One Must Hit the Eye [Kashik]

[Aran]

Location: Endrykas

Timestamping: 18 Spring of 510 A.V, mid afternoon

A blessed and beautiful day, thought the Drykas woman. An exuberant smile shone on her face, as she stretched, groaning as her aching muscles sought some relief. Having done some heavy riding in the early hours of the morning, Aran had spent most of her time with the herd. Pregnant mares always required more quality feed and daily exercise in the last ninety days. Her father had waved her off, urging her to take time away. Her main duties to the pavilion were done after all. Vigorously scrubbing her hands and face, she dried them roughly before skipping out of her tented home, to wander through Endrykas, looking for something to occupy her time.

Thoughts of the new colt still invaded her mind. Would it be a buckskin like its dam or dun colored one like its sire? It could go either way. Enthusiastic bets had been exchanged between the grooms, usually set for a few copper mizas. Betting had been commonplace between those that looked after the pavilion herd and Aran was not afraid to admit, she had partaken in it, winning the pool of mizas quite a few times.

The clang of steel attracted her attention, along with a crowd of on-lookers, Drykas to be sure around a large clearing. Excited whispers ran through the crowd. Feeling in a better mood, she pushed and prodded her way into the mob, next to wrinkled elder Drykas lady bedecked in skirts and grey-white braids. Squinting, she caught sight of warriors --of Diamond, she was sure through the knot work on their tunics-- each was seated on their striders, armed with spears. One male galloped on his own strider, throwing his own spear on a single target that was set up a few feet away. It missed and the crowd heckled him. "Old mother, did they just start?" she asked the elder Drykas next to her, her eyes still glued to the spectacle. "Nay, they're finishing up, young one."

[Kashik]

I could write my name by the age of three and I don't need anyone to cut my meat for me I'm a big girl now, see my big girl shoes It'll take more than just a breeze to make me Fall over Peals of laughter followed the man who'd missed his target, and the other rider tucked her feet under her and knelt up on her Strider's back to better tease him. "Is that the best you've got, boy?" she called over to him - but for all that it should have been a little insulting, she was grinning wide enough to charm the stars from the sky, and on a face as gorgeous as hers it was hard for any man to resist. "I thought you were going to show me how a man of the Diamond Clan does it," she jeered, obviously throwing his words back in his face. With the she took her own spear in hand, kneeing her long-maned Strider around and setting him at the target. The horse took off, thundering down the short space, and she pulled back her arm and hurled the heavy-headed spear at the target. It didn't make the center, but it hit it solidly about halfway between the center and the edge. She immediately pumped her fists in victory, and whooped a cry at her opponent, who was grinning and ducking his head in somewhat amused annoyance. She settled the whole thing by guiding her horse over to his side. "My prize!" she demanded, and shot a hand out to twist in his tunic and drag him closer so she could plant a kiss to his lips. The crowd cheered again as the man did his best to prolong the kiss, but eventually she shoved him off with another hearty laugh. "There now! I'll be putting my drinks on your tab tonight, boy, and let's hope for the sake of the Sea that you practice a bit more with your spear-arm than you do with your tongue!" She dismounted amid the chorus of laughter and bawdy shouts, her Strider whickering as he followed docily behind her, and she pulled her spear out of the target and replaced it in case anyone else wanted to practice.

[Aran]

The jeers of amusement rippled over the crowd, though Aran was not immune to it, chuckling loudly. Old mother who stood next to her was openly guffawing at the embarrassed competitor. In that instant, a hulking giant decided to block her view of the joust. Digging a firm elbow in the side of the male that dared to block her view of the competition, along with a decided glare that had him staring back, "Old mother and I can't see, move along now." A wheezy voice that could only belong to her neighbor, added, "To the side wit ya, there's space for the lot of us all." Grumbling he complied, moving further to the right, the younger woman just heard the tail end of the jeer-'a man of the Diamond clan does it.' No doubt the unnamed rider was taunting her opponent.

