7th Fall 511AV
Serrif woke and it seemed that the night had been harsh to him. It wasn’t unusual for a mist to settle on everything during the night. It seemed as fall broke the nights got colder and colder. And based on the small frozen dew drops that were on everything last night had been very cool indeed. One of the tent flaps had been swung open and the dew settled on him and then froze there as well. His hair was stuck in odd configurations and his eye brows were frozen as well. His body was shivering from the shock of his head being encased in frozen dew. A rather unpleasant feeling to be sure. And a very bad start to a morning. But where days started horribly there was only room for things to go right. Or so he thought. But he knew that he wouldn’t have a horrible day. That was impossible, or unlikely that he would have a horrible day.
His hand wiped across his face as he tried to gather himself so he could start his morning. Everything felt so cold, it had been some time since he had felt ice on his face. Last he could remember was at the camp since the slavers didn’t see a reason to keep their ‘test subjects’ comfortable. No, by keeping them uncomfortable they showed them who was in charge. And indeed he like many of the slaves knew who was in charge. But here he was in charge of himself and his own destiny. HE could control what he did and there wasn’t a single person that held complete control over him. Freedom was something he was still just beginning to appreciate. He was his own man now.
Like always he dressed and threw on his black cloak. He slipped on his boots and then stretched a little to try and warm himself. The sun would greet him shortly but until then he had his morning session with Ildin. Which he was quite accustomed to. His hand found his bow where it laid right beside him like always. It had become an extension of himself really. He had become accustomed to how it felt in his hand, the sounds it made when he released an arrow from it. Really it was like the bow was literally part of him now. The constant training with Ildin was paying off beyond belief for him. He was perfecting that art along with many others. He had learned how to bring himself peace even when he was suffering. How he could then use this peace to make rational and swift decisions with the clarity of mind to know that he was making the correct decisions; instead of irrational rushed decisions that could harm others. His face was still a little damp where the frost was now melting on him. This was uncomfortable but truth was he didn’t mind. Sometimes one had to suffer a little to get anywhere. And this rude morning was just a wakening that was a little harsher than usual.
His bow was kept in his hand and the small leather quiver on his hip. It would be another morning with Ildin and an afternoon with Lym. As far as his evening was concerned it could entail anything. But that was later and now he had to take care of the current. He had gotten into a habit of walking around barefoot, however not knowing what Ildin had planned it was better for him to put on his boots every sunrise. His feet found the ground easily and he knew the path he was to take. The sunrise was coming up now meaning he was running a little later than usual. So Ildin would likely give him a talking to or some kind of vigorous activity that would strain him. She would likely do so under the guise of teaching him discipline. He knew he would have to move quickly in order to not invoke the full wrath of Ildin.
Every footfall was long in stride making the journey to the Suvai pavilion a short time away. His path would take him through the center of Mura then down a small narrow dirt path. However there were more people in the center of town than usual, this told him that he was indeed running a little late. But there weren’t enough people here in the center to cause him any real alarm. He could still run a relatively straight path and avoid most if not all of them. While running he saw a little girl with something in her arms. It was a little furry something that seemed to startle when he ran by her. The little animal jumped from her arms and started off into the bushes.
“No! Come back Kasha! No!!! Kasha please!” The little girl cried running to the edge of the bushes frantically searching through them to try and find the little animal.
Serrif felt responsible for the little girls pet running off, this would definitely put a damper on his plans to meet Ildin on time. He stopped and walked over to the girl. “I’m sorry I have seemed to startled your Kasha. Can I help you look for it?”
“Her.” The little girl corrected.
“I would very much like to help you find her.”
“Thank you, but she only likes me. And she is very shy, she gets scared easily.”
“How do you suggest we get her back out of the bush?” Serrif questioned the girl as she looked up to Serrif and then spoke some.
“Maybe, if you could get some carrots, or lettuce we could use them to get her out. I haven’t fed her yet and she has to be hungry.”
Serrif nodded “Yes, I can do this stay here I will be right back.”
With that he headed to the nearest vender and spoke to the woman. “Morning, I would like to borrow a small amount of lettuce and a few carrots.”
“Borrow? No one borrows food.” The woman said with a smile as she wondered just what this man could use this lettuce and carrots for.
“The little girl over there, her Kasha ran off into the bushes and I was told to fetch some lettuce and carrots to draw the creature out of the bushes.” Serrif explained.
The woman at her stall smiled and nodded. “Going hunting? For what may I ask?”
