Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Grakor on 08-06-2009, 10:24:05</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Grakor</strong> on <strong>08-06-2009, 10:24:05</strong>
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				The tavern, known as the Charging Bull to most, was your typical lower-class watering hole. It was filled with smoke, the smell of cheap alcohol, and rough men getting drunk for reasons as varying as they were. Arguments sounded in the corners, and a rather harassed serving girl wove her way through the crowds to do her job. The interior was the very definition of chaos.<br><br>Aedan loved every minute of it.<br><br>He sat smirking at his own table, leaning back in his seat and letting his green eyes move from group to group. The room was filled with such raw emotion, his very nature could literally feel it wafting off of the many people inside. Perhaps that's why he liked this place. He certainly looked out of place...he was no noble, but his outfit was well-made of fine cloth, a green tunic and pants. There was no visible weapon, but he really didn't need one. Still, most would have called him daring, dressing in such a manner and unarmed in a rough place such as this. Of course, most had little idea of what he really was. No one ever knew him to have any problems with the other patrons. Any slight was resolved within moments, all to Aedan's smiling expression.<br><br>The young man would have been content on this day to just finish his drink and leave, but he tilted his head as he heard commotion on the other end of the room. His smirk intensified, and he stood, making his way to see what the growing commotion was all about.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nimmy</strong> on <strong>08-06-2009, 18:20:50</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				(Quick out of character: Pardon my horrible attempt at writing a drunk man)<br><br>The man at the center of the commotion was about as unusual as Aedan was, and more than a few people glanced between the two when Aedan approached. He was tall and surprisingly burly, and his skin had an odd... grayish tone to it, speaking of a rather colorful family history. His hair, long and unruly, was black, as were the patches of arm hair one could see where his sleeves were rolled up. One could also see a brace of knives across his chest, one of which was drawn and held in an unsteady hand.<br><br>The hand was pointed at a monk who stood across the table from him. The monk had been called to give the last rights to the tavern-keeper's son, and had spotted this unusual man across the room, recognized him, and gone to chastise him for not having been to services in several months. That had been a mistake.<br><br>"Git outta my fashe," he slurred horribly, keeping his green eyes fixed on the monk even though the rest of him swayed from side to side. "It'sh not your business what I do and don't do, old man." The knife in his hand steadied abruptly, causing the monk to take a step back. His voice cleared temporarily and he stood up, leaning on the table. "Don't pretend to understand what has happened to me. Just because you have the Gods with you doesn't mean you know everything! You and your kind are all liars! You say you'll help us get our dead to where they're supposed to be, but when it comes down to it, you're only after our money! Barkeep, another ale!" he roared, taking his eyes off the monk for a moment. The monk took that moment to make his escape out of the crowd and head towards the door.<br><br>"Make sure that man comes to the temple in the morning," the monk said loudly, casting an angry glare at the man in the corner before hurrying out of the chaos.<br><br>The man in the corner kept drinking until he passed out, and that was the end of his rowdiness. With him out of the way for a few hours, the levels of chaos in the tavern dropped. Two men eventually went to the man in the corner and shook him.<br><br>"Kieran," one said, shaking him when he didn't respond. "It's time to get you home." Kieran slurred something unintelligible but made an attempt to get to his feet. The two men half supported half carried him out of the tavern and into the night.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Grakor</strong> on <strong>09-06-2009, 23:50:57</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				(And sorry for the delay here, was busy all day yesterday.)<br><br>Aedan smirked to himself through-out the entire encounter. This Kieran was a unique sight in these parts, and no doubt had quite the story to tell.<br><br>The young man had no real reason to interfere in this man's life, except a whim and a strong sense that this might turn out to be interesting. So he discreetly watched the dark man until he was carried off. Aedan stood, and left a few moments after, leaving a few coins to pay for his drink and tip behind.<br><br>He followed behind, shadowing to see where he was being led. The young man proved quite stealthy when he needed to be, though just how much of that was natural skill is probably debatable. Even if those he followed saw him, they wouldn't think him out of place...just another piece of scenery. He wasn't even really trying.