|
|
Post by Ith Faera on Aug 4, 2012 8:29:50 GMT -5
Ith sprinted through the trees silently, her soft leather boots barely making any noise as they hit the ground. As she ran her deep hood flew back off her head, freeing her raven curls, exposing her head and face to the dappled afternoon sunlight. This caused her to stumble, her eyes dazzled by the bright light; Ith slowed to a stop, kicking up the leaf litter and quickly returned her hood to its proper place on her head.
With a quite glance over her shoulder she continued through the trees at a slower pace. Ahead of her she could see a break in the leaves and Ith figured it was one of the many trails that lead through the woods. As she neared the little dirt track she stopped again to think. Would it really be wise for her to travel on the path? The people she was trying to get away from might be able to find her easier if she traveled the path, but then again they may not expect her to.
With a deep sigh, Ith stepped out onto the path and started walking, acting as normal as possible. She wondered how close the people tracking her might be. She hadn't intended to eat that man's soul, but he had been so rude to her, suggesting that they do such vulgar things, it made Ith shudder at the memory. That fat pig had deserved it, she hissed in her head.
Suddenly Ith heard the sound of feet shuffling through the leaves. Someone was coming...
|
|
|
|
Post by Elise Larabelle on Aug 4, 2012 8:48:19 GMT -5
Elise had been out hunting in the wooded area just outside of Valspara. Deer scarcely came in near her village due to the noises and calamity, so she figured she would have better look hunting where less people were. It really wasn't that hard to venture there; it was just a hop, skip, and jump away from where she usually was... On the other side of the river.
Eli made sure to be as stealthy as she possibly could. Deer were her favorite thing to hunt just because of their acute sense of hearing; if they heard her coming, she didn't deserve to take their life.
As the tall blonde maneuvered from tree to tree, quietly as a field mouse, she noticed something was up. The birds weren't chirping their usual song. Everything seemed to be a bit too quiet for the forest. Something had probably already came through and chased all the game away. If she had no luck finding an animal, she'd definitely have fun eating more vegetables.
Despite the obvious lack of wildlife, Elise kept moving forward. It wasn't long before she spotted one of the many forest paths. Being so consumed in trying to get to the path, she didn't realize that there was plentiful undergrowth underfoot. Three seconds after she starting moving, she lost her balance and made a bunch of noise.
Lovely. Surely no animals would be found now. Watching her every step for the next few moments, she had one foot on the path when she noticed another, cloaked figure coming closer.
There were no animals, but there was someone else? How strange.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ith Faera on Aug 4, 2012 9:07:58 GMT -5
Ith continued around a bend in the path, as she did she noticed how silent the forest had become, it was eerie, but she liked it. Suddenly Ith saw something step out of the trees a little ways in front of her. She froze. It was a woman, Ith guessed she was probably an elf and in the back of her mind Ith hoped that the deep cowl of her hood kept her face well hidden.
Ith wrapped her fingers around her fighting knife when the woman saw her. Without a second thought she drew her weapon and held it at the ready, ready to defend herself if nessecary. But also ready to run if the situation called for it.
"Who are you?" Ith called to the woman, trying to sound intimidating. She took a step back, glancing from the woman to the trees, plotting the quickest escape route. Ith really had no intention to stay around to hear who the woman was, she just needed to get as far away from here as she could.
Again she took another step back, feeling her boot step off the edge of the path, the leaves crunching lightly underfoot. Still holding out her knife, Ith called again, "Well? - Who are you?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Elise Larabelle on Aug 4, 2012 9:20:58 GMT -5
Elise couldn't help herself; she quirked an eyebrow and cracked a smile. It was clear to her that the girl was in some kind of trouble, and if she wasn't in trouble then she was insanely paranoid.
"Elise Larabelle. Resident of the third elf village. And you?" While she spoke, Elise didn't bother to remove her bow from it's place. She would have time to do that in a moment if the dark haired woman did choose to attack her. Fighting another being wasn't something Elise was fond of, but an arrow usually did the trick pretty quickly.
