Unforeseen Adventure [Theo]

by **Moxie** on July 19th, 2015, 9:59 am

56th, Summer 515AV

Moxie arrived last night at the Mithryn Outpost and stayed the night at The Fool's Errand, determined today to see what it had to offer, since she has never been there before. The weather was warm, albeit a little humid, as the summer sun beat down it's devious rhythm on the small Konti's back, as she strolled through the Outpost. It wasn't as glamorous as she thought it would be, though the expanse of fields made her a bit shocked. The buildings were just practical as they were shoved together, to fit with in the fortified wall of the Outpost.

The market today was a little crowded, but not overly so, as the small buildings did not hold much to Moxie's interests. Nothing lavish or exotic could be found at the Bazaar. It was situated in a large open square, and many diverse vendors were trying to sell their wares. She observed farmers, blacksmiths, and knights, even squires there. She sighed with disappoint, expecting far more from a new area, a little disheartened at the fact that there was not anything new to see.

She continued her leisurely stroll away from the market, inching closer towards the Sylirian Fields, she spied them earlier but wanted to check out the shopping aspects before going further. Since there was nothing of interest there though, she decided that it was time to see something of interest, hoping the vista would hold up to the tales of it's beautiful expanse. She stopped a Knight to ask how far the fields were, and was told it was a 10 mile trek. She sighed deeply, as she was already becoming tired because of the heat. Sweat started to form on her brow, and she continued her stroll towards the field.

A light breeze picked up, cooling her down a little, hitting her moist face giving her a break from the over bearing heat the sun was providing on this day. As she continued down the road towards the fields, she spied a man on a horse. He looked to be a squire, though she was not sure. She looked up to observe the man a little further, taking in his features as she did so. He had light brown hair that was cut short, but the most appealing feature was her emerald green eyes. Her breath caught at the beauty of his eyes, that seemed to be filled with happiness.

She was caught off guard at how demanding of attention his eyes were, and stumbled on her feet, falling to the ground in a very unladylike fashion. Embarrassment welled up inside her as she sat on the ground, hoping the green-eyed man did not notice her on the ground. She averted her eyes, hoping if she did not look at him, he would not see her. She chewed on her lower lip, nervous and waiting for him to pass her by, so she could get up and not only brush off the dirt, but to also gain back some form of dignity from her foolish mishap.

OOC-5sm for lodging at Fool's Errand, 1 night.

by **Theo Popcampio** on July 19th, 2015, 1:21 pm

OOC: Sending this from my phone so I can't use bbc. Will change once I get to a computer.

A nephew of an old woman had claimed that his aunt had heard sounds of terror in the night. Naturally, there was no cause for concern, and some three days later, when word had reached the city, the knights had dispatched Theo to check in. Truly unfamiliar of how to deal with the spirit, Theo was sent merely to check the truth of the claim. The reality of it was that everyone was second guessing the lady's sanity.

Theo had heard the jokes to the end, proclaiming that this was his time to shine, as if this was a quest of legend. Perhaps Theo had set himself up to be made light of by his compatriots, he was always wise cracking himself. It didn't bother him, however, and a time away from his strict schedule was appreciated. The stroll was going to be slow as he liked, and Theo didnt feel the need to excuse himself.

He hadn't come in heavy armor, such wasn't Theo's style and he took whatever chance to get out of the armor he got. He would be done with it when he was knighted anyway. For that, he was thankful to have magical ability, it afforded him liberties not possessed by the other knights and squires.

Today he wore his chainmail, with steel pauldrons that were tight, light, and flexible. On his forearms on top the chains was bound leather, and he had gloves of the same material with holes cut a quarter way up the fingers. Theo's legs were woven in leather greaves and boots, with his dagger strapped to his right leg. Draping over it all was a short sleeve tunic, Theo felt he already was drawing enough attention to himself.

