(Ashilda from: Rimehold, Svafa Tents (Samheen 14th))
This long stretch of plains represents the prime hunting grounds of the Trothgard people. What was once a great forest is now a stretching meadowland sparsely dotted with stands of trees, all that is left of the once great wood. A small stream meanders through and out to the ocean, one of the few sources of fresh water in the area and excellent for fishing.
Bear, deer, elk, fox, rabbit and various other forms of wildlife populate the area. This is one of the few places that the snow actually melts off of in the summer in Trothgard, making it a prime spot for hunting and planting.
The Trothgard people make the most of it during the short months they have available and can usually harvest enough game, herbs and other produce to get through the overlong winter with plenty to spare.
Samheen 16th, Morningtide
It was here that Ashilda came to hunt the offerings that she would take to Fronigtalle. Her brother, Konstantin, accompanied her, but he would not be able to assist her, just as he could go with her to the mouth of the vale, but could not go inside. These things she must do alone.
It was cold this autumnal day, but the snows were blessedly absent, and so there should still be enough decent prey available to the young woman in her quest for suitable offerings. Perhaps this was an indication of the Ice Queen's favour?
Hunting Plains: Ashilda (Samheen 16th)
Hunting Plains: Ashilda (Samheen 16th)
Last edited by Twilight on Fri Oct 15, 2004 10:17 am, edited 5 times in total.
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
-
Ashilda da'Svafa
Ashilda had felt a strange nervousness roiling the pit of her stomach ever since she had awoken to the thought that this was the day she would hunt the sacrifices for her Rite. What would happen if she couldn't find any game? Or if she could, but was unable to bring it down? After all, she had only practised for three days. At the time she had felt confident that her growing skills combined with the wonderful new bow would see her with the perfect sacrifices. Now, however, she wasn't so sure.
She had hidden her nervousness that morning while they were in the family tent, saying only that she put her faith in the Goddess that she would be able to bring down something suitable. She had smiled and joked with her family and never once hinted that her stomach was churning so much she felt ill. It was even harder not to let on now, when it was only her beloved brother with her. Still, she was stubborn enough not to admit that she was less than confident as she strode out beside the tall young man.
It was good that she was allowed to take a companion on the hunt - a single hunter was in danger at the best of times, and she at least had the honesty to admit that she would not be sure of defending herself adequately if she met one of Trothgard's nastier denizens. Smiling up at him hopefully, she asked, "I know you aren't allowed to help, but are you at least allowed to suggest which direction I might have the best luck in? I've no idea what sort of game tends to be where."
She had hidden her nervousness that morning while they were in the family tent, saying only that she put her faith in the Goddess that she would be able to bring down something suitable. She had smiled and joked with her family and never once hinted that her stomach was churning so much she felt ill. It was even harder not to let on now, when it was only her beloved brother with her. Still, she was stubborn enough not to admit that she was less than confident as she strode out beside the tall young man.
It was good that she was allowed to take a companion on the hunt - a single hunter was in danger at the best of times, and she at least had the honesty to admit that she would not be sure of defending herself adequately if she met one of Trothgard's nastier denizens. Smiling up at him hopefully, she asked, "I know you aren't allowed to help, but are you at least allowed to suggest which direction I might have the best luck in? I've no idea what sort of game tends to be where."
Konstantin looked out across the landscape, his body relaxed, and a slight smile on his face. He was comfortable out here and knew the area well.
"Well," Ashilda's brother replied as he gazed about them. "You'll be wanting smaller game. Not too much weight to carry," he mused. "So, along the river, where the animals come to drink, or around the edges of the wooded patches, where they've places to hide, would be your best bet. Some placed have low rolling hills, and that's good land for burrowing animals, but they're harder to catch when they're so close to shelter."
Then the young man turned to his little sister with a smile, saying, "But it's up to you to choose where you'd like to go. Lead on, dear sister. I follow your lead today."
"Well," Ashilda's brother replied as he gazed about them. "You'll be wanting smaller game. Not too much weight to carry," he mused. "So, along the river, where the animals come to drink, or around the edges of the wooded patches, where they've places to hide, would be your best bet. Some placed have low rolling hills, and that's good land for burrowing animals, but they're harder to catch when they're so close to shelter."
Then the young man turned to his little sister with a smile, saying, "But it's up to you to choose where you'd like to go. Lead on, dear sister. I follow your lead today."
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
-
Ashilda da'Svafa
Ash considered her brother's advice. He was probably right about the animals being harder to hunt when they were close to their holes - she prefered to give herself a bit of time to line up the shot. So either the woods or the river, then. Which would be better?
