Falling on Hard Times [Lythe & Sorrows Solace]
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Lythe on 01-11-2009, 15:09:15</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lythe</strong> on <strong>01-11-2009, 15:09:15</strong>
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				Ethan Lane was a tall, lithe fellow. He was toned, though not exactly muscular, with a thin sheen of stubble of his chin. His cheekbones were rather prominent and made his face verge on gaunt, but this was lessened somewhat by the long hair that fell around his head, stopping just past his shoulders. He was mounted and dressed in glimmering armor, the type that looked very impressive, and knightly, but was new and more than likely completely unused. Strapped to his him was a similar longsword, and there was a bow strapped to his horse alongside various saddlebags. <br><br>He was about a days walk away from the small, troubled town of Antan; a town he'd heard was struggling with regualr attacks and raids. The details were vague, but all he saw was oppurtunity, considering the wealth of the up and coming mining outpost. Do a few favours, earn a little trust, and he could make vast amounts, or so he hoped. <br><br>It was late afternoon, sun still filling the spring sky and washing over him, making him glisten like a true knight. Even his horse wore barding, and he looked just the part to lead some heroic charge. It was a nice enough walk through rolling countryside towards the mountains just beginning to crop up before him. It would get hillier, but for now he was content to follow the winding paths through farmland, towards his destination in the west.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sorrows Solace</strong> on <strong>02-11-2009, 19:32:09</strong>
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				The bright sun and clear blue of the sky was a relief, and Alara Näilo stretched briefly, warming muscles that still ached deeply from the pitched battle within the mines. Breathing out a sigh she left the thick and overgrown path the led from the mines back towards the village her pace silent and light. What she wanted now was a chance to bathe, her shirt and breeches were stained with reddish-black blood, and her sword needed a thorough going over with oil and a whetstone. The half-elf paused at the edge of the road that led into the village, charcoal grey eyes tracking over the area, the whisper of the wind the first sound that came to her, followed by the chatter of squirrels and the quiet birdsong of the nearby wood. The muscles in her shoulders relaxed subtly and she was slightly relieved that there was nothing else to fight, no demon tracking her back to the village. Her other senses, the unease, and the cold pain on her shoulder was not present either, another relief.<br><br>Resuming her stride, the woman entered the small village, the sunlight falling onto her windblown black hair and her pale skin, setting her apart from the hardy and tanned villagers. Her heritage separated her as well, she was a half-elf, the child of an Elf and Human, older by centuries then the elder of the village. The magistrate was waiting for her, face anxious, his ruddy skin blanching to a more sallow shade when he saw the blood that smeared across the woman’s clothes and sword. <br><br>“Nightbreeze. Are you injured?” he asked, walking over quickly. <br><br>Alara paused and shook her head lightly “The blood is not mine, I am not greatly injured Riasan. The demon is dead, there are none other of its kind.” She stated, her tone was formal, voice quiet with a faint melodious tone. The magistrate sagged in relief, nodding. <br><br>“Thank you. It’s one worry off of my mind.” He stated, exhaling loudly and rubbing the back of his neck.<br><br>Alara raised a brow “There are other worries that plague your mind. And the safety of the village.” She mused aloud, the man’s stress was not from crops or tithes, this was the unease that came from the sleepless nights that one had as a result of a greater worry.<br><br>Riasan nodded, mouth tight “Aye. There have been a greater number of attacks, from bandits or rougue mercenaries that are preying on our town. As you know we have the mines which bring in a great amount of wealth.” He began, Alara was nodding.<br><br>“Of course, many would wish to partake in that.” She replied, knowing where this was going and feeling her sense of duty rise once more, the inner drive to aid others that had driven her to arrive in this village in the first place. <br><br>“We have a knight, a Sir Ethan, arriving to aid us, I’m grateful, but one man and a handful of villagers, what if it’s not enough?” he asked, the fretful lines along his mouth deepening.<br><br>“A knight is one that travels in war, or fights alone; he will be of great use. I will remain here, giving what aid I can as well.” She offered, and the man’s brown eyes lit.<br><br>“Truly, you would? Nightbreeze, that’s more then I would ask. We can pay you, for your work in the mines, and for helping with the bandits.” He stated.