On his back was his cold-iron blade and rucksack, his chained dagger hanging from the back. Beneath him a stable horse trotted, still fresh from the night's rest. Theo put himself tight into the stirrups and straightened out his back so he sat strong in the saddle. He held his legs tight to the horse, so he was hugging the horse with his thighs. It was a killer initially, but the pain would pass soon. Theo leaned in, using the reigns and kissing at the horse to get it into a sprint.

Theo felt like he was hulling through a tunnel as he rushed down the road. He giggled in the wind as he enjoyed the sublimeness of the moment. He dared and took his one hand off the reign and felt the pressure of the wind. Nature's force almost knocked him off his saddle and he clutched hard to the reigns to stay mounted.

Theo felt a little worry push over him as he began a nervous turned genuine laughter. He felt a little mad when he saw a girl up the road, and he straightened himself out. Incidentally, she followed through with what Theo had almost done, and fell in the dirt. Theo trotted up and she didn't even bother to move, he thought something must of been the matter.

As he got closer, the girl did not acknowledge Theo's presence, looking away off the road. "My fair lady," Theo said in an attempt to get her attention as he dismounted. He had not seen her face through her ivory colored hair, but he was working under the assumption she was a youth for some reason. Theo thought that notion his head strange at that moment. "I have to say I am rather jealous of this resting place you've found. I often fancy myself the type who enjoys a good roll in the dirt, but I do not often do so in a white dress." Theo had tried to draw out her humor, but he was worried he might of seemed condescending, "May I ask, is it by any incident you find yourself here? I'm on my way to the outpost for a short time, but I will be headed in your direction after I finish an errand. We could make our way back together, it is a whole days journey on foot to Syliras from here, you should know. Old Cass here can take us back in a quarter of that," Theo said, petting his horse, "not to mention, company is always welcome on a journey."

by **Moxie** on July 19th, 2015, 6:42 pm

She heard the sound of feet hitting the ground, as the man dismounted his horse. Her heart fluttered in a nervous rhythm, "Oh gods no.. He saw me. Okay, Moxie.. Act cool.. pretend you meant to do this... that the dirt and ground are comfortable.. this was on purpose! Moxie told herself, as he came over and began talking to her. His voice was soothing and filled with mirth, his joke making her smile and almost laugh out loud, thanking the Gods that her hair was covering her face, so he would not get the impression she did not find the ground comfortable. Though his joke did loosen her up a bit more then she expected, he seemed like someone that was easy to get along with. She felt a little stubborn though, and continued to sit on the dirt covered road. To be honest she did not like getting dirty, the dirt was really bothering her, and the ground was not the most comfortable of areas for a lady to sit. She sighed softly, as he continued to speak, his voice easing her nerves a little.

The man offered her a ride, though she did not know him and she thought it was strange for someone to be so nice to a stranger. This made the small Konti woman feel relaxed, he was not rubbing her fall in her face, nor making her feel dumb for the stumble. Instead he was making polite conversation and offering a kind gesture as well. Moxie smiled standing up and brushing the dirt off her rear, as the dirt drifted off her dress in puffs, and being sent off in the small breeze. "Good riddance to that...Now this man.." Moxie thought to herself. Running her hand through her hair, she placed a strand behind her ear, and was ready to turn and face the man. As she turned the demanding eyes bore down on her again, as his question hung in the air. He was dressed in what looked like Knightly clothing, she stopped her examination short, as to not make the man think her a loon. She turned her face up to him, a small smile gracing her lips. "You...offering...ride back? Really? So kind." The small Konti woman asked, her common not so good as it was not her fluent language, her Konti's musical accent laced through her words giving it a soft and enchanting sound.

