Closed There's a world out there.

[Adara Meadows]

Adara Meadows ---- "Hunting sounds fun, least the only beings you really have to deal with are the animalkind. I think that makes it a whole lot grand; in my eyes anyway." Fiddling with the knot she had tied her shirt up with Adara loosened it, letting her shirt flow downwards over her torso. Her eyes drifted to Roderick for a moment. So he didn't seem to be much of a talker. Which was alright by her for she was not one for storytellers. Still, it was more then not just wanting to talk. It was as like something was wrong. "What about a bargain sir Roderick?" Adara asked, turning around to face the tall man with her head tilted just slightly to the side. "A little sharing of the skills if you will. You show me your trade and I will show you mine; whether it be boxing or healing. I imagine either could come in handy for a hunter who wrestles with wolves. Unless of course you would rather not?" ----

[Roderick]

Roderick fought the urge to smirk when she said that hunting sounded fun. Almost being eaten by wild animals wasn't exactly the typical image that came to mind when one said that word, but either way he couldn't deny he found it enjoyable, in some strange, unknown way. For a chime or so they walked in utter silence, during which Adara undid the knot that held her shirt in place, leaving the fabric to fall free over his previously exposed midriff. After some more walking she finally turned around to ask him something, head turned slightly upwards so she could look him in the eyes. The offer that she made him seemed a fair one – although that wasn’t quite fair to her. It was an excellent offer. The prospect of learning some fighting skills was always welcome – especially given his growing interest in such things. He’d been a bit of a fool to stop the melee-oriented parts of his martial training baclk home. It was only occurring to him now that he wouldn’t always have the chance to stand back and use his bow. Against animals his preferred weapon was perfect, but the recent conflicts he’d had with other humans had proven his past choices to be folly. Turning towards her slightly, the hunter nodded to her, briefly, keeping his eyes ahead of him so he wouldn’t bump in to anyone – sort of a hopeful wish, given he was rubbing shoulders with someone every third tick. “I’m open to that.” He told her, “I’ve been thinking about learning something like that. Seems we’ve a plan of action, then; I’ll show you archery and hunting, you show me boxing and that bit of healing you know.” He looked at her for a moment, then returned his eyes to the crowds, ”So where will we hold these little sessions of ours? The Pit’s the most obvious choice, but there’s always some loud-mouthed git hanging around. The woods are good for finding a quiet place, but you’ve always got to be careful when you’re out there…”

[Adara Meadows]

Adara Meadows ---- Her dark eyes grew wide with delight as he accepted her offer. It was a fair gain for both of them really. Each learning something that the other had to offer. Both were gaining something from the proposal. Her shoulders went up and she did a little twist of her hips in her joy a smile forming. "Great!" Adara exclaimed. Perhaps she did not need to be as excited as she was at that moment. Give the girl a break though; this was a break from her usual, tedious, dull schedule. This was something she could start to look forward to in her life. It might even help her reach her goals. After all hunting in the wilderness could help her get to Zelitva one day. "In the forest. Is that an option? I have never really been in the forest before. Would that be an alright?" Her head tilted to the side and her brow wrinkled in a frown as she tried to picture a place full of wolves and bears and other vile creatures. ----

[Roderick]

The little dance the girl did when he agreed to her offer almost made Roderick burst into laughter. Confining himself to turning his head away biting his lip to stop a grin from spreading across his face, he let it die away gradually as Adara suggested they take their training out into the woods. An odd location to choose, he thought at first, but then it would give them a place where no one could jeer and shout at them for their inevitable failings. Nodding to the girl he pushed his shoulders back and stretched slightly. "Didn't anyone tell you not to go into the woods with a stranger?" A smirk rose to his face and he let it show. "My target's back in my apartment - we'll need it for the archery practice." It seemed that she wanted them to go about their plans immediately, though, so he began mapping out the route they would have to take to reach the gate, which was in the rough direction they'd been wandering towards. The two would have to pass through a few streets to get to the gate, with a fair amount of pushing and jostling involved in the more crowded spots, but once they'd made it out into the fields they could set about their plans unhindered. Roderick told her that he would go off and collect his things from his apartment, then meet her at the gate within the hour. "You might want to get some another layer on - nothing fancy, it's just going to get dirty." He doubted that he needed to tell her about the latter; she seemed to be fairly practical, so the words were most likely unneeded.

[Adara Meadows]

Adara Meadows ---- It was almost too much waiting for him to reply. Her dark gaze stayed fixated on him, waiting for an answer anxiously. She hadn't felt so giddy in a long time. It was almost like being a little girl again and receiving a new toy; and this one would be lots of fun. Her fingers twisted together as she started to bite her own lips, leaning closer as if pressing him to say yes. Didn't anyone tell you not to go into the woods with a stranger?" Her smile beamed forth. That most certainly was her yes. "Trust me, I've done worse with strange men." Adara taunted right back her orbs glistening with mischief. This was going to be fun. And they were going to go about it now. She was truly going to go off to the woods and learn how to hunt. This very day it seemed! "Sounds like a plan." She said with a quick nod. And before Roderick could say another word Adara spun around and rushed off, weaving through the crowds of peoples in the hallways and vanishing from his sight in only a few moments, the whole whole while a pleasant smile on her visage. She made a mental note in her head the clothing she would grab from her small apartment as well as her gloves. ----

[Roderick]