“I can’t tell you what, only that it fits in a girls arms and is easily startled by a man running by. Whatever it is I am sure that it can’t be to absurdly dangerous.”
The vendor smiled and laughed a little. As if she was now pondering over what she was going to do to help this man and the girl. “I am sure the little girl would appreciate you helping her; I know I sure would appreciate any help you could offer. I don’t know how much longer until her little Kasha runs off entirely.”
The woman nodded and took a small amount of lettuce and a few smaller carrots and handed them to the man. “Please go help the girl.” The woman said as she smiled.
“Thank you very much.” Serrif then ran back to the little girl who was still rustling through the bushes to look for her small animal.
“I have Kasha’s food.” With those words the little girl stopped looking through the bush and looked to Serrif with a smile.
“Good now we need to put them here…” The little girl said as she then continued. “and wait, she should come out of the bushes…if she is still here.”
Serrif set the food on the ground where the little girl indicated. She then took him by the hand and lead him away so they could wait and observe. Maybe the little animal would come out maybe not. They waited for a few moments and the little girl seemed restless as she then tugged on his hand and spoke. “Maybe she is still scared…”
“That is possible, but she feels safe in the bushes. Maybe she is scared of me.”
“Maybe you can scare her out of the bushes.” The girl suggested.
“How do you think I should do that?”
“Pretend you are a big scary animal, shake the bushes and make noises. Kasha knows I am here and maybe she will come running to me.”
It almost seemed like the girl was playing games with him now making him shake bushes and pretend to be a monster. This would doubtlessly be embarrassing but he knew that it would likely serve to rectify the situation he had created for this little girl. He had made her little animal run away, so now he was charged with Kasha’s safe return. It was only fair that he did this for her. So he swallowed whatever pride he had and nodded; he would be the monster this girl needed him to be for her. Walking over to the bushes he began to shake them some and make low growling noises. This drew attention from the nearby Konti women who were puzzled to why this man would act this way. He felt embarrassed but at the same time he knew that if he did this right it would only be passing.
“Louder!” The little girl said instructing him to be a little louder to scare the animal out of the bushes.
He couldn’t believe he was taking instructions to be more ‘beastly’ from this girl. He knew that this would only make him more noticeable to the women around him. But if the little girl thought this was needed he would do as this little girl asked him. He deepened his growls and cast his voice into the bushes as he shook them a little more violently. He swore he could see something in the bush move around and he continued to shake the bushes following it trying to draw it out. Make it feel like as if the bushes were no longer a safe place to be. And it seemed like it was working, it was good that this embarrassment would draw out the small animal.
The Konti around him had mixed feelings about him. Some giggled thinking he was funny; and some watched thinking something may be wrong with this man. He could be just simply following the instructions of this small girl, but to what ends? It really didn’t make much sense to them right now. But maybe it would in a few more seconds. The display intrigued some of the women as well for other reasons. It had been some time since they had heard a growl like that from anything, especially a man. Especially a tall strong man. It was…enthralling for some; more that it scared or worried them. But Serrif had no way of knowing this; he believed he was making a fool of himself more than anything.
“Come here Kasha.” The little girl pleaded as she waited for the small animal to come out to her.
Serrif was indeed helping draw out the animal. He wondered in his head how much more of this he would have to do before the creature would find this bush no longer a safe haven. The animal eventually startled out of the bush and into the little girls arms. She giggled with joy as she held the animal in her arms tight feeding it carrots. Serrif on the other hand was just glad this entire thing was over. He was the center of attention right now and all he could manage was an embarrassed smile and a little bow for his performance.
The little girl giggled and ran over to Serrif. “This is Kasha, she’s my pet rabbit. My mother gave her to me.” She said as if to offer the little rabbit to pet.
Unsure Serrif reached out to pet the small animal. He had never seen a rabbit before. But if this little girl was handling it with relative ease so it couldn’t be rabid…could it? He reached over and ran his hand over its soft fine fur. It was a peaceful animal really. Just happily staying in the little girls arms. Until it lunged forward unsuspectingly and bit Serrif’s right index finger. But honestly what kind of a response did he really expect to get from that little animal. It did have very sharp teeth that bit right through his skin and into his flesh. He bled openly from that sharp and precise wound inflicted by such a small creature.
“Bad Kasha! Are you still afraid of the big monster?” She pulled the animal away from Serrif scolding her rabbit.
“It is a small price to pay.” Serrif said as he tried to apply pressure to the wound to try and help it stop bleeding.
