[Bronze Woods] No Place Like Home (Markus, Jonathon)

[Xalet]

14th Day of Fall, 511 AV

Typically Xalet found himself performing all sorts of tasks at the whim of the Knights. On occasion there would be a necessity for menial labor, but mostly the tasks involved specific training for his eventual position among the defenders of Syliras. Weapons, armor, tactics, strength training, and horse riding, those types of things were his primary focus. Thus, when it was decided he would be 'roughing' it out in the Bronze Woods Xalet couldn't help but feel apprehensive.

When a days training was done he always came back to the comfort of the squire's barracks. Even if some foreigners believed that Syliras was a crowded mess of people Xalet found a certain respite in it's bustle. It seemed so alive that he could lose himself easily in the ambient noise of so many people simply living that close together. Out in the woods there was only the occasional creak of the heavy wooden monsters that filled every inch of his vision. The small voice of a bird as it yelled to it's companions. The crunch of the leaves as something moved across the forest floor.

The night was approaching fast, and thus Xalet worked at digging out a fire pit for the two squires to utilize during the evening. With the various dried leaves and branches littering the forest floor, there was no lack of fuel, it was just a matter of creating the pit properly so that it didn't quickly spin out of control. The Akalak couldn't help but realize he realistically knew nothing about surviving in the wilderness. Each time he had been within the quiet majesty of the Bronze Woods, he always returned to the stone walls of the Castle City before dark.

The Akalak's large purple tinged hands dug deeply into the soil as he began unearthing rocks of sufficient size for a campfire ring, one of the few things he could remember during the rush of tips his Patron had attempted to give him before shooing him out into the wilds. As he worked he struggled to remember it all in appropriate order.

[Markus Andres]

The Bronze Woods. It was the second time in the past couple of weeks that Markus had ventured out into the forest to camp in the wilderness. Last trip had ended with him running into a farm girl between Syliras and the Mithryn outpost. But that didn’t mean Markus knew much about sleeping in the wilderness. He knew how to create a campfire and maintain it and he also knew a little about putting up a shelter for the night. But to the extent of effectively survive on foraging and hunting, he knew next to nothing. That was why Markus had been particularly pleased when he had stumbled across a red gooseberry bush, that still carried berries. He swung his Olidosapux horn bow, a gift from his master, over his leather covered shoulder. He had opted for the more natural armor for the trip into the forest. Simple hard boiled leather. Markus reached in and picked a berry and tasted it. It wasn’t overly sour and still tasted fresh. So it had not been spoiled by hanging for too long. Markus picked a handful or two of berries. Not enough to sustain two large squires. But it beat getting nothing at all. Markus contemplated how he was going to carry the berries back to the camp they were establishing. Or rather, the place they had decided should be their campsite. By his left side, always, was the bastard sword he had inherited from his grandfather the day he had become a squire. The last weapon Markus was carrying on him at the time, was a dagger that he had borrowed from the knights. It was sheathed and rested against his left-side ribs. Markus soon entered the camp area and he looked around to see if Xalet was nearby. Markus saw him off in the distance, digging in the soil with his hands. Markus assumed he was finding rocks. Either that or he had gone insane. Markus deposited the berries on his backpack. Put his quiver with arrows and the composite shortbow against a tree. He carefully rummaged through the backpack until he found some linen cloth he could wrap around the berries so they did not get lost. ”Hey Xalet, I found some berries nearby.” Markus yelled to the working Akalak. He looked to the place they wanted to use as a fireplace and he idly kicked leaves and branches aside so there was a clear spot for the rocks that Xalet would be bringing. He then looked around. Wondering what he could start doing. He checked off a list in his head. They needed a shelter, firewood, food, source of water … the list went on, but those 4 were the most important. He started picking up some of the larger branches lying around. Several chimes later, he had gathered a small pile of firewood by a tree.

[Jonathon DuFraine]

Jonathon watched the two squires at work intently. It would seem the two of them were working on some sort of fire. That's all well and good, but what are they DOING with the fire? Surely they brought blankets enough for warmth? Or are they cooking something? Jonathon never left a fire out and about longer then he needed to; they were lures for the less reputable stalkers of the Bronze Woods, as well as some creatures who had made the connection between fire and the taste of human flesh.

That, of course, could be their goal. Perhaps they were setting an ambush, or setting up for a later fire to cook food they were going to hunt. Or, more likely, they didn't know what they were doing; they were squires, after all, wandering about picking berries and collecting firewood. Very dangerous looking squires, though; the human looked like he knew how to use that sword, and Akalaks were by reputation fearsome warriors. But Jonathon was no enemy of the law, and these squires looked like they could use a little guidance.

