Riding Through the Market Square [Reliant please]

[Arabella de Lylles]

Timestamp: The Month of Aperitus, Season of Summer of Era II of the Celestine Mandate. Curren Pattern: Era XI Post Fractum in the Age of the Darkening; during the Reign of the Known Emperor Valerian Constantius. Paradigm Shift: The Great Schism in the Church of the Faith.

Current Time and Location: Late Afternoon, Market Square, Abestat

Once they made it through the gates, Arabella and Mikisho decided to ride through the Market Square. Looking around at all the unfamiliar sights and sounds, Arabella smiled. She enjoyed visiting new places and wondered what sort of adventure, if any, she'd run into here. So far, her entire life since she had run away from her home back in Lauryl province had been such.

And despite having lost much along the way, Arabella had also gained quite a bit as well. From losing her memories and having her very life shattered to gaining a beloved Aunt and making some very close friends. And while Arabella truly enjoyed the company of her Aunt Audrey de Lylles, the girl had also felt the need to go out and visit other places as well. It was the one thing, next to her curiosity, which she just couldn't contain...her wanderlust.

Bella had always enjoyed traveling and after spending a year on the road traveling with a minotaur, she felt that she could just about handle anything. Mikisho also made a good traveling companion. Though silent as the shadows she was named for, Arabella had no doubt that the jagara was always listening to her every word even if she was the only one speaking.

But right now, it was past lunchtime and the two had not eaten yet. Sure there were plenty of places to do so, Arabella turned towards Mikisho as they slowly rode through the crowded streets in the late summer afternoon, her violet-blue eyes glancing here and there:

"What do you say, Mikisho...shall we find some place to put us up for the night and find something to eat?" Bella gave the jagara one of her rare smiles, "I'm sure you must be hungry and tired, too, from all this riding. Not to mention, I could do with a place that had some shade and cool..." Mikisho simply nodded, her unusual blue eyes keeping an eye out for trouble should it present itself in whatever form. But the jagara hoped that wasn't the case, her mistress had had enough trouble, it would be nice to see her for once, just have a bit of fun...

[Yarrow]

Captain Yarrow Woodruf watched the two with interest. She didn't know who they were and she knew most of the people in Abestat. Which means they are new or they are looking around for a few days. Yarrow thought to herself. She wondered if she should make herself known when...

"What do you say, Mikisho...shall we find some place to put us up for the night and find something to eat? I'm sure you must be hungry and tired, too, from all this riding. Not to mention, I could do with a place that had some shade and cool..." Yarrow smiled for she knew just the place. So she decided to help the two out.

"Serale!" She called out to them. Yarrow was 5'9" with silver eyes and short shoulder length copper hair & tanned skin. She wore the standard uniform for the Abestat military and underneath her uniform (hidden) was her iron ringmail tunic that she was never without. The Abestat Distinguished Service Star, & the Abestat Purple Heart were both pinned to her chest. She also had a very interesting collection of weapons stored about her. A small hand axe was at her belt along with her elven longsword that had a design of a dragon on the hilt. A Cossack and a Thrusting Dagger were both concealed. Even though she had a deadly collection of weapons she wore a very friendly smile one that showed that she meant no harm.

[Arabella de Lylles]

Arabella turned her head around to see who was calling out a greeting to them. It could be anyone. After all, there were many around who often mistook the girl for her Aunt, the Empress Audrey de Lylles. Mistakes which Arabella corrected very quickly when they happened. Mikisho also looked around, except her icy-blue gaze wasn't curious like Arabella's. Rather it was much more wary and forbidding. And though the katta didn't relax her guard, she sensed that this person was someone with the city's military and perhaps would be of some help.

The young de Lylles, meanwhile, had reined her horse, Granite in at the side of the busy street and waited for the other woman to approach. In the meantime, Arabella wondered whatever had become of Walen. He'd said he would meet her here in the city. That was what they had agreed upon back in Midpoint. She hoped he would catch up to her soon.