“Thank you.” The little girl said as she smiled and laughed a little.
“You are welcome now I must be off to see Ildin. She is expecting me.”
“Grandmother Ildin?” The girl perked up.
“Grandmother? I am talking of Mistress Ildin of the Suvai Pavilion.”
“Yes, tell her you helped me and Kasha. That should help you avoid her angry side.” The girl said as she then walked off holding her little animal close to her.
Serrif was curious as to how this little girl could be related to Ildin. From what he gathered the little girl was a granddaughter of hers. But Ildin had children who then had children? He hadn’t gotten that impression from her. Maybe she had a sister who had children…Families were very interconnected here in Mura. Still after all this time he didn’t know how they were structured entirely. But he knew that each household seemed to have a head matron. The eldest living Konti mother was head of her household. But was Ildin head of a household? He thought it could be possible there was much he didn’t know about Ildin. So he set off to the Suvai Pavilion down the narrow dirt path that lead to it. He ran full speed. The entire time he was fixated on the news the little girl told him.
He continued to run down the little path, he noticed that the ground was a little damp by the noise his footfalls were making on the ground. They sounded like they were squishing in the dirt, but the ground wasn’t completely muddy. If it had been he would’ve been sliding and falling all over the place. But his current speed would get him to the pavilion in no time flat. Which was good because he was already running a little late…well this would be the latest he had ever been to see Ildin. He hoped she wouldn’t be completely cross with him. His footfalls now sounded a little different now as he made his way across the wooden floating balk that lead to the pavilion. He continued at his speed across the balk; his mind contemplating what Ildin could have in store for him. But at the same time he was worried about being late.
For all he had learned he had forgotten one lesson he had learned the hard way only a few seasons ago. The balk he was crossing over was treacherous on a normal day. But when the wooden balk was wet it became even more dangerous. Something Serrif seemed to have forgotten completely. His footing slipped sending him crashing into the wooden guiderail that flanked the sides. The wood cracked and broke as his body impacted it. Serrif then crashed into the water. He hadn’t expected this at all. And this was all too familiar to him; it had all happened before. But this time he wasn’t carrying a heavy weighted pack so he wouldn’t sink to the bottom. No he floated this time but his ribs and chest hurt from the impact. The water was lukewarm and embraced his cool body gently. It was soothing in a way if he wouldn’t have to swim for his life. He swam the best he could and put a hand on the wooden balk. He then placed his other hand on the balk as well setting his bow down on the wooden balk above him. He then pulled his body up onto the balk.
He coughed up some water and then gathered himself some trying to get himself together before presenting himself to Ildin. He sighed and then stood. He decided it was best to walk the rest of the way. His ankle was beginning to throb likely from being strained and maybe even broken. But as he walked gently he got a good feeling and he believed he was only slightly strained. He wouldn’t be straining himself by running great distances anytime soon it would likely create even more issues for him if he did. It was almost a walk of shame for him, he had made a fool of himself so a little girl could have her rabbit; then due to his own miscalculations he had now dumped himself into the silver lake and injured his ankle…not to mention breaking a part of the wooden barrier. It seemed as unlucky as he thought he was this morning he continued to be unlucky.
The Suvai Pavilion came into view and he knew Ildin would likely be waiting for him on the first floor. She likely had been waiting for him for a good time now. Maybe she thought he wouldn’t show up at all. If only he hadn’t been so rushed earlier he would’ve avoided the issues with the small girl and her rabbit. He doubted if explaining how he helped her find her Kasha. It would be an odd conversation for him to have to be sure. But maybe the little girl was right, little Konti girls didn’t usually tell elaborate lies. There was no reason for them to under normal circumstances. And why would she lie especially since he had helped her. There among the first floor was Ildin standing looking out over the lake. She didn’t seem cross, no she seemed like she was waiting.
“Fancy you being late. This has never happened before Serrif. I wonder what course of events could cause this.” It was a very direct question and it seemed she was going to give him a little leeway in all of this. Especially since he was sopping wet.
“I woke late but ran here, scared a little girls rabbit from her arms and made a fool of myself pretending to be a monster to scare it from the bush it was hiding in. Then on the balk I was running and I slipped breaking the wooden guiderail and falling into the lake. And here I stand now.”
Ildin actually managed a smile as she looked him over. “You would think you learned your lesson the first time Serrif.”
“You would think so Mistress…but sometimes it takes repeat offences.”