It wasn't like she had ever killed anyone, mainly because she was a healer and didn't allow them to die if they promised to leave her alone. So far, so good. There was something different about this woman, however; she didn't seem to be like anyone else Elise had ever seen. Having a life in the forest and surrounding herself with her people didn't really help her case any.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ith Faera on Aug 4, 2012 14:27:44 GMT -5
Ith grimaced to herself when the elf smiled at her. She could tell from the girl's demeanor that she was most likely not a threat to Ith; so slowly, Ith lowered her weapon, still holding it at her side.
"My name is not important, and it would be best if you didn't know it..." Ith grumbled, scowling at the elf from under her cowl. Quickly she moved back to the center of the path, still facing Elise, not taking her eyes from her. She still did not trust the elf to do something.
"And besides, Elise, it would be safer for you if you didn't know my name," Ith forced a smile, though it came out more as a crooked scowl, but she didn't care. Then a thought occured to her.
"Do you possibly know where the nearest town is that I might be able to get a horse?" Ith slide her knife into its sheath and took a step towards the elf. Maybe if she could get directions from Elise and be able to get a horse she would be clear of the soldiers trying to tracker her down.
|
|
|
|
Post by Elise Larabelle on Aug 4, 2012 15:25:05 GMT -5
Elise frowned for a moment as she tried to comprehend why the woman wanted her name and then wouldn't give her own. Miss Larabelle didn't really care about the matter, but she did want to know why the woman didn't want to share information with her. That and there was one thing she did no understand; how could knowing someone's name hurt you?
The blonde sighed internally, only to shrug in response to her last question. "You're looking for a horse? I'm not sure the closest village has horses, but I know they do have some mules and donkeys. They're suitable mounts, but not nearly as comfortable or as well mannered as your typical horse."
Elise had always wanted to see someone riding an ass. Especially a tall person; small children on them weren't very funny. Kids were cute, but rather annoying. The girl decided she could help this mysterious woman find the nearest village and a mount to take with her, but only as long as she left once she got it. She clearly didn't seem to be someone the people of Valspara needed in the area.
"I will guide you to a village if I recieve payment." Yes, payment. That was good, and it would help her to purchase some meat from someone else. That would prevent any further ingestion of vegetables.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ith Faera on Aug 4, 2012 19:11:37 GMT -5
Ith let out a snort of laughter when Elise mentioned donkeys but she was also slightly offended. "HA! - Right, like I am going to ride a donkey...useless animals," Ith highly doubted that a small pack animal would be able to get her far enough away from her pursuers.
When the elf mentioned that she would take Ith to the nearest village, but only if she would recieve some sort of payment, all that remained of Ith's good humor evaporated. Crossing her arms over her chest, Ith took an intimidating step forward.
"You think that I am going to pay you for leading me to a village I could most likely find on my own and only get me half of a useful animal? There must be something wrong with you." Ith had had about enough of this elf and so without another word she stalked past Elise and on down the forest path. She wasn't going to waste her time with the girl if she wasn't going to get what she wanted. I will find that stupid village myself and find me a decent horse.
However, after taking only a few steps Ith thought she heard the sound of hooves and voices shouting...the trackers had found her trail.
|
|
|
|
Post by Elise Larabelle on Aug 4, 2012 19:42:33 GMT -5
Eli shrugged at her comment. She found donkeys to be quite useful. They were adorable and protected herd of innocent animals that couldn't protect themselves. Wasn't that all you could ask for from a beast of burden? That didn't matter now, however, as Elise's temper flared at the woman's insistence that she would go alone and without a guide. No money for Eli, and a dead woman for herself.
Why should I care what that moron does? She's nothing to me. Elise wasn't scared of the woman. She wasn't scared of most things. Today was just an off day, that was all. It could only get better!
And it did, as soon as she heard the herd of people behind her.
