Leading his animal through the gate, and out of the sucking, inky darkness and into the light, Garl blinks, but he doesn't stop moving until both are well clear of the opening.
Then he stops, closes his eyes, and leans back, letting the sunlight play across his form, warming him again properly. He stands there without comment for a few moments, before turning to Rosie and giving her some love and attention. "Yes, that was a very good girl, Rosie. I know you were frightened, but we got through it, didn't we? You're okay. We're okay. I'll try not to do that to you again. I'll try not to do that to me again, come to think of it." He runs his hands over her coat, as if brushing her, while talking to her.
Then he pulls himself up into the saddle, and does a quick check to see if everyone is out and ready, yet, or not.
Shimy's teeth chattered from the odd iciness deep in her bones. She had known of the gate's effects from her mother's books, but knowing fire is hot and getting burned were too very different things. Patting her horse to calm it down, Rimy looked over to her ward Talia. "Are you alright?"
Ceirn passes through and begins scanning the area for any who might have set an ambush.
Lazar breathes in heavily, enjoying the freshness of the land.
" Ah yes a beautiful landscape!" Lazar says as he gestures with his staff across the horizon.
" Come We should head to the city"
Talia had learned about the way gates and had gone through some training to understand what to expect and while the training had helped it was still not quite the same. She had even talked to one of the older Ogiers when she had visted that land as she was aware that the path within is marked in their language as if they had built it but that Orgier knew very little about them.
Once inside and upon the path, the darkness and series of floating big stone slabs etched with directions in Ogier script and the bridges that connected them were as described. However, the feeling of wrongness within was quite unsettling. Still their journey was safely made and considering the stories she had heard of a living darkness that prowled that void and devoured souls meant this was something to be quite thankful for.
At Rimy's question, she looked to her warder and friend and gave a half-smile and a curt nod. That was the closest she had been to the corruption since she had first learned of it as a child and no manner of teaching could prepare one for it. It was like an iciness that clinged to you and slowly crept into your bones then began to gnaw at them. She felt like taking a hot bath under a summer sun and was not even sure if that would remove the unsettled feeling she now had.
She looked around when Lazar mentioned the beautiful landscape. It was similar to other landscapes she had seen in her travels But much better than the one they had just left. She wondered how long it would last. She gripped the saddle and stepped into the stirrup and mounted her horse. Ready to continue their journey. She glanced back once more at the Waygate they had come through and mouthed the words, 'The Wheel weaves what the Wheel wills.' Then turned back to rejoin the others and move on.
Lazar looks at the horse suspiciously and narrows his eye a bit before he calmed himself and smiles."Far Madding Specifically, Possibly. I have been to many places. I have been traveling from my home in Arad Doman and Tar Valon! I have cooked, scribed, juggled, and even more things. Tinkering here and there to make money." Lazar moves back to looking at the horizon and smiles. He adjusts his hat and twirls his staff before looking up at the sky.
"I am sure though it is much like other cites. With Welcoming Women, Fast Money, and Fabolous Food. Trust me, Every city has a few things of wonder, but in the end, they are all the same."Lazar says and then smiles at the Borderlander.
"As for questions and answers." He says to the group and then looks down to the ground to kick a clod of grass."Some of us probably can, though being blunt isn't always the way. Stick with me and you will learn the fine art of Carousing and Cunning! Granted I am not as verbally tactful as the sisters here, but I can talk to others that they can't"
Jak waited for the others as he sat atop Ginger. He nodded to Tenora who had reined in nearby, saying, "Not at all. The "ways" they call it? It's not a place I'd leave even my worst enemy. I am glad that it is behind us." He offered her a small smile and a nod.
That he found himself traveling with sisters was a little... unsettling. Almost as unsettling as that dream or vision, or whatever that had been, back at the inn. He was still thoroughly confused by it all. The work of the Shadow, no doubt.
He was half-listening to the back and forth between Lazar and the more taciturn borderlander, but his attention was mostly elsewhere as his eyes scanned their surroundings.
'I wonder if it's polite to announce oneself?' he thought with a shrug. It was all still new and strange to the Andoran, talking to the wolves that had saved him back west. Usually, he was met with silence; the few times since that day had been initiated by the beasts themselves. He was never sure if it was because they did not want to be known, or if they simply were not there. Concentrating his senses out into the general area, he felt for the presence of wolves, not deliberately trying to make contact, but just to see if they were there.
"Jair's Publisher... It sounds like a business. If so I'd think all sorts of people are bound to be asking for directions to it. I imagine if one or two of us asking around independently shouldn't be too suspicious, surely."
