Closed The Stray

[Dante Starlight]

.
........The Animal Inside You, is no Match for the Demon Me...

1st Day of Summer, 515 AV

The man who had silenced The Watch guard before him introduced himself as Bayon, and the power that surrounded him was noted specifically. Dante understood immediately that this man could very well end his life if he chose to. On any other circumstance, Dante would have welcomed the death, and his demons strained to get a good look at the man whom, if he had been the one who had shown up instead of Amunet, they would be drenched in the blood they desired so much. However, it was different this time. Amunet awakened, even if it was only just a small portion, a part of Dante he didn't know existed. He would not suffer death until he knew what it had all meant.

Dante, bowed his head slowly, never taking his eyes off of the man abroad the huge mare before him. His left wrist still taught against the hilt of his blade on his hip, just in case. Stationed at just an angle to give himself a chance to move properly in case the situation turned violent. Bayon asked his name in perfect Pavi.

"My name is Dante Starlight." he answered calmly, his tone firm and concise against the breeze of the wind. Ensuring that the gale did not carry his voice away and make him sound weak or afraid. It blew their hair around their faces, but Dante made no attempt to push it out of his face. Not wanting to alarm the man before him.

"Why are you here?" Bayon asked firmly, eyes bearing down on Dante from his position on the mare.

Dante could almost hear the screaming in his head, telling him to just walk away and continue on the suicide trip he had begun earlier. He was exhausted, thirsty, hungry, and completely out of energy. He should have been on all accounts dead already, but Amunet showed up at just the right time. With water, and more than a saving grace. She breathed life into him, and the only way he could try to talk to her again was...

"I request entrance into Endrykas." Dante answered firmly, locking his deep green eyes on Bayon as he did so.

"Myrian" | "Pavi"

[Tribal]

Bayon had been a member of The Watch for a very long time and had since stopped counting the seasons of service he had provided the swift moving organisation with. As he looked down from his mount at the poor, dilapidated soul in front of him, he felt very little pity; Drykas should know better; though this one did not seem to be of his kin, even with his long hair and youthful features. Bayon was not fond of using common, nor was he happy with guiding outsiders into his city; yet this boy seemed to understand his Pavi with ease.

Was he sick? Sporting wounds? Bayon would need to be sure before he led this man home and the ride to Endrykas would prove informative. The Drykas thrived on this sort of lifestyle; one foreigners found all too hard to understand and keep up with. Bringing in a sick man to a widely healthy population was like signing his own death certificate.

“Tallgrass!” Bayon summoned and a man appeared from within the blacked out tent at his back.
“Yes, Bayon?”
“Put a yvas on one of the horses for me; I have a trip to make with this young man.”

Tallow Tallgrass looked the stranger up and down before disappearing around the back of the tent to fetch one of the horses and bring it out to stand at Bayon’s side. All the while, Bayon kept a watchful eye on the man for signs of infection or poor health. “Endrykas has no room for men not willing to work. You will seek a job and attain one by the next moon or I will ride you out into the sea myself and show you what we do with freeloaders,” Bayon warned.
Tallgrass swallowed nervously where he stood, he knew never to test his leader’s promises, “Will that be all?”
“Thank you; that will be all, on your horse, Dante.” The dagger wielding master ordered, “It’s a hard day’s ride to Endrykas so we better start making tracks soon.”

[Dante Starlight]

.
........The Animal Inside You, is no Match for the Demon Me...

Dante

Tallgrass!" Bayon called out in Pavi, as another man appeared from behind. They spoke again, Dante only catching a few words of the dialect. His eyes flickered between the men to the horses to the fading light around them. As a horse was drawn up, presumably for him, Bayon spoke to him again. He caught a few words as he was spoken to once more, Men, work, job, as well as a few others.

Dante knew from stories and lore that the horseclans of Endrykas were nomadic, and never rested in one place for long within the Sea of Grass. It was because of this, he understood that everyone worked, and no one was spared the weight of supporting the clans. Dante took a moment to ensure himself, before finalizing his choice and grabbing the reigns. Pulling himself onto the horse was the easy part, balancing on the yvas was a bit tricky. However, he positioned himself low towards the neck of his steed and nodded that he was ready, remaining silent while still in the company of the mass.

As they took off, Dante noted that stern and almost disappointing look Bayon had given him after he had answered his question. He understood that he was not a cruel man, given the change of tone in his voice when he addressed Tallgrass. However, Dante was sure that Bayon was not a man to be taken lightly, and commanded the respect of his followers. Which meant that to Dante, this man could be either an enemy or a good man. As they sped off, Dante hoped for the latter, much to the disgruntlement of his inner conscious.

Why did you not just keep walking? he asked himself, and almost immediately, his heart thrummed the emotions he had had just bells earlier. It gave him conviction, and it was all he needed to ride out with this man who he knew, didn't think would last the ride.

"Myrian" | "Pavi"

[Tribal]

A white lie is a strange thing; it has both good and bad uses, depending on the person behind its creation. Bayon took off after Dante who seemed no stranger to riding the way he took off without a word; though he did appear to struggle a little with the idea of the yvas. “Hold on tight!” Bayon encouraged.