<br><br>There was only one point to his following. He was going to see to it that this man kept his appointment the next morning. One way or another. Once he found where they were taking him, he ducked out of sight, finding a place to lean back. Now to see what was going to happen, and if he'd go of his own volition.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nimmy</strong> on <strong>10-06-2009, 02:43:31</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The morning light streaming through Kieran's bedroom elicited a round of loud curses. He buried his head under the pillow to try to block the pain. No luck. The damn birds didn't seem to want him to slip back into peaceful oblivion for another few hours.<br><br>As he got up, he groaned and tried to remember if he had upset anyone enough to have them out for blood today. The previous night was a bit hazy, like usual, but he was usually pretty good about remembering who wanted to kill him. He cringed as he walked slowly for the kitchen to get a bite to eat. Abruptly, he stopped and cursed at himself. Damn himself for pissing off the monk the night before. Now he had to talk to the Abbot and wait for the damned old men to decide on a suitable punishment for him.<br><br>He almost decided not to go, but a glance into a corner of his home at the pair of swords leaning in it made him reconsider. They would want him to go fix the problem that he had caused, and he never managed to say no to them. With a muttered oath, he found a pair of pants and went out to the well to draw enough water to clean himself up so he was presentable for the cowards in the monastery.<br><br>When he was finished washing up, he found a set of clean clothes and dressed before looking at his mini armory. He almost grabbed the large ax he favored, but belted a short sword around his waist. He wasn't happy about going out for this purpose, but things would only get worse from here out. He sighed and locked the door behind him, heading down the path towards the monastery.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Grakor</strong> on <strong>11-06-2009, 04:20:56</strong>
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				A pair of green eyes watched Kieran leave, narrowing with some degree of amusement as he walked off. Aedan stepped out of the shadows, and followed along behind.<br><br>He considered their destination for a few moments, frowning for a moment as he noted that the man was indeed headed to the monastery. He never liked churches. Still, it was where this man had to go, and he was going to see him through the entire process. What was all of this about?<br><br>A couple minutes passed before Aedan decided what to do next. A smirk formed on his face before he sped up his steps, making his way through the streets closer to the darker-skinned man. He didn't quite approach him completely at first, just got closer to see how soon this man would realize he was being followed.<br><br>Either way, he did eventually come up beside him, that same light smirk on his angular features and speaking as if he were talking to an old friend. "Heading to the monastery, are you? Funny, don't strike me as a monk."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nimmy</strong> on <strong>11-06-2009, 04:59:05</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Kieran scowled, shoulders hunching as he felt eyes on him. If it was a thief, they'd soon find out that he was not a man to mess with, especially not this morning. His follower, as he soon discovered, was not a thief, but an annoyance. Even worse.<br><br>"It's not any of your business," he replied curtly to the redhead. He ignored the man for the rest of his walk to the monastery. He was surprised to find that the man was still with him when he reached the walls. The monk from last night was at the gate today, and gave Kieran a scowl for his misbehavior the previous night. Kieran's returning glare was enough to send him scurrying for a safer place.<br><br>Kieran mumbled another oath under his breath as he trudged down the path to the main building. The abbot was waiting on the front steps. He was a kind man, but if one of the monks in the abbey said that someone required some form of punishment, he had to see it through.<br><br>"Father," Kieran said, nodding respectfully.<br><br>"Kieran. Making trouble again, I see," the abbot replied, not unkindly. At Kieran's nod, the abbot sighed. "Unfortunately, son, you've caused quite a lot of stir among the brothers when they found out what you did. You should know better than to pull a knife on one of us. This is out of my hands, other than to inform you that your presence is requested at the main temple in Ekimar. Since you're headed that way, I have to ask you a favor as well."<br><br>"What is it?"<br><br>"There's a certain artifact that needs to get to the main temple safely. I hate to do this to you, my old friend, but it needs to be done. It'll probably cause you a lot of trouble on your journey..."<br><br>"I'll do it, friend," Kieran replied softly, nodding. "When do they want me at the temple?"<br><br>"You need to leave tomorrow. Come back in the morning. Please." Kieran nodded and turned away to return home to pack. "Kieran."<br><br>"Yes, Father?"<br><br>"You're still a good man, regardless of what has happened."<br><br>Kieran nodded again and left, heading out of the monastery and back onto the path.