Completed The chains that bind (Orin)

[Sylvette Sciath]

It had been many days since Sylvette had come to live in the care of her master,Orin. And in that time Sylvette had met many people and learned many things, from the difference betwen certain spices and plants to the proper way to greet other humans, and many many other things. It was truly mysterious how time could behave when one was with someone important to them, though Sylvette had only been with Orin a short while, It felt like it had been much longer period of time to Sylvette, As if Orin had been someone she had been meant to be near watching over from birth. though reality was evidence to the contrary. The day had been an eventful one, starting with a rant in the kitchen by none other than the kitchens own rondo about the lack of fresh meat they had to cook, saying that nothing one could buy at the market was fresh enough for the particular dish he was making, and after a rather heated debate it was decided that Orin would be finding the ingredients for the next days lunch. And that, was how Sylvette and Orin found themselves in the woods hunting rabbits and gathering wild herbs that might grow in the forest. Walking through the forest was relaxing, the atmosphere was one that let serenity take hold of you, as if all of nature was embracing you with the branches of it's countless trees, Sylvette liked the room she lived with Orin in the city, but it lacked the fresh air that she desired and thus Sylvette treasured every moment she spent in the forest with her master. After a good while of walking Sylvette and Orin arrived in the middle of a rather shaded glen full of smaller plants and underbrush but relatively clear of trees and large plants as the foliage above had choked the growth of the plants below only allowing those that could live without much sun to thrive. though as she walked into it, Instead of filling serene, Sylvette felt uneasy, and she let her master know it with a plaintive "meow".

[Orin Fenix]

Orin Fenix Food Equals Love 36th of Spring, 515 AV Orin pushed yet another branch aside with a sigh. Sometimes, I feel like I spend more time in these woods than I do in the actual kitchen. This was all Rondo’s fault, Orin fumed, silently. Orin liked the forest. The scents, the fresh air, the sounds, they all spoke to something deep inside of Orin. They refreshed and relaxed him even when the were full of excitement and danger. Probably most of that was Orin’s growing sense of claustrophobia in the depths of Stormhold. Thank the gods his job was outside the fortress proper, with open air and sunlight, otherwise Orin would have gone crazy many moons ago. So, while it wasn’t as if he actually minded the woods, quite the opposite. Orin just wished that he could plan out his trips to his satisfaction, not at the whims of whatever fancy had struck Rondo on this particular day. He had heard of the rabbit outbreak and gotten some crazy idea for a rabbit themed fortnight at the Rearing Stallion. Rabbit stew, rabbit steaks, rabbit pies, anything under the sun as long as it included rabbit. Orin had severe doubts about this plan. He thought he’d go crazy if he had to eat the same dishes day in day out. But as Orin had been reminded numerous times in the past, he didn’t make the menus or the plans, and any attempt to get a word in edgewise would just result in a lecture of epic proportions. So now here Orin was, with Ginger in tow as always. They finally reached a clearing that looked promising. It was filled with tiny plants and herbs that Orin recognized. Setting his pack down, Orin glanced around, satisfied with his prospects. He thought he could find everything he needed here. Hearing a plaintive meow, Orin looked down at Ginger. He sensed her unease. To be honest, something about this situation was signaling alarms in Orin’s mind as well, but he put it down to his general unhappiness at being ordered about by Rondo. ”Now I know you don’t like this any more than I do, being used as an errand boy, or, well, errand girl in your case but it’s not like we have a choice.” Dropping to his knees, Orin looked Ginger in the eyes. ”Now, I don’t know if you can actually understand me, but you seem to be pretty good at it, so I figured I’d at least try. Now, you know that my hunting prowess is well, not really a prowess at all, so would you mind terribly getting some rabbits for us? I’d hate to try and take one out with a dagger again.” Orin chuckled at the memory. Not waiting to see if Ginger understood or not, Orin walked a few paces towards where he could hear a bubbling stream. Soon enough he came upon the water, which actually looked more like a small river. There, Orin hit the jackpot. He spotted a familiar looking herb growing by the riverbank. It was fauxnil with its fernlike appearance, hollow stalks and trios of seed fronds and leaves. Orin began pinching off leaves and breaking off stalks. It was a tasty snack that also just happened to have a very mild euphoric and calming effect on people. Orin figured that they could start adding it to their evening meals if it ever looked like the crowd was going to get rowdy. And Orin also had a half-formed plan to start feeding it to Rondo on a daily basis. The man truly needed all the help he could get on that front. And it would make Orin’s job much easier.

