| In the Marsh - MOVED | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: May 18 2014, 01:57 AM (41 Views) | |
| Valia | May 18 2014, 01:57 AM Post #1 |
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Deaths Lady
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(05/17/14 14:58:02 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. .You say Monster like it is a bad thing. [-Hall of Sulport-] Is within the Main gathering Hall. Surrounded by the warmth of the many blazing fires and scents of freshly cooked food oozing in from the kitchens. Gentle music dances through the air from the roaming lute players. The Hall is mostly for residents of Sulport and any uninvited guests will be stopped by the guards at the doors. says to ALL: -Everything had been tended. Duties seen too, and instructions handed out. I had changed clothing. I wore black leathers that looked the same as the ones I usually wore, but these ones had an interior fur lining, they were more comfortable. I put on my lucky dark brown boots and I had an animal pelt of unknown origin with a soft, light fur coat in a shade of earth colours. I strapped it about my burly frame with leather and buckles. My father's axe sat mounted on the wall of my private chambers and instead I wore a loose leather sash that hung a Pristine short sword at my right hip. It had a refined sharp steel edge and an ornate carved grip that donned a balled, polished pommel. It was 26inches in length and 6inches of that was the hilt. Held in my left hand, - mid way down the solid wooden shaft - was a 7ft Trident – 18inches of which – belonged to the triple pronged and barbed steel head. It was an arena weapon and I let my left fist hang at my side, extending the weapon out in front of me for now.- -I also had a dagger strapped to the outside of my left thigh. It was not my Saex – that had been stolen. And it was not as long. Merely 10inches in total with only a 4inch double edged blade of Iron. In my right hand, I held a bundle which was actually a net. A sheet of carefully knotted rope that when spread out was a 10ft by 10ft square of net with 16 small weights latched around the edges like decorative trimming. For now the net had been rolled up, folded, and then rolled up some more into the smallest bundle it could muster. Finally, looped into a tight coil was an 8.5ft single tailed whip. And for now it was bound to my belt at the small of my back.- -I stood in the Hall for the time being, at the far side with my back to the doors as I peered out of one of the windows and up towards the cliffs that bordered the northern walls of Sulport. From here, I could almost make out the watch post on one of the peaks.- (05/17/14 15:27:18 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [-Hall of Sulport-] Is within the Main gathering Hall. Surrounded by the warmth of the many blazing fires and scents of freshly cooked food oozing in from the kitchens. Gentle music dances through the air from the roaming lute players. The Hall is mostly for residents of Sulport and any uninvited guests will be stopped by the guards at the doors. says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : After taking the time to review the reconstruction of the floor in the office, I traveled the walk from the dock-side building to return to the hall. For the most part, the floor was nearly complete and the final additions of shelving would be be put, two or three days labor at the most. This had left me feeling quite...satisfied. The expression set delicate features attractively, a silent smile rode the curves of pink lips and remained fixed there. The darkness of long hair was woven into a single, thick braid that hung heavily down the line of my back, only the finests of wisps had escaped, framing the oval of a small face demurely. Because of the warm weather of late, I had dressed in gauzy robes of pale gray, light and crisp so that the material was breathable and comfortable to work in. My favorite boots of tawny leather, soft soled and well worn passed silently over the stone pavers of the city. A last minute decision veered my path up the talls steps of the hall. As I neared the doors, one of the guards swiftly moved to pull it open so that I could pass through. I thought nothing of it as the door closed silently behind me then. Eyes of pure jade glistened in the play of light as my gaze shifted over the interior of the hall. Eyes that would be drawn to the large figure that seemed to demand immediate attention. A quick glance noted the trident you held and a single brow notched upwards just slightly. "Tal Volstagg...of Sulport." Having had a mostly good day, my words held the kiss of amusement and a full blown smile bled upon my lips. (05/17/14 15:32:54 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. .You say Monster like it is a bad thing. [-Hall of Sulport-] Is within the Main gathering Hall. Surrounded by the warmth of the many blazing fires and scents of freshly cooked food oozing in from the kitchens. Gentle music dances through the air from the roaming lute players. The Hall is mostly for residents of Sulport and any uninvited guests will be stopped by the guards at the doors. says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -I heard the door swing open only to slam shut with a resounding thud, I turned with a slight smirk upon my lips. I had informed to dress practical and that I would seek you out. My gaze dripped down your curves, regarding the grey robes of choice.- ”Tal Valia.... I trust you are ready then.” -As typical, I posed a statement and not a question, my steps carrying me across the hall and towards you, stopping only when the tips of that trident threatened to drive through your stomach. I had been watching the skies and had taken a guestimation of the expected sunset. We did not have time to linger so my arm jerked a little. Nudging you backwards towards the door with that -brow arching- weapon. (05/17/14 15:46:32 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [-Hall of Sulport-] Is within the Main gathering Hall. Surrounded by the warmth of the many blazing fires and scents of freshly cooked food oozing in from the kitchens. Gentle music dances through the air from the roaming lute players. The Hall is mostly for residents of Sulport and any uninvited guests will be stopped by the guards at the doors. says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : There was a soft cough of a sound as I cleared my throat, pretty features quickly washed in a mask of confusion as I heard your words. "That I am ready for what, exactly?" The smile, still dared to tip my lips pleasantly. Our steps would find us meeting somewhere in the center of the hall perhaps. The tips of that trident lingered close to the billowing of light material as I came to a still but you would see that I wasn't bothered to pay it much attention. I knew well your skill with a weapon and as such, knew that you would not "accidentally" impale me. I would however take a step back, towards the door, as you used the trident to prod me in that direction. A fine-boned hand lifted instinctively to shield myself from the sharp prongs, my eyes remained focused on your face--reading both your expression and eyes as you spoke. (05/17/14 15:55:06 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. .You say Monster like it is a bad thing. [-Streets-] Along one of the many busy Streets where the shops never seem to close and crowds never fade. says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -As you stepped backwards, I stepped forwards, keeping that distance tight enough for me to be able to usher you backwards towards the doors, my feral blue gaze locked upon yours and at that moment, when I saw you searching my expression for some tell tale, I let a -nice- smile crease my lips... Ultimately, retreating backwards was too slow, and you were hesitating... So I raised the trident, to hold it vertically, instead moving up to your side, my net wielding right fist pushing against the small of your back to usher you forward and help you to keep up with me. The guard on the inside, pulled open the doors and we passed on through, I would guide us down the stone steps and along the main street as we headed south, towards the docks.- ”Will the office by finished by tomorrows sunset?” -I asked randomly and out of the blue as we strolled along, my right hand falling back to my side when I decided you were able to keep pace of your own accord. (05/17/14 15:55:54 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. .You say Monster like it is a bad thing. [-Streets-] Along one of the many busy Streets where the shops never seem to close and crowds never fade. says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: be finished* (05/17/14 16:01:59 ) ] .dark of night. [ T a r o t [--I belong to Volstagg--] : Enters ... (05/17/14 16:03:44 ) ] .dark of night. [ T a r o t [--I belong to Volstagg--] : ((Greetings Jarl...greetings lovely Mistress -smiles warmly and settles to finish something up and slip IC)) (05/17/14 16:05:20 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. .You say Monster like it is a bad thing. [-Streets-] Along one of the many busy Streets where the shops never seem to close and crowds never fade. says to ALL: Greetings Tarot (05/17/14 16:08:10 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [-Streets-] Along one of the many busy Streets where the shops never seem to close and crowds never fade. says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : I kept pace enough to avoid being skewered on your prongs [plastic smile], I shifted instep to come aside you as you raised the trident vertically. My stride, though smaller than yours, was adjusted to allow me to keep up with you and still catch a glimpse of those stoic features that seemed to hold a perpetual scowl. The nudge of your hand at the small of my back went unnoticed mostly and read to me as a sign of impatience, something I'd not comment on and instead lengthen my own steps to match pace. I had been fooled by that -nice- smile once before and with its sudden appearance the smile that had held my lips captive weakened its hold. For all the amusement I had felt, my eyes now revealed a normally veiled curiosity. "It is likely. The builder is most eager to be done and away. I do not think he cares to be in my employ for some reason...or another..." My words died softly. It was likely he did not enjoy boiling the flesh from the skulls but he had done so anyway. The almond-shape of eyes narrowed as I answered your question, not for a minute missing the fact that you avoided my question entirely. This served only to make me watch your expressions closer, the subtle changes in the lines around your eyes and the set of your lips to the way the muscle in your jaw tightened when you clenched your teeth. My own features in return were now schooled into utter silence. (05/17/14 16:08:27 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [-Streets-] Along one of the many busy Streets where the shops never seem to close and crowds never fade. says to ] .dark of night. [T a r: [tal tarot] (05/17/14 16:16:30 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. .You say Monster like it is a bad thing. [-Docks-] Is on or near the Docks. says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -We passed through the market and its lively crowd of merchants and shoppers. Wasting no time, most of the crowd parted in anticipation and whoever didn't got -encouraged- by the head of that trident. Soon enough we would even pass by the office and my head tilted to try and peer inside, but my stride didn't slow up any and our destination was the docks. I would pause then, extending that trident across your front like a barrier as my gaze swept the various ships, looking for one in particular.- And there it was, the round ship with the 'purple' sails. The trident rose again and we were off once more, moving down one of the dock extensions and when we reached the gang plank, I stopped, turning to face you with a smile still fixed on my lips.