Smirking in amusement at her words, he lifted a brow and looked over his shoulder as Adara went hurtling off through the crowd of people around him, swiftly vanishing from sight. She was eager, at least. Moving his feet in the direction of home he decided to take a little time in getting his things; he didn't want to be winded and tired by the time he'd reached the Bronze Wood, especially since they would be doing quite a lot that day. Sighing now and again when the people in front slowed to a stop he was glad when he had finally escaping the shuffling masses as he turned into Traveler's Row. Moving through the doorway he made his way up the stairs, going along the route he needed to with the unthinking ease of someone who knew the building inside and out. When he had unlocked the door to his room and stepped inside he stood in the centre for a few tics just soaking in all the details of what he was seeing. The dog had clearly become a little upset with him leaving; a number of his things had been strewn about the room, and the poor beast was lying down on his bed, head on its paws, doing a good job of simultaneously looking apologetic while also seeming to blame him for leaving it. "What, I can't go away for five minutes without you trashing the place?" It continued to look up at him with a pleading look. "Manipulative little shyke..." Well, little didn't really describe this thing all that well; it was actually rather large - surprisingly so, despite its fairly young age. Quickly gathering together a few of the things that were lying on the floor he put them away in a nearby chest. He was feeling a little edgy about the whole situation - but then he'd always been this way when he was to go hunting with someone else - especially someone he didn't know very well. With a sniff he started looking through his belongings for the things he would need; he grabbed his vest and soon had it laced up fully. Pulling on his gloves Roderick wrapped his rucksack around his midriff and clasped his cloak into place, then shouldered his quiver. Wrapping his hands around his bow he set it about his chest and then turned with a sigh towards his target; getting that through the city would be rather difficult. Crunching his teeth together as he lifted it he carried it out of the room, then set it down. Turning towards the door to close and lock it, he saw the dog watching him. Meeting its gaze for a moment, he sighed again and gestured for it to come. It took off like an arrow, leaping from the bed and happily following after him as he wobbled his way down the stairs with his target in hand. Exchanging a look with the amused woman at the desk on the ground floor, the hunter and his pet made their way out into the street, heading towards the main gates. Roderick took his time so that he wouldn't drop his burden, or become tired by overexerting himself. With the large object in his arms the people around him became more willing to make way, something he was grateful for; it meant he could reach Adara sooner, and then the girl could lend a hand with carrying his target out into the woods. She wanted to know about hunting, but the majority of animals wouldn't stand around and wait for her to punch them to death. No, if the Syliran wanted to become a hunter she'd need a long range weapon - and those strong arms of hers would help her in drawing his longbow. Having one of her own would be the best thing, but he didn't feel like going in search of a weapons merchant with her. For the time being his own weapon would suffice.

[Adara Meadows]

Adara Meadows ---- The door to her apartment closed behind her before she realized what she was doing. Her back pressed up against the wood Adara started into her dark room; eyes adjusting to the lack of light. What was she doing? Going into the woods with a man, a strange man, one whom she did not know. She did not know how to survive in the woods, what if he left her there? How could she trust him. Damn it Adara what were you thinking. Her breath quickened for a moment as she paced the small space that was her own. Perhaps it was best to just stay in here and pretend like she had never met Roderick. Best to play it safe and not trust a stranger. Where was the fun in that? Frowning Adara snatched up her cloak and draped it over her shoulders. She was able to take care of herself well enough. There was no excitement in just staying home. Wasn't she always complaining about having a dull life? Well then stop being so scared and get out there. Placing her gloves in her cloak pocket the tall woman went to the door, closing and locking it tight behind her. She would learn something from this; good or bad. And that was what mattered. Letting out a small smile she allowed herself to smile and retain some sense of excitement. This would be fun! Weaving her way through the crowd was a little frustrating. Sure, she was fast and not too large of a person. Still it was packed in the hallways a, often having to stop for no one was moving. It took longer then she would have liked to reach the gate. Breathing heavy she was afraid Roderick might have lost patience with her and left. Her neck craned over the crowd as she tried to make out his slender and marked figure. It didn't take long before he was spotted with a heavy looking burden. "Need any help?" She offered, rushing over to his side. ----

[Roderick]

The girl's offer was a welcome one. Shifting his hold on the bale so that he was dividing its weight between himself and Adara, the two of them continued on towards the gate. "Hope you like dogs..." He said, glancing at the animal. The stretching and tautening of his muscles had begun to hurt as the bulk of his target had started to weigh down on him somewhat, but with her there he found things to be considerably easier. To his surprise she did well - he'd expected her to be strong, but he hadn't expected her to be as well-muscled as this. With their burden shared between the two they quickly made their way out of the city and into the flat land outside, passing through it with all the haste they could muster; the longer they held onto the target, the more tired they would become. Gritting his teeth Roderick focused his mind on the task at hand. The trees began looming up overhead, though it was too slow for his liking. Grateful that they were nearing their final destination, he took in the foliage around him, checking for any signs of them wavering, which could tell him if something was lurking nearby. Listening carefully for any excessive rustling, he heard nothing; that his dog didn't react seem to be worrying over anything reassured him that he they were safe. Large and powerful, it held its head high as it looked around the foliage for anything that could pose a threat to the group, staying close to the hunter's side. He hadn't had it for very long but it already seemed to be aware that he owned it, so it consequently wanted to be around him all the time - probably because of the nice pieces of meat he brought it whenever he had a good hunt. Their path took them along a familiar route, towards the same clearing that Roderick used whenever he wanted to train by himself or with anyone else. It was the same area where he'd first trained with Sei, and since then the smell of the flowers that bloomed nearby always reminded him of the Kelvic. Letting that fragrant smell wash over him, he led Adara towards the spot where he always placed the target, setting it down gently and then straightening up again. Stretching his arms he gave a slight groan as he released the tension from his muscles. Turning towards the girl as he did, he questioned her. "So, which one of us is going first? We might want to box first - the archery'll might make your arms a bit tender." He imagined she would be fairly successful in her attempts to use the longbow, but he didn't want to get his hopes too high - if she set her aims too high she'd be disappointed if she failed. OOCSorry for the ridiculous delay on this - I've either been too busy or just unmotivated to do this.