Closed [Windmount Stables] Move with Confidence

[Tanna]

--- 4 SPRING 515 AV

Tanna had risen before Syna's light, eager and anxious to tackle the day ahead. Being Drykas-raised, she was accustomed to rising before the dawn; it had been customary to always be up and contributing in some way to the Pavillion and, now that she had started setting daily challenges for herself since the New Year as a resolution of sorts, she was more ready than ever to reestablish herself in the city.

Today was important, though. Today's challenge was securing a job and it was because of this that she was set on making a good impression, something that largely shaped how she approached getting ready this morning.

Clean shirt – check.

Favouring the new periwinkle garment she had purchased off a merchant on the Kabrin Road, she pulled it on and took a moment to enjoy the way the clean linen felt on her skin. Light and airy compared to the dirty and well-worn tunic that now hung heavily over the back of the lone chair in the room, the sensation was enough to put a spring in her step.

Clean face – check.

Making use of the shallow basin of water and bit of cloth she had acquired and made use of the evening before – on loan from Matilda, she dipped her hands into the dirty water and scrubbed them vigorously before splashing some of the water up and on to her face. Not minding the drips that got on her shirt, she then went about wiping away the water and whatever dirt and grime remained from yesterday's travel, feeling like a brand new woman once she was through.

Dirty pants –

She eyed them critically for one long moment, internally deliberating over ways to spruce them up with minimal time and effort. She had a new, clean skirt but such a thing was impractical for the days events so, at last, she relented. Pulling them on, she nimbly tucked the ends of her shirt in before fastening her broadbelt 'round her waist, hands then moving to work the sleeves of her shirt up past each elbow, proudly displaying the windmarks on her forearms. Although she couldn't see herself, she reckoned she had cleaned up rather nicely and, after brushing her hands down her thighs to rid herself of a few remaining smudges of mud, she tugged her boots on over her pants and then turned her attention to her hair.

After numerous chimes worth of vigorous brushing to free her mane of dirt and tangles she then set to work on plaiting her hair. She planned on keeping the styling simple, only intending on going through the process as a means to keep her hair from her face, yet she wanted to try her hand are different widths all the same.

Her fingers worked their way through her thick mass of waves, sectioning uneven portions off with the use of her mouth, loose knots that she'd be able to undo with ease and the odd leather tie before she began to weave each section into long, standard braids. Some were thin and tight, extending from her temples or back within her crown, others were thicker and looser. Her fingers snagged at times and she found herself having to rework a few of the tighter braids since she had a tendency to plait too loosely, but she managed to get the numerous sections finally done within half a bell's time.

There was no real pattern to what she had done but she had enjoyed experimenting with thickness none-the-less and she ended it all by weaving the myriad of braids into one. She secured the heavy mess of braids with a leather tie and finished it all off with the old purple sash that had once signified her place amongst the Amethyst clan, folded in half and wrapped around her crown. Tugging her motley of plaits over her shoulder to drape down her front, she stooped to gather what things she'd need before heading out.

Pavi • Grass-sign • Common • Tukant • Others

[Tanna]

Despite her goal for the day, she would not waver from her first real task of the morning – one that was more habit than anything. This habit had become a routine for her while in Syliras, one she had developed during her last stay within these walls and one that lead her in the direction she believed would take her to the docks.

Trekking across the large courtyard, she was hardly the only person out and about at this bell and she took note of those she passed: merchants hurrying with their wares, vying for the best spots to set up shop; the odd guardsmen doing their rounds or standing tall and still like sentinels; grooms readying horses; a handful of squires crossing the courtyard to commence whatever it was they did during their days – training, perhaps, she mused, green boys and girls dreaming of being fabled knights and heroes. She smiled at this.

The smell of the docks reached her before she had even arrive and the half-Drykas found herself taking comfort in it. It stirred her senses and threw her back to when she had first followed the pungent odor to its source, to when she first saw the docks of Syrilas in full. She had never seen anything like the sight she had seen then and, although her visual recollection of the place had faded and grown hazey with time, the sharp scent was one she could never forget.