"Serale...ah...were you addressing me?" Arabella asked the young woman as she approached even closer. Mikisho had reined in Pitch, her mount, as well and just waited and watched, her gaze sweeping the crowded streets for any threat, real or imagined. Arabella always enjoyed meeting new people and sometimes that enjoyment could bring trouble, but thus far not much in the way of anything eventful had happened.

Her reason for coming to Abestat? Well, mostly the desire to travel and wander around a bit. With her Aunt tied up in the court and the trials of Stephan Woulofen, it would be some time before she really got to spend any time with Audrey. And upon meeting Walen Birch back in Midpoint, the two had hit it off and become fast friends in the weeks that had followed. Arabella had found she enjoyed the company of the young human and they had often gone off on riding expeditions, with Mikisho never far behind.

Arabella waited for either Walen to find her and Mikisho or for the other woman to reply to her query. She looked friendly enough and seemed to be serving in the city's military, so that meant she offered no threat and Arabella glanced at Mikisho to relax some, but she knew that the jagara meant well and Bella appreciated that. The summer's afternoon continued to pass in halting slowness and the girl just hoped that the heat wouldn't bring on one of her headaches, but Mikisho was also watching for that and suggested they all move over to a shady spot...an empty lot where a vendor's cart had once stood.

OOC: Hi Yarrow! Thanks for joining the thread! Walen Birch will be joining as well. He's a companion of Arabella's. Hope you don't mind.

[Yarrow]

ooc: Hey...not a problem. The more the happier and more interesting!!!

ic: "Serale...ah...were you addressing me?" Yarrow smiled that friendly smile that was never far away. She nodded her head and looked up at her face. There was something about her...she almost recognized...but no she hadn't met this person before. No...it was probably nothing. Maybe she had seen her face before in the past or someone who looked like her. Yes, that must be it...hmm...

Meanwhile the one called Mikisho (at least that was what she assumed her name was because she had been addressed as such) suggested they all move over to a shady spot were one of the vendor's had just left. Yarrow nodded her head and waited for them all to reach the shade before she made introductions.

"Allow me to introduce myself...I am Captain Yarrow Woodruff of the Abestat guard. I saw you two and did not recognize you. So I figured that you needed...er...might need some help." Mikisho looked like she could...and would...be able to get her... freind...mistress? What ever she is... out of any trouble. The two probably didn't need her help anyway, but they did look tired and in need of food. That she could help them with at least.

[Walen Birch]

Soon after he had entered Abestat, Walen had dismounted and now lead Spirit through the streets by holding onto her reins. It felt good to walk for awhile, and he was sure Spirit would appreciate the break. He had spent sometime searching for Arabella and Mikisho not sure where he should start looking. He considered asking the guards at the gate whether she had arrived, but he could not be certain that they were in fact still ahead of him, or that they wished Arabella's identity to remain unknown.

Walen smiled at this thought. One of the things he had grown to admire most about Arabella was her unwillingness to flaunt who she was. He knew she could command anything of anyone, and most times, they would listen to her. Yet, she remained true to herself, which in part meant she would not impose her will on anyone. At least, not unless it was necessary.

The past month had passed by like a blur. He had spent much of his time in Arabella’s company, either roaming the fortress of Midpoint or the small town surrounding it, or out in the countryside for rides that would last most of the day. A strong friendship had developed between over that time, and she was never far from his thoughts. Now he just had to find her in the chaos that was common in a city of Abestat’s size.

Sighing, Walen decided to search the inns first. Someone surely would have noticed Arabella if she had found a place to stay. A woman of her bearing in the company of a well-armed katta would surely not be difficult to remember. With this in mind, Walen asked a passer-by for the location of the market square knowing many inns would be near. Soon after, he was entering the square, which was still a bustle of activity even this late in the brightening.

