Closed [Various] Learning Others [Bolivar]

[Ellen Ansgot]

7th of Fall, 513 AV It was getting pretty close to the end of the day, the sun was just starting to set, and the air was cooling off a bit. The Antinous training grounds were starting to become empty after it's occupants began to filter out, heading to bed, on patrols, or back to their patrons for their next assignments. Ellen's patron had just left her there though. She had been told to meet Alexander here for her nights exercise, and was left with a list. Her patron knew that Ellen didn't often speak with others without it being necessary, and never spoke idly just to get to know someone. It wasn't that Ellen was trying to be rude, or that she didn't like people, she simply had a one-track-mind for her training. Ever second of her day was filled with some way to improve herself to obtain her knighthood. If she wasn't out training or patrolling, she would be reading. In the rare times she allowed herself to be doing none of those three times, her first stop would be to the temple to relax and think in a quite environment, not daring to go to bars except as a last resort. She didn't drink anyway, Ellen just never had the time or mind to drink anything other than water. Tonight though, Alexander had told her that she would be patrolling with another squire. He had picked up on her lack of socialization, and told her that learning to work with others was an important part of being a knight. Unfortunately for her, Ellen knew this was true, as was she lacking in people skills. At least this way she could feel as though she would be truly productive, even if the socialization didn't work out, the patrol would be worthwhile. It was hardly ever that she found anything especially interesting on her patrols, she felt as if she was helping someone somewhere, if no one but herself, by doing these patrols. Reading over the list, it seemed like a bit of an unorganized list of places. She assumed that there was no particular order, as some listed one after the other were on the opposite side of town. Some of them were places she didn't often spend time, like the docks, and even a stop near Ethereal Notions. If there was some pattern in these locations, Ellen was yet to find it. Perhaps the other squire would see it differently. Until then though, she would just have to wait for a squire who she had not the slightest clue of what they looked like. After just a few chimes, Ellen was pacing around the training grounds, looking for someone as lost as her, or someone with the slightest signs of looking for her. The air was getting a bit cold for her taste, though unless it was sweltering she almost always felt cold. The dark of night was starting to set in more prominently too, so her partner and herself would most likely want to find a torch or lantern if they wanted to enjoy the luxury of a close light. That again would have to be something she left to her companion decision.

[Bolivar]

When you worked as a squire during the day it was your job. You were expected to train throughout the day while taking the occasional time off. When you worked as a squire during the night it was your life. Your schedule, your mannerisms and what you are able to do was affected by the night shift.

A shift Bolivar was all too familiar with. Taking an early rest yesterday afternoon and the day before Bolivar was well prepared to tackle the next three days of the night shift. Not too popular a shift seeing as it was always open but it did well to boost his standings within the knights. He had an advantage over other Sylirans in that he had better sight then most in the dark. That he squire found his best thinking was in the silence of night. To hear oneself think and flow without pause, what he would trade for that skill on demand.

"Still up and around? Care to share a round with the lads?"

Arriving on the scene just in time to see another squire try his luck with a lady squire was perhaps late in coming to the training grounds. It was a rare occurrence to see a woman squire, at least to Bolivar, but common enough to know that line wasn't exactly compelling to her.

"Clear off. She's with me."

Other then the two lads who looked fatigued after a hard day's training the woman was the only able looking body that could have been Bolivar's partner. His deadpan expression was met with minor skepticism first looking at him then at Ellen before looking back at Bolivar. Looking down on him to be exact.

"But you're-"

"On the night shift? Me and the lady are indeed."

Watching the pair leave Bolivar turned back to Ellen with a curious gaze.

"You are my partner tonight right?"

Shrugging slightly Bolivar readjusted his gloves before continuing. It wouldn't have been to bad if he was incorrect here. Who knows? Perhaps it was the right move or it wasn't, he was stuck with the stranger for now.

"Name's Bolivar stranger. Squire. Of Ser Theron's patronage. What can I call you?"

