[flashback] Gypsy Rose (Rosalyn)

[Kye Rivers]

15 Fall, 509 The city still lay a good day’s ride away, and Kye was in no hurry to get there. He had been enjoying the company of this particular party immensely, for they had brought along a little traveling band of players. Each night, almost, unless it was raining, the four mummers had either put on a performance, or done acrobatics, or sang and danced, or made the caravan members roar with laughter with raucous and mildly racy puppet shows – ones Kye was sure were not put on when children were in the audience. But, as the rest of the party he was guiding was composed of three merchants and their guards and cooks, lewd was perfectly acceptable, and a much welcome way to pass a pleasant evening. On this last evening together, there was a certain sense of camaraderie that the hunter sometimes experienced with the people he was escorting from city to city. The evening meal was over and most of the men had gathered around the main fire, and the players had taken out their instruments and were tuning them. Within a few minutes, they had struck up a merry tune and those who knew the words to the bawdy tune were already joining in, passing around a wine skin and preparing to get quite jolly themselves. This close to Syliras, the knights were often on patrol, and no-one really expected any trouble from bandits, or wild animals. Kye too was ready to get pleasantly lit and enjoy one last night under the stars before he had to enter the city and restock on some basic supplies. So, he was a bit surprised to see Gem’s hackles rise and hear the slight whine coming from her, her head turned towards the dark outside the ring of firelight. Kye put his hand out to the dog’s head. “What is it girl?” he asked softly, looking back over his shoulder. Then he heard it too – the unmistakable jingle of tack. A horse, and its rider – but there seemed to be no particular threat inherent in the sound. Rising, Kye stepped over the log he had been seated on, and took a few steps towards the surrounding ring of trees. They were no more than a stone’s throw from the Kabrin Road, so it could easily be another traveler, either leaving the city or on their way home. It was still a good distance, more than most would want to have to travel in the dark, alone. As Gem moved on into the shadows, Kye called out, “Welcome, stranger, if your intent is peaceful. Come into the light, if you want to share our fire, and our company.”

[Rosalyn Garnett]

One could never say Rosalyn lacked spontaneity. One day she was going about her usual day to day business in Syliras, and the next she was setting off on Mocha for a random trip into The Wildlands. She knew not what she was seeking, or if there was really any purpose at all behind this little adventure, but she trusted the Gods to guide her and followed her instincts. She'd done nothing to anger them, so she held fast in her faith that Aquiras would protect her from danger. She'd left early that morning, just as the sun was starting to rise. She rode hard to gain more ground in less time, but Mocha was used to that. Rosalyn kept her very fit and trained and the mare could easily go nonstop for a day or so at a reasonably progressive pace. She stuck to the Kabrin road, knowing it was as safe as possible in The Wildlands. Rosalyn guessed they were a days ride from city, thereabouts, when darkness crept from behind the lingering rays of twilight. The road was dark and empty, silent and serene this night. However she soon saw a fire light a little ways off the road, and could hear the numerous voices accompanying it. She pulled Mocha to a stand still just as a particular voice, one much closer to her than the fire, spoke out to her from the shadows, along with a dog emerging to sniff them out. The dog didn't phase Mocha at all, Rosalyn could swear she was spook-proof, and Rosalyn relaxed in her saddle to listen to what the voice had to tell her. He welcomed her to their fire if she was friendly and Rosalyn couldn't help but think to herself that this was fate, woven by the hands of the gods, that she should find company out here in the wilderness on a trip that was completely spur of the moment to begin with. She dismounted, stepping carefully around the dog and leading Mocha behind her. She followed the direction she'd heard the voice come from and was soon lit by fire glow in front of a young man. He seemed to be there with a group of travelers, entertaining ones at that, though there was no way to tell which direction they were traveling. "Hi there. I hadn't expected to come across anyone tonight. Thank you for letting me join you. I'm Rosalyn and this is Mocha." She gestured to the mare standing patiently behind her.

[Kye Rivers]

Kye waited and heard the footsteps of both the two footed one and the fourfooted horse, as they approached unhurriedly. Two forms emerged from the dark beyond the reach of the firelight, and Kye could see it was a young woman, leading the horse, Gem giving a wary escort, though her ears were not back. The girl replied to his conditional welcome in a pleasant voice, and she appeared to pose no threat to anyone. Of course, just about anything was possible, out here in the wilds. Kye had run across some strange things, and appearances could indeed be deceiving. But for now, he’d take her for what she seemed to be and simply keep alert to anything that might seem unusual. “Evening,” he replied. “”I’m Kye. That’s Gem.” He nodded to the deerstalker, and made a little sound like a chirp, calling her back. Immediately, she left off her continued guard of the girl and the horse and trotted obediently to his side, to sit. “Sorry,” he appended. “Can’t be too careful, even this close to the city.” He gave her an amiable smile. “Though you don’t have the look of a fierce band of bandits about you.” His eyes did move past her, into the darkness beyond, and he observed, “Bit dangerous, though. Traveling alone.” He shrugged. “But that’s your business.” He half turned to the large fire, and those around it, some of whom were looking curiously at the newcomer, while others, having assumed she was no threat, had already returned to their playing or drinking. “Come on over, if you like. There’s still some rabbit left over from our supper. Happy to share.” He said. He eyed the horse and offered, “I can tie her to our picket line, or you can. You’re welcome to stay with us the night, unless you prefer to make camp on your own.”

[Rosalyn Garnett]

The man before her introduced himself as Kye, and he offered her food and camp with his group. Rosalyn noted some of the others watching her, curious no doubt about the random woman from the darkness. They seemed friendly enough, and while she would be sure to keep herself and Mocha safe, Rosalyn felt no threat here. It wasn't every day you ran across such warm and welcoming people, especially out here. "I'll tie her, it's no problem. Thank you." Once Mocha was secured on the line with the others, Rosalyn made her way back to the fire. "Some of that rabbit would be amazing, if you're sure you don't mind. I am rather hungry. I appreciate all the hospitality. It's rare these days." She sat near the fire, grateful for both the light and the warmth. She glanced back at the darkness outside the fire's glow, still thinking how fortunate it was to come across Kye out here. "It is dangerous traveling alone like this. To be honest, I'm not sure why I'm even out here. I'm not looking for anything, really. I just woke up today with the urge to make a trip outside the city. I trust the Gods are up to something, as usual, and so I followed my instincts out here. I had no real plan or anything in mind. If you don't mind my asking, what exactly is this group you've invited me into for the night?"

[Astator]

Experience Earned Kye   Skills Skill Name Points Earned Riding +1 Observation +1 Socialization +1   Lore Lore Earned Jokes make the night go faster Rosalyn   Skills Skill Name Points Earned Riding +1 Socialization +1   Lore Lore Earned Traveling Alone = Bad Questions or Concerns : Please, any questions or concerns about my grading. Please PM me!