After a few moments, she said, "Perhaps we'll try the river first. I haven't tried shooting through the trees yet, and I'd hate to break any more arrows because I bounce them off the pines." She chuckled and shrugged. "We should be able to stay far enough away that I can take aim without disturbing them, shouldn't we?"
She altered course as she spoke, heading down towards the river away from the settlement. There were unlikely to be many animals close by, even she knew that much. So it would be wise to head further away first, but stay alert for signs of movement. She pulled an arrow from the quiver and held it losely in her fingers, ready to put it to the bow. Over the days of practise she had grow reasonably adept at getting an arrow into place quickly (Konstantin had called out "Now!" every so often and she had challenged herself to respond quickly each time) but she still didn't quite have the fluid movement of drawing it from the quiver first. Deciding that the last thing she wanted was to fumble and drop the arrow at the crucial moment, she elected to keep one in her hand at all times during this hunt.
As they walked, she kept her eyes roving over the landscape around them. Many of the animals that inhabited this frozen land were white or cream coloured, making it harder to spot them against the snow. It wasn't impossible, however, and she kept her eyes peeled for the slightest sign of life amoung the drifts. Keping her voice low, she asked her brother, "Any last minute tips for me, Konsti?"
After a few moments, she said, "Perhaps we'll try the river first. I haven't tried shooting through the trees yet, and I'd hate to break any more arrows because I bounce them off the pines." She chuckled and shrugged. "We should be able to stay far enough away that I can take aim without disturbing them, shouldn't we?"
She altered course as she spoke, heading down towards the river away from the settlement. There were unlikely to be many animals close by, even she knew that much. So it would be wise to head further away first, but stay alert for signs of movement. She pulled an arrow from the quiver and held it losely in her fingers, ready to put it to the bow. Over the days of practise she had grow reasonably adept at getting an arrow into place quickly (Konstantin had called out "Now!" every so often and she had challenged herself to respond quickly each time) but she still didn't quite have the fluid movement of drawing it from the quiver first. Deciding that the last thing she wanted was to fumble and drop the arrow at the crucial moment, she elected to keep one in her hand at all times during this hunt.
As they walked, she kept her eyes roving over the landscape around them. Many of the animals that inhabited this frozen land were white or cream coloured, making it harder to spot them against the snow. It wasn't impossible, however, and she kept her eyes peeled for the slightest sign of life amoung the drifts. Keping her voice low, she asked her brother, "Any last minute tips for me, Konsti?"
Konstantin nodded at her question about the distance. It was so peaceful and quiet out here that he did not feel like interrupting the near silence with his words. He knew that her range had improved, even in the short time that Ashilda had been practicing. She should have little problem as long as they stayed down wind of her pray.
"Enjoy yourself," he replied with a cheeky grin to her request for advice. "Seriously, little sister, you'll do fine."
The air was cool, but the sun was warm enough, making it a comfortable day for hunting. As they neared the river, they could see shapes moving about it's banks. It looked as though a herd of deer had come down to drink on it's opposite side. The near bank remained obscured by the slight roll of the land on their side of the river. Konstantin watched them with some interest, but made no move to stop. Apparently he was not concerned about scaring them, at least not yet.
Soon, they could see the deer herd clearly, but, as the breeze was in Ashilda and Konstantin's faces, the deer had not been alerted to the presence of the Humans. Parts of the near bank were now visible too, and there were several places where small animals appeared to be gathered, but it was hard to tell just what they were.
Konstantin took a sidelong glance at Ashilda as if to see whether or not she had spotted them.
"Enjoy yourself," he replied with a cheeky grin to her request for advice. "Seriously, little sister, you'll do fine."
The air was cool, but the sun was warm enough, making it a comfortable day for hunting. As they neared the river, they could see shapes moving about it's banks. It looked as though a herd of deer had come down to drink on it's opposite side. The near bank remained obscured by the slight roll of the land on their side of the river. Konstantin watched them with some interest, but made no move to stop. Apparently he was not concerned about scaring them, at least not yet.
Soon, they could see the deer herd clearly, but, as the breeze was in Ashilda and Konstantin's faces, the deer had not been alerted to the presence of the Humans. Parts of the near bank were now visible too, and there were several places where small animals appeared to be gathered, but it was hard to tell just what they were.
Konstantin took a sidelong glance at Ashilda as if to see whether or not she had spotted them.
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
-
Ashilda da'Svafa
Smiling at her brother's advice, Ashilda privately decided that there was little chance that today would hold much chance for enjoyment. She felt far too tense to be able to relax and enjoy herself.
