the Swordbearer Longsword, the ancestral weapon passed from father to his firstborn son. Guess I happened to be in the right place and in the right time to help you with that... thing! What was that anyway, a troll? I never even heard about such monstrosity! But now that I'm here, I think I need to stick up with you if I ever want to complete my namequest. If you like it or not, I think you're the remains of a fire in Artolia. Only, I've no idea how you are supposed to be my way..." Ganelon trailed off, realising he probably said too much.

 

[Guest]

She stared at him, her mouth hanging slightly open, her eyes wide. She was shocked and a little confused. Finally snapping out of her daze, she shook her head. "Well, it sounds impressive, but I don't understand why you would think I have anything to do with your quest. I'll only bring you trouble. You really don't want to stay with me." She gave him a pleading look. "Please, I don't want any harm to come to you. Not after you've been so kind and saved my life."

She prayed he would listen. She didn't want more blood on her hands. He had already cut it close tonight. She could never stick with another...it was too dangerous.

With an absent flick of her hand, she erected a shimmering wall between the tubs and stood, getting out of the tub without him being able to see any clear part of her. Grabbing a towel, she wrapped herself up and began to towel dry her hair. The shimmering wall vanished in an instant. She eyed him, still in the tub and searched his handsome face. "I think perhaps you're wrong about me. It isn't worth the chance." She stated and then vanished behind a screen.

Her clothes lay neatly, but still covered in dust. She murmured to herself, a soft chant as she began to dress and the end result were clean, almost new clothes. No rips or dirt. Combing her hair with her fingers, she made quick work of wrapping it into a praid that fell down to the middle of her back. Her leather pants hugged her still damp skin. The soft shirt she wore also clung to her curves. She plucked at the material and then gave up. She did a small mental check list of her things. Daggers and money in place, she moved back into view. "I really am greatful for your help. I'll pay for the baths. Just relax and enjoy yourself."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon Swordbearer

No way he was going to let her get away like this, he was convinced she was the reason the Oracle sent him to Artolia and he was no peasant's son. He was a Jeravellan Swordbearer, and though he lacked experience he wasn't going to let her push him away so easily. He probably saved her life this evening, so now, by the standards of the Swordbearer code of honour he was responsible for Ash till the day she dies of old age. That was one of the reasons other Swordbearers rarely placed themselves in danger for the sake of complete strangers. Ganelon realised he had gravely endangered his family name and if he let Ash walk away on him and die in a ditch somewhere, torn apart by another stone monster he'd be disowned for bringing shame to the Swordbearers.

Jumping quickly out of the tub, his long braid flying about, he grabbed the towel and dried himself quickly - his soldier's training kicking in while dressing with the speed of light. Only the boots were troublesome as his water soaked feet wouldn't fit in. He didn't bother to button his shirt and grabbing his sword by the scabbard and snatching his travel sack from a peg, Ganelon dashed from the bath, throwing a silver piece at the surprised owner.

Stopping in the middle of the street he put his shirt inside his trousers and buckled the belt, looking around for any traces of the woman. Why in Nine Hells did she run away on him like that? He couldn't believe it was her fear of his coming into harm because of her company. It seemed like there was something else but there was no point in thinking and guessing. Perhaps she would tell him when he found her.

"Ash! Where are you!?" Ganelon shouted.

"Shut yer cakehole, you bastard! Decent, hardworking peasants are trying to sleep!" someone answered.

She wouldn't be able to exit the town via the gates after dark and unless she blew her way out with a fireball there was no way in hell she'd leave on the ground. The only other possibility was to climb the palisade. Ganelon looked around and sprinted in the direction where the wall was nearest. He thought he could see a figure jumping over but it could have as well been a shadow of a moving branch. Nevertheless he too climbed the wooden wall and landed on the other side.

 

[Guest]

Having already made her exit, Ash was surprised when she heard Genalon land a few feet away from her. She gasped in surprise and spun around. Setting a hand on her hip, she pointed a finger at him, her eyes narrowing slightly, " I thought I told you to stay and enjoy your bath. You shouldn't be following me!"

She could tell that he had spared no time. His clothes were still dirty and rumpled. He looked determined and that scared her. It didn't look like he wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon Swordbearer

Jumping down from the palisade Ganelon strained his injured leg and landed very clumsily, making so much noise that his teachers would probably have him work in the kitchen for two weeks. Getting up he was surprised to see Ash looking at him, her pose serious, a finger pointing at him and her voice a bit annoyed.

"I thought I told you to stay and enjoy your bath. You shouldn't be following me!" she scolded him.

"There's nothing to be enjoyed about a bath when there's no pretty woman to share it with... is what my grandfather used to say... Anyway, look, if troubles're tailing you why not let me stick with you to take care of them. I'm aware that I might not look terribly experienced but my age belies my skills. If you don't want me as a companion, accept me as a bodyguard," Ganelon rambled. "I can't let you die now," he added softly.

 

[Guest]

Right then and there, something in her heart melted. She refused to let it get to her. He was just being stubborn, like most men. She added to herself. With a small sound of frustration, she threw up her hands and spun back around. "Suit yourself. But if you get hurt, it's not my fault, but your own." She called over her shoulder and began moving again. She wasn't going to let him slow her down. However, she had noticed that he was favoring one leg against he other after his fight earlier. A twinge of guilt made her slow a little. Falling into step together, she slanted him a sideways look. "Just so we're clear, it's not your age or your skills that I doubt. You can't be much older than myself and I consider myself compitent enough. I'm sure you've had much more training than myself. I fight to survive. You are making a name for yourself. I just don't want you dead. That's all and I'm not trying to insult you. You saw what happened tonight. If there was to be a next time, things might turn out the same." Then not being able to resist a little teasing, she fought a smile and added, "Besides, if I hadn't been there, you would have ruined that pretty face of yours."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon Swordbearer

Even though Ash joked and he knew it, Ganelon replied quite seriously:

"That's right. And I can't thank you enough for healing me. If it weren't for your magic, I'd either be bleeding to death or dying from poison. And if I didn't die I probably would look like a barfight veteran. I'm grateful to you," he said, touching Ash's shoulder lightly.

"And it's not as if I'm trying my bravado against any and all odds that come in my way. Do you really think, I want to risk my life in a fight I cannot win? This is my family's tradition to earn a name among the people of this country. And it's not like my quest will be over in a month. It had taken seventeen years for my father to complete his. He started at 25, just like me, and he returned at 42, with a new name and the right to continue the line of blood. I'll spend as much time as it takes to complete my namequest or I'll die trying. But for the time being I'll just be accompanying you. I'll try not to get in your way too much..."

Seeing a small open space in the forest surrounding them, Ganelon proposed: "How about calling it a night and making a camp?"

 

[Guest]

Setting camp seemed like a good idea. She was bone tired and would bet that she could probably manage sleeping standing up is she stood still long enough. "That sounds fine." She admonished and together they set out to make things as comfortable as possible.

Ash always traveled light. Alone, she either found places to sleep that seemed safe enough or got herself a room while passing through towns. Tonight they would sleep under the stars. It was odd having another around. She wasn't used to sharing her space or convorsation for so long.

Busying herself with a small camp fire, she spared him few glances as she worked, but still spoke. "Won't you miss your family, being gone for so long? Seems like a very long time to be away."