PM to join Upon the Road We Meet (Maduro)

[Levissa Certier]

Upon the Road We Meet
20th of Summer, 513 A.V.

For days, Levissa had rode hard and fast and the exhaustion had caught up to her. The heat of the sun beated down on her and the fact her hair was pulled back into a bun did not help at all. It was a bright summer day, alright. She preferred the evening much much more. The wind blew against her, whipping the loose strands of her hair back. At some point, she had taken off her cloak and stuffed it messily into her pack.

Her sense of urgency could not be ignored, yet her body screamed for her to stop. In the end, the exhaustion won and Levi slowed her horse down. Her eyes scanned her surroundings, checking for any signs of danger. Satisfied, she leapt off her horse and landed on the dirt road. It was a marked road where the knights constantly patrolled but, stopping in places like this was never a good idea. Especially when one's a female and alone.

Thick trees stood over her, slightly concealing her from the harsh sunlight. She traveled off the road slightly, searching for a place to rest both herself and her horse, Revenant. He neighed in with ease, probably thanking her for finally stopping. Revenant nudged her back and Levi laughed softly.

For years, the Windrunner had accompanied her during her travels. He was perhaps her most faithful friend and the most useful too. Unlike most horses, he was not easily freaked thanks to the years of spending time with her. Strange occurrence happened around her and her horse had gotten used to it.

When she had finally founded a suitable place, Levi stopped letting Revenant go and find some place to graze.

In the wilderness like this, she felt exposed and slightly vulnerable. To say that she was afraid was not really accurate. She was simply being cautious. After all, she had traveled these roads for countless times and she knew it as well as the back of her hand. Levissa Certier was used to traveling harder plains than this and a much dangerous place.

Levi was just leaning against the thick trunk of a tree when she heard some scuffling noises. So much for resting. Without thinking, she pulled out her gladius and straightened, her posture tense. Her head darted suspiciously, trying to catch anything out of place. If anyone decided to attack her, she doubted she could put up much of a fight - her awareness was down and she was definitely sore.

She narrowed her eyes and switched to her other sight. As usual, these roads were filled with the ghosts of travelers unable to find their way. It had always astounded her to see so many individuals who had decided to stick to these trails after their death. If she was less worn out, she would've tried to communicate with the spirits that had started to approach her, staring at her. It was her duty to return them to Dira, instead of letting them longer in this world. But, ever since she was young, she had learned not to push it and let them be if she could not do anything about it.

There was no ghosts who seemed like they could be causing those noises which means there was actually someone. "Who's there?" she called out to the shadows.

[Maduro Salvitary]

The voice that came from the darkness was that of a man but with no hostility in his voice, but there was some level of tension involved. As if he was airing a level of caution upon his approach of her. It was always the pretty ones that seemed to be stone cold killers and while her voice was captivating there was very little he knew of her and what she was about.

The shadows then replied

You can put the sword down I'm only in search of tinder to keep my fire going, got a camp set up a little ways from here.

He remained in the shadows for a moment, as he drew in Djed and focused his mind upon this 6th sense of sorts. He let it flood his senses and albeit it taking a minute or two it would probably be on par with the mysterious woman deciding whether or not she would yield her blade. It would allow him to do things that ordinary senses could not. It would unveil her Aura, but despite being a novice major details the most prominent ones would unveil themselves. What he could sense was that of an almost ominous loneliness in the woman but the swirls and shades also told him that she was healthy and without injury. But the rest was vague so much information was there but he still had not reached new levels of enlightenment therefor that knowledge more subtle was lost on him.

When he was finished with his spell craft he unfocused on her and stepped out from the shadows a couple dry looking pieces of wood were in his hand. No lies, he had set up his tent and was making sure he had enough wood to last through the night.

Aye I'm Maduro

What's your name love?

Casual and friendly

So what are you doing out here this is a pretty dangerous place you know

[Levissa Certier]

Levissa lowered her weapon slightly when a figure stepped into the light. It was a man who was not much older than she was. With a quick glance, Levi decided that he was unarmed and she doubted he meant any harm with that bunch of dry wood in his arms. He did not seem hostile - suspicious, yes, but still, reasonable. Still, her experience told her not to trust this man. The man said something about camp. It was nothing unusual for travelers to stop along the road and made camp - she did that all the time.

