An unlikely adventure(Freyja)[Open]

[Aysen]

Aysen stepped on the soil of the land and smelt the sea in the air. His nose tickled with the unfamiliar scent, causing him to rub it and grunt. He continued walking towards Terim, his temporary garrison awaiting. Aysen had been told the temporary garrison was small, and they had only requested one decent recruit to replace one they lost. While Aysen wasn't thrilled to be doing guard work, protecting others was one of his "things".

Aysen's pack was light on his back compared to his shield, but the rough material and shoddy design didn't make things any easier on his shoulder. Finally he caved, cursing at him self tiredly for failing his own bet. He found a grassy hill to lounge on, setting his pack and shield at his side(of course, the shield was nearest his shield hand instinctively). Since Urû’baen, the only time he had stopped walking was at night where he made camp to relive himself and sleep. Now, sitting, a wave of pain washed over his legs as his muscles relaxed. He ignored it, for it was nothing compared to the pain of a cold blade, and it would soon subside.

Aysen didn't know how long he sat there for, he'd actually made very good time due to his 'bet', and had maybe a day or two to relax. The sun was well on its way towards the horizon, so he'd make camp soon. For now however, he only enjoyed the breeze that drifted through the grassy slope he sat on.

[Freyja]

Freyja relaxed in her saddle, glad to finally be out of the city's wall. She had never been fond of fortified location, whether it be a fort or a watchtower. She was also happy to leave behind the sea and although the smell of salty waters was still too strong for Freyja to ignore, she had finally turned her back to the sea and nothing could ever make her turn in her saddle to spare a glance at the shimmering water.

Valeo marched down the paved road leading out of the city, his steps strong and fast. He shook his head slightly, sending his mane up in the air as he did so. Freyja patted his neck lovingly before nudging him into a soft trot, wanting to put as much distance between her and the sea before night fell and she was forced to make camp.

The sun was started to set and though Teirm still appeared to be close due to its size, Freyja knew she had done a good first day of travelling. The smell of sea breeze still clung to her clothes and Freyja knew it would take at least a couple of days of fresh air before the scent completely vanished. She sighed as she slumped down on Valeo's neck, not used to riding for such extended periods of time. Before she knew it, the sun was almost engulfed by the horizon and she had to make up camp.

Before she even tried to scout for a good camping location, she spotted a small dark blotch up on a grassy hill. Curious and too naive to think about possible threats, Freyja led her horse to the small hill.

It wasn't the first time Freyja saw a member of the imperial army but the young woman felt a mix of emotion well up inside her. She both feared and respected the guards, as did almost everyone in Alagaesia. She couldn't help but notice he seemed to be uncomfortable in his sleep and her generous nature wouldn't let her leave the dozing officer alone. She dismounted her steed quietly, trying not to startle the man.
"Are you alright? You don't look so good." she said softly as she crouched next to the officer, close enough for him to hear her but still keeping a safe distance from the stranger.

[Aysen]

Aysen cracked his eyes open slightly at the sound of a woman's voice. His heart thumped wildly for a moment after being startled, he had dosed off for a few minutes, but he did not let his hesitation show on his face. He opened his eyes a bit wider to find the source of the voice, suddenly noticing it was darker than he remembered.

Aysen sat up completely and looked for the sun. Only the top part could be seen as it sunk and a waning moon was rising overhead. Aysen groaned and closed his eyes in disappointment with himself, instead of a few minutes he'd slept and hour or two. His legs were now in full, constant pain as each time he moved them, prompting him to stay sitting, even though the hill had recently become uncomfortable.

Aysen then realized he'd forgotten something important. He looked around for the voice that had awoken him, having forgotten it in his waking fright. His eyes landed among a woman crouching, far enough away that she could do no harm to Aysen nor him to her. She had light auburn colored hair, tied up into a bun upon her head. In contrast with the fading red sunset, her eyes were big and blue and reminded Aysen of the parts of the sea he'd seen on his travels. Her face was gentle, and her body muscled with the unmistakable spell of the sea upon her clothing.

After a few minutes of studying her, Aysen laid back upon the hill and placed his hands behind his head like a makeshift pillow. The girl was intriguing, but he would not let his guard down so easily. "I've just been walking for a while....do you usually talk to strange travelers you don't know? I could be dangerous" Aysen answered the woman's question honestly, he wanted to see if she was as naive as she seemed or if Aysen was the one in danger.

