Private Tales The Edge of Cortosi

[Kasim Areth]

Kasim nodded in agreement. Quietly he was thankful this woman wasnt some princess who insisted on doing foolish things just for the sake of doing them. He had been on the move long enough to know what was a good idea and what was a bad one. For now at least Eirika seemed to have that same sense, though how long that would last he wasnt really sure. He hoped it was for the rest of this trip.

Without another word the jester leaned back further against the wall and wiggled slightly. Getting comfortable in such a cramped space was difficult, but he managed it.

A few hours of sleep would do him good now that his belly was full. Hopefully he wouldnt have to use another rune tomorrow, and if he did they would at least be able to get some supplies from Nasser itself. At least there the prices weren't as gouging as back in Anaset. As long as they didnt learn the truth about him anyway.

Then they'd have more than just one Dreadlord to worry about.

Chills ran up his spine at the thought, and for the first time the truth of this little journey was settling in on him. If they did as she intended they would pass through Vel Anir, home.

The idea made him want to throw up.

 

[Eirika E'sprit]

Initially the rain was little more than a light tapping against the bark on the age old tree above them. Steadily it grew heavier, as if footsteps were dancing atop their heads. Finally, the storm itself came. Roaring thunder and flashing lightning claimed the sky. Eirika could see just beyond the opening puddles forming as the rain could no longer be absorbed by the earth.

The woman leaned her head back, allowing her body to rest, yet concern began to mount that with the amount of rainfall, their tracks would be heavy set in the softened soil, easy to follow for even the most inept tracker. It was certainly an issue, but one that she could do little to avoid, or change. They would just have to make good on their time and hope to pass through town before the horses made it through the Falwood.

Eirika looked to Kasim, noting that the man had already nodded off, and decided to allow herself a few hours of rest.

Kasim Areth

 

[Kasim Areth]

Kasim didn't wake easily, never had.

It had been a problem in his childhood, something that had earned him more than one lashing before he'd run away. He'd never managed to shake the habit, even after all these years. Thus when he finally did wake up, it was only with quite a bit of struggle followed by a groan.

"Ugh." The noise came from his throat as his hands reached up to rub his face. There was no light outside just yet, but the smell of the air was enough to tell him dawn would be soon.

His fingers tightened slightly, slicking back his hair as he finally opened his eyes.

 

[Eirika E'sprit]

Eirika had awoken only a few minutes before. Her arms rested atop her bent knees as her hazel eyes peered out of the hole to the hollow. "Ground is drenched. The rain overnight was heavy. Bootprints will be easily visible going forward." Not even an elf's grace could deter that. "With any luck the muck will slow the horses if they're carrying those steel covered soldiers from town. Especially if they overworked them trying to catch up." There was no way to be certain, but they had to get moving regardless of whether or not they left behind evidence.

Donning the cloak once more the elf clasped it at the collar, pulling the hood up over her head. "Let's get going." The first step out of the hollowed out tree and her feet sunk a few inches into a puddle and soft soil. Carefully she eyed their surroundings, ensuring that there was no sign of soldier or dreadlord. "It's clear." She said, urging Kasim to follow as she headed towards the edge of the forest through the now almost marsh-like terrain.

Kasim Areth

 

[Kasim Areth]

"Dear gods." Kasim said quietly. "How are you already so awake."

The words came as Eirika was already moving out of the alcove, clearly intent on setting a quick pace for the day. He scowled and raised the tunic covering his stomach, glancing at the carved flesh for a brief second before he let out a loud sigh.

Practically dragging himself out into the open Kasim grabbed his pack and somehow managed to end up on his feet. Another sigh escaped him as the Elf began to walk into the forest, his head tilting back to catch some of the sunlight for just a moment. He took a breath, and then began to walk.

His boots mushed into the ground as he walked, feet sinking into the ground with every step.

A part of him wished that they had stolen those horses after all, they would have come in handy here. He moved on behind Eirika without complaint however, knowing that any objection would likely just be met with sharp cutting words. Eventually they'd leave the forest and stand upon the road.

He looked forward to that.

 

[Eirika E'sprit]

"Superior biology." She said bluntly, stepping between two leaning trees whilst pushing aside low hanging branches to clear a pathway to walk through. With each step they took, a tale of their travel was being written in the mud beneath them. An occasional puddle broke the continuous path, but was quickly recovered just a few short feet away. Hopefully their pursuers had been delayed fighting the storm and the terrain. Perhaps they'd be even more fortunate in that they'd have to leave their horses behind, but that was wishful thinking.

