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Post by November Black on Feb 23, 2013 8:29:28 GMT -5
"I'm going to be honest with you..." Nova sighed "700 gold wouldn't even top a single day in the Barony, given as there are also things in that place that rarely come out of it's boarders. I make a lot of money from rare items that are traded in for almost nothing because those kinds of things aren't needed." She leaned back and looked at him. Those eyes were mismatched to the rest of him. She already knew what her answer was, but that wasn't the point. The point was the willingness of her hopeful companion, and her decision was even more firmly stuck with him asking how much it would cost to 'secure her services'. Her eyes narrowed at him.
As if she'd do such a thing. "Theron, if there is something you need to know, it's that no matter how versatile as a merchant I am, I never have done, and never will, sell out people." She leaned back again; there was a hope in those eyes, but a nervousness and a clear understanding that Nova could well say no to him. "I've even less reason to sell you out to any one in the Barony. I have reasons for seeking money, and I'm almost there. You've run away from a place that, as far as I can see, you didn't deserve to be, and you don't deserve to go back to. Money isn't everything to me, y'know, and I'd rather the company of another person than the company of a cold metal." She grinned, and clicked her fingers.
She dug into her pocket and brought out a few coins, laying them on the table, and pointed to the menu at the side of the table, hand-written on a piece of paper. "Choose whatever you want, I'm pretty sure you haven't eaten today. I'll also pay for your room for a couple of days, as I'm not leaving quite yet." The barman from early had heard her snap, and quickly finished what he was doing at the bar, readying himself to come over. He only did that kind of thing for the people he knew. "It'll be 10 gold for every lesson, and I'll ask you to help put a couple of coins towards supplies if I have to. I'll only ask 250 gold for the travel. The rest you pay with company and a good spirit." A this point, Archie had started nudging Theron to get his attention, and the barman had started walking over. And besides, Archie likes you."
"I think I know what ye's gonna order, Novie, same as usual, hmm?" The man smiled, and crossed his arms, chuckling. The raven-haired girls eyes shifted to the Bartender "Yup, and one for my hopeful traveling partner." And then shifted back to Theron. "Alreet' then, an' Acerglyn for the both of ye's. I think I still got some left from the fresh brew; only the best for one of me' regulars, and her guest." Nova flicked a couple of gold coins into his already open hands before the friendly man walked away.
"I'm doing to assume you've never had Mead before, let alone a Maple one. If you don't like it, it's not a problem" She leaned back and laughed "It'll just be more for me!"
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Post by Theron Bradford d'Metreon on Feb 23, 2013 10:29:39 GMT -5
He listened closely as she explained herself, half expecting to hear 'sorry, I can't help you' pass her lips at any moment . . . and then, when she said the opposite, the young prince's face lit up in unexpected relief and hope. For a while Theron couldn't even find the words and simply let Nova finish. His surprise increased as she offered him a meal and lodging -- not an offer he was in any position to turn down -- and prices far more generous than he could've expected.
The young man chuckled to himself, closing his eyes. "It's the start of a new life for me... I may as well try something new to celebrate it. I really am fortunate to have met you; anyone else would've gouged me on price or turned me over to get my family's favor, but I happened across a true humanitarian." As his eyes opened his smile broke like sunlight through dark clouds -- it was like he'd never been more joyful and content in his whole life. "I'll happily accept your terms, miss November, and drink to your health and the prosperity of your business! And to your furry companion too, of course." He reached down to fuss Archie, letting the dog know that his enthusiastic welcome was appreciated.
"Sure, I'll try the maple mead. And since you're offering I'll have whatever you're having food-wise." He stopped petting Archie after a few moments and leaned forward, giving Nova an inquisitive look. "So, since we're going to be traveling together, where are we headed after this town? Or is it too early to make that decision just yet?"
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Post by November Black on Feb 23, 2013 20:36:54 GMT -5
The smile on the once-prince face was enough to tell Nova she'd made the right choice. It wasn't very often that people ran away from their homes, and even less so that they were so desperate to get away that they'd consult a stranger with a wagon in order to do so. Nova knew that she'd under charged, but that wasn't the point. There were a few things in life that coins and gold could buy, and a new start at life was one of those. She was happy enough in herself to know that she was helping Theron. And even with Paint and Archie, her travels did get lonely. There was only so much you could say to a dog.
It was nice to see the emerald-eyed man warming up to her canine companion, too, and Archie seemed to have taken to him quite quickly. She guessed that both her and the fluffy animal had a soft spot for making people happy. "So, since we're going to be traveling together, where are we headed after this town? Or is it too early to make that decision just yet?" Nova put a hand up to her chin in thought, having to remember the route quickly in her head. "Well, we're headed south into Seyruun, and the Capital. From there we organised our next 6-month route. I have to admit, you've jump aboard going straight into the busy season." She chuckled a bit. The visits to the capital were always busy, one huge get-together for the Merchants of the land.
