BodyGaurd to a Herbalist (Ashryn)

[Nivel]

88th Day of Fall, 514 AV Nivel hadn't been given many assignments as a squire, other than the ones she had personally sought out herself. When she did her Patron Sera Grey Baxter always accompanied the pycon, but Nivel wanted her independence. Sera Grey had been asked to accompany a local herbalist but couldn't due to other other more pressing obligations so the job was passed to Nivel. Grey was reluctant but the job was pretty simple and other squires had gotten much more dangerous jobs who weren't even at the skill level Nivel was. The little clay creature was the closest thing to a child Grey would ever have and the women treated her as such. At the same time she didn't want to hold Nivel back if the pycon was to become a Mage Knight one day. In the mourning, Grey gave Nivel a few words of wisdom and forced the squire to make a few promises to keep safe before leaving. Nivel set out on her Kelvic corgi mount Patcha to Wind mount stables where was was to meet the women she was to protect from the dangers that duelled outside the city gates. This herbalist probably needed to go there to get a horse to ride and carry all the stuff she needed to collect. Nivel wasn't really going to be much help in that area so a horse would be very helpful. Nivel didn't know much about herbs or what the tall folk could do with them. Pycon's regenerated any lost limbs and unless they were killed or starved to death they would live to 30 no matter what clay they ate. Although her natural pycon curiosity made her want to know more these plants that Tall Folk seemed so interested in even if the knowledge was useless to her. It might help her tend to her Tall Folk comrades if they were to get injured in battle. She knew from experience that they needed lots of extra care if they were figured. She stood at the entrance patiently while her mount vigorously sniffed the fence. Her cat like facial features remained stationary but her wing shaped ears fluttered in anticipation while her tails swayed with the wind. Nivel still sparkled faintly from the crushed emerald gems she occasionally mixed into her clay. She was hard to miss but also hard to be recognized as a squire. She didn't have any armour and she was a 4 inch pycon. Although her race was beginning to be less of an issue lately with most of the proactive squires being pycons.

[Ashryn]

It was almost annoying to have to be followed around by a knight all day. She knew that outside the gates was dangerous, and even more so for Ashryn who had no real skills to protect herself from the wilds. Yet the idea of a silent, armored attendant irked her. It wasn't that she necessarily like to work alone, although her job didn't exactly require a companion, it was that most of her guardians did not enjoy joining her in her conversation, nor did they seem interested in her endeavors. Was it such a task to act a little intrigued?

Ashryn awoke just as the sun was stirring beyond the horizon. She packed her tools and containers in her bag, grabbed her cloak, gloves and laced up her boots, then set off to the stables to retrieve her horse and meet her knight of the day. Her home in the lovely apartments of Traveler's Row was lucky enough to be one of the few areas on Syliras that was open to the fresh air upon leaving the front door. She enjoyed the air and was thankful she no longer lived in the bowels of the castle with her parents.

The walk to Windmount Stables is a relatively short one from the Row. A quick stroll past the Gates and into the darkness of the Nettle District, then out once again on the other side to the fields of the Windmount District and stables. The stables took up a large portion of the southeast corner of Syliras, a rare open spare within the walls that including luxuries hardly known within the gates such as grass and numerous live animals. All of which, of course, were horses, but that didn't damped the uniqueness of it.

She stopped abruptly when she reached the entrance to the stables. This is where she was to meet her Squire, yet that is not what stopped her. Ashryn almost missed the sight before her, and only noticed it because of the animal zealously examining its surroundings. It was a dog of some kind, Ashryn did not know. She had no knowledge of dogs and their breeds. It was a small dog, not higher than a foot tall, probably less. It had a long body and straight ears, stubby legs and an excited demeanor. And although the dog was a different sight, not many of them are seen, at least by Ashryn, but instead the rider upon its back.

