Fable - Ask Seeking Aid of the Dawn
- Thread starter Tiglath
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- helena of dawn
A roleplay which may be open to join but you must ask the creator first
- Messages
- 19
- Character Biography
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"By the gods could you take smaller steps? I don't have tree trunks to walk on like you!" The cantankerous Belduun complained. The man's voice was like gravel crunching under an iron shod boot, and had done its share of grating on Ubnara's nerves. With a long, low grunt the orc woman shortened her stride, chafing at the restriction. Her eyes rolled upwards, as if beseeching the gods to rid her of the man so she could take her pay off of his body and be done with it all. She would not kill him outright out of principle.
Ubnara had visited the man's village, Kirktu, from time to time to trade. They were crafters of leather goods, rather reknowned for it, and she traded with them herbal potions and furs. That was the extent of her interaction with the humans in Kirktu, until her most recent visit.
Belduun, the village elder and lead trader, had been beside himself. The traveling traders had ceased to stop at the village, for fear of a creature that had stalked the roads fearlessly. There were no lords or rulers to offer men to patrol that stretch of road, and a daring attempt by village hunters to take it left several dead and wounded. Belduun was desperate to rid them of the beast, and had a plan. He was going to enlist the aid of the altruistic knights at Astenvale. His next scheme was to convince Ubnara to escort him safely to the knight's monastery.
A little miffed that she was not asked to take on the beast herself, Ubnara decided the village could not offer her enough to risk her life to slay the beast anyway. Besides, she had no idea what it was. But she would take the coin to deliver the village elder to the Knights. It would be considerably safer, though the journey would be far from pleasant.
"You don't need an armed escort, you need a guide." The orc hunter quarreled. They had followed the trail for miles through the forest, ensuring a wide berth of the woods where the Eldyr Tree was said to rise above the landscape. Ubnara was irritated that she had nothing more to track or follow to assure her they were indeed heading in the right direction.
"I know where I am going. See that rock formation, out there?" He croaked, pointing out through the trees to a vast opening ahead. The landscape was dominated by a rock formation, beneath which could be seen the hint of man made structures. The plain before it was dotted with monoliths.
"Hmmph..." Ubnara hummed, irked. So the old man did know where he was going. She hitched at the twin axes thrust through her belt at either hip and shrugged her shoulders to settle the bow and quiver on her back. She was not well armored, wearing only a leathern halter and loincloth with knee high hid boots. She didn't like restrictive garments. Ubnara then headed to the edge of the woods at full stride, her numerous auburn highlighted brunette braids swaying with her swagger. She could hear Belduun grumbling and complaining behind her.
Passing by the monoliths, Ubnara paused to study the runic gravings. They were unintelligible to her, and she raised a hand tentatively to touch them, but when a curious sheen moved across the runes, the orc's hand stayed, then lowered.
They finally drew near to the complex, passing several ruined out buildings until they found themselves at the edge of the compound proper.
When she had been elected Captain of Dawn, Helena did not realize how much of her time would be spent looking over supply lists. Checking numbers. Reading over missives to be sent and received.
Out:
Two horses, questing rations for eight pairs. Supplies for Gwinholm - poultices, seeds, blankets.
In:
Two wagons of food supplies - Ten sacks of grain, slabs of cured meat, fresh produce from neighboring settlements (1 week's worth). Salt. Spices. Drink.
Someone had gotten lazy. But she could not say she blamed them. She sighed, and put the paper down, forefinger and thumb raised to her temples and she messaged the ache that formed there beneath her skull. "I'll have to remind everyone of the importance of clear and precise note taking at the next meeting of the council,"
There came a knock at the door of her office chamber. "Captain Helena,"
"Come in," she said as she grabbed up the stray pieces of parchment and put them together with a tap on her desk.
In entered a young human woman, dark of hair and clad in black armor. She stopped before the captain. "Ma'am," she pressed her fist to her chest in salute, and bowed her head. Helena nodded in recognition. The younger knight rose and spoke. "A village elder has come from Kirktu seeking aid, normally I would take such news to a pursuant, but..."
"Yes, many of our Pursuants are out questing, or on patrols along the wilds." She smiled small and rose from her seat. "No matter. I grew tired of paperwork, come, let me meet with this elder."
The younger knight bowed her head once more. "Yes ma'am, they are in the courtyard."
----
Out in the open air Helena moved with her head held high, and her white cape trailed gently behind her. "Hail, Elder Belduun," she called out, voice firm. A tone that inspired assurance. Her eyes found the orc woman who idled by. "And well met to you as well, mistress," she inclined her head to the warrior, clad in leathers and well equipped, then the elder. "I am Knight Captain Helena, and Lilian here," she nodded to the young woman in black armor. "Tells me of your plight." She looked at the bent old man, and the pained look on his face. Before he could begin recounting, Helena cut in again. "But let us feed you and offer your weary soles a brief rest first," she ushered them to follow, and lead them toward the mess hall.
----
Gathered about a solid old piece of wood, the Knight Captain sat with her guests. A squire brought hot venison stew, spiced with black pepper and aromatics, along with some fresh rounds of bread, and a plate with butter to spread. It was simple fare, but hearty and well made.
Helena gestured with an open palm, and invited them to the food. "Please, eat your fill, and speak your tidings when able."
Lilian had the grace to wait for the elder and the warrior to break bread before she began to eat in turn. Helena simply sat and waited.
Belduun made small noises, as if he quibbled in his mind whether to eat first, or begin telling the tale. But the road had been long, and his old bones ached. He snatched up a piece of bread, tore into it, and ate. A few big bites later, and he nodded. Ready. "Th-thank you, Captain Helena, I," he laughed nervously, and he seemed to struggle to find the right words. "The road was hard, but I am glad we've found our way here," his head bobbed as he closed his eyes and tried to gather his courage. "You see, Kirktu has been, well, we have been cut off from most of our trade," there was a sadness in his froggy voice. "A foul creature has taken roost near enough the main road, and has already claimed the lives of many a 'van horse and oxen. Not to mention our livestock."
"What manner of creature?" Helena asked, eyebrow raised with interest.
"At first we thought it no more than some mad bear, turned monster by the taint that still lingers in the woods, and we hoped our hunters could be rid of it, but..." his eyes grew hard and distant, and he shook his head in dismay. "No, the survivors described it as the forest come to life, the trees turned to vengeance," he sighed and looked down at the food. "We think it may be a spirit gone mad," he looked up at the two knights. "We fear it may be Okkos, turned demon by the corruption."
"Okkos?" Lilian said with alarm. "Are you certain?"
Helena's face betrayed none of her own fears. Her eyes steeled, and her look distant. "Okkos is thought to be one of the few spirits that still walk the wilds of the Vale," she said, and turned her head to look out through one of the windows, from which golden light of day did pour. "If he is turned, then the corruption is recent." She looked back to Alduun, and then the orc in turn. "Why and how matter a great deal."
The old man shook his head in defeat. "I, I don't know anything about that, Lady Captain, I, I just know our small village can't go much longer with it still lurkin about the trade routes." He took another hunk of bread, and plopped it into his mouth.
A nod came from the Knight Captain. "Yes, rest assured, we will do what we can to remedy that situation," her eyes turned to the warrior. "What of you, proud mistress? Have you heard any news of Okkos the Wildheart? May-chance you've heard of some sightings that might disprove this dark possibility?"
Out:
Two horses, questing rations for eight pairs. Supplies for Gwinholm - poultices, seeds, blankets.
In:
Two wagons of food supplies - Ten sacks of grain, slabs of cured meat, fresh produce from neighboring settlements (1 week's worth). Salt. Spices. Drink.
Someone had gotten lazy. But she could not say she blamed them. She sighed, and put the paper down, forefinger and thumb raised to her temples and she messaged the ache that formed there beneath her skull. "I'll have to remind everyone of the importance of clear and precise note taking at the next meeting of the council,"
There came a knock at the door of her office chamber. "Captain Helena,"
"Come in," she said as she grabbed up the stray pieces of parchment and put them together with a tap on her desk.
In entered a young human woman, dark of hair and clad in black armor. She stopped before the captain. "Ma'am," she pressed her fist to her chest in salute, and bowed her head. Helena nodded in recognition. The younger knight rose and spoke. "A village elder has come from Kirktu seeking aid, normally I would take such news to a pursuant, but..."
"Yes, many of our Pursuants are out questing, or on patrols along the wilds." She smiled small and rose from her seat. "No matter. I grew tired of paperwork, come, let me meet with this elder."
The younger knight bowed her head once more. "Yes ma'am, they are in the courtyard."
