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Post by Tismri on Oct 16, 2012 11:03:18 GMT -5
Tylon sat in the midst of the Ismalian encampment. Military life was hard to get used to after so many years of the comfort of nobility. It was nothing like training as a palace guard. Nonetheless, Ty was enjoying it. Through the rigorous descipline exercises, constant sword and archery practice, the yelling on the sergeant; he felt more free and even happy than life in the palace left him.
Of course, there were times when he felt lonely. His entire life, he was always trailing behind Tatiana and Thane. He didn't realize until now just how much he had relied upon them. However, he had managed to build a relationship with several other young soldiers. They would rough-shouse, spar, compete in archery, and push each other to do better.
They were far into the Empire by now, and Tylon knew he wasn't the only one feeling uncomfortable in the warmth. In some parts of Ismalia, snow was already beginning to fall, so the relatively warm weather seemed unnatural. They were camped by a town, and among his friends he heard excited murmurs.
"What is the town called?" he asked someone, curious about where in the Alagaesian Empire they were.
"Celesti," he was told. His friend had an excited look in his eye. "I heard it was founded by runaway slaves from before Queen Mother Nasuada passed the anti-slave laws."
Ty didn't bother to inform his friend that Nasuada's title was simply "queen." He was more intrigued now by the town. Celesti. The name rang familiar in his head, and he racked his brain for a moment to remember where he had heard it. His expression brightened as he remembered.
Talia, he thought, picturing in his mind the charming girl he'd met in Bromsland when his cousin and her sister were both taking the survival exam. He'd only spent a couple of days with her, really, but he considered her a friend. She was sweet, kind, and almost too good-natured.
Curious as to whether or not she was in town, he approached a few older soldiers who were headed that way.
"Sarge said if we had the money, we could visit the tavern and get a real meal for once," one of them told him. Tylon could understand their motivations. Military rations were hardly satisfactory in any way. He trailed along after them, not so much to eat as it was to see if he could spot that familiar, sweet, pretty girl.
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Post by Trinn on Oct 16, 2012 11:24:40 GMT -5
Gianna sat atop Gladia, who was standing on a knoll overlooking the town. A small frown was set in Gianna's mouth. The Ismalian army was clamped quite close to Celesti, and it worried her. No matter how good natured an army was, they were bound to get rowdy and perhaps a little destructive. With that many people in one place, it was hard to control each soul. Perhaps they need a little motivation to behave? Gladia suggested, opening her wings a bit and fanning them.
Perhaps they do. Gianna agreed. Gladia barked a growl and flung herself from the hill. She caught the wind under her wings and soared towards the army encampment. They wouldn't dare attack Gladia. Though there were riders in the shade army, most dragon riders would be allies. When she was near the army, Gladia swooped low, flying directly above the heads and tents of the encampment. Let them know if they caused trouble in Gianna's town, they would have a dragon to deal with.
***
Tally sat on the porch of her parents home, watching soldiers trailing into town. She was fascinated by the uniforms they wore, and the way they seemed to walk with a certain amount of pride. A sudden gust of wind blew her blond hair around her face, and she watched Gladia fly into town, to land somewhere by Aunt Gianna's home. Her gaze returned to the soldiers. Ismalians... she was instantly reminded of the royal family she had met in Bromsland. Something soft touched her arm them, and Tally looked down to find a red furred werecat staring up at her with interesting emerald colored eyes. "Hello." She said to it, and the werecat then sat down next to her, to observe the soldiers as well. Tally continued to gaze down on the creature. It was the first time a werecat had come to visit her in the open like this. In the back of her mind, she wondered, a little anxiously, what it meant.
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Post by Tismri on Oct 16, 2012 11:40:01 GMT -5
The soldiers gave a collective startled yelp as the purple dragon swooped low over them, many darting for cover. Although some had glimpsed dragons from afar, the vast majority of them had not seen one in person. They cowered on the ground, shaking, until their drill sergeant walked by.