She knew instantly it was a Pycon, the creature was clearly made of clay and obviously alive with its humane twitching and balancing of itself on the strange mount. It was tiny, extremely tiny, not much longer than Ashryn's own hand probably. It looked humanoid, two legs, two arms, a face, nose, ears, eyes. It didn't take the form of any kind of animal, yet had some animal like qualities. The thing had a tail, a long one, almost as long as the body itself and then split into two at the tip. It is a hard image to describe but the tip almost looked like it had divided itself into a pair of minuscule wings.

That was not the only strange feature of the creature. Along with it's tail, its ears were different as well. Rather than rounding at the top the ears protruded further from the head and formed their own such wings, looking more like a bats aileron.

Ashryn found herself staring at the thing, rather rudely she should admit, but she couldn't seem to tear her eyes away. It was a curious thing, and although she had seen a Pycon before, their numerous shapes and sizes never ceased to bring wonder to her mind.

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[Nivel]

Nivel looked up and noticed a tall folk staring at her, and proceeded to stare right back at the hawker with her usual blank expression. Having people stare at her was a pretty common occurrence and while others would be offended by it, Nivel didn't mind. Curiosity was part of the pycon way, and she liked seeing it in others. Nivel wondered if this was the Tall Folk she was to watch over. There didn't seem to be many other people at the stables and this was the place she was supposed to meet the herbalist. "Hello..I am Nivel the Squire" She introduced herself cheerfully "I'm waiting here for a Tall Folk that collects plants" Nivel paused as she remembered what the correct name for them was "I think they are called Herbalists...are you a herbalist?" Nivel wasn't sure what a herbalist would look like but she thought they would have more plants on them, like a crown of flowers or even a dress made completely of plants. Although Nivel always thought that the hair on the top of Tall folks heads was comprised of fine grass and this women had very long hair. The pycons theory that Humans were talking plants had been long disproved but she couldn't help making the comparisons. Patcha's interest in whatever scents the fence held was gone and the tiny dark haired dog had began sniffing the strangers leg since the conversation had began. Nivel wondered why the kelvic always needed to sniff everything but she assumed it was her way of learning so she let her be. She had hoped the women didn't mind her mount getting acquainted with her leg. Patcha was a very shy creature that usually avoided strangers unless of course if they had an interesting smell to them. If the women drew to much attention to the corgi, she was bound to become her usual reserved self. The pycon didn't know why the kelvic was so shy but she knew it had something to do with her up bringing in that horrible place she often talked about called Endrykas.

[Ashryn]

Ashryn jumped a little when the Pycon began to speak. She had forgotten the thing was actually living, her mind concluding it was a statue, free to stare at will for any length of time. The voice was deeper than most, but strangely not masculine. It was a girly voice, and along with the creatures rather feline face, Ashryn began to assume the living art was female. Though she was unsure if Pycons even had a gender. She knew very little about them, just that they were made of clay, and somehow alive. Though she did not know how or why. They just were.

The thing stated itself as Nivel, a gender neutral name in Ashryn's opinion which did not help her as to guessing the sex of her guardian. She would just have to be careful to not state any wrong words, stick simply to you and yours. That would not be so hard, as it was just the two of them.

As the thing said its name Ashryn quickly looked to the side, away from the creature in shame and straightened her posture. She should not have been staring, that is rude.

"Sorry..." She said quickly, apologizing for her discourteous action. "Yes.." She paused, contemplating the phrase 'Tall Folk' assuming it meant humans, seeing as they are many times the height of the Pycon. "I am the Herbalist" Ashryn stated more confidently, "My name is Ashryn, how do you do?"

Ashryn then stepped delicately and discreetly to the side. She didn't much like having the dog sniffing her, it felt like an invasion of privacy. She didn't mind the animal itself, or even the risk of having it drool or drip on her shoes. they were going to go muck around in the woods now anyway. She just didn't know the dog or the Pycon and would rather stay her distance, give information willingly, instead of having it sniffed out of her.

"Shall we get my horse then?" She stated more than asked and began to walk into the stables. She assumed the Squire would follow her.