[Ellen Ansgot]

"Ellen. Ellen Ansgot. My patron is Ser Alexander Valini." Ellen had already taken a liking to this Bolivar. The way he was straight to the point was a quality Ellen liked. It made speaking with others easier for her. By the looks of it, he was much older than her as well. This made her even more comfortable. Ellen found herself much more at ease with those elder to her. Those her age seemed interested in things Ellen didn't understand. The young squire was fairly driven. She spent almost all of her time training one thing or another. There was always room for improvement in her eyes, and all of the free time she had went to improving her weaker skills. If nothing else, she found herself at the temple, or reading the histories of Sylira. Almost nothing her peers did interested her. Drinking disgusted her, though there was no real reason. It seemed just.... unappealing to her, and those who she found drinking had almost no self-control. Nothing about drinking enticed her to try it one bit. "Here's a list of places my patron gave to me. I'm sure he wants us to stop by all of these places on our patrol but I can't really make any sense of it. Any idea of a pattern here, or where we should start?" Ellen handed over the list to her new patrol partner, eager to get started. She looked around as she waited for her partners response. If there was one place on that list she was not excited to go, it would be one of the taverns. No person seemed worth going there for. Perhaps this patrol would be exciting though. Her normal night patrols didn't include much excitement. Most commonly she would just walk around watching for trouble, but hardly ever found any. Part of her hoped they would run into something interesting while they walked around. Maybe someone getting robbed, or a thief breaking into a house. Even breaking up a small brawl would be fun at this point. Today was just a long day with nothing much happening. It felt like it had dragged on for much more than a day. Ellen was just ready to work off some stress. "It's getting dark out, do you think we should try to find a lantern?"

[Bolivar]

[/style]

“Your patron gave you a list of places to visit you say?”

Looking over the list Bolivar noted a few places of interest. Though simply alerting Ellen wouldn't do the newer watch member any good would it? No if her patron wanted her to go along this path the squire had no qualm helping this Ellen Angost along. It could be considered a squire's duty to help his fellow trainee's along.

“I see no problem with it at all. They like to mix up the routes to keep us on our toes during our patrol. Different night, different routine, same night watch. Boredom is a guard's worst enemy times like these. Got to keep your wits about you at all times. Criminals at this hour give little warning before they strike.”

As long as something can lose focus that something is unreliable as a watcher. Yet here they were volunteering of all things for this. Such broken logic.

“s'all the same to me really. Though perhaps we can stop by the Stallion before closing time. Would be good to see the folks home safe and sound. Perhaps get a drink if you are interested.”

A nice spicy brew to keep one awry wasn't unheard of to Bolivar, though it did not exactly fit in with the usual proceedings. Really it was just to gauge the newcomer and see where the two stood. If he was being honest with himself the only reason he suggested that was for the chance to talk someone at the Stallion.

“...Just kidding. Got to see if your mind is in the right place for this... Ellen you said? We've still quite the long shifts ahead of us. Gotta start it off on the right foot.”

His expression going passive Bolivar silently considered the lantern before shrugging slightly.

“If you want one go ahead. I'm fine without. Just checking. How do you want to do this? You know what to look out for when the darkness sets on Syliras my lady squire?”

[Ellen Ansgot]

The Stallion as the first stop. Well, at least they would be getting her least favorite place out of the way first. It would mean that the rest of the night had nowhere to go but up. Not too bad of an idea, though Ellen thought the Stallion full of unsavory people, she knew that most of the patrons were just knights and others relaxing enjoying their evenings. The place wasn't so bad, and even then everywhere else sounded better, so they might as well get started there. "Yeah, I suppose the Rearing Stallion would be a good first stop." Ellen was actually excited to get started on this patrol. It had been quite some time since the last time Alexander had sent Ellen on patrol. She had been so focused on training with her patron and becoming a knight. It was easily the most important thing to her, as she often overlooked social interaction in order to train. Patrols were exciting though, there was always the slight chance of a threat, something going wrong. Ellen always found herself on an adrenaline high when she was on patrol. "Thanks for the offer, but I don't drink. It impairs judgement too much for my liking. If you don't think we need a lantern, we should be fine." Ellen still didn't understand this list, but Bolivar didn't seem to have any problem with it. The locations were scattered, and Ellen was itching to get on. She prepared herself, ready for a long night of patrols, wanting to make the most efficient run possible. They had a lot of work ahead of them, and even more walking. So much could happen, it was exciting for Ellen just to think about it. "We have a lot to do, shall we get going?" Ellen waited for her friend to get start following before she took off towards the Stallion. As they walked Ellen began to realize how cold it was beginning to get. It was starting to get colder than she was accustomed to, though it was starting to get close to winter. Maybe it wasn't too odd. "I hope you don't find this too invasive, but what inspired you to be a squire Bolivar? And why so late? What were you doing before you started all of this?" She was worried her partner might not be comfortable answering, but Bolivar seemed a bit open. She just wanted to keep conversation going.

