Ana walks past Jillian and touches her arm. And then past limited touches his arm. As in a daze she speaks
Jillian, Lono. This is not the time. For arguing. Looking. In lonos. Eyes. Jillian there is more to the story and the truth lies with the red head one. Ana starts to pray over the dead bothe serinjah and Albarians. As the others check the supply
A. Serinjah. Male approaches Jillian.
we found her over there with the dead Aalbarian and a drinks I bowline it was Yanas. Her brother. I think they call her anamosa.
As they watch her pray over the bodies. They know they all will find peace in her words.
I think before she and her brother arrived. She was training to be a shaman.
Raging Bull
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Re: Raging Bull
The horse bucked at the firm slap of hand on its flank before bolting forward with a lurch and thundering off. Ukar had gripped the reigns tightly with one hand, the other holding into a twist of the woman’s clothing and holding her in place. He rode them out and away in a large semi circle before slowing the beast to a stand behind a thicket, his eyes ever watchful for chase. None was given. There he watched the melee unfold unsettled and anxious to be amidst it, twice having to turn and heel the horse drawn as it was to the Albarian shouts and calls.
So this was her, this weak looking whipped and broken woman. She did not look sturdy or hardy enough to be worth the effort or offered coin. The death of others for the saviour of one was not an issue, for his kinsmen had fought well with pride and hope of rewarded coin. But what did nag at the Serinjah was why the big man valued something so pitiful and far removed from themselves. He looked down at her over the horse. Breath made her body rise and fall and fresh blood wept from the stretching of her wounds. If she lived maybe he would take time to find out.
Only at the battles conclusion did the trio of man, woman and horse gallop out to the group. He slipped from the saddle as the animal took its last few steps until still and went to tending the wounds of Lono and kinsmen. Raised voices soon drew his attention as he wiped his balm stained hands upon thighs. He strode over looking at Lono and Jillian, bag in hand. He pulled the red haired woman from the back of his horse without grace and easing her down to set her sitting, slumped on the floor. There under the exchange of words and hand gestures and the scuffle of looting he went about his task with dexterity and still without word.
So this was her, this weak looking whipped and broken woman. She did not look sturdy or hardy enough to be worth the effort or offered coin. The death of others for the saviour of one was not an issue, for his kinsmen had fought well with pride and hope of rewarded coin. But what did nag at the Serinjah was why the big man valued something so pitiful and far removed from themselves. He looked down at her over the horse. Breath made her body rise and fall and fresh blood wept from the stretching of her wounds. If she lived maybe he would take time to find out.
Only at the battles conclusion did the trio of man, woman and horse gallop out to the group. He slipped from the saddle as the animal took its last few steps until still and went to tending the wounds of Lono and kinsmen. Raised voices soon drew his attention as he wiped his balm stained hands upon thighs. He strode over looking at Lono and Jillian, bag in hand. He pulled the red haired woman from the back of his horse without grace and easing her down to set her sitting, slumped on the floor. There under the exchange of words and hand gestures and the scuffle of looting he went about his task with dexterity and still without word.
Re: Raging Bull
As night fell the silhouettes of the remaining members of the party traveled over an abandoned path. Many of the horses were slaughtered or ran in fear during the battle leaving most of the survivors on foot. Lono felt the confused stares of the mercenaries as he limped along with Finley asleep in his arms. Everyone was exhausted, mentally and physically. Though it was dangerous, they had to set camp.
Later, after camp is set Lono attended to Finley, redressing her wounds. He felt the presence of someone hovering over his shoulder. It was Jillian. He didn't look at her as he continued his work.
"Look. You don't know me or know what I'm about. I understand that. And I'm not looking to explain myself."
He cut off the end of a bandage, applying it.