Upon entering the stables one is met with an entirely different atmosphere. The air become thick with hay and grass follicles, the smell pungent, yet not repugnant. It smells as if the entire outside has been condensed into one building. The temperature rises because of so many large bodies in one enclosed space. Ashryn's horse, TwelveKnives, is held in the third barn, to which the girl was heading now.

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[Nivel]

"Nivel to meet you Ashryn!" Nivel replied cheerfully as her ears began to flutter to signify her pleasant mood. "This is my first body guard assignment so I'm pretty happy, what about you?" This was probably information the pycon should have kept quiet about, a client would probably rather hear that their protector had years of experience or had body guarded many times. Nivel had her run in with danger but you wouldn't know it from looking and talking with her. Nivel shook her head in agreement at Ashryn's statement about retrieving a horse and followed her into the stables. Everything was built with human hands but it still felt natural due to the smell of the hay and horses. Pycons were artificial but they all seemed to have a connection with nature, probably due to being comprised of natural materials. Back in Pyconia where Nivel grew up, animals were encouraged to build their nests within pyve houses. Many pycons grew plants for fun or sometimes just company. A house really wasn't complete with out a bit of greenery or a small rat colony. "So what do you collect plants for?" Nivel's curiosity had already got the best of her and she began her mandatory questioning. She held back the other questions she had filling her tiny Nexus trying not to overwhelm the herbalist. Her question probably wasn't the best of choices because she knew why Tall Folk collected them, what she really wanted to know was how they used the plants to regenerate themselves. Nivel grew her limbs back no problem and had a hard understanding how Tall Folk survive if they their limbs don't grow back. she imagined plants were used by humans as a sort of adhesive to attach limbs back together but she couldn't be sure. These Giant creatures were just to strange. --- Patcha didn't peruse the women's leg when she pulled away, she would find other smells and she didn't want this strange human to think she could touch her. When they went to the home for the horses, The kelvic was overwhelmed with all the interesting smells. She found a corner where one of the horses had previously urinated and was busy getting a feel for that sent as Nivel and the human talked. Patcha didn't care what the two were saying there was just so much she needed to learn from this scent buffet.

[Ashryn]

Ashryn's boots made no sound as she walked them through the stables. The soft hay littering every inch of wooden flooring of the third barn hid each step, creating silence within the surrounding sounds. She kept her eyes forward, resisting the urge to turn and look back down upon the Pycon. It's strange figure still spiking her imagination and wonder. Everything about it was strange, the voice, the figure, even the mount in which it rode. The dog which had strayed off sometime ago.

Ashryn replied to the Squire's comments, trying to be as polite as possible and hide the sudden nervousness that aroused in her as her guardian told of the fact that it is not a true guardian after all. She assured herself that nothing has ever gone wrong in the woods and mountains before, nothing that had not been corrected, and she had never been harmed. This time would be no different. Yet she silently bowed her head and closed her eyes from a moment, never pausing in her stride, and said a quick prayer to her Gods. Ashryn worshiped many Gods, but this time said her invocation to Sylir, God of Peace and to Kihala, Goddess of Life.

"I do this almost every day, I wouldn't say I'm excited, nor bored. This is my job." She explained.

By now they reached the stall where TwelveKnives was being held. Her black face greeted her rider and owner with a soft nicker and began to nudge Ashyrn's hand. He quickly identified the carrot in her hand and Ashryn held it out happily to her horse.

She opened the stall door and grabbed the brush from the shelf. She began to swiftly brush the dirt and hay from his coat, mane and tail. She was in a rush to get out of the city walls and into the forest, to make the most of the day ahead of her. She didn't want to waste any time.

"The plants I harvest are used for many things. Some are used as medicine for wounds, others as tea. Some more are made into spices for food and even more are made into a type of product like ink, paper, oil for lanterns. They have many uses." She described to the clay thing. She was suddenly curious of the life of a Pycon. Knowing they were made of clay, did they have any use for plants? Did they have blood that needed clotting? Or food in need of seasoning? Maybe she would ask the Squire, if she built up enough courage to do so.