“I hope being late for my training lessons will not be one of these repeat habits of yours.” Ildin grabbed a bow from a rack as well as a quiver of arrows. “And tell Kasha I said hello if you ever see her again.” She then headed off over the balk into the woods.
Well fancy that! Serrif managed a smile as he followed her. It was indeed a twist of events that seemed to change his luck.
His hand wiped across his face as he tried to gather himself so he could start his morning. Everything felt so cold, it had been some time since he had felt ice on his face. Last he could remember was at the camp since the slavers didn’t see a reason to keep their ‘test subjects’ comfortable. No, by keeping them uncomfortable they showed them who was in charge. And indeed he like many of the slaves knew who was in charge. But here he was in charge of himself and his own destiny. HE could control what he did and there wasn’t a single person that held complete control over him. Freedom was something he was still just beginning to appreciate. He was his own man now.
Like always he dressed and threw on his black cloak. He slipped on his boots and then stretched a little to try and warm himself. The sun would greet him shortly but until then he had his morning session with Ildin. Which he was quite accustomed to. His hand found his bow where it laid right beside him like always. It had become an extension of himself really. He had become accustomed to how it felt in his hand, the sounds it made when he released an arrow from it. Really it was like the bow was literally part of him now. The constant training with Ildin was paying off beyond belief for him. He was perfecting that art along with many others. He had learned how to bring himself peace even when he was suffering. How he could then use this peace to make rational and swift decisions with the clarity of mind to know that he was making the correct decisions; instead of irrational rushed decisions that could harm others. His face was still a little damp where the frost was now melting on him. This was uncomfortable but truth was he didn’t mind. Sometimes one had to suffer a little to get anywhere. And this rude morning was just a wakening that was a little harsher than usual.
His bow was kept in his hand and the small leather quiver on his hip. It would be another morning with Ildin and an afternoon with Lym. As far as his evening was concerned it could entail anything. But that was later and now he had to take care of the current. He had gotten into a habit of walking around barefoot, however not knowing what Ildin had planned it was better for him to put on his boots every sunrise. His feet found the ground easily and he knew the path he was to take. The sunrise was coming up now meaning he was running a little later than usual. So Ildin would likely give him a talking to or some kind of vigorous activity that would strain him. She would likely do so under the guise of teaching him discipline. He knew he would have to move quickly in order to not invoke the full wrath of Ildin.
Every footfall was long in stride making the journey to the Suvai pavilion a short time away. His path would take him through the center of Mura then down a small narrow dirt path. However there were more people in the center of town than usual, this told him that he was indeed running a little late. But there weren’t enough people here in the center to cause him any real alarm. He could still run a relatively straight path and avoid most if not all of them. While running he saw a little girl with something in her arms. It was a little furry something that seemed to startle when he ran by her. The little animal jumped from her arms and started off into the bushes.
“No! Come back Kasha! No!!! Kasha please!” The little girl cried running to the edge of the bushes frantically searching through them to try and find the little animal.
Serrif felt responsible for the little girls pet running off, this would definitely put a damper on his plans to meet Ildin on time. He stopped and walked over to the girl. “I’m sorry I have seemed to startled your Kasha. Can I help you look for it?”
“Her.” The little girl corrected.
“I would very much like to help you find her.”
“Thank you, but she only likes me. And she is very shy, she gets scared easily.”
“How do you suggest we get her back out of the bush?” Serrif questioned the girl as she looked up to Serrif and then spoke some.
“Maybe, if you could get some carrots, or lettuce we could use them to get her out. I haven’t fed her yet and she has to be hungry.”
Serrif nodded “Yes, I can do this stay here I will be right back.”
With that he headed to the nearest vender and spoke to the woman. “Morning, I would like to borrow a small amount of lettuce and a few carrots.”
“Borrow? No one borrows food.” The woman said with a smile as she wondered just what this man could use this lettuce and carrots for.
“The little girl over there, her Kasha ran off into the bushes and I was told to fetch some lettuce and carrots to draw the creature out of the bushes.” Serrif explained.
The woman at her stall smiled and nodded. “Going hunting? For what may I ask?”
“I can’t tell you what, only that it fits in a girls arms and is easily startled by a man running by. Whatever it is I am sure that it can’t be to absurdly dangerous.”
The vendor smiled and laughed a little. As if she was now pondering over what she was going to do to help this man and the girl. “I am sure the little girl would appreciate you helping her; I know I sure would appreciate any help you could offer. I don’t know how much longer until her little Kasha runs off entirely.”