Stepping down into the dockyard, the half-Drykas marvelled over how huge it all was. Perhaps a trick of the eye due to the pre-dawn light, the mighty maw of the Suvan Sea seemed to be everywhere and she suddenly felt miniscule in comparison. She soaked in the eerie vastness of it all as she strolled down the length of a pier, taking in the sound of the seabirds above her and the groans and creaks of both the wood beneath her boots and the ships pulling against their moorings. Reaching the edge, she settled herself down, legs dangling above the dark sea below. Here in the predawn bell, awaiting Syna's radiant glow, she found peace.

The half-Drykas watched in silent admiration as the sky grew lighter until Syna's crown pierced the horizon, throwing swaths of light – red, then orange and gold – over the bobbing ships that surrounded her. Hearing the bell begin to sound – the first of seven, she closed her eyes, thanking the Goddess for the beauty before her and that she was there to witness it. With that, she opened her eyes and tilted her head up to further embrace Syna's loving touch.

She only rose once Syna had fully ascended the watery horizon. Lingering there for just one more chime, she eventually - almost reluctantly - turned languidly on a heel and started back towards solid ground, feeling light and yet more solid - more centred, perhaps, and more determined that today would be a fortunate day.

Winding her way through the stony outcropping of low retainer walls and lines of barrels and crates, she finally reached the open area that would lead her towards the heart of the courtyard. From there, she headed in what she believed to be the direction of the stables.

Pavi • Grass-sign • Common • Tukant • Others

[Tanna]

She caught sight of a younger boy pulling a cart of hay towards the main set of stables, his round face reddened from the strain the cart put on his small body, and decided to approach. Calling out, she was sure to offer a warm smile once she got his attention, “Morning! Need a hand?”

The boy, having stopped once he heard her, looked like he was weighing his options as she strode forward and failed to notice the shift the high bundling of hay upon his cart made now that the cart was in a rest position. Tanna did. Watching, as if in slow motion, she saw the hay began to shift and lurch towards the ground with little regard to the boy in its wake and she sprang forward without a second thought - much to the boy's alarm. “Watch out!” Placing her body between the hay and the boy, she spread her arms out as she tried to keep the hay from spilling out completely, gathering what she could. Feeling it prickle against her face she shut her eyes and turned her head to the right, brow creased lightly.

Sensing the pile had come to a halt now that it rested against her body, she began to push it back, giving the mass a few hard shoves before taking up one of the handles. She hefted it up and leaned forward, intent on putting her weight into it. Taking hold of the other handle, the Drykas pushed forward, angling the cart towards a trough, the muscles in her legs tensing against the strain.

The boy paced around, stepping close to inspect what she was doing before dancing back, offering the odd futile suggestion in such a way that she likened him to an errant horsefly yet the two managed to accomplish what Tanna had set out to do. It took a bit of effort and some hard, bodily yanking until the cart was finally positioned where she could safely perch a handle on the rim of the trough, but she managed and she smiled broadly as she stepped back and brushed away what straw still clung to her body. Now propped against the trough, the cart was able to rest with less of an angle

“There. That better, no?” There was a candidness to her and it found her speech and it seemed to lessen the harshness of her Pavi accent. The boy merely blinked before stammering out, “Y-y-yes ma'am,” a shy 'thank you' following on his next breath.

Tanna dismissed this good-naturedly and continued on, “Are all your horses getting hay this morning?”

The boy eased some as he went to take up one of the handles as Tanna took the other and she let him steer them towards the stables, “The Lady – Missus Serena, that is – tries to encourage e'ry body who puts up their 'orse 'ere to purchase hay or feed but not e'ryone does -” This seemed to cause him to pause and he looked around as if he had suddenly forgotten something before admitting, looking abashed, “It's usually sum'un else who hauls the hay..” He trailed off briefly, looking past Tanna, “I can't remember which ones missus said were supposed to be fed.”

The half-Drykas sympathised for the young boy and felt the need to help, appreciating his honesty. It didn't hurt that this Lady he spoke of sounded like the person she intended on finding here. So, parroting back – a habit she had picked up in a bid to curb the harshness of her own speech, she made sure to inquire about the woman, “Missus Serena?”

Thinking back to when she had been here yesterday, she tried to recall this woman he spoke of and remembered seeing a woman that had been hovering near the barn that sat adjacent to the main stables. Unfortunately, she hadn't had a chance to interact with her, instead having secured Coosa's stay with a young gentleman - another stablehand, no doubt. “Does she have brown hair?”