Ashryn then called one of the stablehands to her side. Quickly directing the boy to help her lift and secure her mounts saddle upon his back. The boy nodded and began to reach for TwelveKnives' saddlepad, but Ashryn pointed him away, she would do everything else herself. It was important for the rider to gear his or her own horse, at least Ashryn believed so, to create a bond and sense of trust between the two.

She grabbed the saddlepad from the stall's stand, battered out some stray hay and placed it evenly on the strong, muscled back of her horse. The stallboy then grabbed the large saddle and swung it over the back where Ashryn was standing on the other side to grab and secure the saddle on her horse like a belt on the stomach of her stallion. She then lead TwelveKnives head through the holes in his halter and his ears where they held it on. She tied thin, but sturdy, leather strips to the halter and there she had her reins.

"We'll need to go to the gates now." She said to her escort. The only way in and out of Syliras was through the main gates. So Ashryn would have to lead her horse through the city before being able to exit.

And she did so. The horse followed slowly behind her, happy to be out and about, but not a fan of the cobbled roads of the inner wall's streets. Surely he would gain a better mood once his hooves met natural ground again.

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[Nivel]

Nivel nodded at Ashryns statement about her job, Nivel did enjoy her job but understood that it wasn't supposed to be fun all the time. The pycon did slack sometimes but she still took her occupation very seriously. Training was a daily experience that was both difficult and draining. The magic training was especially taxing, but she rarely ever complained about it. It was part of her larger quest to become the best Mage Knight in all of Syliras. Nivel watched patiently as Ashryn went about her business in the stables. Ashryn seemed to have a healthy relationship with her horse, the pycon didn't know how long the two had known each other but they seemed to already have a connection. Nivel and Patcha had a connection as well but there was still a lot of things that the pycons didn't know about the kelvic. Patcha seemed to have been hurt by something in her past but hadn't felt comfortable yet to share. Nivel was beyond curious but didn't push the subject any more than it needed, She figured her mount would tell her when she felt comfortable. "I guess the only thing I need plants for is paper" Nivel concluded " I only eat clay and the only sickness I think pycons get is water logging" The pycon could remember one fateful day that she had spent to much time playing in a pond. Her clay had become soggy and slimy, her body would occasionally explode with excess water. It wasn't a pleasant experience by far but the only cure was to wait it out. There may have been other sicknesses that Nivel hadn't been aware of but definitely not as much as the tall folk seemed to have. Nivel nodded again, It seemed it was time to proceed through the gates. Nivel jumped back on the saddle of Patcha and give the signal for the kelvic to proceed. Nivel directed her with the help of her tails, they extended out in front of the mounts face and allowed the squire to direct her mount like a conductor. Patcha seemed suddenly weary of the horse, Nivel thought the kelvic was scared of being trampled but it was something else. The Kelvic was totally fine smelling horse smells but was weary of actual horses. Despite Nivel directing her to get closer to Ashryn, Patcha kept her distance. It frustrated Nivel but they were still heading to their destination so it didn't matter too much. As they got closer to the gate the wreckage of the terrible events that happened earlier in the season became more evident. When they got to gates which were under heavy construction, Nivel greeted the guards and told them of the business she needed outside the castle walls. The older guard was all to familiar with pycon Squires but the younger knight gave a dumfounded look, A stern glare from the older Guard put put him in his place, and he fumbled back into his more professional stance. Nivel was about to rush ahead when the gates were opened but realized she would need to wait for Ashryn to get on her horse. It was a little harder to be patient with the woods so close, and Nivel noticeably fidgeted while waiting or Ashryn to get ready.