[Sylvette Sciath]

Sylvette did indeed understand her masters orders and happily carry them out, not just because the prospect of hunting always excited her but, after seeing her masters last attempt at killing a rabbit, it was likely that it would be unwise for him to try again without a little instruction, and a weapon made for the job. things that Sylvette didn't particularly need as her body was the only real weapon she needed for a task like hunting rabbits. Setting out on her hunt Sylvette went over the best places to find a rabbit, rabbits like lots of different types of greenery, especially clover, So chances were if Sylvette could locate clover she could in turn locate one of the countless rabbits that had been spawned into the world this season. walking away from her master who was searching for herbs Sylvette found a location that fit nearly perfectly the location she had envisioned a small patch of clover in a small area vacant of thick trees, that allowed some sunlight to shaft down into the space. And as it would happen, there was indeed a rabbit having himself a nice wild salad, Sadly for him, Sylvette had no plans of enjoying the salad with him instead preferring to make him her fist catch for tonight's main course. Stalking rabbits was not the worlds easiest thing but there were several tricks to doing so, If one could avoid the being heard by the rabbit, they could get close to it, and if they could get close to the rabbit then the battle was already half won, t lest for Sylvette who was faster than a rabbit so as long as it couldn't get a start on her, then she could catch it. Taking her tie to crouch and slowly approach the animal Sylvette made her way to it, approaching it from behind as best she could, stopping whenever the little beasts ears twitched, letting herself hid in the dappled sunlight. Until she was finally close enough to pounce, though at that moment the rabbit took off, which led to a brief chase that ended with Sylvette jumping on top of the creature and biting down on it's throat until it ceased it's struggling. And with that, She had caught her first rabbit of the day.

[Orin Fenix]

Orin Fenix Food Equals Love The slight sound of the stream masked the stealthy footsteps coming up behind Orin. The first he knew of the fact that he was not alone was the touch of a blade on his neck. "Stand up. No quick movements or funny business or I'll slice your throat without thinking twice." Orin panicked, but did as the rather gruff voice asked. Straightening up, Orin kept his back to the attacker, afraid that if he turned at all the man would take it as Orin trying to escape or fight back. The weight of Orin's pack on his back vanished, followed shortly by the pressure of the blade on his neck. Cautiously, Orin turned, moving at a glacial pace to avoid any misunderstandings. The man had retreated a few paces as he rifled one-handedly through Orin's pack. His clothes were tattered but his sword looked serviceable enough. It looked plain and simple and clearly had seen a lot of use. And the rogue's hold on it was unwavering as he pointed it in Orin's direction. The man had a wild, desperate look in his eyes. He would have to be at least slight instance or in major trouble to risk stealing this close to Stormhold and the Knighthood. "Plants!" There's nothing in here but plants!" The bandit tossed aside Orin's pack and grounded."Well since that's useless, I'll just take your weapons then. They've got to be worth a shiny miza or two." "No," Orin responded voice low but defiant. He'd had more than enough of being bossed around and bullied. And he remembered that long ago day when he'd be told that if he had a weapon, he was in control. Dancing back a few steps, Orin drew his dagger. It came cleanly out of its sheathe on his left hip. Holding it out before him in a reverse grip, Orin bent his knees slightly ready to spring in any direction necessary. The bandit's sword gleamed in the light, it's wicked edge drawing Orin's eye. I've got to get inside his reach, or else I'm useless. While someone more skilled might have been capable of disarming the man or parrying his strikes, Orin knew his own limits. If Orin could dodge one slash though he'd have enough time to get in close, where the swordsman's own weapon would become a liability. The man was startled, clearly not expecting any resistance, which was presumably why he hadn't closed the distance as soon as Orin has spoken up. Now though he advanced warily, hands closing in a secure two handed grip. Orin watched his chest carefully, hoping it would give him some hint of the man's first strike. With a wild yell, the man swung horizontally and towards Orin's neck, probably hoping to behead Orin in one fell swoop. Orin however, ducked, then darted forward, hoping to stab the man in the chest or gut. Unfortunately, this man was a much more skilled fighter than Orin. When Orin stabbed forward at his heart, he used the momentum of his swing to turn and hop out of Orin's way. He planted a boot firmly on Orin's back and kicked him to the ground. Orin flew forward, his dagger dropping from his hands to fall well outside easy grabbing distance. Orin at least had enough presence of mind, or, more accurately, his body had enough sense of self-preservation for Orin to roll, and not a moment too soon. The sword slammed into the earth where Orin had been laying just a moment ago. While the bandit was recovering, cursing all the while. Orin scrambled to his feet and drew his second dagger. He was incredibly glad he had decided to always have a spare weapon with him.

