Wooden Sword Champions (Ricky)

by **Leila** on June 2nd, 2013, 1:19 am

Timestamp: Summer 5, 513 AV

Leila had an order request, in the form of a piece of parchment that had been slid under her shop's door while she slept through the night. It was from the shop on East Street known as Loveless. They were looking for an herbal remedy that could help some of their younger girls with their crimson tides. She'd been flipping through her Zeltivan flora book, researching for various herbs that might help in that sort of situation. In her journal, she wrote down the plants she'd found that could help.

"Black Bugbane
Woman's Ginseng
Red Clover"

She had the bugbane and the clover, but not the ginseng, so she'd have to look into acquiring some at a later time. She walked back into her herbalism lab, a clean bowl sitting on a table. She had several drying herbs littered around the lab. She grabbed her snips from her kit, walked over to a plant, complete from root to leaf. Leila snipped off a single, thick root and set it next to the bowl. She then stepped outside to her small herb garden, and snipped off a handful of the red clover. She always found it curious that it was named that, since the leaves were green and the flowers pink. But she didn't name it, she just used it. She stepped back inside, and set the clover next to the root. She walked back into her shop and plucked a small jar of honey off of her shelf. Plopping that down, she finished it all off with a snipped of dried mint.

She then grabbed her mortar and pestle from her kit, put in the clover and mint leaves. She then twisted, pressed, and slid the pestle around as she ground up the leaves. She kept this up for several chimes, her arm beginning to tire, until the dry leaves of the mint were a powder that mixed with the mushiness of the fresh clover to make a thick paste. She popped open the jar of honey and scraped the paste in with her finger. She then grabbed a small knife, and diced the black bugbane root into the smallest bits she could manage. She then scooped the diced root into the mortar, and ground that up into a paste as well, this one a bit more moist than the last. She scooped that into the jar of honey, and grabbed a thin stirring stick. She began vigorously stirring the jar, the color changing from gold to a much less appealing brown. She tried to make sure she had it completely mixed, and satisfied, put the lid back on it.

She then left her lab, grabbed her coinpurse, and locked up all of the rooms, and left her building. She petted Shaco on her way down the way, him staying behind to guard the yard. She then began the long walk to East Street, toward Loveless. She smiled and said hello to each person she passed, her feet tapping lightly over the ground, her enjoying the feel of the sun on her skin and the breeze in her hair.

by **Ricky Maze** on June 6th, 2013, 4:55 am

"""No matter how many times we strive to protect, fear will always be around those we love. We can only hope to help save them, to give them courage in the hour of need when all things seem grim. For me just knowin' that I can help give courage, I know that'll be enough to protect them..."

"In fear find courage, in courage find strength." He repeated the thoughts in his head, the focus on finding Leila fully on his mind. He had to be able to keep some assurance that she could be safe, by any means necessary. He just now took his break from patrol so he would be seen dressed in the azure uniform of his fellow Guard. A job he lately began to take much more seriously now, as he kept sharp eyes out for suspicious folk. Not a damn sign of the two the guard was looking for, and yet not a single soul in Zeltiva had been harmed since their escape either. He wondered if they by chance left the city for any reason, turned tail like cowards and ran to hopefully never return. No... they were still here, somewhere hidden in the city. They were somewhere out there watching him, waiting to find the right moment to strike. He had to make sure he'd leave no chances for them to harm anybody he knew, all because his very being with them puts them at risk. He couldn't bear the thought of it, not when it should be his blood the scumbags should be after.

Which is exactly why he went in search for Leila today, now that he had made up his mind it was now time to make it official. Leila would learn how to better protect herself, since she had become someone important in Ricky's life. If he were to better ensure the chances of her being safe, then surely the route he had planned would be the best way to go. Luckily he happened to be heading down East Street when she caught his eye, the adorable little herbalist she tended to be. She headed on into Loveless before he could get close enough to call her out, with what looked like a jar of some sort. He couldn't tell right off what she carried, but he knew it had to have been business since she owned her own shop now. He wanted to wait for her just outside, and highly considered doing so considering the low levels of modesty in the place, but seeing as time was of important essence he decided it be best to make good with what time he did have. Thus he simply followed her on into Loveless, a blush fest no doubt likely to occur when he did. He looked for Leila to see where she had gone, his mind focused on soley her and not the "employees" of Loveless.

"Ricky's words.", "Ricky's thoughts.", "Telion's words.", "Hannah's words.", "Other's words."

by **Leila** on June 9th, 2013, 9:26 pm

Leila entered Loveless, forcing her blush to stay down since she was here on professional business. Leila saw Madame Zana sitting behind her desk. Leila walked up to her, smiling, "Hello Madame Zana, I have your order ready for you. Have your women take a single spoonful twice a day while on their crimson tide, and if they can predict it, a couple days before hand." The woman looked tired, stressed, and upset. She saw that jar though and her mood quickly improved.

"How much do I owe you? Ten golds?"