She was not sure why he would offer her a ride and she had never rode on a horse before, though she had always wanted to. She looked over at the beast a little wide eyed, she was not sure she could stay on the saddle. The horse seemed friendly enough, so she walked over to it, reaching her hand out tentatively to stroke the soft muzzle of its nose. The horse didn't seem to mind, obviously well trained and not wild, very mild tempered. Her smile broadened at the horse, and she looked over her shoulder at the man behind her, "Moxie.."[color] she pointed to herself, [color=white] "Knight? Yous horse? Beautiful.." Moxie asked, a bit fascinated as the horse nudged her hand, making her laugh softly at it's behavior. "Never...uhm..rode." Moxie tried to explain pointing to the horse, that she has never rode on a horse before, and was a little frightened by it though excited at the same time.

by **Theo Popcampio** on July 19th, 2015, 10:27 pm

Theo watched on as the girl monologued and had a moment with the horse. It's good to listen at times, Theo knew. She dusted herself off, but when she walked by Theo could see dirt clinging to her bum. He held in his laugh, 'best to act the knight', Theo thought; she probably wouldn't take so well to that side of his humor yet.

Theo only heard her speak when she first did, not the words that flowed out her mouth. He was a little stricken when she spoke, looking over at him with her deep, violet eyes. She was youthful and breathtaking. He felt old only to look down at her well kept hands, Theo had liked hands on women for some odd reason, and he saw scales marking her wrists. Then, in a flash, an old tale from his past kicked in about the Konti women, who were said to have scales that shined the colors of pearls.

Theo was about to ask who she was when she spoke again, saying she never rode a horse in an accent. Theo had never such an accent, and the language didn't sound natural to her yet either. 'Who doesn't speak common? Everyone speaks common, 'cept savages n' fringes', Theo thought. But, just as his mind began searching out, he came at the unlikely conclusion that he was talking to a Konti, a race of beautiful pale scaled women, at home both on land and at sea. Old tales weren't all myths it seemed.

Theo thought it all in a moment, and withheld his question. "Not my horse, no. But it is for right now, we can ride her till I bring her home, then she's someone else's burden." Theo spit, which he realized was unbecoming of him in this girl's presence, so he acted as if it was nothing to hope she wouldn't make mind of it. "I have to convince this old lady she isn't being haunted, maybe you can help comfort her. You do seem the gentle type, and seeming is all you need." Theo said, laughing as he mounted the saddle. Time was not waiting. "The sooner we're off the sooner we can head back, but what's your name?" He said quickly, and, before she could speak again, Theo put his hand out and down to her, "I gotcha'." He told her to hold tight to him as they rode the horse into the outpost.

by **Moxie** on July 19th, 2015, 11:24 pm

The man seemed disturbed that she would think the beast his. The gently thing seemed friendly enough, and when she spat on the ground she held back a cringe, as if to emphasis his point that the horse was more a burden then a companion. Moxie shrugged internally, it was not her business what he liked or did not like. Personally she thought the horse a splendid character, soft and sensible.

The Konti's attention was taken away from the horse, when the man spoke once more, telling him about a crazy old lady who thought she was haunted. This sent chills down her spine, she did not like the sound of that. Although she did not believe in ghosts, she was sensible enough not to disrespect such things either. Though if the woman was in pain, it was best if she went. Men did not seem to tend to the feelings of women very well in this land, they were rough and rugged, where as women were soft and understanding, so she nodded her head a bit more excitedly then she was necessarily feeling at the moment. He said she 'seemed' the gentle, type as if he did not believe such. This made her laugh softly, she did not have a hard bone in her body and resented herself for it. She did not think that being soft would actually come in handy, though she was glad to help when she could.

The man mounted the saddle with more ease then she thought possible, she would never be able to do such things, she knew she would fall face first in the dirt if she merely attempted it. But he did seem in a rush to get to the lady, she supposed it was a part of his job to tend to such matters. She was brought up onto the saddle and sat in a rather uncomfortable position. The Konti did not necessarily like the feel of sharing a saddle with a stranger in such an intimate fashion, it felt a little strange in a way. Not necessarily bad, just strange. She held on tight as she was instructed though the jarring and bouncing was rather perturbing to her. She did not think she could handle much more of it to be honest, at any moment she felt like she was going to fly out of the saddle and to her death.