- “Onto the ship.” -From here I could see the large crew of rough looking sailors scurrying back and forth on the deck.- (05/17/14 16:33:53 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [-Docks-] Is on or near the Docks. says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : I was moreso focused on your and your avoidance of my questions, that it barely registered as we passed through the market and the shoppers. I had traveled this path many times and had long since become accustomed to the bevy of foottraffic and shrieking calls of the vendors hawking their goods to every passer-by. As we passed the office, if you managed a glimpse inside you would see that the floor was nearly completely replaced, the salvaged wood layed out in a herringbone pattern. The single window had been fitted with decorative iron basr, thusly securing entrance by way of breaking through the new glass. The walls had been left raw and units of shelving were currently going up adding to the decidedly industrial feel of the place. I cast a glance up the front of the buidling to see the lattice work that obscured the over-looking balcony from view of the docks. And the satisfied smile now ghosted serene features. I paused as the trident came down, barring me from further steps at least momentarily. My gaze followed yours down the docks and observing those ships that were moored. I was uncertain of just which ship it was that you sought but once your steps resumed, mine did as well. When you stopped at the gang plank to the round ship with "purple" sails, I turned to observe it momentarily. The crew appeared just as I would expect. It wasn't as though I were a complete stranger to such things. The smile you had chosen to show me did little by way of encouragement really. My gaze would pull from the ship to regard you momentarily, the line of narrow shoulders lifted in a subtle shrug as I took the first step upon the plank and walked its narrowness with the stealthy ease of one having done the same on numerous occaisions. The soft, flat soles of worn boots added a certain stability as well and was much the reason this pair had been my favorite. At the top of the plank, I stepped into the ship, using my right hand to guide the length of my robes as I did so. My eyes then did turn to view the masts of the ship and the sails fixed there. (05/17/14 16:41:12 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. .You say Monster like it is a bad thing. [-Vosk River-] Is upon the Vosk river. The town of Sulport sits nestled along its verge, and ships come and go from its merchant docks. says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -As you boarded, I followed, I hated walking up gangplanks more than one at a time so I waited until I saw your feet touching down upon the ships deck before I boarded. I moved around you, venturing towards a chubby man who owned the ship. I spoke quietly with him for a few minutes and then returned to your side, taking a moment to look about at our surroundings. Crates and barrels were tied up in nests all around and a large skiff was roped down near the main mast. The fat man barked out to cast off and the crew set to work, drawing in the gangplank and unbinding the ropes... within minutes, we were away, pushing off into the Vosk and heading West. I appeared relax and nonchalant. The smile -still- there and my eyes sitting beneath a settled brow- -The owner pranced about the ship, giving orders here and there or just inspecting his wares, he was dressed and behaved as flamboyantly as his 'purple' sails but we were left alone, and I moved off to watch Sulport being left behind, the wake of the ship washing up against the muddy verge in waves of surf. After a bit we would pass the edge of Wild Tarsk Woods and I could see the stack of logs from here. After boring of looking back – I instead moved towards the front of the ship, around that tied up skiff and watching the horizon.- [exits to crossroads] (05/17/14 16:50:54 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Vosk River=- Is floating down the Vosk River says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : I watched as you boarded, the netting you carried and then turned my gaze to the crates and barrels that were tied down on deck. The roll of the ship over the water was a sensation I knew well and as I crossed the planks of the deck, the stride that carried me was adjusted to the this variance all to easily. I turned to watch the fading of Sulport from view, my gaze drifting to the Captain who seemed to be more concerned with the wind mussing his hair at this point. I had no idea what this trip was about or where we were going. When my eyes returned to you, you still wore -that- smile and a feeling of unease settled in the pit of stomache. (05/17/14 16:55:23 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. First Comes Anarchy, Then Comes Me -=Vosk River=- Is floating down the Vosk River says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: [[-For -Clarity-]] I wore a loose leather sash that hung a gladius type short sword at my right hip. It had a refined sharp steel edge and an ornate carved grip that donned a balled, polished pommel. It was 26inches in length and 6inches of that was the hilt. Held in my left hand, mid way down the solid wooden shaft was a 7ft Trident – 18inches of which – belonged to the triple pronged and barbed steel head.... I also had a dagger strapped to the outside of my left thigh. 10inches in total with only a 4inch double edged blade of Iron. In my right hand, I held a bundle which was actually a net. A sheet of carefully knotted rope that when spread out was a 10ft by 10ft square of net with 16 small weights latched around the edges like decorative trimming. For now the net had been rolled up, folded, and then rolled up some more into the smallest bundle it could muster. Finally, looped into a tight coil was an 8.5ft single tailed whip. And for now it was bound to my belt at the small of my back.- -The ship we were on, would make a pit stop at Kar and then had a long journey ahead of it as it planned to sail the thassa North. We were heading to neither of these destinations however... Eventually Sulport would vanish completely from sight and we were -as they say- 'in the wilds.' My head turned to look towards you, the smile no longer present, instead a stoic expression carved into rugged features. I stood 7ft tall and weighed 330lbs, my feral glare regarded you possessively before drawing back to watch the river ahead... it was a wide stretch of river and I could see a ship heading this way – soon it would pass on our right side and head in the direction of Sulport, I could tell by the sails insignia that it was an Arian ship. ... A sleen is heard as it tears into a recent kill ... (05/17/14 17:07:09 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Vosk River=- Is floating down the Vosk River says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : I continued to eye the net you held for a moment longer but as it seemed you were content to remain silent about the details, my questions were behind us in Sulport. Once the port city had vanished from view, I took the few last steps to find myself at the railing that guarded the prow of the ship. The wind caressed the gauzy robes of pale gray, the material billowing around a slender frame. Even the fine wisps of hair dared to taunt the winds, grazing the artful contour of high cheeks as I turned my face into its embrace. I had always enjoyed travelling by ship and even unaware of our destination, I would enjoy this brief freedom. My lips pressed together silently and instead it was my soul that smiled from the depths of pale green eyes. I had no weapons on my person, no pins hidden in the thickness of that dark braid that snaked along the line of my back. I had turned to watch the ship that approached and would soon pass us by, noting the Arian sails that snapped viciously in the wind. When I did look to you, your expression had now changed and I noted the vigilant roving of your gaze as you watched everyone and everything. My hands came to rest upon the smooth, tem-wood railing, the tapered length of slender fingers curled around it before those pale eyes would shift their focus back to the waters of the vosk. (05/17/14 17:17:46 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. First Comes Anarchy, Then Comes Me -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -Time would pass by and for the most part I would linger nearby in silence, watching the surrounding areas whilst the crew hurried to purpose all around us. I lost track perhaps of how many ports and docks we passed, but after a long while the terrain and biome changed and we would find ourself in the Delta of the Vosk. The ship had slowed, the crew paying more attention to their tasks whilst keeping an eye on the marshland looming in all around. Even the fancy owner/captain had fallen silent and appeared weary... it is said that the Marshes are the swamp like land of the Rencers. A crude, uncivilized yet very dangerous race of Goreans. Talem came from these parts but I had no ally in this territory and my glare passed over everything... -When we were in the thick of the wild marsh, the air had thickened, becoming humid and dense, the water was a deeper shade of murky browns and even the natural ambience of wildlife had changed, tranquillity replaced with hostility and potential threat, I looked towards the Captain and gave a nod, He barked at the crew who began to untie the skiff from its rope bindings. The ship had slowed right down now for a moment, almost to a stand still and the crew were using giant wooden poles to try and encourage the ship through the tricky land... when it was free.. The crew lowered the skiff over the side of the ship, dropping an oar and a steering pole into it in the process. I moved closer to peer over the railing, it was quite the way down and the crew tossed a rope over to hang securely, I looked towards you and motioned for you to get off the ship and down to the skiff- “Good Luck” -I said quietly, once again letting my gaze take in your choice of clothing.