@ Kirk: The girl blushes a little bit as you praise the instruments, then she replies
Sir Zaekkaran, it would be an honour for the Harmonion to sell you the finest horn you will find in all of Ustalav.
She scurries to a display cabinet at one side of the large saleroom and takes a horn out.
This horn was made from the canine of a Remorhaz, a mighty predator of the icy wastes far north from here. It's extremely durable and has a full bass tone. There are a couple of etchings in Skald on it that, I assume, tell of long lost heroes, but I have to amdit that I can't read them. We got the tooth from a wandering Ulfen skald, who kept it as a lucky charm, but we made a very good war horn of it.
Sir Zaekkaran, it would be an honour for the Harmonion to sell you the finest horn you will find in all of Ustalav.
She scurries to a display cabinet at one side of the large saleroom and takes a horn out.
This horn was made from the canine of a Remorhaz, a mighty predator of the icy wastes far north from here. It's extremely durable and has a full bass tone. There are a couple of etchings in Skald on it that, I assume, tell of long lost heroes, but I have to amdit that I can't read them. We got the tooth from a wandering Ulfen skald, who kept it as a lucky charm, but we made a very good war horn of it.
This is a most impressive looking instrument! Solaric picks up the piece carefully and inspects the etchings. May I try it? With permission, the newly ordained priest of Iomedae puts the horn to his lips and lets them buzz to produce a long whole tone. He follows this up with a series of lip slurs and scales followed by The Rowan Tree, an Ustulavian folk melody that he remembers from his lessons with Master Tuckwell at the academy.
Perform Check
By the light of the Inheritor, this instrument is amazing! At the sound of this horn, our hearts will be filled with hope and courage, and our enemies will tremble in fear. What are you asking for this masterpiece?
@ Solaric:
The girl woman with happiness
I can't believe it, it's the first time you tried this instrument and you are capable of using it like a master!
How could I ever charge you the regular price for it, it seems like it was meant to be played by you. Shelyn would curse me if I'd take more than what we once paid the skald. So it's only 40 gp for you.
@ Kirk:
The rations actually consist of jerky, dried fruits and bread.
"You like leather right?"
"Indeed, it matches my new armour. I know my sorority sisterhood normally frowns on such attire, and they don't tell us anything at the Academy about its use, however with some clever tailoring it doesn't really get in the way and shouldn't interfere with much of my channeling of the arcane. Personally I find it far more practical for the activities we undertake, and sends an unmistakeable message about my intentions. Although..." she looks at her leather clad attire, crossbow, and paired Daggers "Some may mistake me for a Rogue, albeit a sharply dressed one."
"Hey Countess, you know a fair bit about the other planes right? Do you know what that invisible thing the Ragman summoned was? I've heard some things from other worlds are immune to good honest steel. Is there anything I could get that might help my weapons hurt them?"
"My knowledge is a bit limited to those beings that can be conversed with by arcane and clerical means. For hunting of the Demonspawn I recommend weapons forged of Cold Iron, like these" she points to her dagger and to the heads on her crossbow bolts "...also bites deep on the creatures of nature. For the Devils you may wish for pure Alchemical Silver. Against other non-worldly creatures one may require weapons of a necromantic ghostly nature, as those creatures move in vibtration with our world and the next"
"With the Rag Mans creature, seemed that cold hard steel did the trick, it just looked like it took a lot of force and a bit of luck"
I can't believe it, it's the first time you tried this instrument and you are capable of using it like a master! How could I ever charge you the regular price for it, it seems like it was meant to be played by you. Shelyn would curse me if I'd take more than what we once paid the skald. So it's only 40 gp for you.
"Bless you, my dear. I, myself, cannot believe the sound I heard. Please give my compliments to the craftsman who so masterfully labored to build such an incredible instrument. I cannot help but believe that this horn was meant for me. I will humbly accept your offer and pray that it may be used as a tool to bring Iomedae's will to this world. I thank you again." Solaric kindly pays the woman 40 g.p. and departs with his new horn!
