Meeting at dusk (Aleath & Ishamael)

[Aleath]

13 Day of Spring, 511 A.V. Aleath was slowly walking through a darkened forest, looking around. It has always drawn her to these surroundings ever since she came to the city. Her big, grey dog always accompanied her whenever she decided to explore the beautiful nature. It wasn't different this time. Shade was a few meters ahead of her, sniffing something on the grass. Aleath smiled as something flew past Shade's ear and he snapped his jaw to catch the thing in which he wasn't succesful. They both were glad that spring was finally here, because this winter had been tough for them. They were lucky to be still alive, so they were both enjoying this peace. Just as they were passing their favourite place where they always stopped to rest, Shade's ears pricked up and suddenly he was standing very still. Aleath stopped too and listened. They both jumped when something moved in the bushes. Their experiences from winter hightened up their senses. Aleath called Shade back to her and then she picked up large and long piece of wood that was lying on the ground and carefully poked the bush. The "something" in the bush squeeked and small white rabbit shot out of it. Shade went immediatelly after it and Aleath sighed and slumped to the ground. She would never get used to these things. She thought that the events in winter had toughened them more. Apparently they became even more scared by every strange sound that surprised them. "You better catch him!" she called grumpily after Shade stood up and waited for him to return.

[Ishamael]

Ishamael was riding his black strider carefully through the mountains. Hopper, the strider, was not used to the terrain but was fairing well, his silver hoofs finding solid places to walk. As Ishameal worked his way around he eventually found a trail making travel easier.
"There there Hopper, its all better know" the young Drykas assured his strider confidently, they were after all old friends. As he rode Ishameal scanned the woods carefully, the short recurved bow lay on his pommel with an arrow nocked in case of a quick meal, or a deadly encounter. His sovnya, a pole arm with a one sided sword like blade about a foot and a half long, lay cradled on the saddlebag for quick access as well. Yes, Ishamael was ready for anything, especially at dusk.
Yet, Ishamael could not help but notice the beauty of this place, so different from his grassland home, the sun made the sky magnificent colors only enhanced by the mountains and foliage not imagend on the grassland. Ishamael took it all in as he rode. A little later his ears perked as he heard the sound of underbrush being snapped as if something was giving chase.
Readying his bow, Ishamael saw the rabbit burst from the bush and instantly slant away from him. "Not quick enough, hare" Ishamael breathed as he loosed his fletching and caught the rabbit squarly, severing its spine for a quick kill. As he trotted Hopper over to claim his dinner, a large grey dog came bounding out of the underbrush the rabbit had come from.
Straightening quickly Ishamael took the rabbit and attached it to his belt deftly. He then focused on the dog who was looking at him quizzically, with its tongue lolling out the side of its mouth. "Good boy, come here, I bet you thought you had dinner, well i have a surprise for you" As he said the words Ishamael pulled a small scrap of dried meat out of his saddle bags. Ishamael waited for the dog to come to him, and also wondered where its master was, and if they were dangerous.

[Aleath]

Shade was in mad chase after the rabbit, thinking about how it would please his friend, who was waiting for him. He started running faster, when he thought about how the stupid rabbit scared them and pressed the experience to his memory so that it wouldn't scare him in future and so that he could protect his friend when real danger appeared. For a moment the rabbit disappeared from his sight, when it ran through a bush. Shade went after him, but suddenly stopped, when he saw a man on a horse. He watched the stranger carefuly and after a while he looked with disappointement at the dead rabbit attached to the man's belt. His ears dropped a bit, but he was still carefuly watching the man. He jerked a little, when the man reached for something in his bag, but when he saw a meat in the stranger's hand and listened to the tone of his voice, he wagged his tail and went cautiously forward. He took the meat carefuly with his teeth, but instead of eating it, he turned around and began slowly walking away. After few meters, the dog stopped, dropped the meat to the ground and started slowly coming back to the man. He was looking around as if he was thinking about something. Then his eyes stopped on a big branch on the ground and he wagged his tail again, grabbed it and dropped it in front of the man. Then he sat down and was watching him as if he was expecting something. OOC : I was writing only Shade's reaction because Aleath is not there. Hope it's not a problem. Also I'm not a native speaker of English, so please forgive my mistakes and a little bit limited vocabulary

[Ishamael]

Ishamael chuckled to himself as he watched the dog bounce around happily, and was a little startled when the dog dropped a thick branch at his feet as if wanting to play fetch. Well well my new friend, it seems you are not that bad after all. Ishamael said as he picked up the stick looking at the now obviously domesticated dog. Where is your owner, huh boy? Ishamael continued his soothing tones toward the dog as he tossed the branch.

The dog bounded off and brought it back promptly. Ishamael laughed a throaty rich sound in the comparatively silent hills. Keeping the dog happy was pretty easy and after a short time Ishamael turned towards the bush where the dog and rabbit had erupted from. Aright boy lets go find your owner, im sure they are worried about you. With that Ishamael led Hopper towards the bush. Ishamael carefully kept watch to make sure the dog was following. It did still slightly weary of him, it seemed his kindness only went so far.