- (05/17/14 17:58:22 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : With time, the scenery changed. Many ports I was familiar with passed though I did not give voice to this. Instead, I tried to figure out just where we were heading and why. Obviously the trident and net indicated some kind of hunting expedition. But for the life of me, I could not fathom why you would want me along for something of that nature. The air grew humid leaving my skin sticky from the warmth and moisture dewed upon the exposed flesh. Those fine wisps of hair that had escaped the braid now drew into soft curls instead of the loose waves that normally held that satin texture. A foreign silence had curtained the crew as we passed into these unfriendly waters and my own eyes drifted wearly over the landscape. I had never encountered a rencer, aside from Emerus, and had no desire to see more of them. As the ship came to a still in the waters, my attention returned to you and the exchange with the Captain. I moved towards the you, taking a place at your right side to peer over the railing and to the waters below where the skiff was being lowered. My eyes narrowed as I watched the rope dangle over and fall down to the skiff now waiting on the waters surface. The surf rocking it violently to and fro as it sat empty. My gaze lifted to you, slender brows knit together and displeasure cleary wrote itself upon those pretty features that now regarded you. A slow glide of tongue to gloss my lips, now gone dry as I realized what you wanted. Had I known this was the course, I would have acquired a pair of leather pants. I bit down on the tip of my tongue, the sheen of moist lips pressed silently together as I gave a nod. Fine. Fine. My chin lifted slightly as I turned to regard the crew, who now watched with open amusement. I had a choice gesture that I managed not to give but such the look in those glaring eyes that cut a scathing path across all their faces. If you had thought to scare me, you had thought wrong. I perched my ass on the edge of the railing, turning to dangle my legs over the edge. I took a deep breath and swung myself around to face the ship, my hands in death grip on the railings as the toes of my boots found a perch on decks edge. From here I straddled the rope and cast you vicious gaze. It was good that none were in the skiff below, lest they see just what I was or wasn't wearing under those robes. Eyes of jade burned like pale fire as they held to you and just because, my lips persed into a single kiss, blown on the wind before those delicate hands took a firm grip on the rope. I let myself back, supporting my weight between the underhanded grips of both my left and right hands, walking myself step by step down the side of the ship. Time spent in the field had helped to strengthen those slender arms and my departure downwards was achingly slow. My arms were on fire, my legs wobbly but I inhaled and exhaled with a calm reserve that I had only found after my encounter with the 3. Further down the ship, the side swung in over the water and its was slick so that my footing would often slide and I'd endure the harshness of rope-burn on my palms. I bit down on my cheek until the metallic tang of blood flavored my mouth. And when I was finally near the skiff, I fell uncerimoniously into its center with a sharp thud. I looked up the side of the ship to find you up there, picking up the oar that had been dropped into it and lifted up in a sign of victory. (05/17/14 18:04:15 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. First Comes Anarchy, Then Comes Me -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -I remained on the deck, of course I would never go first, that would mean leaving you aboard the ship where they could very well drop the rope leaving me unable to scale back up. So you should count yourself lucky I had -not- gone first because you could bet your last coin that I would have openly stared as you descended.... I leant against the railing and watched – admittedly with great amusement as you scaled that rope and slipped down in a slow fashion – especially near the end. When you picked up that oar, the crew all burst into cheers and fits of laughter. I gave no indication of my intent and quickly tossed that net down – I bitterly hoped it would open up and snag you... but my main objective was to make sure the bundle at the very least hit you in the legs on its way down into the skiff.- -I quickly gathered a strip of rope from a nearby bundle, tying both ends to the trident to form a loop and sling it to my back, Then I sprang over the railing, Grabbed the rope and began to slide down. I didn't use the side of the ship – I did not want to risk slipping and slamming against it – doing such too hard could make me lose my grip and fall into the murderous waters. Instead I looped my booted feet around the rope and simply let my body slide down the length of the rope towards the skiff … obviously I kept shifting my hands, playing reverse -one potato, two potato- so that I did not get rope burn... Soon enough – without wasting half as much time as you had – my feet touched down in the skiff... -It was a large barge like skiff and approximately 4ft wide and 15ft long, I snatched the oar from your grasp and motioned to the net- “Stop showing off and go hang this over the back of the skiff.” -I moved three quarters of the way up towards the front of the skiff and knelt down onto both knees. The ship continued on and left us, I used the current of the wake's surf to pick up a pace and proceeded to row us further into the thick of the marsh. Switching sides with the oar every so often.- (05/17/14 18:21:12 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : As I had been watching, when you dropped the dead weight of that net it fell F-A-S-T and I scurried to move from beneath it. It landed with a harsh, hollow thump that rocked the skiff despite its size. My eyes narrowed as I wondered if you had just tried to break to my legs or worse, not even barking out a warning to watch out below. I swore under my breath before turning my eyes once more up to find you on the ships edge. Your departure from the ship was far more graceful and skilled than my own, but then, never had I needed to deploy in such a manner. In fact, I could have fell, cracking my head open and/or drowning in the murky waters of the vosk but I managed to avoid disgracing myself and you, in such an embarassing manner. A sneering smile held to my lips as I watched you sliding down in less than half the time it took me...and you didn't even suffer the rope burn. The oar, ripped from my hands resulted in a the curl of my lips to bare the brilliance of white teeth harshly. I stooped to retrieve the net as you motioned towards it, lugging its weight to the back of the skiff. I sulked, muttering to myself... "I was not showing off." At the rear of the skiff, I arranged the net so that it stretched the entire width. Then holding each corner, I gave a harsh yank and in turn the net unfolded, the weights drawing the net to spread below the waters surface. The net crept outwards in the wake of the skiff and when I could feel the resistance as it was drug behind us, I began to secure it to the end of the skiff. I worked fast, the porcelain canvas of skin glowed with effort and strain. Despite the length of my robes, they didn't seem too inconvenient and the light material allowed for most freedom of movement. When I was satisfied, I gave one last tug on the net and wondered just what you were hoping to catch in it.... (05/17/14 18:34:20 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. First Comes Anarchy, Then Comes Me -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -I heard your mutter and chuckled quietly, deliberately mimicking a -familiar- laughter.... The marshes changed from season to season and most of the time the delta is little more than a trackless marsh that stretched for hundreds of square pasangs. Nothing but untamed estuarial wilderness. Some parts would be too shallow to take even a flat bottomed barge skiff like this through so I moved us with a careful and watchful gaze. Pushing us through narrow cuttings in the thickets of sedge and marsh vine... I kept an eye out for many things, movement obviously, and tell tale signs of predators approaching. It may look desolate and dead, but beneath this dark sludgy brown surface of water, was a whole other world, one far more dangerous than ours. I cast a brief glance over my shoulder and towards you, a lazy smile cutting across my lips before I turned back to focus on our purpose here.- ”Did you manage to look through those raw stones yet?” -I was making conversation, I could not see the scarlet rep cloth tied to any rence plant, so We did not appear to be in Rencer territory and I was not worried about scaring off the the wild life... if anything, the sound of our voice would attract it... but I was not worried about that either.... 05/17/14 18:44:05 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : My own eyes moved over the waters surface. Though they appeared calm, I knew the plethora of wildlife that lived beneath its dark surface. On occaision my eyes would lift to survey the terrain, the movement of rence here and there to gauge rather it was simply the wind, the water, or something else perhaps trailing us beneath the waters surface. When not travelling, I had spent the majority of my life within Port Cos and on the vosk as my presence was declared necessary. "I have looked, the decision will be made when I return home." There were several stones, different yet each distinctly beautiful. I had tried not to make a choice in haste, instead allowing the stones to grow on me. As of this moment, the blood onyx was my chosen piece, but still I would wait to be certain of this. "Volstagg....just what are you hunting?" the inquisitive tone held my voice, the words seemed to echo off the waters surface and skip like stone outwards. I peered over back end of the skiff, my reflection stared back from the choppy surface of the water before I drew back. It was too much like dangling your foot from the ledge of your sleeping couch at night...as though tempting a monster out into the light. (05/17/14 18:58:46 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. First Comes Anarchy, Then Comes Me -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -For a moment my mind drifted on to private thoughts and it cost me, I missed the subtle sign, the odd ripple that moved -against- the natural order of things. I continued to row, seemingly oblivious to the fact that something was stalking us in the water. I had not packed any food, but I did bring a single bota of clean drinking water which for the moment was near the steering pole in the bed of the skiff between us. I heard your question, but perhaps it was not about the hunt, perhaps I had brought you here for another purpose altogether... I cleared my throat and was grateful to have my back to you at this point, I appeared to be about to confess something important...- ”Valia, I...” -Suddenly – despite the forward momentum - the skiff was jolted backwards. I had not been expecting it and I was lurched forwards violently, the oar falling from my hands and into the water as my body crashed against the hard bow. The skiff rocked violently and at first I had thought we had -beached- or hit a vine, but SOMETHING was pulling the skiff backwards in rough, repetitive jerks that threatened to tip the large barge vessel. I struggled to grip the edge of the boat and find my feet as it shuddered and groaned, as though the wood was going to splinter and snap the skiff clean in half at any moment. The water all around us came to life in a fit of wild splashes and yet I could make out nothing, the flash of something scaly, the flicker of a dark olive green hide, or greyish blue... There were many things surrounding us beneath the waters and anarchy was happening right under our skiff as something sought to try and drag the ship into its fatal swamp water... (05/17/14 19:12:15 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : I had been facing the rear of the skiff, watching the water when the sound of my name drew my focus around and I turned to face you. This movement was ill-timed when the skiff was jerked backwards. I felt myself falling backwards, my lips formed a silent "o", the paleness of my eyes opened wide with alarm. I thought I was going to fall over and in an attempt to avoid that, I over-corrected, falling forward to land on my hands and knees roughly. I found myself sliding on the gauzy material of robe-covered knees trying to find a grip on the side of the skiff. I lifted upwards trying to catch sight of whatever it was that the tossing the skiff around almost as though it were nothing but a small dingy. I almost didn't want to know but could not stop myself from looking. I gasped as my body jerked in tandom to the skiff, the groan and creek of the planks all but promised to break apart beneath us. It was only then that I noticed the oar was not in your hand and the color drained from my face. There had only been one and it was not in the boat, frantic eyes searched in vain. And only in a moment of stillness did I happen to see it floating in the water...out of reach....my mouth gaped open in silence as my eyes sought you. And when I could draw a breath, I managed to ask desparately.... "what do we do?" (05/17/14 19:23:29 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. First Comes Anarchy, Then Comes Me -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -I unslung the trident from my back, It had a thin coil of rope that I bound to my left wrist, this