Finding a Proper Foothold (Alex)

[Infilia Snowsong]

TITLE

“So. How much is all of this going to set me back?”
“Well good sir I would assume the lady could pay for herself.” The merchant leaned forward, and Infilia stepped back, she looked at Alex with a quizzical expression, and was slightly confused. Her pupils darted over to the merchant as Infilia looked at Alex. Alex coughed to get the merchants attention, and Infilia blushed, the merchant seemed to have pushed away from Infilia. It was a relief, and she looked away as her eyes changed so.

“I do believe I was the one who approached you.” Alex's voice echoed through her ears, and Infilia knew that she must listen. At least, this will give her a taste of what trading is. Right?

She didn't want any of that so she listened to Alex and stayed low. The merchant continued to glance at Infilia, she kept her focus on Alex, and was pretty nervous, though, she made sure to keep calm, as she took a few breaths. The merchant shrugged it off, and vigorously turned his attention back to Alex. The merchant seemed to be annoyed with the younger man.

Well Sir."The merchant replied subtly, he seemed to be lost in thought, as he's calculating the price. At least that's what Infilia was thinking.


“All of this will run you…Five gold.” The Merchant responded rather hastily. Infilia didn't understand what it meant, but to Alex, he didn't look to pleased, at least Infilia wondered what it meant with his face all scrunched up and he seemed to doubt the man's wares.

“Really I would have thought you a better negotiator than that. I know for a fact if I went to the tattered thread that I’d get this lot for around two gold. So maybe I should take my business elsewhere?”
“Four.”
"Three." The negotiating went on; and Infilia knew that this would take awhile, she stared at her clothes, or possibly her clothes. She just wanted this negotiation to end. Quickly to, she didn't want to linger around here much anymore.

“Fine three and a half deal!” Finally, the negotiation seemed to have finally concluded, and Infilia was glad that it wasn't anymore tiring than it seemed. Infilia was gestured to put the clothes in the bag, and she had quickly done so. The two were off in a hurry afterwards, Alex grasped onto her arm and he ushered her through the crowd of people. There was a wonderful smell as the two were passing by other people. Infilia barely had chances to take any good quick looks at any of the people they've passed.

“When we get back you can get changed. I’m certain that the new stuff’ll fit better than my clothes.”

Infilia nodded quickly. The sweet smelling aromas swelled up Infilias nostrils and she felt warm and cozy inside, even though, it's not Winter. The thought of Winter again upsets Infilia; since she still knows that there are Vantha hunters running around Mizahar and trying to kill them for the most part, all because they're Morwen people. The Vantha didn't need this, and especially Infilia.

The Snowsong continued to follow Alex. As he seemed to know what he was doing. Though, on the other hand, Infilia wondered what more this city could do. It was very interesting. And her adventure had only just began.

.

"For Hope Is Far Greater."

[Alexander Faircroft]

Description "Alex Common" Alex thoughts "Myrian" "Fratava" "Others"

OOCFood cost is a single GM


The short sharp motion across the place lead by his nose dragged them a good few ways away from the rather slimy now that Alex thought back on it. Still the prospect of something to fill his stomach was more than ample to call his attention away from the near miss. But there was still that niggle in the back of his mind that told him to be wary. Eventually the motions through the crowd ended in front of a stall. Apparently someone really could get anything in this place as small thin bread parcels were being sold filled with all kinds of meat and vegetables.

Glancing at Infilia Alex smirked and even amongst the crowd that was flittering about Alex could still hear his own stomach grumble. He’d really not had much to eat over two days, given that yesterday was spent primarily protecting Infilia and he assumed that Infilia was in a similar state. He motioned over to the stall and across a small conversation back and forth and the tossing of a gold piece over walked back to Infilia with both hands full of those bread and meat parcels. Both the same he offered one to Infilia.

“Right let’s eat then.” He smirked and as she took her one out of his hands he dug in to his own walking slowly with her so as not to drop anything and acting as a semi shield to make sure she could do her own thing in piece. “So…” he spoke between bites. “We’ve gotten food and clothes. Anything else you want to get whilst were out?” As usual his words were slow and easy to understand. His motions were slow and even paced but overall he was still wary of everything around him. He had to be, after all he couldn’t expect everything to keep going as smoothly as it was.

