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Post by ravigen on Dec 16, 2014 20:23:24 GMT
"We will be leaving in the morning after the closing ceremony of the Tournament, the trip back to Kegosu will be a long one and we will need to get started early." Masateru and her siblings were already working to get everything packed up and ready to depart immediately following the ceremony, their time in Dovwynn was coming to a close.
"Mabel, Cecil, you should go and spend the rest of the day with your friends and family, say your goodbyes and prepare."
It would be good for them to spend some time with their family now. |
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Post by missmilkmaid on Dec 16, 2014 20:32:03 GMT
"But-!" Mabel started to protest, but Bron interrupted.
"She is right. You won't be able to see you home here again for quite a long time. You should take the opportunity to enjoy your family and friends and the rest of Dovwynn."
"Come along, Mabel," her mother said, "We need to go back and check on your bother anyway. You can show him your new sword."
This seemed to cheer her up some and Mabel and Cecil joined her parents, making their way toward the gates.
"We also have some things to pack and prepare, before leaving in the morning," explained Mara. "Shall we will meet your party at first light?"
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Post by ravigen on Dec 16, 2014 20:36:45 GMT
Sayoko waved as they left, smiling at the display of youthful enthusiasm before turning her attention to Mara.
"Yes that will work fine, please pack for colder weather as it can get quite chilly in the mountains." It was quite possible there would be snow at the manor or soon to come by the time they got there.
That left Bron and her really. She turned and offered him a warm smile before looking outwards.
"I think it would be nice to see the sea once more, would you care to join me Bron?" |
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Post by missmilkmaid on Dec 16, 2014 20:51:28 GMT
"I would be happy to," he said and offered her his arm.
"I'm going to miss you," he said, as they walked down the steps toward the surf. "After all I've heard of hear kingdom and people, I wish I could go north with you, along with Mabel and the others, but the Queen wants me to head back to the frontier as soon as possible. Her concerns about the Wiastlander threat have been growing."
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Post by ravigen on Dec 16, 2014 21:08:55 GMT
Sayoko nodded, the surf was as beautiful in the day as it was at night when they'd been here last, this was something she'd sorely miss, alongside Bron and all the people she'd met.
"Indeed, my father has had many such concerns as well, I believe we may be marching soon ourselves, at least once the powdermill is finished and we have muskets produced." It would be her first taste of real battle, no bandit skirmishes or raiders, but true war and she was a bit excited to finally test herself on the battlefield.
She stopped, at the edge of the surf, the water just barely coming to her feet, arm linked around Bron's as she gaze out into the ocean, wondering if this was the last time she'd ever see it, she was a strong warrior but there were plenty more strong warriors out there and this war with the wastelanders could easily cost her life. She gripped his arm tighter, the thought was terrifying and exciting at the same time, the risk of battle.
"I wish you could go north with me as well but I am happy with the time spent here with you, short as it may be." |
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Post by missmilkmaid on Dec 16, 2014 23:10:57 GMT
Bron had been dealing with the Wiastlanders for most of his life, but it'd mostly been in small skirmishes and isolated conflicts, or even in personal negotiation as translator between various trappers and ranging parties. The thought of the vicious orc tribes united into a strong and coordinated force was intimidating and he knew better than most how bloody and brutal a war with the orcs would be. He shuttered slightly as he thought of what might befall Sayoko and so many others, should the wiastlanders successfully cross the river and ride down on the kingdoms.
He glanced up at her, as she held his arm tighter. He would have kissed her cheek, but standing on tip toes to reach it would have been awkward. Instead, he gently he lifted her hand and kissed the top of it. "To remember me by," he said, "Until we meet again."
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Post by ravigen on Dec 16, 2014 23:39:04 GMT
Sayoko smiled at the gesture, her skin felt flushed and she was happy to be in his presence, she knew full well that this coming conflict could be the death of her and she wasn't scared of it, she had prepared for decades to fight and she would not feel fear now. But she also knew that time could be so short and it was best to take advantage of the time you had.
And she was planning to do just that, that was why she gently loosened her grip on Bron's arm twisting so that she was facing him straight on.
"I have a better idea, a promise, if you will." she leaned forward, he was a bit shorter than her so it was more awkward than she'd expected but it worked well enough as she leaned forward to kiss him, it was brief but the point was made.
"Keep the dagger I gave you, it might come in handy on the frontier, and I'll keep the pendant, for luck in battle. And we'll promise that both of us will do our best to survive and see each other again." |
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Post by missmilkmaid on Dec 17, 2014 6:38:33 GMT
Bron kissed her back gratefully, stroking his hand gently over her cheek and neck. "You have my promise, Ikegami Sayoko. I shall keep your dagger close to me always and I further promise that I shall kiss no one else, but wait for you. After getting to know you, Sayoko, I doubt any other women will ever catch my eye again, without appearing drab and sickly in comparison with your grace, beauty and strength. You are the most beautiful woman in the world and I'll fight any ones who denies it."
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Post by ravigen on Dec 17, 2014 15:15:26 GMT
Sayoko couldn't help but laugh before smiling and leaning her head down on his shoulder, the angle made his chest a bit awkward in that regard but she didn't mind too much.