----
Out in the open air Helena moved with her head held high, and her white cape trailed gently behind her. "Hail, Elder Belduun," she called out, voice firm. A tone that inspired assurance. Her eyes found the orc woman who idled by. "And well met to you as well, mistress," she inclined her head to the warrior, clad in leathers and well equipped, then the elder. "I am Knight Captain Helena, and Lilian here," she nodded to the young woman in black armor. "Tells me of your plight." She looked at the bent old man, and the pained look on his face. Before he could begin recounting, Helena cut in again. "But let us feed you and offer your weary soles a brief rest first," she ushered them to follow, and lead them toward the mess hall.
----
Gathered about a solid old piece of wood, the Knight Captain sat with her guests. A squire brought hot venison stew, spiced with black pepper and aromatics, along with some fresh rounds of bread, and a plate with butter to spread. It was simple fare, but hearty and well made.
Helena gestured with an open palm, and invited them to the food. "Please, eat your fill, and speak your tidings when able."
Lilian had the grace to wait for the elder and the warrior to break bread before she began to eat in turn. Helena simply sat and waited.
Belduun made small noises, as if he quibbled in his mind whether to eat first, or begin telling the tale. But the road had been long, and his old bones ached. He snatched up a piece of bread, tore into it, and ate. A few big bites later, and he nodded. Ready. "Th-thank you, Captain Helena, I," he laughed nervously, and he seemed to struggle to find the right words. "The road was hard, but I am glad we've found our way here," his head bobbed as he closed his eyes and tried to gather his courage. "You see, Kirktu has been, well, we have been cut off from most of our trade," there was a sadness in his froggy voice. "A foul creature has taken roost near enough the main road, and has already claimed the lives of many a 'van horse and oxen. Not to mention our livestock."
"What manner of creature?" Helena asked, eyebrow raised with interest.
"At first we thought it no more than some mad bear, turned monster by the taint that still lingers in the woods, and we hoped our hunters could be rid of it, but..." his eyes grew hard and distant, and he shook his head in dismay. "No, the survivors described it as the forest come to life, the trees turned to vengeance," he sighed and looked down at the food. "We think it may be a spirit gone mad," he looked up at the two knights. "We fear it may be Okkos, turned demon by the corruption."
"Okkos?" Lilian said with alarm. "Are you certain?"
Helena's face betrayed none of her own fears. Her eyes steeled, and her look distant. "Okkos is thought to be one of the few spirits that still walk the wilds of the Vale," she said, and turned her head to look out through one of the windows, from which golden light of day did pour. "If he is turned, then the corruption is recent." She looked back to Alduun, and then the orc in turn. "Why and how matter a great deal."
The old man shook his head in defeat. "I, I don't know anything about that, Lady Captain, I, I just know our small village can't go much longer with it still lurkin about the trade routes." He took another hunk of bread, and plopped it into his mouth.
A nod came from the Knight Captain. "Yes, rest assured, we will do what we can to remedy that situation," her eyes turned to the warrior. "What of you, proud mistress? Have you heard any news of Okkos the Wildheart? May-chance you've heard of some sightings that might disprove this dark possibility?"
Last edited:
- Messages
- 19
- Character Biography
- Link
The monastery was the most unique place Ubnara had seen in her limited travels. While most structures were at odds with their surroundings, displacing the landscape until eventually time allowed nature to overcome, Astenvale seemed to be in union with the terrain. There was something about the place, something old and almost sacred. The orc could see the pall of reverence wash over Beldluun, the old curmudgeon falling quiet, almost timid.
A figure appeared. A woman in armor of black. A fine suit it was, unlike any Ubnara had seen soldier or guard wear. The armor of a knight. Belduun addressed the greeter and offered the reason for their visit, and the young armored woman lead them to a courtyard, where they were instructed to wait.
Not long after, the Captain arrived. There was a presence that accompanied the entrance of the knight, Ubnara felt, one could see it in the woman's demeanor, the carriage of her person, the lift of her chin. She was a warrior, a leader, without doubt. With skin dark like iron-rich rock, the tall orc hunter found herself eye to eye with the imposing knight, something not all men and fewer non-orc women had done. This one was no divan-sitter, a fit physique could be discerned where the exquisite armor did not veil.
Ubnara offered a small nod in response to the Captain's greeting, remaining silent as Belduun revealed the purpose of their journey. Ubnara was ecstatic when Helena suggested a meal and rest. The she-orc was not weary, but she was ecstatic at the mention of food. Her stomach was beginning to protest the lack of sustenance.
When the meal arrived, the savory aroma did indeed compel Ubnara's stomach to growl audibly. As it was set before them, she did not hesitate to take a good portion. It was Belduun's place to discuss the matter with the knights. Ubnara would enjoy the meal. She had engaged other races enough to learn some manners, and restrained herself from a typical orc gorging. Nevertheless, her feasting was fervent, and a large hunk of bread was soaked in the stew broth and devoured heartily.
Belduun explained the village's plight, but in more detail than Ubnara had been told. Granted, Ubnara had not asked any further after the beast. Her role did not concern the creature she had not seen herself. But when the village elder described the strange nature of the monster, and began speaking of spirits and Okkos, the orc paused in her feasting. The hairs on the back of her neck raised up.
Emerald eyes lifted to the nobe knight and Ubnara wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. There was no anxiousness in the Captain, but a note of concern could not be missed. Dark, amber-gilded eyes met the green of the orc's, inquiring of Ubnara's knowledge of the matter.
After swallowing her bite of venison, Ubnara sat upright. A finger lifted idly to stroke the end of her right tusk, eyes cast up, as if rifling through memories. "I have neither heard nor seen anything. I saw no other traveler on the road to Kirktu, which I found curious. But I had witnessed signs of slaughter near the road. At first I thought them no more than what remained of a common predator's meal, but upon inspection, the killing did not appear to be done by any beast I know of in the region." She spoke assuredly before dipping another piece of bread into her stew. "There is indeed something...unnatural out there."
A figure appeared. A woman in armor of black. A fine suit it was, unlike any Ubnara had seen soldier or guard wear. The armor of a knight. Belduun addressed the greeter and offered the reason for their visit, and the young armored woman lead them to a courtyard, where they were instructed to wait.
Not long after, the Captain arrived. There was a presence that accompanied the entrance of the knight, Ubnara felt, one could see it in the woman's demeanor, the carriage of her person, the lift of her chin. She was a warrior, a leader, without doubt. With skin dark like iron-rich rock, the tall orc hunter found herself eye to eye with the imposing knight, something not all men and fewer non-orc women had done. This one was no divan-sitter, a fit physique could be discerned where the exquisite armor did not veil.
Ubnara offered a small nod in response to the Captain's greeting, remaining silent as Belduun revealed the purpose of their journey. Ubnara was ecstatic when Helena suggested a meal and rest. The she-orc was not weary, but she was ecstatic at the mention of food. Her stomach was beginning to protest the lack of sustenance.
When the meal arrived, the savory aroma did indeed compel Ubnara's stomach to growl audibly. As it was set before them, she did not hesitate to take a good portion. It was Belduun's place to discuss the matter with the knights. Ubnara would enjoy the meal. She had engaged other races enough to learn some manners, and restrained herself from a typical orc gorging. Nevertheless, her feasting was fervent, and a large hunk of bread was soaked in the stew broth and devoured heartily.
Belduun explained the village's plight, but in more detail than Ubnara had been told. Granted, Ubnara had not asked any further after the beast. Her role did not concern the creature she had not seen herself. But when the village elder described the strange nature of the monster, and began speaking of spirits and Okkos, the orc paused in her feasting. The hairs on the back of her neck raised up.
Emerald eyes lifted to the nobe knight and Ubnara wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. There was no anxiousness in the Captain, but a note of concern could not be missed. Dark, amber-gilded eyes met the green of the orc's, inquiring of Ubnara's knowledge of the matter.
After swallowing her bite of venison, Ubnara sat upright. A finger lifted idly to stroke the end of her right tusk, eyes cast up, as if rifling through memories. "I have neither heard nor seen anything. I saw no other traveler on the road to Kirktu, which I found curious. But I had witnessed signs of slaughter near the road. At first I thought them no more than what remained of a common predator's meal, but upon inspection, the killing did not appear to be done by any beast I know of in the region." She spoke assuredly before dipping another piece of bread into her stew. "There is indeed something...unnatural out there."
Helena's brows knit ever so, and her mouth set into a grim line. "Still without eyes or ears, the world moves," she recited the old adage. "Unnatural killings, by the roadside, yet no sighting or sound of the fiend, and Master Belduun suspects it is the doings of a spirit, lost to the darkness and taint which still scars this land," she nodded to the lady orc. "Thank you, mistress," she said and bowed her head in respect. "Though I realize now I have erred in my conduct, for I never thought to ask for your name?"