[Infilia Snowsong]

TITLE

Food sounded good. It was a good thing that Infilia mentioned breakfast. Her rations were depleted just some time yesterday, before she met Alex. The Snowsong hurried after Alex as they've traversed their ways through the market and wandered around; looking for the source of the food. Plus, avoiding others as they passed people with speed.

They've passed by so many stalls, and a few of them called out to her. Well; she was at least interested with the jewelery stall of course. There was the instruments a few yards down, and she noticed the instruments at first glance because she's obviously been around many instruments and she was a Snowsong of course. You can't be a Snowsong to not know what each and every instrument is.

Alex continued to lead Infilia down the wide streets filled with patrons wandering around and cantering about stone trading wares with other merchants. Infilia was uncertain how everything works with regular humans. Also, she didn't know much Common, and she hoped to find a teacher, perhaps soon... maybe? After all, Infilia wasn't sure how long this charade will last.

Finally, Alex stopped at one stall, and that one contained food. The merchant of the stall and Alex, had exchanged words again. This merchant definitely seemed more peaceful than the other man that Alex and Infilia had encountered last. This man nodded as Alex seemed to talk to him.

Fortunately, Alex came back with a handful of food. The Snowsong smiled, after realizing the man had food and looking around to see if anyone was paying attention to her. She didn't see anyone out of the ordinary, besides herself.

Nonetheless, Alex had some meat and bread parcels and he cordially handed one over to Infilia and Infilia gingerly grasped it with her open hand and began to take small bites from it as to conserve the taste. Plus, she was hungry. She wouldn't know when Alex usually eats, so it seemed like an okay decision.

“So…” Alex began, “We’ve gotten food and clothes. Anything else you want to get whilst were out?” Infilia thought about it, though she'd really like to get some jewelry, that all can wait. The musical instruments too. Infilia finished a bite of her meat and bread parcel before responding.

"No... no..." Then one thing struck her as a plausible idea. Weapons. She has a dagger, but is it truly long enough, and dangerous enough so she can be able to defend herself? "You... have lots of... weapons?" Infilia recalled. "More weapons... me?"

"For Hope Is Far Greater."

[Alexander Faircroft]

Description "Alex Common" Alex thoughts "Myrian" "Fratava" "Others"


As Alex dug in he kept swinging his eyes across to Infilia. As she started to dig into her food Alex took a few hearty bites. This wasn’t a regular staple for him but then again not much In Alvadas was… Though what took him a little by surprise was Infilia’s comment about his weapons. And that she would like one. He paused a moment. Nothing he carried would really be suitable for her to use outside of the scimitars he held but then again they were back at his place. Mulling over the idea whilst chewing on a lump of his morning meal he thought over the possibilities.

Taking stock of her and what she did. Her form and her shakiness when she held her blade in the jungle yesterday.
“You don’t have any skill at fighting do you?” He spoke with a small tone of curiosity. His eyes shifted to her back where he knew she was hiding her knife. “I can see why you’d want to learn but… You don’t seem the type to want to do harm.” His words were slow and measured not so much as to draw attention but enough to have her hold an idea on them.

“If you’re really set on the idea of it. Let’s go find you one.” Alex smiled lightly but this time he held a glint of actual warmth and genuine feeling behind it. He started to walk slowly alongside her thinking about what might fit her. She was too lithe for anything particularly large but not familiar enough with fighting nor comfortable enough with aggressive situations for something small. So firmly in the midrange category then. Something like one of his bastard swords wouldn’t be too good primarily as it was so heavy, and she didn’t look to have the muscle mass nor the practice to handle it.

“If we’re going to get you a blade. Let’s head to the weapon smiths. We might find you something you like there.” Alex spoke as he led both himself and her towards the exit of the bizarre Bazar.

