Setting Out

Writers: Ainsley, Cali
Date Posted: 19th March 2009

Characters: Barthella, Nimroy
Description: Nimroy and Barthella begin their journey with a little company.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 2, day 3 of Turn 5
Notes: NPCs: Yafeu, Lavanya

Nimroy checked the runners carefully as he awaited Barthella's arrival. He was not using his own runner, but one more suited to the canyon roads that they would be traversing. He wondered about Barthella's experience on runners, something he probably should have discussed with her before. These were sturdy steeds and surefooted, but their gait was not as comfortable as some.

"Oh, how lovely, you've got one ready for me." Barthella said as she approached. She had a double satchel being carried by one of the vintner apprentices and watched as he slung it across the runner and attacked it like he'd been doing so for turns. She'd have to remember to give that boy a sweet tart when she returned.

"Of course! What kind of gentleman would I be to keep a lovely lady waiting on such a brisk morning?" Nimroy answered with a mock bow and boyish grin. He moved to check that the satchel was secure, and then turned to give the apprentice an approving nod as well as slipping him a 1/32 mark on the sly. He had been chastised by many for his regularity in slipping such marks to young apprentices and drudges, but Nimroy remembered what it was to be that age and seeking approval, not to mention having a bit to spend at a gather. In this apprentice's case, he would also have something to tell when he got back to the dorm.

After the boy had left, Barthella gave a soft chuckle. "Don't think I didn't see that. You'll have apprentices at your beck and call from now on you know."

Nimroy shrugged a bit sheepishly, "I have a brother that berates me whenever he sees me do that. Insists that they'll begin to think it's their due as opposed to understanding their place, but I think everyone deserves a bit of extra appreciation now and again. Now, can I help you mount your steed, my dear lady?"

"I'm quite able, but thank you." she demonstrated by grabbing ahold of the saddle horn and pulling herself up onto the runner. "I may ask for a few breaks here and there though, I don't ride as often as I should for these sorts of travels."

Pleased that Barthella seemed more than capable to handle herself and her runner, Nimroy moved to his own mount. "I'm sure I'll be more than ready for a break when the time comes. I didn't ride nearly as much this last spring as I normally do, and it's been only slightly more this summer," he stated as he settled himself into the saddle.

Barthella noticed a couple coming out of the stables, also laden for travel. "We have company?" she was glad, the more in a group, the safer they all were from raiders.

"Yes, this is Yafeu and his wife Lavanya, they are traveling to the coast to visit family," Nimroy answered "Yafeu is a guard here at the Hold."

"Well met Lavanya," Barthella said giving the young girl a warm smile. "Yafeu I know well, he rescued one of my serving girls a few months back from some rather drunken travelers."

"And this is Barthella, the cook at the Vintner Hall's tavern," Nimroy continued the introduction as the young woman gave an equally friendly nod to Barthella. "I'm glad to see you are familiar with Yafeu. He is a very good man to have around."

Barthella gave a playful smile, "Good indeed. I feel most safe with two strong men to protect us on our journey."

"I feel better having company as well." Lavanya admitted. She never did well around new people, but she knew she'd have to make conversation at some point along their journey. "Yafeu says there isn't anything to worry about... but you hear stories..."

"Patrols have reported no concerns," Nimroy supplied, hoping to ease the young woman's fears and choosing not to mention that patrols had been increased due to the recent thefts. "Traveling in a group as we are, I am sure our trip will go smoothly. Our biggest concern might be finding out that one or more of us snores incessantly," Nimroy quipped with a grin. "Runner stations tend to have tight quarters."

Barthella's runner started to amble out of the hold, feeling the need to follow Nimroy's superior steed. "Ladies do not snore, and if you're ever to woo a new wife, you'd be smart to remember that."

"Ah, that's what I'm doing wrong, and all of this time I thought it was my table manners! Why can't men offer each other such sound advice, Yafeu?"

"I don't know, sir. Woman are wonderfully mysterious creatures," the guard answered.

"Oh, now you are just trying to earn bonus points! Don't you fall for that, Lavanya."

The young girl was uncomfortable with such playful banter, especially with someone of rank, still she did her best to play along. "Too late I'm afraid."

Barthella grinned and readjusted herself in the saddle. "Come on now, surely we can travel a bit faster, we'll never make the runner station before dark at this pace."

"Your wish is my command," Nimroy stated spurring his horse to pick up the pace.

Last updated on the March 21st 2009

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Setting Out