[Sylvette Sciath]

Her first kill of the day out of the way, Sylvette decided that she would take it to Orin to show him, Hopefully he would be impressed with how quickly she had managed to kill the little beast and would praise her for her job well done, With that Sylvette picked up her prize and began the walk back to where Orin was, While on the way she allowed herself to reflect on the things that she liked about her master, his bearing was not of the most confident man, nor was he meek, when push came to shove he pushed back. He was also very kind, always helping others when he could, Sylvette believed that was part of the reason he cooked, though he had never told her so. There were certainly some things that Sylvette didn't know about her master he had never spoken of family with her, nor did he seem to have any proof of a family no letters ever came to him and no visitors came, not that Sylvette had any plans to ask, some topics were awkward for her master, like love, and nudity and such, perhaps family was another sensitive topic for him. As sylvette was making her way back to her master, the hairs on the back of her neck rose and an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of her stomach came to. and with these feelings Sylvette had a bad feeling that her master was in danger, Dropping the rabbit Sylvette took off at a dead run dodging trees and hopping bushes rushing through underbrush that she would have once tracked around, collecting plenty of little scratches along the way thanks to her reckless charge towards her master. After a few moments of running Sylvette came across a terrifying scene, her master fighting a rather rough looking man with a sword, Watching the fight it was obvious her master was being outmatched by the sword wielding man, who was slowly pushing her master back, though her master was not one to give in, in a single moment he made to spear the mans chest with his dagger, sadly the move was telegraphed and in a moment the man sidestepped the attack landing a kick of his own on her master disarming him and knocking him down in one fell swoop his dagger bouncing to a spot a few feet in front of were Sylvette was. though as the man brought hos sword down to where her master had been knocked to in a quick move he managed to roll out of the way of the sword and draw his spare dagger in a single move and again stand against his opponent. Standing stock still afraid for her master but unsure what to do, watching the fight in horror, unsure of what to do or how she could help her master.

[Orin Fenix]

Orin Fenix Food Equals Love The bandit and Orin circled one another, wary. They had both almost killed each other once, and now they had a healthy respect for one another’s skills. Hence, the much slower stalking. Orin was still disadvantaged by his opponents reach, but if he could avoid one more swing, then Orin could get in there and this time chances are he wouldn’t miss. So they were stalled for now, waiting for one or another to make a move or make a mistake. Honestly, the only reason Orin was still alive was because the bandit didn’t know how pathetically unskilled Orin really was. However, if it kept him alive Orin would seize any advantage he could get. Suddenly, Orin realized something rather important. The bandit was trying to maneuver Orin into staring into the sun, as Orin had done to Garland on that long ago day when they met. It was probably the first dirty trick Orin had discovered and he certainly wasn’t going to fall for it today. Instead of taking another step to his right, Orin retreated backwards until he hit a tree. The bandit scowled that his ruse was discovered, but he followed Orin. Thinking Orin trapped, he lunged forward and stabbed, point of his sword rushing toward Orin’s heart. Orin had been half-expecting this, and turned his body, the sword slicing empty air until it penetrated deep into the wood of the tree. Orin saw his opportunity and slash forward, aiming for the man’s throat. Unfortunately, while his weapon was embedded into the wood and removing it would take more time than he could spare, the bandit still had full use of his hands. Letting go of his sword as a lost cause, the bandit caught Orin’s dagger arm at the wrist while slamming Orin into the trunk with his other forearm. The bandit dug his thumb into Orin’s wrist between the veins on the bottom of his arms until Orin dropped his blade with a yelped. Orin was reduced to kicking ineffectually at the man’s shins, his body effectively immobile as he was crushed between the man and the tree. Suddenly, this tree didn’t seem like such a good place after all. The man tugged at his sword but it was stuck firm. Unless he released Orin he wouldn’t be able to get the leverage he needed to remove it. Orin added his left arm punching until the man got tired of his struggles and kneed Orin in the balls. Pain exploded and Orin went limp with a groan and tumbled to the ground. His relief was short lived and he didn’t even get a chance to try crawling away as the bandit yanked Orin up again and slammed him into the trunk. Only this time, the man was grinning wildly as he held up Orin’s own dagger. ”Ya put up a good fight and didn’t do anything dirty, runt, so I’ll make it quick and painless.” Orin was terrified and started sobbing, even his pain forgotten as he begged for mercy, promising the man anything and everything he wanted. The bandit drank it in, but the coldness in his eyes remained unchanged as he brought the blade towards Orin’s neck. Orin began flailing about, desperate for anything that would delay the inevitable, and he out a prayer to any gods that might at one point have smiled upon him to save him now if they ever cared to begin with.

