Closed [Bronze Wood] Look Up High [Bolivar]

[Nira'lia]

Bronze Wood 25th Fall 513AV At first, she was almost sure this was a terrible idea, but she couldn’t help it. Nira’lia wanted to take a look at the Bronze Wood. She had heard a few people speak about it, and had listened to them talk about the dangers for unwary travelers. ‘If I don’t go so far in, it should be fine, right?’ she mused to herself. Nonetheless, she kept her suvai strapped to her side, as if she would need it at any moment now. The Konti turned her head to look at the great expanse of wall that circled the city of Syliras, as if straying too far from it meant she would never be able to come back to its protection. After a few more moments of hesitation, she finally gave in and walked further in. It was just before noon and the sun’s rays were glaring at her. The woods seemed quiet at this time, but also lively at the same time. There were all sorts of colors streaming from the various trees and plants, and in a way, that comforted her. The Konti didn’t care much about the possible wildlife she might be able to see. She was more interested in the different types of plants that she could study. After a few more minutes of walking, she looked behind again. The wall of the city was now covered by a thick density of trees she had passed. Nira’lia had been so focused on the grand-looking trees that she had not realized how far she had really walked at this point. “Ack!” A rustle of leaves startled her. Nira’lia’s hands instantly hovered to the handle of her suvai, and—an innocent looking rabbit emerged from the bush. Blushing to herself, she relaxed her stance and watched the creature hop away. “Seriously…” she sighed to herself in exasperation. The rabbit circled around a large tree—an oak tree, by the looks of it—and disappeared from her view. It had been a harmless creature, but that was her cue: it was time to head back.

[Bolivar]

oocCare to move the date up 20-40 days?

What was he doing in the Bronze Woods again? It seemed like every time the rains would stop there seemed to be some incident somewhere near the mysterious wood. This was the squire being proactive in his approach. If he stayed in the wood a few times perhaps he would be able to do something about some of the troubles that ailed Syliras. It didn't matter where he practiced his glyphing as long as he practiced right?

Dressed in a rather new red robe Bolivar morosely stared into the parchment miming how he would finish this particular glyph. Now that he thought about it, why not try doing something bigger? Eyes scanning the forest floor the squire quietly devised how exactly he would do this. Over there, the far side there and-there's a rabbit next to me. Raising an incredulous eyebrow at the creature the rabbit gave a delayed shout of alarm as it fled from Bolivar. Only to get picked off by a hawk moments later.

All right...

Finding himself mildly shocked and disturbed Bolivar rose from his spot at the base of the tree. Looking to find himself something to eat Bolivar was starting to make his way back to his horse, entirely oblivious to the Konti nearby. Taking a bit longer to realize Nira'lias presence, seeing the blonde's hair made the traces of Bolivar's face describe a smile before quickly realizing where he was. Then Bolivar started to realize the other aspects of the sudden intruder. The way the light struck her in such a way she seemed to sparkle and glisten. The hands whose fingers looked glued together. Most importantly the weird dagger thing that she held already drawn with those weird glued hands.

This is getting too weird.

Raising his hands in surrender Bolivar then spun on his heels, making a quick u-turn back to the base of the tree. Disappearing for a moment the squire reemerged with axe in hand wearing his usual deadpan expression. Still quite confused at what exactly Nira'lia was or what was going on Bolivar at the very least felt prepared.

"Err. Common? Do you speak it?"

Wearing a blue shirt and a white skirt she would have fit in anywhere inside of Syliras. Though in the Bronze Wood that was a different story. Pursing his lips up at the awkward air Bolivar rocked on the balls of his feet wondering what such a weird, pretty looking thing was doing here.

[Nira'lia]

OOCSure! Nira’lia was startled at the alarmed squeak that she assumed had come from the rabbit. Turning, she watched it running away from its hidden spot behind the tree. And then she watched a hawk swoop down and take the creature. …and of course, she felt sorry for it. With a look of dismay, she looked at the hawk as it flew away with its price. And that’s when she heard a new set of sounds, as if the grass was being rustled by yet another person. There was a man from the other side of the tree, and he emerged from where the rabbit had run from. He was what had frightened the rabbit, the one who had sent it running to an open space for a predator. The man looked like a normal human, save for a few aspects—such as the tint of emerald on his left arm. She had heard of a race that had this trait, but this was her first time actually meeting one of them. The Konti didn’t know enough about the race to realize that the person in front of her was not a pure blooded Isurian man. She was looking at him as curiously as he was looking at her. That meant she wasn’t being rude, right? “Uh… yes,” she said cautiously. Sheepishly, she relaxed her stance, feeling embarrassed for herself. “Yes, I speak common. Sorry, but… are you lost? You’re the first person I’ve seen. Do you want to find a way back together?”

[Bolivar]

Such a soft voice.

Seeing the woman's stance falter in those few moments did well in putting the squire off guard. Which was good, when push came to shove Bolivar doubted that he could really harm a maiden. That is unless she pushed the issue, seeing from recent events.

"Such manners! In the last place I thought I'd ever find it."