Jonathon rustled the bush with his foot a few moments, to attract attention. Then he stepped into the clearing, bow in hand, but lowered. His face was serious, and his gait straight-backed and graceful. If he hadn't rustled the bush before entering the clearing, he might have seemed like some sort of spirit emerging out of nowhere.

And a fierce spirit he looked, indeed. His hair was a mussy tangle, his clothing somewhat ragged and beat-around; half-healed minor wounds adorning every part of his bared skin, from bruises to animal bites to archery accidents. His face looked stern, but his voice was soft. He didn't carry himself threateningly, but he was prepared for trouble.

He indicated the firepit, not waiting for a response to his sudden appearance. "Hail... What are you doing with that fireplace?" He lowered his hand. "Excuse me if I seem presumptuous, but fire attracts the worst sorts of people in these woods... and the worst kinds of beasts. My dwelling is rather close-by, and if you get attacked, I might as well."

Jonathon crossed his arms. "I may not live in Syliras proper, but I AM a citizen. I will not let the Knights endanger the safety of my household, on purpose or no." Realizing he may have been a bit too harsh, he uncrossed his arms and tried to unknit his brow. Clearly he wasn't very good at this whole talking thing. "If you would kindly rethink your survival strategy so that I am included in it, I would be most grateful."

[Xalet]

Xalet's large hands made excellent work at retrieving appropriately sized rocks. With enough work and determination he soon had a suitable ring creating the outer perimeter of the pit that they two could use. It was times like this that the squire would have looked back at past advise given to him by someone from the Knights, but he found himself drawing a blank. Sure, his Patron had mentioned the bountiful hunting and fishing that could be done all around the areas that surrounded Syliras, but he didn't exactly have a manual with him on how he was supposed to go hunting or capturing such live creatures. The few hunting experiences he had were accidents, mainly encounters with natures creatures now and again when he was training out within the woodlands.

"Excellent. There is a stream nearby as well I believe." he replied to Markus, his voice was forceful enough to carry across the distance between the two squires. As far as Xalet knew, most things congregated to a stream besides fish. Deer and other woodland creatures could provide the meat and protein needed for a well fueled body. The two squires were lucky enough already to be doing their training inside of the Bronze Woods. Those woods didn't have the same dangers as the rest of untamed Mizahar. No enormous dire like creatures, and few enough servants of evil. The Knights did a good enough job at patrolling the area around Syliras, some dedicated to preserving the peace of the Bronze Woods. The Knights owned those woods, just as they owned the fields to the south and mountains as well.

The crossbow Xalet carried with him would no doubt be his most powerful tool in capturing any prey animals that could be walking around, but realistically going fishing was probably a better bet. The squire didn't for the life of him know how to skin or clean something even if he caught it, but from what he had seen in the markets of Syliras while on patrol with his Patron, fish were simple enough. While those few thoughts traveled through his mind his head raised up a bit as the woods nearby rustled. Xalet began to raise up from h is position upon one knee, thinking he would be seeing an indigenous animal of the area, only to catch a view of a man. A rough, outdoorsy looking man.

What was Xalet doing with the fire? That seemed simple enough, "Preparing it." he replied, now up in a full standing position. The Akalak didn't seem to tense at the moment though, this had not been the first time he had found another person within the Bronze Woods. As his listened onward, the recognized the man to be overwhelmingly 'anti-fire'. As far as Xalet knew, it was an important part of being in the wilderness. At least the practice of making it would be valuable. It was fall as well, though luckily nowhere close to winter, that meant that the evening would be getting fairly cool, and for a Human something to generate some light seemed like a good idea. "I am Xalet, squire to Sergeant Irine Braklin. Who might you be, and do you know much of the wilderness?"

[Markus Andres]

OOCSorry for the delay and short post Markus nodded to Xalet when he mentioned the stream. It was to Markus' left and then some 100 yards more. Markus motioned in the direction when the ruffle of the bush alerted him to the presence of another person. Markus' right hand moved swiftly to the dagger as he raised from the bundle of firewood and spun to face the sound. It was a man. Armed with a bow, which raised Markus' suspicion. Most of Markus' encounters in the Bronze Woods had never ended well. A few of the people he had seen out here had had good intentions. The rest... Not so much. But at least most of those with ill intentions had passed on after their folly. Markus narrowed his eyes with suspicion, could he be a diversion while others prepared to circle around and take them out. But the man carried himself in a non-threatening way, a way that made Markus trust him. Trust him enough to not think he was there to kill them. Xalet answered before Markus could, with exactly the words Markus would have used. Markus eyes did not waver from the stranger. Markus was quick to hold up his hands to ask the man to calm down. At the same time, get his hand away from the sheathed dagger. No reason to appear threatening. "Relax citizen. We have no intention of bringing any danger to your household." Markus said in his calm authoritative voice. Xalet introduced himself then and Markus followed suit. "And I am Markus Andres, squire to ser Stern Mason." He repsectfully nodded to the stranger after his introduction. Markus wondered if this man had a family at his dwelling. For he had called it a household. "How many live in your household?"