OOCFeel free to describe walking too/entering the Kitrean Krafts

[Infilia Snowsong]

TITLE

Sometimes Infilia thinks of herself as a dog. She doesn't know why, but she had always someone to follow. Someone to keep her safe, and in return loyalty is her payment. That's how she nearly feels about everyone that she comes across. Though, being a Vantha, it was different than anything really, and not because she and the rest of her people are being hunted, but almost ironic. The Vanthas are meant to for peace and calamity, playing music, singing wondrous songs to fill people's moods. Dancing to the rythmic beats of a drum. It all came down to being irony. Or was it irresponsibility? No matter how one puts it, the Vantha didn't appear "good" to the normal humans. The followers of Morwen were all in danger. They were diverse in all of Mizahar, but why on Mizahar harm them? It wasn't their wrong. It was Queen Morwen, and it upsets Infilia to ever think of such a thing. Blame it on the Queen for not spreading winter?

Pfft.

If only there was some reason behind it all, a reasonable explanation to this torment and terror filled season. Why would Queen Morwen refrain from spreading her winter. And now, not only are the Vantha in danger of being exterminated, but do are the animals that normally roam during the warmer seasons. From what Infilia remembers about Spring time, the bears won't be able to hibernate during Winter, and they'll be foraging most of the bushes and berries to live through Winter. Leaving the other prey and predators scattered, salvaging as best they could before winter comes. On the other hand, if winter never comes there'll be good harvest for those grassland farmers right? They'll make some extra profit by the time Morwen comes around once more. Hopefully all of this will be over soon?

Alexander continued to lead the Vantha; Infilia, downwards the streets of Ionus illusionary city. Infilia wondered whether or not if she'd possibly find a weapon her size. Though, she felt malicious even thinking about carrying a merely bigger blade than the one she is currently bearing. A blade that could possibly harm someone even more. Infilia thought about the Icewatch members back in Avanthal, how it must take guts to harm other beings when necessary. Then, she looked on to Alex, he carried plenty of weaponary, and he was quite confident with it and didn't seem bothered about harming another being.

Was this all that it came down to? Self defense seemed quite necessary, in terms of survival, but when there are Various that hunters running around, Infilia needs to work up her courage to even think about stabbing a man in his gut. She can pretty much imagine, her holding some short sword or whatever they call it and piercing the belly of the man. Her lips curling in a sly smile, as if joyed by the fact that she has protected herself against someone dangerous. But, she snapped back into reality, what if the man didn't mean harm? What if he were someone like Alex... it'll be hard to tell when the time comes. Always keep your guard up Infilia, always, she told herself.

Entering a strange building, one totally unfamiliar to Infilia, Alex had finally stopped running and the Vantha could finish the rest of her parsel. She looked around trying to visualize where she was. There were racks upon racks aligned against the wall, weapons all were contained nearly and well spaced out for the buyers to see quite well. The flooring was quite spacious, and open. Infilia turned her head to face the counter directly, a pristine armor set was displayed proudly behind the countertop. It called out to Infilia, but it was too masculine for her taste and Infilia wouldn't probably want to even wear armor.

There was a door, behind the counter at the right of the set of armor. Infilia noticed speckles of light that illuminated from the bottom of the door, as well as the sides and the top. It was quite toasty within the building, and Infilia assumed that whoever manned the counter was behind that door. Infilia was puzzled, and found herself letting go of Alex's hand a d observed the weapons to her left. Not bothered by the fact that right now... the weapons are quite sharp. She wondered what Alex's preferences were.

"For Hope Is Far Greater."

[Alexander Faircroft]

Description "Alex Common" Alex thoughts "Myrian" "Fratava" "Others"


During the walk to the Kitrean Krafts Alex found that Infilia had been sweeping her eyes over him thoroughly for the past few chimes, and despite this they were the eyes of worry and appraisal. She perhaps still didn’t know what to think of him yet despite this he could almost feel there was something more behind them like she was unsure of his motives. He resigned himself to dealing with that weariness for a while it would only be natural after. With the hunters and the ones that even Alex was beginning to feel a modicum of unease from.

Still though it felt strange to be appraised this closely. As they stepped into the doors of the smiths he could see in her eyes clearly a look of almost overwhelmed wonder. He was sorry that he had to drag her off quickly but he had to be careful. She didn’t stand out as much as he would have assumed that the vantha would but still she stood out. Letting her hand slip from his he gave her free reign to choose what she would.

