Seeking RP Writing Partner

[Poganin]

Ganelon

The axe was so blunt Ganelon wanted to cry in despair. Trying to whet it on stones helped very little but luckily he knew just how to strike to cut the hard oak wood to nice, even pieces. The work was strenuous however and soon made him sweaty and tired, so he removed his shirt and hacked topless, the pile of cut wood getting bigger and bigger. His determination wouldn't let him give up, he was trained otherwise.

When Ash finally left the house Ganelon was out of breath and his arms had no power in them anymore, even lifting the axe was an exhausting activity. He let go of the axe and it fell to the ground. Ganelon sat next to the stump he used for support, panting and heaving for breath, tired as hell but at the same time happy to have coped with the task Mebbeth had given him probably only to irritate him. He couldn't recall when was the last time he had been as tired as now. It must have been during his power trainings probably.

He raised his flushed face and looked at Ash who shook her head disapprovingly and muttered something.

"So, what did the grandma tell you?" He asked. "What do we do now, Ash?"

Sitting, Ganelon straightened his back and started taking long, deep breaths to rest faster and calm his heart.

 

[Guest]

Her eyes hit his chest, bare and sweaty. Each breath he took made muscles ripple. The effect was almost mesmorizing. Flushing, she snapped her gaze away and back up to his face. "Oh...um, she said to travel east and that we shoudl find a witch there that could possibly help me out. She seems confident that she will be able to remove the mark and free me from this man." She waited a beat, hoping that Ganelon wouldn't ask any other further questions. She wasn't about to tell him that the old woman thought the two of them were to be matched and that she was apparently going to make him a powerful and happy leader some day.

She cleared her throat and looked at the pile of wood. "She, um...also said to pile the wood by her home and to leave right away. That we would not be safe here tonight."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Still struggling for his breath, Ganelon got up and started moving the chopped wood to the place Ash indicated and began piling it in a neat stack. Finally he wiped his chest with his shirt, now dirty not only because of blood but also dust, sweat and other unidentifiable factors. Good thing he had some spare clothes in his bag, this one however will need washing very soon.

Ash looked like she wanted to add something but decided against it and just waited for him to finish with the wood and they went for Mebbeth's hut to take their gear. Ganelon washed himself a bit when they were passing the well. From his sack he took another shirt, black this time, embroidered with silver thread in fantastic designs of dragons rampant on each breast, facing each other. He blushed, putting it on -- in such fancy garments he must look like a circus performer or impostor next to Ash's practical and simple clothing. He decided he needed some normal clothes for his travels. He would leave the expensive ones for better occasions.

Ash occupied herself with her own items and soon they were ready to move out.

"Are you sure you're strong enough to depart just yet? We can wait a little longer, there's still much time before nightfall..."

 

[Guest]

She nodded, "I'm fine...really. If we leave now, we can take a slower pace and still make some distance between now and nightfall. If we wait, I'd feel more rushed to get to a safe spot."

Mebbeth showed up again and gave them both a hug, then shooed them away. Ash slung her small sack acroos her back and they started off side by side. Her muscles ached slightly, still somewhat weak, but the movement actually felt good. She didn't complain as they left the village. Deciding that the main roads were too dangerous, they skirted off into the woods again. Watching her footsteps, Ash fell silent, which wasn't unusual. Her mind wouldn't stop running, Mebbeth's works ringing through. She glanced over at Ganelon from the corner of her eye and had to admit that she liked what she saw, but that didn't mean that they were destined to be together. ..or were they?

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Ganelon had to admit that Ash was right about leaving the village earlier. This way they could cover more distance before nightfall and choose a more suitable resting place for the night. Ganelon couldn't decide which was better: sleeping on the bare ground or in Mebbeth's chairs, threatened by various kitchen utensils to attack him whenever he would fall. One thing disturbed his peace though, two actually: first - Ash's health and possibility of next such attacks, he hoped that a good night's rest would help her... and second - the small bundle Mebbeth put under his shirt when she hugged him. He decided to take a look at night, when Ash would be sleeping. Not that he wanted to hide this from her but if the midwife wanted both of them to have this, she would have given it openly.

