|
Post by jalista on Sept 1, 2014 23:02:21 GMT -5
Every now and again, the strangeness of the city would set upon Chance with a vengeance. He'd be walking along and he'd tilt his head back and suddenly he'd be thinking, I'm right un'neath somebody. The large walls would feel pressed close to his back in that moment, the green flora scattered about would feel like some sort of bright light, and those floors above him would suddenly look unfamiliar. He'd feel his fingers quiver a bit as he thought of everything he'd gone through to get back to his home city. Then, as quickly as the thought had come, it would leave. He'd leap up those worn wooden steps, dodging the odd urchin and a shopper in a hurry, and his mind would shift elsewhere. He'd trained it to do that. He didn't want to linger, let years of misery effect him in the day as they did in night. He glanced back over his right shoulder to spy a grizzled dog creeping toward something down a side street. It could be a cat, loose chicken, or pigeon. Whatever it was, it was most likely worth some iron or silver and he didn't want to pay for a replacement.
"Wulf!" He called, not sharply but not gently either. "Git over here!" The dog lifted its head and then followed obediently, dodging the hurried feet of the citizens. Every now he'd trip someone up and be dealt a sharp kick, but it didn't seem to faze him. He was obviously a dog who had once been on hard times and was now contented, if the swollen belly was any hint. His stomach had shrunk and these long months hadn't stretched it back out yet. His owner and friend was much the same way, though some days the dog ate twice as much as Chandler.
Chance dashed up the streets to the residential area, which he had come to call the Hive, and to his 'home.' Most would find it suitable for storage or a powder room, if cleaned, but to him it was luxury. Room to lay all the way out, a small window. He'd done with worse. The contemplation of his old housing caused him to start teasing and rubbing his wrists, but he quickly stopped himself. Some of those manacle scars were still a bit tender. It was around midday, a little before the common lunch hour, and he was bringing back his meal to enjoy it in the peace of his room.
Wulf, who had been at his heels, suddenly darted away, to the left and out of Chance's immediate sight. Swearing beneath his breath, he whipped his head about and slowed to a stop. When his crooked-legged dog moved fast it was usually because he was in for some mischief. Snatching food from hands, nipping at ankles, or running into a house with the door carelessly left open were some of the most often. Some might have felt that the sometimes ill-tempered dog wasn't worth the food he cost, but to Chandler he was friend and family. More so than any blood relative, that was for sure.
|
|
Dear girl, time was the only thing that never fell on your side.
Posts: 89
|
Post by Rehjul on Sept 3, 2014 17:09:20 GMT -5
Thoughts of his recent meeting with the city's ruling council still swirled within Conroy's head as he descended from the city's upper levels. Plans were not progressing as neatly as he had hoped they might, but not stalling as badly as he feared they would. In any case, he pressed the thoughts into the recesses of his mind, for the moment. It would be time to monitor the change of shift for those guarding the outer walls, and this is what he intended to do now. The buzz of life within the city had, at this point, become not much more than a minor nuisance, present only in his subconscious - however, his head peeked above the crowd, allowing him to monitor activity as he marched towards the gates guarding the city's sole public exit, and entrance.
Having time to spare, he stopped for a moment at the inn ran by his old friend, and departed just as swiftly after a brief exchange of pleasantries and the confirmation that all was well.
Upon departing from the warm place, the movement of a swift, four-legged creature demanded the man's attention. For a moment, his adrenaline saw a sudden surge - had the creatures from the surrounding lands at last broke through the city's defenses? This thought was swiftly subdued - it was naught but an unruly dog. Much of the crowd made way for the animal's mad dash, but the creature was eventually grappled by some vigilant citizen. During its rush, Conroy had steered from his original course to pursue the mutt. It was his duty to oversee the well-being of the city, after all, and returning some lost dog was a hassle he could afford. Now that it was stalled, he apologetically retrieved the animal from the possession of its capturer, and headed off with the dog. After its retrieval, the man took a moment to appraise the thing. It looked to have seen better days, but the speed it had shown mere moments ago claimed otherwise.
