Open A Tale of Frostfawn

[Spirit Frostfawn]

Spirit, realizing that the two men were going to start haggling, took a step back to give them some space. She had no experience whatsoever in trading, and was in general bad at it anyways. She often just gave the person the first price they asked for. It was easier that way. Luckily, most people around were pretty nice, so they didn't take advantage of her lack of skill, and always offered a fair price at first. Still, she rarely bought things, except food. The Vantha girl watched the two of them talk with slight curiosity, hoping that maybe this was a chance to learn something about trading. She always wanted to learn... Spirit clasped her hands behind her back and said nothing, a small smile on her face. Watching the pair of them talking, and seeing their expressions and such, they seemed pretty experienced at this. She may not have been good at haggling, but she was very good at reading people, though, honestly, Vantha were always a lot easier to understand than others, because of their eyes. Thinking back about the saddle, she realized, now embarrassed, that it had been taken by two almost strangers without his permission. Most people probably would have been at least slightly annoyed at this, though it didn't seem like Kent was. He did seem like a very nice person... especially with how he treated the strange girl a while back... not that again. The saddle... watch what they're doing. Pay attention. Remember? You can learn something she thought to herself, shaking her head, and returned her attention back to the two people in front of her.

[Nikomas]

"That's completely understandable," Nikomas agreed with the fair-haired man. "I wouldn't entrust my gear or pay a single coin either, until I saw a sample or two, which I can most certainly provide. Why, this very coat that you see upon my shoulders was crafted, in part, by my hands." Okay. This was a partial fib on Nikomas' part, but what these people didn't know wouldn't hurt them. Right? In all fairness, he did help his parents craft the garment just a little. It was actually one of the first pieces they did together as they taught him the tricks of the trade. His father worked on most of the leather, while his mother did the fur lining. He, well, he picked out the buttons and the snaps, as well as the heavy, satin lining for the pockets, and he sewed a small portion of the back panels, too. That...that was about it. "My place isn't too far from here," he informed them after proudly showing off the garment. "I don't have too many pieces, since most of my work is out and about, if you know what I mean, but there should be enough for you to get a good idea of what I can do. Look at it this way. I can do the repair and if you're not happy with it, you don't have to pay me. Deal?" Nikomas looked from the guy to the girl and back again. They seemed harmless enough. He thought it was probably safe to bring them back to his place. There didn't seem to be any cause for concern. It was a simple repair, nothing more. He would have it finished in a bell or two. "Right this way," he announced as he motioned toward a slightly elevated path that would take them away from the main square. "This shouldn't take long. Not long at all."

[Kent]

Kent was impressed with Nikomas's leather jacket. It looked well crafted and warm, and classy as well. He wouldn't mind having one himself. The lad agreed with him and was offering to take him to his arvinta. If Kent didn't like his work, he didn't have to pay. Well, he would most definitely pay him. But he liked Nikomas's honesty, so he nodded. "Lead the way, friend." As Nikomas turned to lead them, Kent winked friendlily at Spirit and bobbed his head in his direction, beckoning her to follow.

Kent's blue orbs darted to the sky again. Time was flying now. At least he had found someone capable of fixing the saddle. Then he would need to start step two....

[Spirit Frostfawn]

Spirit found the way Nikomas advertised his coat as an example of his skill as interesting, and it sort of made sense to her. The coat was good quality, and it showed that he made good quality work. She also was curious about the 'bad job, no pay' deal. It definitely was a good way to prove that your skills were legitimate, and that you worked hard. It made sense, and she tried to find a relation to horses, something she understood. Generally you got to choose horses, the better the horse, often more expensive. It sort of related to leather working, the better quality the stitches, the more expensive the jacket's going to be. She nodded, understanding. Seeing that the two were leaving, she followed happily, wanting to learn more about negotiation. It should be interesting... She bounced slightly, completely oblivious to the cold weather around her. She wondered how Kent felt about it, not being a Vantha, but it was just a fleeting thought. She greeted a few of her friends as she passed by, but just with a raised hand and nothing else. Her attention was more focused on the two people before her, intent on discovering new things...

[Nikomas]

Nikomas wasn't usually one for small talk, especially with people he hardly knew, but for some reason the fair-haired young man piqued his interest. What was his story? The Vantha needed to know. "So, are you new to these parts?" he questioned as they made their way around a herd of sheep that were being coaxed along by their keeper and, what appeared to be, his two sons. "You don't look familiar to me and I've lived here all my life. Granted," he stated now as he turned his attention to the third member of their party, "you appear to be a Frostfawn, yet I don't believe we've ever met." I really should try to spend more time alone, away from Varik and Falda, he inwardly noted as his thoughts momentarily went to his two friends that he spent most of his waking bells with. Smiling to both of them, he continued to question the young man, knowing that they had a few more chimes to go before they reached his arvinta. "How did you end up breaking your saddle? It looks like it took a pretty hard beating. Are you a hunter? My buddy, Varik, is a hunter. He's always getting himself hurt. It's a dangerous living, that is." I sure hope he has an exiting story to tell! I could really use some new material for this coming season.

