Deryn gradually accepted the fact that Malkier was not attempting to belittle her abilities by stocking up on supplies for maladies that she could succumb to on their journey. Of course, that did not stop her from being somewhat irritated by the fact, but it ebbed a little so that it was not the main thought on her mind. She chatted to keep up idle conversation as they made their way through the forest on that first day, doing her best to keep the excitement in her steps to a minimum and her voice from humming with energy as she thought of all the things that they might encounter.<br/><br/>Who would have thought that during her first journey from Albion, she would have abandoned her companions and run off with a winged man with a unique skill set like Malkier’s? This was unlike the fairy tales that people spoke of, where women were swept off their feet by princes and knights and strong men who would protect them. While Deryn had certainly enjoyed those tales, there was one part of the story that bothered her.<b>”And why couldn’t the lady be the one to save the day, hmm? Why do they always have to focus on the man?”</b>Deryn voiced her concerns aloud during their dinner - rabbit cooked on a spit, practically a delicacy in the days that had passed with her companions earlier in her travels.<br/><br/><b>”I do not mean to offend your own beliefs, but I do think that as a capable young woman, there should be stories told of all of us in the world. And if there have not been any noble female warriors to create those stories, well...I hope to be the first.”</b>Deryn puffed her chest out proudly at that statement.<b>”I was never one for daydreams of those stories anyway. Why settle for finding a life companion who’s sole job in life is to keep you out of trouble? Give me adventures, give me trouble, but do not give me a man who thinks his sole purpose in life is to make me kept.”</b>She’d said just as much to her grandmother and grandfather as well. With a heavy sigh, she briefly closed her eyes before opening them and giving Malkier an embarrassed grin.<b>”Do you see what all of this talk of adventure has done to me? It’s turned me into a madwoman!”</b>Her giggles rang out loudly within the camp, but she leaned closer to the fire to warm her fingers and quieted herself quickly.<br/><br/>There was a bit of silence until Malkier asked about her past, an inquiry that she happily obliged.<b>”It is not an easy question to answer, Sir.”</b>Deryn began, but she settled in anyway and began.<b>”I suppose you could say that I never fit anywhere else. I was forced to attempt my way into normal society - my grandmother’s wishes were to see me married off and surrounded by a horde of tiny humans before too long after my 18th year. Fortunately, that did not happen and I had to make something of myself without the prospects of bringing an heir into our household. I find that my brothers are just as capable as I am to fulfill that duty. I have already wished them both luck in the endeavor.”</b>Deryn chuckled, remembering the wide eyed glances both of her brothers had given one another after a particularly entertaining chat prior to her leave.<b>”I joined the Order shortly after I dejected myself from my grandmother’s lavish schemes. I thought the life of a knight sounded exciting and I’ve always wanted to see the world. It is a shame that it has taken me this many years to make it outside of Albion. I’ve often wondered if it’s because Bran did not approve of my shenanigans.”</b><br/><br/>Deryn sighed but continued to smile.<b>”I’m quite clumsy and often find myself in trouble, which is most unbecoming of a person, let alone a knight of the Order. But you know, the others did enjoy traveling with me very much, and I suppose that was my saving grace. That and the fact that I appreciate life too much to let it go to waste.”</b><br/><br/>She listened to Malkier’s brief comments about his home, only chiming in once he finished to say,<b>”I wonder if I will ever get to see these places that you speak of. They sound much different than Albion.”</b>Deryn didn’t know of the dangers that lurked in the world - not really, at least. She had only a vague idea as to what the world actually looked like, and the reality of it was, the amount of possibilities that were out there would have completely overwhelmed her if she thought about it too much. Mention of the Underdark was stored away for future use - should the name be mentioned again, she could draw upon the tidbits she learned from Malkier to fill in pieces of the conversation.<br/><br/>Before long, Malkier stood up to go collect firewood, and Deryn frowned into the darkness as he told her to get some rest while he dashed away. Being alone in the camp was not exactly the smartest idea, nor was getting up and following Malkier, but Deryn never did claim to be all that smart and ended up following behind the winged man as he went to collect things to fuel the fire. Deryn didn’t see him well in the night - she should have known better since he blended in. However, making noises and calling out to him was also likely to be frowned upon. Who knew how close the beastkin really were?<br/><br/>Tag:<a class="username" data-user-id="92" data-username="@Malkier" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/92/">@Malkier</a>