[Bolivar]

So young, so naive. Seeing the excitement almost brimming off of Ellen made Bolivar shake his head in slight amusement. And the promise of a lightweight on top of that. A reflective "hmm" escaped the mixed blood's lips as the pieces of a smirk started to form on his face staring at Ellen. He would have to get her drunk at the end of the watch for sure, if only for his amusement.

"After you then Ellen."

Heading off to the Nettle district they were to make their way past the Maiden District. The flowery and in fact one of the more prosperous of the districts was still quite lovely at night. The Moonglows and assorted flowers blooming only in the nightlight was lovely in it's own way. Sidestepping a few puddles along the road all Bolivar could hear was the rattling of his own armor as they made their way into the city. Choosing his words carefully all the while for the question she presented, guessing all the while what category she fit into.

"Inspired? I was merely switching cities when I learned of the knights. I could have just as easily ended up in the Ebonstryfe if I had chosen to stay in Ravok rather then Syliras. At least that is what I think could have happened."

Quietly evaluating his partner's reaction Bolivar went on to answer the rest of Ellen's inquiries.

"Late? I'm barely reaching the place outside of a young upstart in an Isur's life. Been working as a defender of the city like my father and my father's father."

Tradition one of the three reasons people joined the service in Bolivar's eyes. If he had to guess Ellen was cut from the same mold as well. She moved and talked easy so far. No sense of jitters or signs of unfamiliarity with what they were to do. Yet somehow still filled with the wonder of a young youth. Truly Sylirans held a much more privileged life then most.

Nearing the end of the Maiden District and coming up on the Nettle district Bolivar could see the main gates in sight as his eyes went to the west where the Stallion was. It would be a bit longer until the majority of the Stallion's patrons started leaving which left Bolivar and Ellen to discuss some more if only for a few tics.

"To be honest I would think I'm only a squire in name. Other then riding horses I can fight just as well as any knight or mage knight cut from the initial ranks."

Bolivar's eyes took in Ellen's form and stature before finding he had a question of his own. More small talk to occupy the two as they awaited the arrival of the exiting crowd.

"A typical knight in training. You are like the prime example of a youth trying to attain knighthood. Know anything else outside of the order? I imagine Sylirans aspire for things outside of being a knight. "

Keeping an eye out for possible movement near them Bolivar kept up an easy facade whilst listening to his new partner in crime.

[Ellen Ansgot]

After becoming a Knight? Ellen hadn't the slightest of clues what she would do after obtaining knighthood. She never had reason to think of it, as there was too much work to do before even getting close to her Knighthood quest. It was an interesting thought though. All Ellen knew was that she wanted to be a leader of some kind. It was in her nature, she felt at home when she knew other people were under her command, and always took the lead when she spent time with her childhood friends. Being a leader might take her many places, and that was a chance for even more adventure. She wasn't really an adventure seeker, but it would be an added bonus. A squire only in name was something that could be used for a lot of the squires who were older than her. Ellen had the misfortune of having to spar against one before, which left her with quite the wound to her side. It was good experience, much was taken from that fight and incorporated into her own fighting style. However Ellen still refused to give up her defensive style, never striking first. Something in her moral code would not let her fight someone who didn't have the intent of hurting her. Some may have saw this as a flaw, but she would not give it up nonetheless. "I think I'd like to dance." It was a bit out of the blue, even as she said it, she thought it was a bit odd. There was some reason she couldn't quite put her finger on, but dancing was her guilty pleasure, or perhaps guilty fantasy since she had no experience in it. With all of her training, fighting, learning, it seemed like there wasn't time to do anything for fun. Truthfully she could make time, but Ellen was focused on her training with such a passion, she had taken no time to learn anything like dancing. "Perhaps it's a bit silly, but I think we don't take enough time to enjoy dumb things like dancing." It didn't feel very knightly. She felt pretty embarrassed talking about it, and quickly tried to cover it up with something that made her embarrassment even more prominent. Ellen felt as though her job was to be tough, strong, willed, and courageous. Dancing was none of these. "Do you want anything other than Knighthood? And what were you doing before you became a squire?" More questions simply to get off the topic of dancing. As she waited for Bolivars answer, she noticed he seemed to be looking around. In her embarassment, Ellen had somehow forgotten that they were actually out at this tavern for a reason. She took to looking around more, paying attention to the other patrons, and listening barely to other conversations happening around the place. Then the smell set in, or perhaps it was that she had finally noticed it. Suddenly Ellen wanted nothing to do with the place, and was ready to leave. The smell of alcohol made her feel sick, and she was ready to move on for the patrol, but she would wait until Bolivar thought it was time.

