Constant Interrupti- (Markus)

[Altaira Readva]

Bird Speak | Common | Vani | Spring 14, 514AV

Winter was quickly becoming litle more than what felt like a distant memory. The snow was more of freezing slush and icy pools than its previous boundless blankets, Syna casting light and warmth into the world and thawing the forest, more and more sprigs and seedlings fighting Morwen's lingering grasp.

The birds, too, had roared into life and chatter now that the season was in full swing, their constant song and springtime merriment drawing Altaira from the stale air of her lodging's room, coaxing her to seek any excuse to take her own part in the fun.

"Survey growth," she said, her words catching slightly in her throat, the smell of earth hitting her as she stirred the dirt underfoot, a string of different herbs and plants rolling around in her mind. There was little need for much collection in the woods, with the greenhouse at Stormhold Salves housing the herbs more common in use and need, with those that were rare and fragile were not bothered with, and the likelihood of their growth usually measured in terms of others.

If a hardy type of herb was stuggling in the crippling heat or cold, then they did not even consider searching for one rarer or less robust without some great need. As such went, if more common or delicate herbs were seen to be lush and thriving earlier in the season, then it was likely for a group to seek a harvest what could be.

"Don't stray," Se hummed her orders and warnings as though they were a song, already a half meter away from the edgings of the road, and relying most heavily on her daggers and feathered friends above for her own protection. 'The secret is in the song.' High pitched and loud was what she could make of the trills and chimes over head, songbirds seeking mates and engaging in playful games as nests were built, many, from what the kelvic could tell, only so close to the road because of how often the edges were lined with snapped twigs and branches.

Tolm was the primary herb that she was seeking, rather common in the area and not a plant that was too delicate, it's health one that was easy to tell, and its reason even more so. If she could find several plants and make a harvest, or even simply take short note of development, then her task for the morning was done.

The sight of lush greenery only slightly deeper off road caught her eye, and she stalled for a moment as she weighted the pros and cons. The plant was as far deep as the mistress usually went for such a herb, and if she could find out its health she was a step closer to spending her time foremost in leisure.

A short check on the sounds abuzz above had her decide it was worth the risk, trusting her kind to flee at the first sign of danger. She gave a whistle and a gesture, the world above pausing for the slightest of moments before it shot back, Altaira grinning shortly as she kept her wits and cautions venturing into the wood.

The closer she neared the plant the greater regret welled in her, with what seemed to be a herb of interest more and more seeming like little more than a deception bush.

Close enough to examine its leaves in greater detail, the kelvic ground to a stop before taking firm hold of her dagger, the numbers of birds whose songs she could rely on thinning immensely. She was torn between driving further into the wood and backing out and seeking another point, pushing her eyes to see as far as she could manage, absently wondering several steps further as she shifted and gawked at what looked like a promising cluster.

[Markus Andres]

The wonders of the forest in spring. What hardy creatures would the melting snow reveal. What plants and interesting colours would bloom once more that Morwen had went north again. The knight was wearing the lighter armour of the knights on this day. He preferred a walk through the forest without every joint creaking as he moved. It meant less protection, but more mobility. Plus it enabled him to go for longer walks without getting tired. It was wonderful to be free of the snow and ice of the season past. To see the trees soon bloom into life again and the forest be full of life. Granted, half of that life would be out to tearing out Markus' throat and eat him. But that was the inherent risk with everything beautiful. By his side the trusted old bastard bword was carried, cleverly and ingeniously nicknamed the Bastard by its owner. He carried a teethed heater shield on his back, outside the dark blue cloak he had pulled closely around him. A single silver pin sword had been fastened to the cloak. Snow might have gone, but that didn't mean the weather wasn't cold. The young knight continued onwards. Looking aside from time to time when either the birds stopped chirping or he heard a rustle in the undergrowth. He didn't want to start the new year by being eaten by a creature of the forest. But for each time, it turned out to be nothing of significance. One time it had been a fox that had ventured a little too close. That was about the most excitement he had gotten from this trip thus far. But this was the season where many animals came out of hibernation. Which meant hungry predators seeking food. He saw movement before him and quickly and as quietly he could moved behind a nearby trunk. His blonde haired head peeking out and seeing a singular female person move through the forest. Last time he had found a female alone in the forest she had been an accomplished swordswoman and had the looks to back that up. But looking at this woman. She did not look the part. Not at all. The knight decided to investigate closer. Partly out of curiosity, mainly because the woman did look rather attractive at a distance and he wanted to survey up closer. He did not attempt to hide himself as he approached, broken twigs and the likes would happen on the way. He did not want to startle the woman. "Well met, miss!" The knight spoke, right arm raised in a greeting and a genuine pleasant smile on his lips. "What brings you out into the wilderness alone?" As he neared, he was not disappointed by her appearance. Her light olive skin told him she was not a native of Syliras, but they were not uncommon enough to warrant any special notice. Probably meant she came from the southern cities. Intriguing to say the least.