was so that if I threw it, or dropped it into the water, I would be able to -reel- it back in. I watched you holding on for dear life and ask that question as the skiff continued to tear along the water, often and quite suddenly changing direction, I realised that whatever it was threatening to tip us over was caught in that net. I carefully and yet swiftly scrambled across the skiff towards you, my empty right hand pushing down on the back of your left shoulder as I all but climbed over you, at times like this, it was better balance for you to get as flat as you could against the bottom … I took up your place at the back of the skiff, rising up to my feet, legs parted to wedge the soles of my boots against the sides of the skiff, I took that trident in both hands, the water was splashing wildly and I could not make anything out, so I began to stab wildly. The 18inched -barbed prongs of the steel head skewered into the water only to find nothing... I did it again and again, becoming more annoyed as the rocking of the skiff got wilder.... and then... With one final slam of my arms, thrusting that Trident down over the back of the skiff and into the murky brown water, I felt it strike true …. whatever it was, had a tough hide but I packed enough power behind it to break through and the wildness of the rocking skiff immediately seized, the waters calming as I let go of the trident and watched it sink into the waters, it did not appear THAT deep here and the rope bound to my wrist was loose. -My gaze at first found a pale blue marsh shark fin that moved past the front of the skiff, likely drawn by the commotion. But it posed no threat for now, I looked towards you with a smirk – my own display of victory... And then the fine, thin rope tightened in a sudden jerk that pulled me over the edge of the skiff and into the dark waters beneath.... (05/17/14 19:38:03 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : I had forgotten about the trident but as you bound it to your wrist, I took in the size of it. I feared that whatever it was that was jerking us around like a toy on a string would laugh at that weapon, if it could. As you came towards me, I tried to get out of your way but found myself flattened to the bottom of the skiff as you climbed over. The breath was pushed from my lungs as I struggled out of your way. All thoughts for propriety were long lost as I crawled forward, the length of skirt daring up to barely provide protection of bare knees against the planked bottom of the skiff. I turned then to plant my ass and hold on as best I could while staying out of your way. Sweat beaded along my forehead, nervously, as I watched you jab the trident into the water time and time again. And when the skiff stilled and the waters calmed, I exhaled low and slow, thinking you had scared it off or killed it. "That was close...." The words had scarcely left my mouth when you flashed me that smirking grin and I felt my own mouth curve to mirror your expression. As I opened my mouth to speak again, you were suddenly jerked overboard and a scream was torn from smiling lips. I spilled forward, towards the end of the skiff where you went over and to peer into the water....but you were gone. There was nothing. No sound save for the lapping of water against the skiff as it rocked to stillness. I panicked, crawling around the edge of the skiff, to every side to peer into the water....I failed to realize I was screaming your name...over and over it echoed across the water and over the tall plants of rence... "Volstagg...........Volstaggggggg.... Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo....Volstagg!!!!!!!!!!" My voice broke as I sobbed, terrified......I shuffled back to the end of the skiff and began to pull at the net, fearful then that you might be trapped within it...the weight was something fierce and for all my struggles, it didn't seem to do much good...but I couldn't stop. I could not stop myself from trying. I pulled, pulled and pulled until my hands were raw and blood seeped from the rope burns that were now rubbed raw by the wet stringing of the net. Your name, spoken over and over as if by will alone I could pull you to the waters surface...... (05/17/14 19:49:49 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. First Comes Anarchy, Then Comes Me -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: As you pulled up the rope netting, you would discover a variety of things tangled in it, a few fish of various breeds, a couple of small eels, even a few oysters caught along the bottom near the weights, but no trident, no beast, and no Volstagg.... The waters calmed down as the ripples settled and the skiff became a steady floating vessel in gentle waters. Not even the fin of the marsh shark was visible any more. I did not resurface, A minute passed by, and then two... it appeared as though I was lost to the wildlife of the delta Vosk marshes.... After a tormenting long time, my right hand smashed up through the surface at your right side, hooking over the edge of the skiff with my dagger now gripped tightly in my hand, My over arm came up, the rope appearing like a mere -bracelet- now with the extending length severed. I carefully pulled myself up and over, trying not to tip the skiff by stretching my body across as much length of the skiff as I could muster before landing with a wet slump beside you and lying on my back, breathing heavily as I sought to catch my breath... when I could finally speak, I turned my gaze from the skies and towards you, a look of feral excitement within them and a grin on my lips.- ”You will never guess what is down there.” (05/17/14 20:00:35 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : As I pulled in the net, those things caught within it were entirely ignored because they were not the one thing I sought. An agony I had never experienced filled my entire being and when I tried to breathe, it felt as though a steel blade had been lodged in my windpipe. It was nearly impossible to get air in or out. When your hand claimed a grip on the side of the skiff, I nearly jumped out of my skin. But when your second hand appeared, I shifted towards you, gripping your clothing in an attempt to help draw you over that ledge and into the skiff with me. I cared not that you were soaking wet, or that the water pooled around you to soak us both. The gauzy material of the robe now wet, clung almost transparently to my legs. And when your eyes finally found mine...that burning excitement swam in your eyes and that tearful face that now regarded you broke immediately into the deepest laughter. Laughter, a pure, unfiltered sound of pleasure bled out from the skiff and over the marsh just as at the same time my fist came crashing down into the center of your chest. Happiness and anger filled me to the point of erupting. You had scared the life right out of my body and yet there you were....excited as a boy on his first hunt. I could not even gather the wit to speak....and laughing still, stuttered out a single word. "Youuuuuuuuuuuuuu...." Was I mad? Yes. Was I happy? Yes. Did I want to kill you? With my own two hands yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss. (05/17/14 20:15:23 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. First Comes Anarchy, Then Comes Me -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -I snickered devilish when your tiny fist hammered against my chest, my left hand catching it by the wrist. We were both in quite the state it seemed and yet here we were amidst death and anarchy,m snickering and laughing.... My gaze saw the injuries to your hands and I scowled, but not was not the time for playing nurse... I pushed up onto my elbows, peering around at the waters, I could not see that shark fin any more and I had not seen it down there in the waters, but I knew it would be lurking around, and it wouldn't be alone, sharks tended to flock like scavengers. I was about to explain to you exactly what I had seen when I noticed something sticking out of the water... It was the butt of the trident, protruding from the murky surface by about four inches and about 20ft away from us. it was slowly moving towards one of the nearby mounds of rence islands and within a minute or so, it was now sticking almost 4ft out of the water and had become completely still. I stared at it for a long lingering moment but it did not move again... Letting go of your wrist, I pointed to it nonchalantly... “That would be a tharlarion.” -The creatures body was still submerged but I had got up close and personal with it beneath the surface. I estimated that it was around fifteen feet long and to be fair it had probably -not- been trying to sink us, it had simply and unknowingly swam into the net and become tangled and desperate. I began to shift up, my gaze falling towards the net and I noticed the wild life in its tangle, I offered the dagger towards you, it had a long handle and a short iron blade.- ”Put the fish out of their misery, bully.” -We had not been here too long and it was already turning into a very exciting hunt. I wanted what was in the waters beneath us, but for the time being, the unseen marsh sharks and probably other tharlarion made it a dangerous option to jump back in, but I was certainly considering it... After you took the knife from my hand, I would continue scouting around the area for more signs of dorsal fins. By pure luck, the oar was floating by the skiff and I seized opportunity, snatching it up with a quiet... “Excellent” … muttered as I began to row us towards the protruding vertical trident... (05/17/14 20:34:19 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : So my fist was an ineffective weapon against you. But it wasn't intended to be truly. Adrenaline flooded my veins even now, leaving me a big shaken and still the stages of fight or flight. And since "flight" was out of the question, you got popped..for all the good it had done. The injuries to my hands had yet to register and were ignored entirely so that when you pointed over my shoulder, my face jerked around to look and I spotted the butt-end of the trident sticking out of the water and gliding slowly towards. I tried to guess at the size of the creature that loomed beneath the surface of the water, given how it had nearly pulled the skiff apart and/or under, I swallowed to think of the danger it could have done had it actually intended to. As you offered the dagger out to me, I reached up to take it in my left hand. I did wince slightly as the hilt was gripped, rubbing the raw skin of my palm. "That's right...me...I'm the bully!" A dramatic eye-roll later, I managed to gain my footing and took to quickly dispatching of the fish that were trapped in the netting. I would step upon the main of their bodies to hold them still before sliding the tip of the blade just above the dorsel fins and slide upwards to severe the spinal cord from their tiny brains. It was said that fish did not feel pain but I was not so certain. I tried not to think about it as they stared up at me, their lidless eyes unable to blink so that they were forced to watch the blade descend upon them. When finally the last fish had flopped its last dance on the deck, I instinctively swiped the flat of the blade over the wet material of robes to cleanse it. The stink of fish was heavy on my hands now and what I wished for .....was a long, hot bath. When I turned back to you, you had the oar in your hands and a smile, like wild fire, blazed to life on my face. Thank the Gods! Already you were rowing the skiff within proximity of the trident. The dagger was held blade-tip down, the hilt in my hand, hanging relaxed now along my left side. My fingers tightened around it, enjoying the weight of it in my grip without much thought about it. As the distance between the skiff and the trident closed, my eyes were cast once more to the waters now watching every single ripple that dared to appear..... Edited by Valia, May 18 2014, 03:58 AM.
