New Horizons (Sable)

[Erzotol Silverden]

(Sea of Grass, along the border of Cyphrus and Sylira 51st of Spring 511 AV)

There was a fluttering of wings somewhere above the pavillion. From the disturbance it left, or lack thereof, Erzotol assumed it to be a crow. He had only just woken moments ago, and had decided to lie there for awhile while listening to nature as it takes its course. Nothing could have been more peaceful in these few moments, but eventually he would have to get up and start the days chores. He sighed and got up, at once heading outside to the water barrel, splashing some of the rain water from the night before on his face in a effort to wake him up.

The near ice coldness of the stuff made him shiver, and he briefly retreated inside the tent to put some cloths on before coming back outside to start his chores. He studied the horizon as he struggled to remember what it was his job to do today. Lets see I need to clean and feed the horses, sharpen the swords, mend the armor as needed, and then ride out to Endrykas to pick up supplies for the noon day meal. Erzotol ran his hand through his hair and sighed, chore days where always such a bore, but he guessed someone had to do them.

He decided to brush down the horses first, since it was the thing he most knew how to do. Walking over with a brush, and a pail of oats, he set down in front of his strider, Airaiet first. Erzotol let the bucket down in front of the horse so it could feed, and then took the brush, combing its hide gently. Thoroughly making sure to get rid of all the mud and grass on it, he smiled when he finished, the coat of the equine looking very fine in the sunshine.
Erzotol smiled as he observed his work, his horse looked as marvelous as ever, and then he proceeded to give the same treatment to the rest of the horses, starting with his step-fathers and working his way down to his youngest siblings. Once he had finally finished that, he began striding back, carrying the empty bucket with the brush inside, towards the leading edge of the tent and depositing them there. His white fox Laeon, slept curled up asleep there, and he smiled warmly and pats his head and pulled a leftover hunk of dried venison from the night before from his pocket, depositing it in front of the fox. With that little bit of his chores finished he went inside, and towards the back of the tent where the equipment was stored, on the occasions that everyone in the family was together, and felt it was time for a little maintenance for their armor and weapons. This was a chore he had not the occasion to do yet, but now as it seemed it was his turn to experience this tedious task.

Settling down on a wooden stool, so kindly offered, most likely by his mother or one of his brothers he picked up his sword in his hand, and leaned to grab the whetstone lying on the ground. With metal being so precious in the sea of grass, one needed to take care of their equipment often, and his sword was testament to that. He kept spectacular care of it, almost as good of care as he did for his horse. Lying the whetstone in his lap, he balanced it carefully, as he ran the edge of his broadsword back and forth along its rough surface, occasionally lifting the blade, to check its edge, and waiting for it to acquire the keenness he desired. Once he was satisfied with that edge of the blade, he immediately set the work on the other side till it was consistent with the leading edge, before wiping it down with a dry rag, and replacing it in his sheath. He mimicked those same actions with the rest of the weapons in the pile, before organizing them neatly into rows according to each family member they belonged to. Instead of putting his sword away, he strapped it to his hip, and then took up his spiked shield. It was ruined from a couple days hence, and was well beyond his meager repairing skills. Erzotol breathed a deep sigh, and tossed the shield back on the ground. It cost him quite a bit of gold, and it was a shame to see it in such a state. Still it very well saved his life, and so it wasn’t broken for nothing. The thought made his shoulder ache once more, and he winced, turning away from the pain. That was not a very good day , he thought darkly. Shaking away the memories from his head, he examined the pile of armor, and shrugged. It looked good enough, and besides he had another errand to run.

That thought brought a smile to his lips and he leapt to his feet, snatching up his armor. He’d be able to get out again today, after so long, and the freedom would be well enjoyed, he was sure. Erzotol strapped on his armor eagerly like always, he always looked forward to traveling after all. On his way out he grabbed up a quiver full of a dozen arrows, his trusted composite bow, and Airaiet’s yvas. Then he was jogging his way towards his horse and putting on the yvas as fast and gently as possible which was a hard thing to do for him. Grabbing the side of the white leather contraption, he hoisted himself up on the horse, and then clicked his tongue for Laeon to come join them as well. The white fox began hopping towards him, its meaty treat still locked in its jaws, and once it had clambered up his leg and into his lap, Erzotol spurred the horse on directing it to ride towards the Endrykas, but to go at a moderate pace, so they would not reach there too quickly. The sun was only a few bells after dawn still, and he counted that as a blessing. With any luck it would buy him more time to just ride and enjoy the beautiful day. directing it to ride towards the Endrykas, but to go at a moderate pace, so they would not reach there too quickly.

