[The Bazaar] Adventure Ahoy [Stitchimus]

by **Rhuryc** on August 21st, 2010, 11:24 am

Clever child. Rhuryc watched the exchange with a humored, albeit silent, expression. Not only was Fentya's quizzical interrogation efficient and logical, but Stitch seemed to be incapable of responding. And the blind man's ability to lie was legendary. Even a child bereft of its senses would be able to puzzle together his obfuscation, go figure one with such a presence would have done so already. Rhuryc was content for a time. He allowed for the two to discuss their relationship in the best way they saw fit, in the middle of a crowded bizarre among the unique company of strangers. To each their own. With a deep chuckle he shook his head when Stitch found a way out and directed the conversation away from the possibility of certain death. Now, how best to say this?

A hand rose with a finger extended towards Stitch, a gesture for time. Rhuryc turned toward their young tag-a-long and looked down at the young girl, his brow light and his eyes hard. He lowered himself to a knee and directed his gaze to the same level as Fentya, treating the child like any other adult. The height was an issue, of course, Rhuryc had to look down at most grown men, far be it for him to stretch for a child.

"It's an ancient ruin. A labyrinth from long ago filled with danger, which is why your guardian is bringing help." Rhuryc spoke in a firm, direct tone. There was no nonsense, no lies, just the cold, solid truth. Despite Stitch's nervous laugh and the generous elbow there was no hiding that they intended something far more nefarious than a simple training exercise. "Any why we are procuring supplies for so long. Stitch is looking for something, and item, and you must realize that it is important enough to take such a risk." He paused and pointed inward at his chest. "And my job is to make sure he comes out without so much as a pinprick, eh? So. Now you know, and I imagine you'll prepare accordingly." With that Rhuryc hoisted himself back to his feet and gave Stitch a curt nod, sure that his approach was the right one, if not the best one. In his mind it was the girl's right to know the truth.

"That would work well; we should know as much about one another as possible if we intend to fight at our backs. If you know a place we could go without interruption, lead on." He said, his attention back on the blind man.

by **Stitch** on August 25th, 2010, 7:11 pm

Stitch's discomfort was quite obvious, and as Rhuryc opted for the honest path, Stitch busied himself with some of the other wooden tables. Picking through various goods, his back to Rhuryc, he mumbled under his breath in a tone that was quite similar to that of a five year-old child. "You just want her to like you." Sullen and sulky, he started paying a merchant for some of the little items he had picked out. If Rhuryc took note, he would see that Stitch had stopped by a little table with natural remedies for outdoor ailments. There was another table next to it with a few small leather bags, and Stitch shuffled to that one as well, grabbing an item off of it, mumbling the entire way.

Fentya regarded Rhuryc with a new look in her eyes, although one couldn't be sure what that new look was. Now she was looking slightly wary, as if she wasn't so sure the intent behind Rhuryc's kindness. She was used to Stitch being a nice guy, but most other people weren't. She was inclined to think there was a motive behind it. But what kind of motive would exist that involved a young girl such as herself? Sounding dubious, she spoke, her gaze still cautious. "Thank you, Rhuryc." Pausing, a small little smile turned at the corner of her lips, her eyes glinting in some rather devilish light. "Although it is likely Stitch will be the one protecting you." Satisfied with the small amount of information her and Rhuryc had now shared, she stepped off toward the sulking Orphanage owner, grabbing at his shirt and tugging it. Looking sullen, Stitch glanced down at her, a single eyebrow raised above his bandages. Realizing it was Fentya, the sullen look turned into one of exaggerated happiness, Stitch once again trying on a facade in front of the girl.

Fentya merely looked amused, not really understanding why Stitch was making such a big deal of fogging up the purpose of his journey. Rhuryc had explained the basics to her though, and she trusted Stitch's judgement, so she merely let it be. It didn't stop her from being amused at the blind man's horrible acting though. "Stitch, didn't you have an errand you wanted me to run?" Stitch paused, the smile dropping off of his face as he quickly assumed an expression of thought. The man was like a young child, all of his expressions clear and easy to read, fake or not. A few moments of thoughtful silence passed, Fentya looking quite patient. "Ah!" Stitch started, nearly yelling the word, startling a few nearby bystanders. "Yes! Here!" Stitch handed the young girl a note, messily written instructions that had obviously been horribly penned by the blind man himself. She scanned them, somehow understanding them, nodding.