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| Valia | May 18 2014, 04:03 AM Post #2 |
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Deaths Lady
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(05/17/14 20:50:46 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. First Comes Anarchy, Then Comes Me -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -I slowly and calmly rowed the skiff towards the trident. I was soaked through and dirt stained my face and scalp like a face mask, but it was not disheartened by such, my gaze fell to you for a moment and admittedly took advantage of vulgarly regarding your wet robes clinging to you and your perhaps -dishevelled- appearance... I had not been bitten by the tharlarion, but during the underwater 'skirmish' it had whipped me fiercely with its tail and my back was burning from the aftermath of the blow. However such a thing would not be shown on my confident features and I placed the oar in my lap, I snatched for the mooring rope bound up in a coil at the bow and began to untie it... I knotted it around the top of the trident, after giving it a shake to see if the creature moved again... it didn't and I could feel that it was still skewered into the thing... I -smartly- did not tie the other end of the rope to the skiff, but I did keep it gripped lightly in my left hand, then I was rowing again, towards that nearby rence island. It was like a raised platform of hard ground and dirt, rence vine and hedge grew around the 20ft diameter of an island and it appeared like an impenetrable fortress.- -It was good that you had managed to catch us some fish because I had forgotten food. Though I did feel a bit sorry for them as you so heartlessly murdered them … perhaps they had a school of children... and you just made them orphans.... When the front of the skiff bumped against the island, I looked towards you. You were near the back of the skiff and I rose to my feet, careful not to rock us – we had experienced quite enough of that.... My left hand moved to claim the grip of that short sword, miraculously still at my right hip... without word I began to hack at the raised vines... the island was raised and from me feet in the skiff, the actual ground level of it was close to my waist, the elevated platform would provide better safety and protection against anything coming out of the water.... the biggest risk here as I tried to chop through the tight wall of vines, was that I could be hacking my way into the nest of the Ul and we most definitely did not want to come across one of those Godly creatures. Not even I would likely stand a chance against such a beast... Soon enough I would break through and was relieved to see that there was no nest to be seen and as expected, the middle of the island was flat and bare... a perfect camping spot... I climbed up with a grunt, disappearing for a moment …. a long moment … of utter silence.... Then I returned with a grin on my lips, it was all clear... The vines stretched several feet into the air all around the island like a solid barrier and the only way to breach it was through the narrow opening that I had cut. I knelt by the edge and reached out my right hand, waiting for you to take it so that I may pull you up onto the island which was to become our haven for the evening... |
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| Valia | May 19 2014, 12:59 AM Post #3 |
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Deaths Lady
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(05/18/14 15:34:09 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. First Comes Anarchy, Then Comes Me -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -I hadn't slept much. After grabbing everything out of the skiff, I had moored it to the island with some of the marsh vine. Then I had quickly made a small, ember like camp fire on the centre of the enclosed island. I was not worried about trespassers, after all, the island had a high wall of rush, sedge and tangles of that thick marsh vine. I knew tarn would not fly over head out here either. It was a swamp of desolate waters and the giant birds didn't like to lose sight of land. It was the Ul I was most cautious off, giant sky tharlarion... So it was with that in mind that the fire pit did not burn more than a foot high at any given time.... There was in fact quite a few changes that I had made to the small island over night whilst You slept. There was a small pile of wood that I had gathered and at first it may appear that I had used them to play 'Lego' and build a teeny tiny shack. It stood 3ft high, with four walls and a roof. On top of that I had piled layers of moss, and sedge.- -At some point, during the night I had set mind to purpose on that 4ft butt end of Trident sticking out of the marsh. I couldn't leave it down there, the corpse it claimed would attract predators to that area of the water and I needed to clear- -I wanted what was down there- -Last night, whilst we were still on the water and in that skiff, I had tied a length of rope to the end of that trident, and from the solid ground of the island, I had taken the other end of the rope and began to heave it in, Drawing it through the sludge at the bottom of the waters. 'Our' Island was more like a mound and the level was almost 5ft above the water's surface so it had been quite a haul to pull the Dead creature up, it had weighed a ton and at one point I had even fallen back into the waters -without injury- … But Alas, I was nothing if not a persistent fuck and the task had yielded to me eventually... As all things did....- -And now, there it laid. So peaceful as though sleeping – if not for the Trident still sticking out of the top of its head.... A Fifteen foot long marsh tharlarion … I had made the most of our confined space and so for now, I put the body right next to You and when you finally did open your eyes, this would be the first thing you saw: http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2010/10/29/1288365080615/Alligator-006.jpg -It was not the only creature to have appeared on the island over night. Nearby was a dead marsh turtle, 4ft long across the top of the pattern shell, It was a pretty creature – but this one didn't have a head... It's corpse lying dead near your feet in a pool of blood. A couple of dead -plucked and beaked marsh gants were stacked by the fire but still raw and uncooked... The bota of water was nearby too... but it was empty... and for the moment, I was nowhere to be seen....- (05/18/14 16:02:56 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : After the adventure of yesterday, when sleep claimed me, I drowned in the darkness of harsh memories. The sight of you yanked overboard had left me reliving that moment of being dropped into the darkness of the hole. It wasn't the fear of dieing nor the fall that haunted me, but the sight of your face...that look. It tore at something inside of me, leaving a gaping wound I did not know was there. I whimpered, a pitifully weak sound, in the depths of my throat that actually stirred me from sleep. The ache of it was so real, my hand lifted, fingers pressed to my chest as I gasped softly, rolling to my side. When my hand encountered the stiffness of dirty, stiff robes, I realized I was not home. Eyes of pure jade blinked slowly to wake, the light of day left my vision blurry. I tried to focus, realizing something large lay beside me. My mind tried to comprehend what it was I was looking at and that it was looking back at me. The shades of green, the scales, teeth... I snatched upright and backwards, nearly toppeling over. The air in my lungs was expelled with such force the sound hissed from the snarl of pink lips as I jerked back. But it did not move, did not draw breath, nothing. It was dead. I realized exactly what it was in that moment and a scowl veiled slept-ridden features. Abruptly my head spun to find you...thinking you'd probably done this on purpose, enjoying your own amusement at my expense. But you were no where to be seen. And honestly, I was only too glad you were...for the moment. You'd seen enough of my weaknesses, I did not want you to see even more. I hated feeling so...defenseless. And always, it seemed you enjoy to show me just how vulnerable I was. Angry eyes shifted over the island, noting that you had been very busy. From the small hut to the fire, and the large marsh turtle at my feet. It's blood pooled out from the stump of its headless corpse, a sickly sight. I drew my feet up towards me and away from the congealing blood, pulling the stiff material of my robes down over the curve of my legs. I could feel the grit on my skin, in my hair, it was as if I could even taste it in my mouth. Slender fingers lifted to the mess of darkness that had been braid, the loose waves had drawn into spiraling curls in the dense humidity. There was simply no hope of taming the riot of darkness that encircled that oval face, accentuating the delicate features and porcelain complexion. I pushed to my feet, smoothing the crinkled material that clung stiffly to my body. I wasn't certain if it was the dead carcasses that surrounded me, the marsh or myself that smelled so...pungant. Small nostrils flared as I exhaled, rubbing the itch of a sneeze away. I stooped momentarily to retrieve the bota to find that it was....empty. I let it drop back to my feet and walked towards the edge of the island where you had hacked our way in and tried to find some sign of you. (05/18/14 16:53:18 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : When you began to pry open the wall of the hut, I moved forward, watching over the bend of your shoulder. You were quite the survivalist and I was rather....impressed. Once the wall was drawn back, I spied the smoking fish and the eel and my mouth watered. The dirt of your hands went without notice as you handed me the fish and eel. I took the pieces, one in each hand and without ceremony, bit into first one and then the other and chewed quietly. Those bites weren't very delicate or pretty, leaving my lips moist with the juice. I enjoyed the flavor of the smoked meats and nodded appreciatively. When I did speak, the words were broken, given life between the bites I took. "Its.... actually..... really good. Thank you." With your back to me, I half watched what you were doing. The wet, sucking noise of your hands pulling forth organs filled my ears and I turned away, in the direction you indicated to see the puddle. My tongue glossed over my teeth, sucking free the small bits of fish. A grimace found my lips, nose wrinkled as I eyes the small sludge puddle and felt my stomache turn. The water looked more like something out of a chamber-pot and I would NOT be drinking that. I forced myself to eat the bit of eel and discreetly licking the juice from my fingers. I wiped at my mouth with the back of my hand, my mouth still held the flavor of smoked fish...leaving me somewhat satisfied. "I...can't ..drink that." Finally my voice lifted, the dryness of my mouth somewhat relieved but still.... I hoped we wouldn't be in the marsh much longer. At least not without a source of fresh water. I exhaled softly. "Are you going to tell me why we are here? Is there something I can do....to help?" (05/18/14 17:06:55 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. First Comes Anarchy, Then Comes Me -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -I worked swiftly, wanting to get under way with things, there was no time to be merciful, no time for hesitation, I wore the turtle's remains from the shell like I was merely stripping meat from a bone … nothing more. When you asked your question, I gave a nod- ”Actually, Yes.” -But then I left it at that as I rose to my feet with the now empty and bloodied turtle shell. The plank was left behind with the giblets and such on it. I moved through the opening and out of sight, you would hear a bit of splashing … then a lot of splashing … and a bit more splashing again … When I returned the shell was wet but clean, all the blood was washed away and I moved towards the Tharlarion, using like a log to sit on.