As the strange group cleared the bush, Ishamael noticed what at first he thought to be a girl. She was small, puny almost to Ishamael's eyes, and he instantly put her age as somewhere about 4 years younger than himself, a young 22. She was striking and Ishamael could not take his eyes off her seemingly white hair. Hail, I believe I have found you hound good lady Ishamael mad a small formal bow to this stranger, surely this girl could be no danger. But, if I mam be so bold to ask why you are out at this time. Ishamael straightened from his bow and waited for this strangers response.

OOC: I thought everything was great.

[Aleath]

The dog seemed to warm up the stranger rather quickly as the man started to play with him. Shade caught the branch couple of times and when the man started talking about finding his owner, he walked calmly at the man's side. Just as they were passing the meat that was left on the ground earlier, Shade grabbed it again and returned to walk with the man and a horse. Aleath was impatiently waiting for Shade to return. He was away for quite some time now. Could something happen to him? No, surely not. Shade can take care of himself and he knows the surroundings very well. After several more minutes Aleath really started to be worried. She started to walk in the direction, where Shade had left earlier. She made a few steps and there he appeared! "Oi, there you are! I was beginning to - " She started but stopped talking abruptly as she saw somebody appear behind her dog. She began quickly think about the situation. If this was an enemy, it could be bad. All she had with her was some water, eating knife and half spear. And Shade of course. Then man spoke. He seemed to be nice and friendly and Aleath smiled at him albeit a little guardedly like she always was with new people. "Hello, stranger. Thank you for finding Shade. I was beginning to thing that he got lost or that he is hurt." She looked lovingly at the dog and petted him. Shade suddenly dropped the piece of meat, which Ishamael gave him, to the ground. Aleath looked down at him. "Oh, this is for me? Where did you..." She shifted her gaze to the man and smiled at him warmly. "And I must thank you again. You are very kind. I'm sorry that I don't have anything in return. As for you other question, we simply went for a walk and a rabbit scared us." She looked a bit embarassed. "And what brings you here, if I may ask?"

[Ishamael]

Ishamael listened intentley to the young woman, identifying that she was unarmed he released the small tension on his bow, returned the arrow to his quiver, and set his silver recurved short bow on his saddle bags. The move only took a moment and when he returned he began to answer the young woman

Well ma'am I am currently travelling the world, I am on a quest of sorts, but for what I do not know. My name is Ishamael of the Shadowrunner Pavilion, of the Drykas, and I am simply passing through. I notice that you do not carry much, would you happen to live nearby? If you do I can walk you home. If you are out like me, you are more than welcome to camp with Hopper and I.

Ishamael made a gesture towards his strider as he said the name Hopper to indicate his horse. For some reason he felt at ease around this woman, perhaps it was her appearance and that he noticed she carried no obvious weapon. He wondered how she protected herself, the dog seemed too trusting to be useful.

Hopper stamped imatiently, he was not used to outsiders, and it showed in the flick of his head and the set of his eyes. Easy Hopper, all will be well Ishamael said in low tones of Pavi. Turning back to the young woman he smiled slightly, and in common speech said If you pardon me lady, but if you could tell me what is going to happen, it would be nice to get along, it is beginning to get dark. Also, if I may be so bold, what is your name. Ishamael smiled putting on his best face for the mysterious young lady.

[Aleath]

Aleath smiled at Ishamael. "It's very nice to meet you Ishamael. My name is Aleath and you met Shade before." She glanced at the dog, now stretched on the ground and watching them. She noticed that Ishamael put down the bow that he had drawn before. He seemed to considere her harmless. She didn't know what to think of him yet and she was still a little wary of him, but he seemed to be friendly so she trusted him. After his remark about going home she looked at the sky and nodded. "You are right. We should be heading somewhere to stay for the night. We prefer to be camping in nature, but we visit the city often, so if you don't mind, we could stay with you tonight." she offered. It didn't happen to her very often lately to have company, so she welcomed it. Maybe this man could teach her something useful and she could teach him something in return. It wasn't often that people noticed her or even spoke to her. She was quite inconspicuous type. "Do you have a camp already set up or should we find some good place?" she asked. She knew about a few beautiful places, where she had actually been camping before, but perhaps he knew about other places where she has never been to.

[Ishamael]

Ishamael nodded patiently as the woman spoke, listening with only half his attention as he scanned the woods, just because she seemed harmless did not mean the mountains were not so. His stance remained vigilant as he slowly turned Hopper.

Unfortunaely I do not know many good places to camp, but if you do please lead the way, it would be an honor to camp with you

At least for one night you will be safe Ishamael thought as Aleath began to move towards the site she knew. Ishamal was lost in his own thoughts for a time, contemplating the meeting and who this young girl was and possibly what she was. She did not seem quite human somehow, but Ishamael could not put his finger on it. Perhaps it was his imagination, or the strain of the journey, but still he eyed Aleath sideways for a time.