Following her through the woods Ganelon tried to concentrate on the ground under his boots but the gentle sway of Ash's hips in her characteristic gait constantly made his eyes sweep around her thighs and buttocks, hugged tightly by her leather trousers. After a while he had to shake his head and clear his mind -- he started waving his head to the rhythm of Ash's pace. He smiled and cursed himself in his head. This was no time to be daydreaming, instead of getting lecherous thoughts he should be concentrating on keeping his legs whole.

After some time, bored by the silence and the thoughts crowding inside of his head he finally spoke.

"Ash, aren't you tired? Maybe we should take a short rest? We've been walking for a few hours... If you fall from exhaustion I'll have to carry you again," he joked with a mischevious glint in his eye.

 

[Guest]

She laughed softly, meeting his eyes, "Well, we wouldn't want that now, would we?" She teased and gave him a quick wink, "But I suppose if you insist, then we could stop for a little bit. I could use a rest and stretch."

They continued walking slowly until they found a cool and shady spot. Ash sat down heavily and sighed, "Oh! That feels good...my legs are killing me." She stretched, reaching for the clouds, rolling her head to loosen her neck and then reaching down to massage her legs through the leather of her pants. "Whatever it was that I got the other night hit hard. I can tell it'll take a day or two to get back into things."

Stretching out, she flung an arm over her eyes, enjoying the cool patch of grass that she lay on. She hoped and prayed that they wouldn't come across any trouble before night fall. A day of rest would do both of them some good. She could hear Ganelon rustling around and smiled a little...he was probably getting some jerky or something as such to eat. She was just content to lay down for a minute before they set off again.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Ganelon welcomed the rest as well and removed his boots, wriggling his toes on the grass and chuckling at the tickling sensation. He stretched as well, hearing parts of his backbone snap and pop and sighed in relief. Muching on a piece of bread he fell into thought. He could use a week at hot springs or at the seaside, it would do good to his cramped muscles, tired body and he would get him a masseuse or two to...

He noticed Ash stretch and run her palms over her thighs, an innocent gesture and yet at the same time undoubtedly erotic. As she lay down with her eyes covered he forgot what he had been thinking about and openly stared at her laying on the ground, stretched. Ganelon observed her studiously, taking in her whole frame at the same time, following her shape curiously, the gentle curve of her hips, the slim waist, small hands, her bosom - not too big and not too small, just fine, long neck, her pretty face and those dark eyes...

Ganelon noticed she'd been looking at him and only when their eyes met he realised he was was shamelessly staring at her body. He blushed, "I-I-I'm sorry," he stammered. But he couldn't deny her attractiveness, he liked her and was afraid that with the passage of time he would find himself drawn more and more to her. He moved away a few paces and sat on the ground, leaning his back on a tree, wriggled his toes again and chuckled like a youngster.

 

[Guest]

She had felt Ganelon's gaze on her and moved her arm away from her eyes to meet his gaze. Only at first his gaze was surprisingly enough, glued to her body and not her face. She had blushed a bit when their eyes had met and mumbled, "Not a problem." when he had apologised. He obviously had just been lost in thought, she concluded and it had nothing to do with him possibly being attracted to her. Which was fine, she told herself, she really didn't need romantic complications. Of course...what would she know of romantic complications? She chuckled to herself and rolled to her side, propping herself up on one elbow and toying with some grass. She had never had a man, lover or any interest in past men. All were view usually as a threat, but Ganelon she trusted. At least, he gave her not reason NOT to trust him.

She watched him wiggle his toes and laugh and couldn't help but smile. He had an almost childish, innocent air about him from time to time that she found irrisistable.

Silence stretched between them as they relaxed when Ash finally stood. "We better start moving again. As much as it's nice to rest, we need to find a place for the night before it's too late."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

He nodded and got up, sighing, to pick up his boots and put them on. It was late afternoon when they started moving again, heading east towards the elusive witch that was supposed to be able to help Ash. As far as he remembered there were a few towns to the east and the city of Tylan... plenty of places to find a witch, he chukled.