She would wait to hear it.
"Captain, if I may," Lilian cut in, and looked over Belduun and the orcess before turning her eyes to her superior who welcomed her input with a nod. "We may be short on Knights Pursuant, but perchance I and a party of Sworn brothers and sisters can venture out, if only to confirm these reports?"
"A prudent course of action," Helena agreed, but looked over the withered old man and thought on his words. "If Okkos has been turned, then haste is of the essence, I shall lead this venture,"
"Oh, thank you captain, thank you!" Belduun blubbered, bowing his head.
Helena shook the thanks away with a hand. "No deed is done yet, Master Belduun, please, save your thanks." her dark eyes turned to the knight in black. "Lilian, I would have you write a report to Captain Selene, informing her of these tidings, and I shall muster those Knights I see most fit for this task, we ride out come the new day,"
Lilian bowed her head. "Right away captain," she made to leave.
"Lilian," Helena cut, a half smile on her lips. "The letter can wait a moment. You best eat warm stew while we still have the opportunity, yes?"
Lilian blinked, "Um, yes captain, I, I suppose you are right."
The captain took up a roll of bread, tore into it and dipped it into her stew and took a bite. She savored the flavor. When she was finished chewing, she turned her eyes back to Ubnara. "Mistress Ubnara, you seem to know the road to Kirktu well enough, and our ventures there have been fewer and farther between than I would care to admit," there was the slightest hint of shame in her eye. "We could use a good guide, and if further aid were offered, the Knights of Anathaeum would be in your debt."
She would wait to hear it.
"Captain, if I may," Lilian cut in, and looked over Belduun and the orcess before turning her eyes to her superior who welcomed her input with a nod. "We may be short on Knights Pursuant, but perchance I and a party of Sworn brothers and sisters can venture out, if only to confirm these reports?"
"A prudent course of action," Helena agreed, but looked over the withered old man and thought on his words. "If Okkos has been turned, then haste is of the essence, I shall lead this venture,"
"Oh, thank you captain, thank you!" Belduun blubbered, bowing his head.
Helena shook the thanks away with a hand. "No deed is done yet, Master Belduun, please, save your thanks." her dark eyes turned to the knight in black. "Lilian, I would have you write a report to Captain Selene, informing her of these tidings, and I shall muster those Knights I see most fit for this task, we ride out come the new day,"
Lilian bowed her head. "Right away captain," she made to leave.
"Lilian," Helena cut, a half smile on her lips. "The letter can wait a moment. You best eat warm stew while we still have the opportunity, yes?"
Lilian blinked, "Um, yes captain, I, I suppose you are right."
The captain took up a roll of bread, tore into it and dipped it into her stew and took a bite. She savored the flavor. When she was finished chewing, she turned her eyes back to Ubnara. "Mistress Ubnara, you seem to know the road to Kirktu well enough, and our ventures there have been fewer and farther between than I would care to admit," there was the slightest hint of shame in her eye. "We could use a good guide, and if further aid were offered, the Knights of Anathaeum would be in your debt."
- Messages
- 19
- Character Biography
- Link
The Knight Captain was an eloquent speaker, at least to the orc's ears. Ubnara's interactions during her journeys had trained her ears well enough to understand the dark warrior, though Helena's language was more formal and polite than the Common she had learned from traders and merchants. So she listened, the orc hunter continuingto enjoy the hearty meal, offering only her name when asked by the armored woman.
It seemed their quest, that of Belduun and she, had come to fruition as the Captain made a decisive choice to investigate the matter. The old villager next to Ubnara practically wiggled with glee and relief, gushing his gratitude. More of the stew disappeared down the orc's bottomless gullet as hasty plans were made. In spite of the urgency, Ubnara appreciated Helena's pragmatism and thoughtfulness, ensuring her lieutenant had her fill as well before making preparations. The Captain too then shared in the meal.
Emerald eyes lifted again when Helena address the she-orc, asking for aid in the mission. Ubnara paused a moment, then finished chewing her bite. Her immediate thought was not what might be in it for her, she was not so mercenary. But Ubnara was practical. Her trade with Kirktu was lucrative, and helping preserve it was in her best interest. But the orc also had to admit a curiosity in the whole matter, from the eerie and strange monster to the admirable knights. A slight nod shifted the auburn-highlighted braids adorning her head as she confirmed her decision.
"Yes." She offered. " I will help you." Ubnara immediately wondered what she had gotten herself into, looking sidelong at Belduun.
It seemed their quest, that of Belduun and she, had come to fruition as the Captain made a decisive choice to investigate the matter. The old villager next to Ubnara practically wiggled with glee and relief, gushing his gratitude. More of the stew disappeared down the orc's bottomless gullet as hasty plans were made. In spite of the urgency, Ubnara appreciated Helena's pragmatism and thoughtfulness, ensuring her lieutenant had her fill as well before making preparations. The Captain too then shared in the meal.
Emerald eyes lifted again when Helena address the she-orc, asking for aid in the mission. Ubnara paused a moment, then finished chewing her bite. Her immediate thought was not what might be in it for her, she was not so mercenary. But Ubnara was practical. Her trade with Kirktu was lucrative, and helping preserve it was in her best interest. But the orc also had to admit a curiosity in the whole matter, from the eerie and strange monster to the admirable knights. A slight nod shifted the auburn-highlighted braids adorning her head as she confirmed her decision.
"Yes." She offered. " I will help you." Ubnara immediately wondered what she had gotten herself into, looking sidelong at Belduun.
Some weight was lifted from Helena's shoulders upon Ubnara's acceptance of the quest, and the Knight Captain smiled, her look a mix of warmth and sorrow, for the task at hand was like to be no small venture. "Thank you," she said in response, and bowed her head with a deep sense of gratitude. "You may treat Astenvale as your own home while you rest with us, Ubnara, and know that you are most welcome to what we offer." Helena looked to Belduun, and nodded to him in turn. "Master Belduun, it is best you remain in the Monastery for the time being, for we will go with great haste on the morrow."
Belduun blinked, and looked at the she-orc, and then at the lady knight who had taken up his plea. "Why, yes Lady Helena, I, I understand." He cast his eyes down with a weary look. "Were I but a decade or two younger, then I would not hesitate in joining you," his lips spread into a thin smile. "But time has taken its toll on me, and even coming this far was much for this weathered old sack."
"There is no need to for shame, Elder of Kirktu, for you have fulfilled your purpose, and found aid for you people," Helena assured, and nodded gently toward Belduun.
The old man looked to protest, but he found some measure of truth in her words, and nodded. "Aye, I suppose I did." He looked down at his food, the stew mostly gone save a few chunks of potato left half devoured in the thick liquid.
"Lilian," Helena cut.
The dark haired Knight had a spoonful of food in her mouth, and she quickly scarfed it down with a gulp and wiped at her mouth the the back of her gloved wrist. "Yes, Captain?" She replied.
"Master Belduun looks weary, and in need of rest," Helena turned her eye to the pursuant of the loch. "Please see to it that he is well accommodated for his stay, and inform the squires that he is to be treated as an honored guest during his stay."
"Yes, Captain," the pursuant took a few more quick spoonfuls of stew and sopped up what was left in the plate before she popped it into her mouth, hungrily, chewed, swallowed, and stood up as she cleared her throat. "Right this way, Master Belduun," she gestured he follow.
When it was just Helena and Ubnara, the Knight Captain ate, bit by thoughtful bit. Between a bite she asked. "How is your equipment, Mistress Ubnara?" She took a spoonful. "We have some equipment we may be able to provision you with for this quest, as a token of our gratitude," her eyes shone with a fire of pride. "Our smiths have talent, and our equipment carries more to it than mere steel." She took a piece of bread, and ate it calmly.
Belduun blinked, and looked at the she-orc, and then at the lady knight who had taken up his plea. "Why, yes Lady Helena, I, I understand." He cast his eyes down with a weary look. "Were I but a decade or two younger, then I would not hesitate in joining you," his lips spread into a thin smile. "But time has taken its toll on me, and even coming this far was much for this weathered old sack."
"There is no need to for shame, Elder of Kirktu, for you have fulfilled your purpose, and found aid for you people," Helena assured, and nodded gently toward Belduun.
The old man looked to protest, but he found some measure of truth in her words, and nodded. "Aye, I suppose I did." He looked down at his food, the stew mostly gone save a few chunks of potato left half devoured in the thick liquid.
