Wandering Traveller (Open)

[Trovian]

7 Summer, 510 AV

Trovian made his way into the city of Syliras, Shadow following close behind on a rope, looking weary. He was Trovians best friend now, now that he was away from home, in a new city. Trovian patted him on the head gently, smiling as he did so, Shadow returning the gesture by affectionately nuzzling his nose against Trovians hand. Trovian smiled at the horse, a soft, gentle smile.

Looking around at the tall structures and the bustle of people, he breathed out heavily, admiring the buildings and the city itself. It felt good to finally be at his destination and to have completed his long, arduous journey from his home, far away. Content to just wander for a while and take in the views he set off up the streets, wandering wherever the wind took him. Hopefully it would lead to a stable where he could leave Shadow safely, and then to an Inn where he could get some rest and some much needed food. The though of food made him hungry and made his mouth water. Images of tables laden with all kinds of exotic and delicious foods filled his mind; fruit bowls, salad arrangements, meats of all kinds and flavours as well as delicious desserts. He could do with some good food right now, it had been a while since he had eaten properly, and he was beginning to tire of bread and dried meats.

So, with that thought in mind Trovian set off in search of somewhere he could leave Shadow for the night and a place of good foods, merriment and shelter.

[Ash'eny]

"Alms for the poor?" Ash'eny had been following Trovian for a few minutes now, not too long, but it seemed as though he didn't notice, at least until Ash'eny spoke up that is. Ash'eny then moved quickly to place himself in front of Trovian, impeding his progress further into town. Ash'eny was quick to notice this young man's sense of wonder and amusement. He must be unfamiliar with Syliras. "You lost friend?" Ash'eny chuckled faintly as he began to undo his cloak, which was worn and patched, the appearance of poorness and wear, yet when he flipped it inside out, it revealed itself as a black cloak, wool, good condition. It was an item of deception. "The name's Tolby. Tolby Jenroy. You look lost friend, where are you from?" Ash'eny, or "Tolby", continued to watch Trovian with a sly grin, a hungry sort of stare was in his eyes as he locked onto Trovian's own pupils. Then, suddenly, Ash'eny extended his left hand to shake, and offering of greeting, yet it made it obvious that his left hand had no pinkie finger. "Hope I don't seem too aggressive, I swear I don't eat people."

[Trovian]

A stranger suddenly emerged in front of Trovian, making him jump a little. Shadow whinnied as the man approached, backing up a little, forcing Trovian to grip the rope more tightly. The man spoke, and extended a hand in greeting which Trovian took, cautiously, keeping his right hand by his side with the rope still gripped tightly. The man looked suspicious, and wore a sly grin that he thought to be more than just a friendly smile.

Trovian was always cautious of strangers, this one more. The man was deceptive, and seemingly sly. There was definitely a strong air of suspicion about the stranger.

'I am from far away, you wouldn't know of it. My house is small, bordering some woodlands. I am looking for somewhere for my friend to stay for the night, and somewhere I may be able to get some good food and a comfortable bed in the city. Do you know of such a place?'

He let go of the mans hand and placed it on his waist, so as to appear unafraid and not at all bothered by the rather imposing and suspicious man.

[Ash'eny]

The sudden jolt from man and horse was enough entertainment for Ash'eny, so much that he nearly burst into giggling. Never would he have thought that he could be so terrifying. Even the horse, who would have guessed. Ash'eny shook the man's hand firmly as he continued to smile. "Man of few words I see. I'll have to name you Kitten then. Look about as fearsome as one anyhow. So my dear Kitten from lands so far away that a poor innocent soul like myself could never comprehend, you are looking for the stabled then? That can be done, I know of a place and I know they even keep your horse alive and well. I recall only twice, no three times that a horse was used as the next nights menu, but I'm fairly certain the Syliran Knights made sure the owner was punished. Twenty gold Mizas taxation was it? The owner of the horse got a free night's stay I think. Ah! Shame on me, I'm rambling aren't I? I apologize. I can show you to the stable, I'd be more than happy to do so in fact. Follow me Kitten!" Ash'eny chuckled heartily as he spun on his heel and turned around, taking obviously large mocking steps, like some obscure march, down the street, though he quickly tired of that and began to walk normally. "You know Kitten, if I din't know better, I'd say that you have some luck to you. Not that I'm doubting your legendary Swordsmanship-" Ash'eny spoke, pointing backwards lazily at the man's weapon that (I assume) was hanging from his side. "but the wildlands are a dangerous place. I've heard rumors and tales, but never dared to venture too deep myself. Not so sure I'd make it far, know what I'm sayin' Kitten? But who am I to preach, you're the one that's from the lands far away that I couldn't understand about. Do you have giants where you live? I believe I saw one of them blue Giants from down west not long ago, but I'm not sure. Didn't get a close look at him, nor did I want to." It was obvious by now that Ash'eny could really speak, ramble, chatter away with little time for breath. It was a hobby of his. After several minutes of walking, intentionally in circles too (probably to harass the poor newcomer), Ash'eny stopped in front of the inn. "This here is a good place, Kitten. The Golden Dragon. You can sleep here, your horse can sleep without fear of being carved up and served as a main dish, and you can even purchase a little lovin' from the local ladies, though I wouldn't suggest that. They're cheap for a reason. The food here is pricey though, I'd suggest the good ol' tavern if I was you, cheap and hearty company there, plenty of booze and good stories. What do you say? Hitch the horse up and treat me to a drink?" Ash'eny grinned again as he watched Trovian.