There was something she could not quite put a finger on about him - she could not even say if it was a good thing or a bad thing. For all she knew, the man could be a thief or a killed or maybe even both. She had gotten robbed for a couple of times, more than enough to be suspicious at everyone. Not that she was bringing a lot amount of money. No solo travelers who knew what they were doing would bring too many mizas - it simply made them targets.

She was tempted to ask the unseen ghosts about this man and what they saw, but she decided it would be too odd. The ghosts did not seem restless or paid any particular attention to the man and that was good enough for her.

Levissa sheathed her gladius and relaxed her posture. If anything wrong happened, she still would have a fair chance fighting back unarmed. "I'll tell you my name if you tell me yours." She called on her horse and as he trudged toward her, Levi eyed the stranger warily. He seemed to be telling the truth - or he was a really good liar. "I was traveling and I'm looking a place to rest for a while." The girl left out the part where she was so tired that she might fall asleep standing up - he did not need to know that in case he meant her harm.

[Maduro Salvitary]

But I already did Madam, you were staring off into space when I told you it.

It's Maduro.

It was the strangest thing he told her his name and she drifted off into the distance like she was looking for or at someone. Did she have company? He wasn't sure what to make of it.

He might have seemed suspicious as a man to a woman but he meant her no harm, albeit what he could make out from the light he found attractive but the only thing the man was dangerous too was her chastity. He was charming, and some might say he was attractive. But beauty was in the eye of the beholder, and what she thought of him had yet to be determined.

If you'd like to come with me your more then welcome, I must warn you my tent was made for one person but there is space for two if you dont mind close company. It's been padded down with a heavy blanket so it's comfortable. I have a nice fire going, And as you can see tinder for the night about a gallon of ale and I caught a bass fishing this afternoon if your hungry.

Normally I'd barter but to be in the company of a beautiful woman for the evening, is payment enough.

Plus there's safety in numbers

He was pretty direct about it in as casual way, he was trying to tell her he was more interested in trying to seduce her then harm her. A cozy spot to sleep, a nice fire to ward off predators, free meal and pretty much all she could drink for the night and added safety.

He might have been a hypnotist but he was a seducer first, and he thought that was an attractive offer.

You can stay mounted and follow me if you wish, nice horse by the way. I have one I got from Syilra midnight black, lightning fast and powerful. Has an attitude problem so I call him

Miss Daisy

[Levissa Certier]

Levissa blushed when the man said that she had drifted off when he had told her his name. She done that a lot actually, it was just inescapable when a part of your attention is pointed at the world of the dead. She reeled back her mind, searching for this stranger's name. "My apologies, I am quite easily distracted. My name is Levissa. Pleasure to know you."

Upon closer the inspection, she noticed that the man was quite attractive with his strong features and charming enough. She had spent much time in parties and bars to notice when a man was trying to make a move on her. And for the moment, she did not mind. After all, what can a harmless flirting do? Though spending a night with a man like him might prove to be quite dangerous. "I suppose you have something else to offer?" Levissa said with a smirk, her tone teasing. She did this kind of banter often enough - drunken nobles tend to be quite quip with their mouth and as a good member of the Certier family, she dealt with them countless times.

The girl considered the man's words, weighing it. From what the man had said, she guessed that his camp was all set. If she were to be by herself, Levi would need to set up her own fire and tent, which sounded quite tiring for her right now. "I'll take your offer, Maduro. Lead the way."

Levi gave the man a grin when he talked about his horse, Miss Daisy. "That is quite a ridiculous name for horse, I have to say."

"You came from Syliras? It seems like we hailed from the same city. I grew up there, though I spent most of my life traveling." She walked beside him, close enough not be rude, but still polite. Levi looked back to call on her horse, turning away from Maduro. As they walked, Levi loosed the bun of her hair, letting her light hair rain down her shoulders. "Where are you heading, if I might ask?" To Maduro, she might've looked like she had loosened up and that's true, just not entirely. Her hand still rested on the hilt of her gladius, the gesture subtle and imperceptible.

[Maduro Salvitary]

Maduro smirked she seemed to be one of those girls that could play the game. The fact that Levissa could quip back indeed spoke of a fun and entertaining evening.

You needn't worry Lavissa, though I might add if your looking for what I'm offering there's more then enough to keep your attention focused.

He thought he'd done a nice job and he nodded to himself with a muffled chuckle as he carried on.