[Sylvette Sciath]

Seeing things go from bad to worse for her master the man was encroaching on him with every intent to end his life. Sylvettes mind started to blank, she had never seen anything like this before but she knew inside that the result would be her ending up very much alone, and that, she didn't want to be alone again, Sylvette knew what it took to end a life, after all she had taken the lives of countless rats and rabbits, but, a human life was different, right? It was, but to Sylvette, the life of her master was worth much more than the life of some bandit. Steeling herself for what she had to do Sylvette came out from where she was hiding next to Orin's discarded knife, and standing there Sylvette transformed into her human form, the first time she had in a long while, her body elongating the hair on her body fading as the hair on her head elongated down her back. and in mere seconds she was fully human, grabbing the knife sylvette charged forward bare feet, quiet on the mossy ground before jumping onto the back of the man who was attacking Orin. Holding the knife in the backwards way Orin had Sylvette drove the knife into the chest of the man, as he struggled wildly to get him off of her managing to slash her bare thigh with the knife in his hand, Howling in pain Sylvette proceeded jerk the knife deeper into the mans chest and twist and grind it deeper into the mans chest, and the man for the loss of blood and amount of struggling he was doing was quickly losing he energy to fight off a child clinging to his back. Until stumbling forward the man tripped over the root of a tree and drive the dagger home deeply into his chest. Giving one last great heave the man muttered out some final breath laden with curses towards his undoing and the unfairness of it all, before breathing no more. And with that, Sylvette experienced several feelings all at once, pain, from the now bleeding wound coming from her bare thigh, happiness that she had saved her master, and horror, that she had just killed someone. Staring down at the body next to her, Sylvette let out a great sob, and then another, crying like a lost child, Sylvette hadn't ever wanted to hurt people, but she had done so much worse than hurt the prone figure in front of her, she had ended him, and even she knew that when you ended a life, there was no way to bring it back. Heavy tears fell from her eyes, she was alive, and so was master, but at what cost? tears and blood fell from her body, as did blood that poured from the fatal wound int the prone corpses chest, staining the dirt crimson with the proof of Sylvette's deed. Sylvette didn't want to look at her master, she felt, no she knew he would think her a monster.

[Orin Fenix]

Just as Orin was about to close his eyes before the bandit slit his throat, he saw something out of the corner of his eye. He watched as Ginger’s orange form halted by Orin’s fallen dagger. Then there was a swirl of energy and she started transforming, turning into a short girl who looked as if she was just past puberty, although not fully into womanhood. She was tiny, and her red hair almost matched Ginger’s fur in texture, even though it was curly and it had less orange in it. Her eyes were a startlingly deep green and her cheeks were freckled. Ginger’s a Kelvic? But, why didn’t she reveal herself sooner! What is happening here?! Orin had a fleeting wish that he would life long enough to figure out what Ginger thought she was doing, what game she was playing. But his life was going to be all over in a few ticks and with just a flick of his opponent’s wrist.

That moment never came, as without even a sound to betray her approach, Sylvette leapt on the man and drove the fallen dagger, which she had retrieved, into the man’s heart. He starting thrashing about immediately, releasing Orin to crumple on the ground. Orin looked on in shock as the man scored on Sylvette, before tripping and driving the knife all the way into his chest. He gasped out his last, and then was still.

Ginger seemed to be just as battered and confused about the turn of events. Although, now that Orin thought about it, he doubted her name was Ginger at all. She’s, she’s seen me naked! was the completely irrational thought that passed through Orin’s brain. It was the hysteria that crashed down on Orin after a battle. Crawling slowly to her wincing with every movement and well aware of the agony between his legs, Orin drew close to her nude form. He hesitated for just the barest second, unsure how she would respond to his touch, before gathering her into his arms. He shushed her and rocked her as his own tears started, mirroring her own. He took a moment to look at her wound. It didn’t look too deep and the blood wasn’t leaving at an alarming rate, so Orin left it for now. Her mental state was much more important.