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Grakor</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 00:02:17</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				For his part, Aedan stayed outside the walls when Kieran went in. He didn't particularly feel like entering a monastery today, and the sound of a bell was already giving him a headache. Besides, there was always the chance the abbot inside could identify him on sight, and he didn't particularly need that complication.<br><br>So instead he stood outside the wall, leaning back against it and casting some devious looks toward the gate guard. "Must get boring, standing there watching the gate all day."<br><br>The monk peered back at him, no doubt a bit suspicious of this man who was just loitering outside the gate. "Not at all, I get to meet everyone coming in."<br><br>"Including tavern drunks coming in for confessionals." Aedan had pulled out a coin, flipping it into the air and catching it, then sliding it through his fingers for a couple hand tricks. "I'm sure that's fun."<br><br>"Shouldn't you be going in or away yourself?"<br><br>"Waiting for a friend," he chuckled. Of course, the 'friend' didn't even know his name and likely didn't think of him as one, but he didn't have to mention that. "Besides, why would I want to? You monks are all so boring. At least the tavern-goers have senses of humor."<br><br>A little while later Kieran was coming back out, and Aedan grinned as he went right back up beside him, despite any attempts to avoid him that may have been used. "There you are. How was your visit? Enlightening?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nimmy</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 04:56:53</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Why do you suddenly care about my business?" Kieran asked coldly. With the mention of an artifact he had to transport to the main temple and the fact that it'd probably cause him trouble, he was wary of this man. He had noticed that the redhead had chosen to remain outside the monastery's walls, for whatever reason, but it wasn't making Kieran trust him any more.<br><br>"You'll have no reason to seek me out tomorrow. I'll be on my way to Ekimar." He headed back to his home, hoping that the somewhat curt dismissal he had just attempted would deter the other man from following him further. In the back of his mind he figured that it was a useless attempt to get rid of this annoyance. It was unlikely nothing short of maiming or killing him would do so, and since he had promised to try to keep his temper in check, he had to be a good citizen and put up with him.<br><br>He was silent as he headed the long way back to his cabin, inventorying what he would need on his journey, what would be sort of useful, and what he had to leave behind. It would probably be smart if he brought a pack horse along with him to carry more provisions for the 6 week journey to Ekimar, and keep just emergency things, like a few days of food, healing supplies, and his weapons, on his person in case he needed to move fast.<br><br>Several minutes later, he stepped up onto his porch and unlocked the door to his home, stepping inside and removing his boots to pad around barefoot. Much to the surprise to anyone thinking that due to his size he'd be a loud, bumbling idiot, his footsteps were completely silent across the wood floor.<br><br>He hoped the annoyance wouldn't follow him inside.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Grakor</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 05:50:29</strong>
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				Aedan grinned, not missing a step or a beat at the dismissal. He wasn't going to be gotten rid of that easily. "Ekimar? Wonderful, I was just thinking about heading that way myself." Of course, he wasn't thinking of it until he heard the name, but bending the truth until it cried 'Uncle' wasn't something he was unused to doing. "Besides, a change of scenery is always a good thing. This city was starting to get on my nerves anyway."<br><br>As if to prove he was going to remain a nuisance to the larger man, he followed him into his own home, without a second thought or even a comment. He just kept on with that same smirk. "Besides, it's a long trip, isn't it? Another body is always helpful. Never know when you'll run into trouble on the road."<br><br>What was worse was that he knew just how much he annoyed Kieran. That just made the whole thing even more fun, and dirty looks were returned with equally maddening grins. This was going to be entertaining.<br><br>"Nice place, by the way," he commented with a nod, glancing around. "Well, nicer than one would expect, anyway. When are we leaving, anyway?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nimmy</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 15:21:53</strong>
