[Silkwater Lake] The water reveals all

by **Fallon** on June 2nd, 2013, 11:07 am

Fallon alas had no interest in the looks of men, be they hideous or good looking. They were still at the end of the day men, and left able to more vulgar and distasteful actions. Much like Maduro had managed to achieve – in her opinion at least – which in turn left a mental mark that and insight that would indeed not budge for a very long time. The blade tip darted forward and back, her stance having now changed so it was side facing instead of straight on. Her left hand rested behind her back fingers clenching as she kept it out the way. The tip snaked before her, waving in her line of sight, a gentle tease to her invisible and made up opponent. She gave a slash with it, a quick minuscule swipe before her feet guided her backwards.

Orvin released a yap, tail wagging as pressed his entire head against Maduro and remained somewhat oblivious to the ideals of personal space. His paw batted at the man’s arm in a playful fashion, eyes turning bright as wiped a slobbery tongue over the man. Fallon turned to look upon the shaggy beast and then released a heavy sigh.
“Orvin!” Fallon gave a shout “Come here.”
A firm finger to the ground told him where she wanted the wolf, and for a moment he simply looked at her with large eyes and then bounded over towards her, abandoning the drunken man for the attention of someone a lot more sober. He came over of course, his puppy like energy sending him racing towards her. The full weight hit against her, a playful cry ringing out as his master was briefly forgotten and replaced with a playmate. Fallon barely had time to throw the tulwar to one side to catch him as he leapt at her.

The sky arched above her as the slobbering tongue of Orvin met her face and the firm paws pressed against her. Although he was far from heavy, it was the impact that sent her onto her back with her hands grabbing hold of him. An arm wrapped around him as the wolf continued with the occasional nip here and there against her coat and arms.
“Off!” she swung her weight up and round, her arm that was wrapped around him now holding him down in place. Lying across him she continued to hold him there for a moment, feeling him squirm beneath her as she held him down. And he was still trying to lick her. The wolf released a second yap, which then turned into a bark as a paw wacked against her. She gave a grunt, followed by a groan and then met the eyes of Orvin.
“Enough!” she spoke firmly, a low under growl in her voice. For a moment he looked at her, almost surprised that his master was exerting such force, before his head turned away and he stopped. The girl then turned her head and addressed Maduro directly, “Animals eh? Hard to control right?”
x

by **Maduro Salvitary** on June 3rd, 2013, 1:19 pm

As horrible a thing as a man was, they still were not without merit. Could she really hold it against him for being a man? He was just trying to do his part to repopulate a world that was set aflame. He may have been drunk and acted a fool, but he was like most men a child without guidance, motivated by trying to win the heart of a strong independent woman. In all the wrong ways true, but how mad could you really get at a child trying to sneak a cookie before dinner.

Him and Orvin hit it off, he too had a lack of concern for personal space. Being pawed at no problem, being naked and without a care was something of a specialty for Maduro. He would wrap an arm around his new buddy and howl playfully as he sat in the water egging Orvin into belowing if he dared. He knew he was in trouble and although in the dog house he was at least making friends. A slobbery tongue smacked Maduro in the face, it was settled him and Orvin were BFF's.

Of course the playtime ended when Fallon's voice rang out, finger pointing at the ground. Orvin lept from him to Fallon in an instant. While she wrastled the shaggy beast Maduro swam just a little bit out.

He sort of half dunked his head in the water and watched his blue eyes peered just above the water as he blew some bubbles hoping that Fallon had forgotten about his past transgression.

Wheather it was by guilt or some perception that she was speaking out of context about animals being out of control Maduro sunk deeper in the water hiding for a minute before emerging his head to respond.

Aye sorry, didn't mean to be so .... Ummm... Beastly, prolly should have watched how much I drank.

I find you attractive but I got carried away

His hand reached for the back of his head where he rubbed it for a moment.

Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?

Maybe a back rub?

His head once again submerged itself partially in the water for fear of reprisal, this was usually the part where the person who puts his thoughts on the chopping block get to watch there feelings and apology dismantled infront of them.

by **Fallon** on June 5th, 2013, 3:40 pm

Fallon stared at him, eyes narrowed before a single brow rose. Her lips came together, pursing slightly as she tried to truly understand what he was indeed trying to achieve. He obviously recognised the small dig at him, and he also seemed to have sobered enough to register that he had indeed drunk too much. But as he skulked about in the water, and Orvin finally decided to obey her did she actually manage to register what he had said.
“A back rub?” she gave a tut and bent down to Orvin’s height before instructing him “Sit and stay.” She watched him perform her instruction and kept her hand out as she stepped away. She watched the wolf carefully for a moment, eyes focused upon him as she made space between them. She exhaled and turned her head once more to Maduro “You want to what? Wait… attractive? Dear Maduro I believe you are still drunk.”