Moxie squeezed her eyes shut out of fear as they road into town, realizing that he had not given his name to her, but he knew hers. She thought it a bit unbecoming not to offer one's name, those thought quickly left her as she swept away with panic as the horse bounced her on the saddle and she held on tighter making the whites of her knuckles show, realizing she would be sore the next day from this. Afraid to speak to the man steering the horse, cause if she did she was worried her teeth would be shattered in her mouth from the jarring the horse made through out her body.

by **Theo Popcampio** on July 20th, 2015, 12:12 am

The girl had not said a word while they road in. Theo did not mind, it gave him some time to enjoy the ride and clear his head. It had been the first time he had been out of the city since he was taken in as a squire aside from trots around the wall. The rolling hills that led up to the mountains had a new sense of beauty under Theo's protection, and the fields of Syliras told of the hard-working men in these parts. Every now and again, when Theo would wonder his mind too far, he would feel Moxie's hands wrapped around him. She held tight, tighter than he had meant, she clenched on and mushed herself to Theo as if she might die if she had fallen off.

Cass was a good horse, Theo knew, he would get some grub for her as soon as they got into town. She had earned it. Theo was not going to let Cass get off so easy, however. He put his feet into the stirrups for one last little run, enough to give Moxie a shake but not enough to hurt her. 'She should know what this is really like,' Theo thought. And the dirt kicked up behind them as they rode on.

Moxie clutched tight to Theo's tunic as he increased the speed, he could feel her breast smushed on his back, as well as what he thought were her scales. Cass rode a remarkably smooth ride, it was as if she had known they had new company. The outpost was only a ways up, and Cass was still trotting like a fresh horse. Theo held off when he realized how he had disturbed Moxie so, but perhaps it was best she had this experience before their ride back to the fortress.

Theo got off once they were inside the settlement, and looked up at Moxie, "Little rough your first time, eh?" Theo said, all too familiar with the feeling. "Don't worry, it grows on you." Theo said, helping her off the horse. Theo left Cass with a page marking the entrance, who led the horse to some feed. "Come on, it's only just up this way." Theo said, walking on.

"Name's Theo by the way, you never asked." The dirt filled streets of the outpost were abuzz, Theo sifted through the crowd like any true city goer, talking as he did it. "I can see the house just up here, this should be quick, I figure." When they approached Theo urged Moxie to lead the way, "It'd be good if we started off with you, this lady needs some serious calming, even her nephew said so. I'll knock, and maybe you can introduce us? All you have to say to her is that we're with the knights and were here to see what's wrong, other than that just play nice."

by **Moxie** on July 20th, 2015, 1:38 am

She squeezed as tight as she could onto the man before her, she was terrified that if she did not then she would fall off the horse. Moxie was starting to get used to it though, it wasn't like they were going very fast, and she eased up ever so slightly, relaxing a bit. Then the man urged the beast into a galloping run, making the small woman jar up and down on the saddle, she clutched tightly to the man, holding on for dear life. Her bosom being pressed up against a stranger's back the least of her worries, as the speed made a strangled "eek" come out of her mouth, before she buried her face against his back closing her eyes shut as tightly as she could.

Finally the horse slowed down, and the man got off the horse, looking up at her asking if it was a little rough. Her face scrunched up in disdain, giving the man the best sneer she could muster on her pale face as he helped her dismount from the horse. She turned on him, ready to give him a piece of her mind, her mouth open. Though she quickly shut it and closed her mouth, letting the thoughts leave her mind as he told her to follow him. She had little else to do, so she swallowed that stubborn side of her, and followed him glaring ever so often.

The man gave her his name, Theo and said she did not ask. She figured he would supply such when she gave her name, she exhaled a bit loudly, staying quiet so she did not say something from the anger bubbling inside her. "How dare you make that beast run like that, knowing full well I was terrified..Bastard." Moxie thought to herself, kicking a stone away from her foot, pretending it was the man that had upset her. "Don't worry it grows on you" Moxie mimicked the man inside her head with a small sneer, shaking her head. He would regret those words, as she would use them against him soon enough, for this she was sure.