"And I promise that I won't show any interest in another suitor, I don't think any of them could be quite as charming as you've been. We'll see where the future takes us, one step at a time, alright?"
It wasn't a guarantee of things to come, but it was close enough and for her that was all that mattered. |
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Post by ravigen on Mar 17, 2015 20:26:28 GMT
The battle had cost many lives on both sides, but the fight was won and won well. The Ikegami had fought the enemy and proved their strength to the North, moreover she'd finally had her taste of true battle, riding with the Commonwealth cavalry had been an experience she'd found exciting, even now her body was still sore from the fight, her arms felt heavy and her chest was hunched slightly to alleviate her fatigue.
She had a cut on her shoulder and cheek and a bruise blossoming on her chest from where an orc club had slammed into her but Ikegami Sayoko felt better than she'd ever felt before, the thrill of throwing herself against her enemies and coming out on top was the most satisfying thing about her martial training. But now it was time to relax, her father had gone to visit Azlyn over a diplomatic matter but she was heading to the Elonese camp for another reason altogether, the rangers that had been scouting the wastes had recently returned to Thundercrown.
She was hoping Bron was with them, it was with that thought in mind that she'd been wandering the camp, looking for the rangers. |
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Post by missmilkmaid on Mar 17, 2015 20:47:05 GMT
There were only a handful of the rangers in Thundercrown. Most of the original scouting party that had ventured in the waist months ago had been captured and killed. Bronsyn had been sent with only a few selected agents to try to find them and rescue whomever they could. He'd carried news of the Waistland Army back east and met up with Azlyn's army on their way north to defend the ford. After two battles only four of the rangers were left and they appeared battered and tired.
After asking a few people, Sayoko was directed to a tent among the King's personal guard. The four men stood out from the others in the area, because of the leather armor and general lack of obvious noble paraphernalia. Bron and Josey were cooking something in a pot over a fire outside the tent and Josey noticed Sayoko first, pointing her out to Bronsyn, who was busy cutting up some carrots.
Like Sayoko he had a few bruises and marks from the battle. A bandage was wrapped around his neck, where and arrow had grazed him his right he was moving his left arm more carefully than normal. He seemed surprised when he first looked up and then smiled getting up to go greet her.
"My Lady Sayoko," he said with a bow, "I'm very glad to see you made it safely through the battle."
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Post by ravigen on Mar 18, 2015 2:33:54 GMT
Sayoko smiled and returned the bow politely, giving him a once-over, noting each bruise and injury.
"Indeed the battle is won and won well, my fellows and I slew many of the wastelanders before they fled. I am glad to see you have survived Bron." She offered a polite nod to his friend, turning back to Bron.
"You are well I trust, no serious injuries or wounds?" she asked, a note of concern in her voice. |
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Post by missmilkmaid on Mar 18, 2015 4:48:04 GMT
"None. Only a few scrapes here and there. And yourself, My Lady?" he eyed the cut on her cheek. He was familiar with wounds, and knew even seemingly minor cuts could become dangerous later on if they weren't properly attended to. At least they could for humans. He wasn't sure if Elvs were better suited to resist things such as infection an sickness. Now that he thought about it he thought he remembered hearing something of that sort. He ran a hand through his hair feeling rather foolish and ignorant. Then he remembered his manners.
"Please, you are welcome to sit by the fire and share our meal. We managed to find some fresh herbs and carrots down by the river and I shot a hawk earlier this afternoon. It's no tournament feast, but its better than army rations."
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Post by ravigen on Mar 18, 2015 5:22:09 GMT
Sayoko smiled, "I would gladly join you Bron, and do not worry I am tending to my wounds, I am used to such injuries." she took a seat and sighed as she stretched her muscles, feeling the soreness melt away now that she was off her feet. She looked up at Bron and smiled, patting a spot next to her and inviting him to sit next to her.
"With this battle, the war will be over soon, I will be heading back home soon enough." she gave him a smirk and left the hidden 'I might like some company' for him to see, she didn't want to spread too many rumors amongst his fellows, at least not yet. |
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Post by missmilkmaid on Mar 18, 2015 5:31:54 GMT
He gladly took the seat beside, appreciating the opportunity to be close to her.
Josey was grinning but but stood up. "It's an honor to seen you again, my Lady," he said bowing, "But I should probably go find the rest of our tent mates and let them know dinner will be ready soon." Still grinning, he gave her a fairwell nod and headed off down the muddy tracks between the tents, leaving Bron alone with her.
Bron seemed a little uneasy and poked another stick of wood into the fire. "I would love to join you, Sayoko," he said, "But I'm not sure yet what the King and Queen will want of me. The war may be over for now, but Rangers don't really ever stop working. Elonese pioneers are pushing further into the Waistlands every year and need protection and I think the Queen has some idea of making me lord over the new western lands. I'm not really sure." he flushed slightly. He wasn't sure he really felt ready or worthy for that kind of responsibility. "However, if the King or Queen don't need me somewhere else, I will gladly take the opportunity to journey with you back your lands."
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