Forging Bonds (Aleath, open)

by **Ishamael** on March 28th, 2011, 9:41 pm

Timestamp: 14th day of Spring 511AV

The sun was just beginning to peek up over the trees, as Ishamael stirred from his sleep. Yawning sleepily Ishamael stretched lazily, arcing his arms over his head and curling his toes in silent pleasure. Looking over at Aleath, he nooded to himself smiling. She is not an early riser he thought musingly. Rising to his feet carefully so as not to wake her, for his four man tent was not overly large, Ishamael ran his hands through his toussled hear to put a little order to it. Yawning silently behind his hand Ishamael gathered several toiletries and quietly exited the tent.

The morning truly was a beautiful one, the lake shining like a glistening jewel. Taking in the cool spring air Ishamael spread his arms and smiled widely around at the wonders of nature. Moving down to the lake Ishamael undressed and entered the lake with a small bar of lye soap. Entering to about his waist Ishamael began to scrub his body furiously to work out yesterday's grime he hadn't had time to wash last night. Shivering slightly at the morning cold of the water, Ishamael again thought of the previous day's events.

This woman is different, but I feel that she is safe, harmless at least for the most part. She trusted me and I have to keep trusting my own intuition Ishamael finished his thoughts and his morning bath by dumping his head and washing the soap out of his hair, then splashing water on his face. Deciding on an impluse to continue to move forward, Ishamael dove in and began to swim in the shallows. After a few moments of swimming back and forth Ishamael exited the water, dried off with a towel, and put on his small clothes and silver pants.

The pants were silver, with small intricate designs inlaid on them. They were a symbol of his clan, and he still thought of himself as a group, instead of the individual he had become. Yet, Ishamael thought of his family as he began to strike up the camp. Taking some of the excess wood from the night before Ishamael then rekindled the fire from the night before. After several strikes from his flint that he'd gathered among his other toiletries when he first left the tent.

After the fire was going again, and at a steady small blaze Ishamael then reentered the tent, to gather some ingredients for breakfast. As he entered and went to his saddlebags to gather the food, Ishamael thought he heard Aleath stir. It was then that he noticed that he was only wearing his silver worked pants, leaving his lean upperbody bare with his still wet hair matted to his shoulders.

by **Dimitri** on March 29th, 2011, 6:31 am

Sir Adamal had suggested that he and Dimitri use their day off to get outside of the walls. Dimitri gathered his gear together. He put his shortbow and quiver on his back, his sword on his hip, and placed his fishing kit in his pack. He would carry his shield and fishing pole as they traveled. They set out of the gate at sunrise and began along the road to the woods. "Let's see if you can catch something with less bones this time," a simple jibe from his master. Last time the two had fished together he had caught a couple of bluegill, which are all bones and scales. He smirked, "Maybe you won't catch another cold," a reference to the fact that Sir Adamal was often contracting colds and minor ailments.

His master laughed heartily but stopped as they entered the wood. While it was often considered moderately safe this close to town one could never be quite sure. His master took them from the road and began carving a path Dimitri didn't recognize. His master stopped giving him the hand signal for quiet, followed by the sign for bow. Dimitri unquestioningly drew his bow and a single arrow and nocked it. He looked for what his master saw, and his eyes fell on the small body of a young deer. Dimitri had never hunted and it was too far for an accurate head shot. His master gave him the sign for neck. Dimitri quietly took his firing stance, aimed the bow slightly above the deer's neck. He quickly observed the area, didn't notice any wind. He breathed in, and released the arrow as well as his breath. The arrow sped toward the creature sinking in it's spine. Not where he wanted but the creature's back legs immediately gave way and it crumpled to the ground. It continued kicked with it's front leg making a strange noise as it cried out in pain. The two closed in on the deer and Dimitri slammed his shield on it's neck, breaking it and ending it's misery. "Well done Dimi" his master whispered. Dimitri drew his arrow from it's wound, and placed it back in his quiver. His master examined the wound and determined it would bleed much. He picked up the deer and placed it on his shoulders. They walked on, and eventually came to a lake, and saw a tent and a fire. "Might as well say hello, be careful though." His master whispered. "Hello there, we are visiting this lake and don't wish to startle you, we are knights of Syliras." Dimitri shouted, his shield ready, his hand ready to drop his fishing pole and draw his sword if needed.

by **Aleath** on March 29th, 2011, 7:46 am

Aleath woke up into a beautiful day. She opened her eyes and blinked drowsily. Through the gap in the tent she could see that the sun has already came up, but she wasn't an early riser. The smell of the trees, quiet splashing of the lake water and cheery singing of the birds acted like an alarm clock for her whenever she slept here and today wasn't an exception.

She sat up on the pallet that Ishamael had prepared for her last night and rubbed her eyes. After a while she finally decided to get up. She slept in her clothes, because she was so tired yesterday, that she didn't bother to take them off. She was about to go out, when she nearly knocked into Ishamael who entered the tent.