They finally arrived at the house, making her lead the way, she looked back a bit shocked. "Me.. But.. But.." she stammered, but he explained to her what to say and to be nice. Moxie made a little noise inside her throat, a bit from being nervous as well as annoyed. "Fine!" She replied a little louder then she intended, crossing her arms, then uncrossing them as he knocked on the door.

A young boy answered the door, "We are with the Knights...What seems to be wrong?" Moxie asked tentatively, keeping her voice soft and low, trying to give off an air of calm. The boy waved them inside and she saw a older lady, raving in fear, Moxie gasped wide eyed and looked back at Theo as to what to do next. She was worried, a bit frightened, and it all did not seem to be a ruse but rather like she was actually in torment. This made the Konti feel a little sick at her stomach, she gave Theo a pleading look, "What should I ... do?" Moxie asked jumping slightly as the woman wailed again, her screams she knew would haunt her nightmares later that night. The Konti woman wanted adventure, but with the hectic and rather terrifying horse ride, then this she was not sure she could put up with much more. She was out of her element and comfort zone, and it made panic start to swell in her chest. She tried to gulp her down, to be brave and strong, she wanted to be stronger after all, she wouldn't of trained with Garland if she didn't want that, she would not have attempted to tone her body if she didn't, but now faced with a fear she shook in her skin, not sure what to do exactly.

by **Theo Popcampio** on July 20th, 2015, 3:23 am

"Stay close," Is all Theo replied with when Moxie asked what to do. They had painted this woman a loon in Syliras, but these whelps were genuine. She was either clearly deranged, unlikely as Theo saw it, or undergoing an actual haunting. Theo moved past Moxie in her shock. He looked over at the boy, he sat in a three-legged chair. He looked tired more than anything. "Do you live here?" The boy shook his head no. He was unlikely to have been haunted himself then, Theo figured, which explained his sanity.

Theo took one look at the old woman and known she had seen something. Whether or not it warranted this response was up for debate, still, she could not be left as she was. Theo couldn't immediately sense the ghost, but each clue drew him closer to feeling it out. There was a scratch on the ceiling, most likely used when the ghost was first learning to materialize. Even worse, all the portraits in the house were covered in a fine, white powder, soul mist. The quantity reflected the ghost had been here for some time, and might have been fairly powerful, way over Theo's head.

Theo did not want to be there a second longer. He grabbed up the boy by his shoulder and brought him over to his grandmother. Together they pulled her from her rocking chair. Theo and his young compatriot huddled with her arms over their shoulders and cross their chest, she still kicked at their backs. "Go!" Theo called to Moxie as she hung in the doorway.

When they burst through Theo relented, and before the door closed behind them one slammed shut in the house. "By the Gods, who knows what that thing could have done to us." Theo looked over at the shocked boy, "You stay away from this place." The grandma was now quiet and still as a rock. "Take her to this man over there, and you keep with her," Theo waved to a sergeant knight down the road, whistling for his attention, pointed at the kid and woman, and gave the thumbs up sign. "Tell him what happened here. Tell him I personally advised the presence of an expert spiritist."

As the little boy walked on, Theo looked at Moxie. He felt terribly bad for endangering her as he did, it was not his intention to do so, but he did know such a thing could happen. "I'm so sorry for that. I had no idea, you must believe me." Theo hoped she would not let whatever fear existed in her cripple her. "We did a good thing, however, we have that much to be proud for," Theo said, trying to lighten the mood. Along the edges of Moxie's skirt dirt clung, now smeared into the white. "Hey, while we're in town, what do you say we get you something new to wear? I know a taylor who's dyes are like none other and has whites that twinkle like stars. He could fix you up a skirt to replace the one you wear, or perhaps you could find something even more lovely." It was really an appeal to her feminine intuition, "Of course it'd be my cost, it's the least I could do. A young lady as beautiful as yourself really owes it to herself to see his wares." Theo looked at his companion with a smile, he hoped he could get one in return. Afterwards they'd head up to the merchant together and Theo'd buy her a new skirt.

by **Moxie** on July 20th, 2015, 4:38 am

The panic in her chest seem to swell as she watched the emotions go across Theo's face. She found that she felt that they were not welcomed in this house at all, it was creepy and it made her shiver, not from cold but from fear as to what exactly was going on. The old lady looked so haunted, as if she was somewhere else, and tired.. so very tired. Her heart ached at the sight, her wails echoing in her mind, it was as if she just stepped into a nightmare.