When they saw the deer, Ash bit her lip and resisted the impulse to quicken her pace. Steady, da'Svafa, she admonished herself. Don't rush into this. There's plenty of time yet. So, holding to the pace they had been walking at, they carefully approached the river.
She had her eyes on the deer, wrestling with the idea of trying to shoot one of them anyway - she could figure out a way to get it to the valley later - when a slight movement at the corner of her eye made her glance at Konstantin. He was watching her surreptitiously, not saying anything. Wondering why, she looked back at the scene before them. Now that her attention had shifted away from the deer, she noticed the small animals on the near side of the river.
Nodding slowly, she murmured, "The little ones will likely be more practical than the deer, I suppose." Her voice held a hint of resignation, but then she squared her shoulders and crept forward with silent determination. She wanted to see what was on offer before she made her choice, as this hunt was of greater significance than merely finding something to put in the family pot.
When they saw the deer, Ash bit her lip and resisted the impulse to quicken her pace. Steady, da'Svafa, she admonished herself. Don't rush into this. There's plenty of time yet. So, holding to the pace they had been walking at, they carefully approached the river.
She had her eyes on the deer, wrestling with the idea of trying to shoot one of them anyway - she could figure out a way to get it to the valley later - when a slight movement at the corner of her eye made her glance at Konstantin. He was watching her surreptitiously, not saying anything. Wondering why, she looked back at the scene before them. Now that her attention had shifted away from the deer, she noticed the small animals on the near side of the river.
Nodding slowly, she murmured, "The little ones will likely be more practical than the deer, I suppose." Her voice held a hint of resignation, but then she squared her shoulders and crept forward with silent determination. She wanted to see what was on offer before she made her choice, as this hunt was of greater significance than merely finding something to put in the family pot.
Her older brother smiled inwardly at Ashilda's sensible if slightly grudging decision to forego the deer. Just then, the breeze changed direction slightly, coming toward them at an angle, rather than directly at them. Still, it was in their favour, and so far none of their movements had sparked the least notice.
As the pair neared the river, the small creatures became more distinct, revealing little furry white bodies with small areas of black at ears and feet. The nearest ones numbered about half a dozen, nibbling at the latest growth of grasses along the riverbank. The occasional hop confirmed their identity.
Just as Ashilda and Konstantin crept near enough to be within range, a cry from high above the riverbank pierced the near silence, previously broken only by the breeze. It seemed that they were not the only hunters out this day. Konstantin used one hand to shield his eyes from the sun as he gazed skyward to locate Ashilda's competition.
As the pair neared the river, the small creatures became more distinct, revealing little furry white bodies with small areas of black at ears and feet. The nearest ones numbered about half a dozen, nibbling at the latest growth of grasses along the riverbank. The occasional hop confirmed their identity.
Just as Ashilda and Konstantin crept near enough to be within range, a cry from high above the riverbank pierced the near silence, previously broken only by the breeze. It seemed that they were not the only hunters out this day. Konstantin used one hand to shield his eyes from the sun as he gazed skyward to locate Ashilda's competition.
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
-
Ashilda da'Svafa
Attention momentarily distracted from the animals at the riverbank, Ashilda repeated her brother's gesture and strained to see the bird that had called. Her brow wrinkled in a slight frown - if a hunting bird dove at the creatures on the bank, the little ones at least would scatter and it might be a long time before they dared to poke their noses out of their holes again.
Her eyes went back to the cluster of small animals. Mother took white rabbits... The ones she watched were pretty creatures, their white fur tipped with black at the ears and feet. She watched them carefully, trying to separate them into individuals and identify one that was nice and plump and healthy-looking. The distance was still a little far for her to be sure of her shot, so with a glance at her brother she began to move slowly forward again until she felt more confident that she could hit her mark.
Choosing an animal from those milling about, she drew back the bow and sighted down the length of the arrow towards her prey. She didn't want to take too long, lest the bird of prey should strike first, but she still took the time to line up the shot before firing.
Edit: some awful spelling errors...
Her eyes went back to the cluster of small animals. Mother took white rabbits... The ones she watched were pretty creatures, their white fur tipped with black at the ears and feet. She watched them carefully, trying to separate them into individuals and identify one that was nice and plump and healthy-looking. The distance was still a little far for her to be sure of her shot, so with a glance at her brother she began to move slowly forward again until she felt more confident that she could hit her mark.
Choosing an animal from those milling about, she drew back the bow and sighted down the length of the arrow towards her prey. She didn't want to take too long, lest the bird of prey should strike first, but she still took the time to line up the shot before firing.