Solaric next looks for a stable where he may purchase a horse and the equipment need to ride such a creature. He tries to recall if Zahur ever mentioned a particular place.
"You like leather right?"
Pitr listens closely noticing her weapon selection. "So you're armed for demons, huh? I've heard you mention your mother a few times. Family problems? You'll have to tell me a bit more about your family tree, if it doesn't spoil your feminine mystique."
He looks down at the magic blade at his side. "I've also heard that magical creatures require magical blades, but I'm trading this in for a bit more protection." He looks over the display cases. "Whoa. That liquid silver is pretty expensive, but maybe this magic weapon oil will serve in a pinch."
Pitr finalizes his purchases and invites the Countess for a drink back at the Sharkpool while he meets up with Samara.
Collecting up her supplies, and satisfied with her shopping, Victoria joins Pitr at the Sharkpool to watch Pitr play his hand with Samara.
[ooc]..and because tone is lost in the web. I of course was joking. I also noticed you call Solaric, Kirk too. ; ) if you want to add some description for 1001 Things go ahead. we breezed out of there pretty quickly. i'm home sick today so I have too much time on my hands.
@ Solaric:
The best stable you know of is the "Equestrian" which is located in Stone District.
The stable consists of three large stable buildings and a paddock in between them. The sound and smell of horses is everywhere and it's a constant coming and going of merchants and messengers that rent horses or exchange them on the fly.
After walking around for some minutes and getting an impression of the place, a young stable boy adresses you
Sir, can I help you Sir?
@ PITR and Victoria
The personnel of the 1001 things are very helpful and friendly and you leave the shop with a good feeling.
As you return to the Sharkpool it's about noon and there are a handful of dock workers having their lunch here. You notice that the whole place has been cleaned up and even the filthy water in the basin has been exchanged for fresh one which is inhabited by several fishes now.
Sir, can I help you Sir?
"Yes, my good lad," the dark elf replies. "Could you please direct me to a salesperson. I am interested in the purchase of a horse." Solaric recalls his difficulty in his riding classes, and hopes that he will be able to negotiate this whole process. He says a quiet prayer while he waits for the stable boy to return with a salesperson. "Iomedae, you are my guide. As I prepare to embark on the quest before us, smiting down the evil of this land in your name, I ask you to bring to me a horse that may help me accomplish these ends. Let her be strong, sturdy, and able to bear me along the many dark roads that I may travel. I ask this in your name. Let it be so."
The boy scurries off and it takes only about two minutes until a bald man with a dark moustache and brawny arms strides over to you
Greetings m'Lord. I'm Galvander Morno, foreman here at the Equestrian. I heard you are interested in buying a mount? If you'd like to share some details, I can surely help you.
So, what do you intend to use that horse for? I doubt you need it for working purposes, but is it rather for travel or battle?
Greetings m'Lord. I'm Galvander Morno, foreman here at the Equestrian. I heard you are interested in buying a mount? If you'd like to share some details, I can surely help you. So, what do you intend to use that horse for? I doubt you need it for working purposes, but is it rather for travel or battle?
Greetings, Master Morno, I am Solaric Zekkaran. I am an Iomedean priest from the House of the Vigilant Flame. I will be armored and traveling a great deal with the horse, but I anticipate that I will be seeing combat before long. I am thinking perhaps a medium sized warhorse. Something that can travel at a good pace, yet be ready for battle should the need appear, which in my case will likely happen soon. I would prefer a horse that is already trained in combat maneuvers and will not take much time to break in. What do you have that you can show me?
Sure m'lord, I already have one animal on my mind, follow me, please.
Morno leads you to a group of horse stalls that are larger and house really impressive beasts.
Here we are, this is the place where we keep the war horses. Since you don't seem to wear plate armour, I would recommend a light war horse like this.
he points to a brown stallion, that while it looks very agile, is still heavily muscled.