[Altaira Readva]

Bird Speak | Common | Vani | Spring 14, 514AV

The birds did their job, as they always did, the chime and trill of their song faltering and buckling as a sort of alarm once another person approached, the slightness of their change enough to tell the kelvic that it was not immediate danger that she faced. None the less, her caution was set high, favoured dagger still tight in her left hand, gaze harsh on the armoured man who made his approach, the kelvic almost sceptical of his manner speech and holding.

'A knight? Dira.'

Altaira pressed her lips and tilted her head, half listening to the knight's words and surveying his form and countenance, half in careful care and monitoring of the flurry of calls and whistles above. Her copy cat inclination showed for the worst, the kelvic moving to wave back in kind with her right, retracting the action not a moment too late, a smooth transition forming as she straightened her clothes and gave a short gesture with her left instead. "Herbs," she said, throwing a look to a nearby cluster as though to prove her point. "Checking growth and health, the state that Morwen's grasp has left," She let her words drone and trail out, as though her purpose was one so easily understood.

She gave the shortest of pauses, gaze flitting from the man's face to the weapons he held on person, the step back taken one she attempted to feign to gain a better look, or to gain a better balance, dipping slightly as she navigated the root system underfoot.

"And you, Ser Knight? Patrolling, no?" she cut back, rolling her shoulders as she weighed her ground, unsure as to whether she should stand firm or fall back, or which multitude of bastard traits she could expect the man before her to show that would make the decision for her. She could scarcely help the crawling of her skin, thoughts a whirlwind of dour annoyance and bitter prejudice. If he'd hadn't looked like such a token, then perhaps she'd have been able to stand it.

[Markus Andres]

Herbs, now? The knight looked at the woman as her initial short reply came. His eyes followed the throw of her head and sure enough. Herbs. Markus did not know it was season for herbs yet. He figured that came as all the flowers bloomed and the trees got their crowns back. The woman explained further, deepening Markus' knowledge about herbs by a tiny bit. Apparently herbs also hibernated like bears. Or so he assumed they did. Covered by a blanket of snow and yet survived through winter. Impressive hardy plants. He wondered if she would tell him the purpose of the herbs, for it was not normal to meet a woman out here all by herself. It was rather suspicious to say the least. Were she gathering herbs for illicit purposes? But his suspicion did not show on his face. Mainly because he found the idea absurd, a young sweet looking woman like her? Probably just an aide for one of the doctors. Made more sense and he did not accuse her of being a criminal. "Not at all, miss. I was just out for a walk when I happened to see you. So, what are those herbs called? And what are they for?" Markus asked innocently, with just a bit of polite curiosity mixed into the voice. His hand pointed at the herbs she had nodded at earlier. He could always run the name by someone later to check up on her if she did anything to arouse further suspicion. Though he doubted that would happen. He listened if she spoke and when she finished, he would make her an offer he hoped she would accept. Enough solitude from the city. Time for some company. "It is dangerous to be out here alone. I got the rest of the day off and planned on spending most of it out here anyhow, would you mind if I tag along? You could teach me a thing or two about herbs along the way, might prove usef-." Markus stopped mid sentence as his head swung right. Eyes narrowed. Arm automatically on the hilt of the blade. Almost a foot out of the scabbard when he halted. Left arm raised to silence the woman as he studied the forest. He thought he had heard something move. The snap of a twig. The rustle of the undergrowth. He pulled the blade out slowly. "Did you hear anything?" He whispered as he threw a cautionary glance in her direction. The bait to lure desperate men closer? Would explain why she were alone. Might be risky to approach a woman and her man. Alone, much easier. But he pushed those thoughts away and focused on listening for something out there.