"Oh, good morning." she smiled at him. He hadn't a shirt on, he was wearing only pants. She didn't mind, but she quietly admired his muscles. Obviously from his training. She quickly looked down, suddenly shy. "Um...I'll just go and wash myself in the lake. I'll be back in a minute."

She slipped around him out of the tent and she quickly headed towards the lake. She splashed the cool water on her face couple of times, brushed her hair and was about to come back, when she heard shouting. 'Knights of Syliras?' she thought. She looked in the direction of the shouting and saw two figures. She slowly came nearer, but stopped at a safe distance. "Hello." she said politely and nodded at them.

by **Ishamael** on March 29th, 2011, 7:26 pm

Ishamael froze when he heard Aleath stir from her sleep. Looking down he gasped wordlessly at his own bare chest. Stupid you idiot she is going to think you are up to something Ishamael thought. His mind raced with what to say, how to apologize, and he was about to fumble an apology when Aleath simply said a few words and walked out. Ishamael stood wordlessly for a few moments before shaking himself. That was lucky, she must still be blurry eyed, but i could swear she looked me up and down. Ishamael laughed as he left the tent and went back to the fire to begin breakfast.

Sitting carefully, Ishamael cut a few apples, and forest nuts mixing them and putting them into a small bowl he'd brought out of his saddle bags. The mixture would do nicely as part of breakfast, and for snacking while on the move today. carefully lifting the small piece of pork, he cut it into several hearty chunks and dropped it into the portable pot set up on a small tripod over the flame he had started a few minutes ago. As he worked he concentrated on the food, cooking was not his greatest asset, so he really had to pay attention to what he was doing to make sure he did not cut himself, or ruin the food. Every minute or so he would stir the pot adding a few vegetables, or mushrooms, and occasionally some seasoning he had.

Concentrating on his work so much Ishamael did not notice the two knights coming into the camp, until Hopper, his Strider, whinnied and stomped behind him. Looking around Ishamael's eyes widened at the sight of the two men. One was built, older, obviously the leader of the two, while the othere was a tall, almost gangly looking youth several years younger than himself. The youth looked dangerous with his shield and sword, and he held himself as if ready to use them. Best to be careful Ishamael thought, as he stood and put on his white shirt casually, as if the newcomers hadn't startled him at all. Putting on his best smile Ishamael strode to the two men, putting himself between them and Aleath as she nodded and waved.

Silly woman, what if they mean harm? Ishamael thought, and what if they did, all of Ishamael's weapons were in his tent, of no use. Smiling wider Ishamael made a small bow to the two men.

Welcome to my fire, you are welcomed here and I offer peace and rest Ishamael finished the formal saying with a sweeping of his hands and brought his back upwards straight to a standing position. I am Ishamael Shadowrunner and if you need help with that deer I would gladly help. Welcome come sit down, and when you are ready please tell me your names. Ishamael's smile grew wider as he ushered the two men to come forward and sit.

by **Dimitri** on March 30th, 2011, 3:39 am

Master Adamal nodded at Dimitri, a nod saying lower your guard. Dimitri did so, his shield arm dropping and loosely carrying his fishing pole. He approached the couple, who they clearly interrupted from a possibly delightful morning experience, a smile on his face. "Hello Sir Shadowrunner, and hello to you maiden," he said nodding at the two as he performed a semiformal partial bow. "I do hope we were not interrupting or intruding, we merely came to the lake to enjoy a day off. I would greatly appreciate to learn how to properly care for my kill, it is my first spoil of a hunt. Are you two new to the area?"

Master Adamal smiled at the genuine politeness of his squire. He carried the deer past the couple, greeting them both with proper respects, to the area next to the fire. Dimitri caught up to him, "Before we clean this deer, I want you to gather more firewood, and in doing so scout the immediate area. Do not journey further than a whistlecall. Be careful my squire." Dimitri nodded, and placed his pack, fishing pole, bow and quiver on the ground. He strapped his shield to his back, and sword at his hip. He nodded to the couple, as he left camp, and continued to the fringe of the woods. He began gathering any thick sticks or logs he could find, being careful to keep his eyes and ears open for anything out of the norm. He moved with considerate motions, so as to make as little noise as was possible.

Back at camp Master Adamal kept a vigilant watch of the treeline, knowing he needed to let his squire learn on his own, but still worried for his safety. He knew he occassionally was a bit harsh on the boy, but he wanted to make him into a self reliant Knight who could take care of himself in any and all situations.

by **Aleath** on March 30th, 2011, 2:29 pm

Aleath watched the two men, who came into their camp, with straight face. One was older than the other and he seemed to be a mentor or teacher of the young man. Ishamael quickly came from their tent to look at the newcomers too an he positioned himself in front of her. Shade, who was sleeping until he heard the shouting, came to look at the people too ready to protect his, now two, friends.

She also noticed, that although Ishamael was smiling at the two, he seemed to be careful and formal around them. 'Well, it's no wonder. They have just emerged from the forest. Who knows who they really are.' spoke her inner skeptic voice.