The name's Dart and it's one of the best horses I've ever seen. It ain't cheap though. We have to charge you with 200 gp for it, but you already have a military saddle, four saddle bags and bridle included.
Here we are, this is the place where we keep the war horses. Since you don't seem to wear plate armour, I would recommend a light war horse like this.
This looks like a fine animal, but tell me, should I acquire Full Plate, Half Plate or even Banded Mail Armor, how well would she handle the weight?
The foreman thinks for a moment, measuring the horse and you, then he tells you what he thinks the beast is able to carry.
Evening of the 6th:
Took as bow and 50 arrows from the treasure.
Gone to see his bull of a woman. Left in the late hours of the night/early hours of the morning to get some rest.
7th:
Attended Solaric's ceremony and congratulated his friend on his achievement on being accepted into the church of Imodae.
Helped his friends in getting mounts, getting feed for Night as well and looked into getting mount armour for her as well based in what is available.
Handle Animals
Accompanying Pitr @ a 1001 things to look for a Mw. breastplate or chainmail, as well as getting 2 doses of magic weapon oil, 2 replacement sunrods, and a week's worth of rations.
Afterwards, visited his parents as he didn't have a chance to see them at the graduation. While there he spends some time fixing his straps, and any dents or damage to his equipment with his father in the forge.
During your work together in the forge, your father says very little, yet you can feel that he is by all means proud of his son. As he lays the hammer down and takes a deep breath, he smiles and says
See my son, I was deeply worried as you began your time at the academy. I thought my ways must not be yours - now you proved my totally wrong and managed something I was never able to accomplish: saving a whole city from despair and doom. I no longer fear for you, I know you have what it takes to be a hero...a real hero, like those from the bards' stories.
With that, he takes off one of his rings - a ring he wore at all times as far as you can remember - and hands it over to you.
Take this, it has saved my life more than once.
The polished silver ring is a ring of protection + 1.
even the filthy water in the basin has been exchanged for fresh one which is inhabited by several fishes now.
Pitr heads up to the counter, "I like what you've done with the place. New management? Don't go too far though or you might attract the 'wrong' type of client. Do you know if Samara is in the back? I have an appointment." He clicks his tongue and gives the bartender a knowing wink.
The barkeep looks up from rinsing some wine glasses
Yeah, Mr. Salvator ordered to clean up the whole place...took some time.
he points to the dark circles around his eyes
Samara is in the back, I'll usher you in.
Samara is again sitting at the small table in the room, swinging a small pendulum above a harrowing.
As you enter, she holds the pendulum and looks up
My valorous knight has returned! she says with a smile and a wink.
While I'd love to roleplay it all out, I don't think we should bother because I probably won't be responding again for a few more days. Instead, I'll just continue this thing with Trenk slowly and surely.
Kirk nods gratefully to Trenk, "Thank you, my friend. Of course I'll buy from you, and if you ever need anything done that you can't do yourself, I'll always be willing to give it a try. If I have time tomorrow, I'll be back. And if not, then I'll see you soon."
My valorous knight has returned! she says with a smile and a wink.
Bowing deeply, Pitr replies, "At your service, milady! I've returned to ask your favor in my upcoming mission to possibly certain death and dismemberment. No, no say no more. It will all have been worth it just to know I have milady's love." he adds dramatically.
Noticing the pendulum, curiosity gets the better of his showmanship. "What is that you're doing?"
Sure, for you a masterwork studded leather is 200 gp. For the other things, just pay the prices the others paid.
@ Kirk: Trenk nods friendly
Oh yes, I will remember your offer Kirk. And don't hesitate to visit me, maybe I can show you some things about concoctions you don't know yet.
@ Pitr: Samara laughs heartily and signals you to sit down
You would have made quite a good troubadour.
putting the pendulum back into a small velvet bag she replies
Sometimes just LOOKING at the cards does not unearth Desna's will - then I use the pendulum. Oh, I nearly forgot that you are here for a reason; here's the scarf. May it protect you from all harm and remind you that you have friends at home.