Scanning the crowd, Walen searched for Arabella and Mikisho, hoping he might catch sight of them amongst the throng. He also looked for structures that appeared to be inns, ignoring those that did not seem up to a higher standard, knowing Arabella would prefer a location with some comfort. In the distance, he suddenly spotted Arabella seated atop Granite. From her motions, she appeared to be speaking with someone who was not mounted. Mikisho was next to her, her eyes searching the crowd, her gaze occasionally snapping back to the individual Arabella was speaking with. Walen could not see the individual in question, and soon after he found them, they suddenly moved out his sight. Cursing, he moved quickly, pulling Spirit through the crowd, hoping he would spot them again.

When he reached the location where he felt he had first caught sight of them, he looked around, and soon noticed that they had moved into an empty area along the road. Thankful he had not lost them, Walen approached, catching Mikisho’s eye and nodding in greeting. Arabella was speaking with another woman who was dressed in a uniform similar to those of the guards at the gate. As he waited for Arabella to spot him, he noted that she looked tired. Travelling was never easy, and he knew Mikisho probably kept them both moving at a fair pace. Yet, he could not help but admire her beauty, as he had done many times before. He had said to himself many times before that if she had just been someone else, then maybe...

That thought drifted away as he finally found a moment to interrupt. Coughing lightly, he smiled as Arabella noticed him.

”My Lady,” he said with a slight bow, ”it is good that I have found you so quickly. As promised, I came straight away. I hope you can excuse the interruption.”

He eyed Yarrow before continuing. ”I hope your journey was without incident? I have only just arrived myself.”

[Arabella de Lylles]

Arabella had been just about to answer Captain Woodruf when a now familiar presence made his way through the crowd and towards herself and Mikisho. It was Walen and just as he had promised, he had followed her, found her, and arrived safely. Arabella couldn't help but smile warmly, almost shyly when her violet-blue eyes met the green eyes of Walen. He was quickly becoming a steady influence and trusted friend in her life. And that was one thing she had little of.

Her Aunt, the Empress? Oh Audrey was busy enough with her own life and affairs. And while Arabella loved her deeply and enjoyed all the time she got to spend in the company of that magnificent and enigmatic woman, the girl had begun to feel restless of late. And that is part of what prompted her to take to the road and travel again.

Mikisho? The jagara had no idea just how fond of her that Arabella truly was. Her closest friend and confidant, Arabella had never regretted the day that she had hired on the katta as her bodyguard over others far more qualified. But Mikisho was fast becoming something more than just a mere bodyguard and servant. The jagara was a loyal friend and protector and had on several occasions saved Arabella's life. And that was something the girl, though despite still picking up the pieces of her shattered memories, would never forget.

The honorable knight, Parreyon Syndicus. During the short time she had known him, the once pantheri, turned elf had been the most honorable and justice-loving person she had ever known. He lived by a code through which his deeds were shining examples for all to see. The knight had befriended Arabella at a time when she'd needed it most and his efforts to teach her the laws of the Empire and that for those who seek it, will always find justice remained with her still. Sadly enough, though...Parreyon had been called back to his homeland, the pantheri homeland to deal with some issues that needed his immediate attention and he had had to depart rather suddenly. And though his presence was sorely missed, Arabella thought of him often.

Veleraen? A giant personage to match the goodness of his heart. Never had she met one so large with so much kindness. The minotaurs had been huge and terrifying to her, but Veleraen with his gentle nature, kind spirit, and generous giving of himself and his friendship to her, had struck a chord in the girl and Bella counted him amongst her closest friends and protectors. The young de Lylles truly had a fond place in her heart for the giant who had rescued her that day on the streets.

And finally...Walen Birch. He had come into her life recently through both an accidental and chance meeting upon the streets of Midpoint. Each had been minding their own business until Fate had made them crash into each other. And ever since then, the young man who had grown up on a farm had become an almost constant companion, perhaps quickly growing into something...more? Who knew. Arabella had spent countless long hours talking to Walen over anything and everything. Her sense of curiosity seemed to delight the man past no bounds. And Arabella found herself quite liking Walen's patient and gentle nature. No one would know what the future would hold for her or for him...but she continued to hope that Walen would remain a part of it.