An hour or so into their continued journey they broke free of the Falwood, standing at the edge of the treeline looking out into the fields that separated them from Nasser. The grass was rather high and unkempt, but not enough so to disguise their approach or departure from the forest, especially for any on horseback. The town was just in the distance, in sight but far enough that a short sprint certainly wouldn't get them there. Still, the sound of hooves, beckoning calls, or shouting couldn't be heard on the air just yet, so at least there was that.

Kasim Areth

 

[Kasim Areth]

”You'll need a fake name.” Kasim said as he came to stand up besides her, the village just in view beyond the high grass.

It wouldn't be much of a problem for him, Kasim Areth was already a fake name and one that no one around Vel Anir knew. Save for those who had helped him escape in the first place of course. He shifted slightly and then explained further.

”Nasser can be a bit...formal.” He continued. ”Wont do business without introduction.”

Supposedly it was to appear as friendly as possible, but in reality the practice was in place mostly so the guards could track names that were used within the town. Even if they were fake, most bandits were not Intelligent enough to change what fake names were used in a new village.

His brother had come up with the system, a way of keeping Nasser more secure.

 

[Eirika E'sprit]

"I see..."

Eirika found it rather difficult to consider an ambiguous temporary name to give to herself. She struggled with human sounding names, their odd pronunciations and translations from her native language. After several minutes she came to terms with one she felt was adequate. "Fayeth Vabella." The tone in which she spoke the name gave the suggestion that she was gauging whether or not it sounded viable enough to get away with using in front of other humans.

Mannerisms were not concerning to the elf, she had a fluent understanding of human etiquette in that regard.

"If they have suitable bowstring I can make a bow while we travel. We'll need food. I'm planning on stealing a horse while we're here, too."

The idea of 'stealing' a creature that was somehow 'owned' would never make sense to her.

Kasim Areth

 

[Kasim Areth]

Kasim quirked an eyebrow for a moment, then looked at her dress and let out a sigh. The name sounded noble, but she was dressed like a noble. Better to run with that identity and claim she was from the far east beyond Alliria. Most people would buy that.

”If anyone asks you're from the Allirian Reaches. Daughter of a Baron.” Not too high up but still high enough to warrant a little bit of bowing.

It would work.

Doing this had it's own sort of danger, but nothing he couldnt handle with a little bit of fancy talking. These were his people, and he knew how to talk to them. He just hoped that the elf managed to keep up the rise long enough for them to get out of the village again.

”There will be a hunter no doubt. He'll have what you need.” A frown touched his lips though when she spoke again. ”Well need to leave some money if you're going to take a horse.”

He refused to sink to thieving. ”Many people in this village have little to nothing. That horse could very well be their lives.”

It was a strange feeling, arguing for ‘the right thing’ but he couldn't help it here. These were his people after all.

 

[Eirika E'sprit]

"Very well." She nodded. "I'm familiar with the area. Your barons are wealthy land owners, but not lords, yes?"

The idea of paying for a living creature was not something the elf would come to terms with. This was surely to be the first of many impasses to come if they were to travel together. The two had completely separate beliefs, upbringings, and viewpoints of their world.

"You may certainly leave gold if you wish, but I will not pay in support of your bartering of animals."

If the humans worked as one they would have all they needed, but their individual needs were placed above those of the whole, and that left many with nothing, while others had a gluttony of both possessions and wealth. The elf understood their plight, but it was not one she empathized with. This was the design of their society, and she refused to kneel to it.

Kasim Areth

 

[Kasim Areth]

Kaine rolled his eyes so hard they nearly fell out of his head. If she had her way she would be going around the countryside liberating entire stables full or horses. Briefly he wondered how she felt about cavalry regiments and their use in combat, but he quickly decided that asking would likely be pointless. ”Fine.”

He would not let anyone starve just because this idiot wanted to steal their horse. The Jester wasnt rich, not since he'd run away, but he had enough coin from his performances to pay for a horse or two. Of course hed have to leave a little more since the horse wasnt actually being sold, but it was just something he would have to deal with.

As dumb as it was.

”Just let me do most of the talking.” Kasim told her as they began to wall through the tall grass and towards the village. ”Most of these people wont know how to properly interact with you.”

Any sort of nobles visiting Nasser was about as rare as a falling star. ”Just be kind when they do address you.”

The better the impression they left now the less fuel Kiril had to paint them as monsters.

