Closed An Excursion, An Escape

[Yomila]

41st of Fall 520 AV

As someone used to being up before the sun, the Ethaefal rose early, even without any windows or hint of daybreak to rouse her. She did not need the rays of the morning sun, the noise of a pavilion coming to life or even the pressure of an early morning training session to get her up today. Her excitement was enough. Today she would be venturing beyond the walls of the fortress city of peace to the wildlands beyond. Today she and her fellow squire, Reed, would embark of an adventure to test themselves – and free themselves.

Her body thrummed with giddy nerves as she got herself ready. Mykom, her cat from the Outpost, sensed her energy and followed her as she moved about her small apartment, curious. She paused her preparations to hold her hand out to him in offering. He bumped his head against it and then rubbed his cheek against her fingers, dipping his head down so her hand moved over his head. She gave it a rub once she felt that was what he wanted and smiled, rewarded with his familiar vibrations, his striped body passing smoothly beneath her hand, gratifying himself with a long stroke. He bumped into her side happily and she cooed, “If I could take you with me, I would. Mykom,” she spoke the name warmly, the fractured memories of the Strider that held that same name bubbling to the forefront of her mind, “my friend.”

She rose and moved to refill his food bowl and water bowl. She had bought two more larger bowls which she also filled, hoping that would be enough to tie him over until her return. She cooed and spoke soft word to him of love and appreciation. Eventually, she returned to the task at hand.

She had been preparing for this trip since Reed put the idea in her head. She had bought some light provisions, an extra waterskin and hunting knife and gathered what she felt would be useful information on survival and the Bronze Woods from the Archive. All had been bundled safely into her backpack. She shouldered it once she was dressed, favoring her armor since this was just as much a training exercise as an outing, and said a few final words to Mykom before heading to the Stables where the two had planned to meet.

She arrived shortly after the sun had risen above the horizon, the yellow morning glow bathing her surroundings in a mix of thin brilliant light and long shadows. The air was crisp and refreshing but she sensed the day would be warm, just as previous ones had been. It was for this reason that she had bound her long dark hair back in a series of tight braids to keep it away from her face and neck. The styling only made her facial features look sharper, eyes and cheeks cutting, small mouth pointed. Clad in her armor and all her weapons, she was nothing by pointed, polished edges.

Her dark eyes swept the stable grounds as she moved across them, noting those already here. Most looked like stable hands or other hired help. None had the size or height of her fellow squire, so she continued towards one of the nearby stablehands to inquire into her mount. Cryxis, the warhorse she had most often rode, was not technically hers. Although she had requested him for this outing, she knew there was no certainty he would be available if a ranked knight required him.

The stablehand motioned to the barn that the warhorse was kept in and nodded, confirming he was free.

The Ethaefal moved in that direction and set her belongings down so she was free to get the warhorse ready. She moved into the barn and fitted the gelding with a temporary rope halter before leading him out of his stall. She then retrieved his tack and saddle and equipped him with it, testing everything to make sure it was fitted as properly as she could tell. Finally, she led the mighty warhorse out and began figuring out how to affix all of her belongings to the saddle.

Yomila was used to an yvas and all of its attachments. The saddle was still new to her but she did admire its uses. The thickness meant items could be bundled and stashed behind it, and the large saddlebags that could be attached were also handy. She unstrung her bow and slid it into one along with her quiver. Her newer purchases where stashed into the other. She stroked the warhorses thick neck in gratitude for his good behavior and then procured an apple from her extra provisions, taking a bite from it. She offered Cryxis the rest. He greedily gobbled it down.

She knew there was more equipment they would need. Bedrolls, canvas, basic camping equipment. Reed had mentioned that they could loan these items out from the Order's surplus, similar to how their armor and weapons were loaned out, and Yomila found herself studying the saddle and the items already packed around it to try and figure out how it would all fit.

She heard Reed before she saw him, gravel crunching under boots. The noise drew close and she turned to look in the direction of the approaching footfalls, dark eyes landing on the now familiar form of her fellow squire. Her usually harsh black eyes wandered him approvingly, excitement edging into her features now that he had arrived.

They were that much closer to being off. To being away. To being free of the confines of the walls and stone and the city. She had never experienced the Bronze Woods but she longed to have the sky overhead, the stars. A ghost of a smile stirred her lips. “Nice of you to show up,” she teased warmly. Then, digging another apple out from the saddlebag that held her provisions, “You hungry?” She made a motion to toss it to him.

She gave Cryxis' neck another reassuring stroke and then turned her attention fully back to Reed. Her countenance was companionable, a lingering warmth remaining. There was no pretense, no judgement in her words as she regarded him, “Will you need help readying your horse?” She knew he was ashamed of his lack of experience when it came to riding and she had no intention of causing him any further discomfort due to this. She did, however, genuinely mean to help. One of the first things he had said to her was that the knighthood was about unity and working together. It had stuck with her. Plus, he had been the one to suggest this outing and she was almost certain it was done more for her benefit than his own. She owed him for that.

1133

[Reed]

Placeholder! I'll get something in this spot shortly.