Edit: some awful spelling errors...
Last edited by Ashilda da'Svafa on Thu Sep 02, 2004 5:14 am, edited 1 time in total.
(OOC: Welcome back!))
Ashilda's first shot was only slightly off the mark, hitting the rabbit just a little beyond her target. For a flicker, all the animals stood frozen in place, and then those around the fallen rabbit scattered for cover. From the stillness of the creature, it appeared to be a clean kill.
From above came an angry and shrill call from the girl's competition, which circled lower, as if trying to decide if it still had a chance among the small creatures that had not fled. There were still several plump rabbits among the second group, just a little farther along the river bank.
Ashilda's brother silently gestured for her to take another shot and crept a little closer toward the second gathering.
Ashilda's first shot was only slightly off the mark, hitting the rabbit just a little beyond her target. For a flicker, all the animals stood frozen in place, and then those around the fallen rabbit scattered for cover. From the stillness of the creature, it appeared to be a clean kill.
From above came an angry and shrill call from the girl's competition, which circled lower, as if trying to decide if it still had a chance among the small creatures that had not fled. There were still several plump rabbits among the second group, just a little farther along the river bank.
Ashilda's brother silently gestured for her to take another shot and crept a little closer toward the second gathering.
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
-
Ashilda da'Svafa
Torn between annoyance at having missed the rabbit she was aiming for and elation at having hit anything at all, Ashilda spared a brief glance towards the bird hanging above them. While she agreed with her brother's gesture that she should try for one of the further group of animals before they too scattered, she was also perfectly prepared to defend the one she had already killed from opportunistic birds of prey.
Taking another arrow carefully from the quiver, she crept forward beside Konstantin until she was close enough to get a good shot. As before, she took a few moments to watch the milling animals and decide which one she would aim for, then make sure of her aim before firing. There was a good chance that they would already be skittish, and a misfired arrow would likely send them all scurrying for cover.
Taking another arrow carefully from the quiver, she crept forward beside Konstantin until she was close enough to get a good shot. As before, she took a few moments to watch the milling animals and decide which one she would aim for, then make sure of her aim before firing. There was a good chance that they would already be skittish, and a misfired arrow would likely send them all scurrying for cover.
Her second arrow struck it's intended target, but it was not so clean a kill as the first. The fallen rabbit looked rather pathetic as it struggled for a moment, sending it's warren mate scattering in all directions, before it lay still in the grass.
With another shrill cry of indignation, the hawk that had been circling above dove for the first of Ashilda's prizes, determined to take something away from this hunting expedition.
With another shrill cry of indignation, the hawk that had been circling above dove for the first of Ashilda's prizes, determined to take something away from this hunting expedition.
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
-
Ashilda da'Svafa
Ash winced at the vague struggles of her second target, but was almost immediately distracted by the harsh cry of the hawk as it dove towards her first kill. A spark of anger flared up at the sight, and without thinking she leaped towards the fallen rabbit with her bow swinging in a wide arc over her head. "Get away!" she growled at the bird. "Find your own! This one's mine!" Keeping the bow raised in case the hawk decided to dive at her instead, she stooped to snatch up her prize. Once it was secured, she would go and get the other if she could, before her competition tried to target it as well.
His meal snatched so handily from his ready claws, the hawk shrieked once again, but catapulted himself back into the sky at Ashilda's flailing bow. Certainly his competition was not going to let her prize go any more easily than he. The hawk dove once again, but this time for Ashilda herself, determined as he was not to give up yet.
Konstantin had also rushed forward when Ashilda moved to claim her prize. Now he drew his bow at close range and released his arrow at his sister's competition turned attacker. The arrow pierced clean through the bird in mid-dive. The hawk suddenly fell from the air, mere arm lengths above Ashilda's head, landing with a resounding thud at the young woman's feet.
"Well now," her brother chided. "You sure know how to pick your competition." His words were in jest, but the fear was only just fading from his eyes. Konstantin moved forward and pick up the dead bird. "Dinner, I'd say," he commented casually, regarding the obviously well-fed avian. "And some very nice feathers."
Konstantin had also rushed forward when Ashilda moved to claim her prize. Now he drew his bow at close range and released his arrow at his sister's competition turned attacker. The arrow pierced clean through the bird in mid-dive. The hawk suddenly fell from the air, mere arm lengths above Ashilda's head, landing with a resounding thud at the young woman's feet.