[Ashryn]

Ashryn was interested in the different races, but she didn't get to meet them much. This Pycon was strange, and even stranger when the small thing told her that they only eat clay. After mulling it over for a few chimes she realized that, in some way, it made sense. Humans eat food, plants, meat, milk, because they provide the essential nutrients that a human body requires. If there was a pure substance of nutrients available, Ashryn guessed that humans would eat that instead. Pycons are made of clay, perhaps all they require is more of it. The herbalist didn't understand magic, or even know how Pycons came into existence, but in her mind, however they were made, she was sure she was correct in her conclusion.

However the fact that only one sickness plagued the strange race was something Ashryn could not wrap her head around. They were not living beings, clay is not living, yet they walk and talk and breathe and speak, so they were living. Her mind could not even begin to comprehend this. She threw it from her mind, not wanting to work herself up over something she knew she couldn't understand.

Soon the four of them reached the gates. It was such a magnificent group. A dog, a clay man, a human and a horse. Ashryn almost wished she was outside, looking in, just to see the marvel. The Pycon quickly informed the gate guards of the groups intentions and after a moments hesitation the gates, still under heavy remodeling after the terrorist attack, were opened for them. Ashryn, as swiftly as she could manage with her limited skill, shoved her foot into the horses stirrup, swung the other leg over TwelveKnive's back and sat herself upon the large saddle. The reins shifted from in front of the horses nostrils, to behind it's ears where Ashryn held them loosely in her encircled palm. She gently nudged her horse forward and they began to walk through the gates.

"I want to travel down the riverbank today. The water gives everything around it a healthy boost, herbs are plentiful there. Its a bit south, and it will take a little while to get to the spot I want. Until then we'll just ride on to it." Ashryn told her guardian.

She pulled out her map of the area surrounding Syliras, called the Cobalt Mountains. The novice herbalist wasn't much of a map reader, but this map was particularly detailed and easy to read, as long as the traveler knew which way was north it was highly unlikely someone would get lost.

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[Nivel]

"Sounds like a plan" Nivel replied with a nod. Nivel rushed a bit ahead to make sure there wasn't any danger, since it was her job to keep her client safe. Although It was a little hard to do since a slow trot from the horse was still a quick pace compared to how fast a short legged creature like a corgi could go. The ride was a turbulent one but Nivel was still able to keep a watchful eye out for any danger. She wasn't completely immune to the distractions that nature provided however, she would constantly find herself looking upon the towering trees over head and the variety of plants under foot. The sky was almost completely covered by tree branches but fluffy clouds could be seen drifting over head. The clouds were still white which hopefully meant they wouldn't be raining anytime soon. Nivel had to look back to get directions from Ashryn every now and then but luckily not too much as the path to their destination was fairly straight forward. At least it seemed that way, as there was very little turns and deviations from the one direction they were heading. The herbalist didn't exaggerate when she said it would take a little while to reach their desired destination. To Nivel it seemed like forever, She almost wanted some hideous creature to jump out..almost. When they came across what she was sure was their destination, Nivel was over joyed. "This is it right?" Nivel asked with glee as she was already pretty sure it was. The pycon could see now why the Herbalist sought out this destination, it was full of life. Not even just in the plants but a few other small creatures seemed to have found a liking to this place. Although there was a light dusting of snow on the ground that eluded to the winter that was soon to come. Nivel wondered what this place looked like in spring and summer, It was probably a treasure trove of insects, birds and furry little creatures.

[Ashryn]

The pair started their journey off down the east Kabrin road. It was quite a scenic view, especially for those who live in Syliras. Syliras is the city of stone. Stuck behind stone walls, walking on cobblestone streets, the entire city enclosed. Grass and plants inside the city is rare, so those who venture outside it are struck with the beauty of nature. The trees are high and, still, green. The smell of the grass and the wildflowers was such a beauty. One can easily get lost in the outside.

The Squire rode in front of Ashryn and TwelveKnives, acting as a protector, which is what the Pycon was there for of course. Ashryn never had any trouble out here though, the day was rather safe, all the animals outside docile and fearful of sentient beings like the guide and herself. The air was quiet except for the few squawk of birds or chatter of squirrels racing the gather enough food for the upcoming Winter.