The boy only replied with a few bobs of his head once they set the cart down and carried on after grabbing a pitchfork, “Oh, aye.. she runs the place, more'less. Her cousin's a knight an' he's sometimes around 'ere, too. But it's mainly Missus Serena who handles the business.”

Tanna nodded in understanding before eyeing him. Her gaze trailed to the pitchfork he held before returning to his own gaze as if hinting something. It took a moment for him to realise and he squeaked out an 'oh!' before stammering, “I-I-I-I should probably find her and ask her.”

He started to set the pitchfork aside when Tanna interrupted him, “No, stay.” In her rush, she didn't realise her hands moved in tandem with her words despite remaining in Common. “Are there any horses you remember that need hay?”

He seemed unsure and eyed her dubiously before glancing towards the stalls. She could see him thinking. “I think it was all but the Zavian...”

Tanna smiled encouragingly, “Well, you should start. Perhaps memory will return as you work? To be sure, I will go and ask her for you.” The boy looked somewhat surprised as she continued, “I also have things to ask her.” She shot him a wink.

Seeming to understand the deal Tanna had set before him, the boy resumed his task as she made the most important query yet, “Is she here?” Her hands habitually signed the last word in tandem with her speech.

The boy, pausing mid-pitch, nodded his head vigorously, “Oh, aye. The Lady is prolly in the barn 'round towards the back checkin' on a foaling that 'append through the night.”

Inquisitive, Tanna tilted her head and pried further, her concern evident, “A foaling? Was it a hard one?”

The boy shook his head as he busied himself with the task at hand, “No, I don't think so. Missus Serena just likes to be there for 'em is all.”

Tanna understood that all too well and, after thanking him, she struck out in the direction he mentioned.

Pavi • Grass-sign • Common • Tukant • Others

[Tanna]

Whereas most of the barns and buildings were fairly close to one another, this one seemed purposely sectioned off, something the half-Drykas took notice of. Back in Endrykas, it had not been uncommon to have areas sectioned off and away to keep certain animals separate from the main herd and she found herself wondering if this particular layout was done for a similar reason. Setting her thoughts aside, she approached the barn entrance cautiously, sidling up to the entrance before announcing her presence.

“Hello? I am looking for a Serena. I was told this might be where she be?”

She heard some rustling but, due to the contrast in light, she could not make out anyone within as her eyes desperately tried to adjust.

“Who's asking?” The reply was not unfriendly but it did err on the side of suspicion and was followed by the sound of steps. The form of a svelte brunette soon appeared, her face weary from lack of sleep and hands still red with traces of blood despite signs that an effort had been made to clean them.

“My name is Tanna. I spoke to a young stableboy and he said I could find Serena here.” Her respectful tone changed some as she continued, growing light, “Someone forgot which horses were meant to get hay.” It was obvious from the look in her eye that she meant no harm towards the boy, something Serena seemed to appreciate. Never-the-less, it didn't seem to sway her.

“Lad needs to toughen up and remember what he is told.”

Tanna only smiled good-naturedly, her head nodding with time before she mirrored the local slang, “Oh, aye. Of that I have little doubt... but, still. He is a good boy. Hard working.”

Serena gave her a long look, unsure of what to make of her. Tanna did her best to diffuse the unease that hung in the air by switching the topic away from absent-minded grooms and back to the one thing she felt that the two of them had in common: horses.

“He mentioned a foaling. Is everything alright?” There was genuine concern in her words.

Serena smiled and nodded, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. She looked back over her shoulder into the barn and then returned her attention to Tanna. The woman looked unsure as to whether to include the foreigner or not and Tanna felt a wave of relief as the Sylirian eventually broke the silence that had fallen between them, “Everything is fine...” Her hand moved as if to wave Tanna's worries away, “if you don't take into account the fact that I didn't ask for a pregnant Bloodmane.” Serena's annoyance was evident.

Bloodmane? Tanna's life had been horses; from the Striders and Semes her people built their lives around to the other breeds she had seen on her Pavillion's travels across the Sea of Grass. For all she knew, she had seen every breed there was to see: the Colorspalsh that were often seen pulling merchant carts and caravans; the trusty little Zavians and impish Gildings with their glittery coats; the nimble and useful Paints and beautiful, lithe Desertbreds; the trusty Mountain Ponies that helped around the mining sites along the Kabrin Road and the mighty Tiandan Warhorses that carried the dutiful knights tasked with protecting those roads. She should have know there were others she hadn't heard of considering how little she had seen of Mizahar and yet, in her naivety, she had been confident she had known them all. Now she found herself in the odd position of being a Drykas-born, a daughter of the horse lords, who didn't know of what Serena spoke of.