"I'll make you a promise right now-" "Two Meads fur' ya both! Enjoy, and don't go too overboard aye?" The barman had come out of nowhere, seemingly, placing two jugs of a golden-orange firmly on the table, distracting her from what she was about to say. "Meals for the two of ye's?" "I think a Venison Stew on both ends. A bit high class, but I think the occasion is worth splashing out on, just this once." He nodded once, confirmation, and went back to the kitchen to shout at the kitchen-hands. Nova pushed the jug towards him, while grabbing the handle on hers.
"So...to a new life then, is it?" She asked playfully. A final confirmation. Let him think if this was really what he wanted.
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Post by Theron Bradford d'Metreon on Feb 24, 2013 15:22:14 GMT -5
Seyruun? He couldn't have asked for better news, honestly. A d'Metreon agent would be willing to travel quite a ways from the Barony to do their duties -- in truth, they often did -- but for certain reasons they almost always avoided Seyruun like the plague. From what he'd once overheard, something about the city risked compromising the "insurance" that his family used to control their operatives. If he'd be safe anywhere in the world, Seyruun was the place.
He raised his mug high. "To a new life, good business, and safe travels!" Theron toasted Nova, their jugs clinking together with a faint metallic ring, and then raised it to his lips. The bright amber liquid had a pleasant dry sweetness on his tongue and went down smoothly; it wasn't hard to see why his new traveling companion enjoyed it so much. "Hmm... that's quite good, actually. Thank you."
"So, what do you prefer to be called? November? Novie? It seems like the people around here all have different names for you."
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Post by November Black on Feb 24, 2013 17:05:14 GMT -5
Nova drank when he did, enjoying the sweet honey-like taste, letting out a contented sigh after putting the glass back down and smiling. At least Theron didn't spit it back out, so that meant he was at least bearing the taste of the alcohol. The more she thought about it, the more the idea of a traveling partner grew on her. It was definitely going to bring in some odd moments, and the company couldn't go amiss either. While it wasn't like she was away from people for weeks at a time, for the times when she was alone on the road, it would probably help greatly.
"So, what do you prefer to be called? November? Novie? It seems like the people around here all have different names for you." The question caught her of guard a little but, caught up in the thoughts as she relaxed. The mead was something she associated with it; the places, the memories and the people more than the actual drink. Her eyes were wide orbs for a quick moment before the question processed in her mind. "I'm mostly called Nova; November is a little too formal for my liking, and considering we'll be on the same boat from now on, no need for formalities like that."
The raven-haired girl took another sip of her drink, Archie having turned his attention to her, her free hand fussed the back of his head. "But for the most part, you can call me what you like. I'll just keep calling you Theron, unless you want a brand new name" Nova chuckled a little bit at the light gab. "So, as a start to your new life, aside from Archery, was there anything in particular you wanted to see, or do, or learn? Just in case I can help at all."
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Post by Theron Bradford d'Metreon on Feb 24, 2013 18:34:10 GMT -5
Her question must've hit a bulls-eye, because after she asked it Theron mostly just sat there, contemplatively looking down at the table and rubbing his chin. He was like this for all of at least three minutes, enough time for the silence to become awkward. Whatever was going through his head had him very, very preoccupied.
"... I've never been beyond the bounds of that kingdom before." He admitted finally, with some embarrassment on his face. "I've read a lot about the rest of the world, studied books on history and culture, magic and economics, but..." He sighed, then downed another swig of his mead. "The truth of it is, reading about things isn't the same as experiencing them -- the days and nights I spent walking to get here taught be that quite clearly."
"So to answer your question... I really don't know."
It was an honest answer that he'd clearly struggled with, pride probably getting in the way and making him hesitate. "I could point out Seyruun on a map, name the last seven generations of its rulers, tell you which of them were killed by assassinations and how, what the country's major imports and exports are, and why it's walls have foiled invasions and enemies for hundreds of years despite it's peace-loving, open, and pacifistic policies."
"But ask me to describe what it feels like to walk down its streets, which districts have the best food, or what the songs of Ceiphied's priests in the temple sound like, and I'm as ignorant as any child or foreigner. It's the same with other things. I didn't even know what a market looked like until today, even though I've read about them in books of sociology and trade theory. The world is... is so much more than the words on a page that I know. Part of me wants to experience it all, just to fill in the gaps -- even though that's neither realistic or pragmatic."
"Nova... I have no real idea what's waiting out there, good bad or otherwise. I suppose I need to expand my horizons a bit before I can figure out what I want, aside from getting as far from my family as possible."