[Altaira Readva]

Bird Speak | Common | Vani | oocSo sorry for the delay and short length! D: Annd all the late-night-writing errors

Every answer that Altaira gave was met with another question. Was the knight merely curious, as he seemed to be - with his so called casual walk - or was he suspecting of something far more foul? The kelvic rolled her eyes so hard it hurt, her nod towards the plant sharp and quick, her words coming no different. "Tolm, mostly. Easy. Hardy. If it does not live, then there is no chance for others," she had little worry or problem with the drawing of her syllables, clicking her tongue once she finished, her sights scanning the area as she considered moving on without the man's blessing.

He was a knight in all sense of the word, however without being on duty, his status meant little to the daughter of death, the words slipping next from the blonde's lips almost falling her, before a shudder rocked her body.

The birds had stopped singing, the breeze had halted, and every nerve in the kelvic's body screamed 'run.' She turned and twisted the dagger in her hand, tilting her head as she listened for movement and song, breath coming easier as she heard a small chirp or two begin to liven once more above. "Nothing," she finally said, pleased enough with her quick survey to break the silence. "The birds stopped their song, there must be a reason." A hand then shot to her lips, ensuring that the man had seen the action and understood before continuing.

She gave little thought to sugar coating, and back up several paces, finding herself drawn to the largest concentration of quiet trills, before a sight of white and red to the man's far left caught her attention, and a smirk played quite quickly on her lips. Staying her punching dagger, she opted to take one of her simple throwers, rolling her shoulders as she readied her form, defining her goal before setting her form and drawing her arm and posing for a throw. 'Scare the beast, do not hit it.' The vertical motion was smooth, though speed was a blatant point of issue, the dagger falling short of where the kelvic had intended, though the outcome remained the same. "Careful," her tone dripped with sarcasm. "It could bite."

[Markus Andres]

Tolm? Markus had never heard of it before, considering he wasn't a botanist nor a herbalist. He nodded as if he understood, at least his little venture into the wilderness had taught him a little about the world.

Doubt I will ever use that titbit knowledge again. He looked at the plant, didn't look significantly different from the other plants. Though she seemed confident as she spoke, figured she was telling the truth. If he could learn something more about the plants, something that might help him survive one day, he would be quite grateful. Though there were people in Syliras with great knowledge than he and they ought to be able to save him - and he doubted his patrolling on the docks would ever put him at risk of getting lost in the woods.

Markus nodded warily, but in agreement to the woman when she spoke again. There was nothing, or someone was quite. Something had disturbed the birds. But he could hear them again. Chirping in the trees. Looking for mates. Markus saw the motion from the stranger a finger to the lips - it didn't take a genius to guess the meaning. Something still had the woman rattled despite her saying it was nothing. Then he saw the punch dagger in her hand.

Disturbing. The blade was easy to conceal. Often favoured by cut throats, he imagined. Or by herbalists gathering herbs - not everything sharp is meant as a weapon, Markus. He reprimanded himself, then the woman removed the punching dagger and pulled out a throwing dagger. That, however, is definitely a weapon. His grip on the blade tightened a bit. There had to be a reason for her to bring out a throwing dagger and he did not like it. But she did not seem to be focused on the knight. Instead to his left. Awfully intense her stare in that direction. But his vision did not waver from hers, for she did not seem particularly alarmed by whatever she was seeing. Was it her friend sneaking up on him? Or had she seen the source of the commotion and simply bidding her time to strike? The elegant form of the lady moved as she threw the dagger. Sub-par throw according to Markus and he tentatively followed the dagger as it hit the ground on his left.

