Norbert
*She would take out her own. A silver dagger, the blade glimmering in the moonlight and reflecting it beautifully. The handle was wrapped with black leather, no guard. The blade itself was curved towards the tip, a weapon made both for slashing and stabbing.*
Manuel
"This I got for my 10th birthday. A silver dagger. Not as effective against human opponents, seeing that silver is weaker, but excellent against undead. This saved my life."
Cheryl
"I see. So both our daggers have a similar bond to us,"

*He said looking back at her with a smile. He was very happy about his friend. Friends are great! They tend to have skills that you don't have!*

"It's another thing we have similar to us. My dagger protected me more times than my sword did. Have it be the first person I've killed... Or the first animal I hunted for my next meal"
Manuel
"Person you've killed? Wouldn't be the first. What about your sword? Anything special?"
Norbert
*Conversation! Friends! Kaisa's life was finally becoming good again*
Cheryl
"Well you see, before my life went to the more passive side, I was much like you. Though, I was hunting outlaws and people with bounties with the law. The first person I killed was someone who attacked my client.

My sword on the other hand, is not exactly special. It's just an ordinary sword for stabbing and poking things"

*He said, sheathing his dagger once again. He moved closer towards Kaisa as they walked as... Well, the distance they were walking at wasn't the best for ease of communication.*

"Say, do you have someone you find yourself attracted to? Love is a refreshing thing. It clears your body of all your stresses when you're with your loved one..."
Manuel
"Uhhh... N-no, not really."
Norbert
*That was sudden. Kaisa's face turned a bright shade of red, the embarrassment obvious. She really hadn't thought about that ever since... Ever. She was pretty sure that Ale wasn't talking about family love either*
Manuel
"I-I've never thought about it. Ever. My job's too dangerous for me to bring others along. What if I die? What happens to them?"
Cheryl
"Well, no need to be nervous first off. If you love someone, you don't need to have them know. Think of it like a closer friendships"

*He said, also having his own fair share of... Kaisa's fear. His line of work sometimes gets him in the eyes of bandits and would be dig thieves. It'd be a no-brainer to kidnap his loved ones if he decided to act up*

"Plus, just asking. I'm just curious because I'm not exactly that... Knowledgeable about outside cultures. Loved ones for us include our friends, family, and romantic interests!"
Norbert
*Thank god he was just asking. Kaisa wasn't ready for romance yet. She had no idea what to do with it. Closer friendships... At this rate she'll be 50 when she has a loved one. Time to switch up the conversation. That weird arm guard now sprouts a fiery red blade, the heat can be felt by the two*
Manuel
"This is a handy weapon. Chosen by me at 12, or 13. I forgot which one. It's been enchanted with fire magic. Fitting, as my family used to use it to fight monsters. Ironic, since I'm a vampire."
Cheryl
"Woaahhh cool. Honestly, if I saw that thing in some random ruins, I wouldn't think it'd be out of place! It looks so cool to exist in such a mundane world."

*He said, pointing at the device. He didn't seem to grasp the concept of enchantments yet. Maybe he would one day, but that one day probably isn't today* 

"I don't think I was strong enough to even hold my sword when I was 12... The dagger was already plenty heavy. But of course, I had grown much stronger than I was at 12!"
Manuel
"You couldn't hold a sword at 12? Well, I guess this weapon is shorter, and grants much more control. You must have had a late growth spurt"
Norbert
*Wow. Seemed like he started training late. Kaisa has trained all her life for as long as she could remember. Nonetheless, he seemed pretty capable in combat*
Manuel
"What about your other weapons? I saw you with a bow the other day"
Cheryl
"Yeah I've had a pretty late growth spurt. I haven't been able to grow any facial hair until a few years ago."