[Sable]

The Sea of Grass was a welcomed change from the forests of the Wildlands, their ever expansive plains reminded him of home from the season past, and of the old farmer and his children. He had been traveling a through the night with little sign of another person and his food had long depleted. Sable spent the morning looking for a good landmark, anything to find his way back. He settled on a large rock the stood out among the plains like scar on the land. Here he left his bag and clothes. Taking a deep breath Sable began his transformation shifting from his large human form into that of a crow. He puffed his charcoal feathers and stretched his wings, it wasn't often Sable would don this form, but things were getting difficult and he seemed to have little choice.

Sable hopped over to his back and dug his beak into one of the outer pockets retrieving a single gold coin. With this he began to wildly flap and lift from the earth. High in the sky he glided watching vigilently for signs of life. Down in the far distance he saw a lone camp among the plains. Slowly he circled closer until he saw a single man among the animals of the camp, overcome with joy he let out a caw and came fluttering down near by.

In the distance he watched the stranger go about his daily chores, ever curious Sable grew closer and closer watching with delight. And though he watched the man with great interest he never let the fox out of his sight. Though the white fox was resting calmly Sable knew if it were to become aware of him his life would be in great peril and so he moved silently, paying hede to the wind and his surroundings. Slowly Sable inched his way to the tent and peeked inside. Shiny! He thought to himself as his beady little eyes laid upon the armor and weapons stored in the tent. He watched the stranger work for a few minutes and then returned to his original purpose.

Quietly he hopped about the camp looking for where the food was kept. Until he came across a what appeared to be a bag of grain atop a barrel. The pain of hunger struck Sable stronger than ever. It overwelled him. He didn't even notice that the man was on the move. As the stranger mounted his steed and prepared to leave Sable prepared to feast. He laid the coin carefully next to the bag so as to be easily noticed and began to eat. He cawed with joy completely oblivious to his previous intensions of silence.

[Erzotol Silverden]

oocIf you think that you where aware enough to evade my character's trap tell me and i'll edit my post accordingly

Erzotol heard the squawking of a bird nearby, and for some reason to him it sounded somewhat odd. Even then he wouldn’t have normally stopped just because he had heard a crow cawing, but perhaps because he subconsciously wondered why there was only one crow, or more likely that he was very bored that day he decided to bring the horse to a stop. He tugged on the reigns to bring the horse to a stop, and then listened more carefully for the crow’s call. Had he spurred the horse on into a full gallop, he may have never heard the bird’s noises, but since he decided to take it slow he did indeed, and he managed to locate the crow by a large sack of grain.

A smile crept up on his face, and he slid off of his horse as silently as he could. Laeon jumped down behind him as well. The rather large crow would be a good bit of sport for the both of them, he though mischievously as crept around in a wide circle so he would be positioned right behind it. It had been a while since either of them had been out on a hunt, and capturing the animal would be just the entertainment they needed to break the boredom of the morning’s chores. As he advanced on the fox, he slipped off his cloak, and slowly tied the ends of it together, leaving open a wide square opening, and he grinned at the makeshift sack he made. As he made his way he turned and looked around to see how his little friend was doing.

The white fox took a more direct round, crawling through the tall grass, making little disturbances here and there. Erzotol, however was determined to beat his furry friend, and at the last moment when he was only a few paces away he sprung ahead and threw his cloak out in front of him so that it fell over the bird, and grabbed up the trailing edges of the cloak, and tied a loose knot around it. He picked up the makeshift sack very gently, for unlike his fox he did not intend to kill the bird, but rather set it free. His ambush was all in good natured fun. Erzotol set the sack on the ground, and gradually untied the knot that would release the bird.

[Sable]

Sable blindly gobbled the grain before him, it may have been the most delicious meal of his life, but he wasn't aware of the fact that he'd been noticed. As two hunters crept up on him Sable simply continued to gorge himself. Panic struck as a large sack came down on him. At first he fought and struggled but then he calmed himself. He had been captured not killed, and what was important now was to make his intentions clear.