She draws the wings of Desna over her heart and hands you the colourful enchanted wool scarf.
Pitr again bows low as he accepts the scarf,
With a gallant flip of his scarf, Pitr takes leave of Samara and joins Countess for a drink. "Oh, I'm sorry Countess, I hope I'm not upstaging you with this breathtaking scarf. So what will you have? and since we have a moment, I mentioned earlier that I wanted to ask about you something. Stop me if I'm prying, but when I first met you I thought you were decked out for a Sorority carnival. No offense, but it seems you're the real deal. You don't look Chelaxian and I thought only they engaged in diabolic liassons. You're not a priestess yet you heal. So if I may, explain yourself."
Victoria holds her glass to the up to the firelight, examining closely the ruby coloured contents. After gently swirling it she gives it a gentle sniff then a tentative taste. Finding the content to her satisfaction she reclines back comfortably yet elegantly in her chair.
”A reasonable question Mr Jendarne, and one fairly put.”
”You are correct in your observation, my family do not hail from Cheliax, and yes the Chelaxians normally reserve their dealings to the denizens of Hell rather than those of the Abyss. My ancestral home is Ardeal, where my family still reside, and while it is in fact true that we have titles and land, our fortunes are not what they once were, indeed, Ardeal itself has crumbled into disrepair, decay and obscurity since losing its role as the Capital; and we were no better off. ”
”My family is an old one Mr Jendarne, and have been occupying those territories for generations, and some of the practices and beliefs my a few members of my family practice branch back to that era, indeed, occasional compacts with the Abyssal denizens had been made over the years to secure and cement our position and influence. ”
”Unfortunately the fates play the cards they choose, and when Ardeal began to crumble there was little that could be done, and after years of toil trying to reverse the declining fortunes and power my father once again called upon the deep denizens to come to the aid of our family.”
She pauses to refill her glass...
”At the end of the ceremony he was crestfallen, there was no puff of smoke, no fires of the damned, no deal in blood, just...nothing. He thought he was a failure, and the family took it as a sign that our days were indeed over. And for a while, that is exactly how it seemed”
”It was on the following full moon that his call was answered, although the reply was not what he expected. A Demonic force, as fierce as she was beautiful dominated his will and took his seed, draining him mercilessly of his vitae and then casting him off as a broken shell. Then she simply disappeared.”
”Father went into a long convalescence after that, his body slow to recover, and his mind even slower, despite the harrowing experience he pined for the demoness like a lovelorn character from a tragic play, with each full moon cycle he just sat awake waiting for her to return, frail and lonely.”
”He waited twelve such cycles, his health finally recovering to a reasonable degree, though he remained drained of vigour, and on that twelfth moon he drifted into a deep slumber and when he awoke he came to with me at his feet, coiled sleeping with a serpent... little Naga here.”
She glances to her sleeve where a small black snake head protrudes unobtrusively.
”There was no message, no great direction, only a babe and her unusual protector. The family took my arrival as a sign that they had not been abandoned, and as I grew it became clear that I had certain abilities, amongst them being able to influence others and gifted with a sharp mind. So it was that the family simply decreed that I was in fact their salvation made flesh and that I would be the vehicle to deliver them and rebuild the family fortune and influence.”
”Obviously the chance of doing this amidst the rubble of Ardeal would be an almost impossible task, and that the only option was to place me in the new Capital where the wheels of commerce and politics turn, and so it was that the entry to the Academy was sought, at great cost to the family to support. My father was also glad to be rid of me, lest I remind him of the woman who broke his heart and left him forever alone”
”To be true and honest, my time at the Academy was less about learning and study, and more about being a cornerstone of later influence and power, a chance to develop the right connections and the right credentials from which to rebuild. It has suited me well to assume the occasional airs of a ditzy debutante, as smart women tend to be threatening, and dumb pretty girls get leeway and influence well beyond any right they had to wield it.”