"I know what it's like to lose soldiers who are under your command. Those were good people and maybe you'll never forgive me for bringing you all here. When I return to Illarion, it's likely I'm going to be in a lot of trouble. But there's land to roam out there and opportunity enough, far from the petty conflicts of Albar and Salkamar. You and yours can make a life for yourselves there and live like Serinjah are supposed to."
As he finished patching up Finley his eyes lingered on her for a moment, betraying him: it was obvious to Jillian that though strained by all that had happened Lono was in love with the girl.
Later, after camp is set Lono attended to Finley, redressing her wounds. He felt the presence of someone hovering over his shoulder. It was Jillian. He didn't look at her as he continued his work.
"Look. You don't know me or know what I'm about. I understand that. And I'm not looking to explain myself."
He cut off the end of a bandage, applying it.
"I know what it's like to lose soldiers who are under your command. Those were good people and maybe you'll never forgive me for bringing you all here. When I return to Illarion, it's likely I'm going to be in a lot of trouble. But there's land to roam out there and opportunity enough, far from the petty conflicts of Albar and Salkamar. You and yours can make a life for yourselves there and live like Serinjah are supposed to."
As he finished patching up Finley his eyes lingered on her for a moment, betraying him: it was obvious to Jillian that though strained by all that had happened Lono was in love with the girl.
Re: Raging Bull
Jenai went about her work with quiet efficiency. Blocking out the strained whinnying of the horses and the metallic stench of violence, she stood among the fallen retrieving arrows and pulling Serinjah respectfully aside taking nothing from the corpses. Though she knew in the depths of her soul that her fallen kin were on the right path still she didn’t like to leave them untended where they fell. A quick reckoning showed fewer horses than riders and hope was dashed that the dead might travel to a safe place for leisurely mourning. She shoved the thought aside with a quick shake of the head and pushed up her sleeves to finish the task at hand, lining up her friends and family lovingly, placing hands and feet into the traditional death poses before setting the fires. The Albarians received similar though less reverential treatment. She surveyed the scene, fires crackling loudly, first obscuring then consuming the bodies. Unceremonious as it was, she hoped it was enough to appease the ghost walkers.
Later in the relative safety of the campfire, she worked in contemplative silence relieving the few remaining horses of their baggage. The horses, accustomed to battle and racing the wind, sagged their heads betraying their displeasure at being used for portage only to those familiar enough to read the signs. If she noticed the exchange between Lono and Jillian, she made no indication of it. She laid out her bed roll and prepared for a brief night under the stars, the names of her loved ones in her heart and mind but never again to be spoken aloud.
Later in the relative safety of the campfire, she worked in contemplative silence relieving the few remaining horses of their baggage. The horses, accustomed to battle and racing the wind, sagged their heads betraying their displeasure at being used for portage only to those familiar enough to read the signs. If she noticed the exchange between Lono and Jillian, she made no indication of it. She laid out her bed roll and prepared for a brief night under the stars, the names of her loved ones in her heart and mind but never again to be spoken aloud.
Re: Raging Bull
“It is not up to me if we stay or go. Though, the idea of settling into our own clan is quite.. ideal.”
Jillian watched with a blank expression as Lono changed the dressings on the young woman’s back. She could tell that their relationship was no longer master-servant. There was more to it than that, which was odd to her. How could you feel that way about someone who had owned you, bought you, and made you work for them, providing the very bare necessities one needed to survive?
“Unless you words are veiled with hope that we will go. Then we will.”
“No, no, that’s not what I meant at all.”
“Very well. The girl, she can ride with me tomorrow, give you more time to heal.”
“I prefer to carry her.”
“Then you will be a foolish, dead man, by the time you get to where you are going. Allow me to do this.”
Jillian’s voice took on an almost pleading tone. Lono looked at her with a confused gaze, almost untrusting of her, like she had some ulterior motive for offering.
“Fine. But you leave her be. No asking her about anything that’s happened. Not until I talk to her.”
“As you wish.”
