Private Tales The Lost Sjælden

[Arryn Cross]

Arryn couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation as Jiya and Archimedes dashed past him, the sight and sound of her laughter was likely worth a few new bruises. He watched with a mix of amusement and mock indignation as she saluted him.

"Oh, just hanging around, enjoying the scenery, it's quite lovely thank you.." he answered with a lopsided grin, his voice strained as he pulled air back into his lungs. He swung gently from the branch like a wayward pendulum before he let himself drop to the ground with an oof.

"I still win though, right?" he asked, reaching to take Onora's reins with one hand as the other rubbed at his bruising ribs with a grimace.

 

[Jiya Luana]

Jiya handed the reins back with another musical laugh.

"I think Onora won the race, not you," her brows rose as though to challenge him to disagree, before turning her horse about to walk at a steady pace back towards the river. She hadn't let them stop to drink in case Arryn had actually been seriously hurt but now seemed a good time to do so before continuing on their way. She patted the stallion's sweat-slick neck affectionately when the reached the rivers edge and dismounted to allow him the time to properly rest after the hard gallop.

"Are you truly well, though? Nothing broken?" she asked, turning to him to run her eyes over his abdomen where he had winced to touch.

 

[Arryn Cross]

Arryn's throat cleared, but there was little hiding the way his lips twitched in amusement at the way she looked at him, daring him to challenge her word. Of course, he dipped his chin as any guardsman should to a Lady of such standings, but he let out a breathy laugh in doing so.

"Very well.. Then I suppose we are both forfeit." he mused absently as he pushed back his jacket and lifted his shirt to survey the damage. Bruising bloomed across his ribs and stomach, but nothing seemed out of place at least.

His eyes rose to her as she turned to him, and he smirked again, holding up his shirt for a little longer than necessary. He'd let her look.. for science.

"Thank you kindly for your concern, but a few more bruises to my ego is nothing I can't live with." he dropped the shirt and rolled his shoulders as he followed her to the river's edge, patting Onora's neck as he stopped beside her.

"Well played, girl."

 

[Jiya Luana]

Jiya rolled her eyes but once again found it hard not to smile at his light banter. She had to give him credit where it was due, but he had taken her order not to treat her so formally to heart. As they watched their horses drink it felt more as though she stood with one of her fellow peers from Elbion than a man who was here to protect her life because of her surname. She much preferred it that way. If only she could convince her own guards to treat her as such.

"Have you considered breeding her? She's a very good horse, her foals would be worth a pretty penny," she nodded to his mare coming to stand against her own horse. From the saddlebag she drew out the map where careful directions had been plotted beforehand in her distinctive handwriting.

 

[Arryn Cross]

Arryn took the time to wash his face in the shallow water and tried not to wince as he stood.

Arryn chuckled softly at Jiya's suggestion, a fond glint in his eyes as he regarded Onora standing proudly beside Archimedes. "No, I can't say I've thought about it. I doubt I'd ever find a stud worthy of her.." he smirked.

He reached out to stroke Onora's mane affectionately, and he glanced back at Jiya, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Besides, I've grown rather attached to her. I'm not sure I'd have the heart to part with her offspring."

His shoulders rose and fell in a shrug as he turned his attention back to the mare nibbling affectionately at his shirt. He rummaged in the saddle bag, producing two ripe, red apples. Rubbing one against his shirt as he made his way to Jiya's side, he offered it to her, his eyes running over the map she studied..

"So. Where exactly are we headed?.." he asked before crunching into the fruit.

 

[Jiya Luana]

Archimedes stamped his hoof and Jiya patted the stallion in an effort to sooth his wounded ego.

"Rhea's and my ancestors diaries are not specific, I suppose in order to stop them being found," far from looking annoyed or discouraged, an almost feverish light seemed to make her eyes glow as she showed him the map she had plotted out. "But the clues I could decipher suggest that they were hidden in a place that has been abandoned by both the elves and Anirian's due to the amount of scarring in the land. That limits it down to only a handful of spots," she pointed to the dark circles she had marked.