As Walen led his mare, Spirit towards them, Mikisho also caught his eye and nodded a greeting in return, but said nothing. Arabella however, continued to smile and answered both Walen's query about her journey as well as introduced him to the Captain:

"My journey went well, Master Birch. And as I see, so did your's. It is good to see that you are safe and well." Arabella's voice softened at the last part and then she glanced down, blushing slightly, but recovered herself quickly before anyone could notice. "Master Birch, may I present the good Captain Yarrow Woodruf of the Abestat Guard. She has offered to help us find some food and a place to stay while we remain in the city." Bella paused a moment, her smile turning to Yarrow.

"Good Captain it seems that I forget my manners. Allow me to introduce myself to you. I am the Lady Arabella de Lylles, niece to Empress Audrey de Lylles and come to visit your grand city." She said as if her name nor title had no real importance to it. "These are my trusted friends and companions. This is Mikisho." Arabella told Yarrow, gesturing to the darkly furred jagara, "She is the Captain of my personal bodyguards."

At those words, Mikisho's eyes widened and she turned incredulous, ice-blue eyes towards Arabella, who simply smiled and shook her head slightly, causing her raven locks to rustle softly. The jagara then turned her attention back to Yarrow and bowed slightly from the saddle, saying simply:

"Captain Woodruf, it is my honor to meet you." And then, she fell silent once more as Arabella introduced Walen:

"And this, Captain Woodruf, is my friend and protector as well. Master Walen Birch. He will be accompanying me on my stay here in the city." Arabella finished and then looked up at the sun to check the time and seeing as it was well past the time for lunch, the girl decided she was definitely in need of something to eat and so an idea came to her:

"Captain Woodruf? Would you care to join myself, Master Birch, and Captain Mikisho for our late lunch or dinner this evening perhaps? If your duties allow you, that is?" And then waiting upon the response of Yarrow, Arabella turned her eyes to Walen once again, her smile telling him that she was indeed glad he had made it. Mikisho pretended not to notice the glance and smiled inwardly, shaking her head some. Well, if nothing else, this trip might prove to be interesting after all. But then again, life around Arabella was always interesting it seemed.

[Yarrow]

That's why I recognized her... Yarrow cursed herself for not recognizing her sooner, but it seemed like it matered not. The woman seemed not to care for titles... Or maybe she just doesn't flaunt it. Interesting.... Yarrow smiled and nodded as each person was introduced to herself.

The three made a very interesting group. She looked them all over casually in her own manner. They seemed to be a nice sort and she knew that once again her instincts had been right to offer her aid.

"Captain Woodruf? Would you care to join myself, Master Birch, and Captain Mikisho for our late lunch or dinner this evening perhaps? If your duties allow you, that is?" Yarrow smiled.

"I would love to eat with you. I know the perfect place. Also if you would like...you can stay at my place instead of the inn...only if you like..." Yarrow didn't want to push, but her place would probably better then an inn. "Come...let me show you the best place to eat in town..." Yarrow began to move through the crowd with the grace she had learned ages ago when dealing with city folk. She glanced back now and then to see if the others were okay.

ooc: Here's the link!

[Arabella de Lylles]

Arabella was both pleased that Walen had found her so quickly as well as at Yarrow's offer for them to stay at her own place and to join them for dinner. The young de Lylles smiled at the other woman and nodded from her saddle. Mikisho also graciously accepted the offer and Arabella knew that Walen was not one to refuse, for where Bella went, so did he. And besides which, she was quite hungry.