"Well now," her brother chided. "You sure know how to pick your competition." His words were in jest, but the fear was only just fading from his eyes. Konstantin moved forward and pick up the dead bird. "Dinner, I'd say," he commented casually, regarding the obviously well-fed avian. "And some very nice feathers."
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
-
Ashilda da'Svafa
Hearing the bird call once again, Ash turned in time to see it diving right for her. She didn't have the time to even think of drawing another arrow and shooting her attacker, but instead threw herself backwards onto the ground with the bow raised protectively above her.
A whir and a thunk, and the bird fell from the sky. She raised herself slightly and looked around to see Konstantin lowering his own bow. He looked shaken, a look she was sure was mirrored in her own eyes. She had thrown herself after her kill without even considering that the wild hunter might attack her directly. If she hadn't asked her brother to accompany her...
Pushing away that thought, she twisted to her feet and bent to retrieve the rabbit. "Well, when it's plucked I'll make you a necklace or something." She tried to keep her voice light, but to her chagrin it still shook a little. Securing the first rabbit to her belt, she reached out and put a hand on her brother's shoulder. "Thank you," she said simply, giving him a squeeze. She was sure that he would understand what she meant, although she couldn't find the words to express it more definitely than that. Giving him a wan smile, she quickly crossed to secure her second prize.
Unexpected excitement notwithstanding, she was pleased with her first real hunt. She had hit twice, and she thought that the creatures that she had brought down were respectable enough in size and health to make fitting sacrifices. It was a heady accomplishment, all the more so because it put her a step closer to adulthood. She looked down at the two creatures now secured to her belt and couldn't help smiling a little.
A whir and a thunk, and the bird fell from the sky. She raised herself slightly and looked around to see Konstantin lowering his own bow. He looked shaken, a look she was sure was mirrored in her own eyes. She had thrown herself after her kill without even considering that the wild hunter might attack her directly. If she hadn't asked her brother to accompany her...
Pushing away that thought, she twisted to her feet and bent to retrieve the rabbit. "Well, when it's plucked I'll make you a necklace or something." She tried to keep her voice light, but to her chagrin it still shook a little. Securing the first rabbit to her belt, she reached out and put a hand on her brother's shoulder. "Thank you," she said simply, giving him a squeeze. She was sure that he would understand what she meant, although she couldn't find the words to express it more definitely than that. Giving him a wan smile, she quickly crossed to secure her second prize.
Unexpected excitement notwithstanding, she was pleased with her first real hunt. She had hit twice, and she thought that the creatures that she had brought down were respectable enough in size and health to make fitting sacrifices. It was a heady accomplishment, all the more so because it put her a step closer to adulthood. She looked down at the two creatures now secured to her belt and couldn't help smiling a little.
Her brother smiled with pride at his little sister, and clapped her companionably on the shoulder. Then his gazed shifted to admire her prizes. The plump white rabbits were indeed fit offerings for their Goddess and one of her hypogriffs.
"Well done!" he declared. "As if there were ever any doubt," he added in a teasing tone, as he turned to head upriver. The creatures had all scattered, leaving the banks oddly quiet and quite vacant. Even the deer on the opposite bank had disappeared, leaving no sign that they had ever been there. Only the breeze through the grasses created movement around them, all else was still.
"We should probably try to go a bit further toward the Vale before we make camp," Konstantin mused, looking to Ashilda for her thoughts, since this was her expedition.
"Well done!" he declared. "As if there were ever any doubt," he added in a teasing tone, as he turned to head upriver. The creatures had all scattered, leaving the banks oddly quiet and quite vacant. Even the deer on the opposite bank had disappeared, leaving no sign that they had ever been there. Only the breeze through the grasses created movement around them, all else was still.
"We should probably try to go a bit further toward the Vale before we make camp," Konstantin mused, looking to Ashilda for her thoughts, since this was her expedition.
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
-
Ashilda da'Svafa
Ashilda fairly glowed in the praise from her beloved brother. He was one of the few people whose opinion of her really mattered - the other main one being her mother. Looking around, it was difficult to believe that there had been animals around a few moments before. There were still some prints in the snow that betrayed them, although in the immediate area she had obliterated many of these when she fell. A few specks of blood shone brilliantly against the crisp whiteness and she scuffed at it with her toe until it had been covered. With a self-conscious grin to Konstantin, she said, "They might not come back if there's still blood here."
Turning her attention away from the hunt, she nodded to her brother's suggestion. "Yes," she replied slowly. "Yes, it would be good to go on. How far do you think we can get before nightfall? I'd like to be close." She checked over the arrows she had retrieved from the two rabbits, and if they were still sound she cleaned them and slid them back into the quiver. She felt full of energy, enthused by the success of the hunt and ready to walk as long as she needed to. If possible, she would like to camp as close to the enterance to the Valley as she dared.