[Bolivar]

Fine with just listening to what Ellen had to say Bolivar took on what she had said at face value. Dancing? It was what the knights made him do when he first tried on the armor. Of course it was hard to do so in full plate but the mixed blood found the process much easier then some of his fellow trainees. Never really considering it for it's recreational, much less then as a source of income, Bolivar nodded in reluctant approval before pursing his lips up in thought.

"Nothing is without merit if you really truly enjoy it Ellen."

Bolivar's consoling words fell on short watching the gradual bashfulness coming out of the other squire. It was quite becoming of her actually, though Bolivar imagined he had yet to see best side of the girl just yet. Smirking knowingly before going back to the conversation Bolivar raised a belligerent eye as she asked more out of the squire. A reaction that he could not help but do out of habit but nevertheless followed through.

"Plenty. One of them being some one on one time in the tavern before we go."

Leaving Ellen to keep watch as the stream of patrons from the Stallion pour out Bolivar disappeared into the ensuing crowd within a few tics. Out of sight for a bit longer then was comfortable Bolivar appeared standing just outside of the Stallion simply peering inside. Having his proverbial fill Bolivar sauntered back to Ellen with his usual deadpan expression. Peering first at the lady squire then back at the dispersing crowd Bolivar watched their numbers dwindle until it was reasonably quiet for the pair to talk.

"Saw anything amiss from the patrons partner?"

Bolivar didn't notice anything awry himself but it didn't hurt to have a second opinion. They seemed mostly in control of their senses some still glowing from the warm spirits some slowly backing down from the ale's euphoria. The pretense of keeping watch of the exiting traffic of the Stallion quickly abandoned Bolivar himself seemed in better spirits despite his expression.

"I was much too late. They were already cleaning and the bar already finished doing last calls."

Taking in a big breathe before stretching slight Bolivar rocked on the heels of his feet wondering where the two had left of.

Oh right I was being coy with her.

Deciding to skip on the usual withdrawn mage routine Bolivar offered his hand to help Ellen up before getting the rest of their patrol underway. Musing to himself Bolivar hummed a slight tune as he tried to recall what Ellen asked of him before he reacted like he did. Something about his past? Didn't he already answer that? Pacing himself briskly while still staying somewhat quiet Bolivar marched along between the districts. There was still quite a distance to go and nightlight was burning. His mind going back to Ellen's query he finally answered a few chimes into the trek.

"I was an aspiring trainee of Izurdin's Hammer before I came to Syliras. A break from the traditions of my forefathers to join something. Before that I managed with the city guard for a time before. Somehow I ended up here. The story can come later, that's all I have to say about that."

Resuming his humming Bolivar gave a slightly reassuring face at Ellen before they first entered the Maiden district. Who ever planned the city was rather clever in their design. Having the flowery place in the middle of the city made it seem much nicer then it seemed walking it's streets at night. Paying close attention to his pace Bolivar made sure to keep up his meticulous pace, in a way it was quieter then both a run and faster then a jog in it's pace. Look to Ellen Bolivar found himself hoping he had not seem too callous in his want for to leave his past alone.

"I've a thought. If you like dancing as much as I like singing we could be a pair you and I. How does that sound partner?"