As the tall grass whipped quickly past their feet, Bayon searched ahead while there was still enough light in the sky to get the lay of the land. He knew Endrykas was not really a long ride from them, but the newcomer might feel a little bounced about by the end of their trek. Bayon let the man get ahead so that he would watch him, work out what kind of weapon he used, if he could spot one, and try to build a picture in his mind about who Dante really was. As the first and last line of defence for the people of Endrykas, it was only his job to remain ever vigilant.

Bayon quickly realised that it wasn’t Dante in control of the horse, but the Strider itself. He called to the animal in quick, rhythmic Pavi, and pulled up alongside the horse to regain control of Dante’s mount. “More gentle with legs,” Bayon tried the common tongue on for size, though he was very rusty, “Lean back little more and try relax.”

If you sat forward on a Strider in Endrykas, that meant go and quickly. “Where Dante come to Sea of Grass from?” And thus the questions began and it looked as if Bayon would have a few, “Where home for walking man?”

[Dante Starlight]

.
........The Animal Inside You, is no Match for the Demon Me...

Dante

Dante shot forward like a bullet afraid of the barrel. His mount taking off as if its very life rested on getting to their destination before nightfall. Dante couldn't react, with the very limited horse knowledge he had and the foreign feel of the yvas beneath him, his only gain in the situation was to grip tightly with his thighs. As the sea of green sped past them, the bastard sword on his left hip rocked against the side of the horse. Trying to steady it, he tucked the hilt into his side with the crook of his elbow as best he could, trying to keep his eyes forward even though the horse seemed to have a mind of its own.

He didn't see Bayon gallop up next to him until the man was calling commands to his horse in firm Pavi. After a few short commands, his steed broke away from the dead sprint and eased into something Dante was actually able to manage. Falling into rhythm with Bayon's mount next to them. It took a moment, but Dante soon got the handle of balancing on the yvas. With the help of the instructions from Bayon in common, that Dante noted as a positive, he was able to sit up and straight in the yvas like Bayon was. Though, not as comfortably or as easily as he made it seem.

After a few chimes of silence between the two, Bayon asked him a couple questions. Dante looked down at the back of his rides neck, pondering if he should tell him true answers or not. A small breath escaped his lips as he spoke, though he shamefully looked down.

"You are a man of great respect," he started slowly, speaking slowly in common so Bayon might understand everything he said, "Probably one who is loved by your people. With a place to call home, with friends and family." A pause just to make sure he was listening, and to encourage himself to continue. "I am not that kind of man. I have no home to call my own, nor am I loved or respected by anyone."

He rubbed a hand through his hair and down the back of his neck, "You ask me where my home is? My answer is nothing. This world has become a prison, tossing me in with it's demons." he finished calmly, looking at Bayon from across the little gap between their mounts. His deep green eyes reflected the little light that shown over the hill tops, and in them was the guise of a broken story.

"Myrian" | "Pavi"

[Tribal]

Respect, love, these things Bayon had by the barrel load, but he was a man with no wife and no children to see that the name Thunder-roam would live on. Bayon was in love with his country, his city, his people, and his work; with little room in his heart for much more. “Work hard, find home with my people,” he told the man; it wasn't the first time he had heard of someone coming to the city of tents in search of something they were, thus far, unable to find elsewhere. Endrykas was a beautiful easy place to live in the summer; it was the coming fall and unpredictable winter that tested the hearts of all men.

Bayon imparted more of what he knew surrounding the basics of horse riding, not having taught someone so new to the skill in a long time. Most children in Endrykas knew how to get on a horse and ride at a basic level by the time they were seven, and Bayon thought even they would give this man a run for his money. Still, his instincts told him Dante, though a confuse man, would not be of the trouble making kind; he surmised this from the man’s choice of weapon alone. Thieves and other types of pickpockets, liked to carry small blades that were easy to conceal; it took a man to wield a bastard sword, one with strength, nerve, and a good resolve.
“When Dante live in city, never let tent stray from view; Sea of Grass play tricks on mind of travellers. Find way home difficult without guide.”

Just as he finished talking, Bayon realised that they had travelled far enough to leave the safety of The Watch tent far behind and in front of them was only danger to those who did not know how to read the golden sea. “Wait,” he commanded and brought his Strider to a stop after managing to catch Dante’s horse by the mane and stop her too.

Bayon slipped from his horse and walked into the tall grass, “Nature calls,” his only given explanation before he moved out of sight.

Once alone, Bayon was able to slip into a trance that took him into the magic of the Drykas Web where he was free to roam the land without distraction, drawing a safe path to the city. He was unable to sense any dangerous pools of djed in the area that might otherwise alert him to the activity of larger predators and felt safe for them to continue on the track they were headed.

When he returned to his horse he was happy to find that Dante hadn't made a run for it, taking two valuable, well-trained Striders with him; trust, something he gave seldom and was rewarded with even less. “Keep south,” he pointed, “Endrykas that way.”

[Dante Starlight]

.
........The Animal Inside You, is no Match for the Demon Me...