The woman nodded and took a small amount of lettuce and a few smaller carrots and handed them to the man. “Please go help the girl.” The woman said as she smiled.
“Thank you very much.” Serrif then ran back to the little girl who was still rustling through the bushes to look for her small animal.
“I have Kasha’s food.” With those words the little girl stopped looking through the bush and looked to Serrif with a smile.
“Good now we need to put them here…” The little girl said as she then continued. “and wait, she should come out of the bushes…if she is still here.”
Serrif set the food on the ground where the little girl indicated. She then took him by the hand and lead him away so they could wait and observe. Maybe the little animal would come out maybe not. They waited for a few moments and the little girl seemed restless as she then tugged on his hand and spoke. “Maybe she is still scared…”
“That is possible, but she feels safe in the bushes. Maybe she is scared of me.”
“Maybe you can scare her out of the bushes.” The girl suggested.
“How do you think I should do that?”
“Pretend you are a big scary animal, shake the bushes and make noises. Kasha knows I am here and maybe she will come running to me.”
It almost seemed like the girl was playing games with him now making him shake bushes and pretend to be a monster. This would doubtlessly be embarrassing but he knew that it would likely serve to rectify the situation he had created for this little girl. He had made her little animal run away, so now he was charged with Kasha’s safe return. It was only fair that he did this for her. So he swallowed whatever pride he had and nodded; he would be the monster this girl needed him to be for her. Walking over to the bushes he began to shake them some and make low growling noises. This drew attention from the nearby Konti women who were puzzled to why this man would act this way. He felt embarrassed but at the same time he knew that if he did this right it would only be passing.
“Louder!” The little girl said instructing him to be a little louder to scare the animal out of the bushes.
He couldn’t believe he was taking instructions to be more ‘beastly’ from this girl. He knew that this would only make him more noticeable to the women around him. But if the little girl thought this was needed he would do as this little girl asked him. He deepened his growls and cast his voice into the bushes as he shook them a little more violently. He swore he could see something in the bush move around and he continued to shake the bushes following it trying to draw it out. Make it feel like as if the bushes were no longer a safe place to be. And it seemed like it was working, it was good that this embarrassment would draw out the small animal.
The Konti around him had mixed feelings about him. Some giggled thinking he was funny; and some watched thinking something may be wrong with this man. He could be just simply following the instructions of this small girl, but to what ends? It really didn’t make much sense to them right now. But maybe it would in a few more seconds. The display intrigued some of the women as well for other reasons. It had been some time since they had heard a growl like that from anything, especially a man. Especially a tall strong man. It was…enthralling for some; more that it scared or worried them. But Serrif had no way of knowing this; he believed he was making a fool of himself more than anything.
“Come here Kasha.” The little girl pleaded as she waited for the small animal to come out to her.
Serrif was indeed helping draw out the animal. He wondered in his head how much more of this he would have to do before the creature would find this bush no longer a safe haven. The animal eventually startled out of the bush and into the little girls arms. She giggled with joy as she held the animal in her arms tight feeding it carrots. Serrif on the other hand was just glad this entire thing was over. He was the center of attention right now and all he could manage was an embarrassed smile and a little bow for his performance.
The little girl giggled and ran over to Serrif. “This is Kasha, she’s my pet rabbit. My mother gave her to me.” She said as if to offer the little rabbit to pet.
Unsure Serrif reached out to pet the small animal. He had never seen a rabbit before. But if this little girl was handling it with relative ease so it couldn’t be rabid…could it? He reached over and ran his hand over its soft fine fur. It was a peaceful animal really. Just happily staying in the little girls arms. Until it lunged forward unsuspectingly and bit Serrif’s right index finger. But honestly what kind of a response did he really expect to get from that little animal. It did have very sharp teeth that bit right through his skin and into his flesh. He bled openly from that sharp and precise wound inflicted by such a small creature.
“Bad Kasha! Are you still afraid of the big monster?” She pulled the animal away from Serrif scolding her rabbit.
“It is a small price to pay.” Serrif said as he tried to apply pressure to the wound to try and help it stop bleeding.
“Thank you.” The little girl said as she smiled and laughed a little.
“You are welcome now I must be off to see Ildin. She is expecting me.”
“Grandmother Ildin?” The girl perked up.
“Grandmother? I am talking of Mistress Ildin of the Suvai Pavilion.”
“Yes, tell her you helped me and Kasha. That should help you avoid her angry side.” The girl said as she then walked off holding her little animal close to her.