This time he was walking first, finding the most suitable trail, stumbling and cursing at the tree roots that seemed to purposefully reach up and make his way hard. He didn't hear any problems from Ash, she must have been more skilled at traversing the wild than he was. A useful skill, he decided, wondering why his teachers never got to showing him how to move through dense forests. He pressed onward though, not wanting to show Ash that he was such a wimp in this matter.

Breaking the silence that had been growing between them as they moved he asked, "So, who taught you the Art? Or have you discovered the Gift within you yourself?"

 

[Guest]

She smiled, having noticed Ganelon struggle a few times with the terain, but said nothing. "It has been there since I can remember...I don't thin there has been a day which I did not know I had powers. They aren't as strong as most, I don't believe, but they are useful." She replied and couldn't surpress a giggle when he almost tripped again. "Takes some getting used to - not traveling on level ground, but you'll get the hang of it." She assured sweetly, just as her foot snagged against a root and she tripped. With a surprised gasp, she lurched against Ganelon, grabbing on reflexively only to topple them both down.

They hit the ground with a thud, Ash sprawled out on his back. She began to laugh...really laugh, which she hadn't done in years. "Oh god, I'm so sorry!" she burst out between laughing breaths, "Are you OK? I didn't hurt you, did I?" she giggled, trying to be serious, but not being able to contain herself...

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

With Ash grabbing at him frantically and his own foot fighting for freedom with a tangle of gnarled roots they both went falling to the earth, the sudden impact startling him and only his quick reflexes saved his face from plunging into an anthill, hands propping him up in the push-up position. Ash clung to his back, laughing and tossing around, completely unaware of his predicament.

"No, I'm fine," he said through his teeth. "But a little more and I'll be eating ants. Not that I mind having you on me but the little fellows might not appreciate becoming my dinner," he joked and pushed himself up, shaking Ash down.

He sat on the ground and looked at her as she still giggled and laughed at the crazy situation.

"You were saying...?" he said with a smile and seeing her merriment began laughing himself. "You didn't hurt yourself, did you?" Ganelon asked suddenly serious.

 

[Guest]

She wiped tears from her eyes and smothered a final giggle, catching her breath. Flashing him an enchanting smile, she waved a hand around. "I'm fine, I'm fine. Just a bit winded, but otherwise okay." Smothing back a little stray hair from her face, she stood, dusting off her clothing. She offered him a hand up, noticing the dirt all over his beautiful shirt. "I'm really sorry Ganelon. I was too busy watching you struggle that I didn't watch my step." Grasping his hand, she dropped her body weight back and help heave him off the ground. His hand felt warm and strong in hers, but she quickly let go and instead gently patted the dust off his shirt, "I'll clean your clothes for you when we find water...I'm going to have to do mine soon anyway."

Too busy fussing over him, she didn't bother looking into his face. Finally satisfied with what she could brush off his chest, she turned away and struck off in front of him. "Come on...I'll lead the way for a while...perhaps you won't be in so much danger that way." She joked, trying to shake off the warmth she felt every time she stood a little too close to him.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Ganelon was a bit astouded when she helped him up and then stood close to him, brushing off dust and needles from his shirt. He could feel her small hands patting his chest through the thin material of his shirt, having her touch him felt a bit strange. With a serious face he looked at her but she did not look up. Ash wasn't a big woman but she was very strong and her strength manifested in many ways. Ganelon guessed she would surprise him with many things in the days to come and the time they would be spending together. Standing closer to her than usual he could smell her natural scents: her hair, skin, sweat. And her touch was delicate, different than one would apply when brushing off dust from clothes.

Ganelon fell in a few steps behind her, watching the ground carefully but anyway from time to time his eyes would stray to look at Ash in front of him.

"Don't worry about the shirt. First town we visit -- I'll have to buy me some travelling gear, get rid of those fancy shirts and pants. I should wear something practical, like you do, I think you'll be the perfect person to advise me on this." He smiled to her back. And once all this is over we'll have someone tailor you a magnificent dress -- he wanted to add but was afraid he might hurt her feelings as she probably never wore one. Like any girl she must have wanted peace and stability, mentioning it might only hurt her. There'll be a time for dreams later, when they got to know each other better.