She gave a frown, and shook her head. She was not about to believe the words of him, any time soon, no matter his state of intoxication. She would sooner label it as a lie after all. Orvin leaned forward, paw raising as he considered to move. She kept her palm facing him “Stay, don’t move.” The wolf gave a snort and lowered his paw, remaining to attention and waiting. Fallon gave a sigh “Let me guess, dear drunken fool. You wish to have me in a similar state to you.” She gave a point at Maduro before moving her finger along to his damp undergarments “And I can tell you right now it is not a state I wish to be in. Nor do I wish to be soaking wet due to you and your current position.” She looked displeased by the thought, but not just because of the way Maduro was but more along the lines of she found it unsuitable of her due to more personal reasons. The less he knew about her and what marks she carried, the better.

The squire stood a good few feet away from the wolf now, her eyes on occasion glancing to him as he sat there, ears pricked and tail wagging, with a mutter “Good boy…”Her attention for the moment was torn between two different things, making conversation difficult “How is the water? Cool and clearing of your head? At least you’re more sober now. You should really not drink so early in the day. It’s bad for you.”
x

by **Maduro Salvitary** on June 5th, 2013, 5:46 pm

It was hard to explain what he saw, he expected a verbal lashing but when he told her that she was found to be attractive it was like she crumpled. Almost as if she was in a state of disbelief that someone found themselves attracted to her, or that she desperately wanted to write it off as him being a drunken fool. It was something in the tone of her voice that went from steadfast warrior of Sylira to Fallon, he couldn't quite figure out if she was putting her sword and shield down as she could have written him off with intimidation and fury.

But she had not.

Instead she tended to him and Orvin at the same time, but what was she trying to say?

He was left with a corner piece or two to a puzzle, he understood what that meant and how that fit into play. But without the whole picture, he could only think of what he thought was right not what indeed was true. He thought that maybe she was scared of getting hurt, maybe she did not want to hurt him or maybe there was someone else she secretly yearned for.

He was enamored by her allure.

So much that he stopped skulking and rested on the rocks that scattered the shore. He didn't really care that he was naked, he didn't see a reason to be humiliated by who he was. Therefore there was no shame or embarrassment he was happy with himself.

I think I was more a fool to not notice it sooner, something in the light brings out the glow of your eyes.

I can hardly tell are they blue or green I swear the colors swirl

He wanted to see how she'd react by reinforcing what he just said, in a clear sober manner.

If you mean take off your cloths, you don't have to albeit the water is nice in this heat. In a few minutes time ill dry off, and you can sit next to me. If you dare of course, but I promise my hands won't wander less you want them too. After all you been dealing with wouldn't it be nice to just relax?

I'd say the waters perfect to answer your question not to hot not to cold, yea I know the drinking was a bit overdone. Sometimes you just want to forget about things you could say I inadvertently ran into you running from my problems.

I learned something though sometimes what you really need is just sitting infront of you.

How about you? What's on your mind?

Uncorking the bottle and having a drink too many isn't good for me, but bottling up how I feel isn't any healthier either.

by **Fallon** on June 6th, 2013, 3:08 pm

Fallon stared at him, a scowl having formed its way there “I would rather keep my clothes on, thank you.”

No sooner had he spoken, with words designed to complement did her barriers once more raise. She increased her security, she threw away all thoughts of doubt as once more she became straight laced. His words became water, and she became stone. Unmoving and untrembling to anything that came her way. She gave a glare, feeling her pupils grow sharp before she turned her head away and returned to Orvin. He may have caught her off guard before but now she was ready for whatever came her way.

She licked at her lips and crouched before the wolf rubbing his head and giving him little praise as she thought through his words. It felt slightly interrogating, as if he was trying to lead her into a false sense of security and make her open up to him. Of course, she would not allow it. She could not and will not open up to people. When they knew the truths about her, on what she could do it no doubt changed and became warped. Because no matter how much she wanted to deny it, she was still a mage at the end of the day. And those that knew that would begin backing away.

Besides, she was a squire now. She could not let the people know that there was a potential threat within the order.

“I cannot stop and relax, and I cannot afford to forget,” Fallon shook her head and glanced back at Maduro with a frown “I have too much to learn, and I need to get there. If I do not… well…” she sighed “I need to be able to fight, and I need to be ready. If I am not… well I may as well just lay down now and surrender.” She had her own storm to face, her own battle that she had to stare into. She still remembered the letter she had received days before and the tone within it that had caught her attention. Her days of peace were numbered. And whilst they were numbered she had to prepare herself “I presume something was resting heavy on your own mind then Maduro? And please… put some clothes on, save my eyes some damage.”
x

by **Maduro Salvitary** on June 6th, 2013, 6:40 pm

Maduro didn't know what hand to play it was mixed signals, she dropped her guard, raised her guard. One minute she would scowl the other focus on a conversation, it was difficult to put into words from his perspective. He could feel her eyes glare upon him, as she became sentinel like in her mindset. What was more interesting was despite this body language, she came off as needing and wanting his help. This was different then before, it was like Fallon was saying I shall not open up to you but I want you to stay with me. But was it an I shall not, or an I'm not ready? However subtle, it was the difference between night and day.