[Freyja]

Freyja frowned slightly.
"I know not everyone in this world can be trusted but I prefer to give everyone a chance. I believe everyone wants to do good, some just don't know how." she said with a smile as she got to her feet and walked over to her horse Valeo.
She started to untie her bedroll as well as her small cover that she would use as a makeshift tent from her saddle but stopped before she was done.
"You don't mind if I set up camp with you? I'd rather not spend my first night out of the city alone." she said as she thought about bears.
Though she loved animals, wild ones scared her and she knew she couldn't defend herself against an angry bear or a wild boar.

She waited for the man's response next to Valeo, not completely unpacking her stuff in case he declined her company. She could feel her fingers tremble a bit as she realized that she had accomplished her goal: get out of Narda and never go back. It was a step in the right direction. The man didn't seem to have an unusual spark in his eyes or any malice in his traits which reassured Freyja but she still had a small fear in the pit of her stomach. But she didn't want to leave his side, not with the night falling swiftly.

[Aysen]

Aysen was a bit in disbelief. Could this girl really be so...so foolish? If there was anything his life had taught him, nothing could be trusted except yourself, and even that was shaky. She walked over to a horse, that Aysen hadn't noticed before, Grey and well built with hints of intelligence in it's eyes. The girl herself was starting to untie a bedroll, surprising Aysen when he finally realized she herself was a traveler. This girl? he thought, She must know very little of the world, and might be attacked on sight...

Aysen was still thinking to himself when the girl asked if she could set up camp with him. Sitting up, Aysen studied the girl. She had stopped unpacking her things as if she half expected him to decline. She stood close to her horse, and looking at her eyes Aysen could tell she was tense, a bit frightened perhaps. He was not very adept at learning truths from peoples eyes yet, but these things he was certain she was feeling. Aysen looked up at the appearing stars and sighed. He could surely protect himself, but could he trust himself to protect this girl as well? Well, I guess that's what guard duty is anyways, right? He reasoned, and looked back over at the girl. If anything, Aysen could at least enjoy her company.

"I suppose that is alright" he said, turning and reaching for his own pack. He pulled out a thick, wool blanket that he used for bedding. "Make what you will" He stood up and stumbled slightly, suppressing the ache in his legs. He saw some shrubbery along the path a couple of yards back and thought it would make an excellent fire. Of course, Aysen could simply sleep like a rock but he thought the fire would make for easier conversation, allowing Aysen to learn more about the girl and her future travels.

[Freyja]

Freyja smiled and exhaled a breath she didn't she was holding. She finished untying her things and set out her thick bedroll directly on the grass, not bothering to set up a tent like she had initially intended. She untacked her horse and let him eat freely, placing his saddle under her roll so to use it as a pillow. She spared a quick glance at the man and couldn't help but notice how stiff his legs seemed. Had he been walking all day? Or maybe he had trained? Either way, Freyja could empathize with him; she'd be no better off the following day due to her riding.

Freyja reached for one of her saddlebag, pulling out a small bundle of dried bark and looked at it intently, debating whether or not she should offer some to the man. As per usual, her generous nature overtook her nervousness and she cleared her throat as soon as he got close enough.
"Chew on these, they will ease the pain and stiffness in your legs." she said as she offered to the officer two small pieces of the dark dried bark.
"We all used to eat them back on the ships when we got sore." she explained as put away the rest of the bundle in a small leather pouch. She hadn't brought much with her from Narda but the bark from the Ice-King tree was something she had deemed essential to her journey. She looked at the man, arm outstretched and offering the dark bark but unsure her offer would even be considered.
"Here, if it makes you less wary, I'll eat some." Freyja said with a small smile as she ripped away half of a piece of bark she was offering and chewed on it. In all honesty, she too would be not inclined to eat anything a complete stranger would offer her, especially something they claimed was a medicinal herb.

Freyja had always loved the icy feel of Ice-King bark in her mouth and throat and chewed with renewed vigor on the hard bark. The taste was indescribable seeing as it was a strange mix of cinnamon, mint and some other spices that made it so distinct. Freyja raised her brows, looking intently at the officer and waiting for his answer.

[Aysen]

When Aysen had gathered adequate supplies to make a decent fire, he walked (more like hobbled) back towards the camp area. He squatted down and began to make a Fire pit, much to his legs discomfort. Half way done, he stopped when the girl had pulled something out of her bag and handed to him. She claimed it would ease the pain in his legs, which made Aysen blush because he was half trying to hide his discomfort.