Gauging the direction from which the animal had appeared, he assumed it to have been leaving from the residential areas. Conroy unraveled a thin bit of rope carried within his purse and fashioned a crude leash around the animal's neck before guiding it back to wherever it had managed to escape from. Mere steps later, the old general encountered a peculiar youth. The most striking aspect of the boy was the sheer amount of scars and injuries present on his body. Many of the men Conroy had worked with, and taught boasted fewer than the figure before him, yet, being as familiar with the soldiers as he was, he knew this child was not of them.
"Is this thing yours?" The older man gestured toward the canine. His voice was not as kind as he'd intended it to be, but it rarely was in recent days. His eyes searched the face of the youth as he extended the handle of the leash to the person whom he speculated to be its rightful owner, given the pursuit the male had seemed to be in upon his approach.
|
|
|
Post by jalista on Sept 3, 2014 20:46:18 GMT -5
"No, Wulf." Chance moaned as he saw the grey tail whipping around the corner. He took off after the dog, clipping some lass in the shoulder and tossing a quick apology over his shoulder as he turned the corner. These chases could end in many ways. Someone might catch the dog, or lock him in their house, or he would find a scrap of accessible food, and he would be easy to collect. Or that insufferable animal would decide that it was time for an adventure and kill a chicken, head toward the farming areas to cause mischief, or simply disappear for a day or two. The thought of that happening made Chance's chest tighten.
Then it loosened. Partially. A man, a good head taller and a good bit bigger than Chance, had Wulf on a thin lead. The boy first looked to his dog, checking to see if his lips were peeled back. He'd learned his lesson years ago about bothering that half-wild dog when he was angry. He didn't care to have those teeth clicking together on something other than air, whether the receiving flesh was his or not. Wulf seemed relatively calm, almost self-satisfied. Probably the lingering effects of that jerky Chance had given him that morning in a moment of softness.
He changed his attentions to the man. He was large, so much larger in fact, that if the two of them had been standing much closer together Chance would be forced to tilt his head back noticeably to look in his face. He was broad-shouldered in a similar fashion, and boasted muscles and a fit physique. Guard. Maybe even someone more important, if his bearing was anything to judge by. He couldn't say. He'd never worried about politics. They effected him in roundabout, unnoticeable ways. As long as he got to keep his freedom, he didn't care who was the high-and-mighty giving orders.
The man's wording almost made him wince, reminding him, "Is this pretty thing for sale?" He didn't though, instead smiling sincerely and taking the leash from the man.
"Yessir. Thank you fir gettin' him fir me." he said, still smiling that smile that the boy-crazy young ladies called blinding as the hand holding the leash slipped down its length. His fingers slipped the loop from around his dogs neck, then worked their way into his scruff. He pulled gently up, and Wulf sat down with an animal huff. He would never use a leash on his dog, never use physical punishment. If the dog wanted to bite him, steal food, or simply leave, that was his free choice. They were not so different. Neither was truly superior. Humans just had the bigger guns.
He noticed the man's eyes on his visible scars and flipped his collar up slow and leisure-like as he spoke. Don't make it obvious. Just keep on smiling. They like it when you smile. "Can be some real pain in the--" Polite company? He hoped not. "--ass sometimes, that there dog." One side of his mouth lifted slightly higher, even if he felt a bit embarrassed inside. This man sounded educated, with proper words and good grammar. And here was Chance, speaking the way he'd learned. They were polar opposites, one high up in rank and educated, the other the scum royalty scraped from the bottom of their expensive shoe.
Chance held out his hand, turning his head slightly to center the man in his vision. "Sawtooth. Chandler Sawtooth."
OOC: I'm sorry for the rambling. I am incredibly rusty and I promise it'll get better. And the bad grammar is overdone, but, man! It is really hard to have bad grammar when you're actually trying to!
|
|
|
Post by Aria on Sept 6, 2014 16:58:40 GMT -5
OOC: I was just reading through these, and don't worry about the grammar Jalista! Speaking in dialect is really very hard, but you're doing a great job of it! Not something I was expecting when I read the character profile, but it was a pleasant surprise (:
|
|
Dear girl, time was the only thing that never fell on your side.
Posts: 89
|
Post by Rehjul on Sept 8, 2014 11:21:59 GMT -5
The youth's distraught expression did not escape Conroy's notice. Apprehensiveness without cowardice was an admirable quality; the male was smart enough to be wary, and tactful enough to maintain expected composure. Scars could be assumed a sign of great endurance. All of these were qualities desirable in a young soldier. The commander's lips spread into small smirk as he considered the idea of this scrawny child wielding a blade.