The next day, the girl rode with Jillian on her horse, facing Jillian with her arms wrapped around her waist. Every so often, she would have to grab the girl to keep her from slipping out of the saddle. At a few points, Jillian climbed down, offering the saddle to others who were walking, and she limped along side them, always watchful.
Each night that they set up camp, Finley would come and talk to Jillian, asking her about the other members of the group, what they had done prior to being hired by Lono, about the things they had seen. She didn’t want to admit it, but she had grown fond of the girl. Jillian didn’t think it was in her nature to feel maternal or friendly to someone, but here was proof that she could.
They moved as swiftly as they could, reaching the Albarian border in a two weeks. It was time to make a decision. Would they stay, or would they go off their own separate way?
Jillian watched with a blank expression as Lono changed the dressings on the young woman’s back. She could tell that their relationship was no longer master-servant. There was more to it than that, which was odd to her. How could you feel that way about someone who had owned you, bought you, and made you work for them, providing the very bare necessities one needed to survive?
“Unless you words are veiled with hope that we will go. Then we will.”
“No, no, that’s not what I meant at all.”
“Very well. The girl, she can ride with me tomorrow, give you more time to heal.”
“I prefer to carry her.”
“Then you will be a foolish, dead man, by the time you get to where you are going. Allow me to do this.”
Jillian’s voice took on an almost pleading tone. Lono looked at her with a confused gaze, almost untrusting of her, like she had some ulterior motive for offering.
“Fine. But you leave her be. No asking her about anything that’s happened. Not until I talk to her.”
“As you wish.”
The next day, the girl rode with Jillian on her horse, facing Jillian with her arms wrapped around her waist. Every so often, she would have to grab the girl to keep her from slipping out of the saddle. At a few points, Jillian climbed down, offering the saddle to others who were walking, and she limped along side them, always watchful.
Each night that they set up camp, Finley would come and talk to Jillian, asking her about the other members of the group, what they had done prior to being hired by Lono, about the things they had seen. She didn’t want to admit it, but she had grown fond of the girl. Jillian didn’t think it was in her nature to feel maternal or friendly to someone, but here was proof that she could.
They moved as swiftly as they could, reaching the Albarian border in a two weeks. It was time to make a decision. Would they stay, or would they go off their own separate way?
Re: Raging Bull
The two weeks passed by ominously quiet but ultimately uneventful. The party, much smaller than when they left now arrived, ragged but not beat, back to the port of Rusted Axe in Gynk right on time. The crew of the Hefty Harlot, which Lono had paid to remain until he returned, had just given up waiting, their last gold coin spent, and started to prepare to head back to Illarion without him. Captain Killane spit with surprise seeing Lono approach and attempted to play it off as though he were preparing because he figured Lono would be back any moment.
At the docks Lono addressed the remaining Howling Band members, "If you'll come, your fair is paid. If not, then this is goodbye."
Lono bowed his head respectfully to each of them and tosses his knapsack up onto the ship and walked up the plank.
"You coming, Finley?"
Finley remained behind, trying to convince her new friends to come along. Lono couldn't help but eye them over his shoulder, curious if they would come along. He didn't make friends like Finley did, and he couldn't really say he considered the sellswords friends, either, but he trusted them and that didn't come easy from a man like Lono.
At the docks Lono addressed the remaining Howling Band members, "If you'll come, your fair is paid. If not, then this is goodbye."
Lono bowed his head respectfully to each of them and tosses his knapsack up onto the ship and walked up the plank.
"You coming, Finley?"
Finley remained behind, trying to convince her new friends to come along. Lono couldn't help but eye them over his shoulder, curious if they would come along. He didn't make friends like Finley did, and he couldn't really say he considered the sellswords friends, either, but he trusted them and that didn't come easy from a man like Lono.
Re: Raging Bull
"Please? Will you come with us?" Finley pleaded, a new found fire in her eyes. Jillian looked around with a hesitant look between her companions, waiting for their answer. They remained silent, however each gave a single nod, indicating their desire to board the ship and stay with Finley and Lono.