"Hello to you too, sirs. You are not interrupting. We just woke up and wanted to set off to explore the landscape or something like that." she smiled slightly at the two.

Then Ishamael invited to their camp. Just then Aleath noticed, that the young man was carrying a killed deer. She watched as the young man's master ordered him to gather some firewood and he immediately went to do it.

by **Ishamael** on March 31st, 2011, 5:21 pm

Ishamael eyed the deer admiringly as the older man set it down on the ground. Here let me help you with that, I just need to go grab some tools. Rushing to the tent as he finished, Ishamael quickly put on his belt attaching his quiver onto it, as well as grabbing his sovnya and some basic hunting tools. Exiting the tent, Ishamael adjusted the tools to his hand as he walked back to the fire.

Looking at Adamal, Ishamael smiled yet again, and in a soothing tone simply said, Do not worry about my weapon, as I am sure you know these woods can be dangerous, just a precaution. Still smilng Ishamael sat down again and made two plates from his pot for breakfast. You will have to excuse us, our breakfast is ready and I would offer you some, however, I will gladly help you dress your kill.

Ishamael passed a plate to Aleath, smiling widely at her as he did so, and he even patted Shade on the head. After eating a few bites and listening Ishamael stood up, put his plate on the ground for Shade to lick and started to walk towards his strider Hopper Excuse me I need to feed Hopper

by **Dimitri** on March 31st, 2011, 7:01 pm

Dimitri had an armload of sticks and began to creep back towards camp. He nervously watched where he would step. Which ultimately ended futilely, as he stepped into a sunken hole, his foot disappearing, causing him to trip forward. The sticks and logs exploded in various directions. He hit the ground in frustration, then let loose a relieving sigh. Could be worse. He placed his palms on the ground to push himself up, and found himself staring a brown snake directly in the eyes. He froze, not knowing if this was a poisonous snake or not. As he moved his head back and forth the snake followed his movements. He slowly crawled on his hands and knees backwords. The snake followed him. He grabbed a small log and got in a crouching position. The snake coiled and looked ready to strike. The hairs on Dimitri's neck stood on end, and instinct told him to strike. So he did, swinging the stick, just as the snake sprang forward ready to bite. The thick stick smashed into the snakes head, and crushed it into another stick on the ground. The snake didn't move, and for a few moments neither did Dimitri.

He regained composure and gathered up the sticks once more. He picked up the dead snake and hung it from his belt. He walked back to camp, the front of his breeches and shirt now covered in soil. He saw his master gazing and smiled, maybe his opinion of his master was wrong. He may not be around often but he still looked after him. He carried the bundled wood near the fire and set them down. He then pulled the dead serpent out, "Is this poisonous? I had an unfortunate run in with it on y way back." He saw the tools ready to dress the deer and smiled. He always loved learning almost as much as people loved to teach.

by **Aleath** on April 1st, 2011, 12:10 pm

Aleath watched as Ishamael started raking out tools for preparing to dress the deer. Then, as he went back to the camp she went after him and she watched as he took the pot from the fire and he was handing her a plate. She quietly thanked him and took it from him. Quickly she ate most of the food and gave the rest to Shade, who had already licked clean Ishamael's plate.

Then Ishamael went to feed his horse and because Dimitri hasn't returned yet, she stayed by the fire, waiting. Meanwhile she petted Shade and she was gazing into the fire.

Then all of a sudden Dimitri emerged from the forest with wood and something on his belt. When he came closer, Aleath recognized a snake. At Dimitri's question she looked at the snake and shrugged.

"I don't know if it's poisonous, but better be careful. We could skin him and use the skin for something." she offered.

OOC :

by **Ishamael** on April 3rd, 2011, 11:00 pm

Ishamael spent a few soothing minutes feeding and brushing Hopper, speaking to him lowly in Pavi, about nonsensicle trivalities. After finishing his morning work, he returned to the fire where Aleath and Demitri were taliking in low tones while Adamal sat quietly observing. I guess they are all right, if they'd intented harm it would have started by now Putting his suspicions aside he strode up to the fire and the felled deer. Kneeling slowly Ishamael picked up the knife from the small kit, it was not a good hunting knife but it would work.

Aleath, Deimitri come over here and I will show you how to clean this fine animal. Smiling ever wider he looked down at the animal placed his hands on the carcass, and in soft Pavi said a short prayerThank you for your sacrifice on this day Looking back up at the two of them his smile grew wider, he could see the youthful energy of Dimitri and it was contagious. Dimitri was not that much younger than Ishamael and soon he was laughing and smiling right along with the young man.

First things first locate the breast boine of the deer. It will generally be aroung this area. Palpating the deer's underbelly till he found what he was speaking of Ishamael continued. Now take the knife and make an insertion from the breatsbone to the anus. Try to keep the blade upwards so you do not puncture the internal organs. Here take the knife Dimitri feel the depth and make the cut, but Be careful