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Post by Minna Fairburn on Jul 31, 2012 20:32:50 GMT -5
A bird hollered out a call into the night. Weary eyed and stumbling Minna made her way to the side of a brook. No longer fazed by the erie squawking. Her cloak end was frayed in a layer of dirt with derbies snagged trinkets of her past locations. Yet the piece of assaulted cloth was doing better than she was. Her well cared for skin and body was not prepared for this shock. It ached and burned in protest but Minna would not allow herself to submit to its beckonings. Loosening the offending article it fell off her shoulders rippling around her feet.
Curse this dress. She had half a mind to cut if off. The once luminous red had already begon to fade. Still even a shade or to of darkness did not disguise it's fineness. Just like dirt gathered round a diamond makes it no less noticeable. Reaching down her mane of orange hair escaped as her hand dipped into the water.
Cool to the touch and just what she needed. Settling near the water she reached into her pocket withdrawing flint. Making fire wasn't her strong suit but she didn't want to try and make it through the night without. She guessed she was far enough away from her fathers reach at this point.
She gathered a sad excuse for tinder with the light of the moon. Then she set about trying to light it to no avail. Foul language began to curl at the back of her tongue as she struck the stones again. Sending sparks but nothing that would keep.
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Post by Viviane Breaglach on Aug 1, 2012 11:19:11 GMT -5
Viviane bent down and picked up a branch. Putting it in her wicker basket, she looked up to the the snow-white dove that had chosen to accompany her. The male creature did the best it could to make noises, in an attempt to warn off preditors. The small bird named Valiant fluttered about trying to act as look-out. She gave off a short laugh, the laughter coming to a hasty end once she noticed sparks a few feet from where they walked. She walked closer to see what caused the sparks, despite Valiant's frantic chirping to let him go first. The cause of the sparks was a woman trying to light a fire...and yet she herself being one with the world, felt the woman's magic. Deciding to help using magic, Viviane started the fire.
A sudden thought coming over her, Viviane asked, "Why have you come to Idias?" As she was told over and over again by her adoptive parents, her curiosity nearly always got the best of her...but if someone needed help for any reason, she was more than happy to lend a hand. Looking at the traveler's worn dress and cloak, she determined that the woman was a noble. But why was she in the Forest of Idias, was the question to ask. She stepped further into the light, so that the woman would see her look and not be afraid. No one should ever have cause to be afraid of Viviane; she was kind and generous, often putting others before herself and she didn't believe in harming another soul unless there was no other way.
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Post by Minna Fairburn on Aug 1, 2012 11:44:02 GMT -5
If she hand't been so focused she would have noticed the approaching footsteps and the bird calls drawing closer. That being said a smile let on her face as she believed she had finally got it to light. Not recognizing that it had been accomplished by no will of her own. Leaning down she blew on it softly spreading it tell she had accomplished a slow burn. She wouldn't have to freeze tonight.
Minna jumped back. Her eye's glanced at the darkness where a shadows had taken shape. However Minna saw no harm so she did not run. Not that she would have managed to get far. Still she sat there in silence for more than a noticeable second. Trying to judge how much she should say. As the woman stepped into the light Minna was relieved to see that she did not recognize her.
"I am looking for passage. I am trying to head towards Aravia." She said softly. Minna had got it into her head that if she crossed the border she would be safe. Minna had always been good at deciding if someone was friend or foe and this newcomer certainly seem kind. After a bit more silence she motioned for the woman to join her. Welcome to company out in the seeming empty expanse. "What brings you here?"
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Post by Viviane Breaglach on Aug 1, 2012 12:13:29 GMT -5
Viviane accepted the offer and sat down. "What brings you here?" The question rang throughout her mind as she recalled her entire life, from being discovered by the kind Breaglachs to the present. What brought her to Idias was unknown and will remain unknown. She grasped the necklace Creiwy gave her and simply replied, "The Forest is my home...Idias lies on the border. I can lead you to your destitination. Just there are many creatures here that are unknown to most. I can also help in that way. Valiant," she called, "Fly back to the castle and fetch a dress." The bird flew off and she felt the need to explain. "The Forest takes on many forms and your current attire will cause many problems." Feeling as if she forgot something, she added, "My name is Viviane."
Soon the small dove returned carrying an old red dress that somewhat like Viviane's. Putting her basket on the ground, she took the dress from Valiant. Holding it up she realized there was a rip in the hem...it wouldn't do during the journey. She bent down into her basket and pulled out some thread and a needle. Once she was satisfied it was stitched properly, she handed it to the woman and stood and turned around. Calling for Valiant to do the same, she waited until the traveler had dressed.
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Post by Minna Fairburn on Aug 1, 2012 12:32:40 GMT -5
"Oh I see" she said feeling silly. Like she should have known the woman lived there. Her blue eyes brightened at her luck. Not only had she found company but someone who could lead her on her way. Her sheltered life was really starting to nip at her heels as she was quick to realize she didn't know her way. Every move made by guesswork.