<br><br>Alara’s expression of calm alertness eased faintly and she nodded “I am glad to be of aid, the payment for the work in the mines and half pay for the work with the bandits is enough.” She stated, this village though becoming wealthy could not spare the full fee a town’s guard would gain, which was not to be expected. More pay for a mercenary would mean higher tax for a village, something Alara did not want to enforce. <br><br>“The knight will be here soon, come with me to meet him. You, can…ah, clean up first, of course.” He stated, looking her over, lips tensing.<br><br>The half elf inclined her head “Of course, I will not be long.” She replied and walked to the small inn where she had been staying. In the work of the next twenty minutes she had bathed and changed into black breeches and a shirt that was the colour of a night sky. Her blade was cleaned and sharpened and she strapped it to her hip, the bastard sword resting against her side. Her bow and quiver lay against her back, in the middle of her two war knives which lay over her shoulder blades. Armed, she left the inn nodding her acknowledgement at the thanks of the villagers within and approached Riasan to wait at the edge of the village for the knight to arrive.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lythe</strong> on <strong>03-11-2009, 00:49:53</strong>
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				Soon enough the sparkling man crested the horizon, walking atop his mount towards the village. He wore no helmet, but the rest of him was clad in unnecessary armor, both orante and too clean to have seen use. The villagers wouldn't notice, Alara might. <br><br>He kept on at the current pace, before pulling out outside the village gate, and flashing a smile towards the small array of onlookers, halting his horse and calling out in a deep, booming, heroic sort of voice, that was not his own. <br><br>"Hail, village of Antan! I am Sir Ethan, knight of Corroban, and protector of those without the ability to protect themselves. I am here to help fend off the attacks I have heard tell of, to lend my sword and body in aid of the ongoing plights faced by this small hamlet. I, good sirs, am your <em>salvation</em>!"<br><br>There was a small round of applause, which was less than he was expecting considering the fall of his face. Still, they let him in, and he rode along the main road into the village, pulling up alongside Riasan, who greeting him courteously. "Greetings, sir Knight. How may we be of service during your stay here?" <br><br>"Oh, I require little. Food, perhaps a little drink at the end of days, and of course a place to sleep for me and my horse." And an extravagant reward, but he'd save that for when he was more ingratiated with them, and when they relied on him most. <br><br>His eyes slid across, to the half elf at his side, and he bowed deeply towards her. "Might I also be so bold as to request the name of this fair maiden? Perhaps she would be interested in showing me around the village, and your defences?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sorrows Solace</strong> on <strong>03-11-2009, 14:26:09</strong>
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				Afternoon sunlight glinted off of armour and the woman's eyes narrowed as her gaze tracked over cuirass and breastplate, along gleaming gauntlets and greaves. Something was not right. The young man that rode was immaculate the very picture of a knight errant riding to aid those in need. Still, his armour was clean, there was not even a coating of dust to show his hours of riding. Alara had known knights in the past and knew one now, Kothari of the Closed Fist. His armour was battered and scored with the marks of battle, this man's was unscathed, how very odd.<br><br>Could it be that he was unblooded? He had no mark of a king's fealty nor his own branded shield, perhaps this was his wandering time before he returned to gain his full shield. Still, he had called himself 'Sir', unless she was mistaken that was the title of a full knight, not an unproven whelp. A tiny frown made the lines along her mouth and eyes deepen faintly as he spoke to the magistrate and she refrained from raising her brows as his attention was turned to her. Court-Speak, she had forgotten how irritating it truly was, not as nuanced and formal as Elven Manners, but still verbose enough to be exasperating.<br><br>However, she was to be courteous, it was her nature for the most part and it would not do to chase off an ally that could assist in an attack from bandits. So, she bowed at the waist in the formal ways of the human courts, looking at him with level charcoal grey eyes. She straightened, delicate features set into an expression of calm alertness, her back was straight and posture readied. <br><br>"I am Alara Nailo." she began, finding the term 'maiden' inwardly hysterical, she was centuries beyond this lad. He was of course attempting to be polite and she rested a slim, scarred hand on the hilt of her blade, nodding once "I would be honoured to show you the village of Antan, sir Knight. It is small, but the people are hardy and deserve our protection. Pray, walk at my side, with your experience as a knightly warrior this village will be well guarded indeed. I will show you the extent of its defences to better prepare for battle." she stated, if possible sounding more formal and court bred then the knight. It was all in the tone, that deferred respect, experience and utter ease all at once. The other villagers exchanged looks, slightly confused but more then glad to have an actual knight looking after them. By the light tensing of her lips at those murmurs it looked as if Alara had something else in mind.