Turning her attention away from the hunt, she nodded to her brother's suggestion. "Yes," she replied slowly. "Yes, it would be good to go on. How far do you think we can get before nightfall? I'd like to be close." She checked over the arrows she had retrieved from the two rabbits, and if they were still sound she cleaned them and slid them back into the quiver. She felt full of energy, enthused by the success of the hunt and ready to walk as long as she needed to. If possible, she would like to camp as close to the enterance to the Valley as she dared.
Konstantin smiled at his sister's attempt to obliterate the blood stain. Of course, the smell would linger, but it was a nice gesture. He gazed around, as if marking their location, as Ashilda examined, cleaned and stored once of the two arrows. The second had been damaged, possibly from the small creature's struggles before it died, and would have to be discarded.
"We should be able to get within two or three marks of Fronigtalle, before it begins to get dark. We'd better not push it though, or we'll be making camp in the dark," he teased, knowing that Ashilda would be eager to get as close as possible to the Vale today.
Setting out to the north, they would cut across the mining caravan route to meet up with the northern trail to Fronigtalle. Konstantin knew the area well, and yet they would have to remain on their guard against the white bear and they would be travelling into increasingly deeper snow. It would not be an easy trek, but konstantin looked quite pleased at the prospect.
"We should be able to get within two or three marks of Fronigtalle, before it begins to get dark. We'd better not push it though, or we'll be making camp in the dark," he teased, knowing that Ashilda would be eager to get as close as possible to the Vale today.
Setting out to the north, they would cut across the mining caravan route to meet up with the northern trail to Fronigtalle. Konstantin knew the area well, and yet they would have to remain on their guard against the white bear and they would be travelling into increasingly deeper snow. It would not be an easy trek, but konstantin looked quite pleased at the prospect.
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
-
Ashilda da'Svafa
Ash grinned at her brother's teasing - he was the only one from whom she would allow such, knowing as she did that it was always kindly meant. She sighed as she discarded the damaged arrow, then checked to make sure all her things were secure before they set out. As they headed up into the mountains, she asked Konstantin for a critique of her performance. "I know I shot them both, even if the first one I shot wasn't the one I had aimed for," she explained. "I want to know if there's anything I could have done better though." If she was going to start paying more attention to maintaining some skill with the bow, she wanted to be good at it. It wasn't enough for her to just be mediocre at anything.
She also thought a little about the path they would be taking, and realised that the snow would get a lot deeper as they climbed. She began looking as they walked for something she could use as a staff, since she didn't want to press her bow into such a service. It would be easier to pick a way through deep drifts with something to aid her balance and test the footing before she trusted her weight to it.
She also thought a little about the path they would be taking, and realised that the snow would get a lot deeper as they climbed. She began looking as they walked for something she could use as a staff, since she didn't want to press her bow into such a service. It would be easier to pick a way through deep drifts with something to aid her balance and test the footing before she trusted her weight to it.
Konstantin considered his sister's question for a few flickers as they walked. The pace he preferred was fairly brisk, but not so much so that it would interfere with conversation.
"I think it's just a matter of practice, little sister," he answered at length. "Sometimes, when you're hunting and not just practicing, the hardest part is not letting your own heart beat throw off your aim," Konstantin added, as he considered her performance. "But that's just experience, I think. Figuring out if you stay steadier with your breath held in, or out." He shrugged, as if to indicate that she should not be worried about it, and made no further comment.
As they moved northward, the trees began to get more scarce and much smaller, the harsh conditions keeping the growing cycle very short for the few that managed to sprout here at all. Just before they let the river bank, Ashilda managed to find a passable stick to use. It would not withstand much force, but it would likely serve as an aid to keeping her balance and footing. Konstantin too acquired a crude walking stick and smiled his approval at his sister when she found hers.
As the sun got low on the western horizon, Konstantin looked to his sister and asked, "Are you about ready to make camp?" They were on the southwest side of a small hill, but it was large enough to detour the frigid north wind in it's travels southward, providing them with a measure of protection from it's chilling bite.
"I think it's just a matter of practice, little sister," he answered at length. "Sometimes, when you're hunting and not just practicing, the hardest part is not letting your own heart beat throw off your aim," Konstantin added, as he considered her performance. "But that's just experience, I think. Figuring out if you stay steadier with your breath held in, or out." He shrugged, as if to indicate that she should not be worried about it, and made no further comment.