Her immediate gravitation was from what he could see towards the plate mail behind the counter. Alex simply smirked. And stepped up behind her. Less of an imposing figure but more of one who showed he was actively with her. His words then crept out as her fingers closed in on the blades.
“Be careful they’re all sharp.” His words a caution but soft in their delivery. He folded his arms across his chest and glanced over the blades doing some simple calculations of her size build and overall choice of actions. Taking a small glance across where she’d gravitated to his eyes scanned the shelves for a potential weapon that would fit her. And then he spotted it.

A longer thin blade with a slight curve and a hooked corner at the handle. Light but dangerous, but practical for self-defence. He reached up and lifted it by the blade his hand cupping it along the dulled back edge which was a significant amount thicker than the taper of the blade.
“Try this out. Might be more suited to your size.” He offered her it handle first to let her test out the feel of its weight. “Might also be better to keep that knife of yours for a last resort.”

[Infilia Snowsong]

TITLE

Sometimes, Infilia already wondered whether Alex had eyes at the back of his head, or if he were just watching her. She knew though, that Alex figured that it was okay for her to wander around the shop and see what's in stock. Infilia reached her hand out for a pristine longsword, one that looked like it was to be cleaned daily, man whoever owned this building must definitely take pride in their business. For sure. Infilia was impressed by the workmanship that was put into these weapons. She just wanted to... as she was about to touch the blade, Alex spoke up and loosened up the silence.

“Be careful they’re all sharp.”
"Careful, sharp." Infilia spoke in a two word phase, and nodded and stepped away, knowing all well that they're dangerous. She didn't know what had gotten into her. It was as if the weapons were calling her name, leading her into a trance. Well, perhaps she was exaggerating, and she just wanted to hold one of the longer weapons. It would be the first time for her, holding a weapon by the looks like these ones. Infilia wondered what would drive someone's temptations of maintaining weapons. Like, why would someone need all of these different types of blades? Why can't they just be the same?

Infilia faced the fact that she doesn't really know too much about weapons. It's not her thing to go by. Unlike Alex, he seemed to know a whole lot about weapons and tools perse. Alex has weapons, and a lot. He keeps them all over the apartment. If Infilia didn't know any better, she would guess that Alex is in trouble himself. Otherwise, he wouldn't be needing all of those weapons? Wouldn't it be a bit too much on the stallion who would carry all of that metal on top of his back? Infilia wondered if Alex has a horse at all, probably kept at the Stables no doubt, wherever they could be.

Ifilia turned to face Alex, and she was only a couple of feet away from him before Alex moved once more, scanning the racks of weapons before him. He stopped abruptly, Infilia took note, and trailed his movements with her iris's as Alex moved onwards towards the racks of weapons in front of him, and behind Infilia. He carefully picked up a blade from its sockets where it has rested on the rack.

“Try this out. Might be more suited to your size.”Infilia looked at him oddly, and took grasp of the hilt as Alex handed her the blade. Shockingly, it was light. Infilia stepped back a few paces, and slowly, lightly twisted the blade around, creating a slow whistle sound. It was light, and it wasn't too long. Infilia was surprised to hold something so light, it was even lighter than her flute. Who would've known that a sword would be lighter than a flute, even though... flutes aren't that heavy.

"Interesting. What, is it?" Infilia asked in awe after she stopped swinging the blade around.
“Might also be better to keep that knife of yours for a last resort.”As if on cue, the door opened, not the front door. But the door marked private. It opened, and a grey skinned man came wandering through. He looked sweaty, and a blast of warm heat found it's way through the entrance of the building. The Isurian looked at Alex, then to Infilia.

"I'm assuming you're not going to steal it. Eh?" He was looking at Infilia, and then back to Alex again. She looked away, handing the blade to Alex as if dispised of the weapon. The Isurian looked at Alex once more."Well, what's it going to be?"

"For Hope Is Far Greater."