"Get your faces out of the dirt and stand like a man!" he yelled. He was a bit offset by the dragon's appearance, but had quickly recovered. "That dragon's an ally, but this is her turf. She's just making sure you keep your a**es in line!"
"Aye, sir!" the men responded, returning to their former positions and standing attention.
"Very well. As you were!"
~~~~~
Tylon kept a somewhat nervous eye out for the dragon that had swooped overhead. She was larger than either of his parents' dragons, although the sight of her did not leave him as unsettled as others. He turned back to gaze around town. He didn't have to look around long before he spotted her, sitting on the porch of a house that had an enormous, well-ordered flower garden in the front. A grin crossed his face, and he separated himself from the others and walked up the path toward the house.
"Well, well," he said to her, "long time no see, Tally. How has fate been treating you since we parted ways?"
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Post by Trinn on Oct 16, 2012 11:47:29 GMT -5
Tally's thought on the werecat were interrupted when she heard a distantly familiar voice. Looking up, she was a little surprised to see a soldier striding towards her. She was certain she knew no Ismalian soldiers. "Hi..." She began, a questioning look creasing her brow. She realized who the soldier was with a sudden smile. "Tylon!" Remembering her manners, Tally promptly gave him a curtsy. "M'lord, how are you?" Her gaze swept over his uniform. "Why are you dressed that way? Are you leading the army?" She asked, unable to fathom that he might be in the ordinary ranks. The werecat remained where it was, staring at Tylon now with unnervingly knowing eyes. This surprised Tally as much as Tylon being here in Celesti. The werecats that came to visit her always left when somebody else came along. A strange day, this was.
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Post by Tismri on Oct 16, 2012 11:57:03 GMT -5
Ty waited patiently until Tally recognized him. His smile grew as she suddenly shouted out his name. However, he felt a small embarrassment as she curtsied to him.
"I have been well," he told her, giving the werecat a glance. He'd seen one once, some time ago. They weren't normal creatures, he knew, no more than dragons. "Although if I do recall correctly, I requested you forego formalities when I am with you. Tylon will do...or even just Ty." He glanced down at his uniform when she mentioned it and shrugged slightly. He laughed lightly when she asked if he was leading.
"I, lead an army?" he asked. "I very much doubt that any of them would appreciate taking orders from a child such as myself. No, I am only here as a common footsoldier." He glanced out at the army encampment for a long moment.
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Post by Trinn on Oct 16, 2012 12:16:49 GMT -5
"Only a foot soldier!" Tally exclaimed. "But, you're royalty! Isn't your life more valuable than that? I certainly think so." She frowned now, knowing the risk Tylon would be in as a foot soldier. "Get a horse." She said then, knowing that if he was in the cavalry, he may be in better shape. "How long will you be here for?" she asked, thinking it might be fun to show him around town and get him acquainted with her life.
OOC: Ahhh short post.
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Post by Tismri on Oct 16, 2012 12:35:59 GMT -5
Tylon shrugged at Tally's exclamation. "Perhaps I shall have a horse some day. I really don't mind starting from the bottom and working my way up like everyone else. It reminds me that I am no more or less than they. My relationship to the royal line is a bit distant; I really don't believe I even deserve the title 'prince.'" He smiled at her question. "We should be here for a couple of days, I suspect. We've been marching nearly every day since we left Ismalia, and I think my superiors are just as ready for a break as the rest of us." He glanced over the town and then gave Tally a sly smile. "If you don't mind, would you like to show a foreigner the sights of the city?"
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Post by Trinn on Oct 17, 2012 21:09:12 GMT -5
Tally listened to Tylon describe how he felt himself, and she was struck by how humble he really was. Nobility had not gotten to his head, as, she felt, it would for most people. If anything, his humility was one of the things that made him the most noble. One day, she thought, he would become a great leader. A bright smile lit her face and she nodded. "I would be delighted to show you around. Although, I must confess, Celesti is yet a small town, so there isn't much. Nonetheless, we shall have a little tour." Turning, Tally gestured with both arms at the house of the porch she had been sitting. "We may as well start here. This, is my humble home. I would show you around inside, but really, there's nothing impressive. Not compared to your castles or palaces, anyways. Except, my mother keeps a very nice flower garden. She's a great botanist. Perhaps I will show you after the tour." Gesturing for Tylon to follow her, Tally set off at a leisurely pace.