"Alright. I'll see you tonight, back at the Orphanage." With a wave at both Stitch and Rhuryc, she was off, moving through the Bazaar. Stitch turned to Rhuryc, smiling at him, quickly explaining. "This one just sent the girl off to reserve our horses, and some leathers. This one will pick them up on the morn of the 20th. Now, for sparring... Perhaps back to the orphanage, when we are finished...? The backyard would work fine."

Stitch paused, turning a slight shade of red. "This one would just spar here, but the Knights tend to get annoyed. This one has gotten in trouble. A few times."

Purchases :

by **Rhuryc** on August 26th, 2010, 8:39 pm

"Of course, Fentya." The man spoke as he stood back up, regaining his previous height over the crowd. He seemed satisfied with his actions and gave Stitch a reassuring grin, sure of his actions with an unshakable confidence. Rhuryc had a habit of treating most everyone in a similar fashion. Adult, child, infant, his expectations were sure to change but gave them all the same degree of maturity; after all, he had met several elder and 'wiser' individuals with about as much sense as a goat. In any case was had already done whatever damage there was to cause. With a clear mind, Rhuryc perused the nearby stalls while Stitch and his ward went about their own machinations, the sulking man consoled by the younger, perhaps sillier of the two. The exchange was a friendly one. Rhuryc found himself to enjoy the crossed conversation, almost relieved at how genuine and gentle Stitch was to Fentya. He had not felt so good about people in a long time.

"I don't think there's much more to do today. I intend to stop by tomorrow, if anything, and pick up some oddities. Nothing your presence is required for." He said with a flickering attention. His gaze seemed to shift from one stall to the next while keeping Stitch in sight as if he were already planning on what items to acquire. "Annoyed huh? I'd rather not serve the jail time." The conversation ended with a slight grin and a pat on the blind man's back. Spar in the bazaar? He had to admit, it would be fun to try.

Once they finished shopping the trek back was a simple one. Both men knew the area and so they reached the orphanage in good time, albeit without any real accomplishment. At least they're rations would be in plentiful supply when they left. Rhuryc was content to allow his companion to lead for the time being; it was his place to follow, after all.

by **Stitch** on August 31st, 2010, 8:48 pm

Stitch led the way, passing through the Bazaar, and the rests of the streets with relative ease. People parted for him as a show of respect, even if most knew he could actually see. He was an oddity as far as magic was concerned, most people weren't all that uncomfortable with the fact that he used it. He himself was so cutely naive and comfortable with it that most others couldn't help but be the same. He was an orphanage owner, after all. What kind of wizard would do that?

They would quickly make their way to the Home, and then take a small alleyway on the side of the nice little building that led to the fenced-in backyard. On the way, Stitch went ahead and solidified a few rules. "No pokes to the eye, no blows to private areas. Nothing life-threatening, please. Otherwise, feel free to use whatever tactic you wish." Stitch would have winked, if he wasn't blind and wearing bandages. "We shall fight for points, or for KO rules. One solid blow to chest or face equals a point, or a knock-out or a count-out is a loss. Your choice, milord. Or if you have any rules you wish to offer, please feel free." He smiled at Rhuryc, leading him to a small wooden gate in the side of the fence. Unlocking it, he entered the backyard. It consisted of various toys lying around, a small slide and swing, and grassy ground with a large patch of sand in one corner. It was nicely fenced in, a small little picket fence that had been hand-painted a nice shade of blue. Stitch turned as they arrived, stretching his arms out, presenting the area to Rhuryc.

"Welcome to the backyard, milord! This one used to hold martial arts lessons here, but there wasn't much interest in such a thing. This one still spars with a child of his, however. Every now and then this one has a visitor who wishes to fight as well, and this one tries to keep them entertained back here. Fentya doesn't like it if this one fights in the house, although there is plenty of room."

Pausing, Stitch cocked his head, giving the backyard a mental scan. None of the toys were sharp, so they wouldn't pose much of a threat. The only thing that might be a hinderance was a few of the small rubber balls laying about, as they could easily sneak their way underfoot. It would be a good lesson to learn if he accidently slipped on one, so why not leave them there? It could be practice on how to be aware of your surroundings! Turning his head back up, he regarded Rhuryc with a light smile on his face, a sudden tension flooding through the area. Raising both hands to chest level, he outstretched them a bit, palms pointed toward Rhuryc. Spreading his feet a bit, knees bent, he now looked like he was ready to play the part of a Mime. This was rather odd.