"Lilian," Helena cut.
The dark haired Knight had a spoonful of food in her mouth, and she quickly scarfed it down with a gulp and wiped at her mouth the the back of her gloved wrist. "Yes, Captain?" She replied.
"Master Belduun looks weary, and in need of rest," Helena turned her eye to the pursuant of the loch. "Please see to it that he is well accommodated for his stay, and inform the squires that he is to be treated as an honored guest during his stay."
"Yes, Captain," the pursuant took a few more quick spoonfuls of stew and sopped up what was left in the plate before she popped it into her mouth, hungrily, chewed, swallowed, and stood up as she cleared her throat. "Right this way, Master Belduun," she gestured he follow.
When it was just Helena and Ubnara, the Knight Captain ate, bit by thoughtful bit. Between a bite she asked. "How is your equipment, Mistress Ubnara?" She took a spoonful. "We have some equipment we may be able to provision you with for this quest, as a token of our gratitude," her eyes shone with a fire of pride. "Our smiths have talent, and our equipment carries more to it than mere steel." She took a piece of bread, and ate it calmly.
- Messages
- 19
- Character Biography
- Link
Ubnara had eaten with a painfully measured pace, out of courtesy for the graciousness of her host. She supposed Orcs had a reputation of being uncouth, which Ubnara realized was true, from the perspective of other peoples. She was by no means ashamed of her kind, quite the opposite, Ubnara was proud of her strong race, but there were times when acceptance was more important than pride. She had learned to abide by the customs and manners of others.
A small smile touched her lips at Helena's generous offer of hospitality, giving the she-orc's youthful features an even more human-like appearance, in spite of her tusks. She was deeply impressed by the genuine nature of the Knight Captain's commitment to the safety of the small village, and the urgency of her response. Such selflessness and compassion was rare among the traders, merchants and caravan folk with which Ubnara was acquainted. The Knights of Astenvale smacked of the chivalrous stories of old heard around caravan campfires.
Once alone with Helena, Ubnara continued to eat, making the last few bites last as long as possible. She was asked about her equipment. Gazing over the exquisite armor of the knight, Ubnara could see how primitive she must have appeared. Again, there was no shame in it, just a matter of fact. Helena was well equipped for battle.
Ubnara's bow and arrows was well crafted by skilled orc bowyers and fletchers, better than any she had seen in her travels. Her axes were sufficient, well crafted but of a lower carbon steel, unlike weapons carried by greater orc warriors. And, of course, she wore only sparse leathers, and had no armor of her own.
"My bow is strong, but my axes are of inferior steel, Captain." She admitted. "I have no armor." The orc hunter added. "If we are to face something... like this, I would welcome the lending of fitter arms and armor." The she-orc replied with an unusual humility.
Helena
A small smile touched her lips at Helena's generous offer of hospitality, giving the she-orc's youthful features an even more human-like appearance, in spite of her tusks. She was deeply impressed by the genuine nature of the Knight Captain's commitment to the safety of the small village, and the urgency of her response. Such selflessness and compassion was rare among the traders, merchants and caravan folk with which Ubnara was acquainted. The Knights of Astenvale smacked of the chivalrous stories of old heard around caravan campfires.
Once alone with Helena, Ubnara continued to eat, making the last few bites last as long as possible. She was asked about her equipment. Gazing over the exquisite armor of the knight, Ubnara could see how primitive she must have appeared. Again, there was no shame in it, just a matter of fact. Helena was well equipped for battle.
Ubnara's bow and arrows was well crafted by skilled orc bowyers and fletchers, better than any she had seen in her travels. Her axes were sufficient, well crafted but of a lower carbon steel, unlike weapons carried by greater orc warriors. And, of course, she wore only sparse leathers, and had no armor of her own.
"My bow is strong, but my axes are of inferior steel, Captain." She admitted. "I have no armor." The orc hunter added. "If we are to face something... like this, I would welcome the lending of fitter arms and armor." The she-orc replied with an unusual humility.
Helena
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A nod came as Helena's response. "Then we will pay the armorer a visit after we finish our meal," another spoonful of stew, another brief moment of quiet as she ate. "Pray tell, Mistress Ubnara, for I am curious," the Captain started again, her meal finished she set the spoon in the bowl and pushed it forward. She lifted her gaze and it was touched by the gold fire glow of the sun as it met the lady orc's. "Why accept our plea?" There was a flash of vulnerability there, a flicker where the certainty seemed to wane before it burned bright again and sure. "For I am grateful, but rare is the soul who offers aid without first seeking reward, and when first I asked, I had not promised reward beyond our gratitude," she smiled softly, tinged with a sweet hurt. "And that we need ask for help speaks of our own plight, does it not?"
Why she opened up to this stranger, even Helena could not say. Surrounded by her peers, no, those who depended on her, those who looked to her for leadership. Perhaps it was because Ubnara was from the world beyond Astenvale, beyond the holds of lore and the traditions old, that she felt so willing to speak.
Why she opened up to this stranger, even Helena could not say. Surrounded by her peers, no, those who depended on her, those who looked to her for leadership. Perhaps it was because Ubnara was from the world beyond Astenvale, beyond the holds of lore and the traditions old, that she felt so willing to speak.
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A grunt that could have been a sign of acknowledgment, and maybe even gratitude, rumbled in the she-orc's throat at the prospect of seeing the monastery's armorer. While the warm, welcomed bowl of stew came to the last few spoonfuls, Helena continued the conversation in a new vein.
As the knight's amber-gilded gaze lifted to the orc, Ubnara had to admit that the dark-skinned woman warrior was quite beautiful, and was somewhat surprised that the knight's features were unmarred by battle. Ubnara supposed that was due to a good helmet. But as Helena posed her questions of the orcess, Ubnara began to discern some scars not left by physical harm betrayed in the captain's noble visage. There was a genuine curiosity in the knight's inquiry, and an unexpected suggestion of vulnerability. While the orc hunter was not accustomed to intimate conversations, the confidence inferred in Helena's words drew Ubnara in, if only because Helena had already earned a measure of admiration from the orc.
The tip of her tongue darted out to savor the residue of broth from her lips and tusks. The head adorned with tight braids of brown and auburn nodded slightly, understanding why the knight would wonder about the orc's motive. Emerald eyes met Helena's gleaming gaze. "I don't seek wealth or power, like the city-dwellers, only what I need to live as I please, which is rather simply." She explained. Her eyes drifted over the room before returning to the captain. "Captain, I will receive what I desire, trade to flow again to Kirktu, the end of something unnatural and tainted, and to see what sort of mettle the Knights of Anathaeum are made of."
The orc paused only a breath before continuing in he gruff accent. "If you mean by plight the lack of souls in these lands who serve others at risk to themselves, it is not to the shame of those who do." Ubnara added to assure the knight that she saw no weakness in their lack of numbers.
Helena
As the knight's amber-gilded gaze lifted to the orc, Ubnara had to admit that the dark-skinned woman warrior was quite beautiful, and was somewhat surprised that the knight's features were unmarred by battle. Ubnara supposed that was due to a good helmet. But as Helena posed her questions of the orcess, Ubnara began to discern some scars not left by physical harm betrayed in the captain's noble visage. There was a genuine curiosity in the knight's inquiry, and an unexpected suggestion of vulnerability. While the orc hunter was not accustomed to intimate conversations, the confidence inferred in Helena's words drew Ubnara in, if only because Helena had already earned a measure of admiration from the orc.
The tip of her tongue darted out to savor the residue of broth from her lips and tusks. The head adorned with tight braids of brown and auburn nodded slightly, understanding why the knight would wonder about the orc's motive. Emerald eyes met Helena's gleaming gaze. "I don't seek wealth or power, like the city-dwellers, only what I need to live as I please, which is rather simply." She explained. Her eyes drifted over the room before returning to the captain. "Captain, I will receive what I desire, trade to flow again to Kirktu, the end of something unnatural and tainted, and to see what sort of mettle the Knights of Anathaeum are made of."
The orc paused only a breath before continuing in he gruff accent. "If you mean by plight the lack of souls in these lands who serve others at risk to themselves, it is not to the shame of those who do." Ubnara added to assure the knight that she saw no weakness in their lack of numbers.
Helena
What weariness may have hid there in the dark of her eyes seemed to burn away as she heard Ubnara speak, comforted not only by her honesty, but also her assurance. " I am glad to find myself in the company of not only a wise mind, but also a noble heart," the corners of her lips turned up, ever so, and she bowed her head gently. "I thank you," her eye rose to meet that gaze of emerald once more.