Keeping Granite under a firm rein, Arabella turned to dismount and nimbly did so. Gathering the reins of her mount, she fell in along side of Walen as they followed Yarrow to whatever destination the captain was going to lead them to. Turning to the young man, Arabella gave him a smile and asked him:

"So then, did you finish whatever business it was in Midpoint that kept you there successfully?" The girl was just making small conversation as they walked towards someplace that would surely offer travelers a hearty meal. Arabella found herself famished but didn't want to appear rude in front of anyone by voicing that hunger.

Mikisho, on the other hand, remained upon her steed. Preferring the greater height to see any threats which should come and Arabella could only give the jagara credit that she did her job very well. Waiting for Walen's answer, Arabella let her violet-blue eyes dart here and there, taking in every detail of the new city in that she could.

[Walen Birch]

Walen offered a smile and nod to Yarrow as he was introduced. He then returned his attention to Arabella who seemed to be waiting for the Captain to respond to her question. A short discussion ensued, and it was decided that they would dine with Yarrow, and perhaps even stay at her home while they remained in Abestat. Certainly a generous offer, and he found himself pleased that Arabella had found someone so helpful. As they began to follow the Captain, Walen took up the pace next to her after remounting Spirit so as to be at her level.

”My business has been completed indeed, my Lady,” he responded with a smile. ”I was able to get on the road the brightening after you left and travelled light to catch up with you and Mikisho. I was blessed with nice, cool days, which made it easier to keep up a quick pace.”

He then reached down and patted Spirit on the side of her neck.

”Besides, Spirit could hardly wait to see you again.”

He offered her a quick, wide smile, knowing that he really meant himself. The smile disappeared, as he knew he should act more formal since they were in the care of the Captain. He knew Arabella had a familial reputation to uphold, and he was careful to speak and act properly when they were out in public.

[Arabella de Lylles]

Arabella smiled at Walen's words and somehow, wondered if they were indeed covering the fact that the young man seemed inordinately pleased to be in her own company again, rather than the horse's. The beautiful chestnut mare, Spirit, confirmed this when she whickered rather plaintively and bumped Walen's shoulder firmly with her snout in a sort of nuzzling caress. This caused Arabella to just laugh out right and it did wonders for her. It seemed to chase away all fears and bad memories lurking within the shadows of her thoughts.

That was one thing that Walen had managed to accomplish with Arabella over the past month since she'd first met him; is that he had managed to make her laugh more than any person that she had ever met. Walen seemed a very happy sort and his soul was generous and light, his heart good and kind. And for Arabella, she found herself drawn more and more to Walen than she realized. And what to make of that, the young de Lylles wasn't really sure. Oh, she'd thought about it quite often, but finally in the end, Bella had decided to let it lead her where it would. One never knew what Fate had in store for them, but sometimes...just sometimes, it was worth the wait when the intentions were fully revealed.

"I think that Spirit doesn't believe you..." Arabella laughed again as her own horse, Granite, got into the act by giving Walen a nuzzle with his broad black muzzle. Smiling up into Walen's eyes, Arabella couldn't help but almost forget that they were not alone. That it was more than just her and Walen walking on the streets of Abestat. Mikisho rode a few paces back upon Pitch, watching the pair, watching the passers-by, watching the Captain.

The jagara missed very little and her icy-blue eyes fell upon Arabella and the katta smiled gently, almost nodding in satisfaction. Her thoughts were rather deep and concentrated:

'It's so good to see her smile and laugh like that. So much pain in so young a one's life. Yes, this is a good thing. And Arabella seems to genuinely like Walen...perhaps...I should, too.' Mikisho smiled wider this time, the smile lost in the dark fur of her face. The jagara had finally decided a week or so ago that Walen was no threat to Arabella and now had begun to trust him both being around Arabella and being alone with her. She knew that the young man would no more let Bella come to harm than he would take his own life. With that out of the way, Mikisho could look for real threats and added Walen to her list of those she was pledged to protect.

OOC: Though I know we are at the Inn right now, I wish to keep this thread open for further usage.-Thanks!