"I have a fairly good rapport with the people in Far Madding as I did spend some time there healing others. I do not recall a Jair's Publisher but then I was not looking for one either. Further I agree it sounds like a business so many folk should be able to help us with directions to get to it."
The young midlander looks to Tenora. "No one should be left in that place. Far too unnatural. I would hope that no one would walk away from another found shivering in that darkness."
He gives the closer terrain a quick look before addressing the group. "Well, if we're going North from here, we should probably head downhill over here and follow that gentle line to the left before we turn more Northerly."
|
The young midlander looks to Tenora. "No one should be left in that place. Far too unnatural. I would hope that no
one would walk away from another found shivering in that darkness."
"Yes indeed. Thanks again for the rescue. I lost my cousin and some others what seems like a year ago."
Jak waited for the others as he sat atop Ginger. He nodded to Tenora who had reined in nearby, saying,
"Not at all. The "ways" they call it? It's not a place I'd leave even my worst enemy. I am glad that it is behind us." He offered her a small smile and a nod.
She turns to Jak. "Yes I agree. Terrible. It's good to breathe the fresh air again!" She rubs her horse on the nuzzle and mounts up and waits for the others.
"Agreed. We should begin moving." Ceirn will turn north and begin jogging towards the city.
"I am always up for a stroll. Though I did notice a rider." Lazar says the last bit is more an afterword.
As he does he holds the reins and begins to use his staff to tap the ground. The staff is black oak wood with intricate cravings of vines on the ends.
As the others start moving into various positions, Garl has Rosie go left of the line, and moves up towards the front. His goal as much to help stay on what he guesses is the track as it is to watch for risks.
immediately, you are assaulted by images of hard four-legs ridden upon old skin worn man-thing, heavy cloud of old less less wet dirt that digs deep under claws and distorts taste of animal blood and aches tooth with too dried dirt dug deep into jaw. Then the images still for a heartbeat, before you are bombarded with images of questions and querys, askings in form of images taht are too many too quickly to perceive. yet, they all say the same two things.
[i]Wolf Brother![/b]
and
[i]Who are you?[/b]
Ceirn was standing there a moment, and then the next it seems as if he has disappeared, only to reappear a moment later further down the hill, waving at you all. Again, every one of you cannot help but take note at the Aielman's ability to blend into his surroundings. He waves, and then points towards the road, and you see him stepping towards it.
Garl takes point and rides his horse down the hill before cutting over and heading to the road.
Lazar just leads his pack mule along preferring his feet over the saddle. As he does he hums a simple travel tune.
As the group reaches the trotting Aielman, Ceirn says, "We should try and avoid hilltops. This land is too open to those who might be watching."
" I did spot a rider. Though I am sure he'll be far past our location by the time we reach the road. As for getting spotted, well with the horses my friend that is fairly easy. We may have more luck being intimidating, and with many of us, that is easier said than not. Especially should they get a look at you, my friend!" Lazar says as he continues to stride forward with little care. It is something odd for a man who seemed to dislike riding horses.
"Generally, roads avoid up and down because of the extra work for anything pushing or pulling a cart or wagon. So it shouldn't be much effort, but what are we trying to hide from?"
"We came through the Ways. That is not supposed to happen, and the lords here would likely prefer no one use the Ways to appear around them. It would be best not to advertise it." Ceirn says.
"And who, seeing us on the road, is going to think we've not been on it the whole time? Nobody does what we've done."
At Garl's statement that nobody does what we've done, Talia thinks to herself, 'And for very good reason, especially since the corruption.' She is still thankful they made it through unscathed but had no desire to repeat the attempt anytime soon, if ever.
She rides along with the others leading her pack mule and still feeling rather somber.
" Tis true my friend, I have traveled many a route and with a many different people. As I have many a time noted few travelers on the road regard other travelers as a threat!" The Domani man says. With a sharp smile. Flamboyant as he was he knew how to hide when needed
Who am I? he wondered. How does one say "Jak" in impressions of memories and moments? He thought for a while, recalling the way they had introduced themselves just now and decided the best thing might be to try and communicate that first meeting not too long ago.
Concentrating, he sent back images of bright sunrays on rolling fields, pointed lances, gleaming swords, and fluttering banners -likely meaningless to them, save perhaps the first with the sun and grassy hills. Images of battle followed, of foes in strangely shaped, warped and grotesque armor like giant insects, of strange beasts that ought not exist, of riven earth and forked lightning, of struggling steel tooth against steel claw as packmates fell all around; the sound of something huge rushing up from behind, of falling, and then darkness.