Bolivar first looked back at the grand oak tree before looking where the Konti stood. An inside joke better left perhaps unexplained.

"I was told not to accept candy from rangers. Or was it strangers? Either way it applies here. What are you stranger?"

Bolivar could see himself grinning stupidly at Nira'lia, he really couldn't help it. It was rare to meet someone that was polite towards him.

"The name is Bolivar if that helps. A squire on the lookout while training in these woods."

Quickly chiding himself Bolivar quickly remembered how he was to act around others. Rubbing the back of his neck with one hand while giving an apologetic nod Bolivar put his hand out in a formal introduction.

"You are speaking to squire Bolivar of Patron knight Ser Theron. With whom am I speaking with?"

The formalities might have made it a bit more awkward but it was expected of him. There were certain nuances and mannerisms that had to be observed and this one was expected of anyone aspiring to be a knight.

oocSorry if I went off on a tangent there.

[Nira'lia]

Did he just ask what was she? The corner of her mouth twitched ever so lightly, as the Konti assumed that he was asking about her race. It’s not that she minded others being unaware of her race, but that had been a strange way to put it! But when she heard him introduce himself, she relaxed. He just needed an introduction was all. Bolivar… what a unique name. She looked down at the outstretched hand… why was it such a custom for people to shake hands? Nira’lia paused for a while, just staring at the hand that was nothing more than an act of politeness. Would she take it and risk it? Nira’lia hated seeing into people’s most intimate pasts, especially when they didn’t know about it. And just this once, on an act of impulse, she decided to just tell the truth. She couldn’t tell why, but she had already impulsively walked these deep into the woods, so it was time to just push her luck. Nira’lia gave a light chuckle and put her hands up as if surrendering. The Konti shook her head swiftly. “I’m Nira’lia, nice to meet you,” she said. “You don’t want to touch me. I have a… strange gift. It would make me see your happiest moment, and you wouldn’t want that. Unless you want to know as well…?” She mused on the thought, wondering if anybody would actually be willing to show her with consent. A person’s happiest moments were often found in the subconscious—was it something they would want to find out about? The Konti blinked, she had never really thought about it that way before. Nira’lia put her hands back to her sides and nodded at him instead. “I’m a squire as well… well, a new squire, I don’t really know my place yet. Is that odd?” The Konti paused again. “Did you say you were on the lookout? There aren’t… dangerous creatures around here, are there?”

[Bolivar]

Was he coming off as disagreeable in a way somehow?

Oh not at all this time the person had a completely understandable excuse.

"What?"

The deadpan look on Bolivar's face seemed to convey enough to just leave the question hang in the air.

Looking back at the strange woman and her hand then back at the blonde Bolivar rubbed the back of his neck trying to take it all in. What was she going on about? The happiest moment in someone's life? How would she even.

"Alright makes sense. I've had a good meal recently. Will you see that?"

Completely serious Bolivar just went along with the strange musing Nira'lia was spouting. She seemed nice enough, if mildly strange, this little stint was nothing compared to other weird mannerisms he had seen in his life.

Looking back and wondering himself what his "happiest moment" was his deadpan expression grew grim realizing how truly sad his happiest moment was. Twisted in every way and yet he was the happiest moment in his life. Yea... on the off chance this strange being was telling the truth it would be best for her to never touch him. A shame, Bolivar always had a minor crush on blondes.

Returning the polite nod Bolivar couldn't quite wipe the skeptical eyebrow aimed at Nira'lia. Despite how polite it was ingrained in him to be wary of others. His heritage, his line of work, even his calling all wary of those around him.

If it was possible Nira managed to make Bolivar's eyebrow rise higher then the norm. A squire too? Goodness this one was interesting.

"I suppose that is only normal for newer initiates... Nira'lia was it? Such a lovely name, first time I've ever heard anything like it."

Still curious about where the newly admitted squire hailed from Bolivar nodded in response to the question that came after.

"Indeed. As in every wood I've came across. Why? Things different where you are from?"

Hoping the question was hint enough to sate his curiosity Bolivar would continue on.

"Though sometimes the people that inhabit the area are just as dangerous. Sometimes more so."

A grim look on his face Bolivar's thoughts were distracted for a tic before looking back at Nira.

"Though I promise you won't have such problems with me. The knights don't quite keep liars in their ranks. Not any more at least. What about you? Is there something I can possibly assist another squire with?"

[Nira'lia]

The Konti raised her eyebrow in both amusement and indifference. She gave a laugh, and it was forced. Was he mocking her gift? Did he not believe her, or did he just think it was easily dismissed? Nira’lia had only told a few people before about her predicament, but this… this was the first time she had seen a response such as this. “A good meal!” she repeated, her voice’s tone slightly higher than usual. “Surely there’s more to you than that... don’t dismiss it that way. If you want, I can even prove it to you! Hold my hand and I will let you know the truth of the matter.” She even made an act of gesturing her hand towards him, though she put it back down on her side almost immediately, finding it awkward to keep it hanging in the empty air. Her smile turned more genuine, though it was mixed with a bit of fright as she listened to his answers. She was from Zeltiva, and she rarely left the city. On the off chance that she did, she didn’t go deep into the wilderness to see the real dangers. In short, she was a sheltered one. Her travels up to this point had changed that slightly, but she was still not accustomed to it. “I see… so creatures and people,” she mused to herself. It would be a good idea to head back with someone then. Cautiously, the Konti looked around. She saw nothing but trees and grass. It was quiet and it appeared safe. His words comforted her, and since she was convinced to trust him, she immediately felt more secure that way. “Actually, yes. Perhaps you could escort me back to the city… if… if it’s not too much trouble.”