I'm sure the pleasures mine, truthfully I don't often stumble upon a woman of refinement in the woods. You have a level of sophistication and class, your charming and elegant and your stride is graceful. I have a feeling this is going to be a wonderful evening.

He continued to walk noticing her following beside him, so he kept the conversation going.

He was very taken by her long flowing brown hair, he knew he laid it on a little heavy. But there was a lot going on, the woman had a very distinct style that bordered aristocratic but without the haughty noble baggage that came with it.

About his stallion Miss Daisy were to begin

Yes he is rather ridiculous he has a bit of a personality, so what's the name of your horse?

Syilras where to begin, ill just say I don't fancy being looked down upon by people that think themselves of a higher standard.

How about you what's your story?

Don't tell me the gods gave me favor, and you fell from the sky into my lap
As appreciative as I am of this of course

Maduro laughed a bit and waved his arm to her so that she may see camp, as promised a pitched tent an enclosed fire pit one good sized strung fish.

please make yourself at home I need to prepare the bass, you are hungry right? The ales over there if your thirsty

Maduro pointed to the cask next to his tent

[Levissa Certier]

The young woman had been watched enough - both by the living and dead - to notice that the man's eyes were studying. She shrugged it off and instead, focused on what he was saying. It was quite impressive that he noticed her refinement, as he put it. After much of training and fighting, she would have believed that she had lost her womanly grace. "You might want to lat down the flattery, Maduro, or I fear I might drown in it at any moment," she teasingly.

She answered the man's first question. "Well my horse does have a better name than your unfortunate steed - his name is Revenant."

Levissa could not help smiling at the man's additional comment. Indeed it seemed like the man had got the quite smart tongue. "Let's just say a life as a nobility was not for me. I prefer to travel." It was true - most of the time, at least. She did miss the lavish life she had occasionally. The comfortable bedroom with expensive furnitures, the rich foods and drinks, the servants that bustled around fulfilling their needs. It was hard not to miss it when you've grown up in such a condition. Levissa had not been indulged, of course, but the ease in which she could get anything did not hurt.

Soon enough, they had arrived in a simple camp with a small tent and a modest pit. It seemed quite well-prepared and just as Maduro had said, a fish hung down from a branch. "I rather not get ahead of myself, besides I get drunk quite easily."

Revenant stopped when she did and allowed to grab her cloak. The night wind had started to set in and with her damp sleeveless shirt, she shivered when the air touched her. She took off her vambraces and the sheathe of her gladius, setting it not far from the fire. After placing the cloak around her shoulders, Levissa proceeded to unstrap Revenant's saddle, hefting the heavy thing of her horse's back as she had done countless of times before. All her weapons were stashed inside Revenant's pack. Typically, she would have had her crossbow across her back, but the day had been so hot that she could not stand it.

"So, do you make inviting a random stranger to your camp as a habit? I could be a murderer and you would never know," she pointed out lightly.

[Maduro Salvitary]

Revenant that was a rather bold name but it suited the white horse. He didn't feel the need to argue but it just didn't put a smile on the face the way miss daisy did. He grinned to himself as he began to prepare the meal.

He pulled out his pairing knife and flayed both sides of the fish on a rather flat stone, he paid close meticulous and careful attention to the meat of the fish and the bones as he wanted to scrape together enough to make a meal. As the knife skid through meat he flipped the filet and swept his sharp steel through it a second time peeling back the skin and scales. Proud of himself he got carried away on the second filet and botched it enough where the filet was salvageable but the meal would be noticeably smaller.

Aye that's true, but when I saw those grey eyes I found myself lost in the storm. Unsure of whether to go or stay I decided to take my chances as I was already at your mercy.

Though I'm pretty sure if you intended to dispatch me you could have ran me through with that sword of yours when my hands were full.

But if you really are out to get me, my last request is for you to take me up on that other other offer. He pointed out light heartedly with a jest.

As he spoke he began to do what he did best, he dipped into his Djed and let the thought wrap around the word with this ancient form of magic. He wove it to fit within the sentence. in hypnotist circles it was known as a Suggestion a gentle subliminal nudge of sorts that worked on the subconscious. It was the weakest spell at his disposal but it was shuffled in deeply with his charm. His skill at seduction could blur perception and was the safest avenue for him to go to not be found out. Levissa already found him charming and attractive. What was woven was I should take him up on that offer just a few moments after the last phrase of the sentence was over.