"In a moment of folly, your words have burned away that fog of doubt that so quickly veiled my thoughts" and Helena heeded the words that the huntress had spoken once more in her own thoughts. Helena rose from her seat suddenly and sure. "Come then, you will see the mettle of our order soon enough, but now I will show you the steel of our forge," She gestured, arm swept out in invitation and direction, and her head lowered ever so.
----
They would walk through the mess hall, out to the courtyard, and young squires would pass them by, giving their salutes to their captain when they had enough awareness and proximity to do so. But few were those that looked old enough to be tested, fewer still those that looked hardened for the hardships of quests and the sacrifices demanded by their vigils.
Some trained at swords in the yard, while others still performed some menial chore. From far off, the sound of hammers striking metal rang out, and soon the roar of flame and the crackle of embers filled their ears. A dark plume of smoke rose from the smoke stack of the forge. It was an open air workspace, with anvils and quench troughs spaced neatly apart. It was apparent that whoever oversaw the the area had a keen eye for arrangement and workflow. Still, as they grew closer, the swealtering heat of the burning blazes seemed to emanate from the hut, and he air itself danced and shimmered with energy.
"Hear that?!" boomed a deep and thunderous voice, and soon came a laugh, all rumble and heat. "That is the sound of sweet steel, young ones, open your ears and learn it well!" Spoke the half-giant, Alduin, who towered a whole two heads over those young apprentices that worked the forge fire beside him. They stopped their work, and Alduin took his great hammer back to the bright gold and orange billet. Clang, clang, clang. The sound rang clean and clear, and sparks spewed from each hammer strike. "Ho ho! Roki, you sure did bring some mighty fine iron back from your venture, well done, squire, well done!"
"Thank you, Master Alduin," the young orc squire said with a proud grin quirking his tusks.
"Ah, if it ain't the lady of Dawn herself," Alduin said as he set his hammer down, and stuck the metal billet back in the forge. He turned from his task, and stepped toward the Captain and the Orcess. "Come on you whipper snappers, no loligagin, you all tend to your tasks!" he barked with a quick turn of his head, and the young ones did as he bid. His impressive mustache bounced some as he chuckled to himself, and his eyes narrowed on the newcommer. "New prospect?" he asked point blank.
Helena smiled, "If only we would be so lucky," she motioned to the huntress. "Forge-Master Alduin, this is Mistress Ubnara, a huntress who has offered aid in our latest quest."
Alduin bent his head politely, nearly scraping the top of the forge-hut's roof. "Well met, Mistress Ubnara,"
"I have offered her a gift of arms and armor, Forge-master," Helena added.
"Ah, of course," he stroked his beard with thick fingers. "Must be a perilous quest then," he cleared his throat. "Never the less...Roki! Come here boy!"
The young squire blinked, took proper care in setting down his equipment, and hurried over. "Yes, Forge-master?" He replied with a curteous bow.
"See to it Misstress Ubnara recieves a gift of arms and armor," he stroked his beared and looked over the fierce hunter's kit. "An axe, with mark of the wild, a cuirass with mark of life would like suit her well."
"Yes, Forge-master, right away sir!" Roki stepped up to the orcess, and bowed. "Right this way misstress, I will take you to the armory proper."
Helena nodded, "I will be here upon your return, Mistress Ubnara, I must discuss matters with Forge-master Alduin,"
Roki lead her to a room nearby, heavy doors of stone sealed it, and he walked up and scribed a seal across their surface, runes lit up, blue and pale, and the doors slid open on their own. "Magic locks," he said proudly. "Most have to be Sworn before they learn the key," his smile showed no trace of humility, but his voice told all his confidence was earned. He motioned for her to enter.
Upon entering the armory, Ubnara would be greeted with arms and armor neatly set upon wooden racks and wall mounts. Most glistened proudly in the lowlight, few lacked polish, but those were old and ancient things that whispered of greater power.
"Hmm, an axe of the wild, and a cuirass..." Roki trailed off, and his keen eyes scanned the library of equipment as he walked carefully by.
Ubnara Debadn
"In a moment of folly, your words have burned away that fog of doubt that so quickly veiled my thoughts" and Helena heeded the words that the huntress had spoken once more in her own thoughts. Helena rose from her seat suddenly and sure. "Come then, you will see the mettle of our order soon enough, but now I will show you the steel of our forge," She gestured, arm swept out in invitation and direction, and her head lowered ever so.
----
They would walk through the mess hall, out to the courtyard, and young squires would pass them by, giving their salutes to their captain when they had enough awareness and proximity to do so. But few were those that looked old enough to be tested, fewer still those that looked hardened for the hardships of quests and the sacrifices demanded by their vigils.
Some trained at swords in the yard, while others still performed some menial chore. From far off, the sound of hammers striking metal rang out, and soon the roar of flame and the crackle of embers filled their ears. A dark plume of smoke rose from the smoke stack of the forge. It was an open air workspace, with anvils and quench troughs spaced neatly apart. It was apparent that whoever oversaw the the area had a keen eye for arrangement and workflow. Still, as they grew closer, the swealtering heat of the burning blazes seemed to emanate from the hut, and he air itself danced and shimmered with energy.
"Hear that?!" boomed a deep and thunderous voice, and soon came a laugh, all rumble and heat. "That is the sound of sweet steel, young ones, open your ears and learn it well!" Spoke the half-giant, Alduin, who towered a whole two heads over those young apprentices that worked the forge fire beside him. They stopped their work, and Alduin took his great hammer back to the bright gold and orange billet. Clang, clang, clang. The sound rang clean and clear, and sparks spewed from each hammer strike. "Ho ho! Roki, you sure did bring some mighty fine iron back from your venture, well done, squire, well done!"
"Thank you, Master Alduin," the young orc squire said with a proud grin quirking his tusks.
"Ah, if it ain't the lady of Dawn herself," Alduin said as he set his hammer down, and stuck the metal billet back in the forge. He turned from his task, and stepped toward the Captain and the Orcess. "Come on you whipper snappers, no loligagin, you all tend to your tasks!" he barked with a quick turn of his head, and the young ones did as he bid. His impressive mustache bounced some as he chuckled to himself, and his eyes narrowed on the newcommer. "New prospect?" he asked point blank.
Helena smiled, "If only we would be so lucky," she motioned to the huntress. "Forge-Master Alduin, this is Mistress Ubnara, a huntress who has offered aid in our latest quest."
Alduin bent his head politely, nearly scraping the top of the forge-hut's roof. "Well met, Mistress Ubnara,"
"I have offered her a gift of arms and armor, Forge-master," Helena added.
"Ah, of course," he stroked his beard with thick fingers. "Must be a perilous quest then," he cleared his throat. "Never the less...Roki! Come here boy!"
The young squire blinked, took proper care in setting down his equipment, and hurried over. "Yes, Forge-master?" He replied with a curteous bow.
"See to it Misstress Ubnara recieves a gift of arms and armor," he stroked his beared and looked over the fierce hunter's kit. "An axe, with mark of the wild, a cuirass with mark of life would like suit her well."
"Yes, Forge-master, right away sir!" Roki stepped up to the orcess, and bowed. "Right this way misstress, I will take you to the armory proper."
Helena nodded, "I will be here upon your return, Mistress Ubnara, I must discuss matters with Forge-master Alduin,"
Roki lead her to a room nearby, heavy doors of stone sealed it, and he walked up and scribed a seal across their surface, runes lit up, blue and pale, and the doors slid open on their own. "Magic locks," he said proudly. "Most have to be Sworn before they learn the key," his smile showed no trace of humility, but his voice told all his confidence was earned. He motioned for her to enter.
Upon entering the armory, Ubnara would be greeted with arms and armor neatly set upon wooden racks and wall mounts. Most glistened proudly in the lowlight, few lacked polish, but those were old and ancient things that whispered of greater power.
"Hmm, an axe of the wild, and a cuirass..." Roki trailed off, and his keen eyes scanned the library of equipment as he walked carefully by.
Ubnara Debadn
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- Messages
- 19
- Character Biography
- Link
There was no doubt the Order of Anthaeum were warriors of discipline. Captain Helena was shown unwavering respect among the those they passed, who snapped to salute as their captain passed by. Ubnara did indeed note the youth of most members she saw, bud did not judge their readiness by their age. Orcs were trained fighters at a young age. But it was true that experience is what honed a warrior.
In the courtyard there was more activity, again, mostly younger participants, and few that appeared to be veterans. The Orc huntress was beginning to see Helena's dilemma. Plenty of raw recruits, few tried and tested warriors. Ubnara gathered that the knights required highly skilled and disciplined candidates for knighthood, as she discerned Helena and Lilian to be. Their reputation were of elite warriors that embodied virtue, bravery and service.