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				Damnit! He couldn't get away from the red-haired annoyance that seemed hell-bent on following him everywhere. He almost went to get his ax and start hacking him up, but refrained. when he wasn't drunk, he rather enjoyed life and murder would get him the executioner's sword, even if it wasn't someone who would be missed by the world.<br><br>"Get out of my house," Kieran growled, heading into the kitchen after retrieving some bags from a closet. "And <em>I</em> leave tomorrow. I can handle myself on the road, thank you for your concern." He started packing up provisions for the long journey, and then went to see how much gold he had. A good amount. He left it tucked away where he usually hid it until the morning. He tried his best to ignore the red-haired pest, packing his bags and laying them on the table in his kitchen. He disappeared for a moment and returned with his plethora of weapons, setting those carefully in a corner.<br><br>And the pest was still there.<br><br>"What's your name, so I don't keep calling you pest," he growled at the man.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Grakor</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 20:58:34</strong>
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				He had to supress the urge to grin again. He could just see, and feel, the frustration coming off from Kieran. This would likely be quite enjoyable indeed. He just plain out ignored the order to leave. He wasn't done with this one yet, after all.<br><br>"Of course you're leaving tomorrow, and I'm going with you." For his part, he didn't try to make himself helpful or useful, he just watched the other male go about his packing and gathering. "And I'm quite sure you can take care of yourself, no one was contesting that. But even the best warrior in the world could use some help now and then."<br><br>He paused there, leaning back against a wall. He actually looked thoughtful for a few moments, "Though...hrm. HAVE you been calling me pest? I hadn't noticed. Most call me Aedan, you can too."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nimmy</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 21:19:56</strong>
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				"Well, Aedan... I can handle this alone, thank you," Kieran said. Aedan couldn't possibly be human - he was just far too annoying to be. He sighed and went about his business. At one point in the afternoon, he left to buy a pack horse and brought the creature back. He resisted the urge to go to the tavern and drink, instead running double checks around the house to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything.<br><br>***<br><br>The next morning, Kieran rose and dressed silently. He moved about quietly and quickly, preparing the horse for the journey and himself. He slipped out, hoping that he wouldn't have to deal with this Aedan if he was quiet enough. He took the horse's lead rope and headed off to the monastery to pick up his package.<br><br>There were no words exchanged between himself and the abbot. Kieran merely took the package and tucked it away into his pack. With a nod, he turned and headed back out onto the road. Time to get going.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Grakor</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 22:45:14</strong>
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				Aedan left the house not long after the next dismissal, just smirking to himself the entire while. We'll see about that.<br><br>He considered himself lucky that he didn't need much sleep a night, and he could control when he woke up. With a pack of supplies of his own, he just waits next to the gate, waiting to ambush Kieran as he comes out. And ambush he most certainly does.<br><br>"There you are, Kieran. I thought I was too early for a moment. Well, I suppose I was. Or you're late. One way or another." He takes up step next to the man without further thought, completely ignoring frustrated looks sent his way. He was smirking the entire while.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nimmy</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 23:20:44</strong>
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				There really was no way of escaping this nuisance! Kieran wanted to scream in frustration, something he did not feel the need to do often, as he ran into Aedan outside the gate. He subtly shifted the gear he was carrying on his person around so his pack - and the artifact - were farther away from the redhead, and his large ax was on the side closest to him. He was trying valiantly to intimidate the other man into leaving him alone.<br><br>If it didn't work, this was going to be a very long journey.<br><br>Throughout the morning, Kieran did his best to ignore Aedan, but that since that tactic did not appear to be working, he resigned himself to the fact that he was most likely stuck with Adan for the rest of his trip. Might as well try to be civil, not that he wanted to.<br><br>"Where are you from?" he asked quietly in an attempt to make intelligent conversation.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Grakor</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 23:42:29</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Aedan was smirking the entire while. Despite the fact Kieran outweighed him by quite a bit and was armed while he was not, the redhead didn't seem at all intimidated or even phased at the obvious display. He just kept right on walking, as if he didn't have a thing to worry about. Maybe it was arrogance...or he just knew the other man wouldn't try to kill him. Most likely, it was a bit of both.<br><br>For his part, Aedan seemed satisfied to let Kieran stew in silence for the morning. No need to push him even further, after all.