"You may want to ascertain more proper control of your pet, in the future." The general grunted as the rope was removed from the dog, leaving it free to its own bidding once more. He took note of how naturally the creature responded to its owner - the relationship between man and dog seemed less of an ownership and more of an actual partnership. Such a bond was peculiar, and the man found himself curious as to whether the youth boasted such a natural relationship with all creatures or if it was exclusive to the dog - Wulf, as the animal was referred to.
A strangeness was apparent in the smile of the dog's owner, though Conroy opted to ignore this as his smirk spread into a smile that settled naturally across his own face at the hesitancy the youth displayed before swearing. "I'd imagine so. Most would have quite a hard time managing their dog without use of a lead." The oddness in the boy's behavior was one the general was accustomed to. It was displayed by many of the city's inhabitants, whether it be due to the vicious rumors that circulated regarding the general's supposed recent actions, his physical stature, or his title - or any combination of these things. He had long since found it best to ignore such reluctance. There was not much else that could be done for it.
Conroy met the boy's extended grip with his own plated hand, and shook it firmly. "Conroy Dilon. Leading general of Haven's military." His gaze locked with Chandler's, and the older man continued speaking without waiting for a response, his hand still grasping the younger man's. "The city's large, but most able-bodied young men - most I'm familiar with. However, I can't recall having ever seen you about. Are you new to this area, son?" It wasn't until he'd finished his question that his grip was released. "Tell me - what are your plans here?" The question was many things - an accusation and a recruitment, amongst others. Crime had seen a resurgence within his walls; rumors of plots hosted by neighboring kingdoms swirled rapidly amidst Haven's noble population, and the army was short on men. It seemed that much of the youth took one of two distinct paths; a life of service or a life of crime, and there didn't appear to be much middle ground. Not in the general's eyes, at least.
OOC: You're totally fine. Your posts are of a really high quality, and I worry it may be mine that need to be rid of their rust. Very sorry for the delay in reply; much of what was delaying me has been taken care of, so all future posts should be delivered more swiftly.
|
|
|
Post by jalista on Sept 8, 2014 20:10:38 GMT -5
Endurance was something Chance did indeed pride himself in. Among all other things he was deficient, except perhaps bearing great weight, but he knew that he could take what was dished. It helped him keep calm when faced with something he didn't like. Maybe he couldn't use a sword or bow, but he hadn't died yet and he'd sustained some grievous wounds in his time. Even bad infections had been unable to take anything but his eye. His will to live was boundless.
The other thing that calmed him was his dog, which may have been evident. He curled his fingers into the thick, wiry fur of the dog's neck and din't let go. Wulf had seemed to learn early on that his friend couldn't see anything too far to his left, and had carved a natural spot on this side for himself. Like a guardian, or a guide, even if he wasn't particularly needed.
"Not if I wish t' keep m' fingers. He has a bite that's mean. Glad he di'n' maul you, honestly." He paused a moment, then added hastily, "He's never bitten nobody, th't is." Except me. Yet. I don't think. He didn't want anyone taking his dog away thinking he was dangerous. A little nibble never hurt anyone. "He's good when th' need takes. He's j'st got an free sp'rit." Chance said, the words defensive but his tone schooled to neutrality. It probably wouldn't fool the man, though. He had sharp eyes. That much Chance had realized. He knew most didn't share his view on restraints, which was no wonder, since they didn't understand how it felt. Maybe it was stupid, but he couldn't make himself get over it, and he thought that Wulf would never be happy with something around his throat.
In his limited time out on his own, Chance had managed to get over the discomfort of handshakes. At first he'd been horrified that strangers greeted each other that way, but then he realized that it put him in a position of power and showed that they had no weapons immediately handy. The man, who introduced himself as Conroy Dilon, had a strong grip that thankfully didn't crush any bones. Chance tightened his grip to contend.