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Post by November Black on Feb 25, 2013 16:23:22 GMT -5
Apparently her question had made him think a bit too much. Nova occupied herself with the mead, rhythmic;y taping on the table to match that of the musicians playing nearer to the fire place. She let him think until he was ready to reply. It was almost enough to make her forget that Mead was all about the pacing, or she'd wake up tomorrow with an Earthquake where her head should have been.
When he did finally answer, it wasn't fair off what she expected. She listened intently, after all, the last thing he needed was to feel like she wasn't listening to him. Being stuck in a castle his whole life, it was hardly unexpected that he didn't really 'know' anything about 'outside'. It almost made her sad. "Nova... I have no real idea what's waiting out there, good bad or otherwise. I suppose I need to expand my horizons a bit before I can figure out what I want, aside from getting as far from my family as possible." Nova nodded is response, acknowledging what he'd told her. "Well, I must say that choosing to travel with a Merchant was probably a good idea then!" She chuckled to herself, something she seemed to do a lot of.
"I hope I prove to be a decent tour-guide! Although, now the Barrier has dropped, unexplored lands are just waiting for me to throw stuff at em', so I'm sure that, if you decide to stay a decent while, that we'll see our fair of new and strange things. We shall see if on our little tour we can't find you things you are interested it. I may have some ideas, just little skills, but something is better than nothing, hmm?" She looked at him, suddenly a scrutinizing gaze upon him. She took another sip of the Mead and pondered for a minute.
"Tell ya' what, you can't go around in that ragged old cloak anymore than you can what's under it. I'll see if I can't find some spares for you in my wagon..." She thought again. And then she smiled, laughing. "Actually, I'll tell you what. Let's get you some new clothes. New starts and all. I know a good guy who could fix you up with something, made just for you?"
"What do you say?"
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Post by Theron Bradford d'Metreon on Feb 26, 2013 14:49:09 GMT -5
A new outfit? He let the idea stew a little bit. It was practical -- she was right about both his cloak and princely clothes being too much of an attention draw. And if she knew someone trustworthy then all the better. Theron nodded after a moment. "It's a good idea; I'd be foolish to pass it up. Thanks, Nova." He took another sip of mead, finding himself quickly becoming fond of it. "Although I should warn you right now, I really don't know what's considered 'fashionable' or anything, so I'll probably be relying heavily on your opinions."
New clothes, a new life... there was so much laid out before him now that it all seemed a little overwhelming. The vastness and unpredictability of the world... now that he thought about it, without someone like Nova he wouldn't even know where to start. What would he have done, keep running west until his legs gave out or he found the sea? What then? He'd left a horrible 'home' behind but a journey needs a destination just as much as a departure, after all, and even though he still didn't know where he would find himself at the end of it all at least he would have a chance to find out now. He took another sip.
"So until we leave town, is it alright if I... well," The question had sounded so simple in his head; why was it suddenly difficult. He swallowed and regained his composure. "That is to say, is it alright if I stay with you most of the time? I still don't really know the town all that well and I'd rather be with someone I trust than off on my own. Is that okay?"
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Post by November Black on Feb 28, 2013 5:33:04 GMT -5
"So until we leave town, is it alright if I... well," Nova stopped half way through sipping as her Mead when he started asking this question that refused to be heared. She slowly put the mug down. "That is to say, is it alright if I stay with you most of the time? I still don't really know the town all that well and I'd rather be with someone I trust than off on my own. Is that okay?" She smiled at him. He looked so nervous, as if what he was saying was worthy of a kick in the teeth, and it was a little amusing. "Of course you can! I'm going to be at the Market later tomorrow for a couple of hours, it'll be less busy, so that's fine." By now, a rather delicious smell was rising from the kitchen. It was making Nova extremely hungry by now, and she could feel her mouth watering at the expectation of her stew.
She almost went into a daze over it, before collecting herself again. "I can show you around, try and answer any more questions you have about this world if you have any. If you have anything on your mind, I'm here, or I know someone who can help."
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Post by Theron Bradford d'Metreon on Feb 28, 2013 22:37:24 GMT -5
"Thank you... I truly am grateful, Nova." Theron smiled at her. It wasn't that long ago that his life had been a bleak tale of misery and struggle... now, with her help, he was beginning to taste freedom, and it was sweet indeed.
"An' somebody ordered stew, eh?" With two steaming bowls on a tray the barkeep made his way over to them, putting one in front of each. Theron looked down with hungry anticipation... and then he caught a whiff of the seasoned broth and the young man's eyes lit up. Slight disbelief, he turned at looked up at the barkeep.
"Um, this may sound like a strange question, but... is this seasoned?"