Her brown eyes keenly watched the rapid stride and grace of both horse and its lovely rider. A good healthy horse with a fine pace, no doubt. The sudden thunk evoked cheers from the crowd, it jolted her from her reverie. The spear had pierced the target, a much better performance than the male. Ha. Feeling the exuberance of the performance, she let out a loud and leering whistle to commemorate her victory as she dived in for her prize.

"Fine Drykas girl, that one," her wizened companion whispered knowingly, "she'd beget fine sons," patting the taller girl on the arm, "Well, I'm off to find my son. Five gold mizas he wagered against her. I'll enjoy collecting." The brunette nodded in farewell, "Enjoy the day, old mother." Her eyes twinkled with humor, laughter erupting from her lips. Soon, it hurt her gut to expel even another prolonged guffaw. Mizas changed hands, in all shades of gold, silver and copper, some betters grumbling over the loosing stakes while some accepted the terms good-naturedly. Several of the men, shouting lewd offers and offering tent space for the night. Some of the crowd dispelling already, calling for a night of drinking.

Since the rider had already dismounted, pulling up her spear, she approached the curvy and shorter Drykas woman from the side--can't spook the strider now, can't we? "A fine audience we'd make, not rewarding the winner from our side as well. What do you say? A drink on me?" The taller woman shot a wide smile at the other.

[Kashik]

The girl took all of the cheers and bawdy comments with laughter, even yelling back that one of them would have better luck courting her horse - which got even more laughter and ribbing out of his companions. She took it all in stride, taking no offense, and how could she? She was beautiful and they were men, and no point pretending otherwise. She glanced up at the woman who approached, grinning widely at the offer. "Just so happens that fighting and kissing are two things that make me terribly thirsty," she snickered, sliding her spear into the sheath that hung from her yvas. "I'm Kashik of the Brightsmile Pavillion, Diamond Clan," she said, smiling and offering a hand to the woman, "and this here is Hiloha. He's a grumpypants, but he's gentle as a kitten." As if to prove both points, the Strider gave a low snort and rolled a brown eye as if to illustrate how very long-suffering he was. Then he began gently nibbling at the end of one of his rider's braids.

[Aran]

She gave as good as the lewd offers she received. If Sunak were there, he would have been there in the crowd, ribbing on all the competitors, flirting with the women and young girls, and generally acting like the impish young man he might have become.

Aran shook the depressing thoughts away. Sunak would be back, one day, the Sea was faithful to her people, their loved ones would always be there in spirit, never far away from their Grassland home.

Banter was strong with this woman, so she chuckled back at her reply, "If they make your thirsty, I wonder what would make you hungry. Feel free to enlighten me," she winked at the other, "Aran of the Cloudspinner Pavillion. Amethyst Clan." Shaking her hand, a decidedly firm grip, she nodded at her strider's introduction, "Hiloha. A fine strider." Snickering at the sight of the strider chewing the ends of his rider's braids, "A hungry one as well."

[Kashik]

"What makes me hungry?" she said, her grin turning wry and wicked. "I'd probably say petching." And then she dissolved into giggles, which only got more out of control when one of the men nearby made an offer for breakfast. She finally got herself under control, though, and by now her Strider had moved on to lipping at her shirt. She rolled her eyes and looped a friendly arm through Aran's. "Gods. Okay, I've only been here, like, a few days. You get to tell me where we're going. And what I should do with this idiot," she chuckled, looping her other arm under Hiloha's jaw to keep him from messing with her anymore - and pressing a quick kiss to his velvety nose.

[Aran]

There was a light teasing look in Aran's eyes, "You're in luck here. Food--" she pointed to one of oglers, "and men for a quick petch. Plenty of both here in Endrykas." She snorted at the offer for breakfast. "That far off? What about dinner?" A rude gesture was made in her general direction. Her hand waved it off, "Off with you. Don't you have some game to hunt?"