<br><br>"I'd tell you, but I honestly don't remember," he replied with a slightly furrowed brow, thinking about it. "Lot of things like that tend to get jumbled. Small town near a forest, though I can't remember the name. Been a long time since I've been that way anyway, rather not dwell on that."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nimmy</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 00:03:05</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Mm," Kieran grunted in reply, thinking back to the dreary mining town he had been born into. He couldn't recall the name himself - preferred not to, actually. The same way he preferred not to remember his childhood in general. His parentage had always been something the kids in town liked to tease him about. It had stopped shortly after he outgrew them at about 10.<br><br>He found a nice area off the path to stop to get out some food for lunch and make sure his pack horse could rest a bit and graze. He dug into the saddle bags for food, and offered some to Aedan.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Grakor</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 00:15:24</strong>
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				Aedan didn't seem to dwell on it at all, breaking out into whistling an upbeat tune to himself as he just kept right on walking. His mind was wandering a bit beneath that though, but his face didn't betray what he was thinking about. Given his very nature, things from his early past were at best jumbled and confused. He didn't even know what he was for the longest time himself.<br><br>He stopped with Kieran, settling himself down nearby and shaking his head towards the man. "Hmm? Oh, no, I brought my own. You're already casting murderous glances at me, wouldn't want to steal your food too." He flashed a grin, taking some food from his own pack as he spoke. "Why are you headed this way, if I might ask? Alright if you don't tell me, but has to be something important to make such a long trip."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nimmy</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 00:38:22</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"I'm in a bit of trouble," Kieran said honestly, returning the extra food to his bags. "I made the mistake of pulling a knife on a monk. I'm sure you were there - otherwise how did you figure out where I lived?" Kieran sighed. "I have to report to the main temple to receive "proper" punishment for my stupidity. What that punishment is, I don't know at this point."<br><br>He ate in silence for a while, stewing a bit in anger. Blasted monks and their pride. They thought they knew everything, but they'd never seen what the world was really like, the way they hid behind their stone walls and books. If they weren't such pretentious bastards, he might have felt pity on their lives. But as it stood...<br><br>He would have backed out if he really had the option, but the abbot expected him to do the right thing, and he had never been able to disappoint him.<br><br>"And the abbot asked me to deliver a package that needs to get there, one way or another." A shrug.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Grakor</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 00:49:46</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Aedan nodded his head. "Yes, I saw you at the tavern that night. Probably doesn't help you were drunk, hmm?" He chuckled, leaning back a bit and just watching Kieran, considering him for a moment. "Not like you killed him anyway, so what's the worst they can do to you?"<br><br>He went silent after that, mind wandering again. An interesting man indeed...he clearly didn't like the monks, Aedan could see that in his expression, and could feel the anger coming off of him. So why did he continue on this course, to walk right into their punishment like a good little boy? He was curious, and that curiosity just drove him even more to learn more about this man.<br><br>Well, and wanting to know what was in the package helped too.<br><br>"Sending a package with you? You think that thing will attract trouble to you on the trip?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nimmy</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 01:48:15</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"That's what the abbot said, so I would imagine so," Kieran replied. "Can't say I would expect one of those cowardly monks to safely deliver whatever's in it. They barely know how to navigate the city outside of 2 miles of the monastery, let alone make it to Ekimar."<br><br>He sighed. He was so tempted to pull out the package and open it on the spot so he knew what he would be putting his life on the line for, but he had promised not to open it. He might not like monks in general, or their religion, but due to the memory of others he went to services occasionally and was going to see this thing through. As for the package? Well, he wouldn't touch that because Father Iroan, the abbot, had been a very close companion of his.<br><br>Even if Kieran had been irked when he went and joined this stupid religion, he was going to keep that promise.