Retracing One's Steps (Dra-Seven)

[Dimitri]

Dimitri was swimming lightly as the rain began. Huge drops spashed down into the lake, sending up small sprays of water. They beat down heavily on his hair, turning it dark, beat heavily upon his shoulders, like the beginnings of a massage. Dimitri was in complete sensory relaxation. The water held him like a dream, the drops performing a symphony on his skin, with thunder rolling in as percussion. Dimitri always loved the rain. He could lose himself in it, and had many times. He remained floating there, letting his surroundings become him. He was at peace. The worries of the stolen money, his trainings, his future all washed away.

He felt a ripple in the water and looked and saw Seven up to his chin in the water. Dimitri heard his question and leaned backwards. This caused his legs to float to the surface. He was now flat on his back as the rain pelted his body. Using his hands he floated over near the very pale man. He didn't notice the longing gazes or the cracking voice, "It is very difficult, but very rewarding. And it's not just all combat training either. My lessons have included meeting and helping various citizens and even strangers in our city. I've learned history, respect, honor. It's the greatest thing in the world, and soon I'll be a true protector of my city. I'd like to visit the world, but my duty to my Syliras comes first."

He continued to float there for a while but knew they needed to get the horse back before it got sick. Dimitri stood up in the shallow water, and turned walking out of the lake, water running in rivulets down his muscles. "We should be going, Serena will have my hide if I get one of her horses sick." Dimitri went over and dressed, but left his shirt wrapped around his bow, then leapt up atop the horse gracefully. He began to comfort and calm the steed and he made sure he had his quiver. He didn't get a chance to fish, but he had found what he sought.

[Seven Xu]

Seven stood up in the lake and walked toward the shore and where he had left his now wet clothing and notebook. Nothing lasted forever, especially when it had no chance to get off the ground anyway. Seven bit his lower lip so hard his fangs nearly punctured it and caused him to immediately wince. What the hell was he thinking, anyway? With a head clouded by hormones, Seven's bare feet stepped into the grass and he reached for his soaked trousers.

Upon inspection, Seven's legs appeared to be shaven. Either that, or his hair was so light and fine it was invisible. There was a light feminine curve to his back and when he turned, his tattoo of what appeared to be a crimson crown of stars was visible. "I was not aware horses took ill so easily." Seven admitted as he pulled his trousers on. He grimaced at the notepad lying lazily across the wet grass. At least it was closed, not much harm could be done to the pages within. Seven wrapped the leather-bound book in his shirt and wobbly mounted the horse, situating the bundle of clothing between him and Dimitri.

"The poor thing." Seven frowned at the horse's fussing and reached back to smooth his hand over the beast's flank. The frown soon turned into a flushed smile as his eyes bore into Dimitri's back, examining the smooth lines of his muscular shoulders. "Thank you for taking me to this place. I am again impressed by the people of your city and your undying hospitality."

[Dimitri]

"You are quite welcome, I thank you for your assistance."

Dimitri slowly lead the horse for a half bell east. He had to be extra careful, navigating heavily mudded slopes and deep puddles. It actually was quite dangerous. Water was running heavily, carrying debris and earth with it. Dimitri kept talking with the horse as they worked together, not just horse and rider, but a single entity. The horse slipped a couple of times but never hurt itself. What took thirty chimes coming to the lake turned into a bell returning to the road. When the horse finally hit the more solid mud of the road, Dimitri breathed a sigh of relief.

They passed by Albessard's grave and Dimitri led the horse into a canter. It splashed along the Kabrin road, the horse sending mud flying as it moved briskly. The sides and legs, and bottom of the horse were now spattered with mud. Dimitri's breeches were completely coated in it as well. The horse trotted along occasionally passing others heading the same way. Dimitri checked in on each person they passed, but none required assistance. They continued along, Dimitri enjoying the constant rhythm and pace. As the walls came into view, the horse seemed to know it was almost home. It tried to lunge forward into a gallop, but Dimitri kept it under control by tugging on it lightly. He lead it through the man gates, nodding at the guards as usual and brought the horse to the stables. He dismounted and immediately removed the saddle. He then began using towels to dry the horse off. He gave it a proper grooming and brush down. When he was finished he gave it some corn as a treat. "You did well today girl," as he rubbed it's neck.

He turned to Seven, flashed a bright smile, "In the name of the Order of the Syliran Knights, I welcome you to Syliras."

[Seven Xu]

Seven's arms were slung around Dimitri's waist throughout the entirety of the trip so that he wasn't lost off of the back of the horse. Unfortunately, this did not protect him from the slathering of mud he acquired by the time he had slid off of the horse at the stables. Not that it mattered. The rain was already making quick work of the mud on his arms and legs as they exited the stables.
Seven beamed, holding out the rolled up parchment that was the map to Dimitri's lake. "Thank you, Dimitri. And, again, I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to map your lake. It was quite an adventure." And how.

Seven's eyes scanned the stable grounds for the quickest path back to the citadel. Once he spotted it, he lifted a hand to wave towards Dimitri with another genuine smile. "Please, do not be a stranger. I enjoyed my day. If you ever need a cartographer again... I will be around. Until we meet again, Squire Dimitri."
A flash of red and white, and Seven disappeared down the beaten path towards the Citadel and the relative comfort of the windowless apartment he had taken up residence in. He looked forward to warm dry clothing and the welcome embrace of his bunk.

[Archon]

Illumination of Development Dimitri +2 Horse Riding +2 Animal Husbandry +1 Shortbow +1 Bodybuilding +1 Swimming Lores: Not everything is what it looks like, Thieves can be young, Blissful ignorance Other: Map to rainbow fish pond, -10 GM Care to see more? : Horse Riding and Animal Husbandry experience for the time spent with your horse, and Shortbow, Bodybuilding, and Swimming experience for the rest of your activities throughout. Dra-Seven +3 Drawing +2 Horse Riding +2 Land Navigation +2 Cartography Lores: Location of Sacred Arch Springs, Location of rainbow fish pond, There are some incredibly nice people, The smell of Dimitri Care to see more? : Most of your experience is in Drawing, for your excellent work in using the skill for both the map and little girl. Land Navigation and Cartography experience for your work on figuring out the map, and Horse Riding for your time spent riding. Notes:A very interesting thread to read! I especially liked the "helpless" family. It felt a little unrealistic at first, but then when you revealed that it was all part of a con it made everything click into place. Well done!