"Oh, looky there, Miss Independent. I think your pursuers have arrived. I wish you luck, dear." With those words, a menacing grin crossed over Elise's face as she placed her fingers in her mouth and blew as hard as she could, creating an ear piercing whistle. A loud shout accompanied the whistle, "Hey, boys! She's over here!"
The blonde smiled at the dark haired woman. "So. Money and I'll get you out of this mess?" Elise couldn't believe herself; how could she have done that? Whatever it was didn't matter. She didn't care. It was fun to be a pain in the ass, especially to someone who just blew you off like you didn't matter.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ith Faera on Aug 4, 2012 21:50:40 GMT -5
Ith whirled around when she heard the elf call her persuers. She darted towards the girl, throwing back her hood, revealing her face and letting her hair flowing in the wind, coming within inches of the girl's face. "How dare you?!" Ith hissed in rage. She could feel the control on her demon side slipping slightly and her skin turned ashen and fine crackes formed across her face. "You are dealing with a Soul Eater!" Ith glanced down the path, she could hear the trackers getting closer. She looked back at the elf and an idea formed in her mind.
"How about we make a deal?" Ith started, regaining control, her skin turning to its normal shade of porcelin. "You take me to this village and find me a horse and my payment to you will be that I don't eat your soul." The sound of the men was getting louder, Ith would have to get out here whether she made a deal with the elf or not. A shiver went down her spine and she glanced around, trying to plan a route of escape.
"Well?!"
|
|
|
|
Post by Elise Larabelle on Aug 4, 2012 22:03:25 GMT -5
Oh, lovely. She was a soul eating demon who wanted a pony. This probably wasn't the prime place for the blonde to be in at the moment, but somehow it didn't really phase her.
"Well, if you would have asked kindly..." The footsteps were getting closer and closer. It was clear this wasn't the time to sit around and ask for formalities. Elise wasn't doing this for free, though. Not being eaten wasn't payment enough for rescuing this crazy old bat from her doom.
Without bothering to think for another moment, Elise pivoted and took off back into the woods. The fastest way to any village was not by a path. They were long and winding, taking you anywhere they pleased. It may have seemed like they didn't change, but they did. Eli knew this from years of experience traveling them. She weaved through the trees and went as far off course as she could before making a single sharp turn and jogging as close to straight forward as she could. Slowly the trees and vegetation got thicker and thicker, making her slow her pace a bit.
Come to think of it, she hadn't even checked if the crazy demon had followed her properly. All she knew now was that she was away from the demon's followers. This was good. In a few more minutes, they'd surely be to a village.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ith Faera on Aug 4, 2012 22:20:10 GMT -5
Ith scoffed at the elf's statement. When she spun around and took off into the woods Ith blinked in surprise and then growling angrily to herself, darted off after her. They weaved through the trees, Ith not far behind Elise.
Off in the distance behind them, Ith could hear the shouts of the hunters. She glanced over her shoulder, she could not see anyone behind them but she felt that she wasn't in the clear yet.
As they ran it became more and more difficult to manuver through the dense trees. Their pace slowed.
"I bet you will still expect some sort of payment..." Ith mumbled to the other girl. Ith stepped over a large root and almost tripped but quickly regained her footing, cursing to herself.
A million thoughts were racing through Ith's head. How was she going to get a horse and reward this elf for saving her? She barely had enough money to get a decent ride and supplies for a few days. And what of the trackers? Would they give up the hunt for the demon that had killed their friend? Or would they hunt her down until they caught her?
"Is the village much farther?" Ith asked suddenly, shoving aside a low branch. She hadn't intended to sound whiny but she was anxious to get as far away as possible.
|
|
|
|
Post by Elise Larabelle on Aug 5, 2012 7:56:37 GMT -5
Times like these required the use of time and large knives. Right now Elise had neither, so she tried to scout out the clearest path to take on the rest of the way there. New pants didn't come cheap, and there were plenty of brambles around her to rip and tear at everything they got their cruel thorns on.