And at last awakening in darkness, the sun gone, a large, white and grizzled wolf licking him awake.
images swirl and revolve around one single memory. the day was filled with hard fangs and claws all around, yet there is one, a special insect that you fought against, that stands out clearly to them all.
You swung your long steel claw far out, and missed. Then the insect, strange mandibles displayed upon its hard exterior with blazing red eyes, steps in and smashes into your stout side. your breath explodes from your lungs, and you involuntarily drop to a knee. a foot kicks you hard in the face, sending you reeling onto your back. A heavy claw lands squarely upon your chest, holding you down. you look up and see the dart of clouds high overhead, as you gaze at the strange insect swing its mace overhead and hard into the crown of your hard hard skull. (helmet).
Mantis perch! The name echoes within your mind, and the name (images) is sent far and wide.
mantis perch. welcome!the wolves send greetings to you. Names of various wolves all cascade into your consciousness. Ivory jaw (a female wolf with part of her skin and flesh torn away, revealing dried and exposed jaw bone. deer runner, the image of a wolf running with deer in the fir woods, the smell of fear and animal musk heavy upon the nose. lone survivor, the sight of a single pup, just barely old enough to eat meat, living off of small insects and mice until it grew its voice loud enough to be heard by a passing pack. the list goes on. all of them, hail greetings along with minor surprise at meeting a wolf brother.
as you all make your way to the road, you hear, faintly upon the wind, the high pitched howl of wolves.
****
Miles pass underfoot. At first you were alone on the road traveling north, but soon enough, there are dozens of people on the road walking, riding, by carriage, by cart or wagon. Travelers heading both north towards the city, and south away from the city.
The Tear road, as people have mentioned, is a busy thoroughfare to be upon. The main overland route between Tear and Far Madding, and northwards, it is hard packed by the millions of feets that have trod upon its surfaces for years past.
when you first came upon the road, it was nothing but dirt. a clear ditch for water runoff to drain to on both sides, no more than two to three feet in most areas.
yet, the closer to far madding one gets, the more improved the road becomes.
Dirt to hard packed clay, clay to stone gravel, to larger inlaid stones with long wheel ruts worn in, cobble stones with a fair grit set in as you ascend a slightly steep section of road that leads over the tall hills that are known to surround the city itself of Far Madding.
The other travelers seemed to have popped up out of no where. For one moment, you were alone on the road, and as if by the One Power, a few others were there.
[ooc]yes, i know ceirn is on point and scouting. Im conveying the "youre alone on the highway, no cars for miles around, and then you blink and find yourself surrounded with cars and trucks and can only think where the F did they come from???" feeling
The carriages make good time, never slowing for anyone on the road, the double sets of horses sure to run down anyone, and the driver with a whip who had a willingness to crack it any other driver or horseman to slow to move off to the side to make way for said carriage. The next are the wagoneers, the traveling drivers of long mule trains pulling large wagons full of trade goods. others are farmers with a single axle cart mounded high with withered fruits and vegetables to sell within the city. the list grows on and on, variety and commerce blending well upon the foundation of civilization.
finally you top the rise of the hills, and as you begin to ride down, you gaze upon the island city that is Far madding!
from your vantage, you see the island and city laid out in an almost gridlike pattern. the central part of the island maintained this grid like structure, only after years and years of growth, the roads began to curve, the structures began to vary, into a decent attempt to hold to the grid pattern, yet gave way to shallow hills and commerce needs.
at each of the three natural points a bridge connects island to mainland, and for two of the points a large gate stands ready to hold back attackers. The third, the one named for the Tear road, the one you will descend and enter through, stands back from the island point. Even now, from your vantage, you see a small group of people standing in rank and file, moving slowly about the dirt field before the gate.
opposite the point, the parade field, the bridge, a small community has grown around the bridges mainland anchor. A small fort next to the bridge, three stories high, holds view over the direct path to the bridge and far madding beyond.
South Bridge Talila says out loud. that village down there is south bridge. she remarks to everyone and to no one's question.
Talila goes on to explain, "I have spent time here before, healing the locals and getting a lay of the land. It is the only city that I am aware of where the One Power is blocked. Further due to its crossroads situation it is a political hotbed of folks viaing for control. It has laws that require all weapons to be peace bound, as well as subtler laws that can be invoked if those in power feel they need to exert their influence. So it is best to stay as innocuous as possible while here. I should be able to locate our destination once we are in South Bridge as I friends within that city along with the other two outer cities where the One Power is available. However, we may need to pass through the island to one or both of those other cities if my friends in South Bridge are unaware of our destination."