She took Tylon down the main road, and pointed out the local business. There was the tavern, of course, run by the old man that Daeron was constantly taking advantage of. She showed Tylon the house of her aunt and Einar, a bit larger than her home. Rightly so, Tally thought. If there was royalty within Celesti, it would be aunt Gianna and Uncle Einar. While everyone considered her father the leader of Marcus, many forgot that it was really the efforts of Gianna that had forged the tribe and then set up the village years later. "I suppose you saw the purple dragon earlier. That was Gladia. She is the namesake of this town, and it's people. My aunt Gianna has a story behind it, which I shall make short. Aunt Gianna was a slave, during the Empire war. Her parents were slaves before her. When Gianna was a little girl, her mother would point out to her the star Gladia. I think it was their family star, or some such, but it was, more than anything, a symbol of hope and freedom." Tally fell silent for a moment, lost in the history of her family and village. "There are many more stories to tell about Gladia, and Gladia Celesti, but it would take many nights to recite. Perhaps you would like to hear them another time?" She asked, hoping he would say yes. Tally loved to share the history of her people, and her family.
Glancing down at her feet, she was a little perplexed to find the werecat still beside her. Tally didn't try speaking to it. Werecats would talk first, or they wouldn't talk at all. Usually.
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Post by Tismri on Oct 17, 2012 22:22:37 GMT -5
Tylon smiled in appreciation as Tally agreed to give him a tour. She seemed as excited to show him around as he was to see it; or perhaps it had to do with them finding an excuse to spend more time together. He looked over the flower garden that she pointed out. It was full of bright blooms, despite the turning of the season, and displayed all colors. Tylon wondered if Tally's mother used magic to keep it looking so healthy.
He walked at a leisurely pace alongside her as she pointed out the various buildings of the town. At the tavern, he spotted a his fellow soldiers through the window. A couple of them kept a very civil disposition while the rest simply took advantage of the ale offered to them. He hoped they wouldn't cause the owner trouble.
His attention was turned to perhaps the largest home in the town. It still seemed extremely small in comparision to the palace that had been his home his entire life, but he knew that was unfair to judge by. Most people lived in houses that size, he knew. He listened keenly as Tally spoke of the residents of the home and the origins of the town. He smiled when he spotted the happy expression on her face; she obviously really loved this town as well as her family.
"Of course," he replied to her offer to share more of Celesti's history at some point. "I would be delighted to hear more about your home and family." He frowned slightly for a moment. To hear what all she obviously wanted to tell would require many more hours than what he had to spend with her.
They would be camped only a day or two in this location before marching to another location. They were making their way to the Beor mountains, which was the decided location for a meet between the leaders of the various nations threatened by the Shade Rider. The location was chosen because it was nearest to the Shade's army withing the Haddarac Desert, so it would be easiest to get their troops mobilized and in position after a strategy had been discussed.
"Talia," he said after a moment, "I hope...One day I hope to return here. This town is so peaceful, and...Even during our short time in Bromsland, I quite enjoyed becoming acquainted with you. I wish to continue that friendship, for many years."
He was uncertain why he felt the need to say this. He knew the grim reality that was upon him: he was marching to war. Odds of survival were not in his favor. But when he joined the army, he knew the risks. He would give his life to protect his people. That was something worth dying for.
But now, as he was here with this girl he barely knew but desired to know better, he felt conflicted, fearful, and unsure. He wanted to see Tally again, someday after the Ismalians had marched away. After the war was over. His small relationship with this girl...it truly was beginning to seem like something worth living for.