After the silence Ishameal slowly began conversation. Exactly where is this camping spot? If you dont mind, I always like to know my way. Ishamael waited for her answer then asked another more personal one. Unless I am too far off you are rather young no? Where are your mother and father and why do they allow you to come to these woods so. I mean no offense, but one so young should not travel by herself with little more than a dog, be it a good one to protect her.

As he spoke Ishamael rubbed Shade's ears playfully to show whom he meant. Hopper whinnied jealously, and Ishamael laughed patting the Strider's neck affectionatley.

Now now Hopper you know you and I share a bond much deeper have no worries Ishamal's mirth continued for a minute or so more hoping his talk would drum up more conversation.


OOC: the part where I ask two questions just answer like there is a gap please. I hope its not confusing.

[Aleath]

When Ishamael told her to lead the way, she nodded, delighted. "I knew exactly where to go. This way." She wasn't one of those who would boast that they knew something the others didn't, but it pleased her nonetheless. She smiled to herself and started going in the desired direction. She was looking forward to seeing his reaction. The grey dog went behind her. He too looked happy that they weren't going to be alone for a while. As much as they enjoyed each others company and loneliness, it was a nice change to meet new people. Ishamael soon was walking beside her. Aleath noticed him glancing at her now and then, but she didn't comment on it. When he asked about the camping spot, she answered. "Oh, sorry. I know how it feels not to know where are you going, especially with an unknown person. We are going near a lake. It's really beautiful there. It's not far away from here." When Ishamael asked her about her age and parents, she was walking silent for a moment and looked surprised, but then she started speaking slowly. "I know I look very young, but in fact I am 21 years old. As for my parents...They passed away. I decided to go my on way, because people there were...let's say they didn't want me there." Her eyes were sad for a moment, but then she brightened up. She grinned at Ishamael. "Wait until you see the lake. It's beautiful." At Ishamael's remark about his bond with his horse, she laughed a little. "We would make a good couple. We both have animals that are precious to us." Then she looked at Ishamael. "And what about you? Tell me a little about yourself, if you don't mind me asking." she added quickly so that he wouldn't think her being rude. As they were walking further, a water surface was flashing through trees more and more with each step they took.

[Ishamael]

Ishamael's jaw slacked visibly when the girl....wait young woman, told him her age. She was only a year younger than himself. He shook his head in amazement at the fact, It could not be true he thought quzzically to himself. But, as he continued to listen he looked, really looked at her. True, she was diminutive and her meek nature made her seem younger, but upon really seeing her he noticed things that only women of age would have. Her body was full, lush, shapely after a fashion, her hips were wider rounded for the possiblity of having childern.

As he continued to walk with her he allowed his mind to think her pretty. She was in her own way. Though Ishamael towered over her with his 6 foot frame, making the image in his mind laughable. He chuckled silently, then choked as Aleath mentioned they'd make a good couple. After catching his breath he smiled sweetly at her, well anything was possible.

When the questions turned to him he blinked, fumbling at first at the turn around. Well you see I am a Drykas as he spoke he showed her the intricate sleeve of tattoes on his left arm indicating them as hiw wind marks You begin to receive marks as soon as you are chosen by a Strider, and mine began when Hopper chose me when i had had 14 naming days. He smiled, patting Hopper as he talked thinking of that glorious day. My father is an Ankal, I believe you would say patriarch or leader of our Pavilion. I am no different from many other men I ride and hunt and defend what must be defended, I am 22 should you want to know.

Ishamael let his explanation fade, would she think it strange he on an unknown quest? Was it wise to tell her? Consternation clouded his face fore a moment. No best to wait on that he thought.


Suddenly they were at the lake. The shimmering water caught the dying rays of the sun in a breathtaking way. It was as if they were in a bowl. The trees surrounded the lake makeing a small beach like clearance around it, perfect for a good tent and fire. Ishamael looked approvingly at Aleath. A fine spot to camp, perfect almost.


They chose a spot a little ways round the lake, where the trees created a break from the cold wind, but also put them downwind, so any strangers or beasts would have a harder time smelling them. Ishamael began his tasks quickly and efficiently. He skinned the rabbit, taking his time to ensure all the fur was free and tendons severed. He then started a fire, collecting some stones and forming a circle to create a break wall. The forest was an abundacne of wood, and after a small amoung to tinder and some smooth strokes he had a nice blaze.

Next he pulled out a small tripod and pot, setting them up over the fire he turned to Aleath. Can you make us some dinner while I set up the tent? Ishamael indicated the rabbit, as well as pulling out some wrapped vegitables from his saddle bags, somce carrots, turnip like roots, some dried peas. Its not much but I was hoping you would take dinner with me as well He colored slightly, this was not his usual self, he smiled then, he knew something to make himself seem normal. Or, if you prefer we could dine on human flesh, I have a nice quadrecep leftover. Keeping his face straight he turned with a wolfish grin towards her. She not know its a joke till I tell her His inner voiice laughing while his face was implacable.