It did scare away a fox that Markus saw dart between the trees and soon out of his vision. Her quip directed at his worry was rather humorous. Despite not knowing the woman for more than a brief time he chuckled with a simple mirth as he pushed the Bastard back in his scabbard. No danger and he did not want to upset the woman by brandishing steel.

"No doubt I owe you my life." Came his sarcastic retort moments after his chuckle died down. The knight knelt where he had seen her dagger land and he picked the weapon up and examined the simple blade. He weighted the weapon in his hand. A good weapon in a pinch. Perhaps he should consider getting some of his own made. He approached the woman holding the blade part of the throwing dagger and then simply handed it over to her. "Here you go." He towered above the poor woman. Though nothing new in that department. He offered her his right hand to shake. Expecting her small hand to vanish into his large palm if she accepted the shake.

"Name is Markus Andres, by the way." He did not introduce himself by his full rank and station, might come later, but he was not on duty at the moment.

[Altaira Readva]

Bird Speak | Common | Vani | oocDamn, I need to get my shyke together with these replies. Love your new template, by the way! (If it is new, that is) It's awesome!

Altaira could scarcely help the way her eyes raked over the knight's face and form in the moments that followed, almost taking the chime of the man's chuckle to memory, a chirp and a trill above required to remind her that it was largely considered rude to stare. It took pressed lips and a bitten tongue to smother the giggle that tried to bubble from her throat, all too pleased with herself for the reaction she'd gained from the human before her. 'Cautious, playful? First trait makes sense,' she let her mind wander and slip, the harsh edges to her expression melting almost entirely as the man joined her jest and returned his blade to his side.

Then, all musings left her in a rush, eyebrow quirking as the knight stooped to gather blade from the earth, such courtesy a pleasantry she'd been denied in the bulk of her stay in the stone bastion of Syliras. As followed, she had little knowledge in how to hold herself as the hulking knight approached, shifting her weight uncomfortably as he neared, and perhaps taking the blade too keenly when it was offered, "I- thank you."

Curious then hit another level, the civil words and greetings by the man, a knight, no less, sitting strangely with the kelvic. Her first meeting of someone in the knighthood was not nearly so pleasant, and second was with a man of her own kin, that fact in itself leaving Altaira to discount the situation entirely. Then, of course, there was Oriah and sweet Millicent. One was woman she'd met and befriended before they took a life with the order, the other born with it in her blood. But lessons had already been dealt and learned, prejudices set and foundations built. When one lived as shortly as a kelvic did, they seldom had the time to wait out and mediate on decisions.

"Markus Andres," she tried the name with a low hum, placing the voice to the name and face, her gaze lingering on his features a moment more before offering her own. "Altaira Readva, pleasure," she brushed the side of the dagger against the thick of her skirts, using her right to return the blade to its snug place as she offered her left in greeting, a small smile playing on her lips thoughts of her dear Benshiran friend hit her.

By then her care and caution with her gnosis had all but withered away, and she took back her punching dagger in her left when she retrieved her hand from the firm shake, taking several steps towards the small shrub of Tolm as she ensured she did not dawdle Markus' shadow for too long. She was at a height slightly taller than the average human, but that, it seemed, was no where near enough for the general male populace of the city. 'Dire beings, all of them. First Aoren, and now this one - Markus. The others, as well. Too tall for comfort.'

"Your question? Yes, yes. I learn better through speaking, so long as you tell me something useful in return," she started off before she finished her words, pleased enough for recalling the question that was posed before the interruption, and eager to move back to work. 'With company, at least, I can spend longer in the sun and air. Less worry, more freedom.'

[Markus Andres]

Markus nodded his head graciously when she thanked him for the dagger. His way of accepting her gratitude. But it did seem the woman had warmed up a little to him. Did not seem as snappish towards him – which did help make it easier for him to give the woman the benefit of the doubt.