It took the two maybe a half a bell or more to get to the spot Ashryn wanted. She smiled when the Squire seemed excited that they had arrived. They came to a ridge on the road that crossed the Avitar River. This is where the wanted to be. However, "I want to get closer to the woods, but otherwise, yes, we have arrived." She informed her escort.

After a short walk to the edge of the woods Ashryn hopped of her horse. She let his reins droop over his neck and he promptly began chewing on some half-frozen grass. Every once in a while he would stomp over to the water's edge and take a long drink before returning to his munching.

Before she started searching Ashryn explained exactly how finding herbs worked to Nivel, "We will be walking around a lot. It doesn't take long to search one area for herbs. I plan to go up the coast of the river and through the woods a bit today. We'll be out here for a few bells." Usually Ashryn stays out the entire day, wandering miles through the forest or fields of the Cobalt Mountains. Today, though, she wanted to get back to Syliras soon after the sun reaches it's high point in the sky.

"Don't worry, there won't be much for you to do. If you like though, to pass the time, I can teach you a bit about the herbs I find." She realized that, like most other Knights that have lead her out here, Nivel might not be too interested in Ashryn's work. But the excited little voice the thing had once they reached the water rubbed off on the human too. Maybe, for once, this Squire will be interested.

Ashryn began scouring the edge of the riverbank for some herbs she knew and before long she bent down, unlaced her boots and shoved her now bare feet into the ice cold river water. She tensed, the cold biting at her warm toes, digging into her skin until they stole all feeling and sense from them. After a moment she relaxed her shoulders, un-clenched her fingers and toes and enjoyed the feel of the water on her open skin. She dug her toes into the rocky bottom, feeling how the current had smoothed every stone. She felt the small tickle of baby plants sticking their heads through the tough ground, toward the sun and if sh kept still for long enough, the occasional nibble at her feet from tiny fish that inhabited the waters.

After enjoying the water for a moment Ashryn began her task. She pierced her gaze through the moving current and shuffled her feet against it forward. She was looking for some water-grown plants that she recognized and after a few feet her eyes stopped seeing grey, rock bottom, and met a green mass instead. She smiled at herself and reached into her backpack to retrieve her medium sized glass jar. She opened the lid that was attached by a metal latch and bent down to fill the jar halfway with the river's water.

She then set the waterlogged jar onto the grassy coast and plunged her bare hands into the water as well. She didn't stop this time to listen to the shock of the cold, she was too excited at her find. It was nothing special, but almost every find resulted in a pump of adrenaline through her small body.

Her thin fingers touched the waxy, vine-like structure of the weed and she trailed her fingers along the top, looking for the edge of the extending plant. Once she found it she dig her nails into the bottom, pulling up the roots as carefully as she could. It would be easiest to pull the plant out as one, but seeing how delicate the weed actually was, and how strong the roots seemed to be, she knew that might be a tad bit difficult to get it all in one try.

She was right and once Ashryn managed to harvest the whole plant it had broken into about four large pieces. However the herbalist didnt mind. She had gotten a good two handfuls of the stuff, squishy and full of water, she placed it into the jar she had just prepared and watched as the water rose to the brim of the container.

"Octiweed." She informed her companion. And if the Pycon was interested, Ashryn would go into detail about what exactly was so exciting about this wet mass.

Map of where we are :

1: Syliras Front Gates
2: Bodyguard to a Herbalist

Octiweed :

Name	Frequency	Locale	Description	Uses	Level	Misc.
Octiweed	Common	Fresh Water	Waxy, Clear / More like a bush, has numerous amount of roots dug into the mud or sand / It clumps and tangles itself within each others branches and stays close to the sea floor, spreading over feet of ground rather than raising up to the surface / grows to about an inch or two tall	ground to a paste and applied to the skin - can clear blemishes and pores when used regularly / sedative - When eaten - light sleep. / used mostly as a sleep helper for insomniacs or feverish children	herb	N/A

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