Grinning at the strider, who was now after fair Drykas' shirt, she locked her right arm with the other one's arm. "Not been here for a while?" she shrugged, beckoning the arm-bound woman to follow, "The Trough. Best place for food, drink and company." Bending forward to get a better look at the strider, "Might have to put him up? Get some feed for him. Can't speak for my father but I think we have some space in herd."

[Kashik]

"That's the finest offer I've gotten all day," she laughed, releasing her Strider with a murmur for him to follow her, and as the two women started off her did just that, rumbling softly to himself. He was a talker, apparently. "Is your whole Pavillion in Drykas? My uncle always said it was too busy here, didn't like having so many about. We'd come once a year, but he usually put our tents a bit aways, said he couldn't think in the city. I always loved it, though, which is why I'm glad to visit." She could talk for days, and would if people let her. A quick hand waved for Aran to lead the way. "Yes, just got here a few days ago. I've made a friend or two, but they all had somewhat else to occupy their time, so I've just been wandering. I'm for Riverfall in a day or two anyway, so it's not much of a loss, but I do so like a friendly face to have a drink with," she said, turning that brilliant smile on Aran so she knew that she was included in the new realm of 'friend.' "What is it you do with your time, Aran? Other than charm warrior girls, of course," she laughed.

[Aran]

Knowing Endrykas somewhat well, Aran was able to saunter around pavilions confidently. The Cloudspinner pavilion was not too far off, so her gait was relaxed. "Aye, our pavilion is here often. Our Ankal prefers the roaming city. A few occasions each year we'd wander right behind it." A hint of pride echoed within her voice. "A fine and fitting place for us Drykas, no? There are always so many things to do."

If horse-loving girl had never met another one that stayed wandering right outside the city. Kashik was someone new and intriguing. Her prowess with the spear was good enough to unsettle most warriors as well. "Riverfell?" her stride broke before continuing on, slowly. The painted pavilion that she called home had come in sight. "You're not staying on?" she asked curiously. A nice tale could be behind this, so she was eager to know the details. "Me? Charm warrior girls?" she shot a grin towards the strider behind them, "Huh. I like to charm fine steeds. If the riding partners are charmed as well..." she shrugged, before shooting rueful look at Kashik. "Work with the horses of my pavilion."

Just a few feet away from the entrance, when the flap opened up, and her younger fourteen year old cousin, Tavik stepped out. A slim boy with long limbs, coupled with green eyes and brown hair. He gawked at her and Kashik before wiping out the surprised expression on his face. "Sneaking away?" she knowingly smiled, waving away his sulky expression, "No, and I thought you were out." Snorting, she shook her head, "Tell me a better one, Tavik," she waved at her new friend and her strider, "Kashik of Brightsmile. Diamond Clan and her strider Hiloha." The sudden blush that had appeared on his face made her smirk. The spear-warrior was fine example of a Drykas woman. "Hiloha needs lodging and feed for a time." Tavik chewed his lip for a moment before smile signaled his agreement. "There should be space. I'll let Uncle Zunil know, Aran." Oh yes, there was space especially when she had Kashik with her. "You do that," she stated wryly.

[Kashik]

"Yes, I've heard tell of the martial skills of the Akalak," she said with a nod, trotting along beside Aran without complaint, arms still intertwined with hers. "I need to become better - much better - with my spear, so I thought perhaps a season with them might be a boon. Not that I don't trust the teachings of my father and siblings and cousins," she laughed, "but... I've been practicing with them all my life. I need something new, or else I'm afraid my passion for it will wain." Hiloha plodded behind them, occasionally whuffling a breath down one of their necks just for the pleasure of catching them unawares, like a boy pulling on the ends of a little girl's braids. When Kashik caught sight of Aran's brother, her smile somehow widened and grew teasing and sultry. "Aye, lad, I've been told that the Cloudspinner Pavillion had some of the best horsemen on the Sea. They certainly have some of the most handsome," she giggled, winking at the boy and blowing him a kiss.