[Bolivar]

Oh course hearing that would make anyone immediately suspicious but it was still very novel to see Nira'lia look around. It made her look cute even. After all she had just seen a predator snatch up it's prey moments earlier. This wide open space...if there was something dangerous nearby it knew full well where they were.

"Heh. You are not serious are you?"

The tone more cordial then before made the features of Bolivar's face soften slightly. The beginnings of a smirk were starting to form on the squire's face before he looked away for Nira's sake.

"Your kidding right? You are definitely too strong to need me."

If not in physical strength, steadfast courage. The woman of the mountain were strong in the physical sense but since his travels he's seen different ways to exhibit's one spirit. Though Nira'lia was of a different make then typical Sylirans and Sultros woman...

"What I meant to say was..."

Rubbing the back of his head unsure what to say Bolivar took a moment to carefully word what me meant.

"Certainly you hadn't come all this way just to go back right? You've something to do here don't you? Lady squire Nira'lia?"

Still. Somehow it felt he was being ruder then he warrented. Looking to the unfinished glyphs he had resting near the base of the trees Bolivar shrugged. It looks like he would have to relinquish the day to help a random passerby outside of Syliras. Hopefully it wouldn't be too bad this time.

"Of course I'll help you either way. How can I say no? Squires stick together."

[Nira'lia]

She blinked and nodded. “Well, yes. I wanted to see if there were and medicinal plants that I would be able to take back. But I am also very wary of the dangers, you see…” Nira’lia noticed him looking to the side, towards the base of the trees. Absently, her eyes followed. Curiously, she saw what appeared to be drawings resting there. They looked more than simple doodles, and they actually gave her a familiar feeling. Immediately, she was reminded of the mage guild that she had left back in Alvadas, and of the Ethaefal companion who had always been so keen on anything magic. Nira’lia had seen her ex-companion make glyphs before, but they had been more intricate, and she supposed that was because he was far more learned in the arts than most people were. Also, these glyphs seemed unfinished. She had no real knowledge in them, but she knew they were unfinished. The Konti frowned. She was supposed to learn Glyphing, as she had been told that it was a way to augment the skills that she already had. But then, other things came up, and she was separated from the people who were to teach her. “I apologize… were you busy?” she looked back at Bolivar. “You should finish what you were doing, really. I can stay here and watch you, if you do not mind.” Nodding, she gestured at his unfinished works. “What were these for…? Please, do continue. I find glyphing to be very interesting.”

[Bolivar]

"You've nothing to fear while I'm around. I'm scarier then whatever this part of the wood has to offer. I don't scare you right?"

Raising an eyebrow to go along with his deadpan face Bolivar merely shrugged at the thought.

"Indeed I was."

His arms across his chest and a hand rubbing his chin thoughtfully Bolivar wondered what exactly he was doing with the glyphs here. Was he preparing for something particular or was he just making the place more hospitable? It was not like he could continue what he was-

"You know of glyphing?"

An excited smile broke through Bolivar's mask before catching himself. Nira'lia probably didn't know but talking with an Isurian profession and it immediately opened a world of interest from them. Coughing slightly embarrassed Bolivar could barely repress his enthusiasm as he found himself jittering at the chance to talk about glyphing.

"I mean. They are the only thing that me and my mother did side by side. I've still quite a ways to go. Not an artist yet but I can make pretty solid runes."

Watching Nira'lia closely to see if the interest was genuine before continuing. Taking out the dagger he had on hand Bolivar etched a basic symbol of power on the oak tree before looking back at Nira. Now that Bolivar thought about it he had etched plenty of glyphs for use nearby to entertain guests. An idea forming in his mind looked at the konti's webbed hand, curious and wondering Bolivar took revealed the markings on his left palm before continuing.

"This is the mark of a reimancer. I wear it proud despite-"

Watching Nira's response Bolivar continued on, his voice growing a bit stronger.

"Despite what others may think. My arm marks me as one of Izurdin's own. A Isur of mixed heritage. A green arm to represent my race and clan."

Plopping down slightly gesturing Nira to do the same Bolivar's proposition following soon after.

"Tit for tack my lady squire. I know nothing about you. Care to tell me a bit about yourself first?"

Hoping that she would accept Bolivar was nearly jumped at the chance to show off the wonders glyphing had shown him. Though giving out something for free was never the squire's style. Better to first learn about who he was sharing this information with.

"So what do you say? From what far off place do such fair eyes hail?"