”As to the healing powers, well it is true that I hold loyalty to no particular deity, which is the normal channel for such magic; my gifts are arcane in nature, and their secrets are revealed to me through Naga, on behalf of my...’patron’...indeed it seems that from the deepest pits of the Abyss there are forces that seek to maintain contact with their progeny and see that as I develop I gain talents that will help me gain what my father sought when he contacted them.”
Her face develops a rather distant and haunted bearing for a few moments
”To be true, I hear them call in the darkness, I feel the tingle in my blood, as my strengths grow in the mould of my Succubi mother I fear that I might become her and become as destructive and wilful as my dark cousins, so I fortify my will and take strength in the structure and order of society, the rigid hierarchy of law and order, and seek to adhere to it strongly – such structure aids me in being who I am, and I devote my time to maintaining the status quo. Indeed the establishment, and our tiered structure of society give me great comfort. As I reclaim my family birthright and rise in the establishment, the stronger it will bond and guide me away from destruction, yet at the same time I must bear in mind that the power and influence that comes with station would also come with the ability for chaos and destruction at a greater level – therein lies the trick in my balancing act”
”So there you have it”
The name's Dart and it's one of the best horses I've ever seen. It ain't cheap though. We have to charge you with 200 gp for it, but you already have a military saddle, four saddle bags and bridle included.
Solaric pauses to consider the offer. She is a beautiful animal. However, I will admit, Mister Morno, your price is steeper than I was anticipating. I will be leaving for the North in a day or so on urgent business for the city, and I've got lots of expenses to take care of before I leave. You run a fine business here, and I know you've got your expenses as well, but would you consider an offer of 150 gp?
Diplomacy
"Well, says Pitr. "I knew there was a story in there somewhere."
He seems abnormally pensive. "That is something we have in common. A father who piles his aspirations on you and will never be satisfied with anything you do. My family has lived in Ustaslav since the days of the Even-Tongued Conquest propping up their fallen status with Taldan snobbery. So now my father decides it is time for us to return to Taldor and I'm to waste my life as a nameless grunt on the Qadiran Wall on the off chance I win notice and rank from the good old empire. A place I've never been and couldn't give a damn about! My life is here in Karcau and I couldn't give a fig about Taldor!" Pitr clenches his teeth and notices from the odd glances that he has raised his voice a bit.
He takes a moment to calm himself and standing with a nod to the Countess he says, "Well, it's a bit glum in here today. I wonder if we can catch a little music somewhere. What do you think the rest of our group is up to?"
"Well, it's a bit glum in here today. I wonder if we can catch a little music somewhere. What do you think the rest of our group is up to?"
"I don't mind the peace after our busy few days, and I'll say we will be happy for the rest as we journey into the wilds. I suspect our allies are off talking up a storm. I would also wish to see them off in pursuit of leisurely ladies and flowing alchohol most earnestly, for I suspect I'll hear nothing but moans as to their absence after two days of riding away from civilisation"
Pitr's easy smile returns as he notes, "I might pass on the leisurely ladies tonight after hearing your tale Countess. You never know what you might end up with. I just hope I can sleep tonight."
@ Solaric:
Morn rubs his chin, you feel that he is really willing to lower the price, yet he may no be entitled to do so.
I can't go below 180 gp, the boss would kill me otherwise.
@ Kirk: You have one full day left to work on his concoctions.
@ Pitr and Victoria:
Just as Pitr has mentioned that a little bit of distraction would be very nice, a young Varisian woman enters the Sharkpool.
While her braided hair is of a hazel colour its tips are snow-white. She seems shy and most of the time looks to the ground as she crosses the room and takes a chair next to the bar.
There she sits for some minutes until a group of fishermen's wives enter and with a great "halloo" greet the barkeep.
The girl walks over to the group and says well hearable:
Lady! gentle lady! know,
I your future fate can show;
Give your hand, and do not fear;
Lady! gentle lady! hear!
