Fate - First Reply Taking in the Sights - Northwest of Bhathairk, Shoreline

[Phillipa Ebonheart]

The wide brimmed hat flapped under the strong breeze that blew in. Of which surprisingly the straw held against the incessant breeze that seemed to roll off the sea before her. The black curls attempted their best impersonation of the night sky across her vision, causing a string of curses to erupt from the hillside that overlooked the view of the waves crashing against the rocks. Hands swatted at the black locks, attempting to take in the magnificent sight she had traveled so far to observe at least once in her life.

Well, what she considered wonderful at least.

To others it was a casual boat trip down the waterway and out into the big blue that awaited them for their daily routines. But someone from outside of Bhathairk could certainly enjoy the different sights than those that had dominated the landscape of Elbion. Especially after the whole place had been sent skyward, even if it had come back down. It also hadn't helped that the whole magical incident had drawn a great deal of her strength out of her, making her retreat to a place of secrecy to ride out the duration of that god's forsaken event of misfortune.

Whether by sheer chance, or poor luck, she had survived the worlds magic eroding. Though it had only shown her the need to do a bit more sightseeing than the backyard of some little lean-to creating medicines for a local village every now and again. Along with reassuring them that no, she had not in fact cursed anyone to be a newt. Nor did she weigh less than a goose.

All horse-feathers and non-sense. Spread by feeble minded fools lacking the common sense and creativity with which to rub together a proper plan.

Her hands pulled the hair from her face, sharp features presented to the bay that blew in a salty breeze along the shore. The sounds of the tide greeting the shore a raucous though pleasing sound to her ears. If only because the change in scenery had freshened the sound once more. Paired with the small selection of flowers that were in bloom, providing a soft fragrance that only appeared when the wind died in those brief and fleeting moments of stillness before being ferried down the way towards the orc town.

She wondered quietly if they enjoyed that drifting scent, or if like everything else about this setting it was lost to them by common-place occurrence.

The belted skirt in the color of midnight danced along with her hair, the pearl colored blouse holding its own against the harried breeze that swept across the shoreline and brought with it the avian creatures from wherever the lot of them had originated. A smile crawled its way up to her eyes, a small sensation of joy creeping into her mind at having visited some far off place. By herself no less, and without much to-do about it.

Of her own accord as well, without being directed here. There was a twinkle to her dark amethyst eyes as her hands cupped together before coming up to encompass her mouth. Opening to produce a sharp whoop that she figured was drowned out by the wind that howled along with her in joyous triumph of the moment. She felt-her eyes squinted a little at the sudden realization that she did not completely understand how she truly felt in that moment.

A great weight had lifted from her shoulders, but she had never realized it had even been present. Her head canted a bit, now lost in the thought of this strange new feeling as the grass drifted back and forth, in rhythm with her midnight

 

[Diedrick]

Diedrick moved forward with belicious grace, his steps careful not to disturb the evergreen nature surrounding him. It took him by surprise that such a place existed so close to civilization, yet he had no complaints, for it refreshed his weary mind. Diedrick breathed in, filling his lungs with liters of salty fragrance, letting it intoxicate him for brief moments before resuming his track. His curious eyes darted from left to right, soaking in the ambient and all its features like a proverbial sponge. Then he saw it, in the distance, a raven-haired woman. Diedrick placed the flat of his palm against the forehead, shielding himself from the sun's intrusive rays while simultaneously squinting, doing his best to discern the stranger's features.



He only caught glimpses of her superficial appearance. Long hair, fair skin, and a shapely, hourglass-like body with accented hips and a physique he would've judged as toned. In his curiosity, Diedrick drew closer, trying to appear non-threatening, which was easier said than done given his stature and size. He had shoulders the width of a family-sized drawer, nicely accented with a pair of rounded muscles that gave his character a whole new layer of flavor. Despite that, he moved with incredible, if not impeccable, fluidity. Swaying from side to side as his braided ponytail did the same. For a moment, Diedrick thanked himself for getting a new hairdo. Gods knew that his natural hair looked and felt like a mop of seaweed, obstructing vision and making him look like an unhygienic caveman.



Once in range, Diedrick's head tipped sideways, his curious orbs trailing over Philipa with overt interest. From what he gathered, she dressed well, even for a lady, and her attire held an air of elegance. To see a woman like that in a predominantly orc-populated territory was rarely, if not totally unheard. Once sufficiently satisfied with his methodic, albeit shallow analysis, the massive man decided to make his presence known.