"Rhea spoke of twisted men stalking the lands nearby, and when I saw the images of the wolves in the caverns below it got me thinking of the werewolf pack that has taken over this area of the Falwood," she pointed then to the red marked spot, a good two days journey from their current position.

 

[Arryn Cross]

He watched, or rather stared, as her eyes lit up with fervor, her passion for exploration and discovery evident in every word she spoke. Realising that she was pointing to the map, his throat cleared and he turned his attention to it.

"Ah. Abandoned lands, twisted men, werewolf caverns... sounds like quite the adventure," Arryn remarked, a grin spreading across his face. The thrill of the unknown beckoned to him, and he found himself eagerly anticipating the journey ahead.

He studied the map she had plotted out, tracing the dark circles and red markings with keen interest. Each spot held the promise of untold secrets waiting to be unearthed. "Looks like we've got our work cut out for us," he said, his tone filled with her infectious enthusiasm. Arryn met Jiya's gaze with a spark of excitement in his eyes as his hand settled on his chest.

"My most precious life is in your hands, My Lady." he taunted with a smirk.

 

[Jiya Luana]

"I thought my life was in yours?" Jiya quipped, but there was a nervous flutter in her stomach. She hadn't pressured him into coming but he had come all the same because of her. Whatever happened to him would, technically, be her fault. Aside from the tree branch; that he should have simply seen coming. Shaking her head she mounted up again and tucked away the map.

"I think we can cover a bit more ground before stopping for the night, if you're fit to ride?"

 

[Arryn Cross]

Arryn laughed quietly. "Ah, right.. So it is." he dipped his chin in a quick nod, his eyes following her as she mounted her horse.

"Aye, I'm fit." he answered, twisting slightly to be sure. He could do with a jug of wine and a hot bath but if covering more ground was what she wanted, then who was he to let her down when she was so adorably fucking excited about it.

He managed not to grimace as he pulled himself up into his saddle and tugged at the reins. "Lets look out for obstacles this time, eh?.." he murmured to the mare as he gave a gentle kick to get her going.

 

[Jiya Luana]

Despite his reassurances he was well enough to ride, Jiya kept the next leg of their journey noticeably more sedate. The fastest she urged her horse was into a collected canter but for the most part they stuck to a brisk walk. They cut across bubbling brooks and meandered through lush meadows; picked their way through overgrown thickets and cantered over undulating hills.

As dusk drew in painting the sky in vibrant reds and bruised purples, Jiya finally called an end to the journey when they reached a small stream for the horses with nearby woodland cover should it rain. Dismounting, she saw first to her horse before setting out her own bedroll on the hard ground.

"It's probably a far cry from the inns your liege spends time in but... at least it looks like we're in for a clear night."

 

[Arryn Cross]

He felt as comfortable in their moments of silence as he did chatting to her. It had been a long time since he had felt so... at ease. The tranquility of the countryside was a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of court life, and he found himself savouring the simplicity of it.

He tended to his horse alongside Jiya, smiling at her words and silently reflecting on the days he had spent camping with Lynus so many years ago. It was a nostalgic reminder of simpler times when their only concern had been the adventure that lay ahead.

"This suits me just fine," Arryn reassured, his gaze drifting upwards to the periwinkle sky and the stars that had already started to fight their way into view.

He set his bedroll a respectable distance from hers, though a mischievous glint danced in his eyes "I hope you have some decent bedtime stories.." he said, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips as he offered her a wineskin.

 

[Jiya Luana]

Jiya laughed as she accepted the wineskin, taking a sip as she cast her eyes about for firewood.