One of the women, pulls out a shiny silver coin and gives it to the handsome Varisian girl.
In return the Varisian takes the woman's hand and traces some lines on it, after a minute or two, the girl then rhymes:
Your fortune? You are now so old,
Good dame, that 'tis already told:
Yet for your money in a trice
I will repay you in advice.
Astonished at your childish vanity,
your friends all tax you with insanity,
and grieve to see you use your art
to catch some youthful lover's heart.
Believe me, dame, when all is done,
your age will still be fifty-one;
And men will rakely take a hint
of love, from two grey eyes that squint.
Take then my counsels; lay aside
your paint and patches, lust and pride,
and on the poor those sums bestow,
which now are spent on useless show.
Think on your Maker, not a suitor;
think on your past faults, not on future;
and think time's scythe will quickly mow
the few red hairs, which deck your brow.
After the Varisian has finished, her customer looks quite annoyed and is laughed at by all her friends. She rejoins the group though and you bet she will hear the verses quite alot of times for the rest of the day.
Missstresss not tell this human too much, we not know him good enough. I wonder if your mother will ever return to ssee what hasss become of her daughter...
Zahur grasps his father in a hug and thanks him.
Thank you father, if it had not been for your tales I would have never taken up the sword. Even though I know that it worried mother sick when you went adventuring it is interesting to see the connections that all of this has resulted in.
Let me rest and be off to see my companions as it seems that our adventure is just beginning.
Looking at the ring in his hand that he admired so many times as a child, the tall Garundi slips it on his finger and flexes his hand to get use to the feel.
The following day, after spending some time in the morning at the house and forge, returns to town to meet with his companions.
Morn rubs his chin, you feel that he is really willing to lower the price, yet he may no be entitled to do so.I can't go below 180 gp, the boss would kill me otherwise.
Well she is a beauty. I will take her.
Solaric mounts up and rides Dart to his next stop, the armorer.
@ Solaric:
You promptly feel familiar with your new mount and alot of passersby greet you, the dark elven paladin on his impressive horse, with awe.
As you reach the "Deepfire Forge", one of Karcau's most exquisite places to buy weapons and armor, the owner of the establishment, Bragorad, a sturdy dwarf with herculean limbs, greets you friendly. You already have seen him several times at Pettoria where he gives lessons in tunnel fighting and goblinoid anatomy.
Whom do we have 'ere? Nice te see ye Mr. Zekkaran. I heard ye'd leave the town in the next days?
Captivated by the young prophetess, Pitr turns to the bartender to ask, "Who is the girl?"
"Who is the girl?"
"Quite possibly...trouble"
Whom do we have 'ere? Nice te see ye Mr. Zekkaran. I heard ye'd leave the town in the next days?
Greetings Bragorad, You have heard correctly. A few of the graduates and I are working for St. Just and we have a dangerous task to attend to up in the north. This is where I sure am grateful for all of my training. But besides good training, I think I'm also going to need a strong bit of Deepfire Forge Armor between me and my foes. I am looking for a piece of your finest () Banded Mail armor. I have saved 300 gold pieces and I can trade in this suit of Chain Mail and Scale Mail armor. Unfortunately, I only have a few days before we leave. Is there anything you can do for me?
@Pitr: The barkeep looks up and then replies curtly
Samara's daughter, Swan.
@Solaric:
Bragorad signals you to follow him into his smithy. Inside are walls are decorated with fine weapons and pieces of armor. Three apprentices work inside and it's a real hustle and bustle.
The sturdy dwarf browses through his wares until he decides to show you a piece of banded mail that has a dark hue and a flame embossed on its front.
Alas! I found it, heh. This fine piece of dwarven craftmanship is one of my best works. Just give me 250 and your pieces of armour and we're even.
Alas! I found it, heh. This fine piece of dwarven craftmanship is one of my best works. Just give me 250 and your pieces of armour and we're even.