"Shall we begin, milord?"

by **Rhuryc** on September 2nd, 2010, 10:42 am

What. Points? Rules? What was the point of that? Rhuryc found himself grimacing as Stitch went over his engagement policy. Nevertheless the man followed, rounding the gate and into the backyard of the orphanage proper. A bind martial artist, huh? How strange. He took a moment to acclimate himself to the surroundings as the two of them stood, Stitch once more going into a bit of his own meanderings, most of which was lost on the taller man. His idea of a 'spar' was down and dirty, real hits, real impacts, and you only stopped when a winner was clear. What good did points do you in a struggle for your life? No matter. When Rhuryc was satisfied with the area he turned about and offered Stitch another quizzical expression. Were the balls to remain in play? Sure. Be aware and all that junk. What fun.

"You have me at a disadvantage." Rhuryc said as he disrobed, first removing the heavy, thick coat and following it with the sword belted to his side. He had no intention of using the blade on an unarmed opponent. No matter how good Stitch was, live steel was dangerous. An accident would put a dent in their trip. "I've never, ah. Done points before. I usually just hit people, you know?" With only his tunic and breeches now, Rhuryc squared up with his soon to be opponent and examined his posture. Right. Styles. He'd seen things similar before, most in how men held their weapons, but he was not so privy to the finer points of unarmed combat. A brawler at heart, Rhuryc stood as he was, arms down at his side without much of a posture. Maybe he should treat it like a duel? Or something

With a shrug he gave Stitch a curt nod. "Sure."

by **Stitch** on September 7th, 2010, 9:28 pm

Stitch paused, even as Rhuryc gave the ready, and gave the taller man a puzzled tilt of his head. He could sense the Aura of slight dissatisfaction emiting from the man, and it baffled him. Had he done something wrong? Why did his friend suddenly feel so off, and so confused? Stitch dropped his stance, and crossed his arms, now simply studying Rhuryc. "Is there a problem, milord...?" Chewing on his lower lip, Stitch thought back to the conversation they had shared before beginning the spar. What were those last words that Rhuryc had said? That he usually just hit people? Stitch stopped chewing his lower lip, understanding dawning upon his somewhat simple mind. He had mentioned not really being familiar with points, either. That was a creation of Stitch's own martial arts practice, but most martial artists seemed to go along with it. Rhuryc wasn't really a martial artist, as much as he was a brawler. Stitch almost felt ashamed, for assuming the man studied some specific art. He should learn not to guess so much about others.

Slowly stepping to the side, Stitch cocked his head in the other direction at his opponent, letting a small smile cross his lips. "This one apologizes, milord. This one thinks it would be okay if we just had a fight, without the points. This one thinks we will understand when the other has lost, yes?" Rhuryc might not have noticed it, as the easy smile on Stitch's face, as well as his casual words, had just been a distraction from his few slow steps to the side. The crafty blind man had placed himself right next to one of the small rubber balls. "Since we wish to have a fight, let us get these bothersome things cleared from the area." Stitch bent down, picking up the ball.

With a flick of his wrist, he suddenly sped the ball directly at Rhuryc's face.

Stitch moved, following the ball, blurring forward quickly. Remembering the length of the man's arms, the length of his legs, he tried to quickly calculate the man's reach. No, the man was a brawler, it seemed. A street fighter. With Rhuryc's height and mass, Stitch would guess that he was a good one. The man wouldn't be using much technique, only brute force. Which he had plenty of. Stitch stopped right outside of Rhuyrc's zone, throwing up both hands, his arms crooked inwards at the elbow with flat palms facing down, ready for Rhuryc's reaction. Stitch's charge had been mostly fake, to see if Rhuryc was an easy scare, and to goad some sort of reaction.

by **Rhuryc** on September 8th, 2010, 10:16 am

Problem? Rhuryc felt ashamed. He forgot that Stitch could somehow read his emotions, his mind almost. Magic. What an annoying little bugger. Quick to keep a reign of his head, Rhuryc smoothed his thoughts and forced a genuine feel, clearing himself of the annoyance and confusion. He gave Stitch a lopsided grin and followed the man as he moved, content to stay off the hostilities for just a little while longer. Somehow, punching Stitch felt wrong. No matter. When he spoke, Rhuryc's voice was calm and controlled, a state which he adapted when he knew combat was to be had. He would not let his emotions control his actions.