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lythe</strong> on <strong>03-11-2009, 20:47:52</strong>
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				He hopped down from his mount, gathering the reins in one hand peering around for someone to take it. "Could someone take my beast to the stables? Please, ensure he is well fed and treated, and if I am to be put up in a room I would appreciate if someone could take my things up there? Thank you, my good men!" He gave them no chance to reply, simply thrusting the reins into someones hands and walking off.<br><br>He moved up to Alana, nodding his head in respect with a broad smile. "After you, Miss Alara. A lovely name, if I might be so bold! I take it you're not from here, yourself? Pray tell me a little about yourself, as well as this place?" He remained a respectable distance, but there was no shame in his eyes, which swept over her body more than once. Some knight.<br><br>He strode confidently, and kept his head high, a true knight from a storybook or fairytale. Not a real knight, not by a long shot. Still, he was only offering his help, so what harm could come, even if he -was- found out?
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				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sorrows Solace</strong> on <strong>04-11-2009, 04:46:41</strong>
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				A young man, who looked to be in his sixteenth summer had taken the reins with a jerky bow, the gesture was quite awkward. He led the horse away and Alara watched the boy go. Many knights were not so assumptive, they were independent enough to work at their own tasks. As far as she had seen in her travels.<br><br>Alara inclined her head as well "Please, simply call me Alara. No, I am not from this country. I hail from Solque, a homeland of the Elvenkind. This village has existed for over six decades. It is bordered by a thick forest on the west, the hills to the east, and a road that winds along the south." she stated, looking around the village a moment, her keen gaze catching his look. <br><br>She tensed slightly, eyes flickering a moment. There had been lecherous knights in the past, she would not be surprised if he would seek some young village girl to bed. She simply walked on, pointing out the magistrate's home, the smithy, the mill and the healer's home. Alara also paid attention to her surroundings, always appearing watchful and alert.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lythe</strong> on <strong>04-11-2009, 14:40:58</strong>
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				He did, to his credit, show - or perhaps feign - some degree of interest in the various buildings scattered around the small village. His eyes scanned each of the rather homely little buildings, realising the place didn't have anything in the way of defence. The blacksmith could occasionally make weapons, but there was no pallisade, no watchtowers... Nothing of that sort. <br><br>For all the looking he gave around, he gave just as much interest to his half-elven companion. Even when he wasn't leching, he was asking questions; "How long've you been around? What sort of things do you do around here?" There was no curiosity as to the nature of the threat, she noticed.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sorrows Solace</strong> on <strong>04-11-2009, 16:44:51</strong>
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				Alara caught a faint cast over his eyes, understanding that he had had the same thought as she, this village was ill-defended, with good reason. Walls, ramparts and guards were the stuff of cities, not a smaller village as prosperous as it was. The blacksmith usually made nails and simple farmer tools. There were some hunters and trackers of the village, they would perhaps be useful. <br><br>The half-elf did not relish staying in the village to teach the people fighting skills, but she saw the possible necessity of it. She kept a eye on the knight, her explaination of the village complete and gave a light shrug "I have only been here for the matter of a few days. I was tracking a demon in the mines and ended it this morning, now I am aiding you in stopping these bandits. Which would be a better topic of discussion I believe, Sir Ethan." she commented, tone quiet, not even batting an eye at the fact that she killed a demon in the morning a fiend that most thought to be legend.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lythe</strong> on <strong>04-11-2009, 18:52:16</strong>