He took what looked like dry bark from the girl and eyed it. It certainly looked what it seemed, but looks could be deceiving. Not trying to be rude, he quickly brought it up to his nose and smelled it. He half trusted the girl not to try and poison him due to the fact he believed she needed a protected, if that counted for anything. It was only when she smiled and eaten some of the bark herself that he was satisfied and took a bite of the bark.

The bark itself reminded him of various things he'd smelled in the Chapel so long ago and rarely tasted. He could name the taste of cinnamon, or at least what he described as cinnamon, but the others tastes were foreign. Almost instantly a wave of relief washed over his legs, and while not completely get rid of some of the soreness Aysen could honestly say he had full use of his legs again. He looked over at the girl who seemed to be waiting for his response. He nodded, and looked back at the fire pit he was to make. "Thank you" he said, suddenly realizing that the girl had already given him a gift and they had yet to even exchange names.

Aysen worked on the fire until it was roaring with life, it's flickering light cutting through the darkness that had settled around them. The stars were now in full bloom accompanied by a watchful moon. Aysen closed his eyes, attempting to dull his senses and get into a social mood. His reasoning led him to believe that if anything dangerous did happen, he could respond quick enough to deal with it, but he did not want to think like that. Not right now at least, when he was in the possibility of good company(Which, he admitted to himself, he had begun to miss on his travels.) He stood up and walked over to his blanket, taking it and setting it on the opposite side of the fire from where the girl was sitting. He wanted to respect her personal space.

Sitting down on the blanket, he looked across the flames towards the girl. "My name is Aysen" he stated.

[Freyja]

"And I am Freyja Genovefasdaughter, pleased to meet you." she said with a small smile as she made herself comfortable against her saddle.
The light flickered on the Aysen's face, making his grey eyes seem like an actual storm was raging inside them. The Ice-King bark had taken away the pain from her minor aches and pains but she feared she would be in a lot of pain the following morning. Trying not to think about such things, Freyja leaned a bit forward as to facilitate conversation with Aysen.
"I couldn't help but noticing you are on foot. Are all imperial soldiers required to travel like so? Why do you not have a proper steed to carry both you and your heavy equipment?" she asked, genuinely curious.
Even she, an inexperienced traveler, knew it was better to travel by horseback for many reasons. She spared a quick glance over at Valeo who was merrily munching on grass not too far down the hill, the noise of his teeth ripping the grass echoing in the silent night air.
Freyja brought both of her hands next to the fire, warming them from the cold. She was used to much worst but she couldn't refuse the comfort of a roaring fire.

[Aysen]

Aysen nodded as she said her name and asked her question, it was a fair one. He leaned forward a bit and brought his hands together. "Well, that would be true if I was worth any notice. Horses are only given to those that have important statuses and important places to be. I am but an infantry man, and had they even offered me one, I would have kindly declined." At the end of this he smiled, for he left out the part where he simply miscalculated the distance of his destination.

"What about you?" He asked. "You seem to be quite fond of that steed, how long have you had him?" Aysen gestured to the horse, he had many other questions but he felt that it would be easier to ask if they knew each other better.

[Freyja]

Freyja turned her head to where her horse stood and a smile formed on her lips as she looked at him.
"Valeo? Not that long actually compared to other riders and their horses. I picked him up at a small village south of Narda soon after my departure. He went on the ships with me all the way down to Teirm. That is without mentioning the times we were forced to trek from one village to another because some captain said it was bad luck to have a woman on board and wouldn't allow me on his ship. The trip lasted a good 6 months because of that and bad weather, so we got to know each other well. I couldn't have hoped for a better steed." she finished with a smile, a spark in her eyes as she remembered her trip.

She stayed silent for a couple of seconds, looking at Aysen distractedly. Sometimes, she had difficulty believing she had actually left Narda, that she had succeeded in her endeavor most called desperate or dangerous. She untied her hair and took out a comb she had carved out of whale bone and started pulling away the many knots that had formed because of the strong sea breeze. The salt from the air made her hair unruly and though Freyja wasn't a vain person, she preferred it when her hair was neat in the least.

[Aysen]

Aysen was relieved when he heard the story of her travels, and a bit ashamed he'd doubted the girl. He had meant well, but it was good for him to know that she was sure to have her wits about her at least after 6 months. Sure, if she went to every stranger and offered them strange herbs from her bag, guarding her would indeed be difficult. This made Aysen chuckle, and also think of a question he wanted to ask.