"That'll be a bit easier for me, I think." He nodded. "Ah. Tap the ground, or something, if you want to ease up. For both of us. And yeah. Same rules without the points." There. That would do, but what was Stitch doing? A brow quirked to the side as the other man went to clear the balls; he was not concerned about them before, was there a difference between a fight with points and one without?

Always be aware. The words blazed in his mind like a fire.

When Stitch threw the ball Rhuryc was not surprised. His entire 'training' had been based on careful observation and surprise. Ambushes were nothing new. In fact, he had a harder time approaching a battle he knew about than one he did not. And it was a soft, harmless object. Rhuryc stood there. The ball pegged him in the forehead and he kept his brow arched, his eyes never once leaving Stitch. Instead of recoiling or moving, the man lowered his shoulders. He was larger. Physically. Let him get close. The smith's legs bent at the knees and his arms parted like he intended to hug his opponent, but the intention was far from genial. When Stitch came to a halt Rhuryc barked out a laugh and eyed him with a glint of humor in his eyes. He was being tested.

"Devious fellow you are, Stitch."

by **Stitch** on September 11th, 2010, 5:09 am

Ah, a good reaction! Rhuryc visibly steeled himself as Stitch threw the ball, and simply let it bounce off of his forehead. Had he lowered his skull a bit to, just to keep his eyes free from the ball? He appeared to keep his gaze on Stitch too, for Stitch noticed the man's attention only waved for but a second. Stitch would have liked the man to take the first blow, but it didn't appear the blacksmith was going to fall for Stitch's trick. Allowing the man a matching smile, Stitch nodded, agreeing with his statement. "Indeed, milord! This one is a bit devious! It probably isn't a good quality, is it?" Not even completely finished with his sentence, Stitch moved, finally starting the match.

It was a powerful step forward, something that defined the strongest of Stitch's blows. He was dedicating a lot of muscle to this single strike, pushing it forward with near-deadly intent. The tremor of his foot connecting with the earth below him signalled a start, signalled a beginning point for his muscles. With the swing of his leg, and the action of bringing it down, he was building momentum. The leg flexed and the muscles rippled as it connected with the ground, and the forward thrust of his body only transfered the momentum up. He swiveled at the waist as he threw his right hand forward, already striking midway through the step. The swing of the hips sent the power of the momentum even higher, his abs flexing hard and giving the slight turn of his upper body a solid base.

The full amount of power would only be found if the points of Stitch's fingers actually connected, aimed solidly at the taller man's stomach. It would be a horrendous blow if it landed, but Stitch didn't expect it to land. The man would either go lower than Stitch's already low crouch, or simply dodge and go on the attack. That was another reason Stitch had made the step, instead of a full lunge. He now had a solid base, even if it was a bit of a dedicated base.

The smile remained on the blind man's face. He looked as if he was still having fun!

by **Rhuryc** on September 12th, 2010, 2:15 pm

Rhuryc was not much for technique. Or whatever it was that Stitch did. The chambering and stancing and momentum was not something he thought about or something he was trained in. That was all just peripheral. So it was that the man did not recognize any of Twitch's preparations. The powerful step was just a step, the flex was just a flex, albeit the punch was most definitely a punch. And Rhuryc knew what to do with those. Years of brawling and steel-faced confrontation had made the man an expert in dealing with pain, and with his own lack of agility Rhuryc tended to err on the side of recklessness. His torso did not duck, his body did not flail away in a graceful dodge, instead his muscles tensed and the man prepared to take a hit. Albeit not where the blow was intended. No doubt his opponent was not expecting a self-sacrificing maneuver in order to gain an upper hand.

Still haunched at the shoulders, Rhuryc stepped forward. He was sure to put himself up in full before the attacked connected at its apex and he drew his arms, the blow taken on the outside of his upper-arm as opposed center of his stomach. And it hurt. A lot. Stitch was far stronger than the man imagined. He felt what would undoubtedly become a bruise in only a bell's time, but he was quick to shove the pain out of his mind. Touch. That was the word. From his unyielding time in the forge and his rougher-than-average life style, Rhuryc was thick in the upper body. Muscled, strong, and most of all he was resilient. Hopefully that would play to his initial surprise.