"Creatures?" She inquired darkening a little. Though she knew she wouldn't be completely useless. Minna had quite the skill with knives and hidden beneath her dress where twin blades. That being said she had never actually killed anything with them. " I would be in your debt if you did." She graciously accepted the woman's help.
Minnas eyes locked onto the small bird. Amazing and curious towards the avian as her company gave it instructions. Awed she almost didn't hear the words of explanation. Breaking her gaze she came back into focus. Nodding her head she smiled as Viviane was introduced to her. "I am Minna." She replied glad she knew what to call her new friend.
It didn't take long for the dove to return with a dress. Similar to that of Viviane. She could only guess she was borrowing for the woman's closet. The dress was a bit worse for wear but it was quickly revealed that this was not a problem. " Do you live alone?" She asked trying to kill time and feed her curiosity to this odd encounter.
When it was done she took the dress. Bowing her head slightly in thanks before they turned to allow her some privacy. It took a bit of stumbling to get herself out of the dress and into the new one. Picking up her cloak she tied it around her shoulder and pulled up the hood. Hiding her hair again. She clutched her dress to her moving experimentally in the borrowed one.
"Perhaps I could give my dress as recompense. I'm sure it will fetch a high price." She offered the only thing she had of value. Glad it wasn't an especially important dress.
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Post by Viviane Breaglach on Aug 1, 2012 13:02:25 GMT -5
"I live with my mother." The reply came while Viviane was still facing away from Minna. She had to think over her words since her parentage was a delicate matter. Turning around, she looked sternly to Minna. "I do not take payment for my kindness. I require nothing, just to know that I have helped as best I could. If you no longer require it, perhaps you can give it away to some commoners as charity?" She sat back down and began to relay to herself how the journey would go. First they would need to turn around and cross the lake and then stop at the closest village to purchase two horses. From there they should reach Avaria in a few hours. The whole trip would take a little over a day...if everything went as planned.
She informed Minna of how the trip should go and asked, "When will it be good for you to begin?" Going during the night would mean more dangers but less breaks. But it would also mean that they would cross the lake near sunrise. Leaving in the morning would mean less dangers but more breaks. Viviane told Minna the choices and waited patiently for her response. When it came, she smiled and nodded her head respectfully.
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Post by Minna Fairburn on Aug 1, 2012 13:21:40 GMT -5
Minna had no response to the information. She simply dipped her head taking in the knowledge. Minna was surprised by the sternness her actions caused. Not forming word her eyes widened slightly as she pulled the dress back towards her. Not many people did kindness just for the sake of it. Truth be told Minna was impressed.
"Perhaps." She said as an after thought. All she knew was that it would be a hassle to carry and despite it's fineness it wasn't meant for travel. Listening intently she let Viviane relay their path. It was a relief to know that she wasn't that far away from her desired destination but it also bread a twinge of panic. Minna had no idea what she would do with herself. This half-hpzourdous plan was being made up as she went along. If her luck held out she would keep moving.
"After tonight." She answered truly. She was exhausted and knew trying to keep up in the darkness would end in disaster. Flicking her gaze to the fire she placed her hand out toward it drawing a bit of warmth. "I need to rest."
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Post by Viviane Breaglach on Aug 1, 2012 13:44:59 GMT -5
Nodding her agreement, Viviane moved to put some enchantments around what would be their camp for the night. While they slept it would be easy for one of the creatures to enter the camp and try to feast on their flesh. The enchantments would keep all of that at bay, forming an invisible barrier around them for the night. "You are good Mistress," Valiant spoke to her through his mind. They had a strong connection to where they could hear each other's thoughts. She looked up to him who sat on a branch in a tall tree. It was in her nature and she didn't expect anything from it...in fact she couldn't understand why others can't be kind. Why was it such a bother to them?
When she was satisfied with all of the enchantments, she sat back down and picked up the basket. She rummaged around in it to locate the doll she was making. She felt responsible for one of the children in the village. The Sorceress did everything in her power to protect and care for her. The girl's parents had little if any time for her, being too busy to even make sure she was safe. She had promised the child she would make her a doll to play with, to be her friend when Viviane wasn't around. It wouldn't be an ordinary doll...it would be charmed to speak and protect her. She found it and put it on her lap as she looked in the basket for the needle and some pink thread. She worked on it diligently as best she could.
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Post by Minna Fairburn on Aug 1, 2012 17:56:09 GMT -5
With the small party agreed on the course of action Minna set about making herself comfortable. Using the cloak as a blanket to the best of her abilities the firelight reflecting off her face. Minna found it hard to drift to sleep her mind reeling with the day's events and with half closed eye she watched Viviane and the bird.
There was a doll in the woman's hands. Minna could tell Viviane was a skilled seamstress with the work she had done on the dress. While Viviane was caught in her making Minna was almost comforted by the common act of making a doll a relieving contrast to everything else. She wondered why Viviane was doing such task but her brain was beginning to fog over. The company was enough to put her at ease and allow her to drift asleep and away from the realm of the living. Away from the aches and pains into a place of her own.