As they moved northward, the trees began to get more scarce and much smaller, the harsh conditions keeping the growing cycle very short for the few that managed to sprout here at all. Just before they let the river bank, Ashilda managed to find a passable stick to use. It would not withstand much force, but it would likely serve as an aid to keeping her balance and footing. Konstantin too acquired a crude walking stick and smiled his approval at his sister when she found hers.
As the sun got low on the western horizon, Konstantin looked to his sister and asked, "Are you about ready to make camp?" They were on the southwest side of a small hill, but it was large enough to detour the frigid north wind in it's travels southward, providing them with a measure of protection from it's chilling bite.
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
-
Ashilda da'Svafa
They walked in silence for most of the time, saving their breath for walking. At least, that was how Ash felt - she was sure her brother was having less trouble keeping up the pace. It was a little easier once she had the walking stick, but the exertion did begin to take its toll after a while.
She had plenty to think about she they walked, however. She considered Konstantin's words about hunting, and finally decided that she would just have to keep in practise. Aside from that, the imminent Rite was begining to weigh heavily on her mind. What was it like in the Valley? Did one actually come face to face with the Goddess herself? And how large were hippogryphs, exactly? She knew that she would be safe from harm by most beasts while she was in Fronigtalle, but she couldn't help remembering that she had heard tales of the hippogryphs themselves attacking people who they deemed unworthy. She wasn't sure if this was just stories told to frighten children or not, but she couldn't afford to completely discount the possibility.
What if they think I'm unworthy? The thought rose unbidden in her mind. Or if the Ice Queen does? I want to serve her, I want to know how to use the power of the runes that she gave us, and I can't do that if I don't have her favour. With an effort, she turned her mind away from this unproductive line of thinking. Her usual self-assurance wasn't quite there, but she told herself sternly that she would succeed and become a full member of the Clan.
When Konstantin suggested stopping, she shook herself out of her reverie and looked around. The side of the hill was sheltered, and her legs were protesting a little at the unusual exercise. Nodding, she replied, "Yes, here will be a good place. You may have to carry me otherwise." She grinned impishly, then asked, "How far will we have to go in the morning?"
She had plenty to think about she they walked, however. She considered Konstantin's words about hunting, and finally decided that she would just have to keep in practise. Aside from that, the imminent Rite was begining to weigh heavily on her mind. What was it like in the Valley? Did one actually come face to face with the Goddess herself? And how large were hippogryphs, exactly? She knew that she would be safe from harm by most beasts while she was in Fronigtalle, but she couldn't help remembering that she had heard tales of the hippogryphs themselves attacking people who they deemed unworthy. She wasn't sure if this was just stories told to frighten children or not, but she couldn't afford to completely discount the possibility.
What if they think I'm unworthy? The thought rose unbidden in her mind. Or if the Ice Queen does? I want to serve her, I want to know how to use the power of the runes that she gave us, and I can't do that if I don't have her favour. With an effort, she turned her mind away from this unproductive line of thinking. Her usual self-assurance wasn't quite there, but she told herself sternly that she would succeed and become a full member of the Clan.
When Konstantin suggested stopping, she shook herself out of her reverie and looked around. The side of the hill was sheltered, and her legs were protesting a little at the unusual exercise. Nodding, she replied, "Yes, here will be a good place. You may have to carry me otherwise." She grinned impishly, then asked, "How far will we have to go in the morning?"
"A couple of burns or so," Konstantin replied as he began to make camp, pulling the skins that had been secured together to form a very small hunting tent from his pack. "We'll reach the valley entrance by mid-morningtide."
Deftly, he tied cording between two scrubby little trees, just large enough to support the weight of the tent, and he and Ashilda soon had the little structure staked and up. It was not much, but they would have shelter, and anything more would have been impossible to carry on one man's back.
With some scrounging, the two were able to find enough kindling and firewood for a small cooking fire, and soon there was at least some warmth to compensate for the quickly setting sun.
"You want to tend the fire or prepare our dinner?" Konstantin asked with a grin, as he held up the hawk that would roast above the fire and provide meat for their evening meal.
Deftly, he tied cording between two scrubby little trees, just large enough to support the weight of the tent, and he and Ashilda soon had the little structure staked and up. It was not much, but they would have shelter, and anything more would have been impossible to carry on one man's back.
With some scrounging, the two were able to find enough kindling and firewood for a small cooking fire, and soon there was at least some warmth to compensate for the quickly setting sun.
"You want to tend the fire or prepare our dinner?" Konstantin asked with a grin, as he held up the hawk that would roast above the fire and provide meat for their evening meal.