To complete his motion, Rhuryc lowered his shoulders and threw his arms around, both lunging out in an attempt to wrap about Stitch's sides. He forced his left shoulder forward at Stitch's chest as he moved, his heels digging into the ground and he made to lift the lighter man off his feet and tackle him, putting the both of them on the ground in sprawl that he would control. His feet were set and his body stiff, a dangerous move - any hit taken in such a position would no doubt cause damage. Despite the casual advent of the duel, Rhuryc appeared to treat it as if he was fighting for his lie. He would stop in the case of Stitch's eminent injury, but he wanted to really know his new companion, not guess at his abilities.

ClarificationRhu is just sacrificing his arm to the attack to catch Stitch in the middle of it, then following with a standing tackle-take-down.

by **Stitch** on September 21st, 2010, 12:18 am

The fist sped toward Rhuryc, and Stitch was surprised to see the man hadn't already moved. He seemed aware of the strike, as his eyes had locked upon it. That was a good sign; that Rhuryc was skilled enough in fighting to be able to follow the blow. Most common brawlers would just flail away from it or get smacked by it, but Rhuryc was keeping his cool. Why wasn't he dodging though? Was he that aware of the blow, and was simply going to dodge it at the last second? Stitch himself tried to practice that when he dodged blows, but it was a bit difficult to pull off, with his Auristics. He would be delighted to see Rhuryc do it though, even if that would leave Stitch in a bit of an awkward position. However, Rhuryc's muscles suddenly flexed, and Stitch suddenly saw the blacksmith's true plan. He was about to take the hit. That was something that Stitch never had really experienced. He had seen it in street fights, or in the Spinning Coin. People just beating the tar out of each other, hammering away until the other fell. They weren't martial artists though, who practiced elegant blocks and graceful dodges. Those were just simple brawlers.

Like Rhuryc.

Stitch cursed his assumptions once again as the man stepped forward, taking the hit. Stitch felt a shivering sensation crawl up his arm as his blow met with pure muscle, likely developed from Rhuyrc's line of work. He felt like he had just hit a stone wall, and Rhuryc didn't even seem to flinch. Instead, the massive man was still coming, and he was coming in fast and hard. Stitch didn't really even have time to backpedal, as he had already dedicated himself to that initial strike. His arm was still extended yet trying to pull back when Rhuryc connected with him. The man wrapped those giant arms around Stitch's frail (when compared) frame, trapping one arm against Stitch's side, and the previously striking arm was the only one that was still free. The shoulder to the sternum wasn't really painful, it had been placed after Rhuryc had grabbed Stitch, and was just there to aid Rhuryc in taking Stitch down. Aware that he was outclassed in weight and muscle, Stitch did little to resist, merely took the blow. He was about to be flattened by a large man, though. That was going to hurt. Midway through the air, Rhuryc would find that Stitch had wrapped his legs around the larger man, about at the waist. He was locking himself to Rhuryc, it appeared, and making sure the tackle wouldn't turn into anything even nastier. Stitch forced himself to relax, letting his muscles loosen as he made contact.

A painful grunt echoed from Stitch as his back hit the ground, and his breath escaped from him in a heavy whoosh. He hadn't gotten too stunned, but he was down, and in a bad position. Rhuryc's weight toppled down onto him, and Stitch grunted out again. His lungs were on fire, and his back was aching. They were wrestling like school children! Stitch quickly considered his options, painful breaths shooting from his lungs. It even hurt to breath, at this point. Almost as if to buy some time, Stitch slammed his free palm into the man's face, and grabbed on, covering at his eyes and nose. Pushing, he just attempted to hold the man back, and disorientate him. If Rhuryc did back up a bit, he would be relieved of Stitch's palm on his face, but would quickly be greeted by Stitch's palm pulling back and slamming into his face. He might be able to tell Stitch was hurt though, by the ragged breaths, and he might press the advantage.

Stitch's other arm struggled against Rhuryc, but Stitch's strength was no match for the blacksmith. He would have to go about this a different way.