"Actually it's fifteen..."

"That's outrageous, I won't pay any more than ten, that's what the last shop charged."

Leila had a feeling this woman's outburst wasn't genuine, and this was all a part of her plan to lower the price. But Leila's mother had taught her better than that.

"And where is that shop now? If I let you pay that, I lose money, then I'm out of business."

"So? What do I care? Another will just pop up in its place, and they will charge me less."

"I'm sure you're right, but take a moment of looking to the future and think about the present. It's obvious your crimson tide is in, and you're feeling the effects hard. You got used to the last shop having you supplied you with this. But they aren't around, and you're in need. So you can pay the fifteen golds cost, or you can wait until the day my business goes under and a new one comes around. But I have no intention of that ever happening, so you can live out the rest of your days missing what you used to have. However, if you do pay, I can make you two promises. You will always have a constant supply, and you will get a much better product than any of my predecessors. So what will it be?"

The woman shrewdly glared at Leila, rubbed her head, and sighed. Then she smiled, "Well at least you aren't a pushover like the last guy. I imagine you have a better business head on your shoulders than most. I will pay your price, but you better keep your promise, you're not the only business woman in town." Madame Zana grabbed the golds from her desk and passed them to Leila, who gave her the jar, "I'll make you a jar a week, for all of your women, if you need more, let me know as soon as you can. Does that work for you?"

"Good luck on your shop miss Hughes, I do hope we have a long lasting relationship. And if you'd like to come visit, your first man, or woman if you so desire, is on the house, though you'd still have to tip them. Take care."

"And you too madame Vana."

Leila turned to leave, the blush now starting to climb her face, when she bumped face first into a familiar chest. Ricky. Face fully flushed, "Wh... what are you doing here?"

by **Ricky Maze** on June 10th, 2013, 12:45 am

Of course it wouldn't be long or hard to find Leila, she was the only one to look modest in this place. Ricky could've swore a couple of woman in the place eyed him curioisly, but he paid no attention to the matter as he had much more important things on his mind. Leila bumped into him because he wanted to figure out her reasons for being here, yet when he overheard that last bit about... women problems and an on the house escort. It made him blush just as well as Leila. "Lookin' for ya, but I hope I'm not interruptin' anythin'." He teased with a smirk and wink, he brushed his thumb under his nose before he crossed his arms. Leila certainly had a lot of herbal remedies it seems, if she could whip up something for... that type of thing.

"I started my break just now and came lookin' for ya. I wanted to see if ye were interested in learnin' a bit 'bout blades and weapons." His smirk was replaced with a serious look, as Leila no doubt remembered the reason he would be concerned. After the reading the letter at the memorial he found himself more overprotective now than ever, and if Leila would take this chance to learn a little thing about blades he would teach her. It was the least he could do to provide a better sense of safety. "It'd bring me peace in mind knowin' ye can protect yer self when I ain't 'round." He assured her with a sincere look, his attitude humble as it always was when he talked. Of course now Ricky wasn't afraid to look her in the eyes since they've grown close, the deep blue stare he would always tried to hide ever present before her.

"Ricky's words.", "Ricky's thoughts.", "Telion's words.", "Hannah's words.", "Other's words."

by **Leila** on June 11th, 2013, 12:53 am

Leila was shocked when Ricky teased her about interrupting anything, and in retaliation, Leila swatted him on the shoulder. The muscle was solid, and Leila's hand actually stung a bit, but not overly so. Then he asked her the most ridiculous question ever. Would she want to learn about weapons? Like swords? Leila chuckled at first, until she saw the grim look that adorned his face. "You're serious? You want me to learn how to use a weapon? Have you seen me walk? I trip all the time while I walk, the deadliest thing I've held was a kitchen knife. Why do I need to learn how to use swords and stuff?"

She realized this conversation was going to be serious, so she led him by the arm out of Loveless. She turned him and stared back into his gaze, "Tell me why you think I need to know this, and don't leave anything out. I've been robbed before, I've been attacked before, but a sword would not have helped me in either of those situations. If anything, it would've made things worse, and I would probably be dead by now. Swords are meant for those who can protect others, not for people like me who would just her themselves. And even if you did train me, I don't want to hurt anyone. If you give them what they want, they will leave, and leave you alone. It's easier that way, safer."

by **Ricky Maze** on June 11th, 2013, 6:42 am

Ricky chuckled a little in the little amusement he got when he teased Leila, but now that business was on the table it was time to express his concern to her. She had found the idea of being taught a little ridiculous it seems, for her reaction was uncanny and met with a reasonable arguement. However Ricky believed she could in fact do better knowing at least some sort of weapon skill, if not the longsword then at least shortsword or maybe even a dagger. Just something that provided a peace in mind in knowing she could use something. "I can teach you, it won't be a danger if ya know how to be careful." He assured her as they walked out of Loveless, then she persuaded him to give her his reason why. When she had shared the little bit of detail with being robbed and the lot awe filled his expression, he would never have thought such a thing happened to her. Yet it did and he couldn't stop it, because for one he wasn't around to do so when it happened.