[Trovian]

Trovian followed the man through the streets of Syliras for what must have been ten minutes, with the man who called himself Tolby chattering away the whole time. He wasn't entirely sure where he was being led, but he could have bet his last coin that he had seen the same bush multiple times. His legs were growing tired when he finally got to their destination. Trovian looked up and sighed. The man obviously found it amusing to lead him in circles, tell him tales to make him yet warier than ever and to take him to a gentleman's club.

'I am not entirely sure this is the sort of accommodation I was looking for. I've heard about this place, men from all the Syrilas Region come here to.... fulfil their needs shall we say.'

He looked at the other man, making sure he understood what was implied by the statement.

'Also, where are the stables? I see none. If I can find a suitable and safe place to keep shadow for the night, I will stop here and drink with you. Otherwise I will be making my way alone in search of another establishment.'

Trovian was beginning to show his frustration, and glanced back at the man awaiting some sort of confirmation.

[Ash'eny]

The Golden Dragon

Ash'eny cocked his head to his left slowly as he stared at his, new acquaintance. He could tell the man wasn't enjoying this as much as he was, but he promised drinking, maybe not to pay for the drink, but Ash'eny could work on that later. He stuck his thumb out and pointed back at the building again. "The horse beds are around back, this is just the people entrance. Personally I feel genuine sorrow for any man that requires his 'needs to be quenched' here, but I suppose there are some more beautiful, a bit more expensive gals. I personally don't waste money here, but when you're on the streets as often as I am, you start to notice things, like the ones in the business for longer than they should be." Ash'eny shuddered lightly at the thought of his words. That was a bit disturbing to be honest. "Tie up the mule and I'll take yah to the Tavern for some Ale." Ash'eny patted his new friend on the shoulder and nodded, he could tell the man was exhausted, he probably deserved some rest, a nice plate of food. Ash'eny wasn't going to rob him either, he wasn't tough enough for that sort of thing, especially not in the heart of the Syliras Knight-Guarded city. Those people were like hawks, waiting to devour him at the first chance they got.

[Trovian]

Trovian heard the man out, eventually nodding to himself, and agreeing. Shadow seemed unhappy however, probably at being referred to as 'mule'. Trovian led Shadow to the back of the building, tying up his reins and removing his tack and saddlebags, leaving enough slack so that he could wander around and lie down. Trovian noticed a stable hand wandering around nearby. Trovian called him over, gesturing for him to take Shadow and put him in a stable. The boy did so right away, but not before Trovian put a hand on his shoulder, withdrawing a gold coin from his own bag.

'This, my boy, will be yours, providing you look after my horse well enough.'

The boy looked wide eyed for a second, then ran off towards the stables with Shadow.

Trovian walked back to the front of the establishment where he had left Ash'eny to wait for him.

'So, shall we?'

At that he walked towards the door of the establishment, glancing over his shoulder as he did. He stopped a couple of yards from the entrance, waiting for a response from Ash'eny.

[Ash'eny]

While Trovian, who Ash'eny noticed still hadn't given up his name (not that it bothered him since Ash'eny lied about his own name), was stabling his horse, Ash'eny took the time to look around the area. Scouting for a target. Shops, houses, etc. Ash'eny wasn't brand new into town, but he sure played the part well enough. Living on the streets meant you knew the streets pretty well pretty quickly, but he still hadn't found a suitable target to quench his thirst for theft. He wanted something with a decent reward, yet to find something that would be easy or was relatively low-risk, it just didn't seem to happen. It made sense that the more valuable the reward, the more difficult the job itself was. As Trovian's footsteps returned, Ash'eny slowly brought his head back to face the traveler, a smile still on his face. "The stallion is in bed? Yes, let's continue. I'm feeling quite generous today. I think I'll even buy my own drinks. I'd feel downright cruel to have a tired boy like yourself feeding me. I suppose I should treat you, but I just can't afford to be careless, not in times like these at least." Ash'eny truly meant, 'in times where Beggars make very little income', which was to be expected. He didn't particularly want to reveal his little chosen profession, though he would much sooner expose that rather than being a thief, a criminal chased out of Sunberth and now choosing to continue his career in Syliras, which was proving to be a good deal more difficult (damned Knights). Ash'eny stepped after Trovian, his smile slowly fading to an entertained stare, to an amused gaze of the area. Trovian was the guest, so Ash'eny would let him lead the way to their seats. "After you my boy. Make yourself comfortable wherever. Oh, I don't think I caught your name."