Ganelon marvelled at how much had happened over the period of the past two days. Basically they had only just met and yet now they travelled together. What a weird world!

 

[Guest]

"I'd be happy to help in any way." She called over her shoulder, paying close attention to her footing as they traveled. She wasn't about to fall again. First time accident, second time clumsy, she told hereself and they couldn't risk injury right now. She wouldn't be able to heal either one of them for a few days without seriously opening herself up for more illness.

The morning seemed to breeze by into afternoon and afternoon into early evening. They stopped several times to rest, to eat and take care of personal needs, but kept convorsation to a minimum as they concentrated on their travel.

Finally the sun began to set and Ash slowed, walking fairly close to Ganelon. "We'll have to camp out for the night, but I think that we're far enough away from everything to be safe. We should find a place to stop and make ourselves comfortable for the night."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

He looked up and through the canopy of leaves and branches noticed that the sun was setting and it was high time to look for a place to set up camp in while there was still some light available. They moved a bit deeper into the forest and quite conveniently found a small lake surrounded by oaks with a place that was definitely used for camping by other travellers. There was a circular area surrounded by small stones to make fire in, a stack of wood for burning and a roof made from branches and grass, spread among three trees to protect from rain. The place was silent, comfortable and secluded, perhaps a hermit's lodging... but there was no one in sight.

Ash kneeled over the lake and drank some water while Ganelon carefully checked their surroundings for some unwanted company and finding none and no trails to suggest someone might arrive later, he quickly lit a big fire that would keep them warm in the cool surroundings of the lake.

"There is enough wood to keep the fire burning until morning," he called. "This place is just too convenient," he added with a smile and chuckled.

 

[Guest]

Ash smiled at him, standing and looking around. "True, but right now all our choices would consist of staying or moving on and finding a new spot. I'd rather stay." She said. "I've come across a few places like this one...it's always nice. It might seem easy, but it's always thought that before you leave, you make sure that wood is stacked again and that the place is in good condition for the next traveler. It's a curtosy of sorts. I don't know when this started, but I always enjoyed it."

The water was cool...she wished that it had been a little warmer. She badly wanted another bath like the one they had shared a few days back. She hoped to reach Tylen soon or at least a smaller village that they could stop and replenish their supplies and perhaps spend a day in comfort.

She yawned and moved toward the fire. Sitting cross legged by the flames, she let the heat warm her aching muscles.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Ganelon smiled seeing Ash get comfortable near the fire, he made sure there was some spare wood for stoking in her reach and started undressing. First he took off his shoes, then his shirt, then he fought with his trousers for a moment. He caught her curious glance and explained:

"I don't know about you but I'm game for a swim." He grinned and took off his trousers, moving out of the firelight's reach he took his underwear off as well and wrapping his braid around his neck he took three long leaps in the shallow water and jumped into the lake where it was becoming deeper.

He remained underwater for 70 heartbeats and surfaced with a wild scream, spitting water and blowing air like a whale. The water was insanely cold and Ganelon couldn't help uttering crazy sounds, huffing and puffing. It refreshed him though, invigorated him and freed him from the heavy mood forests always bestowed upon him. He swam for a few moments, laying back in water, lazily floating and gazing at the stars. Glancing at Ash he saw her look at him with a puzzled expression but the firelight made her look even more stunning than sunlight. Each time he looked at her he noticed something new, previously unseen.

 

[Guest]

She at first laughed softly at Ganelon's noises. He clearly wanted to brave the cold water, but she wasn't about to freeze her bottom off. She took a delicate sniff at her skin and wrinkled her nose. Well, perhaps a little later. He was naked and she wasn't about to share the same water with him right that instant. It was too soon and she was too aware of his male form. Although mostly hidden by the night, she still was able to catch a glimpse of his lean, muscled frame. She wondered if she had just been blind all these years to men or if he just attracted her.

She caught his glance a few times and decided to best look away. She didn't want him thinking she wanted to see him naked. Again Mebbeth's words rang clear through her mind. Shaking her head, she stared into the fire, uncontiously drawing in it's energy. The forest was calm, the sounds soothing to her. She let herself drift into a clam state of mind, her body gently pulsing as she gained her energy. Drawing her knees up, she dropped her head down to her knees and purposefully opened herself to the elements. Mother nature was always a good remedy for what ailed her tired body and soul.