”Th-thank you for saving my life. I honestly don’t know if I could ever repay you. Don’t cry. He was an evil man and he deserved what he got. Hush now, it’s all going to be ok.” Orin’s voice came out in the barest of whispers. He didn’t think either of them could handle loud noises right now. So he simply held her as they both tried to come to grips with the world. But Orin could only hold off his questions for so long. ”Why didn’t you tell me you were a Kelvic. I think I had a right to know after all. And well, I guess, not nice to meet you but nice to meet the real you I suppose. What’s your name? You know mine right, Orin? This whole situation was deeply bewildering. Orin shifted his body, until he could see her face. He took her chin in one hand and looked into her eyes. Her green, green eyes.

And then the world shifted sideways as Orin’s consciousness expanded. He gasped as a flood of information and emotions poured into his mind. Grief and innocence lost, savage pride and fierce protectiveness, and an emotion that, if he had more experience with it he would have called love. His system couldn’t process everything and Orin felt himself nearly black out as everything changed for him in a heartbeat. Orin couldn’t even tell where he ended and she began.

With each passing moment, though, the sensations faded a little more until they were merely a faint hum in the back of Orin’s thoughts. It was kind of the opposite of the feeling one got when a sound in your environment stopped and you realized that it had been there the whole time. This was as if there had been a piece of Orin missing and he was now made whole. Then Orin realized exactly what must have just happened. ”Oh shyke oh shyke oh shyke. Did…did we…was that…are we bonded? How, why, I don’t, what’s going on?” Then realizing how his words might be construed, Orin rushed to reassure her. ”It’s good. I feel good. I feel great actually it’s just that it was so unexpected.” Orin realized that he was holding her tightly too him, almost fearing that if he let go, this new part of his life would disappear as quickly and as shockingly as it had come. And Orin discovered that he wanted it. He felt that same sense of possession towards her, towards this woman who he had just barely known even if she’d been with him for longer than he’d realized. As he wondered at this new side to him, and accepted it without reservation, Orin felt his heart settle into a peaceful rhythm even though he’d been unaware it had been racing. He would care for her and protect her even at the cost of his own life.

[Sylvette Sciath]

As her tears fell, Sylvette's senses never dulled, from behind her, Sylvette heard the sound of Orin slowly beginning to move, slowly moving, it was likely he was trying to get away, after all, she hadn't been very honest with him, so it wasn't like she had any reason to blame Orin if he did leave. Though instead of moving further away it seemed he was making his way to he. Perhaps he was going to strike her for her dishonesty and if that was the case, then again it was earned, Sylvette knew she couldn't raise a hand against the person she thought of as her master, and would accept whatever punishment he deemed she deserved. Slowly the sound of Orin moving drew closer and closer, unable to halt her tears Sylvette merely waited for whatever was to come her small body tensing in preperatin for the blows she feared would be coming, But no blows ever came. Instead, what came was a pair of arms, Flinching at first Sylvette wasn't quite sure what was about to happen to her but no pain came, just a warm embrace, Sylvette felt herself being pulled into Orin's arms and while he did so he hushed her, thanking her for saving his life, telling her that it was ok, Which only made Sylvette's tears flow more freely, her master had forgiven her. Sylvette had not prepared herself for this and the tears of sadness were quickly replaced by tears caused by other, much more confusing emotions. But then came questions, "why didn't you tell me you you were a Kelvic" His tone did show that he was at least a little hurt that she hadn't told him. This question was followed by another question, "what is your name?" Putting words in order in her head Sylvette considered why she hadn't told him, and the reason was, She was afraid, afraid that the relationship they had shared would end rather quickly if he knew the truth, afraid that he wouldn't like her. "B-because I was a-afraid, Afraid you wouldn't like me" Sylvette said between tears, followed by, "The name my m-mum gave me was Sylvette" After she said this Orin took hold of Sylvette's chin, turning her head up so that his peircing blue eyes met hers. What followed was, well, an experience Sylvette had never before been prepared for, and yet, it felt right, like something she had been searching for had suddenly been found, Sylvette felt euphoric and at peace, the throbbing wound on her thigh faded from her thoughts as the much more important feelings of connection took their place it was as Sylvette could feel her masters emotions flowing through her, his fears and his desires, Sylvette for once, felt whole. though the new found connection also showed her master growing feelings of bewilderment. ”Oh shyke oh shyke oh shyke. Did…did we…was that…are we bonded? How, why, I don’t, what’s going on?” his face truly was oneof someone in shock though it softened and the next words to come from her masters mouth were, ”It’s good. I feel good. I feel great actually it’s just that it was so unexpected.” And with these words the flood gates holding back what tears Sylvette contained broke finallyy returning her masters Embrace Sylvette wrapped her arms around Orin's torso and buried her face in his chest, "Orin, My master, my bond, My friend, I-i'm So so happy, thank you, I promise to be the best helper, I can be." Words said into Orin's chest by Sylvette who had a grip she didn't quite want to release enjoying the afterglow of the bind she now shared and the fact that her master would accept her for who she was.