He almost asked if he should bow to the general or something, but as luck would have it the man waited for no response and plowed on, eyes not moving. Chandler didn't look away. He would have liked to. He felt like looking away was too submissive where this man was involved. "'M new, yeah. J'st returned." He liked saying that. He liked the fact that he was back in his home city, even if it hadn't boasted the best childhood. He hated the South and as far as he was concerned, the people in the small town could keep their populations 1 less. He had never liked being at the mercy of those beasts. He'd seen a crawler from afar once when returning to Haven, and he'd have pissed himself if he'd been any younger.
Plans? Chance may have been maintaining eye contact, but now he truly looked. Was this man suggesting something? Something bad, something good? Anyone else probably would have known, realized, but Chance blinked and everything he could have noticed flew over his head. He didn't know the small inflections that could reveal secrets.
"I'm j'st lookin' fer a job that'll give me boardin'." he said, shrugging one shoulder as he glanced down at his dog. Wulf was staring with his ears erect at another dog across the way. Chance waited for him to shift his attentions, but he was concentrating. That was never good. He lifted his hand from the dogs neck and then poked his finger in his ear like a curious child. Wulf shook his head and gave Chance what could only be described as an irritated glare. He received two fingers pressed firmly to the top of his muzzle, the silent signal that he better stay put. He seemed content to listen.
Chandler looked back up at Dilon, waiting for the conversation to continue.
OOC: Glad to hear it, though if this is your rusty I can't wait to see what more talent you're hiding. That's just fine, I've been busy anyway.
|
|
Dear girl, time was the only thing that never fell on your side.
Posts: 89
|
Post by Rehjul on Sept 10, 2014 1:09:43 GMT -5
And again, the child did not retreat from the situation. Conroy's brow crinkled ever so slightly at the remark made on the dog acting out. While it had remained relatively placid in his short time with it, an attack from a domesticated animal, regardless of its severity, could lead to any number of problems within the city's social climate. His gaze shifted to reexamine the dog, though he could determine no threat in it. It looked almost pathetic, with its distorted belly and head swiveling about in examination of its surroundings."Just see to it that it remains that way; him not biting anybody." He was sure that the boy and his dog had their reasons for the way the relationship between the two of them operated, but if the dog had the misfortune of interceding on the wrong person's affairs, both of them might end up paying quite a severe price. Such incidents Conroy was all too eager to avoid. The boy's statement was spoken with a sense of pride. Prideful of his journey or prideful of his city, Conroy could not be sure, but the pride was evident, if just. This, coupled with the flare of anger that sparked within Chandler's eyes at the mentioning of his ventures outward kindled a sense of hope in the mind of the general. Pride and anger; these two things made men easy to manipulate, to join to a cause. It also worked to confirm previous assumptions made; in these days it was rare, the person who traversed the wilds on their lonesome. Merchants paid men with weapons to accompany them, nobles traveled with portions of their militia, and the commonfolk - the commonfolk just stayed within their borders, for the most part. To trek the wilds by ones self was nearly a death wish, so unsafe was the trip. For a person this young and unencumbered to survive outside the walls for any length of time was quite a feat indeed. The insinuation held in his words was clearly not the sort of tongue the younger man was accustomed to deciphering, and Conroy met his obvious confusion with a gentle laugh. This sense of genuine good-naturedness was yet another trope that made men admirable, malleable - made them into good soldiers. "Glad to have you back then, Chandler." Conroy spoke after a moment of contemplation. "The Academy is always searching for new men and women to recruit. You'd learn to wield a blade, work to defend this home of yours. Food and board are provided to each student - we could even find space for your pup, should such a thing interest you." His words flowed more similarly to a suggestion than a simple statement, and he made no attempt to hide this. OOC: D'aw, you flatter me. I apologize for the post being so short, in relation to yours.
|
|
|
Post by jalista on Sept 12, 2014 21:09:43 GMT -5
Anybody who would look at Wulf wouldn't guess that he was the type to bite. He was medium, though his paws were bigger, suggesting that like his human companion he hadn't been given the chance to grow to his full size. His grey fur was wiry and dull, messy and with evidence of recently healed hot-spots (he was not a canine meant for the swampy South) marking his hindquarters. He had a sharp nose and an inquisitive face. He didn't look sour-tempered, he looked friendly. But such a sweet face was an illusion. He could wag his tail in a seemingly friendly manner and then sink his teeth into your arm without batting an eyelash.