[Jonathon DuFraine]

Jonathon was glad he had managed not to spook the both of them too badly. Knights, even squires, weren't known for their nervous attitudes, true, but Jonathon didn't exactly look the part of a model Syliran citizen. A bandit he wasn't, but a bandit he might appear to be to some. "My name is Jonathon DuFraine. I'm a hunter. I've been living in these woods for a couple of seasons now." He nodded to both squires.

"I know my way around the wilderness well enough, seeing as how I live and work here. I also know that you don't light a fire unless you really need one for something. At least, that's what I do; I try not to attract trouble, but for trained warriors like yourselves, maybe that's exactly what you want?" Jonathon shrugged. "In any case, the best way to get yourself trouble out here is to stand out in any way. Shiny armor, heavy smells like blood, thudding steps... It attracts attention."

Jonathon nodded, satisfied by Markus's assertion. While he didn't much like civilized society as a whole, the Knights were honorable. Even a squire wouldn't go back on that; they wouldn't get Jonathon into any trouble on purpose in any case.

Jonathon seemed surprised a moment. Hmm... Is that what that word means? He didn't talk to many people any more, so the words he used to know well might be forgotten or misused at times. "Ah... I am a hermit. I live alone. These woods may be tame in comparison to the Cobalt Mountains, but raising a family here is an impossibility." The logistics of feeding anything that couldn't hunt for itself at least as well as Jonathon could made Jonathon's head swim. Not to mention Jonathon would have to find a girl willing to live in a ramshackle lean-to out in the woods.

[Xalet]

"Trouble is never a want, but something a Knight should always be prepared for. I had thought a fire was one of the prime elements for wilderness survival, but all of my knowledge is second hand. For warmth, to keep equipment dry, and to cook with. I will say though, I am also building one for the practice of building one." as vague as Xalet was previously, he knew he could do to elaborate slightly upon the reason they were outside of the city walls. Typically Knights were only outside of the city when they were acting within the functions of their posts, or when they were on patrol in one of the surrounding beats all throughout the province of Sylira. For Markus and Xalet though, the place in the wilderness was strictly to learn and gain a wider breath of knowledge.

"These tasks are a part of proper squire training. Should one ever be separated in the wilderness, it is a boon to be able to survive until they could get back to their outpost, their squad, or the city. I don't think i would ever do without my armor, I believe I was never meant to move with much stealth." Could that last comment be any more true. A stealthy life was hard when you were a seven foot tall purple being. Certainly the armor didn't help either. Better to have a good defense when you knew 'they' were going to see you coming. The Akalak had also experienced first hand some of the dangerous of the forest, such as when he found himself unintentionally battling a boar in hand to hand combat. That was a memory that could do well to be pushed from out of his mind.

"This is excellent though, you are a man who understands the wilderness. I wouldn't take up your time, but are there any tips or pieces of advice you can give? The armor is a part of Knighthood, but perhaps things like the best ways to gain sustenance, distinguish poisonous plants or animals, that sort of thing. My Patron was able to give me some small bits of information, but I feel a great deal of our learning was going to come from trial and error. With you here, perhaps it will be possible to do things the right way the first time." the Akalak was clearly in deep thought about the benefits of Jonathan's arrival. The leather on the underside of his mail gauntlet was already scratching the chin of his jaw, the area slightly discolored with the slight stubble of his dark facial hair barely showing through. Xalet wasn't about to pass up the opportunity for someone well versed in the ways of the forest to leave at least a few tidbits of their wilderness knowledge. At the same time, the squire didn't wish to have a citizen become involved in a squire's training if he didn't so wish it.