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Post by Trinn on Oct 18, 2012 18:39:27 GMT -5
Talia felt happy at Tylon's statement. He was always surprising her. "I hope for the same thing." She said earnestly. "I consider you a good friend already, Tylon. And know, you are welcome in Celesti anytime. If you ever need shelter and warm food, this town will be waiting for you. Even if all the world turns against you, Celesti will be here." Feeling that the mood had grown too serious, Tally smiled and gave Tylon's shoulder a little push. "Come on, there's a little more of the town to see!"
Tally walked through the rest of town, pointing out the stables, some of the farmland, the tailor, cobbler, tanner, butcher, and the blacksmith's home and shop. At last, they were again standing in front of Tally's home. "So you see, Celesti isn't that big, but it's growing. I can see our humble town growing into a flourishing city, one day. I hope to be able to see it like that some day." she said wistfully, staring off into the distance.
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Post by Tismri on Oct 19, 2012 22:14:53 GMT -5
Tylon smiled at Tally's words, but in his heart he was still questioning the wisdom of saying what he did. He was in the middle of marching toward war, and if he ended up dying in battle, he would leave her disappointed. Still, something about her made him unable to help himself. He valued their friendship, and was glad she felt the same way.
He followed her through the rest of the town, listening as she chattered to him about the various buildings and people. Her joy for this town was contagious, and he could listen to her speak of it for days.
"Celesti is quite a charming town," he told her. "I can see why you love it so. I myself find I am drawn to smaller places like this. A large city is a busy place, full of people of all sorts. I find them too crowded. But here...even if it doubled in size, I should find myself for comforted in Celesti than I ever have in Freia." He turned to her with a smile. It was true; Freia was an unruly, noisesome place to him. All large cities were. It was smaller towns like this that brought him peace. Not isolated like a farm, but rather just enough people to keep good company.
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Post by Trinn on Oct 20, 2012 14:33:32 GMT -5
Tally considered Tylon's careful words. Perhaps a city would not be the best for Celesti. But Tally would always wish for Celesti to be prosperous. It was her father's dream, too. She opened her mouth to say something, when a sudden, urgent roar cut her off. Startled, Tally's eyes flashed to the sky. She watched as Gladia darted back into the air, the figure of Gianna small on the dragons back. She followed Gladia's path. Another colorful glitter of scales caught her attention. An orange dragon, a tiny bit smaller than Gladia. "Chatura!" Tally exclaimed excitedly. The Ayati tribe had come to visit again!
"Tylon, it's the Ayati! They have come to pay Celesti a visit! And it's been a long time since last they were here." Gesturing for Tylon to follow, Tally burst into a run to reach the outskirts of Celesti. No doubt Chatura had flown ahead to inform her aunt about the Ayati's arrival.
***
Cirilai looked over Chatura's large shoulder, examining the army nestled just outside of Celesti. War was finally here. And it was one of the reason's the Ayati had come to visit their friends in Celesti. It was time again to join forces, to protect each other against the threats of the rider shade. Spotting Gladia, Cirilai raised a staff high into the air. It was decorated with colorful sashes witch fluttered magnificently in the air. The banner of friendship.
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Post by Tismri on Oct 20, 2012 18:04:31 GMT -5
Tylon glanced up toward the sky as he heard a roar from above, wondering what had caused the dragon to call out so. He glanced at Tally in confusion at her words.
"It's the what?" he asked as he followed her. After carefully inspecting the sky, he noticed another dragon approaching. Tally seemed quite excited about the new arrivals.
~~~~~
Kunin sat on Lux while Cirilai and Chatura went on ahead. He'd stayed back, keeping pace with the rest of the Ayati. He partly stayed back out of selfish motivations. Although they were growing older, he still desired to keep a close eye on his children at all times. Slavery may have been abolished, but that didn't mean the tribe would always be out of danger.
Ever the worrywart, Lux commented to him dryly. Kunin smiled at that and patted his friend's shoulder.
Are you telling me that you aren't concerned about your children sometimes?