A splash cut through her haze and she turned her face to gaze again at Ganelon, her eyes glowing gently with energy. A small content smile played over her lips. It had been some time since she had taken pleasure in her powers and let herself be rejuvinated this way.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Ganelon decided to call it quits and got out of the water, shivering as the cool air touched his wet skin. He pulled a blanked from his bag to wrap himself in and sat on the bank, gazing at the stars and letting himself dry. Ever since childhood he had loved watching the night sky, counting and naming the visible constellations. He wanted to become an astronomer but... his family name and traditions got in the way and he was forced to train his arms for fighting, to carry on the Legacy.

Dry, he put his clothes back on and sat next to the fire, watching Ash intently. She looked different somehow, something's changed but Ganelon could not recognise it, even pinpoint where the change had taken place. He noticed the overall effect only.

"Are you okay? You seem somehow different?" He inquired, curious about her but she only stared at the flames, her eyes shining and reflecting the fire, her face thoughtful... she probably didn't even register his question.

Ganelon decided to leave it and took some food for a late supper, muching slowly and gazing at Ash from time to time. With her face lit by the flickering flames she looked... cute...

 

[Guest]

The sounds that Ganelon made rustling about along with his question stirred Ash back from her relaxed daze. She closed herself up again and smiled, stretching. "Did you enjoy your swim?" She asked sleepily and watched him nod as he chewed on some food. She herself wasn't all that hungry tonight...feeling fulfilled by her powers instead. Now all she wanted to do was crawl over to her palet on the ground and sleep.

"Well...good night then." She murmured softly and moved to her spot. They had placed their palets fairly close to each other. Both favoring the canopy just in case it rained. Stretching out, she grabbed her blanket and pulled it around herself. Snuggling down into it as best she could, she curled up and closed her eyes, welcoming a dreamless sleep.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Ganelon lay on the ground thinking about the sudden change in his life. Well, undertaking the namequest was a change, however he hadn't thought it would all turn out like this. He always imagined his quest a solitary journey through the land, seeking an adventure that would make him famous and worthy in the eyes of his family. Never did he suspect he would team up with a vagrant sorceress and follow her, as a companion and bodyguard. It was going to be quite a few days before they reached Tylen and he hoped there would be little trouble on the way. The instances that would take place he would treat as training, he couldn't allow his skills to rust.

Recalling Mebbeth's bundle he got up silently and crossed to his bags where he had hidden it while undressing for the swim. It was a piece of fist-sized cloth-wrapped stone with a piece of paper attached. Approaching the fire he struggled to read the hastily scribbled runes, drawn as a child would draw them.

I have no idea how is it that you blasted Swordbearers have always to pester me and me family. Since time immemorial you've always chanced upon my family unknowing about your and our common history. Seems destiny likes to weave her threads close, make her job easier. You watch that ladyfriend of yours, Ganelon, as she seems not to have complete awareness of her full power. The stone I gave you is no paperweight -- when you cross the town of Coliander, go and visit Kashell the blacksmith there and have him reforge your sword by adding a coating made from this stone to the blade. It will protect you in case Ash suffers from a backlash of her power... Otherwise she might unintentionally blow your head off. Let us both hope nothing like that ever happens but who knows. I have fulfilled my part in your fate, Swordbearer, now you fulfil yours and get yourself a name. Don't make my sleepless night go to waste. I wish you two all the best. M.

This was a surprise... Ganelon had to think about this some more and besides, having read the message, his head started working and he wouldn't be able to fall asleep. He put the rock and the paper into his sack and sat at the fire, wrapped in his blanket, completely lost in thought. It was in this position that he met the next morning and the sunrise.

 

[Guest]

Ash groaned and stretched like a cat, untangled her body from her blanket and sitting up. She saw Ganelon still sitting by the fire and wondered if he had been up all night. She looked over at his palet and saw that it was untouched. Standing, she yawned and felt strong and refreshed again. Today's walk would go better, she thought to herself and walked over to her companion. He seemed completely lost in thought. Kneeling down by the dying fire, she gently nudged his shoulder, giving him a slightly concerned look. "Ganelon, don't tell me you stayed up all night when we still have much travel ahead."