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				He was a little taken aback; a demon? He didn't believe in them, but he didn't want to let on to -that- fact. She wasn't the sort to lie. "Yes yes, you're quite right. What do you know about the bandit threat, is it one group? Or lots of seperate forces?" <br><br>He kept wandering the village with her, though really these were just houses and of little interest. What she had to say, however, might be, if he were to come up with some pretend plan to act the part of gallant knight. He could tell, though, that Alara was going to be a nuisance.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sorrows Solace</strong> on <strong>04-11-2009, 19:15:24</strong>
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				The woman had been right it seemed, he did not seem to quite believe her, or he was surprised by the idea of a demon in this quiet region. He was not saying so which was better then some reactions she had gotten in the past. Years of travelling and watching people had given her skill on reading others, and she was gaining the sense that this man was not whom he seemed. <br><br>She was content enough to leave him to his business as of now, after all she had her own secrets.<br><br>"It has been a rabble of attackers for the past year, though in the last three moonturns they have gathered under a leader, or a man that is closest to such and are attacking the village as an organized group." she explained, now leading him to the edge of the village. "Tell me good knight. You hail from Corroban, a kingdom that is famed for its long royal lineage and its smithwork. I served as a guard in a noble house long ago, have the colours of the kingdom changed? I noticed that you do not possess the royal colours that I recall." she commented, tone light and curious she seemed to be merely wondering about a place that she had not visited in a long while.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lythe</strong> on <strong>04-11-2009, 19:36:04</strong>
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				He glanced over, a little surprised that she'd heard of the small, distant kingdom. The surprise was obvious, but that alone wasn't suspect. He coughed a little, and his head swayed. "I do not believe they've changed, lady. I am a long way from home, nothing you see here is quite how it was when I left, and I'm afraid my banner was stripped from me. Not all my fights have gone in my favour." <br><br>He smiled a little, but it was hard to believe a rather youthful, unscarred fellow like him could be a knight, nevermind one with much history. Quickly, he steered the topic away from his supposed home. <br><br>"You hunt demons, hm? Why the change of heart? A group of humans is a great deal different to a demon, as I understand; fighting one doesn't always mean you'll get out against another."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sorrows Solace</strong> on <strong>05-11-2009, 04:40:28</strong>
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				"I am sorry to hear that, to be stripped of such a thing would be to lose some honour. There always will be another fight and another victory." she stated, seeming to leave that for now as she did not mention the fact that he had no shield. <br><br>He was so young. She was seeing that more and more as she looked at him, and he had no visible scars. If he was a knight how long had he been one?<br><br>"Yes, I have been doing so for a great deal of time. I seek what work I can, as a soldier, as a guard, as a mercenary, wherever I can be of aid." she replied simply.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lythe</strong> on <strong>05-11-2009, 20:53:07</strong>
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				"I am sure if your people were to have such positions, you would be worthy of knighthood in a flash. You sound like a brave and true warrior, lady." He bowed respectfully, before straigtening with a small smile. He turned and tucked his hands neatly against his back, before striding along the road back towards where he'd entered.<br><br>"So... When do we get to see this enemy, hmm?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sorrows Solace</strong> on <strong>06-11-2009, 23:07:42</strong>
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				"The offer to be made a knight had been given to me once long ago. I declined, I preferred to travel under my own command, to no offense." she stated with a short nod. She smiled as well and the lines around her mouth and eyes faded slightly as she walked along, nodding to the forest.<br><br>"If they are not riding they will use the woods for cover, if they are ahorse they will use the field to the northeast. By word of Riasan they will attempt to attack in three days. However I will keep up patrol." she stated.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lythe</strong> on <strong>06-11-2009, 23:39:04</strong>