"That sounds rough, but if you' don't mind me asking, what is your purpose for your travels?" As he asked this Freyja undid her hair and let it fall its full length, which stopped at about the middle of her back. She pulled out a comb and began to comb her slightly curly hair, pulling out various knots here and there. The mundane task made Aysen smile, and realized just how far away he was from Urû’baen, in fact, from the life he'd known for two years. He was still organizing his feelings, but the thought crept in his mind that he would want to protect this girl for a little while longer if he could. He shook his head, instead wanting to focus on getting through the night at hand first and waiting for Frey to answer his question.

[Freyja]

Freyja's eye went somber as she thought back about her last few days in Narda. She stopped combing her hair without noticing, laying her scarred hands on her crossed laps. She looked down momentarily, for a second fascinated by the contrast of how pure and flawless the comb was against her imperfect and scarred skin. She looked back up at some immaterial spot in the night air and forced a small smile on her face.
"Let's just say things didn't go... well, according to plans back in my hometown." she said with a soft voice before resuming her task of combing her hair, this time going slower on her locks.
"But what about ? Here I am babbling away about some thing or the other when it's the first time I've ever met an imperial soldier. I want to know everything! What is Uru'baen like?" she said, pushing away her painful memories back and trying to forget them as she littered Aysen with questions. She was genuinely interested in him but she also knew that eventually she'd have to face her demons and confront her past... Just not now... Or anytime soon. It was all still too fresh for her to think about it in depth.

[Glaeran]

Zander rode his stallion forth into the hills. It was strange how he hadn't seen his hometown in forever. Zander was of course known to be a rider here so he took the time to put on a pair of soft leather gloves as he muttered a spell. To everyone else, who didn't know magic, he looked like an Empire soldier with no reason to be with the Varden. The horse started neighing as Zander approached a couple people. Great Zander thought. Stay away Glaeran, unless I'm attacked.

Zander dismounted a few feet away and slid New Leaf into its sheathe so that noone would suspect an elven-made weapon.

[Aysen]

Aysen cursed himself in his mind as Freyja vaguely answered his question. He should have thought of the possibility that people outside the empire would be different from a soilder, who would start calling you brother after one cup of mead if the circumstances were right. Instinctively he said "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry" and allowed her to ask her questions. To make up for his earlier intrusion, he'd try to answer them as best he knew how

When she asked about Urû’baen, Aysen thought about it. How does one describe the one place he's known best for 18 years? "It's cold" he said, still in thought and well on his way to making a metaphor. "Cold, and dark, much like a cave, not many lights anywhere." He took a deep breath as he remembered the chapel. "But...when you do find a light, it's warm, and comforting. Perhaps it's the lack of light and heat that surrounds the city that make each and everyone discovery that much better." Aysen couldn't help but shift his gaze to the fire, its bright dance the same as that night two years ago that changed his life forever.

He looked up at Freyja and noticed her scarred hands as she combed her hair, contrasting against the white and flawless comb. Aysen wanted to see them up close, but after his earlier attempt to discern the girls past, he was reluctant, and felt that he missed his chance after minutes ticked by. He switched his gaze to a random spot on the ground. "Anything else you would like to know?" He said without looking up "If not we should probably turn in for the night, it's getting late" Aysen could feel his social mood waning and tiredness settling in, and soon he would not be able to keep up with the seemingly energetic girl before him.

[Glaeran]

Zander noticed that one of the two figures was an Imperial soldier. The other was a girl who looked seemingly innocent. Finally deciding, Zander walked up the hill, hoping his identity would stay secret. He heard the soldier talk about Uru'baen and then suggest sleep. Excuse me, but I seem to be unaccustomed to this area. Could I stay here awhile with you?

[Freyja]

Freyja smiled as Aysen described the capital. It didn't really sound like the kind of place she would love but how the soldier described it made her want to visit it at least.
"You're right it is getting late. We should call it a night, I don't want to have to sleep in the saddle tomorrow." she said after his remark with a chuckle as she thought back at the times she had to do it.

Just when she was about to get into her bedroll and close her eyes, something in the back of her mind seemed to tug her awake, urging her to stay up. Without making any noise, Freyja took out a small piece of wood and started working on it using her carving knife. She couldn't understand the feeling but at the same time she couldn't ignore it either. It was like she knew she shouldn't fall asleep but she couldn't tell if it was because something good or bad was going to happen. She fiddled with the wood absentmindedly, trying to convince herself that the feeling was probably just nervousness because of the idea of having a companion, even if it was just for one night.