*Yikes, explains why he is so cleanly shaven. Wonder what he uses to shave. Most likely his knife. Saw it in some commercial that someone was using a tiny knife to shave!*

"Well, the bow was a recent purchase to make it easier to hunt for food. I live off of the land!"
Manuel
"The sea as well, it seems. It's good to be independent"
Norbert
*She would unsling her shield. It was shiny, not quite like the dagger, but more like a steel grey. Square on one end and pointed on the other, it was relatively small, bound with leather straps*
Manuel
"This thing I also chose in tandem with my weapon. Nothing special on it yet. Want to see my final tool?"
Cheryl
"Yeah! I didn't know people had final tools! I tend to use what's around me for tools... Like flat rocks for shovels!"

*He leaaaaaned in for the details! Finals are cool. Seems like Ale was changing his entire sleep schedule to match his friend's if they decide to travel with each other for a prolonged period of time*
Manuel
"Sort of a tool, sort of a weapon. Watch"
Norbert
*A fiery bolt fired from Kaisa's hand. It split a cobblestone, the fire burning. Whoops. No one would notice.*
Manuel
"I can fire up to 10 of those at once. It costs me a lot of energy though"
Cheryl
"I see! Very powerful. I have something similar, but it creates a lot of sound. It's kinda like lightning... But used as an offensive weapon"

*He said, his hand crackling with electrical energy. Blue! Pretty. He put his hand down after... Finishing his demonstration!*
Manuel
"Lightning magic? That's pretty powerful. Are you accomplished in it. Oh! What if we found an item that could channel the power?"
Norbert
*Kaisa was now jumping up and down thinking about all the adventures they could have, acting like she was 13 again. He definitely seemed combat ready.*
Cheryl
*Acting all giddy was fine and dandy, but her sudden movement shocked Ale. He wasn't expecting her to hop like a rabbit and... Act like a child honestly. He didn't know why but he felt the urge to hug her. Aha! I know why! It reminds him of his love interest! Óurín was it?*

"I don't need a channel. I'm very skilled in it. I can hit an apple off of a tree! But I'm better with my bow. I was able to hit a small target over 500 yards away" 

*He said, obviously accomplished a lot in his life! But little does she know, Ale has the ability to see something tiny over a mile away! He has really good eyes... The same could be said with his hearing* 

"But then again, I tend to not like fighting all together. Of course I'd fight to protect my loved ones safe... But if fighting didn't do anyone else any good, I wouldn't do it"

*He said, still watching the vampire jump up and down... And up and down. Remember, loved ones includes friends. But remember again, since his use of loved ones is so broad... It's hard to tell what a person is to him*
Manuel
*She would stop jumping up and down.* "Well, it's not always against other people. I do it against monsters to protect others. And you can hit that small of a target from that far? How do you do that?"
Norbert
*That was insane. He must have amazing eyesight or something. Having a powerful lightning spell would only increase his power. He was much more combat capable than she realized*
Cheryl
"Well you see... I've just been... Training a lot. Y'know. Being in tight spaces, you need to be able to... Squeeze off a shot accurately if you cannot move. Kinda a no brainer for someone like me."

*He said, not exactly realising... That his eyesight was something abnormal. He really didn't know what other people saw*

"Other than that, it's just hours a day of practice. Every day of the year. When it's raining, snowing, or hot out. Just a lot of practice and training goes into my fighting"
Manuel
"You're a well rounded fighter then. Always good to have skills in several areas"

"Anyway, we should honestly find an Inn. You should be tired by now. Let's go!"
Cheryl
"I'm very much fine! Plus, I doubt any inn would be open right now. I'd much rather live in the nature. It's much better for me. Soft ground is better than any bed... At least I think? I've only been sleeping on cloth covered hay"
Manuel
"Well... Find somewhere in the forest? Ground tends to be soft, trees make good shelter. I do need a blanket or something to cover me though.."
Cheryl
"I'm pretty sure my plaid cloth'd do the trick... Shall we make our way to the horse spot? I left all my things there when we decided to take our walk around"

*He thought her expression was cute. Was it because of her strange mannerisms? Maybe. But of course, the jumping would look like she was trying to get onto his height. He is quite a bit taller than her. 4 whole inches! She's perfect patting height*

"Plus, the horse has plenty of room for two."
Manuel
"Sure! My legs are tired anyway."
Norbert
*The two would begin the walk to the horse stable*
Cheryl
*At this point, there wasn't much to say, except Kaisa and Ale found a nice dark spot to sleep for the night. He slept near the fire while Kaisa slept comfortably under Ale's massive belted plaid. It spanned 9 yards squared. It was big enough to cover the two if they decide that they were going in together. 