The woman seemed to sense her unease and, to Tanna's relief, chose to be benevolent and turned to the side to allow the half-Drykas to pass and see what it was she referred to. Tanna did so with little hesitation, eager to see this Bloodmane.

Pavi • Grass-sign • Common • Tukant • Others

[Tanna]

Stepping further into the barn, she saw the dam standing protectively over the small foal – all limb and little else. The half-Drykas studied the dam's posturing and pulled up, respecting the dam's need for distance.

Reserved praise rose from behind her and Tanna turned to see the other woman now at her side. “You understand horses, I see.” The blonde's eyes return to the pair as Serena continued, studying the Drykas-born, “Or else you are very lucky.”

Tanna noticed the the tone in her words and it made her curious, “What do you mean 'very lucky'?” Her hands motioned unconsciously as she glanced back to the woman, a small furrow forming between her brows. Noting Serena's small smirk, her attention returning to the dam and her foal, now deeply intrigued.

“Bloodmane's are notorious for their nasty attitudes.” Serena paused for effect, her eyes on Tanna's profile before she straightened and called the half-Drykas out, “You've never dealt with a Ravok Bloodmane before?”

The half-Drykas was proud but that did not mean she would not admit when she was wrong. Seeing this as an opportunity to learn about a new breed of horse, she shook her head gently and then slowly lowered herself to a squat, eyes on the dam as she cooed a few small, soothing words in Pavi. This seemed to attract Serena's admiration, the woman watching the Drykas-born quietly. Tanna was in no rush as she observed the small foal, watching it take a few tentative and wobbly steps to which its dam lashed her tail and heaved a warning to the onlookers before taking a protective step forward, effectively shielding the foal from Tanna's gaze.

Turning her chin up to view the woman once more, Tanna finally inquired, “So they are all -” She searched for the Common-equivalent of the word she wanted to use but fell short, making do with, “have bad-temper?” This made Serena bark out a laugh that startled both dam and foal.

“They are bred to be fierce. In Ravok, pure-bred Bloodmanes subsist entirely on meat and are bred to be vicious. They usually have long, sharp canines like wolves but this one,” she motioned to the dam, “only has stubby ones.”

Tanna's eyes narrowed on the dam and foal. Meat? Canines? Were these even truly horses? Had Caiyha really crafted such a beast?

Noting the look on Tanna's face, she answered the question that the half-Drykas hadn't even voiced, “You see, purebred Bloodmanes are impossible to get. Even in Ravok. They are bred for..” She eyed the visitor warily, as if wondering how best to chose her words, “well, they are much like the Striders that I'm sure you are familiar with.” Serena had obviously come to the conclusion that Tanna was a Drykas and it was no surprise to her – she did not keep her windmarks hidden, after all. “The Ebonstryfe breed them for their own purpose and the Bloodmanes bond with certain members of their society.”

Tanna nodded, appreciating the explanation. She did not know the Ebonstryfe but she understood the example given. Obviously, these horses were bred for a reason - perhaps crafted? She grew more convinced that this horse was not something Caiyha had made. It wasn't natural. However, if she understood Serena's implications, that meant these creatures were sacred to this organisation. As averse as she initially felt towards the breed, a renewed sense of curiosity filled her; she'd make sure to look more into this. For now, she straightened back up to her full height and gave the chestnut dam and her matching foal a final look before turning her full attention onto the woman beside her, “You said purebreds are this way... but the dam not a purebred?”

Serena shook her head. “No.” She folded her arms across her chest and continued, “Purebreds are purely for the Ebonstryfe. I get halfbred Bloodmanes because people like the look of them, especially if they have the teeth. Think they look mean – which they are” she pause to drive that point home with a look, “so I get them to satisfy the demand. I didn't mean to get a pregnant one..”

Tanna nodded, understanding the business Serena spoke of. However, she also felt like she had indentified the source of Serena's annoyance. In typical Drykas-fashion, Tanna got right to it, “Any idea what the stud was?”

Serena made a disgusted sound before shaking her head, “No. I just hope the colt has a lot of his dam in him.”