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
-
Ashilda da'Svafa
Ashilda was able to forget her worries as she worked with her brother to set up the camp. She didn't often travel far from Rimehold, so it was something of a novelty for her. Once they had the fire burning merrily, she hunkered down beside it. Grinning up at Konstantin, she replied cheerfully, "It was your catch, so you ought to have the honour of preparing it. I'll mind the fire." She began sorting the sticks they had collected, looking for a couple that could be used to support the bird above the flames.
As Konstantin worked to prepared the bird for eating, she asked hesitantly, "What's it like, Konsti? In the Valley, I mean. Is it frightening to be all alone out there?"
OOC: Sorry so shrot... RL is being troublesome. I'll still try and post regularly though.
As Konstantin worked to prepared the bird for eating, she asked hesitantly, "What's it like, Konsti? In the Valley, I mean. Is it frightening to be all alone out there?"
OOC: Sorry so shrot... RL is being troublesome. I'll still try and post regularly though.
((OOC: I completely understand, as my RL is rather demanding just now too.))
His face lit by the firelight, Ashilda could see the knowing smile upon her brother's face. He paused in his task for a flicker, sitting back on his haunches thoughtfully.
"It is a peaceful place, much warmer that out here," he said, finishing up the preparation of the bird as he spoke, his voice carrying a sense of awe. "It would surely be a dangerous place for anyone who defiled it..., but not for you, I think," he added with a quick smile Ashilda's way. "Just don't go trying to capture a hippogryph and you'll be safe enough."
Spitting the bird above the fire that had burned down to hot coals, perfect for cooking but not in any danger of going out, Konstantin sat down across from her.
"You're nervous," he stated matter-of-factly. "I think everyone is, unless they're too fool to know better." His grin told her that this was a jest intended to make her feel better.
His face lit by the firelight, Ashilda could see the knowing smile upon her brother's face. He paused in his task for a flicker, sitting back on his haunches thoughtfully.
"It is a peaceful place, much warmer that out here," he said, finishing up the preparation of the bird as he spoke, his voice carrying a sense of awe. "It would surely be a dangerous place for anyone who defiled it..., but not for you, I think," he added with a quick smile Ashilda's way. "Just don't go trying to capture a hippogryph and you'll be safe enough."
Spitting the bird above the fire that had burned down to hot coals, perfect for cooking but not in any danger of going out, Konstantin sat down across from her.
"You're nervous," he stated matter-of-factly. "I think everyone is, unless they're too fool to know better." His grin told her that this was a jest intended to make her feel better.
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
-
Ashilda da'Svafa
Ashilda smiled at her brothers praise as she brought the fire to the point where it would be good to cook over. Chuckling lightly, she replied, "Oh, I don't think I'd have the nerve to even consider it - I've no death wish!"
She grinned ruefully at his last statement. Konstantin knew her far too well, although she conceded that this did mean that he knew how to cheer her up. Reaching out, she gave his arm a brief squeeze. As they both sat back to wait until the bird was cooked, she agreed, "I am nervous. Partly because it will be the first time I've ever been truly alone - no family, no friends, no anybody anywhere within calling distance - and partly because I really want this to go well. I don't want anything to go wrong!"
She grinned ruefully at his last statement. Konstantin knew her far too well, although she conceded that this did mean that he knew how to cheer her up. Reaching out, she gave his arm a brief squeeze. As they both sat back to wait until the bird was cooked, she agreed, "I am nervous. Partly because it will be the first time I've ever been truly alone - no family, no friends, no anybody anywhere within calling distance - and partly because I really want this to go well. I don't want anything to go wrong!"
"The Ice Queen shall be there with you," he replied, as if this were a completely normal declaration to make. Konstantin's faith was not something he wore for all to see, but it was complete. He had experienced Her presence and had felt Her approval, and that was something that he would never question or doubt.
"I won't spoil the experience by telling you about that though," he told her, suddenly grinning broadly at Ashilda across the fire.
Then he changed the subject and asked her, "What do you want to do, once you've completed the right?" It was a natural question, but somehow it seemed much more important now that Ashilda was on the threshold of adulthood. Konstantin had seen his little sister mature greatly in recent months, as sometimes their mother could not.
"I won't spoil the experience by telling you about that though," he told her, suddenly grinning broadly at Ashilda across the fire.
Then he changed the subject and asked her, "What do you want to do, once you've completed the right?" It was a natural question, but somehow it seemed much more important now that Ashilda was on the threshold of adulthood. Konstantin had seen his little sister mature greatly in recent months, as sometimes their mother could not.
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)