[Ellen Ansgot]

Bolivar's words calmed Ellen down a bit. The nervousness subsided as Bolivar spoke to her with in a way that she felt was almost knowing of her feeling. Even if it wasn't really, it was nice to have someone treat her with understanding. "No, nothing too out of the ordinary" the young squire replied when questioned upon Bolivars return. She accepted the hand offered to her, getting pulled up from her seat, she gave a little energetic hop at the height of the pull to prepare herself for their return to walking. As they made their movement through the city in silence Ellen started thinking more of the world outside Syliras. She hadn't ever gone any farther than just outside the walls of Syliras, which provoked the question of all the other places in the world. There were many places she had thought about visiting, like Avanthal. Ellen had always found herself enjoying the snow, even though she somehow had a terrible time retaining body heat and managed to get cold unless she was keeping herself busy, or if it were sweltering weather. She found the snow beautiful nonetheless. Perhaps one day she would find her way to the snow city. As Bolivar told Ellen of her past, she found herself listening intently. Though the story was short, Ellen was pleased with the answers she had received. The last time Ellen had opened herself up to anyone was actually only a few days ago, the painful memory fresh in her mind. What had gone from fun banter quickly turned into cutting words that day. She felt different about Bolivar though, and was a little more trusting of him than she was with most other strangers. She knew when not to push the limits, and didn't prod her partner any further. It became fairly apparent that his past was a sore subject when the older squire picked up his pace. Nearing a run in speed, Ellen made no attempt to keep up with her partner. She knew they would both eventually make it to the Stone Garden, being it was the next place on their patrol list. Another odd choice made by her patron. She figured that not much would be going on if, anything at all, in that area at this hour. The stop must be made though, and Ellen was simply assuming that her friend knew where he was going, since he took a good look at the list earlier. Could she even call him friend yet? Perhaps it was too early to tell, but she was debating it heavily. He was kind, and maybe not too open, she had few friends that would listen to her stories without ridicule. "I'll only dance to your singing if you're as terrible as I!" the young squire replied to her partners question with a good amount of laughter. Smiling, laughing, having a good time. Most of these events were rare for Ellen. Not as alarmed as she probably should be, Ellen didn't block off her emotions as per usual. She let her smiles run wild and the laughter flow, it was good to relax. "Aren't the stars something wonderful? I almost wish I knew a thing or two about them" Ellen said looking longingly at the sky once they arrived in the stone garden. The air was crisp and cool, but Ellen was excited and relaxed at the same time, so the air didn't bother her much. Everything was going well for her today, and having a person to let her playful childish side out around topped it off. Maybe Bolivar would think it was awkward, or perhaps he wasn't even the close friend one would be doing this around, but it didn't matter. Letting this side out wasn't something she had done in years, and running around Syliras looking at stars with talk of dancing and singing was bringing out a wonderful creature that Ellen hadn't dealt with in a long time. Tonight, she was a dumb happy fool.

[Bolivar]

"Your out of luck then. I am confident in everything I do young squire."

Keeping his eyes peeled for anything interesting Bolivar made a point to check every nook and cranny that was out of place while waiting for Ellen to catch up. The squire felt he had to do something constantly until he's had his feel. A constant drive to prove himself even at this age. Bolivar knew what he was capable of and on the whole felt reassured in general yet the need to find something to add to his life experience was still a constant factor in Bolivar's life. Ambition in a workaholic sense multiplied knowing the problems that plague the city. The rogue knight being the most obvious yet elusive problem, Bolivar would have to settle in helping out in whatever way he can.

"Hmm. Stars. Wonderful yes. Not as wonderful as you."

The neutral tone Bolivar used worked to contradict any real intention he might have had behind those words. If anything it was to simply dismiss Ellen's wandering notions away. The stars? What use were they to him?

"Come along Ellen. You are missing the point of patrolling."

The cheerful attitude was welcomed so long as it didn't get in the way of their route. Nodding slightly bemused by the sudden enthusiasm on Ellen's part Bolivar tried to match the mood with a few more looks around them. Finding himself swaying all the while to compliment his humming Bolivar was the first to get to the Stone Gardens. It was even more peaceful in the nightlight if it was at all possible. He remembered meeting with another reimancier here. The first he had met outside his Sultros. It was quite the shock to be put out on the spot there but even more so was the reception he received from the stranger. That was one if not numerous reasons why he had chosen to stay in Syliras.

It would have been prudent to learn of Ellen seeing as he shared. It only seemed expected of his yes? Keeping a close watch at the goings of the Stone Gardens Bolivar turned hearing the arrival of the lady squire. Choosing to simply stay quiet for now Bolivar looked to her for further instruction. That was until he realized just how slow and leisurely Ellen was going.

"Where are we off to next? Perhaps find some trouble along the docks? Or was there another place you want to go? If you got a place you really want to visit we can go there to. Is there somewhere specific you want to go along the way?"