As the bag was untied and Sable was released he did not fight or try to escape. At first he just laid there on his back, then slowly he righted himself. He locked eyes with the human for what seemed to be several minutes then he slowly moved to the barrel with the grain sack. With a flutter of his wings he carried himself atop the barrel. He lifted his gold coin in his beak and held it out for the man to see. With any luck, Sable thought to himself, I may be able to recover my strength before changing back.

[Erzotol Silverden]

The crow struck Erzotol as very curious, and for that precise reason he held Laeon back by the scruff of his neck. Crows where very intelligent birds, he knew that for sure, but the sight of this one alone out here struck him as rather odd even though a crow could very well not have to travel with other crows. Still the rare sight of the bird, and the fact that it remained so calm intrigued him, and he bent low to the ground to more carefully observe the bird.

He sat their crouched close to the ground for quite some time keeping up in the stare down of the bird, while holding his fox in check, and as it moved his eyes followed it resting at last to where it flapped up on top of the barrel. Seeing a glint of something shiny in the crow’s mouth, he held out his hand and when it deposited it he rolled it around in his hand to examine it more closely. It was a gold rimmed miza, and what a odd thing to find in a birds mouth. " Ha! A bird that pays for its food, well my feathered friend you are welcome to my family's grain anytime " he said with a smile. This was either a kelvic, or some lucky crow that found a coin he thought to himself with a smirk, and opened up the bag a little bit wider so the crow could have its fill.

[Sable]

With his payment accepted Sable returned to his meal. After a few beak fulls of grain he felt full and happy. With a flutter he hopped from the barrel back to the ground and off into the tall grass. He made his way a good ten feet before stopping and focusing on his change. It took a moment but his shape returned to that of a large charcoal haired human. He stood and stretched his arms before turning back to the man.

"Thank you for the meal," He said with a smile "I'll get out of your hair so you may continue your day." And with this he started back toward the large rock where his belongings lay.

[Erzotol Silverden]

The crow's transformation startled him, but did not surprise. He figured he was a kelvic and they were not that uncommon to deal with when his family traded with travelers. Still the bare nakedness was a little hard to get used to. He wasn't sure why, but for some reason he didn't want this man to leave just yet. His life seemed to be turning for the better with all the excitement he was experiencing these past few days. He smiled to himself and cleared his throat loudly. " It’s a long trip to Endrykas, and I could use the company " he stated rather suggestively. Maybe this man would accept his invitation to accompany him on his trip. Zultrav only knew that he needed the entertainment.

Realizing that the crow was in human form now, he released his protective hold over his fox. No sooner than he let go did the fox start bounding over to the man and sniffing him curiously. Erzotol chuckled out loud at his friend's confusion. Laeon had never encountered a kelvic before.

[Sable]

Sable stopped and turned back. With his hand he shielded his eyes from the dazzling sun. "I would like that," He said slowly. The fox which he had moments ago been so cautious of now seemed but a trifle before him. He leaned down and introduced himself calmly trying not to startle the little guy to much. Once the fox was satisfied with the situation Sable raised himself to full height. "Just let me get my belongings, it will just take a moment." And with that Sable took off at a sprint to the rock not wanting to keep his host for long.

It took him but a few moments to get dressed as he didn't wear much. Just baggy brown pants and a black cloak. With his back secure he ran back to the stranger and his companions. "Sorry about that, but I wouldn't want to leave my things behind. I'm known as Sable by the way, though you may call me what you wish."

[Erzotol Silverden]

Erzotol smiled at the man's acceptance of his offer, and nodded graciously to his treatment of Laeon. This man would be good company, and he did not sense any threat to his person from this man either. " It will be no bother at all" he called after the man, now shrinking in the distance. It must be hard being a kelvic he thought, what a hassle it would be having to go and retrieve your belongings every time you gained some ground in your animal form. The concept was hard for him to digest but he just shrugged and accepted it as the way of things.

"It is of no problem Sable, and my name is Erzotol by the way" he said with a slight grin when the man returned. He clapped him on the shoulder, and then climbed aboard his horse, extending his hand back to help the other man on. " Have you any riding experience? " he asked Sable.

[Sable]

Sable accepted Erzotol' hand and climbed up on the horse behind him. "I have never ridden before," Sable said looking into the distant hills "My former master Mr. Erikson didn't permit me to ride, I was to walk or fly."
Sable grew quiet for a moment, "If you'd prefer I can fly after you..."