[Orin Fenix]

Orin disentangled himself from Sylvette carefully. The intensity of the feelings faded but they didn’t go away entirely. They settled themselves in a bundle in his mind sinking in deep and sending tendrils to twine around Orin’s thoughts. He mentally poked and prodded at it and found that if he focused incredibly hard he could single out individual emotions or sensations from Sylvette. Right now, Orin could sense the pain of her leg wound, almost as if he had phantom pain himself.

It was probably in his imagination or his own scar, from his days back in Mithryn Outpost when he tripped and fell on his own scythe. It hadn’t been his finest hour but it did mean one good thing. Orin knew a little bit about leg injuries. While he definitely wasn’t a doctor and couldn’t stitch it up himself, Orin couldn’t probably put an incredibly makeshift bandage on it. But first, Sylvette needed a bit more reassurance. Orin moved onto his knees and brushed his thumbs under her eyes to capture the last of her tears. ”Shush, I’m here. And I mean, I’m surprised and still a little confused, but I would never, ever, reject you. I do like you. It’s very nice Sylvette. Well, it’s really nice to meet the real you I mean, I guess I’ve already met you in a manner of speaking.” A sudden thought struck Orin. Leaning back so he nearly sitting on his feet. ”So, I ah, guess your name isn’t Ginger then. Sorry about that.” Orin bowed his head and scratched it in an unconscious show of nervousness.

Orin took a closer look. It didn’t appear all that serious but wounds should never be left. Even if the wound itself wasn’t serious, it could get infected or fester or any number of other nasty diseases. Orin didn’t have the experience to actually recognize these conditions but he’d seen their effects often enough in both animals and people and they were definitely far from pretty. Orin didn’t want to lose Sylvette as soon as he’d discovered her. And having her be crippled if the limb had to be amputated was also out of the question. ”I’ll pay for that to get checked out. It’s the least I can do for you after what you did for me. I mean, you you saved my life. Also, let me check it out please.” Orin wanted them out of here as soon as possible.

Not waiting for her to reply, Orin stood up, wincing at his injuries. He hobbled over to the bandit and retrieved the dagger that was hanging from the dead man’s limp fingers. That was the easy part. However, Orin still had one ugly task left before him. Moving gingerly, Orin rolled the man over. Trying not to look too closely at the ruin that had been made of his chest, Orin pulled his knife free from the corpse. Orin wiped the two blades on the man’s shirt. He sheathed one and then cut one of the legs off of the man’s pants. Leaving the body behind without a glance, Orin tried to still his queasy stomach. If Sylvette hadn’t need him, Orin would probably be throwing up almost everything he’d eaten for the past few days. As it was, Orin didn’t have that luxury. Orin hurried back to Sylvette. He tore the leg in half, sawing at it inexpertly with his dagger when he realized he needed it in strips. Orin lifted Sylvette’s leg. ”This might hurt a little I’m so sorry.” He wrapped one strip as tightly as dared, although it went around multiple times. He did the same with the second piece, and then knotted them together. Standing up, he surveyed his handiwork, although, in all honesty, Orin had no idea if what he had done would work at all. ”I can support you so you don’t have to put pressure on it. Or, I guess you could shift and I could carry you that way. I guess I should’ve thought of that before I did anything shouldn’t I.” Orin smiled at his complete and utter lack of planning. Although to be fair, he had a lot on his mind and he wasn’t exactly acting and thinking straight.

Before they went anywhere though, Orin had one last idea. Going back to the tree, he pulled at the bandit’s sword. It was stuck fast, so, gritting his teeth against the pain, Orin braced one foot against the trunk and pushed with all his might as well. With one last tug, the sword came free, causing Orin to stumble back a few steps. Orin hefted it in his hands. He didn’t know anything about swords and how one would use them. Perhaps he should start learning. Realizing he had no way to help Sylvette and hold onto the sword at the same time, Orin returned to the bandit one last time. He pulled the man’s belt off and tied it around his own waist, scabbard and all, then slipped the blade into it’s sheathe. Walking slowly to Sylvette he cocked his head wanting to know how she was feeling, but feeling suddenly shy about this whole experience.