Adding to the cover, they were sleeping near a natural wall of rock and dirt. It was good barrier against the wind. 

With the warmth of the fire and the warmth of a woolen kilt, the two went to sleep.

That is, after Ale made his silent proclamation to the gods. What did he say? We may never know as he... Walked off into the woods to say it. 

Let's just say, Ale slept on a pillow of rock. Comfort went to his friend while he settled with the next best thing*

*The man woke up wee in the morning, feeding his horse some... Well, oats and shits. What else can he feed his horse at this point? Anyways, picking up his bow, he would make his way around the general area to... Go hunt for some food. Some rabbits and stuff would be caught... Their pelts would make some nice parchment and glues...

But of course, he did pour out the blood into a small... Stone bowl. For his friend! Totally his friend. Fresh tasty blood!

Anyways, he went off to skin the rabbit, letting them dry on a nearby tree. In a small ditch the rabbit fur and fats go... Squish squish... Heat... Squish!

He would whistle to himself as he went through his... Everyday things. Some of these include shaving with his really sharp knife, washing himself off in some nearby field... And well, drying his wet clothes. 

Some of the louder things would include practicing his lightning magic on some... Well... Birds! Zap ZAAAAAP. More food? And more quills! Hope these were the right birds...

He didn't know why his friend was so well... Loveable. Like she jumps up and down when she talks. It's like she is TRYING to be a child and get pats. But he must hold back! He can't pat unless she gives consent!!!*
Norbert
*Kaisa would wake up with a high pitched yawn. She would blink and look around, and see the bowl of blood laid out for her. How nice!*

*The trees blocked the sunlight out, fortunately. Alek's kilt was cozy, though she's awake now. She hears the crackle of lightning nearby. Must be Alek practicing his magic. She wondered what he was up to.*
Manuel
"Morning Alek! What are you doing?"
Cheryl
*Another bird could be heard... Flopping down near the girl. It of course was pretty charred and such. Around her, there'd be drying rabbit pelts... And well, Ale's other clothes that require drying. 

He returned with a hand full of... Dead birds! They died a quick death. He could hear her from a mile away as he had turned on his magical super cool hearing abilities*

"Practicing! Just... Practicing! Need to practice to wake myself up"

*He said, looking much better than before. He looked less tired, he no longer had a small stubble, and his hair was... Pretty clipped and nice! Freshly cut hair. He was pretty good at it... Mostly cause he memorized what he wanted*
Manuel
"Oh. That's a lot of dead stuff then."
Norbert
*She hadn't really expected that. She picked up the blood bowl and took a sip. Rabbit. She realized that she only knew he was somewhere around here, not his actual location*
Cheryl
"Uhhh... Well, I'm currently walking back. I've practically exhausted myself!"

*He said, doing as he said... After a few moments, there'd be some rustling and... Well, footstep noises. Ale'd return with of course, a fist full of birds. Around 4 or 5. 

As stated before, he looked better than before. A wash and shave ought to do that before.* 

"How was your sleep? It wasn't too hot for you, under the plaid and near the fire yes?"
Manuel
"Sleep was fine. The fire wasn't too hot, I'm a Fire Macen after all. The plaid was comfy. You look good! Better than when I first saw you."
Norbert
*Alek honestly did look very nice. Blond hair flowing, sparkling blue eyes, clean shaven face. She realized that she was probably messy herself, her hair all messed up from sleep. She would attempt to straighten it out*
Manuel
"I should probably clean myself up as well."
Cheryl
"I believe there's a lake nearby. Dunno if that's what you meant... But it'- oh wait... No running water."