[Kent]

Kent smiled lightly at Nikomas's questions. Not surprisingly, he had been asked about his origins several times before. Truthfully, not many humans choose Frostfawn as their Avanthal home. Stepping through a small crowd of playing children, he felt a small, benign tug at his sword. He looked down into two large, glowing eyes of a curious Vantha toddler. He patted her on the head and continued to keep pace with his group.

"Yes, Nikomas, I am from Frostfawn," he began, "I lived here with my parents for 25 years or so, and now I am independent. By independent I mean I live on the road now, a traveler. You may have not seen me before due to my tendency to be a loner." He chuckled lightly, but his face returned to his natural stoic state. "As for my saddle...I really don't remember how it could have broken. My horse...Gavine. He's rather explosive, and he's always been so tense. Horses are a strange thing, you know. So afraid, but he charges into danger like a man in war. I do hunt, friend, but I am not a 'hunter' per say. I am a delver. A sort of, mercenary. I am sent to slay monsters or..." Kent was going to say 'people', but he felt that would have been too much. He didn't want to create the awkward environment of two kids walking with a man that had taken lives of several individuals "...problematic things." He then went quiet, waiting for the next person to speak.

[Spirit Frostfawn]

Spirit raised her eyebrows as she heard the explanation, finding Kent's story interesting in the least. So he was human, but one of those people who lived in an Avanthal hold. It happened, though obviously the majority of people in this city were Vantha. She also liked the idea that he was a traveler, and a warrior. Well, a mercenary to be exact.

The girl also found Kent's explanation of his horse to be quite funny, though she understood the feeling. Some horses were nice and quiet, but others could be frisky, or just plain annoying. She could have sworn she'd met one or two that were positively evil!

"So... are you planning to stay in Avanthal for a while?" She asked, deciding that it was her turn to speak. She was also curious about the question, wondering how long a traveler like him could stay in each city. Ten days? Thirty? A Season? A year? She was completely clueless, though had a sense it was more of personal choice. And, of course, depended hugely on the city itself.

[Kent]

Kent shrugged slightly. He hadn't actually planned on being here long. The sooner he left the better, actually.

"Well, I don't really plan on staying here for very long," he explained, "Business for me has been very slow, and I need to get back on track. The main reasons I came into town are to fix my saddle, find a place to stay for the night, and possibly pick up a little food. After that, I go back into the tundra. I was also hoping I would find someone that would like to hire me. Someone who had lost something in a forsaken cave, or who was attacked by bandits--" he let that one go accidentally, but there was no point in hiding it anymore "--I'd be willing to take up any job now."

Brushing the snow out of his hair, Kent wondered how Gavine was doing. The Frostfawn stables where clean and warm, but he wasn't worried about the comfort. Gavine had a tendency to not get along well with other animals. Especially other horses. It was something Kent had beat into him. And, more often than not, it would be literally done.

[Nikomas]

This guy seemed to have a story, but then he didn't. Well, at least he wanted them to believe he didn't. The way he spoke, the way he cut himself short...he was hiding something. Heck, maybe he just wanted to keep his amazing adventures for his own telling. Nikomas could appreciate that, even though it disappointed him greatly. But, yeah, there was a story here. He could sense it. "So you're looking for a place to stay, huh?" the young Vantha inquired as they neared his arvinta. "You could crash with me, while I work on your saddle. This may take just a little longer than I had initially estimated. So, if you want, my bed is your bed," he added with a smile and a nod. And maybe, just maybe, while you stay, you'll be willing to spill some of your story, he thought with an even greater smile. "As for food, well, I have a little stocked up, but not much. Certainly not enough for a long journey out into the wilds. However, I could probably point you in the right direction toward some reasonable rations. My grandmother is a baker by trade, so she could probably help you out...although, to be honest, I haven't spoken to her in a few seasons."

[Spirit Frostfawn]

OOCOk fourth frame change in the same page! Lol. Anyways, sorry for a short post... Spirit cocked her head to one side, hearing all this with curiosity. It was so tempting to stay and hear the rest of Kent's story, but... she had to go. Also, since Nikomas had invited the man to stay with him, it would be pretty impolite to go along. She looked down and scuffed her feet in the snow, trying to fight the urge. "Well... I think I've done all I can here, soooo I should go now!" The Vantha said with a smile, looking up at both Nikomas and Kent. It would be so impolite to stay... Ugh, but the promise of such a good adventure story... She sighed quietly, and came to a decision. Not like it had already been made with her talking anyways. "So... bye!" She finished, taking a step back from the group. She raised a hand in farewell, and turned away from the two of them. She had to fight herself not to turn back and stare at Kent excitedly, but... another sigh escaped her lips, and, as she turned away, the smile turned into a small frown. A small part of her hoped that one of the two men would call her back, but it was unlikely. She put a little skip into her step and began to move away, trying to force the situation out of her mind.