- ”First I need you to fill the bota with water from the puddle, then I need that marsh vine over there, platting and made stronger. I'll Need four lengths, all of them about eleven foot long... and it has to be very sturdy or it will ruin everything... We'll only get one shot at this...” -I had collected a rather large bundle of marsh vine and it sat in heaped coils behind the smoking 'shed'... I shifted my arse to get comfortable on the tharlarion's back whilst I drew my dagger free and set to work trying to scrape loose the edging with a goal of separating the top portion of the shell from the belly portion (05/18/14 17:32:07 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : I watched you, hard at work and felt very....useless. I held on to my patience but it was wearing on me. I was standing there, confused as you moved out of sight. The splash of water made me wonder exactly what it was that you were doing and why. At times, you were incredibly frustrating. I had, come to expect it, but that did not make it any easier to withstand. Once you returned and started to give instructions, I was quick to move. Pulling the cork from the mouth, I submerged it in the puddle. Held at an angle, it began to guzzle the water, making a gurgeling noise as it filled. The sound made me thirsty, despite the rank odor of the water. Once it was full, I drew it out of the sludge. The bota was slippery, dripping wet streaks along the front of my robes as I corked the mouth. The bota was then left within your reach. I watched you for a moment before a purposeful stride lead me to the smoking hut to retrieve the looped lengths of marsh vine. I slipped my arm through the coils and drug them heavily across the island, stretching them out so that I could measure out eleven feet or thereabout. I looped this so that in the end there would be twenty lengths of vine, each 11 foot in length. I rubbed my palms together softly, noting that the rope burn was still tender but bareable. I knelt, gathering five pieces of vine in my hands and knotted the end as tightly as possible. Only then did I began to weave the four pieces around the center vine, alternating two around the front and crossing them over, then two around the back and crossing. This method of twining would make the vine stronger than a typical three strand braid. It would take me a little bit longer, but that added strength was worth the extra effort. One chance you had said...to get it right. I chewed my lip absently, making sure the wrapping twine was kept as tight as possible so that it would not unravel. Porcelain skin glistened softly with light sheen of sweat. I was focused, silent mostly in the task save for the very low hum that was just barely audible. The lyric was slow, haunting and I was unaware that I was doing it. Where had I heard that sound? It haunted me sometimes, that I could not remember. But I braided the vine faster and faster. My hands becoming accustomed to the task so that as I finished the first rope and knotted off the ends, I grasped the next five strands and started again. Occaisionally, a slender finger would coax a curl from my face, bedding it behind the shell of my ear. But this motion did little good for as soon as one curl was brushed out of the way, another would fall to take its place. Pretty features were lost in thought, curtained by ribbons of dark curls. 05/18/14 17:45:39 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. First Comes Anarchy, Then Comes Me -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -After much deliberation, the two parts of the shell began to groan, I chiselled the iron blade of that 4inch dagger deeper into the groove, cranking it and sliding it around before cranking it some more. And a spine tingling -CRUNCH- would echo across the island. It made the two marsh gants squawk in fear. I stabbed the dagger down into the ground then and regarded both pieces, the belly -plate- was slightly bowled but not that much, it was 3ft long and a little under 2ft wide... Emerus had once told me that his father had once seen a 30ft long turtle and that once they got to that size, they were all but impossible to kill if you crossed 'tides' with one it would drag you underwater, never to be seen again. Even I – A Northerner who had fought the Kurii long ago – could not believe that turtles of such size existed.- -The top plate of the turtle shell was obviously very domed and was like a crude bucket. Such was the reason why Rencers were known to use them as bowl and baskets often. I placed that part on my lap, hands softly stroking over the pretty surface... then my left hand reached down, claiming that dagger, I lined the point against the shell's surface, right at its peak and then began to -drill-... Twisting my wrist back and forth in a screw fashion as I attempt to put a hole straight through the shell... it was no easy task and after a while my already exhausted muscles began to ache... The tharlarion tail whip to my back yesterday had left a sore welt and I could feel sweat irritating it beneath my dirty animal pelt tunic.- -I looked towards you in silence as I worked, watching you prepare those vines, you were quite the state, much like myself. I knew I could have been clearer before and informed you to get some leathers, but I only shared what I cared too. Initially I had brought you here to use you to lure in the marsh sharks for some hunting... but what I saw beneath those waters took over any other plot I may have had. My gaze burned into the side of your face, watching your hand rise only to flick away one of those obsidian curls.- (05/18/14 17:58:34 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : I could hear you prying at the shell and vaguely aware of it, the sqawk of the birds though, seemed distant to me as I worked diligently. Once the first two were complete, the third and fourth quickly followed. I took a moment to double check my knots, ensuring they wouldn't slip and come undone. Pulling on each one until my fingers and hands ached with the stress of it. As I knelt there, I straightened while pressing my hands into the small of my back. Unused to stooped in such a fashion, the muscles complained of the poor posture and I stretched back slightly to relieve it. Turning eyes of palest jade to regard you momentarily, I drew the darkness of all that hair over my right shoulder and wove it into a very messy fish-tail braid. Many curls were missed entirely, leaving me with a very disheveled 'do. But given the state of things, it matter little. My face was streaked with dirt, the soft gray robes were now stiffly dried and rough looking, not to mention the darkness of mud or perhaps that was drying blood. "I'm just about done here..." My palms braced against the island-ground as I pushed to my feet, wiping my hands on the already dirty material of my robes. I began to wrap the vine around the bend of my elbow, up my forearm and around the crux of my palm so that it would eventually end in a neat coil. I repeated this with the final three and tucked them neatly together. A slender brow rose ever so slightly as I turned now to watch you with the turtle shell. My hands shifted to perch on the flair of hips hidden beneath the a-line of my robes. |
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| Valia | May 19 2014, 05:13 AM Post #4 |
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Deaths Lady
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(05/18/14 18:09:00 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. First Comes Anarchy, Then Comes Me -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -Before you could look towards me, I would look away, back down to my task at hand, I gave the occasional blow to dispel the building 'shell dust' that formed as the dagger carved deeper and deeper on its way through. I was pushing hard behind the sharp twists and perseverance prevailed, a sudden jolt as it finally broke through on the other side. The shell now had a small, coin sized hole in the top of its peak. I looked up again when you spoke and I nodded, my gaze falling towards the coils, inspecting them as you wrapped them up.- ”They will do just fine.” -I said, I tossed the knife down, and rose to my feet with the -back plate- shell in my hands.- ”If you are still hungry, get more of the smoked meat. And stay here.” -Then I moved towards that opening and disappeared through it.- (05/18/14 18:21:26 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : I nodded, a slight smile tipped my lips briefly as you visually inspected the "rope". The four lengths were stacked neatly together. "Good." I watched you disappear, shell in hand, before I returned to the small smoking hut and took another fillet of the gint. I was more thirsty than anything and let the meat sit for a minute before chewing and swallowing. My mouth watered and this natural reaction helped to relieve my thirst...a little. I nibbled on the delicate piece of fish, walking towards the carcass of the tharlarion. It was....huge. As I circled around it, I nudged its belly with booted toe. Its hide was thick. And my shove to its side did absolutely nothing. I wondered if you just planned to leave it here, on the island, to rot. It certainly would not fit on the skiff. My gaze shifted to the entrails of the turtle laid out on the pallet. That would attract...scavengers. I turned away, moving upwind of the bloody organs. The humidity did little to help with the stink of things. Apparently my nose was more delicate than I thought because the stink never seemed to die. However, it did nothing to curb my appetite, and another bite of fish was taken. 05/18/14 18:35:20 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. First Comes Anarchy, Then Comes Me -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -I was gone for quite a while, but no more than thirty minutes at the most. When I returned, I was carrying the shell in both hands like a bowl. I stepped over the smelly turtle remains moving back to the tharlarion where I crouched down. The shell was full of stones and pebbles. As with most marshlands, such things were a plenty beneath the surface and around the verges, but I had sought specific types and it was now full to the brim... At the bottom was a thick layer of fine pebbles. Like grit or thick stone sand and only just big enough Not to fall through that hole I had made. Then on top of that were a couple of layers of larger, smooth and round stones. Then on the very top were large -rough- surfaced rocks. I had rinsed them all the best I could....I took the slightly domed belly plate and positioned it on the ground in front of me. Then I Held The rocked filled 'bowl' Over the top of it whilst reaching for the bota with my other hand. I bit free the cork and began to pour the murky and dirty puddle water over the top of the rocks. It splashed over them like a fountain, the bits of mud and dirt clinging to the rough surface whilst the water continue down over the small smoother stones and finally … It would seep through the grit and drip out through the hole in the bottom... the crude makeshift filter resulted in clear water pouring into the belly 'plate' … unfortunately it would not change the -Taste- of the water, but it would certainly purify it enough for you to drink... as long as you did not have gallons of the stuff.... When the bota ran empty and all the water had filter through... I placed the rocks off to the side and picked up the belly plate, careful not to spill the water as it was held up and out to you from my crouched position.- ”Drink.” -I said quietly. Now that I had seen to your Thirst problem, I was eager to crack on with the main focus of the evening, I wanted to get it done before we were surrounded by the black of night. 