Still, why is she alone? – A question that he could ask himself 'til the end of time.

The stranger spoke his name again with a weird hum, Markus tilted his head slightly, wondering what that was all about. But as soon as the moment came, it passed again and she responded. He gave her hand a firm shake. In this world, a simple hand shake meant more than one might imagine. It was a sign of trust and Markus was beginning to trust this woman. Still found her location peculiar, but if she had wanted him harm she had had a decent shot thus far. That was when he noticed her eyes. Big and round gold amber eyes. Markus always noticed the eyes, it was, by far, his favourite feature on any creature that Kihala had granted the mortal kin. It was the feature that everything most often hinged upon. Her golden amber eyes brought a natural warm smile to his lips. A beautiful pair of eyes could compensate for many flaws, to Markus.

Altaira had a pair of beautiful eyes.

”Truly~” He spoke softly as she withdrew her hand and stepped nearer the tolm herbs she had spoken of earlier. A hardy plant, perhaps, but does it have any use other than a indicator that life refuse to let death win. He pondered as he looked at the weird herb. He raised his gaze to meet her when she spoke again. Confused for a moment, before he recalled the discussion before the fox had so rudely interrupted them. She had a keen memory for Markus would have thought those words lost to the wind. Her offer, intrigued him, but once more told him of the world outside Syliras. Something for something. Rarely did anyone do it out of goodness of their hearts. Something I will have to remember if I travel from Syliras.

”Useful.” He contemplated the offer. What a subjective word to use. He mused to himself. But he was curious about her. For it seemed that under that surface she hid something... more. ”I am a simple warrior, who is not wise outside of combat, so I may not have much to barter with if the art of combat does not intrigue you, miss Readva.” He said with a frank voice, he knew his place in life, it was not as a scholar or a man of books. He belonged on the field of battle, though he found it distressing how easily he became a merchant. ”But I do have a tale or two I can share in return if my knowledge does not suffice.” He spoke easily. Once he had given his trust to someone, it was hard to lose it again.

”How does this sound, miss Readva?”

oocIt is relatively new and thank you for the kind words, but all credit for the template goes to Fallon Skylar.

[Altaira Readva]

Bird Speak | Common | Vani

One of the kelvic's words was parroted back at her, and Altaira let her eyebrow quirk and lips curve in a lop sided smirk as she took her sweet time towards the tolm. It was always strange when humans did as she, and she could scarcely help but throw the man a glance back and indulge in the look and poise in the moments after the word slipped from his lips. Thoughts dwelt upon his tone for the shortest of ticks, the flat falling of the word and the quirk to his lips telling of some strange thought lingering behind them. Was he confused? Concerned or weary?

A ghost of curiosity passed over her expression, and soon enough Markus was well and truly telling all his worth, the kelvic's inquisitive leer dissolving. "Combat is good," there was something about his manner of speech that set off wrong to her, the use of the word 'Miss' and the name that she told as her second sending an odd wave that ran through her. Readva was her mother, 'Miss Readva' some strange, off title that she couldn't imagine being put to real use. "Miss Readva was my mother- Altaira is preferred if you will, Ser Knight," she left a moment to consider the strange conflict between her own formality and casualness, before the role of her shoulders and her direction of travel left her mind more firm on her work.

"Though it sounds fair enough indeed," Altaira's attention turned to the trees as she breached the last few steps to the plant she'd chosen to examine, the flutter and chime of life thriving above setting her at instant ease. Time was not something she had much of, and her gesture to the plant was almost impatient.

"Quite bare," she'd considered measuring her words before speaking them, before finding the nature of the topic easy enough that the mere voicing of her words would serve best. "See the leaves," the gesture was rushed and awkward, mind lagging as she brought forth thought and motion from the last time she'd taught. "These are small due to the winter, usually some bit longer. Hairy in texture, like a saw in looks," her slim fingers ran over one of the finer specimens of leaf, a short tug at the join between the base of the leaf and stem enough to snap it away, before offering it to the knight with her left.