He bellowed a quick, "HEY!", aiming to catch Philipa's wayward attention. If she turned around, desiring to locate the source of noise, she'd have what to see. A musclebound giant of a man, wearing a tight but flexible tank top with trimmed sleeves, his lower body covered with pine-tinted combat pants that had one too many pockets on them. He was waving at her, a friendly smile tugging at the corners of his lips.



Phillipa Ebonheart

 

[Phillipa Ebonheart]

She was enjoying the surroundings, unaware that anyone else had the same idea as herself for the matter as a sound caught her attention. It had come from behind, which wasn't at all surprising given the direction she was facing. Most anyone would have been approaching from that direction to reach this place, and she hadn't been making herself scarce.

She did turn around to examine the newest arrival. A man of muscle and bravado it seemed as she gave him a cursory glance. Nothing astonishing given her former career at the college of elbion.

The challenge of her position in the department of acquisitions had led her down a number of paths to attain the relics and other fanciful items that littered the continent and deepest depths. All of which had given her chances to see strange and macabre things in her tenure.

From half giants to the undead, dwarves and icy northmen, the sights, sounds, and smells of the world had passed by her in a flash of sharply tuned focus. So sharp that she had done little to enjoy the sights that had been granted her.

Holding the hat atop her head, she kept herself turned to watch the man for a breath before using her free hand to wave back. Seemed honest enough, and had not been so bold as to strike out at her. She set the though aside as she waved them over, content to remain where she was and allow them to join her.

Diedrick

 

[Diedrick]

There was a certain beauty to this strange woman, one he couldn't easily put into words. Even as he approached her, their auras clashed. Diedrick's presence proved itself jovial, friendly, and a tad too extroverted, a stark contrast to Phillipa's reserved, if not outright cunning disposition. Once the distance was no more, Diedrick stole a curious glance at her attire, one that appeared far classier than anything an orc would wear. Hell, it looked better than the attires of mundane elves. Yet something about Phillipa bugged him, like a piece of the puzzle out of place.

"Hello there. I see that you are enjoying the marvelous sight," butted in the voice of a musclebound male that made Phillipa look like a child by comparison. With arms neatly folded under his chiseled chest, Diedrick's gaze fell onto the azure water before them, slightly mesmerized by their hypnotic ebbing. Diedrick took a moment to absorb it all, to let his brain soak like a proverbial sponge. For even, he enjoyed nature and all the wonders it had to offer.

"I have to admit, you choose a remote location, but your," he paused, thinking of what to say, contemplating whether it was Phillipa's hairdo or attire that caught him by surprise first, "dress," continued Diedrick, "stands out as something most unexpected. I take it that you aren't a native? Are you a tourist, or do you live nearby?"

Then it dawned upon Diedrick that he hadn't as much as introduced himself to the lady but was already pelting her with more questions than a person could answer in a reasonable amount of time. With a sheepish chuckle, he shook his head, acknowledging the error within his approach. "How rude of me." Diedrick's voice rang out, laced with irony, its audibility barely above a mumbling whisper. "I am Diedrick, Diedrick Rivendera. And who might you be, stygian-haired lady?"

Phillipa Ebonheart

 

[Phillipa Ebonheart]

Words made her second guess the former opinion, causing a brow to arch at the way he spoke. It wasn't entirely unwelcome, but it put up a subtle mental guard that had been cast aside only a short while ago. Perhaps the company of those on the road had done something to temper the woman as she passed through places. But even time spent abroad could only do so much to remove from memory the sharpness with which certain blades aimed at the heart could wound.

"Nature is unrivaled in its ability to inspire awe and wonder in even the most traveled and tried of beings. Vistas such as this offer a small haven for a weary mind." She offered before he continued, remarking on her attire as she glanced over him once more.

Proximity offered finer detail to his state of dress as she smiled at his observation.

"Touring. I've made a personal crusade of travelling abroad to find, and enjoy the sights of the world." The arched brow dropped, her features set in polite curiosity.

"Either making a tour yourself...or currently seeking work with the," She waved a hand back towards the city. "Locals. I am quite undecided as to the nature of your outfit. Aside from ensuring the sun has its way with your skin." There was a small laugh at the words.

"Well met, Diedrick Rivendera." A nod of her head to his introduction before a small curtsy began her own introduction.

"Phillipa Ebonheart, of the Ebonhearts of Elbion." She kept the title of former elbion college professor from her introduction for the time being.

Diedrick