"There are a lot of wolves active around here. That seems a bit odd as we are getting closer to Far Madding." Ceirn notes a they travel through towards the city.
After Talia speaks Ceirn says, "You seem well versed in this city. By Blocked, do you mean like a stedding? Or is it unlawful to use the One Power? If you wish to lead us in, feel free to do so." He will let her take the lead if she desires and fall back to let the wetlanders deal with those in the strange city.
Wolves eh, that is intriguing. So close. The last wolf I met I shared a shank of rabbit. Well it was more taking my rabbit and I let it, still, they avoided the cities Lazar says as he then nods.
"Yeah apparently 5 knives is 5 too many" Lazar says as he chuckles." At least with knives you can hide them, and a Stick is just a stick"
"Not sure about the Channeling thing. I did get a great set of chefs' knives! Outstanding balance and quality. Hoping to add cookware of equal quality. I mean someone has to feed you fools on the road! No empty bellies for you lot while you are with me" Lazar proclaimed hoping that he could full fill his promise.
" As for the city itself, well I doubt some of you will find it too entertaining."
Talia replies to Ceirn, "By blocked I mean unless you have a Well with you, you cannot Weave within the city. Further, if you do have a Well and do Weave then you attract a lot of attention fairly quickly. That is to say the only Weaving energy upon the island is energy you bring with you. Does that make it clearer? As for this city, I am more versed in the three outer cities, Daigan, Glancor, and South Bridge more than I am within Far Madding itself. Perhaps for fairly obvious reasons. Still I will do my best to acquire directions and point the way but I will let one of you stalwarts do the leading."
"Come now Talia Sedai, you never went in? Surely a woman of the world like yourself was at least curious enough to go inside? Besides you had a warder guarding you. Though I am not sure how well warders are in combat without swords or bows?" Lazar says still walking with his Mule in tow.
"Granted I do not remember seeing a lot of Warders graduating into weapons aside from swords. Why is that? Is it a thing?" He asks curiously.
"Before you say anything, I can use a sword, I just find them Conspicuous, while a walking stick or kitchen knives, well...Few fear a stick" Lazar chuckles as he slips the Quarterstaff into the crux of his armor and then runs his fingers across his mustache.
Talia replies to Ceirn, "By blocked I mean unless you have a Well with you, you cannot Weave within the city. Further, if you do have a Well and do Weave then you attract a lot of attention fairly quickly. That is to say the only Weaving energy upon the island is energy you bring with you. Does that make it clearer?
As she goes on, Garl looks at her sideways, and seems uncomfortable. "What you just said made less sense than what was said earlier. I don't understand it, beyond the can't use One Power there. I don't think I mind it, either."
[cco]Clueless[/ooc]
Talia looks at Lazar and shakes her head no, "No Lazar I never said I did not enter Far Madding I simply said I was more versed in the three outer cities more than I am in Far Madding proper. I entered Far Madding but I did not tarry long there as my mission was to heal and you cannot heal that which does not wish to be healed. So I would mostly pass through letting those within Far Madding that wanted healing know which of the three cities I would be in. Further at the time I was here I had no Warder."
Ah well Lazar, I leave the combat to those trained in its arts but I imagine they are quite adept with knives as well as simply their hands when necessary. As for you, I would not have said anything, as that is your art not mine.
She looks to Garl, "I am sorry Garl I thought due to your question you had some understanding of the One Power and how it can be Weaved. The One Power is the energy source that we draw upon and Weave to create effects. When you are in Far Madding that energy source is not present so it can not be drawn upon to Weave. However, there are ways to store the energy of the One Power in objects we call Wells, so that should you be in a place where the One Power is blocked or weak you still have the energy you need to Weave. It is like having an Arrow but no Bow, where the Great Bow is the One Power and the Arrow is the means to transfer the energy of the Great Bow into an effect. Usually the Great Bow is readily available for you to just grab and use as needed but sometimes you must carry your own lesser Bow with you for when the Great Bow is not so readily available. Does that make better sense?"
Lazar nodded and then looked to Talia and tipped his hat. "Apologies Talia Sedai, Just I am not used to being in concert with so many accomplished swordsmen. It's a bit unnerving."
Strangely it was true. The Domani man could fight, he had speed and skill, but swords and the like are not something he was comfortable with welding. Made him want to possibly focus on a bit of the dangerous skills he had seen but had never practiced. With so many skilled combatants, he may just learn from them.