"Good for teas. Muscle pain relief, easing in sleep- good for relaxing." As her words rolled on, her gaze drilled into the overall look of the plant, running from the base to the top as she tried to make a gauge on growth and how it had lasted the winter, soon enough finding herself standing tall and firm with a flitting gaze. Overwintering could be done with a number of plants, she'd learned, though it was something that tended to work better with cover from Morwen's icy clutch. The tolm itself seemed to be in a rather decent position, and Altaira lowered herself to the ground once more, a moment's contemplation on the suddenness of her behaviour setting a pang of regret shoot through her.

"Its covered some. Morwen did not have its full effect, though it still would have lasted her reign should it not have been so protected from the snow and rain. Makes sense?"

[Markus Andres]

The woman seemed to be interested in some of the knowledge he had to share. Which one he did not know yet. But he had patience and he could wait for her to make up her mind. The eyes did not linger upon the woman, instead they shifted to the side, glancing between the trees, at the cold hard ground. Beautiful woman or not, the wilderness was still a very dangerous place to spend your time. Which made the words of the woman all the deeper to Markus. There was a meaning in those words, he thought. She must be familiar with combat to venture out here alone. It piqued his interest and there was a deep-rooted desire to figure out just how good a combatant the woman was. There was a goal to work towards with this woman. A mystery to be solved. It was rare he indulged himself in such things. But again, he was a bored man and felt more than a bit restless. The most excitement thus far had been the woman drawing a throwing dagger and throwing it, albeit uselessly, at a fox.

"Point taken, Altaira." He spoke the name slowly. Making sure it was correct. A foreign name to him, but then again, born in Zeltiva, the merchant city and raised in Syliras - most names were foreign to him. Not enough Thomas or Johns around. Simple names. "Feel free to call me Markus. Ser Knight is my thousand of brothers and sisters name." The smile parted to show his teeth in a warm genuine grin at his own joke, albeit horrible, he felt it humorous enough to warrant a grin. He wouldn't blame Altaira should she not find it as fun.

The grin would subside and he nodded to her when she agreed to the terms. He figured she meant combat wise, considering she had not mentioned his offer for a story. Then again, most of his stories involved combat in some form or shape, so there wouldn't have been much different. Perhaps the little artistic leeway that Tyveth and his honour might allow him would shape for a little more interesting tale than bare facts.

"Good, it is a deal." Markus moved to stand behind her and look over her shoulder as she worked. Doing his best to not stand between Syna and her. A simple courtesy. Markus paid attention to the leaves and follow her awkward gesture, he found nothing wrong with the gesture, but it did put his attention on a different part of the plan than she liked. The centre of the plant. Only when she spoke of the leaves did his attention return. Tolm. That does indeed look like a plant. Markus nodded as she spoke. Seeing what she said and took the leaf when offered to him. It was a useless gesture as he wore leather gloves to keep his hands safe from both the cold and from would be attacks at his hand. He removed his left glove and pocketed it before placing the leaf in the hand. Feeling the hairy texture she had spoken of. She explained what it could be used for.

"Oh... That sounds extremely useful." Suddenly the squire was very interested in the plant. He had a tendency to get injured working for the knights and this plant sounded like it would be a godsend to him. "Is it used in the Soothing Waters?" A simple enquiry. Never had he remembered such things, knowledge for knowledges sake didn't interest him. But a practical use- a tangible practical use interested him.

Altaira spoke of the plant again, saying it would not have lasted had it not been covered so well from the snow and rain. Asking him if it made sense. Of course it made sense.

"Yea, well. Much like we put up tents to shield us from the snow and rain as well. But you are saying this plant would have survived without a... to keep to the analogy, a tent?" Markus never thought himself as particularly clever. Perhaps blessed with a slightly above intelligence that had only diminished for each blow to the head over the years. "You said this plant would be a good indicator of other plants surviving." He paused slowly. Either for her to confirm his musings or deny them. "Does that bode well for the other herbs you are looking for?"