[Markus Andres]

OOCOnce again, I am terribly sorry. Exams caught me blindsided. Markus nodded his head respectfully when the hermit told them he had been living out there for a couple of seasons. Although the knights were good at keeping scum clear of the forests, it still took a considerable knowledge and skill to survive in the forest for that long. Even if it was just alone. Markus looked to the fire when Jonathan spoke of it, perhaps that was why the bandits over a year earlier had tracked him down. Either that or they had followed the old man. Markus shrugged the memory out of his mind and focused on the situation at hand. Xalet was attempting to persuade the man to show them some survival tricks. It made Markus smile, almost chuckle. Two big squires asking for help from a man over half a foot smaller than Markus. Probably a full foot smaller than Xalet. However, the way Xalet was going about it was a bit too aggressive in Markus' taste and if what Jonathon had said, with him living out there for several seasons, company was perhaps not his favorite thing. Teaching two bumbling squires how to survive in the wilderness without compensation, probably not his idea of fun either. Winter was less than a season away. Perhaps he could use that to his advantage. "Easy now Xalet, don't overwhelm him." Markus made a gesture towards his backpack. He had brought extra rations in case something should happen and the duo got really lost. There was probably enough for two days. "I got some extra rations in my backpack, they might be a bit bland in taste, but you'll live longer with them. Anyhow, they're yours if you show us a couple of tricks and share your knowledge." Markus said with a genuine smile on his lips. It seemed he had inherited a couple of traits from his father. Something that would have put a scowl on his face had he thought about it consciously.

[Jonathon DuFraine]

Jonathon scratched his jaw, thinking it over. The rations were a decent offering; they were made to last, and nonperishable food was of value to Jonathon. Especially with winter coming up. And, while Jonathon's rough demeanor might suggest otherwise, he was not unsympathetic to their plight. "All right, I'll help you out, but a lot of this you will have to learn on your own."

Jonathon walked into the clearing, sitting near the fireplace. "There's only so much I can tell you. Much of living in the wilderness is less knowledge and more... instinct. When you live out here long enough, you develop a sense for danger. A sense that's constantly on edge. Vigilance is the watchword, I guess. I mean, look around you." Jonathon gestured to the forest.

"While you're watching one side of the forest, a beast could come lumbering out the other side. You have to be constantly watchful; you are surrounded by a hostile landscape. Everything here has a chance to kill you, whether it's an herb you've never seen before, a fall from a tree, a monster hiding in the thickets, or a rock in your path that gives you a sprained ankle." Jonathon frowned. "Not to mention hunger. Every time you make a noise, you could be scaring away game before you can see it. Watch, don't move."

To Xalet he said, "Being stealthy reduces the chances that bandits and monsters will find you, so that's what I do. If you must wear heavy armor, don't move too far outside your campsite for too long, and always be ready for a fight, even within your campground." Jonathon rubbed his chin again. "If you need food, hunting is what I do, so it's what I can help you with. Fishing is an option, and if you have enough rations, you can live off those. Regarding herbs, I don't know much more then the next man, except a couple of edible roots."

Jonathon looked about the campsite. "You don't want to have to stray too far from your campsite for the basic necessities. There's a stream about twenty minutes to the east. You might consider moving nearer; not only do you get easy access to water, which is of course important, but water sources attract game. I do my best hunting along rivers. Not to mention fishing, if you have the skillset for it."

Jonathon pondered a moment. If there were any questions, now would be the time to ask.

[Xalet]

"Oh, right." Xalet admitted. As an Akalak he tended to meet challenges rather forwardly, be they physical, mental, or tactical in nature. Wilderness survival seemed to fall within the realm of all three. You needed an able body, a sharp mind, and a game plan if you wanted to get anywhere. Realistically Xalet was never going to live within the confines of the forest, the thought hadn't ever crossed his mind. A Knight should know how to get around and survive in dire situations, of course, and that was his primary concern. Though he felt little fear in the woodlands, partly due to his training and also due to the diligence of the Syliran Knights, he felt a grave hole where his knowledge of them was supposed to be. They were wild, fierce, dangerous, and natural, but beyond that Xalet could tell little from the great expanse of foliage surrounding him.

Brushing his hands off upon a cloth he had brought with him, he listened carefully to the words that Jonathon was stating. Instinct, not good. Xalet had little instinct to speak of, either due to his youth or due to his slow development of such a thing. He understood being vigilant and keeping a close eye upon ones surroundings, but the 'hunch' or 'gut feeling' that some other veteran Knights talked of was always absent. To him, things either were, or they were not. Folding up his cloth he tucked it away, readjusting his tabard, even though looking presentable wasn't a priority out in the woods. "Can something so large move quietly..." he wondered of his own bodily limitations. The tiger was known as a stealthy predator, but with a low body and pads upon the feet the squire felt such a creature had an unfair advantage.

Hunting also wasn't exactly one of Xalet's talents, fishing sounded a bit more realistic. His ranged skill was probably enough to pick off a medium sized creature with his crossbow, but to ready and cock the weapon without a sound, and then to close the distance to fire it without spooking the target seemed to be but a dream. "Fishing is something I think I could understand more easily." he responded finally. "I think some of the things I worry about most is weather as well, rains in the season, and snow in the winter. There seems to be little one can do besides attempt to gain sufficient warmth during the cold, and something over ones head to keep try during the rain."