Serrif was curious as to how this little girl could be related to Ildin. From what he gathered the little girl was a granddaughter of hers. But Ildin had children who then had children? He hadn’t gotten that impression from her. Maybe she had a sister who had children…Families were very interconnected here in Mura. Still after all this time he didn’t know how they were structured entirely. But he knew that each household seemed to have a head matron. The eldest living Konti mother was head of her household. But was Ildin head of a household? He thought it could be possible there was much he didn’t know about Ildin. So he set off to the Suvai Pavilion down the narrow dirt path that lead to it. He ran full speed. The entire time he was fixated on the news the little girl told him.
He continued to run down the little path, he noticed that the ground was a little damp by the noise his footfalls were making on the ground. They sounded like they were squishing in the dirt, but the ground wasn’t completely muddy. If it had been he would’ve been sliding and falling all over the place. But his current speed would get him to the pavilion in no time flat. Which was good because he was already running a little late…well this would be the latest he had ever been to see Ildin. He hoped she wouldn’t be completely cross with him. His footfalls now sounded a little different now as he made his way across the wooden floating balk that lead to the pavilion. He continued at his speed across the balk; his mind contemplating what Ildin could have in store for him. But at the same time he was worried about being late.
For all he had learned he had forgotten one lesson he had learned the hard way only a few seasons ago. The balk he was crossing over was treacherous on a normal day. But when the wooden balk was wet it became even more dangerous. Something Serrif seemed to have forgotten completely. His footing slipped sending him crashing into the wooden guiderail that flanked the sides. The wood cracked and broke as his body impacted it. Serrif then crashed into the water. He hadn’t expected this at all. And this was all too familiar to him; it had all happened before. But this time he wasn’t carrying a heavy weighted pack so he wouldn’t sink to the bottom. No he floated this time but his ribs and chest hurt from the impact. The water was lukewarm and embraced his cool body gently. It was soothing in a way if he wouldn’t have to swim for his life. He swam the best he could and put a hand on the wooden balk. He then placed his other hand on the balk as well setting his bow down on the wooden balk above him. He then pulled his body up onto the balk.
He coughed up some water and then gathered himself some trying to get himself together before presenting himself to Ildin. He sighed and then stood. He decided it was best to walk the rest of the way. His ankle was beginning to throb likely from being strained and maybe even broken. But as he walked gently he got a good feeling and he believed he was only slightly strained. He wouldn’t be straining himself by running great distances anytime soon it would likely create even more issues for him if he did. It was almost a walk of shame for him, he had made a fool of himself so a little girl could have her rabbit; then due to his own miscalculations he had now dumped himself into the silver lake and injured his ankle…not to mention breaking a part of the wooden barrier. It seemed as unlucky as he thought he was this morning he continued to be unlucky.
The Suvai Pavilion came into view and he knew Ildin would likely be waiting for him on the first floor. She likely had been waiting for him for a good time now. Maybe she thought he wouldn’t show up at all. If only he hadn’t been so rushed earlier he would’ve avoided the issues with the small girl and her rabbit. He doubted if explaining how he helped her find her Kasha. It would be an odd conversation for him to have to be sure. But maybe the little girl was right, little Konti girls didn’t usually tell elaborate lies. There was no reason for them to under normal circumstances. And why would she lie especially since he had helped her. There among the first floor was Ildin standing looking out over the lake. She didn’t seem cross, no she seemed like she was waiting.
“Fancy you being late. This has never happened before Serrif. I wonder what course of events could cause this.” It was a very direct question and it seemed she was going to give him a little leeway in all of this. Especially since he was sopping wet.
“I woke late but ran here, scared a little girls rabbit from her arms and made a fool of myself pretending to be a monster to scare it from the bush it was hiding in. Then on the balk I was running and I slipped breaking the wooden guiderail and falling into the lake. And here I stand now.”
Ildin actually managed a smile as she looked him over. “You would think you learned your lesson the first time Serrif.”
“You would think so Mistress…but sometimes it takes repeat offences.”
“I hope being late for my training lessons will not be one of these repeat habits of yours.” Ildin grabbed a bow from a rack as well as a quiver of arrows. “And tell Kasha I said hello if you ever see her again.” She then headed off over the balk into the woods.
Well fancy that! Serrif managed a smile as he followed her. It was indeed a twist of events that seemed to change his luck.
Requests :
. >.> Turtle likes wabbits >.>