"Jillian... please?" Finley's wide eyes swept over the white haired Serinjah, waiting for her answer.
They had nowhere else to go, really. Either way, they'd have to start over anew, a new band, and a new home. Or they'd split apart, disbanding, and go their separate ways. Jillian wasn't ready to leave these people yet; she'd grown too attached to Rowtag, Ukar, and the others. So wherever they went, she would be sure to follow. She wasn't sure she'd ever be able to join another tribe or clan, so perhaps starting fresh in a new place would do her some good, help her escape her demons.
"We'll go." Finley wrapped her arms around Jillian in a hug and she froze, unsure of what to do. Finally, she placed her hands on Finley's shoulders, patting them gently until the girl let go of her, smiling widely.
"Well come on then! The ship is about to set sail!" Finley pulled her along, followed by the rest of the Serinjahs that would board the ship. It was time to move on and go forth to this new land. Perhaps there they could build themselves up again, make their heritage more than just a legend to these people.
Jillian smiled.
"Jillian... please?" Finley's wide eyes swept over the white haired Serinjah, waiting for her answer.
They had nowhere else to go, really. Either way, they'd have to start over anew, a new band, and a new home. Or they'd split apart, disbanding, and go their separate ways. Jillian wasn't ready to leave these people yet; she'd grown too attached to Rowtag, Ukar, and the others. So wherever they went, she would be sure to follow. She wasn't sure she'd ever be able to join another tribe or clan, so perhaps starting fresh in a new place would do her some good, help her escape her demons.
"We'll go." Finley wrapped her arms around Jillian in a hug and she froze, unsure of what to do. Finally, she placed her hands on Finley's shoulders, patting them gently until the girl let go of her, smiling widely.
"Well come on then! The ship is about to set sail!" Finley pulled her along, followed by the rest of the Serinjahs that would board the ship. It was time to move on and go forth to this new land. Perhaps there they could build themselves up again, make their heritage more than just a legend to these people.
Jillian smiled.
Re: Raging Bull
He lifted a hand to his face fingers and thumb on either temple as he pushed the dark hair back from his face. He sat on a crate dockside, eyes flitting about the goings on of the ship and people. The two weeks had been quiet pleasant in the company they kept. He has spent it talking, laughing, eating and debating much. Time had also been spent fashioning a hammer from the thigh bone of a horse, an old style weapon that when made with a knowledgeable and caring hand could be as deadly and resilient as any other. It hung at his side from its leather thong.
Those of them left had bonded well, save for himself and the Finley woman. He had hardly spoken to her, instead keeping his distance and simply watching, studying. Occasionally he would help Lono with balm and her wounds but that was all. Lono had been a source of amusement and good talk at times when his mood suited such, a likeable quality alongside his gusto in a fight. Ukar warmed to him, still a little unsure of the man’s blood but warmed none the less.
Damn flies, he waved his hand about his face, snorting and shaking his head. They hung to the smell of rotting sea life about them and buzzed about the eyes and mouth. The answer was simple, even if he was unsure of the others. He was not going to ride that useless shit of an Albarian horse anywhere further and with his own trusted beats nothing more than memories and an ache in the heart he watched Lono board the ship.
Slipping from the crate he shouldered his leather bag and followed up the gangway, bidding the other kinsfolk a bright smile as the decision settled easy on him. This moment was no surprise as the sell swords had talked amongst each other over the flickering of camp fires about such time. Ahead of him was Rowtag and Jillian who for a brief moment he thought might not come had it not been for the Finely woman, behind him were a few others. The few left dockside were already moving off to seek their own paths having bid their farewells.
Those of them left had bonded well, save for himself and the Finley woman. He had hardly spoken to her, instead keeping his distance and simply watching, studying. Occasionally he would help Lono with balm and her wounds but that was all. Lono had been a source of amusement and good talk at times when his mood suited such, a likeable quality alongside his gusto in a fight. Ukar warmed to him, still a little unsure of the man’s blood but warmed none the less.