"I keep telling you I am rather boring, unless you enjoy long lectures on history and science," she passed the skin back then went to collect some of the pieces she had already picked out on the forest floor. She brought them back to their small circle and then went to rummage in her satchel. Usually travellers would use flint and rock to light wood but Jiya had rather taken to the firesticks that had grown in fashion in Elbion. "Like these for example," she returned to the pile of woods with the small box and took out one of the thin firesticks.

"A boy in my alchemy classes discovered this by happy accident, if certain substances are struck just so," she flicked the firestick across the rough surface of the box, setting the firestick alight. "It creates fire," Jiya carefully set it against the thinner twigs until they caught, then tossed the firestick into the rest of the timber.

 

[Arryn Cross]

"You're anything but boring." he corrected with a quiet laugh as he took the drink back and set it aside. He settled down, propping himself on his elbow as he watched her potter around. "I only learned what was deemed necessary for me to learn. You know much more of things than I ever will, if anything I'm the boring one." he shrugged.

Watching her as she created fire so effortlessly without the use of magic, and he sat up a little, his brows rising with curiosity. "Well shit.."

"Alchemy, huh?.."he scratched at his stubbled jaw, watching the fire as it grew, illuminating her face in a soft, warm glow. Arryn shook his head and huffed quietly as he settled back down again. "Full of surprises.." he mused.

 

[Jiya Luana]

Jiya laughed and settled back down too to watch the fire build its strength.

"It's not a surprise when you learn the science behind it," she stretched her pleasantly sore legs out towards the fire and leant back against a log. "There's an answer to everything if you have the patience enough to go looking for it. Have you ever... thought about going to school?" her head tilted curiously. "It's not for everyone I know, but... it is never too late if it interests you."

 

[Arryn Cross]

Arryn grinned, staring up at the canopy, his fingers laced behind his head. "Ah.. I've patience enough for some things.." he paused and gave a quiet, husky laugh.

"School? No.. I read what I need to read and count what I need to count. What matters most is my skill with a weapon and my willingness to die for my Prince should the need arise. I am skilled, and I am willing, and that makes me good at what I need to do with the time i've got."

"Though." he turned his head to look at her. "I wouldn't mind you teaching me a thing or two." he said, and immediately stumbled over his next words. "I mean, like sciency things, uh, alchemy, history, whatever you're interested in telling me about, really.." he cleared his throat awkwardly.

 

[Jiya Luana]

Jiya gave an unlady like snort that quickly descended into a full bellied laugh as Arryn stumbled over his words. Tears leaked from the corners of her eyes and once she regained her breath she wiped at them.

"I will have to puzzle out what interests you and what sends you to sleep. My sisters and brothers moan my lectures can be quite dull when it's not in a subject they're keen on," she smiled fondly at the mention of her siblings despite the gentle ribbing. Pulling her knees up to her chest once her feet were warmed sufficiently she rested her chin atop them.

"Did you always want to be a soldier then?"

 

[Arryn Cross]

A grin spread across his face. He rather enjoyed making her laugh like that, even if it was at his own expense. He laughed quietly as she spoke of her siblings, and let out a deep sigh as she asked more about him..

"I wanted to be anything other than a slave." he smirked, his fingers absently tracing the scarred cross of his brand on the inside of his arm. It was one of many scars he bore, but the one that had changed his life the most.

"I was always good at fighting so it made sense. I think Lynus liked having me around, after his siblings were sent elsewhere, so I became his personal guard." he shrugged.

 

[Jiya Luana]

Jiya's smile faded when she noted the burn mark in his skin.

"I'm sorry, Arryn. I didn't know..." she bit her bottom lip. A small bit of admiration for Lynus bloomed in her chest that he had helped someone out of that situation and elevated him so high. Most nobles would have rather higher class citizens watching their back - most chose sons of fellow nobles loyal to their house.

"Well Lynus is very lucky to have you, loyalty like yours is not common."

 

[Arryn Cross]

"Don't be." his brow rose. "I'd probably be in a far worse place now if my path hadn't been as it was." he reasoned.