Ubnara followed in silence to the smithing compound. Here too learners sat under the guidance of a master. A very large master. Ubnara relished the sound of iron and steel hammered into shape, the smell of hot forge and raw ore, the heat of formless metal being worked into tools and weapons that made trade and war possible. She had always admired the smith in their village, and would have been just as pleased to take up the trade herself. But her talents lay elsewhere, and her role was determined by the needs of the village, not her own desires.
Helena paused at a safe distance from the hammering hulk of a man, sparks raining from his pounding hammer. Soon, Ubnara found out that his personality matched the size of his frame. "Well met, Master Smith." Ubnara offered with a nod of her head and a small smile that betrayed her delight.
At Alduin's behest, Ubnara followed the Orc squire Roki, pleased to see her kind represented among the noble knights. He seemed rather proud of the magically-sealed armory, which the orcess found well-deserved. The rune-locked vault was the first of its kind she had witnessed, only deepening her respect of the Knights.
Following the eager orc squire into the armory, the huntress' eyes roved over the stored arms and armor. They were of excellent quality, an enviable collection. Of particular interest were those that lacked sheen and showed wear. They were weapons and armor that had seen campaign, and returned. They were arms with stories.
"How did you find your way here?" Ubnara asked Roki in Common, not knowing what tribe he was from.
Helena
In the courtyard there was more activity, again, mostly younger participants, and few that appeared to be veterans. The Orc huntress was beginning to see Helena's dilemma. Plenty of raw recruits, few tried and tested warriors. Ubnara gathered that the knights required highly skilled and disciplined candidates for knighthood, as she discerned Helena and Lilian to be. Their reputation were of elite warriors that embodied virtue, bravery and service.
Ubnara followed in silence to the smithing compound. Here too learners sat under the guidance of a master. A very large master. Ubnara relished the sound of iron and steel hammered into shape, the smell of hot forge and raw ore, the heat of formless metal being worked into tools and weapons that made trade and war possible. She had always admired the smith in their village, and would have been just as pleased to take up the trade herself. But her talents lay elsewhere, and her role was determined by the needs of the village, not her own desires.
Helena paused at a safe distance from the hammering hulk of a man, sparks raining from his pounding hammer. Soon, Ubnara found out that his personality matched the size of his frame. "Well met, Master Smith." Ubnara offered with a nod of her head and a small smile that betrayed her delight.
At Alduin's behest, Ubnara followed the Orc squire Roki, pleased to see her kind represented among the noble knights. He seemed rather proud of the magically-sealed armory, which the orcess found well-deserved. The rune-locked vault was the first of its kind she had witnessed, only deepening her respect of the Knights.
Following the eager orc squire into the armory, the huntress' eyes roved over the stored arms and armor. They were of excellent quality, an enviable collection. Of particular interest were those that lacked sheen and showed wear. They were weapons and armor that had seen campaign, and returned. They were arms with stories.
"How did you find your way here?" Ubnara asked Roki in Common, not knowing what tribe he was from.
Helena
Wide and curious eyes searched the wares of the armory, scanned the swords and maces, daggers and spears until they found the axes. "Ah!" He exclaimed, and took quick steps over to those fat headed weapons. "Here we go,"
There came a question from the huntress. "Hmm?" He asked without words, hands already clutched around the heft of a runed axe, small enough to fit comfortably in one hand and throw, sturdy enough to chop through shield and tree alike. "Oh, my father was a merchant," he smiled at the orcess, lips curling up around his tusks. "He had been helped by a pair of knights on the road, well before I was born," he laughed a little. "Had pledged a life debt, and so, when it came to my being born, he talked with my ma and well, they agreed upon leaving me here after my tenth year," there was a tinge of sadness there in his voice, but his smile still held.
"Thought it was only right, and that it would help me become a better man." Again he laughed, and the warmth returned to him in full. "Suppose they weren't too wrong about that." he hefted up the axe and started to walk over to Ubnara. "Mistress Ubnara, was it?" he paused before her, "We were originally from the Karkon tribe, or so my mother told me, but my mother didn't right teach me our tongue, north speak I think she said, from the mountains," he offered her up the axe. "Ah, here you are, sorry for the long answer." His eyes shined with that same youthful pride as he held up the gift.
"It's got a rune of the wild engraved into it, and its imbued with said magic," he explained. "If you cant the spell, strength of wild, strength of arm, oh hone my blade ye force most old," the rune lit a feint green, pulsed bright and a ghostly tangle of magic enshrouded the axe-head. "It will gain a boon." he held it out to her, pride still twinkled in his eye. "Ye can fell a tree twice as fast with that bit of magic, you know? Or damn near about," he grinned. "It only lasts a few minutes though, and takes bout an hour or so to gather back its magic without you feeding it any of your own," his eyebrow quirked. "You know any magic, miss?"
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The orc huntress was about to insist that Roki simply call her Ubnara, but realized it was part of the protocol of he order, a practice of respect, so Ubnara didn't correct him. Besides, she liked the sound of 'Mistress Ubnara.'
The young orc's lengthy response allowed Ubnara to hear the lilt of his accent. It was not cleanly Orcish, which is why she could not discern a tribal dialect. Some of her kind would have thought less of the orc squire, being raised outside of a tribe. But Ubnara had traveled enough to lose many of those biases. The Knights seem to raise warriors of skill and honor, which is as much as any orc parent would do. Though the disconnect with his parents and his people may trouble him as he matured.
Roki had continued to seek while he spoke, retrieving a fine looking ax. Ubnara studied it as the orc held it. It gleamed with an eerie glow, and its workmanship was clearly exquisite. She carefully accepted the weapon into her hands. A calloused finger traced the unfamiliar rune. She had never handled, let alone possessed an enchanted thing. Her strong hand wrapped around the haft, feeling the weight and balance of the ax. While Roki offered an example of the ax's power in the efficiency of cutting down a tree, Ubnara found herself imagining it cleaving a shield or splitting open armor.
"No, I don't know any magic." Ubnara replied with a slight shake of her head as she studied the weapon. The orcess still saw magic as a bit beyond her, something suspicious. But here, in her hand, was magic put to practical use. "It is beautiful, Roki." Ubnara declared with sincerity.
The young orc's lengthy response allowed Ubnara to hear the lilt of his accent. It was not cleanly Orcish, which is why she could not discern a tribal dialect. Some of her kind would have thought less of the orc squire, being raised outside of a tribe. But Ubnara had traveled enough to lose many of those biases. The Knights seem to raise warriors of skill and honor, which is as much as any orc parent would do. Though the disconnect with his parents and his people may trouble him as he matured.
Roki had continued to seek while he spoke, retrieving a fine looking ax. Ubnara studied it as the orc held it. It gleamed with an eerie glow, and its workmanship was clearly exquisite. She carefully accepted the weapon into her hands. A calloused finger traced the unfamiliar rune. She had never handled, let alone possessed an enchanted thing. Her strong hand wrapped around the haft, feeling the weight and balance of the ax. While Roki offered an example of the ax's power in the efficiency of cutting down a tree, Ubnara found herself imagining it cleaving a shield or splitting open armor.
"No, I don't know any magic." Ubnara replied with a slight shake of her head as she studied the weapon. The orcess still saw magic as a bit beyond her, something suspicious. But here, in her hand, was magic put to practical use. "It is beautiful, Roki." Ubnara declared with sincerity.
Roki nodded in response to her answer.
"Ha!" the young orc let out with pride. "Well, I only worked on the head, but Hector carved out the handle, and inlaid the rune-work of the shaft," he tapped the tip of his nose as he shared. "Master Alduin had us re-fit the head some three times before he said it was battle ready," he stopped and then he grinned wide with a squint of his eyes. "But I am pleased you like it Miss, I hope it serves you well," he said with a bow.
He was a little less finicky about finding the armor, he sized her up some with his stare, then vanished behind rows of equipment. When he returned he had a pair of thick canvas doublets folded over a shoulder, and a bright cuirass. He laid the cuirass at his feet.
"Alright, I think I measured you up well enough," he said and grabbed one of the doublets and handed it to her. "Let's make sure these fit proper before you head out on your adventure," he laid the other doublet on a table nearby. "This one is a little bigger, in case that one is too small," he said, then as he looked her over once more, he blinked, realizing her own armor and clothing were of a more simplistic design. He cleared his throat and took up the doublet, holding it up and making it easier to slip on. "I can help you make sure its all as it should be of course."