05/18/14 18:47:23 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : Curious eyes watched what you were doing with the shell, the rocks and the water. My mouth fell open for a moment before lips pressed silently together. I could have endured a little thirst. I felt you had gone through entirely too much trouble for me. As you offered me the belly-plate of water, I closed the distance between us. I took it carefully in both hands and managed not to spill it. "I.... you didn't have to.... thank you." My eyes dropped to the water and I lifted the plate to my lips, taking the smallest sip while I tried to hold my breath. The taste was morbid, like ash in my mouth. I could not surpress the shiver that trailed along my spine. My eyes squeezed shut as I forced myself to drink the rest. And when the last swallow went down, I had to shake it off. I prayed that my body would not reject the water as I timidly sat the plate down. My voice quivered only a little when finally I spoke.. "Now...what is it we are doing?" (05/18/14 19:21:01 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : It would take more than one day of thirst to...kill me. But that was neither here nor there, as I watched you hack violently at the hedge of growth, making a clearing. I stepped towards you and that clearing to get a better view. My gaze was cast beyond you and to the water. I had traveled upon the vosk often and knew well the dangers of what lurked beneath the waters. Of course, I had never ventured into the marshes and now could see why it had always been forbidden. It wasn't just because of the Rencers. The native life here was monsterous and the likelihood of a woman surviving was little to none. My eyes narrowed as you scooped up one of the gants and proceeded to break its wing. I bit down on my lip. It seemed rather cruel. And when you flung it out into the water I gasped, realizing you were trying to attract something. The injured bird screeched loudly, its one good wing battering the waters surface as it attempted flight and failed, flailing about in the water. And in a mere moment a second bird joined it. It seemed they competed with one another, screeching frantically. The water rippled out around them. Inards rained down upon them as you tossed it out into the dark waters. I barely had the opportunity to blink when a shark broke the surface of the water and wicked teeth caged one of the flailing birds with a splash that made me flinch unexpectedly. So fast and then...gone. The frantic song of the lone bird now echoed across the water... "Please...tell me...... you aren't fishing for a shark." My words were hushed as I spoke them with a slow exhale, the blood slowly drained from my face as I watched the water and the single bird, unable to look away. My mouth had gone dry again but for reasons entirely different. (05/18/14 19:54:13 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : My gaze was still fixed on the bird in the water as you made with a quick "bath" in the puddle. And your words caused a brief flicker of relief before I turned around to see what you were doing then. Immediately I moved towards you... "wait..what are you doing... " My gaze swept over you, bare feet, the grime that coated your skin even with the pelt removed. I nearly chased you towards the end of the island but I wasn't fast enough, already you were in the skiff with the vines. I swallowed my doubt and began untieing the rope so that the skiff would go free....and watched as you abandoned me there. I tossed the rope to you so that it would not become tangled on anything. You weren't giving me time for anything, no choices, only to act as you instructed. I listened desparately to your instructions....and the addition of me fucking things up, my mouth would gape open like a fish on land. YOU! Anger flashed prettily in the depths of those eyes. I hadn't thought about the Ul's until now and a scowl pulled at the line of generous lips. In less than a blink you had thrown yourself overboard, net in hand and sunk out of sight. I gasped, running across the island towards that pallet of grisly turtle parts. I took two handful---my fingers curled around the soft pieces, squished as I held them and the bile rose in my throat. I launched the first handful out towards the bird and was glad to see my aim was true. The bird's screeches increased in pitch as it was splattered by bloody bits of things I didn't recognize. I held my breath, waiting a moment before hurling out the next handful, this time a little to the right of the flailing bird. The waters around the bird swirled, I was certain I could see a very large shadow or two, circling beneath the waters surface. I grabbed another two handfuls, ignoring the slide of something thick and slimy down my forearm....waiting just a moment longer before tossing these pieces out to the left of the bird.... (05/18/14 20:05:16 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. First Comes Anarchy, Then Comes Me -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -I was lost beneath the surface for quite a while and then I burst back through the surface and gasping for breath, I had found what I sought – the thing I had spotted the night before that had excited me – but getting the net around it was proving difficult. I couldn't see you now, but I could hear the splashing in the distance and only hoped that I had more time... I took a deep breath and sank back down.... Finally I appeared through the murky settled surface once again, panting heavily and holding the four ends of vine in my hands.... the skiff had drifted away a bit due to the ripples of resurfacing and I had to swim several feet to reach it, the vine pulled taught in my grips, but I refused to let go, scrambling awkwardly on the skiff.- -Whilst taking a moment to catch my breath, I tied the four ends together in a knot. And then used that mooring rope to tie around the knot... I took up the oar and began to row, snickering quietly to myself, mostly because of what I had -netted- but also because I was reminiscing at the sight of your face before I had jumped in the water. I knew that I would likely find you annoyed, but that amused me.... it was a stretch, but I managed to reach the island again, Unbinding that mooring rope from the skiff … I still had the fine rope from the trident and I used that to replace it, tying off against the same rence plant... I bit the main rope between my teeth and scrambled up onto the 'ledge' … I glanced through and saw you still doing your thing – you didn't need too anymore, but I did not alert you to my safe return, I turned back to the waters on my side and began to heave. Powerful arms dragging on that rope – it was extremely resisting at first and my feet kept slipping on the mud but once I managed to get it 'rolling' It came steadily and slowly.... hands reaching over each other again and again to reel it in... Soon enough it got to the point where the rope was pulling straight down, indicating that whatever I netted was now at the base of the island.... I wrapped the rope around my forearms, took a solid grip, and then began stepping backwards... grunting with each step as I began to pull it out of the water and up towards the ledge... (05/18/14 20:14:52 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : I tried to pace myself, watching that patch of water where the bird floated, broken. It pitiful little song sounded somehow mournful. As if it knew what was happening. I tossed yet another handful out into the water, the pieces rained down in clumps. Some things floated, while other, heavier pieces sank into the water, ripples danced across the surface of the water. I scooped up another handful, trying to give the sharks time to eat and circle around for more before tossing in too much at once. And I did not want to run out of pieces. I muttered to no one.... "it's ok to fuck this up he said.....you won't...you can't...what the hell does he mean its ok to fuck this up!!....He thinks I'm a fuck up?@!...." Annoyed. Mad. Speaking only to myself. My gaze would turn back to the other end of the island, catching sight of the still empty skiff floating there. Wild eyes would turn back to the bird and another handful of intestine would be whipped out across the water. The long piece slapping against my face as I threw it hard, leaving a bloody imprint across the curve of that cheek. I wiped with the back of my hand, only further smearing it and mud along my jaw and down to my chin. It stunk to high heaven but I managed not to vomit up the fish that I had eaten. My next handful was thrown with more care, so that I avoided making too much of a mess. I put more effort into that last throw, so the pieces landed further away, hopefully drawing the sharks in the opposite direction. I felt more confident now, as I stood there, my hands once more full of remains. It didn't matter that they were wet, clinging to my arm, dripping all over me, squished between my fingers like raw meat.... I could do this. I was doing this. Once more I flung out the pieces of turtle guts and watched as they sank down. That same sharp suddenly launched itself across the water taking both the pieces and the bird in one swoop. "Holy shiiiiiiiiii----" I didn't notice you had returned, until I heard the grunting of exertion behind me and my words died a mortifying death as I turned to see you there. Blood and other bits decorating my forearms and a pattern of war-paint splattered across the right side of my face. I was incredibly happy to see you standing there....I rushed towards you, careful not to slip in the water and mud that pooled around you, wrapping my own fingers in the net and tried to help. I was excited now....you were still alive....and whatever you had found was heavvvvvvyyyyy. My words were half gasp half grunt.... "what is it?" (05/18/14 20:30:55 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. First Comes Anarchy, Then Comes Me -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -I felt 'tiny little you' grasping the rope to try and heave whatever the net was wrapped around up and out of the water. After a few steps backwards with the rope, the peek of the net – tangled with red and vines – appeared over the edge, drawing up onto the land, Once it was up here, I let go of the rope, moving to it to grab the large barrel sized bundle. It was still heavy but now that I could get my arms around it properly, I managed to lift it and drag it closer to the fire, carefully lowering it down. I did not need to explain what it was, As I fell to my knees next to it, I began to unravel the net – unwrapping My bounty and revealing the biggest Sorp I had ever seen in my life. It was easily the size of a tavern barrel. When I had carried it, it had stretched as wide as my chest, from shoulder to shoulder... I knew from Rencer tales that these things got even bigger than this – huge in fact and big enough for Rencer Leaders to use their shells as thrones.... This one was certainly not big enough for that – a throne for a child perhaps. But it was still massive compared to the usual palm sized Sorps I had seen in the past.... And there was something about Sorps, something special, I motioned to my pile of clothing nearby and looked at you..- ”My Sword?” (05/18/14 20:39:23 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : "Tiny little me" helped! I stepped back and out of the way once you had drawn your "precious" bundle up and onto the island. And once it was landed, I knew exactly what -it- was. It was soooo big! And I stared wide-eyed only so long as it took for you to bark for your sword. I stepped over the pile you had left behind and grabbed the hilt two-handed and brought it to you. Once you had taken it, I'd move to your right, leaving plenty of space between. Prying that thing open would prove difficult and I would not want to be accidentally beheaded....or something. I knelt down to watch you and could not help but smile. Of course, those slender brows furrowed together as I began to think about this. You had risked your life....for a sorp. Sharks. Tharlarion. Marsh turtles. Uls. Those eyes of jade rolled up from the sorp to fix on your face almost unbelieveably. (05/18/14 20:55:45 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. First Comes Anarchy, Then Comes Me -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -The shell of the Sorp was closed for now and the fingers of my right hand traced along the wavy seam that was tight. I frowned slightly. This was a big Sorp and generally speaking, the big creature inside would be practically bulging. It had grown large, so it wasn't starved and I would have fought the shell would not -quite- have been able to fully close. My left arm reached over my right arm to take that sword from you, a brief smile cast as my feral gaze found your admittedly beautiful features. Even amidst the messy wild state, it served only to further define your attractiveness. I placed the tip of the sword against the seam, Pressed my right hand against the balled pommel and then shoved, The blade slide through against a fierce resistance but it did not find the squishy target I expected. Instead it was met with a resounding 'thud' … steel on steel perhaps... I pulled the sword back out and saw what appeared to be a form of adhesive clinging to it... I realised then that the Sorp was not 'clamped' shut … it was -Glued- -The frown returned to my features and I hesitated for only a moment before -getting stuck in- I slid the blade back into the seam and began to jar it along, cutting through the glue and eager to get inside... it was tedious and stiff work... the adhesive making the sword stick and tug, ontop of that, the seam was also wavy in fashion and it was not an easy path to carve.... but eventually I would manage to cut from one side to the other and I dropped the sword... Both hands claiming the lid and pushing it up to reveal... Treasure...