*He sighed, dropping the birds onto a stone, gathering up all the arrows he used, placing them into his quiver. He had a lot of arrows! Pretty cool. 

He was also wearing new clothes and the such. Super clean and super sparkly!* 

"I can look away while you clean yourself... If you so desire to do so. I'm pretty occupied here, making quills and... Parchment!"
Manuel
"Alright. Lake should be ok, it doesn't have current. I'll take water out of it just to be safe though"
Norbert
*She starts to run towards the lake. After washing herself up, she dresses again, her hair still wet, then jogs back*
Cheryl
"I see I see. Glad you feel that way about taking a wash. If you need to dry up... Feel free to use the plaid. I need to pack that up soon anyways. Plaids aren't good for horse back. Too exposed"

*He said, with a grin. She looked pretty. To him at least. She looked really nice to him. But of course, he'd just want to give her a pat. 

On a stone, the birds would have been separated from their bones... Their feathers in a pile... And the meat being cooked into a sort of stir fry. The rock'd add some flavours!

When it came to his one friend. He couldn't help it but wonder how she didn't already try to bite him. But anyways, he has a weird thing for strange people and... Another weird thing about wanting to pat short people*
Norbert
*She would give him a quick hug, then proceed to dry her hair. Alek was really nice, doing all these things for her! He also looked really nice...*
Cheryl
"You are welcome friend. Say, have we... Well, ever talked about what kind of quests we are to take? I'm quite new to questing as I've only taken one."

*He said, sitting himself down onto the forest floor, cooking his bird bits and... Rock. He is trying to make sure that it is fully cooked... And well, tasty!*
Manuel
"Hmmm. Maybe we should. Help some people, get some coin. It's right up my alley, and it'll help you as well"
Norbert
*They really should take a quest. It'll be exciting to spend more time with him. And help people along the way!*
Cheryl
"I see. Then shall we be off to find a quest? At least... After morning meal. I'm quite hungry after training"

*He said, taking the rock off of the fire. You may ask, what is he using to eat? The rock is really hot. The food is extremely hot... So touching it with your hands isn't a good idea. 

Want to know? He straight up just STABBED it with his Skinning knife and ate it it straight off of that without cutting himself.*
Manuel
"We should, after you eat. I'll try to look around after we get moving"
Norbert
*She would finish drying her hair, then put on a cloak. They were finally going to do something! She was excited and almost started jumping up and down, but hugged him again instead. She would start to run around him and the horse, before finally jumping on it*
Cheryl
*He sighed to himself, finishing his meal. He burried all the remains of what he did to the land and packed all of his loot from the hunt. He'll be using these! 

Anyways, he put on his armour, got onto the horse, carrying his lance and... Started off to the village.* 

"An energetic one you are. It's as if you're no older than 20, girl. I wish I was able to jump and run around like you"

*He said, the horse randomly neighing and the such. Off to find a quest they will? 

It was some bad terrain honestly. Very bumpy. There's very few places someone can hold onto on a horse*
Manuel
"I've only been like this since I've been with you. Before this I was serious all the time, never relaxed, always on the edge. I think meeting you helped me a lot. For that I thank you"
Norbert
*Oh wait. He was right. Very few places to hold onto. Uhhhhhh... Did that mean she would hold onto him?*
Cheryl
"I see. Flattered to hear that I had such a profound effect on your mood! Hope I can keep it that way. I much prefer to be with someone that's happy. It's so much easier to complete quests when the morale is high!"