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				He smiled fractionally, and nodded. "No offense taken. It is not a path for everyone, only those commited to their king and country. I have ridden long today, but tomorrow I should be glad to join you on patrols. We have precious little time to prepare some sort of defence, though, if their next strike will land so soon." <br><br>He cleaered his throat for a moment, then turned to her with a twinkle of eye and flash of his teeth in a small grin. "It would be prudent for us to meet this evening and discuss things further. Perhaps we could share ourselves a meal, and a drink?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sorrows Solace</strong> on <strong>07-11-2009, 07:24:36</strong>
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				"As those willing to hold up the ideals of said king and realm. As well as keep to the Code of Chivalry." she agreed with a nod and listened to him, a small frown playing along her lips, his words were true enough. "Aye, there is little time, and many of the villagers are worried, I will speak to the magistrate and gain an idea of their skill, they may need to be taught some basic warrior skills in order to aid us." she stated, knowing that three days of teaching, while better then nothing, would not be enough.<br><br>Alara looked at him a long moment, expression carefully polite "So it would, strategy must be discussed. I will meet you in at sunset in the local inn." she agreed, not commenting on the idea of him asking for something more. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lythe</strong> on <strong>07-11-2009, 17:51:55</strong>
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				He bowed then, and slipped away, in search of his temporary room and stable, to sort both him and his horse out. He would be absent, then, until the evening.<br><br>Come that evening he was indeed in the tavern. He'd discarded his armor, fortunately, and was dressed instead on a rather fancy jacket atop a white shirt, with leather leggings covering his legs. He had found a corner and was currently entertaining a pair of rather comely young lasses with tales of his adventures. Or, rather, tales of someone's adventures, told in the first person; it was more impressive that way. He had a mug of ale before him, but he was waiting on food. These two girls, while pleasant, were not whom he had his eyes set on.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sorrows Solace</strong> on <strong>07-11-2009, 18:57:21</strong>
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				Alara inclined her head, watching him walk away. She spent the next few hours patrolling the area and memorizing the terrain, it would help to learn what was around them before the bandtis came. It was also not guaranteed that they would not arrive sooner, her experience had taught her to always be wary as to not be caught surprised.<br><br>After speaking to Riasan about a safe-hold for the young children and those that would not be able to fight she also tracked down the village hunters and trappers, gaining aid in setting traps in the nearby woods and rounding up a small band of villagers to be able to aid in the villages defense. The work made her tardy to the proposed 'meeting' and she entered the inn, still armed as she spotted the knight and the two young women, the miller's daughters as she recalled. nodding at them she went to sit at the bar, unrolling a small drawn map of the village and the surrounding area, examining it once more.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lythe</strong> on <strong>07-11-2009, 22:28:38</strong>
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				Ethan laughed and, with a few pats on their shoulders, promptly excused himself from the two girls, his temporary admirers. He had a keen eye, and had spied her enter the moment the door clattered open.<br><br>The inn itself was rather empty, there were a few folk drinking, but most were too busily holed up at home to want to head out. Apart from the miller's daughters, Ethan, and the Miller, there were a grand total of four others; three sat in a group, and another sat to one side scrawling over some parchment.<br><br>"Good evenin', lass. Been hard at work, what's your plan?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sorrows Solace</strong> on <strong>07-11-2009, 22:56:27</strong>
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				Seeing him stand and leave the girls (both who looked quite disappointed) she nodded at him, it would be quiet enough for both of them to speak about the plans for the village, which was fortunate. <br><br>There were few villagers in the inn, which would lessen the chance of a panic or of a series of inane questions about the invasion. She understood their worry but knew that a outright panic would not help their cause. <br><br>She found the term 'lass' amusing, it had been a very long time since she was a lass, or a maiden. "The trackers and hunters of the village have set noise traps in the woods, they may be able to alert us of the bandits presence. Myself and a small group will continue to patrol and scout the area, while the magistrate and the priest will gather those that cannot fight to safety." she stated, looking at the Knight with cool grey eyes.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lythe</strong> on <strong>09-11-2009, 23:49:58</strong>