When the filets were prepared he got some seasonings from his pack of rations and sprinkled them on the meat before taking that flat rock and edging it near his small fire pit. The meal sizzled and crackled as the fire popped and snapped

I must ask what is your profession? I'm not sure, your like a mercenary but I feel that answer is wrong.

He said while he was careful with the heat making sure to cook thoroughly but not overcook the meal. By now the smell of cooking fish lofted in the air it was probably less then what she was used to but an empty stomach was an empty stomach.

When the meal reached completetion he took the side of the rock slab and pulled it out inching it away from the edge before serving Levissa the larger portion. He was hoping she wouldn't notice.

I'm sure it's not the fanciest meal but you should probably eat.

And as much as I hate to admit I peeped you shivering, if your wet you can disrobe in the tent and take my blanket there's no point catching a cold from the chills. You can lay your cloths by the fire and they will dry out and be toasty warm when your ready for them.

I'd rather not see you sick on my account.

But could you hand me that cask of ale I too find that I get tipsy rather easily

[Levissa Certier]

The girl laughed, taking it all in a stride. "I'm afraid you'll have to remind me of that offer, for I can't quite recall." It was her own way of avoiding the question. Yet, a part of her actually considered it for a moment. With no difficulty, she pushed it away, not yet letting the dangerous to grow in her mind. But he was attractive. Alright, stop. What was she thinking?! It was not like her. Maybe she was a bit too tired.

"I . . . do a sort of hunting, I guess." Levi didn't elaborate too much, having think that Now that she wasn't so distracted, her visions were filled with pale, transparent beings once more. Even since she was young, she was not bothered by those who were dead - what bothered her at first that she was to make sure they died once more. "What about you? I don't suppose you flirt for a living?"

The spiritist watched silently as Maduro prepared the fish he had apparently caught. He worked good enough, telling her that he had done this before but was not exactly an expert.

It turned out that Maduro was still paying attention to her, even as he work, commenting her state of clothing. Levi shrugged and waved that slight concern of his away. "I guess that is not such a bad idea." For a moment, she hesitated. Was it really wise to compromise herself in such a vulnerable situation? Alright, maybe she was a bit paranoid. But having been around Mizahar and gotten jumped on more than one time, she had a good reason to be a little more than suspicious.

Quickly, she grabbed her a spare shirt from the saddle pack and slunk smoothly into the small tent. Inside, the space was quite constricted, she could not standup the whole way. She could faintly smell the musky scent of the man who had spent nights in here. Levi swiftly pulled the damp fabric above her head, switching for a fresh one. As she exited the tent, she grabbed some the tin cup and filled it as requested, still unsure whether she should start drinking or not.

She stood besides the man, handing the container to him. "I thought you get drunk easily, Maduro, yet, you still want to drink?"

[Maduro Salvitary]

Hunting huh, sounds interesting.

So she was a bounty hunter Maduro felt like that was the best answer he could surmise from hers. It made sense she looked like she could hold her own with a blade and the horses name Revenent it just seemed to fit together.

Flirt for a living ?! He laughed and looked around a bit confused but that was just part of the jest. Who me? Nahhh. He took a slight pause and he breathed in deep for a moment to avoid the question.

It seemed that she would take his advice, he was honest about it. There really was no point getting sick for nothing.
When Levissa entered his tent he took a moment to freshen up himself, his cologne bottle in his pack was removed and he applied a drop to his neck and forearms before putting it back.

This was a special exotic cologne his heirloom from a time long ago. Made from all kinds of aphrodisiacs. It was a fragrance that highlighted powerful floral notes that blended into a spicey musk. Sometimes not always it could drive a persons inner desires wild, it could be extremely potent and alluring with a lulling quality. But that depended solely on the person. He'd met people in his life that either loved it or hated it.

When Levissa left the tent he gave her a warm smile and handed her the meal he prepared to welcome her return however brief her departure had been. The fish filets were sitting on the flat stone, the larger portion was facing her the smaller portion was facing him.

Came just in time dinners ready

He took the cask that she offered him and popped it open, and filled his cup.

Thank you Levissa your too kind, truthfully I thought something to drink might open me up please have a seat.

When you asked me about what I do.
I sort of dodged the question.

He took a good size gulp, and took a moment to let it set in.

I just don't want you to think any less of me