*He said, continuing the steady trot. The lance is pointed upwards so he doesn't accidentally poke any passer-byers. He doesn't need to accidentally kill anyone*

"But of course, I'm not forcing you to be anything at all. Just be who you want to be and what you want to be. Your friends'll should be there to support you all the way!
Manuel
"Don't worry about that. Being with you has lifted my spirits by a lot. It helped me get some of my childhood back. Spending time in nature someone that I lo-enjoy spending time with"
Norbert
*Whoops. Kaisa nearly said something she had no idea about. That was close. Hopefully he didn't pick up on it too much. As for friends... He would be her only true friend.*
Cheryl
"Yeah I suppose I tend to do that a lot. I've been told I should be a bard! Or... A playwrite! Maybe I should once I get too old to be a travelling Archeologist!" 

*He did pick up on it. He didn't know what she said. He just assumed that she stuttered or something. As for friends, he felt safe around her. He could protect her and she could protect him. The perfect battle buddies!*
Manuel
"Thinking about when you're old already? There's so much more to explore!"
Norbert
*He seemed to be similar to her a lot, also acting somewhat childish right now. She enjoyed that, and would smile. She felt safe, secure with him around.*
Cheryl
"Well it's better to plan for when you can't work no more. Almost all the money I earn from jobs go into a bank so I have money in the future. Smart thing to do!"

*He said, clearing the forest. It was clear roads and well... Less bumpy stuff to walk through. They were still a ways away from the city but they could see it in the horizon. At least Ale could* 

"Plus, I get injured easily. A crossbow bolt to the shoulder will do a number on me"
Manuel
"Hmm. Crossbow bolts would do a number on most people. I tend to keep money on me. I travel far too much for banks to be effective."
Norbert
*Kaisa would follow him, sometimes running ahead and behind, the dense treetops protecting her from the sunlight. She would seem to be playing, jumping around on the rocks and tree roots.*
Cheryl
*He opened the horse bags, taking out his kilt. It was pretty thick, which stopped a lot of light from passing through. 

He then called out to his friend, holding out the cloth* 

"Kaisa, take this, it should give you more protection in the sun. It's pretty thick so it gets hot"
Norbert
*Kaisa would take the quilt and put it over her. She would jump back on the horse, then start to slip off. She hasn't ridden a horse before*
Cheryl
*He quickly tried to grab at her. Getting knocked in the head isn't good for anyone's health. Hopefully he caught her before she fell off of the horse. He had pretty good control of the horse. No jumping around today!*
Norbert
*Kaisa's arms would be flailing about, no chance there. However, Alek is able to grab her by the waist and pull her back on, bringing them very, very close to each other.*

*She would adjust herself on the horse, her face blushing slightly. They were really, really close for a moment there*
Manuel
"Any tips for how to stay mounted?"
Cheryl
"It's easier when you're the only one on the horse. I'll teach you when I'm not riding. Now then, make sure you're covered up"

*He said, adjusting the cloth around her so... Well, it wouldn't fall off when he picked up speed.

He then motioned around his waist, which was covered by his cuirass. As if telling her to wrap her arms around him*

"Hold onto me if you feel like you're going to fall off. I'll do my best to keep you on."

*He himself didn't blush. It didn't occur to him that maybe they were too close. He didn't have that kind of sense when it came to proximity to a girl.*
Norbert
*Kaisa would wrap her arms around him, her head barely peeking over his shoulder. He smelled nice, the smoke from fire, blood from rabbits, like nature. She felt good being near him.*
Cheryl
"He is unsure how smoke and blood would smell. But he reckons that it doesn't... Really appeal to him. But that is completely fine. He continued to lead the horse to their destination, holding his lance in his free hand* 

"So... Do you feel more comfortable now? No more falling off the horse?"

*He asked, trying to keep the horse steady as they went on* 

"And if you ever feel... Well, tired, feel free to tell me to stop so you can drink some of the blood"
Manuel
"It does feel better. It doesn't feel like I'll fall anymore. And don't worry about blood, we only need to drink every 3 days after all"
Norbert
*So caring. Kaisa didn't know it, but she needed someone like this in her life. All of her sadness seemed to disappear with him.*
Cheryl
"Well, is it that you can SURVIVE with drinking once every three days, or is it that you can stay comfortable with drinking every three days. Because being comfortable with life has it's benifits."