Aye, you ever feel like your not living up to expectations? I came from a well off family in Zeltiva, even studied at the university. But look what I've done with myself, I've climbed no mountains or lain claim to any title.

So much potential just waisted.

He thought about what she had told him, about this plight she had to face.

You know if your preparing for the worst you should enjoy the process of learning and overcoming your obstacles. You'd be surprised by the little things people draw power from. Taking time to enjoy the tranquility of this quiet day might even save your life someday.

I get, I get it
Don't just lay down and die.
But don't fight just to fight either, fight to live.

I can help you if you want, but you might not be ready for it if you can't trust me

Maduro paused for moment and acknowledged her dig at his nakedness

Well if you didn't stare at it so much you wouldn't have that problem now would you. Besides as monstrous as it is only dangerous if provoked

He quipped in retaliation

Fallon might have thrown up adamant stone walls to shield herself, but if Maduro was persistent water it would only be a matter of time before the water eroded the stone. It wasn't a matter of if it was a question of when.

by **Fallon** on June 9th, 2013, 9:06 am

Fallon stared at him, sharp, calculated and with a lot of thought she spoke, “What sort of fool do you take me for Maduro? I surrender the notion of living up to expectations a long time ago, and after that I never had the notion pushed upon me. I was taught to live and to survive. I had to well off people to rely upon, no glorious heritage to back me on my way. No, I lived, I survived, and I made my own path through this world. And by making my own path, my own choices I have worked my way to here and now. I have clung onto life and notions for longer than I can remember, for it is I and it is my blood,” the squire inhaled sharply before continuing “I fight to protect. Nothing more, nothing less. I live by doing, by working, by learning. It is my path to grow and gain knowledge, to understand and respect the power it brings. And most importantly,” her hands went into her pockets “To make sure it does never fall into the wrong hands.”

Her face was stony, cold and unflinching at her words. It may of revealed things about her, but she was bent now on not sharing anymore with this man. She inhaled deeply, sucking in the air as she honed down upon Maduro and then once more spoke “And you. You cannot help me.”

It was the harsh truth or at least the truth as she saw it. Turning her head to Orvin she petted the wolf, fingers running along his snout and between his ears as she gave him attention. There was little more for her to say now, and so the squire turned her attention once more to the wood Tulwar. She cleared her throat and claimed it “I’m going back to training. I need the practice.” She needed a lot more than practice, she needed to improve and drastically. More so if she truly wanted to get to knighthood as quickly as possible. Her fingers flexed around the hilt once more, and she gave the wood a firm swish before grimacing.
Need to get better. Need to get faster. Need to get stronger. Need to be able to protect.
x

by **Maduro Salvitary** on June 9th, 2013, 5:48 pm

It was a hard conversation for Maduro to swallow, he shared his inhibitions with this woman about not feeling like he was living up to some phantom measuring stick left behind by departed family.

It was as if when he told her this, he had been labeled a fool as she over indulged in a conversation about her trials and tribulations. It came off as I'm a squire my path to knighthood is by far more noble then yours. It felt haughty like she was somehow above him, it was a real bitter feeling as her whole persona had really captivated him. Fallon might have been right as she made herself the example path. But at the same time he wasn't even worthy enough to carry her baggage, and somehow that came off like a blow to his pride as he was once enamored by this aura of righteousness.

It was like she scrapped him off her boot as she departed to her swordplay once more, he kept himself silent. But still it needed to be said, nothing of course rude or insulting despite the pressure in his chest at her stone cold resilience.

Aye I'm sorry you feel that way, I promise I won't keep you from you training.

You could tell it was politeness despite a sinking feeling of defeat or loss, it was a mixture of I get it, and a mixture of please leave.

She might not have realized it, but he had offered her a gift. But because there was no trust, and there would never be trust he could not give it to her. He was Hypnotist after all, he could have bestowed upon her mind capabilities and levels of clarity beyond her skill just upon the notion of belief and psychological conditioning alone. To train her through hypnotic trances that could turn her make believe enemies into true to life combat simulations. But he was just a fool, just some petty peon she had to deal with on her path to knighthood.

She left to become faster, and stronger.

But in by doing so left power she could only dream of behind.

But despite the feeling she gave him he was just a sucker for those eyes

I wish you the best on your Journey!

He shouted, it was filled with newfound vigor he didn't want anything bad to happen to her either despite her lumping his manhood.

by **Radiant** on July 4th, 2013, 4:55 pm

Fallon :

Maduro :

Notes :

My radiance is not bright enough?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your grade, beam me a PM and we can work it out.

Skill	XP Earned
Observation	+2 XP
Weapon: Tulwar	+3 XP
Rhetoric	+2 XP
Socialization	+1 XP
Intimidation	+1 XP
Philosophy	+1 XP
Animal Husbandry	+2 XP

Skill	XP Earned
Rhetoric	+2 XP
Weapon: Stick	+1 XP
Seduction	+3 XP
Socialization	+1 XP
Philosophy	+1 XP

Completed [Silkwater Lake] The water reveals all