"Also Talia Sedai, I'll have to remind myself you are not Olli..erm...sorry Olena Sedai. It's different when you have a sister who is a sister. I love Olena, and we have a bond. I thought couldn't be her Warder. I...Never mind that is a different story, a shameful one. Just know though I respect your ring and your title, I will try to not be so snarky. Forgive me Talia Sedai" Lazar admitted continuing to stroll as he watched the other travelers. He watched the simple notes of who or what these travelers were and whether or not they were a potential threat.
Moving closer to Navarre."See he was a wise man. Close-quarters work. You can also tell a lot about a man, with how he treats his tools of the trade!"
"For me, my knives are designed to be balanced, not too heavy, not too light. All are capable of being thrown and sharp enough to separate meat from bone! I mean it's how one gets the perfect slices to cook. Add the herbs and spices with a bit of butter or fat. Place over some seasoned vegetables or rice and sauces to dip it in and you have a dish worthy of a Queen!" Lazar says having fallen back into his cooking. Which for Lazar was something he truly enjoyed. He would learn a variety of dishes, Granted he loved to continue to cook in the Domani and Taraboner Style, he would not push away a great recipe.
"Sorry, I am passionate about food. I mean good food can bring the worst of enemies together. At least I believe it can" Chuckles the Domani man his smile wide and warm. He did believe that with a good selection of food, multiple parties can sit down over a meal and discuss thier problems whilst enjoying food that was prepared with care.
"No need for apologies Lazar, you will find in time that I am quite different than the currently typical Aes Sedai for I have truly embraced its meaning and I am a servant of all and what this land and its people need the most is healing."
Letting his mount follow along with the others, Jak seemed for a while distracted, and he missed most of the earlier conversation. After a while, his focus snapped back and he turned in the saddle to peer at Talia and Lazar curiously, though the brief look seemed mostly directed at Talia before he straightened forward again.
Interesting... an Aes Sedai who wants to pretend to be a servant. That's.... different. I wonder if she actually means that or if it's some ploy. You can't ever really trust what these women say.
"So. Lazar. What meal would you suggest for getting old enemies together around the table instead of at one another's throats? Something that doesn't require knives for cutting, I wager?" Jak grinned slightly.
"Ah that's easy, Sursa is a great option! The eating implements are difficult but doable. So I have a variety of dishes to complement such utensils. Trust me, You'll see fish, deer, mutton, beef, lamb, pork, and a variety of vegetables, including the famed Ice Peppers of Saldea. Even more exotic meats can be found. The best part is all is prepared in slices and manageable bits. Meaning only the chef has a knife." Lazar says with a smile.
" I have a dish which takes potato and flour, I place them in oil and let them cook, as I then sautee' a delectable assemblage of peppers, onions, and gourds seasoned with some local herbs and a dash of salt. To top it I usually find a decent bit of mutton, smother it in a secret family sauce and roast it. In the end, I slice the Mutton thin, and place it over the potato cake top with a bit of the sauteed veggies and a drizzle of the sauce, followed by a pinch of herb to garnish. Usually, I pair it with a couple more sauces in little cups for you to use the sursa to pick it up and dip in them. Sometimes I just break up the cakes into more of a hash and it seems to do just as well, if not better." Lazar says with passion once more. It had been a minute since he had gotten a chance to cook. Given the chance, he would do so again. Lazar loved the kitchen and the freedom he had there.
"I hope that gives you a bit of an example Master Harkinson"
Jak laughs and shakes his head. [b]"It does.... and has made me very hungry. Thanks for that. Spiced mutton sounds good right now."
The hunter just shakes his head as the Aes Sedai attempts to explain things which shouldn't be in the first place. Finally, in response to her question, he tries to end the lecture. "Sense enough."
As Lazar and jak discuss food and fresh mutton, Garl relaxes more genuinely. "If we had some time before we needed to find this shop, I could try to bring down something for you to cook, Lazar. I'm afraid that needs to wait for now, though."
[B]" Well yes it was something easy to get ahold of my family had access to many different flocks of goat and sheeo. As for hunting, just keep mind that you'd need a large animal for use to see u
"Well Yes it was something easy to get, The Mutton. My family back in Arad Doman had access to many Goats and sheep. Which made for great for butchering" Lazar smiled as he continued to walk down the hill towards the road. As he does he taps the end of his walking staff on the ground before him.
"AS for Hunting Master Garl, just make sure it is enough to feed all of us! Go bag a big one!"