Roki would help Ubnara equip the piece of armor, and explain how the cuirass should feel supported by her hips, resting easily against her body like a second skin. He explained the need for the doublet, as a layer for the armor to rest on. Tedious as it may be, he wanted to ensure that the warrior he armored knew about her new equipment.
"The Cuirass," he said once the armor shell was being fastened and fitted. "Has rune work of life along the inside," he smirked as he worked the leather straps to ensure a good fit. "It should help fend off fatigue, and ward against infections and poison," he pulled tight one strap. "The last two are harder to test than the axe," he laughed, "But the fatigue charm is fully accounted for, I promise you, and our Sworn swear by the other boons," he let go and stepped up and back, laying eyes on the newly equipped warrior. "Well?" He smiled bright with his pointy tusks. "How does it feel?"
"Ha!" the young orc let out with pride. "Well, I only worked on the head, but Hector carved out the handle, and inlaid the rune-work of the shaft," he tapped the tip of his nose as he shared. "Master Alduin had us re-fit the head some three times before he said it was battle ready," he stopped and then he grinned wide with a squint of his eyes. "But I am pleased you like it Miss, I hope it serves you well," he said with a bow.
He was a little less finicky about finding the armor, he sized her up some with his stare, then vanished behind rows of equipment. When he returned he had a pair of thick canvas doublets folded over a shoulder, and a bright cuirass. He laid the cuirass at his feet.
"Alright, I think I measured you up well enough," he said and grabbed one of the doublets and handed it to her. "Let's make sure these fit proper before you head out on your adventure," he laid the other doublet on a table nearby. "This one is a little bigger, in case that one is too small," he said, then as he looked her over once more, he blinked, realizing her own armor and clothing were of a more simplistic design. He cleared his throat and took up the doublet, holding it up and making it easier to slip on. "I can help you make sure its all as it should be of course."
Roki would help Ubnara equip the piece of armor, and explain how the cuirass should feel supported by her hips, resting easily against her body like a second skin. He explained the need for the doublet, as a layer for the armor to rest on. Tedious as it may be, he wanted to ensure that the warrior he armored knew about her new equipment.
"The Cuirass," he said once the armor shell was being fastened and fitted. "Has rune work of life along the inside," he smirked as he worked the leather straps to ensure a good fit. "It should help fend off fatigue, and ward against infections and poison," he pulled tight one strap. "The last two are harder to test than the axe," he laughed, "But the fatigue charm is fully accounted for, I promise you, and our Sworn swear by the other boons," he let go and stepped up and back, laying eyes on the newly equipped warrior. "Well?" He smiled bright with his pointy tusks. "How does it feel?"
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- Character Biography
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Ubnara hefted the runic axe in her had a few more times, making smooth, easy slashes with it in different directions to test it's feel. She nodded at Roki's comments on its construction, sensing the pride in the orc smith apprentice. "I am sure it will prove an excellent weapon." She offered Roki with a grin that bared her ivory-colored tusks.
Slipping her old axe through her belt on her left hip, the new axe was slid in place on her right. Meanwhile, Roki fetched her some armor. Armor was not something she was accustomed too, and was attentive to the male orc's instructions. Without shame, the orcess removed her skimpy leathren halter, allowing Roki to assist her in slipping the doublet over her head and down her torso. The garment was snug against her buxom figure, and she assumed that was necessary to allow the curaiss to fit properly.
As the chest piece was fitted to her body, Ubnara again marveled at the enchantments laid upon it. Would she be able to detect its affects on her? Ubnarahoped so. Once the armor was in place, the huntress found it much less cumbersome than she anticipated. Her calloused hands slid over the smooth metal, shifting her shoulders to further allow the armor to settle in place.
"It is much lighter than I imagined." The huntress exclaimed, her arms swinging in circles, her torso twisting at the waist to test the range of motion allowed by the breastplate. Then she rapped on the steel, emitting a dull, metallic sound. "But strong." She continued. The addition of the axe and armor would certainly be a boon against whatever they faced on their task ahead.
"Thank you again, Roki." The auburn haired she-orc offered the enthusiastic knight-to-be. "I should be returning to Captain Helena." Ubnara added.
Slipping her old axe through her belt on her left hip, the new axe was slid in place on her right. Meanwhile, Roki fetched her some armor. Armor was not something she was accustomed too, and was attentive to the male orc's instructions. Without shame, the orcess removed her skimpy leathren halter, allowing Roki to assist her in slipping the doublet over her head and down her torso. The garment was snug against her buxom figure, and she assumed that was necessary to allow the curaiss to fit properly.
As the chest piece was fitted to her body, Ubnara again marveled at the enchantments laid upon it. Would she be able to detect its affects on her? Ubnarahoped so. Once the armor was in place, the huntress found it much less cumbersome than she anticipated. Her calloused hands slid over the smooth metal, shifting her shoulders to further allow the armor to settle in place.
"It is much lighter than I imagined." The huntress exclaimed, her arms swinging in circles, her torso twisting at the waist to test the range of motion allowed by the breastplate. Then she rapped on the steel, emitting a dull, metallic sound. "But strong." She continued. The addition of the axe and armor would certainly be a boon against whatever they faced on their task ahead.
"Thank you again, Roki." The auburn haired she-orc offered the enthusiastic knight-to-be. "I should be returning to Captain Helena." Ubnara added.
Roki nodded in agreement, and lead the lady orc out of the armory and back to the smithy, there stood Captain Helena, along with a pair of knights. Lilian, the dark haired knight of dusk, and a golden haired half-orc with elfin ears who wore a red birgandine, and a bright round shield on his fore-arm.
"Ah, Mistress Ubnara," Helena announced, her eyes gleamed, and a smile quirked her lip. "That armor suits your strong figure, and that axe looks fine on your hip," she nod her welcome. "Thank you Roki,"
The young orc smith's apprentice nodded, and gave a quick salute. "Do you have any further need of me, Captain Helena?"
"No that will be all Roki, thank you,"
Roki gave a nod to Helena, then another to Ubnara. "Good luck, and remember the cant!" he smiled, and moved off to work in the forge.
"Ubnara, this is Syr Chadwick," Helena motioned to the knight, who didn't look all that much younger than herself.
"Lady Ubnara," the golden haired knight said with a bow. "Captain Helena has informed me that you will be our guide?" he stood up and solemnly, if not a little dramatically went on. "I am honored to work alongside you, and to have you join us on this quest."
"Ok, Chadwick, Let, the lady have some room," Lilian cut in, and shoved the young knight in the way a sibling might.
Helena shook her head, and looked back to the newly outfitted huntress. "Come the morning, we will ride out, and take the quickest road to Kirktu."
----
Night passed too quick, and what little rest was had was dashed by the golden rays of the sun's light as it blazed bright and smoldering beyong the horizon, the deep blue and purple of the early dawn tinted by fire, ever so where the dawn promised to come.
Lilian would wake Ubnara with a wrap of the knuckles against her room's wooden door. "Hope you slept well enough," she said to the lady orc. Quickly, she would take them to the mess hall once her equipment was gathered and placed. They would eat a rushed meal, cold porridge, toasted bread, and a cooked sausage, inhaled more than eaten.
It was still twilight as they moved to the stables, and there as the sun peered over the horizon, it burned gold and orange and pink across the sky, and all the great sea of trees that spread and sway about Astenvale seemed to glitter and shine as the leaves danced and the boughs swayed with the cool morning wind.
Helena's smile spread, warm and with some mischief. "Tell me Mistress, how well do you ride?" She asked as she strapped her saddle down upon her strong courser. Chadwick was there too, preparing his kit and his steed. Other sturdy horses huffed and chewed on their bits, eager for the ride that was sure to come.
Ubnara Debadn
"Ah, Mistress Ubnara," Helena announced, her eyes gleamed, and a smile quirked her lip. "That armor suits your strong figure, and that axe looks fine on your hip," she nod her welcome. "Thank you Roki,"
The young orc smith's apprentice nodded, and gave a quick salute. "Do you have any further need of me, Captain Helena?"
"No that will be all Roki, thank you,"
Roki gave a nod to Helena, then another to Ubnara. "Good luck, and remember the cant!" he smiled, and moved off to work in the forge.
"Ubnara, this is Syr Chadwick," Helena motioned to the knight, who didn't look all that much younger than herself.
"Lady Ubnara," the golden haired knight said with a bow. "Captain Helena has informed me that you will be our guide?" he stood up and solemnly, if not a little dramatically went on. "I am honored to work alongside you, and to have you join us on this quest.""Ok, Chadwick, Let, the lady have some room," Lilian cut in, and shoved the young knight in the way a sibling might.