He smiled, his gaze softening as he dipped his chin at her in appreciation. "Kind of you to say, though I'm far luckier to have him." he said as he stretched. Onora lowered her head to snuffle at his head and he huffed a quiet laugh at her, his hand patting at her nose.

"Yes, and you." he murmured in amusement.

"What about you.." he looked up at Jiya. "Did you always want to be the smartest person I know?.."

 

[Jiya Luana]

Jiya found herself smiling again - funny how that was so easy in the young soldiers presence. Usually her guards were stiff faced men and women who took their job to House Luana too seriously. Those who had served her father certainly didn't know how to take their new Lady's more cavalier attitude. Perhaps in time she would have her own set of guards like Lynus did where they were more friend than protector.

It was her time to huff a laugh when Arryn asked his question though.

"My brothers growing up were very high achieving. Two were high ranking Dreadlords and the other took after my father and to the business like duck to water. I suppose I just never wanted to feel like the disappointment, especially because I was a girl," gender had never been a barrier in Anirian society, but in Vel Vara and amongst her extended family women were more often dismissed still. "I was lucky that I just enjoyed learning. I found I had a very good memory and that helped, there was just never enough to learn in Vel Anir, I wanted more. My father disagreed."

 

[Arryn Cross]

His hand stroked the mare's nose attentively as he listened to Jiya. He snorted incredulously before he realised what he was doing, and gave her an apologetic look as he cleared his throat.

"I'll never understand what is so wrong with women wanting more for themselves. If I had a daughter who wanted to achieve I.." his head shook. "Fuck I'd be proud." he frowned.

"Meaning no offence to your Lord father, of course. I think men are often threatened because women prove time and again that they're better than us at most things." he laughed under his breath.

"It's admirable, that you forged your own path. Not many people have the courage."

 

[Jiya Luana]

Jiya only smiled as she added a few more logs to the fire.

"I made peace with my father's view of the world a few years ago. I can understand it to an extent; our family are the newest of the Great Houses and the others still remember that we came from across the Wastes. He didn't want them to have a reason to see that uncivilised place in his daughter," once she seemed content with the fire she moved to her pack and drew out some of their provision. She set a small pot over the flames and poured half her waterskin in.

"If he hadn't of died I probably would have left Elbion and moved on to one of the other great schools, maybe the one in Alliria. I suppose I'll have to make do with Aniria now."

 

[Arryn Cross]

"Uncivilised?... Since when does being learned scholar make you uncivilised?" his brow quirked. "But, I suppose that's not how Anirian nobility generally do things so yes, I understand. He wanted to fit in." he nodded as Onora nibbled at his hair.

"If that's what you want, then why don't you go?"

 

[Jiya Luana]

Once the water was boiling Jiya added some of the mushrooms and stock.

"My family," she glanced up at Arryn across the flames and then held up a knife, flipping it so that the handle faced him. "Make yourself useful and chop the carrots."

It was a quiet while later when the stew was still bubbling that finally Jiya began to talk again.

"There's nobody else who would take over as Head of the House if I were to vanish off on some academic dream. Houri would be next in line but... they... did something to my little sister when she was away and her mind... well she wouldn't be able to do the job. Maz - my little brother - might but he has his own great future ahead of him. My only other siblings are barely a year old and my mother... well," she sighed and shook her head. "When my father died something broke in her."

 

[Arryn Cross]

His lips pressed into a thin line at her answer, and he gave a silent nod.

His solemn expression softened as she flipped the knife and gave him instruction. "As you command, My Lady." he grinned, and sat up to do as he was bid.

"I'm sorry for your troubles." he answered after she spoke. "Families are complicated things.." he said quietly, at least he'd learned as much from Lynus and his family, of which the Prince had always insisted Arryn was part of. He'd always felt like a brother to Lynus, but honestly, there were times when he felt it far easier to have no family.

He inhaled the smell of stew and marvelled at her. "Anything you can't do?"