Damn flies, he waved his hand about his face, snorting and shaking his head. They hung to the smell of rotting sea life about them and buzzed about the eyes and mouth. The answer was simple, even if he was unsure of the others. He was not going to ride that useless shit of an Albarian horse anywhere further and with his own trusted beats nothing more than memories and an ache in the heart he watched Lono board the ship.
Slipping from the crate he shouldered his leather bag and followed up the gangway, bidding the other kinsfolk a bright smile as the decision settled easy on him. This moment was no surprise as the sell swords had talked amongst each other over the flickering of camp fires about such time. Ahead of him was Rowtag and Jillian who for a brief moment he thought might not come had it not been for the Finely woman, behind him were a few others. The few left dockside were already moving off to seek their own paths having bid their farewells.
Last edited by Ukar on Wed Nov 26, 2014 3:26 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Re: Raging Bull
Ana desison was not hard. She had lost her brother, but gained a family and she will not see this family torn apart. She tried to convince them all to come but she was glad that jillian, rowtag and Ukar. she hopes others will follow. She grabs her bag and boards the ship. She gathers all that had decide to come. and lead them in a prayer
Malachin please Guide us across the sea to reach our destination. We thank you for your protection. and we are glad our brother and sisters that could not be here are riding on the grand horses in the grand plains.
She looks around and see if anymore came abored
Malachin please Guide us across the sea to reach our destination. We thank you for your protection. and we are glad our brother and sisters that could not be here are riding on the grand horses in the grand plains.
She looks around and see if anymore came abored
Re: Raging Bull
Each night the ceremonial words were spoken, the sacred seeds cast into the wind as the moon narrowed into a silvery crescent. Each morning Jenai faced the day stoically, a horseless rider trudging uneasily but uncomplaining toward the coast. Her decision had been made along the way and no one wondered when she gave final farewells to the dwindling band and followed up the gangplank behind the others.
Once on board and looking back over the rails she watched as the few who would remain behind now numbered evenly between riders and mounts. The baggage having been distributed between the dividing groups, the Serinjah were again at ease, both man and beast. The small group looked formidable once more as they moved off and the sight of them caused her a momentary pang of regret eased only by the familiar bond she had forged with those she followed onto the ship.
Once on board and looking back over the rails she watched as the few who would remain behind now numbered evenly between riders and mounts. The baggage having been distributed between the dividing groups, the Serinjah were again at ease, both man and beast. The small group looked formidable once more as they moved off and the sight of them caused her a momentary pang of regret eased only by the familiar bond she had forged with those she followed onto the ship.
Re: Raging Bull
Anamosa stares off to the horizon. She has this sad presence about her. She is sad that her brother could not be here but that is the life of a mercenary she thought.
She looks around and smiles a little at seeing her new family. Nothing will tear them apart. And she will make sure of that. She wanders what these new lands will hold. Will they have plains. will they have horses. She miss Waya but she will be taken care of so there is no worries. Ana looks around for someone to talk to and she see Jillian. She might not claimed to be our leader but we look to her and Rowtag. They makes us proud to be serinjah. So Ana heads to alk to her about what ever is on her mind and to get her thoughts about this new land we are heading to.
Hey Jillian do you have a moment to talk.
She looks around and smiles a little at seeing her new family. Nothing will tear them apart. And she will make sure of that. She wanders what these new lands will hold. Will they have plains. will they have horses. She miss Waya but she will be taken care of so there is no worries. Ana looks around for someone to talk to and she see Jillian. She might not claimed to be our leader but we look to her and Rowtag. They makes us proud to be serinjah. So Ana heads to alk to her about what ever is on her mind and to get her thoughts about this new land we are heading to.
Hey Jillian do you have a moment to talk.