His gaze flickered to hers, small shadows under his eyes confirming her thoughts. He seemed to gaze at her thoughtfully, making her feel a little self conscious. She rubbed her eyes and moved to collect her things. "I'm not hungry this morning, so we can go if you are ready. Perhaps with this early start, we can take a longer break for lunch, give you time to rest."

Folding her things away and strapping on her bag, she busied herself with stocking up the supplies for the next travelers. She felt alive and vibrant today. Her skin held a healthy glow, her eyes were shiny and bright and her steps seemed lighter. She felt in control again. She just hoped that fate wasn't going to play tricks on them. She was up, she didn't want to see Ganelon down.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Night passed unnoticed by him, completely lost in thought, Ganelon was oblivious to the fire dying out in front of him, cold, humid air surrounding him. He was concentrated on the thing Mebbeth wrote: that each time a Swordbearer undertook his namequest, he would meet someone from Mebbeth's family. The most interesting thing was that not once was this mentioned in the diaries of subsequent Swordbearer masters he was forced to study and learn from. Ganelon wasn't sure if teaming up with Ash wasn't some sort of travesty on the tradition of the namequests. However it was the Oracle who pushed him on this road so basically there was no own will in this.

As they left their camp and Ganelon followed Ash through the forest another thought formed in his mind -- if Ash was not in full control of her power and could hurt people around her if she lost control... should he fear her? He wasn't afraid of death or dying, such thoughts were banished from his head during his trainings. There was a fear in him though, connected with Ash's magical Gift but he couldn't understand where was the focal point of it. Was it the realisation that she might hurt herself and he would have no way of helping her or protecting her from harm? Perhaps he could use Mebbeth's gift to help Ash somehow as well... only how? If the strange metal was to protect him from magical backlash it probably blocked and shielded magical emanations. Giving it to Ash would only result in cutting her away from the source of her powers. There had to be another way.

Mechanically, Ganelon followed in Ash's footsteps, carefully picking his way, trying to step where she stepped. After some time however the fact that he didn't sleep at all last night started getting to him -- his eyelids felt heavy, his mind was blank and he couldn't concentrate. He wasn't about to become a burden to her travel. Steadying his pace he started muttering an energising prayer that would make him feel rested. But only feel, his body would still be tired and needing rest as soon as possible... for the time being though he could march on.

 

[Guest]

It was very unlike unlike Ganelon not to speak and Ash was feeling a little uneasy that not one work had really passed between them since this morning. He seemed completely lost in though, with a worried frown creasing his handsome face.

Morning soon turned into afternoon. It began to warm and sweat broke out over Kethry's skin...something she always detested. It always left her feeling dirty, but she tried to ignore the feeling a while longer before calling a halt for a rest stop.

She stopped another good shady spot like the day before and led him there. Picking out a spot, she sat down with a relieved sigh and fished through her things to take out a piece of dried fruit. She eyed her companion, wondering what he was thinking of. He didn't seem like the type of man to let himself get caught up in idol ideas. This had to somehow be important to him. "Rest Ganelon or you'll never make this evening."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Ganelon welcomed the offer of break in their itinerary and sat on the ground in the place he stopped in. He looked around, appreciating the calm spot in the forest and spread his legs before him, supporting himself on the elbows he yawned and blinked a few times, fighting the sleepiness. It was a losing battle though, each time he closed his eyes for a moment he found himself dozing off and forced himself awake with a start. He could see Ash's amusement at his hardship and got up, trying to smile as well, rubbing his eyes and yawning again.

"I'm sorry, I had some thinking to do... It gets to me once in a while... And it's such a pain to chase those incessant thoughts away with a sword..." He grinned and took some jerky from his bag, started eating slowly, muching on the hard meat. "What do you think she will be like? This witch in Tylen I mean? Old and wrinkled like Mebbeth? Or maybe a stunning enchantress like yourself..." he broke off, realising he just spoke his mind aloud.