 

[Eirika E'sprit]

"You needn't worry about my ability to be kind. You ought to reserve that request for those behind us." The man who had brought an entire inn to nothing more than rubble simply to send a statement and hunt a mage for instance. The elf wondered whether or not Kiril and his men would burn another building to the ground simply so the two would know they were still in danger, or had the man some semblance of restraint within his madness?

"However you are more than welcome to do all the speaking necessary."

Several smokestacks could be seen from the field, rising from small chimneys within the village that was beginning to come to life in the early morning sun. Now was a good time to pick up what they needed and be gone before too many people saw them. The less information on the two to pass on to the dreadlord the better.

 

[Kasim Areth]

Though he hadn't voiced it Kasim was concerned. Though Kiril has less authority in Nasser than he had in Anaset, the Dreadlord could still do more to harm these people than he wanted to think about. It would be best for the two of them to leave as little of a footprint as possible, better still if only one or two people actually helped them. Concern crossed his features, but as they stepped into the village Kaskm forced his expression to change, knowing he had to present himself in the right way.

As they stepped out of the tall grass field and onto the dirt road, Kasim couldnt help but remember the last time he'd come to this village.

He and his brother had been sent by his father to pursue a group of bandits that had supposedly preyed upon Nasser’s grain stores. The mission had been a fast one, his brother had chased down leads within the village while he'd taken several of the Anirian Guard to search the surrounding area. The bandits had been found quickly, and all of them had been executed the same day.

Kasim frowned slightly, shaking his head as his boots crunched into the rocky road. ”This way. There's a general goods store.”

Nasser had no public market like Anaset, instead the villagers generally pooled their resources together when it came to selling their goods to merchants. Whatever couldnt be sold to them would end up either distributed among the villagers themselves or at the small store that was located in the middle of the village.

 

[Eirika E'sprit]

Eirika followed Kasim through the street, hazel orbs taking in the village's haphazard layout, the houses and small buildings clearly built wherever the owner decided at that moment was good for them. The general store itself was generous in size, with ample shelving space and room to move about once inside. By the look of its exterior, one would be surprised upon entering by just how large it really was.

The elf thumbed across a few dusty shelves as she walked, eyes examining what was being offered. Most of the goods here they would have little use for, but with some effort she managed to find a small spool of string, and upon inspection determined it suitable and strong enough to be used in the making a bow.

She carried on looking over the rest of the goods, though found little more that caught her eye. Instead she turned towards the opposite end of the store, where the dried meat, food, and other perishables had been kept. It would seem for all the things this village lacked, a decent butcher was not one. The cuts were surprisingly impressive. Eirika looked over several, judging based on how much they needed between the two. The quality of the cuts were going to likely raise the price a bit, but there wasn't much she could do about that.

Finally she made her way over to Kasim, speaking quietly to the man. "I found the string. They've got good cuts of deer, but I've only 9 gold. I'm not sure how much he's willing to part with, but--" She gestured to her pack, "I've got a few ripe apples from home I could part with." Apples were good, a luxury of sorts, but they needed quantity, not delicacies right now.

 

[Kasim Areth]

Kasim didnt look much, mostly because he felt he didnt need to. All they really wanted was supplies, and that string for her bow. Still, he peered around a few of the shelves and poked his head around, frowning slightly when he saw a banner hanging on the wall.

The flag was a large red thing, its edges cut with black and in its center a golden insignia of a large sparrow.

It was the Virak family crest, his crest. For some reason the sight made him feel slightly sick, perhaps because it was a reminder of where they were standing and going. His lips thinned for a moment and he forced himself to turn away. Eirika came up to him at exactly the same moment, Informing him of what she had found. Kasim nodded slowly in affirmation. ”It should be enough. I have some as well. Keep the apples.”

They would need them before this was over.

Without another word he motioned towards the counter at the end of the room. An old man stood there with a smile that showed a row of missing teeth. Kasim couldnt help but feel a twang of disgust, though he managed to keep any hint of it from his face. Instead he walked up to the man.

”Good morrow to you sir. My lady and I are in need of some supplies for our journey.” He took a short bow. ”I am Kasim Areth and this is Lady Fayerh Abella, daughter of Baron Abella.”

The man looked somewhat shocked and did his best to bow, stuttering a greeting and introducing himself as Herc Nikkare. Kasim smiled and then recounted the list of things they would need.

 

[Eirika E'sprit]

Eirika dipped her head slowly, remaining extremely cautious of her cloak to ensure her ears remained entirely hidden away behind hair and fabric. It would do no good to blow their disguise not even ten minutes into their first conversation. The woman offered a polite, gentle smile to the man behind the counter, though his appearance certainly left much to be desired. She wondered why humans took so very little pride in their aesthetics. Or perhaps the Gods had just chosen Elves as their grand design.