Bragorand, this is a remarkable piece of equipment! I love the embossed flame. Is there any significance? It reminds me of the the Inheritor's ever guiding light. You are certainly a master craftsman! You are also honest fair. I thank you! If you are ever in need of assistance, call on me and use me. May the blessings of Iomedae ever go with you. Fare well."
After donning his stunning suit of Banded Mail, Solaric mounts his noble horse, Dart, and races across town to find a place to purchase a new backpack.
@ Solaric: You can purchase a backpack at the academy for list price.
Not hearing or perhaps ignoring Countess' warning, Pitr approaches the beautiful young seer. "Milady, unfortunately I cannot ask for the benefit of your vision as it is said to be ingratious to seek two answers for the same question and I don't wish to offend the Fates, especially before an important quest. I have just had my fortune told by your mother and it is clear to me that truly you must share her gifts as well as her beauty. I hope that when I return I might have the honor of more formally making your acquaintance."
Pitr bows low and seeing the Countess' look adds, "I truly wish I had more time, but duty calls. Until then, fare well, lovely Swan."
Upon completion of his errands, he seeks out his companions to see if they are ready.
The young woman looks into your eyes and with a soft voice says
A Varisian is never alone on the road, Mr. Jendarne. Fare well then and return before the first snow falls.
Joining his companions, Zahur is astride Night in a new breastplate stylized with outline of horses. Night seems refreshed and also has new studded leather barding (mw).
So my friends are we all ready for the continuation of our duty?
As the morning of the 9th of Calistril dawns, Karcau's Chosen have already assembled at Sky Gate, the northern city gate.
Form here, the northern tradeway leads to Belfurth, a rather small town where mostly trappers and peltmongers live. It's one of the central transshipments in Ustalav's north and you assume that you will also meet some rather exotic fellows there.
You expect to reach Belfurth around noon the next day and about two days later Castle Jarovich, if your journey is not disturbed.
The sky is clear and as most of the time, a moderate breeze sweeps over the lake. The city is still asleep as your horses begin to trot northwards leaving Karcau behind.
For the first three or five miles the road is paved and splendidly constructed. You pass several farmsteads and s small shrine of Desna.
If the road is wide enough then I think it is best if we ride 2 wide with Zahur and solaric at the front, kirk and pitr in the middle, and basili and the countess bringing up the rear. Make sense? Sorry for the typos, I'm posting on the phone and I don't have the patience for fixing everything
Solaric proudly rides along up front. He appreciates the newness of his equipment and he is pleased that Dart is handling well.
Well, my friends, I don't know about you, but I've been in the city so long, that this feels rather untamed out here. Perhaps others find peace in the natural world, but I feel like something is about to jump out of these woods at any moment. The road looks rather nice, but I was expecting to see a more patrols out here than we have. I think it would be wise to follow Gorian's suggestion and find Reindeer Ricca. Let's find her hut first.
Solaric is pleased to be riding aside Zahur. He is quick to ask questions about handling horses and riding, but hopes he is not bothering the Garund with so many questions.
Zahur, my friend. What do you think of Dart? She has been a dream to ride. I think owning a well trained mount can make all the difference. She is much more responsive than the beasts I rode at the academy. Do you think riding on this road for a long time will cause trouble for her hooves? What do you think is the best way to spur her onward with greater speed? How do you know how far you can push her before she is fatigued?
she is a fine horse solaric. But you have to understand that the better the horse, the more attention that you have to give to her. The horse knows if it is better and will act in such a way. If you forego with the attention and care she will become wilder and eventually uncontrolable until she does get the attention that she feels that she deserves. You have to build a relationship with her just as you would with anu person. Trust andf undersytabding between you and her will get to a point that she will know what you want to do without even guiding her. Building on this she will push herself to extremes that she would not for any other rider.
I cannot give you any definitive answers as every horse is different. But take care of her and she will take care of you.