Luck, or maybe pure chance, is what had gotten Chandler back to Haven. He had managed to procure a place in trade wagon after trade wagon, and even on the long stretches of journey had not been attacked by beasts, which was more common than many liked to think. That single crawler he had seen had been too slow, and the group had managed to outstrip it back to civilization. He didn't consider himself brave, though those who had known him before had always viewed him as such. In his opinion, unless you were fearless, you could not be considered brave.
Chandler was definitely the soldier type. He had a good heart but enough carelessness to be easily manipulated by those above him. He had problems with authority, and though he had yet to discover it, a restless spirit, but more loyalty than those two combined. Conroy Dilon had ran into what was probably the best recruit he would find in a while.
Chance knew this was a suggestion, not a statement. He pressed his tongue between his teeth, lips parting slightly as he considered it. He'd never envisioned himself as a soldier. It seemed luxury to what he had been imagining for himself, which, excluding an early death, was owning a brothel. But did he want to bow down to the questionable authority? Did he really, truly care? The risks were nothing compared to what he lived with every day, and he would have a chance to make a difference. He knew the darker Haven's secrets.
"If I was t' accept th' offer, what were it entail? Lifetime service, going out th' city?" Though it was obvious he had already made up his mind. The offer was too good to pass up.
OOC: ^.^ Don't worry. I'm a bit overexcited, I think, since my posts are (were?) usually a lot shorter. I never even considered him as a soldier but its so perfect! You're a genius!
|
|
Dear girl, time was the only thing that never fell on your side.
Posts: 89
|
Post by Rehjul on Sept 16, 2014 21:28:18 GMT -5
Conroy could not stop his lips from curling into a smirk as he witnessed the younger male pay serious thought to his offer. Most, at his age, had already made their decision, set upon their given path - Chance seemed not to have found his, yet. This could be easily remedied.
"Many that enter the guard choose to make a career out of it, remaining in the service of Haven for the majority of their natural lives." The words were spoken easily, almost resembling a sort of chant, like they'd been said a hundred times prior to their current summoning.
"However," the general continued after a moment of pause. "You're free to leave upon the successful completion of whichever mission the Academy may initially send you upon. The length and difficulty of these can vary, but rare are the tasks that ask for more than their given soldiers are capable of providing." The larger man flashed the smaller a warm, reassuring smile. That portion of the recruitment tended to scare many off, for any number of reasons. The thought of leaving the security of their city, being forced to venture into the world beyond was enough to unnerve a portion of the recruits. With the added essence of real, physical danger, the cowards were easily weeded out. Which was just as fine; they would have been of no benefit.
"The average pay for the average soldier weighs more heavily than that of many of the city's commoners, and you'll see the added benefit of the Academy's training - its tutors come from all corners of the land, and carry much renown in their given fields."
That was the end of the typical recrution speech - or the general gist of it, in any case. After his recital, it sprang upon Conroy just how long it had been since he'd last repeated it. Since his career had taken off, and especially in recent years, he'd been far too busy to spend time on the ground level. His thoughts were focused on events of a larger scale. It felt good to be back here, at the base.
"So what have you? No answer is required now. If you're hungry, we could eat. If not, we could meet again tomorrow." Conroy offered, suggesting the younger man take his time to think on the subject. If a person did not come willingly, it was a thing that would come to be regretted by all.
|
|
Taylah
Guest
|
Post by Taylah on Dec 21, 2020 11:17:37 GMT -5
generic sildenafil viagra
|
|
Alejandrina
Guest
|
Post by Alejandrina on Dec 21, 2020 19:49:27 GMT -5
在武漢購買偉哥 generic viagra prices
|
|
Madge
Guest
|
Post by Madge on Jan 5, 2021 5:53:41 GMT -5
buy drugs 在武漢購買偉哥
|
|
aramintaa83
Guest
|
Post by aramintaa83 on Apr 20, 2022 12:06:48 GMT -5
Hello Everyone, I want to share with you my top favorite apps to use in Istanbul. ISTANBUL KART- In case you do not have cash with you and you need to top up your Istanbul kart, we do a, you need to top up your Istanbul kart. Then you can also do it through this official app.If you are traveling to Istanbul soon you will need a Turkish visa to enter the country. You can find out more about Turkey Visa on our Turkey Visa page.
|
|