The priestess remained quiet as both Kasim and the man exchanged words and talked prices. Eirika had given her purse to Kasim to pay with before they approached the counter, so that she would have as little involvement in the transaction or conversation as possible.

"It's an honor! What may I get for you?" the man exclaimed, though Eirika wondered just how much of an honor it was for someone to meet folk that were supposedly nobles, nobles that they neither knew of nor heard of. Furthermore, they weren't even nobles, there was no Baron Vabella. Obviously this man didn't know that, and was just following human custom, but the idea did tickle her amusement.

 

[Kasim Areth]

”A weeks worth of provisions.” That was a little over how long it would take them to reach Vel Anir itself. Once they were they would be able to buy more food, but even if the journey only took four days Kasim wanted to make sure they had a buffer just in case. ”And a bowstring.”

It wasn't a very long list, but the shop keeper seemed more than happy with it.

He nodded and pulled back from his counter, quickly proceeding around the shop to gather up what Kasim had asked for and placed it on the counter in front of The Jester. A second passed, and then the shop keeper offered up a single toothed grin as he began to ask for payment.

“That will of course be fifteen gold.”

Kasim went bug eyed. Fifteen? He had counted on ten, maybe twelve, but fifteen? That was practically highway robbery. The Jester shook his head and smiled. ”You must be mistaken sir. This can only be worth about ten.”

The mane gave a rueful look and then shake his head.

“I'm afraid not my lord. Times are tough and the harvests were not great this year. Plus that bow string is of very high quality, check for yourself.”

Kasim perked an eyebrow, glancing over at Eirika.

 

[Eirika E'sprit]

What was going on was obvious to any traveler, seasoned or not. The man was attempting to extort a greater price based on the clientele in his shop. They were nobles, therefore they could do with a higher charge. He expected the pair to argue once, he would give them the old times are tough speech, they would relent and pay the man, thereby allowing him to pocket a bit of extra coin for his own selfishness.

Eirika scoffed at the man when Kasim looked at her.

"The string is adequate." She said plainly. "It's made of hemp. It will hold under tension well enough, but we can't pretend to claim that it is fine silk. In fact, sinew belonging to certain beasts is as strong, some even stronger than silk. This is neither sinew nor silk, so I must disagree with your assessment."

Eirika wasn't able to argue the price or value of food outside of Fal'Addas, she hadn't the faintest idea of values there, but she knew the value of bowstring based on its material and availability. Hemp was not hard to come by, and she knew this village wasn't going to be selling silk bowstring.

 

[Kasim Areth]

Kasim gave a small smirk at the dressing down of the shopkeeper. The man himself seemed to shrink away, apparently rather weary of being reprimanded by any sort of figure of authority. Eirika played that role quite well, something he was glad for. These people were raised with a certain deference towards nobility, and a little bit of pressure was all they needed to be more cooperative.

”Tell you what my friend.” This was where he excelled really, talking, negotiating. Kasim had always liked doing this particular back and forth, though most of the time he was dealing with people of far more wealth.

”We’ll give you twelve gold.” He smiled. ”But you throw in an extra bow string.”

The man stuttered for a second, then slowly nodded. ”Excellent.”

Before anything else could be said Kasim dug the purse from his pack and pulled out twelve Allirian gold coins. He expected that Eirika would reimburse him later, but for now it was better that she not be seen spending her ‘own’ money. Keep up the illusion of her noblity.

 

[Eirika E'sprit]

The disguised elf remained silent following her comments, allowing Kasim to carry on and conclude their business. She hadn't quite expected for him to ask for more on the end of the deal, but it certainly wouldn't hurt, should something happen to the string, or if he wanted her to make him one. She wasn't quite sure how handy the man was with a bow.

Opening her pack she gently placed what she could fit of the provisions into her bag, leaving the rest for Kasim to take himself. The bowstring she carefully placed into a pocket within the pack for additional safety. There was little she could do with it in the near future. They didn't exactly have the time to sit and wait for her to carve out a bow shaft and string together the weapon. That was a task for her when they made camp at some point later.

"Thank you." She said, lowering her head once more before making for the doorway. They still had to consider the possibility that Kiril and the soldiers were not too far behind, and lingering any longer than absolutely necessary was putting less distance between the groups.

 

[Kasim Areth]

Kasim didnt waste any time either. Gently placing the rest of the supplies into his own pack the Jester have the shop keeper a smile and then turned to follow Eirika out the door. He was acutely aware that the Dreadlord and his men were likely close behind, and the faster they went about their business the better it would be for everyone.