"I bet you still expect some sort of payment..." Elise laughed quietly at the comment. "Well yeah, who wouldn't?" A few more steps and they would be out of the thicket and back into a clear part of the forest, the section right near the village.
Sure enough, the vegetation cleared and Elise picked up speed again. It was probably a good thing she was in decent shape; if she ever needed to outrun some people it seemed she could do it rather easily. Knowing the terrain was what helped her case, though.
"It's up ahead." The view of a house came from between a few trees; there was a little tree covered hill and on the top of said hill was the small elf village. One Elise had been to a few times, but not one she was wholly familiar with.
After she got successfully up the hill, she realized that this wasn't the village she was thinking of. This was the village she was born in. A smile blazed across her face. "Change of plan. There's definitely a horse around here." Without another word, she walked right to the center of the village, where a large house stood. Behind it was a stable.
Elise shoved the door open and took a look at the five horses inside. "Pick your poison."
|
|
|
|
Post by Ith Faera on Aug 5, 2012 19:21:24 GMT -5
Ith breathed a sigh of relief when they walked out of the trees and towards the start of a village. She glanced at Elise and saw the hint of recognition on the girl's face, but she said nothing, instead remaining silent as they moved towards a large stable and walked inside.
Ith smirked at the elf's statement about the horses and then went about looking them over with a critical eye. One was too young, another too old, the big stallion was too broad and would be uncomfortable to ride. Finally after a few moments of deliberation, Ith selected a smokey grey gelding that would be just right. "I'll take him." Ith murmured as she moved towards the animal and unhooked it from its post. The only thing that bothered her was that he had no saddle, and she did not have enough money to purchase one so she was going to be forced to ride bare-back...but that was the least of her worries.
"Here," Ith unclipped a small coin pouch from her belt and tossed it to Elise, there would be no point in counting it out, she knew there was just enough. "There should be enough in there for the horse, if you could give it to the stable hand and you can have the rest." Secretly Ith smiled to herself, that money had been from the man she had killed, stolen right off his cold corpse and if the situation called for it Ith wasn't against stealing more money.
Grabbing the horses reigns, Ith lead it out of the stable. When they were outside she patted it gently on the nose. Leaning in towards its ear she whispered: "I'm going to call you Mar, because you are such a handsome boy." And she swiftly climbed onto his back.
|
|
|
|
Post by Elise Larabelle on Aug 5, 2012 22:08:34 GMT -5
Elise caught the coin purse with ease. She had absolutely no intention of forking money over to the ungrateful stable hand. He simply didn't deserve it, especially if he was the same boy as before. The lazy good for nothing. "You know, I could guide you out of the forest free of charge if you would like."
In reality, Elise just wanted to take a horse from her parents and never return it. It sounded like a great idea. Then she would have her own mount and the revenge she had craved for quite a while... assuming the demon didn't refuse her offer. If her offer was refused, she would probably make her way back to her home on foot.
Stealthier, easier, and she would probably find something to slay along the way for dinner.
Both ways had their pros and cons, but she was leaving the choice up to the demon woman. It would do Elise no harm to keep someone company and prove useful, but it would also be nice if she didn't have to pay for her own food.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ith Faera on Aug 8, 2012 14:36:58 GMT -5
ith looked down at the elf from up high on her horse and shrugged. She did not particulary care if the girl came with her or not, but she thought that it was an odd offer, Ith had threatened to eat her soul.
"If you want to come I can't stop you, though I can't say I'll make very good company, I'm used to traveling alone," Without waiting for her to say anything Ith started Mar moving, heading towards the other end of the village and hopefully towards a road that would take her far away.
After a little ways through the village, Ith glanced back over her shoulder to see if Elise had started to follow her. However, when she looked back she caught sight of a group of horsemen entering the village and she saw the leader point at her. Wide-eyed in alarm, Ith spurred Mar into a gallop, she was not going to let those men catch her.
|
|