"Sure is! Wouldn't be very palatable if it wasn't." The large man chuckled good-naturedly, his look showing just a tiny bit of chef's pride as he listed off the ingredients. "Chopped onions, minced garlic, bay leaf, dash of oregano, bit of salt, an' a local sauce that we make special in the kitchen!" He then paused as he noticed the strange mix of excitement and hesitation on Theron's face. "... What is it? Not to your liking? Ye's not allergic to onions, are ya?"
"No no, that's not it!" He waved his hands apologetically. "I'm just not used to... well, where I'm from, cooking herbs and spices are a bit hard to come by, so they're typically just used for trade or on very special occasions. This..." He leaned forward a bit and breathed in the vapor of the stew, exhaling very slowly. "This smells amazing!"
The barkeep stared at him for a moment, then cracked a wry grin. "Easily impressed, huh? Well, you're in for a treat, lad -- things like that are common enough aroun' these parts for everyday use. So eat up! Enjoy!" He chuckled, winked at Nova, then walked off laughing bemusedly to himself.
Theron made sure to savor his first spoonful; he hadn't had anything this good in a long, long time. The d'Metreon family was outwardly very flashy and just a bit pretentious, but behind that bit of posturing and masquerade was a spartan ethos that suffused everything they did. As his father had often said, a nation does not become strong by becoming soft, and in a land as small and with as few resources as theirs personal indulgence was almost criminal. Seasoned meat, even amongst the royal family, was reserved for holidays and special celebrations; Theron had long ago gotten used to much plainer fare, and to find out that this kind of food was commonly available beyond the walls of the Barony... coming from a mindset of scarcity, he could barely take it in. The meat was tender and cooked just right, moist with its own juices and that of the stew. The carrots and potatoes were soft and almost seemed to melt in his mouth. And the broth... savory and delicious in the utmost! Despite how hungry he was he was going to take his time, relishing every morsel and every drop.
"Nova..." He looked up at her after a few spoonfuls. He wasn't even quite sure how to express his gratitude. "This is some of the best food I have ever had. I simply can't thank you enough!"
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Post by November Black on Mar 1, 2013 19:35:13 GMT -5
It was safe to say that, despite her own enthusiasm, she wasn't quite as enthused about her meal as Theron was. Though she was already busy with her food when Theron started talking, she listened all the same. She shot the bartender and understanding and mildly amused glance at his wink. She'd gotten used to him over her years visiting, so it wasn't a problem. She smiled to herself. She was sat in the presence of a once-Prince, and she didn't even feel a thing. There was no filling of subordination, of ranks or class. He was here and lowered himself to the ranks of everyone around him.
It was a humbling trait, for a Prince.
Taking another drink, she slowed her pace. Might as well savor it a bit as well. "Nova... This is some of the best food I have ever had. I simply can't thank you enough!" Nova chuckled a little bit "Don't let him know that." She jived, pointing her thumb to the barman "He's bad enough to deal with as it is!" Nova noticed some large chocolate eyes staring up at her. Looking to her side, there sat Archie, ears back, tail thumping rhythmically against the wooden floor. Nova ignored him for the while.
"I don't think I've ever seen someone this excited about dinner since I was a kid. Don't blame you. It's pretty good stuff. Just don't miss it when we travel; sometimes the first thing I do when I get to a town is crash into the first Tavern I can find just for some good food!"
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Post by Theron Bradford d'Metreon on Mar 3, 2013 14:55:28 GMT -5
"I can understand the feeling, believe me. And don't worry," Theron said, pausing to savor another spoonful. "I can get by on simple food without issue. But... it's good to have something like this after all I've been through."It was a meal and a meeting much needed... ---------------------------------------------------- New clothes. Now that they were here, it was a bit more of a daunting prospect than he'd at first thought. Theron hadn't known a whole lot of variety in terms of what he wore; his life had basically encompassed a rotation of two different kinds of outfits: training clothes and "presentation" clothes. The former were basically made to be stained, bloodied, torn up, and eventually thrown away or burned, while the latter were mostly for inspiring awe and respect in the Barony's peasants whenever it was necessary for them to see one of the ruling family. When he'd fled before his mother's funeral he'd thrown on the best set of fencing gear he had, one of the three "presentation" outfits (so that anyone who saw him would think he was going to the funeral, not running from it), and a weathered old cloak owned by one of the servants in case he needed to blend in and stay out of sight. Those choices had aided his escape, true... but they were also reminders of his former life, the life he now desperately wanted to leave behind. Getting rid of them would be a mercy to his mind... ... but part of him wasn't entirely sure that he could. Just nerves, he told himself. The clothing store was hung with racks and shelves and mannequins displaying everything from simple farming clothes and travel-wear to elaborate armor and formal gowns and dresses. As he and Nova stepped inside the young prince found himself barraged by styles and colors and designs from almost a dozen different kingdoms, a menagerie of clothes quite unlike anything he'd ever seen before. It was... a bit overwhelming. "So, um... where do we start, exactly?"
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