- -Lots and lots of Treasure. My eyes widened when I saw that giant Pearl I had originally sought, It sat in the middle of the shell, much bigger than my fist... but it was not alone – there was no sea creature inside, no Sorp within the Sorp shell... Instead I was staring at rubies, diamonds, gold, jewellery and a whole wonder of -loot-... There was also a scroll and I snatched it up, unravelling it with haste to read the words … my brow arching as my lips moved silently... I held the scroll out to you and looked back to what we had discovered. The scroll would read: “Larry! The Guard was onto Us so we had to move our bounty. Titus had this old shell in his mother's holdings and we brought it out here... nobody will ever find it 'ere …. I drew a map and sent it to you … when you find this … do NOT bring it back to Kar … Me and Titus are buggin' out from here … headin' up the Vosk … We'll wait for you at Tetrapoli... Signed, Tick Durpin...” (05/18/14 21:10:48 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : When finally the blade of your sword slipped into the seam, I had expected a gush of water not the clang of more...metal. The line of prefectly groomed brows furrowed, my eyes lifted from the sorp to your face. I watched the frown settle on your features as though it had finally "come home". It took a certain skill to weave that blade into the wavy seam, cutting loose the sealed lip of the shell. I had yet to realize that it was glued shut. Inquisitive eyes feasted as you labored away trying to get inside. And when you pushed the top shell up, it opened up to reveal itself a true treasure chest. I blinked, thick lashes fanned wide as I stared. Rubies. Diamonds. Gold...and so many other sparkling baubles. When you held out the scroll, I took it immediately in hand and read it out loud. "Larry! The Guard was onto Us so we had to move our bounty. Titus had this old shell in his mother's holding and we brought it out here.. ..Nobody will ever find it 'ere.. ..I drew a map and sent it to you.. ..when you find this...do NOT bring it back to Kar.. ..Me and Titus are buggin' out from here..headin' up the Vosk.. ..We'll wait for you at Tetrapoli.. Signed, Tick Durpin" I stood up, circling around you as I read line for line. Laughing at the end of each sentence...because....and I had to repeat it almost giddy... "No one would ever find it! Ha! Except for Volstagg...of Sulport!!!" Now -that- was funny. It tickled my funny bone in just the right way. I leaned over, holding my stomach as I laughed. All that risk....and you got treasure. I exhaled loudly, shaking my head. Wonders would never cease. (05/18/14 21:19:53 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. First Comes Anarchy, Then Comes Me -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -My gaze swept from one thing to another, fingers reaching out to brush over the pearl, This was all very expensive, but more amazingly every single thing inside the shell appeared to be unique, from the remarkable -lightning bolt- shape of a large ruby, to the Solid gold statue of a Snarling Larl Head, its eyes jewelled with Sapphires and its teeth appearing to be silver... I chuckled at your narrative skills! … We certainly would NEVER have been able to find this deliberately and I found myself completely grateful towards that dead tharlarion for pulling me over last night..... But then I quickly grabbed that 26inch Gladius into my left hand as though becoming paranoid. A scowl settled onto my -Stoic- features as I rose to my feet and moved towards the Tharlarion, Wedging my bare foot against the neck and yanking that trident out of its skull. I tossed that aside and set to work skinning the beast.... I worked swiftly with expert hands. I was a Northerner and Torvies could skin anything and make it look easy – Most animals, would have you slicing along the tummy to skin them, but with the Tharlarion (Unless you planned to keep it as a 'trophy') was best cut along its back … because that area of thick hide was hard and lumpy, not really useful for a tailor... where as the stomach was scaled and smooth, capable of being crafted into many expensive pieces of clothing.... - “Put the turtle shell plates in the skiff, and gather up the rest of the smoked fish, douse the camp fire, pack away the plucked gants, and topple the smoking hut... we are going Home.” -Once I was finished with the tharlarion, I would rise back to my feet and watch you doing as I had asked, after a moment I would interrupt... pointing to my dagger which was still on the ground near the turtle shells.- ”Roll Up the hide and put it on the skiff …. cut some fillets of meat from the tharlarion carcass and use the leafs from the vine to wrap them.” -I would have just taken the whole corpse, but the Sorp shell was heavy and the skiff would only handle so much weight... (05/18/14 21:36:20 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : Those green eyes were quick to follow you once you stood up. Again, I was left to marvel at your skill with a blade, skinning away the tough hide of the tharlarion. I stood, the treasure in the sorp shell now forgotten as I started to gather the things you wanted to take with us. Excited to here those words "we are going home", I made quick work of the gathering. I used the turtle shell to gather up the rest of the smoked gint and eel, the plucked gants gathered before I slipped to the end of the island and carefully dropped these things down onto the skiff. I returned to the smoking hut and after several huffs and puffs, managed to knock down the three remaining walls. After retrieving the bota, I filled it with more of the murky water from the puddle and use that to drown the small camp fire. The strap of the bota was then drawn over my head so that it could hang diagonally across my body. In mid-stride I stooped to retrieve your blade, gathering several of the large leafs that had been pulled from the vines. I moved to the tharlarion, laying the leafs on top and with my empty hand, pushed at the raw meat. I tried to gauge by touch alone the most tender areas of meat and proceeded to slice out some rather large "steaks". Each slab of meat was placed within a leaf, the edges tucked up to form an envelope around the meat. Once there were half a dozen bundles, I began to gather them in my hands. I placed the hilt of the dagger between my teeth to free up my other hand, and pulled the remaing steaks to me. I turned back to you, headed in the direction of the skiff but paused long enough that I hoped you would take the dagger...I tried to smile but it would likely look like a fierce revealing of pearly white teeth. My face was quite grotesque now with the flaking of dried blood along the curve of my right cheek and down along my chin. The gray of my robes now was a dingy shade of muck and the once flattering lines were ruined as the material had dried stiff as a board. Once you'd take the blade, I turn from you with some pep in my step. I was ready to go. I wanted a nice, long bath. And my furs. And home. I was only too happy to go. (05/18/14 21:52:26 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. First Comes Anarchy, Then Comes Me -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -I moved to my boots, slipping them on swiftly. I looped the sash over my head but did not bother putting my tunic on. The leather sash rubbed against that sore welt across my back, it stretched from behind my left shoulder and stopped near the small of my back. I paid it no mind and sheathed the Gladius at my right hip. I picked up the stained, dirty, animal pelt tunic and moved to slam the Sorp shell shut .. I laid the tunic on top of it and then began to wrap it back up with the Net... As you moved to my side and paused with my dagger bit between you teeth, my cock -might- have given a little twitch at the sight, but I was all business now, a looming danger felt pending in the pit of my instincts... We had after all, stirred the pot in regards to riling up the nearby wildlife with our behaviour and presence... I claimed the dagger into my left hand, careful not to cut those lush lips before it was sheathed against the outside of my left thigh.... For a moment, a growl threatened to ripple up my dry parched, and sore throat. I had taken on a lot of marsh water during my diving 'expedition' and I could already feel it setting ill in my stomach.... I forced myself away from you and back to the purpose before me... covering the shell securely before I carried it to that ledge at the edge of the island mound, looking back towards the camp for a moment to make sure all was well...- -I hopped down into the skiff, reaching back for the Sorp Shell, I lowered it carefully down into the middle of the flat bottomed barge vessel... careful to keep the weight balanced. The waters looked calm and hopefully they would stay that way... it was dark now, almost pitch black in fact … thankfully the bright canvass of stars and moons overhead cast at least SOME glow down towards us. It would be hard traversing the land in darkness and the wildlife was more active around this parts at night so it was going to be a dangerous and long journey home... we could not bring a torch either, simply because a moving light would most definitely attract those winged tharlarion to us... It was eerily silent but off in the distance I heard a faint splash...turning back to you now were you hopefully stood up on that ledge... I didn't wait for an invitation, My hands reached up, claiming a firm grasp of your hips only to lift you forward and down towards Me, your body crushing against mine in a grind as I turned and placed you next to the shell... motioning for you to move towards the back of the skiff.... -I unbound the mooring rope and used the oar to push us away from that little island.... taking a kneeling position at the front of the skiff with my back to you. I let the skiff float for a bit to test the weighted balance with that loaded shell. It was fine – but I had definitely made the right decision in leaving the rest of the beast behind... Soon enough, I began to row back the way we had originally come, slow and pacing myself as I knew this would take all night... not only did we have to get back through the marshes in the black of night, but then we had that loooong stretch of Vosk to tackle all the way back to Sulport... luckily for you, there was only one Oar and I was not into sharing things... The Oar was mine and so It would be my arms driving us home through the night... After the Sorp Shell discovery … the pain would be worth it.... -And to make matters worse... I was still topless and it started to fucking rain! … At least I wouldn't need a bath when we got home... (05/18/14 22:11:52 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| -=Marshes=- Is traveling throgh the marshes says to .V O L S T A G G of S U : Once you had taken the dagger from between my teeth, the smile spread to take up the entirety of my face. I turned from you, moving towards the rear of the island where the skiff awaited. Three steaks held in the crook of each arm. I moved, so that you could descend first and then I'd wait to handoff the wrapped meat so that I could lower myself down into the skiff. As you adjusted your treasure in the skiff, my own eyes turned upwards to the descending darkness. Already the twinkle of stars filled the vastness of the sky. I could enjoy the marsh, if it was like this always. The humidity had died away and it was actually kind of chilly. My attention was jerked back to you when I felt the grip of your hands on my hips. As though I weighed nothing, you drew me down and against you. The soft curves of my body flattened against the unforgiving lines of your body as we collided. Your warmth burned through the thin robes intensely and I gasped aloud at the contact. The high curve of cheeks flushed softly and my face lifted so that I could see your eyes. I stood there for a moment, my breath caught in my throat before I was able to tear my eyes away. I had a moment where I thought to say something but the words simply would not reveal themselves to me. In shocked silence, I moved towards the back of the skiff, careful not to fall, the wrapped meat held against me was then laid aside. In truth, I had forgotten I had even carried them. I huddled down in the back of the skiff, watching your form as you took up the oar and began to row. When the rain began to fall, I curled into a tighter ball, drawing my legs up beneath the my robes and wrapping my arms tightly around them. I tried to relax, but found myself shivering. Raindrops fell all around us, rippeling the waters surface with its intensity. My hair grew heavy as it became wet, raindrops glistened along the curve of long lashes as I blinked them away. But I continued to watch you row, the precise way in which you alternated the oar to either side of the skiff. You never failed to surprise me. And I realized...I rather liked that about you. A lot. |
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7:16 PM Jul 11