Ah-ha!. So that was why the Sylirian was so bent out of shape over the whole thing. The half-Drykas gave the woman and warm yet encouraging look, “Well, he looks much like his dam. There is hope.” Her hands signed that word for emphasis and the other woman visibly relaxed when she heard this, sending Tanna a grateful smile, although small.

“So.” The woman dropped her arms to her side as she turned to face the half-Drykas, changing the topic and the mood of their conversation in one breath, “You know horses.”

Tanna suddenly felt shy and dropped her gaze for but a moment, a vibrant-if-not-coy smile spreading across her lips before she lifted her chin back up, eyes lifting to seek out and hold the other woman's gaze. She remembered why she had come in the first place and, with a renewed sense of confidence, stated her intentions with the Drykas frankness, “I do. I took care of the horses in my family before I came to Syliras. I was hoping I could work for you.”

Serena gave her a final once-over, “What clan are you from?”

Tanna didn't miss a beat, “Amethyst clan. My family bred Striders and Semes.”

Serena mulled over this for a moment, tempted. “Mucking out stalls, grooming and feeding the horses will earn you a gold-rimmed miza a day. If you do that and help me with managing the horses – that is, tending to their health and wellbeing – and lessons, that might get you four gold rimmed mizas.”

Tanna nodded, unable to keep the huge smile from her lips. She was so excited that it took every bit of willpower she had to not burst and still manage coherent words, gesticulating as she answered, “I will be happy to help in the ways I can.”

Serena returned the smile and, after wiping her hands off on the sides of her breeches, held one out.

Tanna took it, giving it a shake.

“Welcome to Westmont Stables, Tanna.”

Giddy as girl, the half-Drykas couldn't help the flourish in which she turned to make her exit and near skipped as she started on her way back to the stables before she remembered something. Turning around quickly, she asked, her high-spirits seeping into her words, causing her pitch to rise “Wait!”

The brunette didn't have a chance to respond before Tanna blurted, “The hay! Which horses get it?”

Serena only smiled.

Notes to the graderI must apologise for the purpley prose going on in the beginning of this thread. I'm trying to shake off the rust of over a year's worth of not writing and I fear I overdid it with some of the description. I appreciate you bearing with me as I try to find my groove again and I hope it isn't too much to sift through! This is also my first post being submitted for a grade so do not hesitate to offer feedback so I might have a better idea of how to go about these sorts of threads (solos, specifically) in the future. I intended on this being an intro job thread, not an actual job thread (since she's not actually working, per se – at least not for mizas yet). In saying this, would I be able to put it towards seasonal experience? I'm still figuring it all out so any help would be appreciated!! Thanks again for everything and please let me know if there are any issues needing to be addressed.
Cheers!

Pavi • Grass-sign • Common • Tukant • Others

[Katelyn Marks]

Due Rewards

“After nourishment, shelter, and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.”

― Philip Pullman

 

Tanna

Skills
➢ Planning +1
➢ Cosmetology +1
➢ Observation +5
➢ Socialization +3
➢ Endurance +1
➢ Interrogation +2
➢ Land Navigation +2
➢ Animal Husbandry +1

Lores
➢ Location: The Great Harbor
➢ Location: The Windmount Stables
➢ Serena Windmount: Owner of the Windmount Stables
➢ Bloodbanes: Native to Ravok
➢ Bloodbanes: Carnivorous Diet
➢ Bloodbanes: Characteristics
➢ Bloodbones: Purebreds Restricted to the Ebonstryfe

Comments: I loved this read. Your posts keep my attention with little effort, and everything flows well. Your write beautifully. The only thing that had me wondering is how you describe the city. I wasn't really sure what you meant by a courtyard, and the general layout that you described seemed a little off. Everything in the city is inside the castle itself except the Main Gates area where the taverns and Welcome Center are, the Great Harbor, and the Windmount Stables.

You described the harbor well, but I'm under the impression that you think it's close to the stable, when they're actually on completely opposite corners. There is a map of the city and explanation of districts here just in case you need it. It night just be me, I don't know. Also, just a very small correction--the horses are actually called Bloodbanes, not Bloodmanes. Not a bit deal at all, just wanted to point that out. Otherwise, this was a great job introduction, and I look forward to seeing what else you write in the future.

If you have any concerns or questions about your rewards please feel free to send me a message. Also, please edit your original grade request and mark it as graded. Thank you and enjoy!