[Alexander Faircroft]

Description "Alex Common" Alex thoughts "Myrian" "Fratava" "Others"


The look of curiosity in infilia’s eyes was easily caught by Alex who almost instinctively lifted a hand to cover them but before he could he saw her take the blade form his hands. The slow twirl of the blade in her hands told him he’d made the right decision. She wasn’t secure around a blade that was easy to see especially with the small shake in her hands. But strangely the weapons sat well in them. Even with the small motions he could see his assumption was right in this instance.

“It’s a Shamshir. It’s a breed of scimitar. And it’s designed for beginners to use.” His words were still slow but his choice could have been a little better. Though the blast of heat suddenly caught him and Alex smirked. As Alex turned to catch sight of the man who’d walked out they reminded him of another Isur he knew except the stark difference was the solid blue instead of black arm.

Alex lightly took the blade off of Infillia As he spoke to the Isur.
“Full intent to purchase however its best I let the missy here test em out before we grab her anything. Mostly as she’s looking to pick up a weapon for the first time really and everything I’m carrying is a little bit too specialized for teaching a beginner.” His pace of voice snapped back up as he spoke to the Isur, and walked over to him.
“So for the time being do you mind if I keep this here as she test out a few weapons? We’ll find her something she likes and make sure to purchase it. After all I know the Isurians pride themselves on their crafts. It’s almost an offence of the highest calibre to steal from a skilled artisan.” He spoke with a disarming smile and a presence of peacefulness that disarmed most without a second thought.

“Infilia, Have a look around and see if you find anything else you like the look of.” His speed of voice slowed down a little as he spoke to her but not too much.
“Sorry bout that her Common isn’t the greatest, Brought up on the flotilla. So fratava is more her shtick.” He smiled trying to sell the lie as best he could but then again it was quite believable So long as her eyes didn’t shift.

[Infilia Snowsong]

TITLE

“It’s a Shamshir. It’s a breed of scimitar. And it’s designed for beginners to use.”The Snowsong listened gingerly, as Alex slowly explained. Infilia mouthed the word Shamshir, carefully making sure to remember the name. A blade designed for beginners, Infilia thought that those were what daggers were used for... or wooden sticks for the most part. But, nonetheless, it seemed fitting, and when the Isurian came into view from his private domain, he spoke to the pair. Once Alex took hold of the blade, Infilia shrugged and wandered off to look at the other displays of weaponary stacked nicely on the racks.

Infilia observed closely, her bag felt heavy, and she didn't know why. She just had the feeling that someone might be watching her, but she wasn't so sure, and she felt uncomfortable, her hands were still shaky from wielding the blade a few ticks ago Even though, Infilia didn't pay attention to the two physically, she listened mentally, she would take her time to learn more of this Common before going out alone. It would be a primary goal, aside from learning how to defend herself. Those two goals are her primary goals for now. Once things clear up, everything would be back to normal at least hoping that it would.

“Full intent to purchase however its best I let the missy here test em out before we grab her anything. Mostly as she’s looking to pick up a weapon for the first time really and everything I’m carrying is a little bit too specialized for teaching a beginner.” I follow slowly registered what Alex said to the man behind the counter, slowly registering it though. She rocked on her heels quite slowly as well, and meant to keep an even stride as she observed the weapons and by the time she got bored, she simply walked next to another rack of weapons.

The conversation between the two men began, and Alex seemed to like taking his time, Infilia wondered if the man was purposely jeopardizing their time of broad daylight, she wanted to see more of Alvadas, but when Alex takes long with communicating with the other salesman, Infilia felt that as if he were procrastinating on purpose. Infilia must know the simple reasoning behind it of course.

"I see. Heard talking, came out here whether or not to see if you were buying. It's all. I wouldn't have to call for the Womiyu. Now do I?"The Isurian spoke, he snickered. "Take all the time ya need. If ya need me, I'll be here counting my earnings for the day thanks."The Isurian replied.

“So for the time being do you mind if I keep this here as she test out a few weapons? We’ll find her something she likes and make sure to purchase it. After all I know the Isurians pride themselves on their crafts. It’s almost an offence of the highest calibre to steal from a skilled artisan.”