As Theo examined the surroundings, it seemed he to did not want to be in the house any longer. She was not sure what he saw, but what ever it was it obviously was not good, he grabbed the boy and helped the old woman up and out. Moxie was a bit shocked as to what was going on, and her feet did not seem to want to move. She was a bit frozen in place, scared to the core as to what was going on, Theo's piercing yell telling her to Go shook her from her reverie, and she ran out of the door.

Theo exclaimed that there was no telling what that 'thing' could have done to them. Her eyes grew wide, "W-what..thing?" Moxie asked a bit confused. There was obviously something in the house, though she was not sure what exactly that something was. Moxie watch Theo give the young boy instructions, as him and the old lady left their presence.

Theo came over and apologized for what just transpired. The man seem sincere, and his emerald green eyes held a look of worry in them. So Moxie believed that he was being true when he apologized, and did not have any idea as to what he was getting himself into. So she smiled up at him, "It..work. So I am not mad. I understand." Moxie explained accepting the man's apology. He went on to say that they had done a good thing, she nodded in agreement. Though it scared the hell out of her, she supposed it was a good thing to get that poor old woman out of that damned house.

Theo suggested to buy her a new skirt, she looked down and saw that it was indeed dirty, although not completely ruined. She blushed slightly at his suggestion but shook her head, "I am not sure that.. appropriate. I can just wash it, maybe?" Moxie said smiling the blush still warm on her cheeks. She had never had anyone to offer to buy her anything, not clothes. The man she cursed earlier in her head seemed to be different then she first expected, sure he probably could be a little cruel but she figured it was in a kind way at the same time. She hoped she did not hurt his feelings by saying that so she quickly said, "But we can go...look perhaps?" the small Konti suggested, peering up at the man's face giving him a bright smile that reached her purple eyes, making them shine brightly. She glanced over at the wretched beast with a sigh, "Do we have to rides on that?" She asked with a small pout on her lips. She really was not ready to get back on the horse, her rump was rather sore from their earlier ride.

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by **Theo Popcampio** on July 20th, 2015, 5:30 am

"Oh no, I insist, it's just a thing." The blush on Moxie's face showed some approval. If he were to be cordial, he would not have to offer such a thing empty-handedly. Not to mention, Theo knew he could fetch a nice price out in the Mythrian outpost for practically anything, not that cloth was expensive anywhere. "We both know that skirt will not be the same."

"But we can go look, perhaps?" Moxie reflected in her tone that she was still a little wary of Theo, but her violets eyes on him felt warm. It wasn't exactly the greatest meeting, her first horse ride to a haunted house. Theo forgave her tentativeness, she was trying to trust him. Theo felt an obligation to this girl now, to what end he did not know. She was looking on at Cass now, apparently since the ride she had grown to think less of the creature.

"Haha no, don't be silly, it's only up this way. It'll take us a couple minutes only to get there, let Cass be for now." Theo started walking up the dusty trail to the market, it was only a short walk, but it was the only quiet moment the two had shared since meeting. "Come on, let's get going. You will see something that fits you perfectly, I swear it."

Theo walked at a leisurely pace, looking over every so often to catch a glimpse of Moxie's fascinating eyes. "It was good to have you back there, just another adult presence, I mean..." Theo was going to say more, but he felt subtlety the best route. "I realize now that we've been spending this time and we haven't gotten to know each other at all. I scarcely think we've had time for it," Theo snirked. "So, Moxie, what brings you here? What are your passions?"