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				His eyes followed her finger around the map, recreating it in his minds view of the village, placing just where each landmark was in reality. It was a good plan, better than his own would've been undoubtedly, not that he'd let on. "Excellent, very good! That sounds like all that can be done. While you're away on patrol, I'll assist the able townsfolk arm themselves and practice as much as time allows. Is there some safehouse to accomodate our non-combatants?" <br><br>He waved towards the barkeeper, who nodded and bought forwards a large tankard of ale wordlessly. Free of charge, of course; he was saving more than just a few pints-worth. With a large swig, he waited her response.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sorrows Solace</strong> on <strong>10-11-2009, 00:37:30</strong>
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				Alara had done the same, mapping the village and its outskirts in her mind. She had roamed the woods until she knew them well and the location of the noise traps. The woman had marked them on the map as well, with red ink. "The temple of Shallya the Healer, it is made of stone and the doors are sturdy, there are basic fire charms so it will not burn." she replied simply.<br><br>Alara nodded at the barkeep, making ready to purchase a meal and a mug of cider, her coins being refused. She arched a brow as the florid man smiled "You saved the mines Nightbreeze, it's the least I can do, no refusing now!" he countered and the woman smiled faintly "Very well." she commented.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lythe</strong> on <strong>10-11-2009, 01:39:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ethan raised a hand, too, flagging him down. "I could take my meal now too, if you will, my good man!" The barman nodded amicably enough, though he wasn't quite convinced he owed it to this newcomer. He'd do it, but not with so much of the reverence he had for Nightbreeze herself.<br><br>Ethan's attention switched the to map once more, spying the temple and looking at the way in. It was central, which was good, and if it was as sturdy as he was told, it should do well. "I'll see if I can't get some barricades erected outside the front door too, shall I?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sorrows Solace</strong> on <strong>10-11-2009, 02:33:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The bartender had left to tend to more customers, giving the orders for their meals to the cook. Turning back to the map the woman looked over the temple mark and frowned, looking thoughtful now. "Indeed, a good plan. There is fallen wood and rocks that can be used. Tell me, Sir Ethan, can you use a bow, or a ranged weapon?" she asked, looking at him now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lythe</strong> on <strong>10-11-2009, 04:06:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He paused, then nodded a little. "It's not my favored weapon, but of course I've used one in the past. I am quite sure I could hit a bandit given a decent position. Why, what are you thinking?" Even as the question left his lips, he picked up the map and moved it away, walking off towards one of the smaller tables. He could pretend it was to keep their plans and scheming private, rather than just keeping her secluded with himself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sorrows Solace</strong> on <strong>10-11-2009, 04:30:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Good. We will need archers, there are lads, and lasses of the village that can use a bow or sling. The hunters will be able to teach them as well." she murmured, deep in thought now. She had not had to fall into the role of the planner and strategist in a very long while, it was not comforting. She stood and followed him to sit down at a small table against the wall, running a hand along the hilt of her sword, not thinking anything of it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lythe</strong> on <strong>11-11-2009, 00:58:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I will do my best to explain how shooting game translates into shooting an enemy on the battlefield. They are often swifter, and inevitably more dangerous, targets; as I am sure you well know. Still!" He clapped the table gently, and brushed the map to one side. "That is work for tomorrow, no point focussing on it tonight. It would be prudent for us to spend what time we can relaxing, do you not think?" <br><br>Ethan's knightly, even princely, mannerisms were gone as soon as he'd hopped from his mount. Now he was rougher, perhaps a little more rougeish than knightly. Something was certainly amiss. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sorrows Solace</strong> on <strong>11-11-2009, 04:14:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"The hunters will aid you, as will I. Without proper training they may become panicked and flee, or they will be a liability to others. Riasan stated that they are accustomed to attacks enough to prepare to their best extend, but they are not fully ready to fight." she stated, reaching out to scan the map once more, eyes darkening with the multitude of thoughts that ran in her mind. <br><br>"No, I would not believe so. There is much work to be done, Ethan." she stated, dropping the knightly title as she looked at him, gaze level "I would believe a Knight of the realms would see that as well." she stated, tone cool and devoid of suspicion as she leaned back in her chair. "Tell me. How would it be that a knight with no squire, no true king to swear fealty to, no banner, no shield or colours and little knowledge of the Code still calls himself a knight?" she asked, head tilting a moment, still watching him gaze uncannily alert.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lythe</strong> on <strong>15-11-2009, 00:49:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He chuckled a little and shook his head, taking a deep swig of his ale to mask his nervousness, and give himself a few moments to think. When he placed the large tankard back down with a soft thud, he grinned as though it was some grand joke; which of course it wasn't. Not even to him. <br><br>"Lady, I may look rather young, but I have plenty enough experience to know a knight is made by his actions; not the color of his banner nor the presence of a squire. It has been several years since I was last home, and the king has not sent for me, ergo I am content to spend my time helping those in distress. Something you should understand, I think?"<br><br>The kitchen began to smell of homely stew and well cooked meat, making 'Sir' Ethan all the hungrier. The pub was empty, but there was still the sound of a chef, or two, rooting around in the kitchen beyond a large oak door, on the far side of the bar.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sorrows Solace</strong> on <strong>15-11-2009, 14:23:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She had seemed to unnerve him, interesting. Her suspicions did not feel completely unfounded, and she smiled faintly back, giving a nod as he began to speak once more. Let him have his lie, or half-truth for now, it was not her business and she needed him as an ally, it would do no good to alienate him.<br><br>"Quite true. You have my apologies, and my hope that one night we will be able to trade our tales. We have a similar interest in mind, aiding those in need."<br><br>So, she left it at that, starting to feel her appetite again as the scent of the food reached her nose. Stretching her hands and fingers to keep them limber as all those that followed the sword did she shifted in her chair, resting a hand on the hilt of her blade, still alert even in a sleepy village inn.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lythe</strong> on <strong>17-11-2009, 16:58:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shortly enough, two steaming bowls of what was little more than homely stew came through. It smelled good enough; hearty, stodgy fare. Ethan even went far enough to clap his hands together in preperation for the meal, nodding and thanking the serving lad gratefully. <br><br>"I'm sure there'll be plenty of time to share a tale or two... Plenty of time indeed! I doubt this danger is gonna pass in much of a hurry, eh?" His words were cut short by the large forkful of nourishment he took, taking a few moments to chew over the rather appetising meal.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sorrows Solace</strong> on <strong>17-11-2009, 18:44:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The bowls of stew and crusty bread were laid out, as was a fresh tankard of ale for Ethan and a new cup of cider for Alara. The woman did not seem to prefer to drink, especially with the the threat of an invasion. <br><br>"No, it never does. Bandits will part and flee like foxes on the hunt, only to return in the next prosperous season. They have many hardships." she commented, beginning to eat, applying herself to her food for a few moments.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lythe</strong> on <strong>18-11-2009, 03:10:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He nodded as though he knew it was the case; he didn't. Still, it made sense. He blew over the top of a spoonful of stew taken from the very centre, and thus boilingly hot. "Aye, well we'll do our best to keep them away, then. And to teach the village how to fend them off come next winter."<br><br>He nodded a little, then enveloped the spoon and ate down it's contents with a small grin. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sorrows Solace</strong> on <strong>18-11-2009, 03:52:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I only hope that it is enough. Years of battle have taught me that the unexpected can happen, when it seems that all is well and you are skilled enough to face anything." she stated, the lines along her mouth and eyes deepening. <br><br>Silence fell and she continued to eat, finishing her meal and setting the empty bowl and cup aside. "It would be best, if I went to patrol again." she said at length, moving to stand as she lay a silver coin on the table.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lythe</strong> on <strong>18-11-2009, 20:13:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He sighed deeply and shrugged a little. Clearly he didn't think it was much of a good idea. "If you think so. I doubt there will be anything to see that wasn't there a few hours ago, mind, but if you are truly tireless enough, then so it must be."<br><br>His eyes flickered over, to where the Millers daughters were still sat, chatting together. Apparently he had his own evening planned out, too, and in the absence of his Elven companion, Ethan would find some other way to amuse himself. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sorrows Solace</strong> on <strong>19-11-2009, 03:48:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alara smiled faintly, eyes gleaming with a tired amusement. He did not see her reasoning, it either pointed to the fact that he had other things on his mind or she was engrossed to much in her work. She knew the second fact to be all too true, but it had served her well in many ways, if not others. <br><br>"I am. I will see you in the morrow, if all goes well. A fair evening to you, Sir Knight." she stated, inclining her head and left the inn. <br><br>((Should there be an attack? Where do you want this to go?))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lythe</strong> on <strong>09-12-2009, 23:48:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He nodded a little as she left, studying her retreating back - well, her lower back would be more accurate - as she departed from the inn. As the wooden door clattered shut behind her, he sighed and drained the last of his tankard, before scanning the room fruitlessly for something else to entertain him, before relucantly wandering up towards his allocated room with a finall g'night in the direction of the innkeeper.<br><br>It was still early, but Ethan had had a genuinely long (if not particularly straining) day, and once he was bathed it was a short enough while before he let sleep clutch him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sorrows Solace</strong> on <strong>10-12-2009, 00:17:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alara left the inn and walked out to the village square, making her away the perimeter and speaking to the scouts and villagers that patrolled, doing her best to encourage morale. She met with the forest scouts and went with them, making sure she knew the small paths and where the traps had been set. <br><br>It was late night when she returned, after the guard roster had been changed and she cleaned up, and attempted to sleep, falling into a light rest as the hours past. It was early dawn when she awoke and she was down in the inn proper soon after, sipping a cup of tea and trying not to grimace.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lythe</strong> on <strong>11-12-2009, 19:20:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ethan lay in rather longer, only stirring as the rays of sunlight stung his closed eyelids through the uncovered windows. He groaned, and shifted onto his side, then his front, eagerly trying to recover the warm comfort of sleep; it didn't work. Eventually, there was no choice but to slip from beneath the covers and dress, before following his nose towards the promise of breakfast. <br><br>His day, he supposed, would be full of preparing defenses and acting the part of a knight, so he'd need a good lump of food to settle him at the start of it. As he wondered into the bar, he smiled and winked towards the barmaid there - daughter of the owner of the inn, before arranging himself a hearty meal.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Falling on Hard Times [Lythe &amp; Sorrows Solace]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sorrows Solace</strong> on <strong>13-12-2009, 05:22:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Finished her tea, Alara ordered a small amount of food and nodded at Ethan as he came downstairs. The woman looked no worse for the wear from her night of patrol and her early rising.<br><br>"Good morrow. I am in hopes that you have had a peaceful rest Sir Ethan." she stated, her tone still cool and formal it seemed to be the way she was comfortable with speaking. "There was no disturbance in the night. Scouts will be riding out today to see if the bandits are moving on." she added.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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