The Isurian looked up from the counter and shrugged. "Not at all. Though that Shamshir is quite fitting if I say so myself. It'll be perfect for a trainee. Though, it'll take some time getting used to that slightly curved blade at the edge. The hilt there is wrapped with leather, protecting the sheer metal hilt. I have wrapped and tighten it myself, along with building the sword of course.

“Infilia, Have a look around and see if you find anything else you like the look of.” Infilia turned and nodded. She faced the racks and headed over to where a set of curved blades rest.
"Okay." Infilia said, to no one in particular. The Snowsong continued to observe some more. Some blades had curves, of course, like the Shamshir. Though, the curves were either elongated or compressed to fit with the weight of the hilt.

Infilia studied the hilts, the first blade she inspected was the sabre. She tilted her head at different angle to see how the blade stable with it's curve, and still connected between the bar and the hilt. She picked it out of the rack quite carefully, and examined it whilst holding it with one hand. She nearly forgot she has her bag of clothes, she quickly oputs them down before looking at the blade again, but she kept the blade pointed down as to not harm anyone or anything.

The blade felt just as light as the Shamshir. Infilia didn't quite understand it.

“Sorry bout that her Common isn’t the greatest, Brought up on the flotilla. So fratava is more her shtick.”Infilia shrugged when Alex spoke, the Isur didn't judge her much, but Infilia wouldn't know as her back is turned facing the two men anyhow. Her curiosity was merely intrigued by the stache of weapons at hand and Infilia wondered if she could manage to test them all perhaos. Though, that would obviously takr up precious time, and Infilia and both Alex didn't have too much time to spend or waste by looking st weapons. Perhaps another day for now, but she was torn betwen either the Shamshir or the Saber, and she couldn't really choose.

Infilia turned. Facing Alex, her eyes at a solid color of purple still. Her curiosity was still intentional. "What blade would... be this?" She asked Alex. Playing along with the lie, the Snowsong would do her best to keep away at looking at the Isur. It panged her deep inside to not ask him what the blade is. Though, she didn't particularly trust the Isur. Does Alex?

OOCSo sorry for such the long post. Decided to fish some extra lores in here. XD

"For Hope Is Far Greater."

[Alexander Faircroft]

Description "Alex Common" Alex thoughts "Myrian" "Fratava" "Others"


The discussion between Alex and the Isur carried on as Infilia flicked off to do her own thick with the weapons.
“Ah don’t worry about the Womiyu honest folk here. And thanks for the vote of confidence in our actions I promise we won’t.” he gave a disarming smile in his usual practiced way. Though as the isur continued on Alex had everything he’d said affirmed to him gripping hold tightly of a potential knowledge in this man that he wouldn’t have found otherwise.

Whilst Infilia was off doing her own thing and glancing around the store for any implication that he may be able to craft what Alex was after.
“I know you’re a man of skill evidently from all the blades that surround me I was wondering if there was a chance you may be able to craft me something.” Alex smirked finally managed to get across the description of what He’d seen Saga using a season prior.

“Ah…” The Isur began. “I could probably make that for you though I’d require payment upfront?” Alex took a mental stock of his coin and just how low he was running he wouldn’t be able to get it until he’d gotten paied for his first contracts this season.
“If I had the money I’d pay you now however I need to get my payment from something earlier in the season. I Promise you I’m good for it so could I have work started on it now and please take your time as I don’t fully know when I’ll have the money on me.” Alex spoke with a disarming but even stone

“Alright I can see that just make sure you purchase it else it’s a waste of materials. And my time.” He smirked and slipped along the desk noting Infilia’s approach as Alex himself turned to see the sabre. A more complicated weapon to be sure but again it fit her, and this was one she’d chosen so she’d probably be better with it than the shamshir.

“If that’s the one You want.” Alex smirked and Looked over to the Isur. “Sorry about that it seems as if this is the blade I’ll be taking for her. How much do you want for it?” The Isur paused and worked over the price in his head.
“I could let you take it off my hands for eighteen golden mizas.”
“Best I can do is sixteen.” Alex spoke with a calm and again disarming and oddly friendly tone.
“Alright Sixteen. Now let’s have you outta here so I can get to work on what we discussed.”
Alex handed over the money with a small nod as he ushered both himself and Infilia out of the kitrean Krafts.