I do worry for them, Lux admitted, making a circle around the tribe before orienting himself back in the direction of Celesti. But they are well grown by now, and they can fend for themselves. You son knows that well. Kunin thought of Zebulin. The boy truly did share a unique friendship. He was unbonded to any dragon, but befriended the wild hatchlings and cared for them.
He would make a great Rider, Kunin stated a little wistfully. He didn't relish the thought of outliving his own children. He'd hoped when offered that Zee would have agreed to go to Bromsland and see if a dragon might bond to him. But the boy was his father's son. He put the needs of the tribe before his own desires, always.
~~~~~
Zee walked in the midst of the Ayati, keeping pace alongside the elders. He gazed up where his father and Lux were flying and again where his mother had flown on ahead. Normally, a visit to Celesti would excite him, as he would have a chance to see his best friend again. But Ian was still in Bromsland, training to be a Rider. He'd heard a dragon had finally chosen him, which made Zee feel happy for him. At the same time, though it intensified his lonely feelings. He missed Ian, as well as Eva.
"Zee!" he heard a familiar voice call to him, and a small figure latched onto his arm, giggling. "Zee, we're almost to Celesti! Do you think we're going to see Ian? And Glory? Do you think there are going to be a lot of dragons? I hope so! I like seeing all the dragons! They're so colorful and pretty!" His little sister continued chattering away so quickly Zee rather wanted to bury his head in the sand until the noise stopped. He loved the girl, but she was just so annoying sometimes!
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Post by Trinn on Oct 22, 2012 17:19:30 GMT -5
"The Ayati!" Tally said again, trotting towards the edge of town. "They are a nomadic tribe. Back during the Empire war, they taught my people, the Gladia Celesti tribe, how to use weapons and defend themselves. Our two tribes became quick friends, and the Ayati visit us every now and then. I have a particular friend within the tribe. His name is Zee." They had reached the end of town now, and Tally came to a halt. Putting a hand to her forehead, she shielded her eyes against the sun and searched out the horizon. She spotted the Ayati quickly. They were all moving steadily forward, and would be entering town from the opposite side as the Ismalian army. "There!" She said, pointing the tribe out to Tylon. Tally wished the tribe were closer. They wouldn't reach Celesti for an hour. And Tally dearly wished to see Zee. Her secret crush.
OOC: The plot thickens. hehe
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Post by Tismri on Oct 22, 2012 22:48:20 GMT -5
OOC: And here I thought I could be devious and evil...lol!
Tylon listened as Tally explained who the Ayati were. She seemed awfully excited to see them. He stumbled and almost tripped when she mentioned her particular friend in the tribe was a boy. Were they just friends friends, or were they closer than friends? What sort of person was this Zee character? And what for shards' sake kind of a name was Zee?! He kept his exploding questions inside his mouth as Tally pointed the tribe out on the horizon, keeping in mind that he didn't want to hurt her feelings IF she happened to be together with this guy...he was just friends with her, anyway. Although he couldn't help but imagine doing all sort of things to show her that he was better than this other guy.
~~~~~
"Oh, there's Tally!" Zee's little sister squeeled, grabbing his hand and waving it enthusiastically in the air. Zee smiled slightly. Tally was a sweet girl, probably the only one around his age there to greet him, what with Ian, Eva, and Glory all gone. He knew most everyone was busy right now, but she would always come to greet him. She also enjoyed his artwork, or so he thought since she seemed to watch him as he spent time drawing while they were in town.
Once they were close enough, Zee felt his arm jerk hard as his sister towed him forward with all the speed she could muster.
"Nessa, slow down!" he told her. "You're going to tear my arm off!" She didn't seem to listen and continued to run until they were right up in front of Talia.
"Hi, Tally!" Nessa said, finally releasing Zee's arm and attacking her with a hug. Zee shook his head slightly, then smiled and tapped his forehead in the traditional Ayati style of greeting.
"How does the day greet you?" he asked her. He gave a glance to the boy standing with her. A young soldier, probably Ismalian, since he didn't recognize the uniform.
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