Helena shook her head, and looked back to the newly outfitted huntress. "Come the morning, we will ride out, and take the quickest road to Kirktu."
----
Night passed too quick, and what little rest was had was dashed by the golden rays of the sun's light as it blazed bright and smoldering beyong the horizon, the deep blue and purple of the early dawn tinted by fire, ever so where the dawn promised to come.
Lilian would wake Ubnara with a wrap of the knuckles against her room's wooden door. "Hope you slept well enough," she said to the lady orc. Quickly, she would take them to the mess hall once her equipment was gathered and placed. They would eat a rushed meal, cold porridge, toasted bread, and a cooked sausage, inhaled more than eaten.
It was still twilight as they moved to the stables, and there as the sun peered over the horizon, it burned gold and orange and pink across the sky, and all the great sea of trees that spread and sway about Astenvale seemed to glitter and shine as the leaves danced and the boughs swayed with the cool morning wind.
Helena's smile spread, warm and with some mischief. "Tell me Mistress, how well do you ride?" She asked as she strapped her saddle down upon her strong courser. Chadwick was there too, preparing his kit and his steed. Other sturdy horses huffed and chewed on their bits, eager for the ride that was sure to come.
Ubnara Debadn
- Messages
- 19
- Character Biography
- Link
Ubnara followed the orc apprentice from the vault and enviable armory, her shoulders flinching and spine flexing in different angles, allowing herself to become more accustomed to the fine cuirass strapped to her torso. The orcess sought to learn its effect on her range of motion and the strong points of its protection. Out in the smithing yard, Ubnara found Captain Helena and Lilian awaiting. With them was a curious blonde fellow, clad in knight's armor like the others.
After giving Roki a smile and nod of gratitude, Ubnara turned at Chadwick's address. "I am, sir knight, and well met." She offered in a rather formal manner that seemed appropriate for the situatlon. But Lilian's teasing of the blonde mixed male gave Ubnara a sense of ease. It seemed they were not so formal as one might have thought.
---
The next morning Ubnara had risen early to ready her gear by the light of a lantern, and was working to strap on the breast plate as Roki had shown her when Lilian knocked on the door.
"Coming." The orc replied. Gathering her gear and arms, Ubnara joined Lilian and followed her back to the mess hall. Even though she wore the knight's breast plate, and the knight's axe was thrust through her belt, Ubnara did not appear like one of the knights. Bones and teeth adorned what little clothing clung to her form. Her trunk-like thighs were bared, leather boots covered her from feet to below the knees. Her upper arms were bared, revealing thick corded muscle, while her forearms were clad with thick leather bracers. Her orcish axe hung on her hip opposite her new weapon, and bow and quiver lay with her pack.
She dined with her new companions, the hasty manner in which the knights ate lifted any restraint the tusked orc had shown the night before, and Ubnara scarfed her meal down with carnivorous ferver.
Outside, the morning was gorgeous, seeming even more so from the monastery. It bode well for their journey, the orc scout thought as they moved to the stable.
As the mounts were readied, Helena posed her question to Ubnara with a wry grin. The auburn-haired orcess returned the sly smile, baring her ivory tusks. "I have accompanied many a caravan as escort, my Captain, I ride well enough." The smile widened. She tossed her pack on the back of a sturdy destrier brought to her by a stable boy.
Helena
After giving Roki a smile and nod of gratitude, Ubnara turned at Chadwick's address. "I am, sir knight, and well met." She offered in a rather formal manner that seemed appropriate for the situatlon. But Lilian's teasing of the blonde mixed male gave Ubnara a sense of ease. It seemed they were not so formal as one might have thought.
---
The next morning Ubnara had risen early to ready her gear by the light of a lantern, and was working to strap on the breast plate as Roki had shown her when Lilian knocked on the door.
"Coming." The orc replied. Gathering her gear and arms, Ubnara joined Lilian and followed her back to the mess hall. Even though she wore the knight's breast plate, and the knight's axe was thrust through her belt, Ubnara did not appear like one of the knights. Bones and teeth adorned what little clothing clung to her form. Her trunk-like thighs were bared, leather boots covered her from feet to below the knees. Her upper arms were bared, revealing thick corded muscle, while her forearms were clad with thick leather bracers. Her orcish axe hung on her hip opposite her new weapon, and bow and quiver lay with her pack.
She dined with her new companions, the hasty manner in which the knights ate lifted any restraint the tusked orc had shown the night before, and Ubnara scarfed her meal down with carnivorous ferver.
Outside, the morning was gorgeous, seeming even more so from the monastery. It bode well for their journey, the orc scout thought as they moved to the stable.
As the mounts were readied, Helena posed her question to Ubnara with a wry grin. The auburn-haired orcess returned the sly smile, baring her ivory tusks. "I have accompanied many a caravan as escort, my Captain, I ride well enough." The smile widened. She tossed her pack on the back of a sturdy destrier brought to her by a stable boy.
Helena
An observant eye may have noticed the slight spread that widened Helena's lips. Impressed, no, her expression was more pleased, more glad. A softer thing. "Very good," she replied and she hefted herself up onto her horse's saddle.
Helena willed her horse forward, with no kick of her heels or snap of the reins, still her steed did stride out, calm and collected as the other horses raised their heads up and watched. In the distant shadow of the tree line, there was a large grey wolf, who eyed them all with its predatory gaze, but it skulked off into the dark as Helena turned about. "Knights of Anathaeum!" She called out, dawn's fire in her voice, and those few gathered about set there eyes on her, and stilled their hands. "I cannot say with any certainty what we will find waiting for us in the wilds about Kirktu!" her horse walked one way, then the other in a steady four beat gait. "But know for certain that peril will be sure to find us!"
Chadwick gulped down a glob of saliva.
"We know these forests, and these lands, and have come to know the darkness that lurks within the wounds that scar these wilds." She looked at them all, grim and certain, "Trust in your training, and trust in each other. For that has seen us through to this day, and it will see us through to our next!" She turned her horse about, toward the road ahead and the horizon beyond, and her fellow knights mounted their horses and walked their steeds out.
What few squires had helped prepare the kits and the packs stood wide eyed in the stables, not sure what had stirred their captain so. And with luck, they would never come to know.
"We ride!" Helena cried, and her horse set off.
After a long ride and a short rest
It was late morning of the second day, and they had reached Kirktu. The horses were tired, worn, and they would not be risked in the wilds while on the hunt, so when the awe had worn off of the villagers, a stable was found for their steeds, and a pack mule was lent to them in exchange.
Helena expressed her deepest thanks, and they loaded the beast as best they could before they set into the wilderness.
"Mistress Ubnara," Helena spoke out. "Can you lead us to site where you found the dead?" She asked.
Lilian adjusted the straps of her pack, and stepped after, while Chadwick pulled along the mule, and Dalan, Knight Sworn of Dusk, took the rear.
Ubnara Debadn
Helena willed her horse forward, with no kick of her heels or snap of the reins, still her steed did stride out, calm and collected as the other horses raised their heads up and watched. In the distant shadow of the tree line, there was a large grey wolf, who eyed them all with its predatory gaze, but it skulked off into the dark as Helena turned about. "Knights of Anathaeum!" She called out, dawn's fire in her voice, and those few gathered about set there eyes on her, and stilled their hands. "I cannot say with any certainty what we will find waiting for us in the wilds about Kirktu!" her horse walked one way, then the other in a steady four beat gait. "But know for certain that peril will be sure to find us!"
Chadwick gulped down a glob of saliva.
"We know these forests, and these lands, and have come to know the darkness that lurks within the wounds that scar these wilds." She looked at them all, grim and certain, "Trust in your training, and trust in each other. For that has seen us through to this day, and it will see us through to our next!" She turned her horse about, toward the road ahead and the horizon beyond, and her fellow knights mounted their horses and walked their steeds out.
What few squires had helped prepare the kits and the packs stood wide eyed in the stables, not sure what had stirred their captain so. And with luck, they would never come to know.
"We ride!" Helena cried, and her horse set off.
After a long ride and a short rest
It was late morning of the second day, and they had reached Kirktu. The horses were tired, worn, and they would not be risked in the wilds while on the hunt, so when the awe had worn off of the villagers, a stable was found for their steeds, and a pack mule was lent to them in exchange.
Helena expressed her deepest thanks, and they loaded the beast as best they could before they set into the wilderness.
"Mistress Ubnara," Helena spoke out. "Can you lead us to site where you found the dead?" She asked.
Lilian adjusted the straps of her pack, and stepped after, while Chadwick pulled along the mule, and Dalan, Knight Sworn of Dusk, took the rear.
Ubnara Debadn