As he left Kasim gave one last glance towards the banner hanging on the wall, his eyes lingering until he stepped out of the shops doorway.

Unfortunately, while he and the elf had been meandering about in the shop Nasser had come to life. Though the village had been dead quiet when they'd entered the store it now seemed that everyone and their mother was about their business. Dozens of folk wandered the towns roads, the blacksmith was hammering away at his anvil, and the leather workers had already begun to unspool their wares. Kasim scowled as he saw the villagers.

This would mean they would be seen. ”We should go.”

The jester said, hoping that she had forgotten her notion or horse thievery.

 

[Eirika E'sprit]

Eirika had most certainly not forgotten about the need for a horse. If they had any hope of outrunning Kiril, that was going to be it. Not even she could outrun a horse on foot. Just what Kasim thought was going to happen if they kept traveling this way she didn't know, but they needed to make themselves scarce, and quickly.

The number of townsfolk around now would complicate her plan, but she'd taken note of a small house before they had entered the store, likely that of a traveling merchant or trader of some kind. Unfortunately there was but a single horse and two of them. However fortunately it was a sturdy looking horse, well cared for. It could carry the pair and their gear without trouble. It was unsaddled, which might bring a grimace to Kasim if he wasn't used to the harshness of such riding, but there wasn't exactly time to debate or saddle a horse she was 'stealing.'

"This way." she said, urging Kasim to follow her, though hardly waiting for him to agree as she was aware of his discontent with her intentions. Passing two villagers along the dirt path she smiled and offered them a greeting, though focused her attention on the home as she approached, checking to see whether it was occupied or not. Seeing nobody inside, or close by, she approached the horse, speaking quietly in Elven, while untethering it from its post. Hazel eyes shot a quick glance back to Kasim, before she climbed atop the animal.

 

[Kasim Areth]

"Fuck." The word was barely a whisper, hopefully not loud enough for even Elf ears to pick up.

It seemed that she hadn't forgotten about her plan to steal a horse, much to his chagrin. He let out another curse as she actually found one of the beasts, having half expected that they would be out in the fields or used by someone to pull a cart or something. He wanted to berate her, tell her she was stealing someones livelihood but from their previous discussions the Jester knew that anything of the sort would be useless.

As she climbed atop the horse Kasim shook his head, rubbing his face for a second and digging into his pocket. He pulled the small purse from it, opening it for just a second and giving the coins a quick count.

Unfortunately because of the money he'd spent at the store he only had a few left. It would have been enough for a pack horse maybe, but not something like the stead in front of him. He frowned slightly, shifted, and then tilted his head back. He hung the purse on the post and then pulled the harp from his back. The instrument wasn't the grandest, but would fetch a fair price.

He sighed and then walked over to the horse.

Surprisingly there was no hesitation from him as he pulled himself atop it behind Eirika.

 

[Eirika E'sprit]

If Kasim wanted to leave behind gold and belongings for the horse that was his business. The moment he found himself on the back of the horse she clicked her tongue twice and urged the animal on. Immediately it broke into a steady stride towards the northern edge of town. Anyone who caught sight would likely know who said horse belonged to, the village wasn't terribly large, and the elf felt it a safe assumption that everyone knew each other.

Not that it mattered, by the time Kiril arrived in town, they would be labeled far worse than horse thieves.

In a matter of seconds they had crossed back onto the road leading north towards Vel Anir. Eirika was more surprised that Kasim seemed more against the use of this horse than passing through the major human city north of them. At least in a city that large, finding two people out of the masses would be a challenge. There was plenty more places to hide in such a large place than a small settlement.

The horse pressed on, picking up its pace into a full blown gallop as it reached the dirt road out of Nasser.

 

[Kasim Areth]

Kasim held on for dear life.

He was no stranger horseback riding, but the way this thing moved made him think that Eirika had used some kind of magic. His fingers clung tightly, his breath stopped for a moment.

The village around them seemed to zoom by, and so did the faces of the villagers. He spotted a few among them, some shocked, some angry, but most of them just surprised. He wonder if any of them owned the horse, if they knew what was happening and if their stomach began to fall as they realized what it meant.

He hoped that they found what he had left behind.

Pulling his pack tighter across his back Kasim cleared his mind. No one had really seen their faces save for the shop keeper, and all he knew was a fake name. None of the villagers had really helped them, and thus Kiril was unlikely to hurt anyone.

Of course, with those facts laid out in his head he now remembered where they were going next; home.