"See you may think that not doin' anythin' will keep ya alive, and yer right 'cause in some cases it does... but think of it like this." He crossed his arms as he put together an example in his mind, it wasn't the cheeriest one but it validated his point even more. "Would you honestly allow them to take further advantage of ya, if the criminal wanted to've his way with ya would you just do what he says?" He gave it a moment to sink in to Leila's mind before he continued. "Ye may not want to hurt them, but if they want to hurt you then yer just defenseless." A grim face filled his expression as deep eyes full of concern looked into Leila's. "The prisoner's who the guard is lookin' for, ye remember me tellin' ya who they were when we read the note right." He gulped a bit as he expressed his reason. "If they know yer an important friend o' mine, they may target ya as well... I can't afford to let the risk go without warnin', and ya know I may not always be 'round to protect ya as much as I want..."

He took one of her hands into his and held it between both of his, a more pleading look now in his eyes. "Please Leila, let me teach ya how to use a weapon. Any weapon ye feel comfortable with, I'll help ya learn it somehow. You said that ya would take care of me to Odis, and that ye too would protect our family." Whether Leila considered it or not, Ricky did believe Leila to be part of their family now. "It takes a brave spirit to accomplish what ye've did, so you do've the courage within' ya. I seen it when ya stood between me and the two on the day at the docks before I left. All it takes is to find that courage when in fear, and believe you can do what ya must." He had hoped he'd made a persuasive arguement for her, because that was about the best he had. Every word he spoke was an honest one though, and his reason being well known now that he confidented his worries to her. If the escaped prisoners were to target her to get back at him, then he could never forgive himself should anything happen to her. He wanted to improve the chances of her being safe, thus he would do what he can to ensure those chances were there.

"Ricky's words.", "Ricky's thoughts.", "Telion's words.", "Hannah's words.", "Other's words."

by **Leila** on June 12th, 2013, 6:27 pm

Ricky's words, specifically about those of how men might take advantage of her, reminded Leila of that day in East Street. She remembered the fear she felt, on the floor of that man's home, the struggle to fight back, to keep him from raping her. She'd somehow managed to overcome him, but that was one time. Was Ricky right? Her dad had taught her a few things, and it had saved her, but a sword? They were so dangerous... and lethal. She had no desire to ever kill anyone, no matter what they'd done to her. Death was so final, so ending, so... permanent. She'd not mentioned that to anyone, and if she did, she worried about what Ricky might do.

Then he mentioned the men that had broken out of prison. The same ones that had killed Odis. And it was thought they were coming for revenge against her favorite Wave Guard. Would they really come after her, just to get to him? Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea after all. But was there time? After all, Ricky couldn't protect her, Telion, and everyone else all at the same time, and it wasn't like Leila had a husband around to do it. She felt him take her hand, pleading with her, and finally Leila relented.

"Okay."

"Can we do it in my yard at least? I wouldn't want people to see me tripping over myself. How do we start? If I have to learn anything, it would have to be what you know, that sword you have."

by **Ricky Maze** on June 13th, 2013, 4:51 am

Ricky sighed in relief as she gave in, a small smile filled his expression as she inquired about practicing. "That'd be the best place after all." He said with a bit of a laugh. "First though we gotta stop by the General Store and buy a couple o' wooden weapons. I ain't gonna put ya that much at risk without proper preparation." He mused with a tap at the longsword at his side, he'd likely enough allow her to hold it after some practice had been put in. After all it would help to know how much an actual metal blade weighed before you go weilding one. Ricky held his arm out in the same manner as before when he would escort her, a patient smile on his face as he waited for her to take it. The two would head to West Street to make their quick stop at the general store, and Ricky would fill the walk with conversation to keep the walk interesting.

"I know the idea may seem scary but believe me when I say, this will help you protect yer self when I can't be around to do so. Think of it as a chance to learn how to protect yer godchild when he or she is born." He added with a smirk, he had hoped she agreed a bit. Although he couldn't be too sure about it, he still had to try and point out all the silver linings. He thought about how Leila had a strong will and hot temper too, the slap she gave him days ago still could be felt as the memory repeated itself in his mind. "You've not seen or heard anythin' suspicious lately have ya? Hannah's moved out into Loveless again so she could keep an ear out for me, although I preferred she didn't." He waited to hear her response before anything, as they were coming to the cross between East Street and West Street.

"Ricky's words.", "Ricky's thoughts.", "Telion's words.", "Hannah's words.", "Other's words."

by **Lullaby** on July 25th, 2013, 9:42 pm

Here is your reward!

Ricky :

Leila :

A quiet song to soothe the heart

So sorry about the wait on this grade! If you have any questions or concerns regarding your grade, please send me a PM and we can figure it out.

Closed Wooden Sword Champions (Ricky)