*He said, looking back at his companion. He did have a point. Eating so you can preserve your food is only good when you have a limited amount of food left. 

She had Ale now. He practically already deals with her food problem*
Manuel
"Well, I did just have a meal today. And well, I'm not sure. I don't really feel too "Hungry" Until day four, and it only gets stronger after that"
Norbert
*He did have a point. She really wasn't sure, but with Ale, she probably would never feel the urge to feed off of someone again. More benefits of friends!*
Cheryl
"Well just be sure to eat when you feel hungry I suppose. I don't know how well my feelings of hunger translate to your feelings of hunger"

*He said, with a shrug. Bad move, the horse reeled back for a moment causing Ale to almost fall off... If Kaisa was holding on enough, they wouldn't fall. Simple as that. 

Pressure on his waist usually means she is still there. No pressure means he has to dismount and try to cushion the fall*
Norbert
*Thankfully, Kaisa has been holding onto Ale the entire time. Her hands and arms would feel pressure as Ale lurched forward, and she pulled him back on the horse.*
Cheryl
*It seemed that he didn't need to pull her back onto the horse a second time. The horse'd settle down after... Ale did his magic. He forced himself forward so his companion had enough room to not... Just hang on the horse.

Something about sun hurting?*

"Sorry about that, Ama is slightly temperamental when I shrug. Hope I didn't give you TOO much of a fright"
Manuel
"That's fine. Surprised for a bit, but we should be good now. Speaking of which, where are we going?"
Norbert
*That was close. They could have fallen off. Not too much of a problem, an inconvenience, but it could have compounded further. Where were they going? They needed to do something, not just wander around*
Cheryl
"Well, first, we're heading to the city. I doubt we'll find any quests laying in the mud at all!"

*He said, continuing on. By this time, they'd have arrived on the main road and... Well, are just walking on flat and comfortable ground* 

"Why? Did you have somewhere else you wanted to go?"
Manuel
"No, not really. I just don't want to be wandering around aimlessly. Quests won't find themselves"
Norbert
*Time for a quest! Doing stuff! She wondered what they would do once they got to the city*
Cheryl
"Well, I doubt we would find a quest easily. We might have to stay in an inn while we wait. Or maybe we have to.. Well, just walk around. It seems like I forgot to pick up a Helmet. But no worries, a hat will suffice for now!"

*He said, switching his pike hand. He held Kaisa's hand, as if to say something to her. Very warm hand he has.*

"Make sure you don't die on the quest or I'll have to be alone again. I'll make sure to not die as well!"
Manuel
"I would never. Being alone again would suck. I just met you after all!"
Norbert
*She would grip his hand, as if she didn't want to let go, which she didn't. His warm hand was a contrast to her cool skin. It felt nice*
Cheryl
"I agree! Yikes, I'm sorry if I made you feel embarrassed. I phrased that as if I was proposing. Sorry about that!"

*He said, releasing her hand... If she would let go of his hand. If she didn't, he'd be confused, but he'd accept it. She of course, seemed like she was in pretty dark times*
Manuel
"Nono, it's alright. I like this..."
Norbert
*Her grip tightened, and it was obvious she didn't want to let go. Not for a while anyway. Holding his hand helped her feel better, forget about the dark times she had*
Cheryl
*He didn't sigh, just allowing the girl to hold his hand. Of course he understood. He himself had dark times. Might not come close to her's, but he had some. It was bad enough for him so he couldn't even come close to understand what it was like for her.

Just to give her some reassurance, he just gripped her hand, continuing his trot to the city. Warm hand. This could go places honestly. But then again, Ale was still Ale. 

If she peeped from his side, she could see the slight red tinge of Ale's face. He was blushing! Not because he was embarrassed, but because he remembered his old lover in this person. Interesting Development!*