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Grakor</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 02:11:50</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well, look at it this way. Means the trip will be exciting at least." The redhead chuckled aloud, standing himself up and dusting himself off. He still had well-made clothing on, but it seemed practical enough for the trip at least.<br><br>"Hopefully, anyway. Would hate to be out on the road with nothing going on for however many weeks." He paused there, lifting an eyebrow as he looked back to Kieran. "No idea what's in the thing, then? Risking your life for something you don't even know what is seems rather silly to me."<br><br>Says the man following a complete stranger because he looked 'interesting.' Of course, he doesn't even seem phased by the irony of that, and just takes the moment to do a couple stretches.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nimmy</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 02:35:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I suppose," Kieran sighed. "To both of your points. I'm doing the delivery because I was asked by a friend - if I didn't like him I would have refused."<br><br>Finishing his food, he brushed the crumbs off the front of his tunic. Might as well leave some leftovers for the birds and the like. Turning and leaving Aedan to his stretches, he checked the horse's girth strap and tightened the ropes keeping the load on the saddle to keep anything from slipping.<br><br>"I'd like to get to Alamen's Grove tonight so we can camp there," Kieran announced. Alamen's Grove was a sheltered area that many travelers liked to set up camp in, because there were limited ways in due to the crescent-shaped rock formation that formed a sort of bowl.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Grakor</strong> on <strong>14-06-2009, 04:19:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Sounds like a plan to me," Aedan replied with a nod, smirking a bit. "Especially if you're looking for trouble. We heading off, then?" He picked his pack back up, heading off beside the other man as soon as they were both ready.<br><br>He let his gaze wander about the countryside as the trip began again, though. "So the abbot of that monastery is a friend of yours? How long you known him?" He seemed mostly just to be making conversation at this point, not all that curious by his tone.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nimmy</strong> on <strong>14-06-2009, 04:25:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Years," Kieran replied absently, scanning the countryside as well, more for threats than to let his mind wander. He preferred flat, open ground when he had something important (and troublesome) to carry. Thankfully, there was plenty of that between here and Umen, the next closest settlement. Beyond Umen... well, things were bound to get interesting. Forests and marshlands abounded.<br><br>"Why are you so interested in my life and my friends?" he asked after some time. He paused to tug the horse's lead rope to get the creature to stop trying to eat the bushes they passed. Seemed like even it was bored with the uniform look of their surroundings.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Grakor</strong> on <strong>15-06-2009, 10:21:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Aedan actually looked like he was considering the question. Not so much wondering why himself, but wondering how much he should really say. "You looked interesting," he finally replied, nodding his head to himself. "I was curious and wanted to know more about you. Why I decided to come along here. Well, that, and I've been looking for an excuse to leave anyway, so it was convenient. Anyway...mostly curiosity. If it seriously bothers you, I could stop."<br><br>He peered into the distance for a moment, eyes squinting as he tried to make out as many landmarks in the open countryside as he could. "And making idle conversation, of course. Better than walking in complete silence. That would get to a person eventually. At least I think so."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nimmy</strong> on <strong>15-06-2009, 17:21:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It depends on the person," Kieran replied. "Of course, someone like you wouldn't be able to handle the silence." His words weren't kind, but he hadn't been looking for company on this journey. Several minutes later, he sighed. He felt a little guilty for what he had just said. "I'm sorry. That was uncalled for."<br><br>He shifted his load again slightly and sighed one again. "I'm not used to traveling with people. It's been several years since I had a group of people around me other than at inns."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Grakor</strong> on <strong>15-06-2009, 22:09:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Aedan didn't look bothered or insulted. One may wonder if anything could really get under his skin, but for right now he just chuckles and shrugs his shoulders indifferently. "Sorry? Why should anyone apologize for having a sharp tongue? Where I'm from, that's a virtue."<br><br>He continues on without missing a step, turning his gaze away from the countryside to his new companion. "Well, you can get used to it. Unless someone more interesting comes along in the meantime, of course. Not much chance of that out here, though. Most we'll find are bandits." He shakes his head, pausing there for only a brief moment, "And of course, you're not traveling with *people*, just me. Though I have such a strong personality I can see where you'd make that mistake." He grins, looking back forward.