Dante

Bayon's answer struck him as funny, not that it was. It was just, Dante had expected a different answer, or no answer at all in fact. However, Bayon simply gave him advice, and told him essentially to be happy. Today was filled with things that hadn't happen to Dante in a very long time, and he appreciated them more than he was letting on. Even if his consciousness was flailing at the gates of his mind trying to stop him before it was to late. It's already to late, I'm going to Endrykas, he told himself firmly.

Dante didn't have much time to sit and ponder the answer for long. Soon after Bayon instructed him further on horse riding. How to keep himself in a relaxed, vertical position that aligned with the horse. Keeping an almost straight line between his head, shoulders, and waist to the heels along the sides of the mount. How to rock with the rhythm of his horses movements and maintain a steady posture, and more. Though he was still far from the level he guessed he should be at for his age, he picked up fast and soon as riding comfortably at a decent pace through the Sea of Grass.

Bayon spoke about the city next, and about little things Dante should do in order to be successful. Not nearly advice rather than small talk about Endrykas fact. A running theme was work, and work hard, something Dante was more than willing to accomplish. "Sea of Grass play tricks on mind of travelers. Find way home difficult without guide." he finished after good amount of time.

It struck Dante that maybe others like him, and maybe even some Drykas got lost in the Sea of Grass and beyond. Maybe, like Bayon and Amunet had done for him, he could lead people to safety. Or even lead them to a new home. That phrase stuck in his mind as Bayon pulled his horse and Dante's to a stop before stepping away for a 'nature call'. Dante's old instincts kicked in, telling him to run while he could. However, the phrase kept a steady echo inside his mind like an chant. A New Home.

As Bayon returned, it seemed as if Dante had passed the final test of his. His eyes held something more than respect, and Dante was glad to have been given it. Nodding his head respectfully and proudly as they pointed their steeds south, and to home.

"Myrian" | "Pavi"

[Tribal]

Bayon didn’t say much more, though he was polite enough and answer any questions Dante had for him, all within reason of course. Bayon was a very logical man that answered most questions with cold, hard facts, he didn’t dress anything up, Endrykas was one of the hardest places in Mizahar to live, and the Sea of Gras was ten time more deadly than any outsider could fathom. “Never take it lightly,” he warned, “Never turn your back and never go in alone unless you wish to feed the monsters of the sea.”

When the first line of tents came into view on the horizon Bayon pointed out the Wind-Knotted gates that led into the tent city. “Head into the marketplace that never sleeps, follow it to the end on either side; there we let visitors set up camp until they find their feet.” Bayon didn’t realise he was speaking in Pavi again, so used to the fast-paced language of his people that when he caught sight of Dante and the confused look on his face he smiled and reverted back to common, “Learn language fast, Drykas give Dante more respect for this.”

With that he signed for the man to dismount and gather his things to make the rest of the journey on foot; probably one he would want to run at this time of night. “Good luck, Bastard,” the Watchman smiled, nicknaming the man after his sword, “I’m sure our paths will cross again someday soon,” Bayon gestured.

Just as the man turned to lead the second horse away with him he stopped and looked back at Dante, “Wait,” he spoke in common. Bayon dug through one of his saddlebags and pulled forth a pound of fresh apples and a bread roll. “Too late to go bartering; set up tent, eat, sleep, start anew at dawn. Be good to my city, Bastard, and my people.”

After handing over the food items Bayon gave his Strider a curt kick and he was off along with the second animal tagging along quickly behind him, leaving Dante alone to face the long walk ahead.

[Dante Starlight]

.
........The Animal Inside You, is no Match for the Demon Me...

Dante

Dante listened intently as Bayon spoke, taking in his advice and knowledge about the life he was about to enter. He spoke in cold, concise terms and never beat around the bush about the hardships and trials the Drykas faced everyday. From the everyday to the unusual, he spoke definitively and precisely. Saying exactly what Dante needed to hear and how he needed to hear it. again, Bayone had earned the respect of Dante for the help he didn't have to give.

As they grew nearer to the shadows of tents on the horizon, Bayons lowed them to a halt a few hundred yards from the Wind-Knotted gates. He spoke quickly in Pavi after they stopped, Dante only catching a few words at best. When Bayone understood he didn't quite understand, he instructed Dante to learn the Pavi language quickly. Something Dante knew he would need to do and do it fast if he wanted to make any progress. Turning his eyes to the Wind Knotted Gates, Dante waited in case Bayon had anything else to say.

"Good luck, Bastard." Bayone spoke humorously as he pointed to Dante's sword, referencing the nickname. Dante made a small smile in return and bowed his head and the two split ways. Bayon gave Dante some supplies and instructed him to start fresh in the morning, something Dante was more than okay with.

"Be good ot my city, Bastard, and my people." echoed in Dante's head as the suond of Bayon and the other horse stampeded off into the Sea behind him. A quarter of chimes later, and Dante was standing at the entrance to Endrykas. He turned his eyes to the ribbons flying and knotting themselves together along each of the huge pillars that made up the gate. For a moment, Dante thought about how he may be able to put one there, and then thought about which one could be Amunet's. Shaking his head though, he continued on towards the entrance center, trying to be as ready as possible for this new adventure.

"Myrian" | "Pavi"