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Post by Viviane Breaglach on Aug 1, 2012 18:20:17 GMT -5
"What do you think?" Viviane asked Valiant as she held the doll up. After three long days of working on it, she had finally finished it and couldn't wait to give it to little Annie. "I like it Mistress," the little bird replied. "Good. Do you mind taking it to Annie?" The dove seemed honored that he was asked such a question and he replied with the great happiness. "I will fly as fast as the winds may take me!" Taking the recently made doll up in his talons, he flew in the direction of the village.
She stood and sat down next to a tree. Leaning against the rough bark, she closed her eyes. She dreamt of a fond memory she had as a child. Arthur and Creiwy had taken her out for a ride one early morning. She remembered how happy she was to walk barefoot on the forest floor. It was a beautiful day and...she was awoken when Valiant fell down onto her. He laid his head down and rubbed it against her stomach. She stroked his soft head as she fell back into the sweet comforts of sleep's warm embrace.
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Post by Minna Fairburn on Aug 1, 2012 18:36:47 GMT -5
When Minna awoke her feet where cold and the fire had burned itself out. Brushing herself off after returning so heat to her limbs she looked over to her companion. She was still there. Proving the reality of the nights where not made out of desperate delirium. Pulling in her cloak closer around her she wondered weather to wake Viviane or not.
Her stomach gurgled and her thoughts shifted away from waking to food. She had little left. Gnawing on a piece of stale bread she caught herself hoping her company had better on her or knew what was safe to eat. Scooping a hand into the stream she took a sip of the brisk running water. It chilled her insides but helped her throat.
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Post by Viviane Breaglach on Aug 1, 2012 19:29:53 GMT -5
She awoke to tugging at her bangs. She opened her eyes to see Valiant sitting on her cheek, pulling at her blonde bangs in an attempt to wake her up. "I'm up," she spoke to him, standing to remove the enchantments she place on the camp. When she finished, she greeted Minna. "Good morning. Are you ready to leave?" She picked up the wisker basket and held it close. Despite the little dove trying to convince her otherwise, she decided to bring the basket along with her. It might be helpful if they needed supplies, as well as collecting the plants she knew would help in different healing potions.
She reached into her basket and pulled out a purple silk pouch containing the seeds Valiant preferred to eat. She fed him from her hand. Once he finished his breakfast, she walked over to a nearby plant and pulled on it. Eventually she won the berries it offered, handing some Minna while taking the rest. "These are a few of the Fruits of Idias. They offer energy that will last for hours at a time."
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Post by Minna Fairburn on Aug 2, 2012 11:21:47 GMT -5
Her companion stirred bring the attention away from herself and to the surroundings. It was a crisp morning to say in the least but the sun greeted like an old friend and Minna despite the ache of her bones found a few strands of happiness. "Yes." Minna replied eager to get going and face the new day.
She was for a moment jealous of the bird and his food. However such animosities vanished as Viviane held out berries. Minna looked down at the plant doing her best to commit it to memory. She needed to learn as much as she could not wanting to be depend on others for the whole of her journey. If she wanted dependency she would return home. "Thanks." she taking them in her palms. Chewing some of them and storing the rest.
"Which direction do we go?" She looked to Viviane for guidance. Doing her best to hide the excited energy bubbling beneath her skin. The adventure in her grinning like a cheshire cat.
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Post by Viviane Breaglach on Aug 2, 2012 15:12:52 GMT -5
"Which direction do we go?" Viviane barely heard the question, being distracted by something Valiant said. Catching herself, she replied. "We go North and from there to the lake." She walked over to two trees laying closely together. "This way." She held up the branches that blocked the path, waiting for her charge to pass through. "Watch your step."
Stepping inside, a clear path was revealed. It was a beautiful forest, perhaps the best in the world...she couldn't imagine life without it. She moved in front of Minna, walking in the direction of the lake. The little dove flew ahead, an effort to determine who - if any - posed as a threat to the travelling women. "So why do you want to leave Carneth?" Viviane asked, hoping that the reason was good and not of evil intent.
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Post by Minna Fairburn on Aug 2, 2012 15:43:28 GMT -5
Following obediently she stepped through the brush onto a path. It was a beautiful sight that would probably stay with her for years to come. As she stood gawking at her surroundings Viviane pushed ahead. Reminding her that she was indeed on a journey and not sight seeing.
Minna again felt a spike of fear but as far as she could tell she had never found someone as kind as Viviane so perhaps she would also be as understanding. " I think. That is if I am lucky my father will have no reach there." She knew that wasn't nearly enough context to be helpful and put her father in a bad light. Not something she wanted to do so she quickly continued on. Her father in many ways was very dear to her heat and it pained her to know that her actions would cause him much distress.
"I want to see the world. Not be surrounded by liars and cheats. " She said truthfully "I want an adventure. To defend myself not be something that needs defending." She really hated large social gatherings. She didn't know how to feel then as she discovered that she often found herself with more emotions than she guessed was possible.
Minna was nervous to how Viviane would take the display. It sounded foolish if not childish but it was what was in her heart.
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