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nimmy</strong> on <strong>16-06-2009, 00:52:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Where did you come from?" Kieran asked, more to himself. He was sure that Aedan could hear him, but he didn't really care.<br><br>The rest of the afternoon was spent in relative silence, and it was nearing dusk when they reached Alamen's Grove. Kieran busied himself setting up camp and getting food supplies out, before tethering the horse to a tree a little ways from their camp to act as a sort of early warning system if anyone tried to sneak up. He settled down himself and got a fire going, watching it and warming his hands slightly. They were, unusually, always cold.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Grakor</strong> on <strong>16-06-2009, 08:22:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Aedan didn't answer, of course. He just kept that smirk on his face as he walked on. He obviously heard it, but he didn't care any more than Kieran did.<br><br>Upon reaching the Grove, he put his pack down and did a stretch to work out the kinks from carrying it for so long, before pretty much staying out of the larger man's way when he set up camp. Once the fire was going, he sat himself down opposite of it, though he didn't really try to warm himself.<br><br>He took out some of his own food and ate, taking a look around the area from his seated position with a vaguely curious, or perhaps just bored, look. Once he was satisfied, he looked back at his companion, brow furrowing. He didn't say anything, though. Just sort of watched him, almost expectantly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nimmy</strong> on <strong>16-06-2009, 17:15:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kieran cooked dinner quietly, ignoring Aedan as he watched his food to make sure it didn't burn. He pulled it off the fire a few minutes later and ate it quickly. He looked up when he became really aware that he was being watched. He looked up.<br><br>"What?" he asked, meeting Aedan's eyes. "Why am I that interesting to you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Grakor</strong> on <strong>17-06-2009, 21:01:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hmm?" Aedan looked genuinely confused for a couple moments, brow furrowing. It took him a couple more moments to finally respond with more than that, "Why wouldn't you be?"<br><br>He didn't wait for an answer. He leaned back against his pack, crossing his arms and taking a glance around. "Mm. Don't let me keep you up. You need your sleep, I'm sure."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nimmy</strong> on <strong>18-06-2009, 04:05:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"What, and you don't?" Kieran replied. He wasn't really looking at Aedan as he spoke, more concerned with rolling his bedroll out. He stretched out on it, watching the fire and organizing his thoughts for a moment.<br><br>"I'll see you in the morning, I guess," he said, pulling his blankets over himself and rolling so his back was to the fire. It didn't take long for him to drift off. It never did.<br><br>It didn't take very long after that for the whimpers to start coming from Kieran. The large male shifted restlessly, muttering something that was hard to catch.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Grakor</strong> on <strong>18-06-2009, 07:00:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				No, I don't.<br><br>Aedan didn't say it out loud, of course. He just thought it to himself while still leaning back against his pack. He said nothing further until the large man went to sleep, turning his own gaze up to the sky while his thoughts drifted off. That is, until he heard Kieran whimpering.<br><br>He furrowed his brow, looking over. "Bad dream, hmm?" he asked to himself, watching him for a few moments. He debated if he should wake him, but he didn't want to tempt Kieran to try to kill him again, and the other option...well, he couldn't do that just yet.<br><br>He shook his head and closed his eyes, entering his own sleep of a sort, though much lighter. When Kieran awoke the next morning, he'd already find Aedan awake.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Finding One's Self (Grakor and Nimeneth)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nimmy</strong> on <strong>18-06-2009, 17:50:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kieran shot out of sleep the next morning, wide awake. He had calmed down over the course of the night, but he always had at least two rounds of nightmares during the night... one for each companion lost. For whatever reason, with the ones before he woke were always the one where he was quiet. He usually attributed it to the feeling of complete helplessness that came with them.<br><br>He took a deep breath and tried to get the tremors in his body under control. He wiped the thin layer of sweat from his forehead and turned towards the fire again. Aedan was already awake, but he did his best to ignore him as he made himself breakfast.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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