But it was also something else, and the young woman knew it, she simply didn't want to acknowledge it fully...

Freyja looked around camp, using the dying fire's light to decipher anything out of the ordinary. Just when she was about to shrug her shoulders and push aside her gut feeling, she saw something move in the darkness, like a shadow flitting behind the trees.
"Who's there?" she called out, voice slightly trembling as she tightened her grip on her carving knife.
She prayed to the gods that Aysen wasn't asleep but by the looks of it, he was sleeping like a rock. She knew he was only a few feet away and she could easily wake him up by nudging his shoulder but her fear paralyzed her, making it impossible to move or even blink. She could only wait as she peered deeper and deeper into the dark forest that lay just behind their camp.

[Glaeran]

Zander moved slowly and finally shrugged. Attack me and this could be bad. he said while he ditched the disguise. Brisingr. I am Zander Ryans. My father is a noble near here but that isn't important. Zander watched as his green fire sprang forth and lit up the camp. His eyes stayed on the soldier, ready to disarm and dispatch if necessary.

[Aysen]

Aysen wasn't truly asleep. True, he had went through the actions well enough, pulled out his blanket completely, yawned, and layed down with his back towards Freyja, but his eyes would remain open. While also nervous about the thought of an attack, insomnia was something he picked up the night the chapel burned. He feared that every time he closed his eyes his dreams would haunt him, so he simply waited till he was too tired to even dream. After a while, Aysen picked up the sound of a knife carving wood, which was strange because if it was Freyja, he hadn't even heard her take it out of her bag.

That's when Aysen heard the third voice, sending his heart into a Panic, but not his body. His eyes had already been open, so he could not help to keep them swiveling and assessing the situation on their own, but the fact that he appeared asleep gave him the element of surprise should he need it. Freyja was startled at his side, he could protect her if..if...blast it! He'd left his shield a few meters away on the slope of hill. He still had his sword attached but..well..he would have preferred his shield.

The stranger introduced himself, Zander was his name, but not before warning them not to attack. Without seeing the intruder for himself since his back was turned away, Aysen could not make certain if it was a bluff or a legitimate warning. Although Aysen wouldn't have a choice, he would not allow himself or Frey to be at the mercy of this man. And then he said it, Brisingr a word in the ancient language that the empire had taught meant fire, aka dangerous magic. At the mention of the word, Aysen leapt up like a lithe cat from his position on the ground and towards the stranger, yelling furiously(WWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOAHHH!) so he could startle him. He forgoed pulling his sword from his sheathe as of yet, fearing it would take too much time and give his opponent time to gather their senses.

With his bear hands, Aysen would land upon Zander and punch him once in the gut to knock the air out of him and then attempt to slam his fist into the side of Zander's head to hopefully knock him out. He didn't want to hurt the man, but he was just too dangerous to ignore, and as a guard he had a job to do.

[Freyja]

Freyja jumped back when Aysen attacked Zanders without warning. She looked in horror as Aysen charged the other man frontally, not even bothering to take out his weapon. She lept to her feet, dropping her knife and piece of half carved wood on her bedroll as she did so. She took a step back, petrified about the idea of witnessing a fight or worst, a death. The magical fire gave the camp a strange light making it appear foreboding and eerie as both men struggled. She looked in horror at the two fighting men, unsure of what to do. Zanders looked young which made him all the more scary. How could one so young know magic?

She didn't know if Aysen was right to attack the newcomer but she wished things hadn't escalated so quickly. Even though Zanders had scared her with his magic, she was sure there was a reasonable explanation for him using his powers. But he had also threatened them... Freyja felt her head spin, too much was going on... She could easily die; she was at the man's complete mercy and her only chance of survival would be running away on Valeo. She knew that she could easily slip by Zanders, hop on her steed and gallop away, away from the threat. It seemed the most logical thing to do but Freyja couldn't bring herself to even move. And gods why did her head spin so fast?

[Nandon]

Crept up the hill slowly Ryu was back with the varden being looked after by nepherion and feanaro as well as astreae...He sighed wishing he didnt have to leave but it was what needed to be done...Nandon reached the top of the hill and frowned..."What the hell is going on here." He said looking at the imperial soldier attacking zander...He sighed then muttered a word that would lift them bothj into the air and hold them there untill he found out what was going on!