504-11-06 The Hunt
From Crossroads Wiki
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| Players: | Princess Eleanor & Tarrant |
| Location: | Trebachas, Guardians |
| Date | |
| IC Date: | Sunday, November 16, 504 A.G. |
| Season: | Winter |
With the morning's fast broken and perhaps an hour spent in seperation as Tarrant makes the necessary arrangements, the Princess and her knightly escorts next meet with the Trebachan baron in the estate's yard of Gwencalon, where a half dozen horses, a guide in hunting leathers, and the baronial falconer await. Tarrant himself is securing a distinctive spear to the riding harness of the sixth horse.
During that hour El has taken the time to change in something more suiting for a hunt. Coming back out in browns and greens, perhaps in hopes of camaflauging with the environment. Or perhaps she's just making a new fashion statement. Regardless she begins to make her way out to the yard, taking in the people represented in here, looking them over as if putting them to memory in case of future reference. A nod and a smile seen for any that may look her way. She does not draw to near to startle Tarrant, in fact she clears her throat to see if that catches his attention.
The spear carries a distinctive head- a long, broad point, with a crossbar perhaps a foot down it's seven foot length. the weapon is dismissed from attention however, as the Princess clears her throat for attention. Intent blue eyes turn aside to fix upon the Lady, pausing his movement for a long moment. One brown brow climbs with the sight. "Eleanor," he greets, turning to face her and bending in a short bow without breaking eye contact. "I'm impressed," he notes evenly.
As El stands there she is quick to look over the spear. Its with a curious look and interest as she takes in the weapon. Stepping in as if to get a better look at it. Only to see she's caught the Baron's attention. She also notices that his blue eyes are looking at her, seeing the expression to. She acts like such a girl in this moment. Trying to be composed and regal but she loses it instead and giggles. "Umm...thank you...Tarrant."
"How, in such a small pack, you managed to prepare for a hunt with such attire.." He lets the dryly spoken words taper off, as he stands upright to his full height once more. "If you are ready, the hawk awaits your approval, your horse awaits its rider, and Guardian awaits its Princess."
"This is Guardians." El straigtens some, "I've done a little homework. I like to be aware of my enviornment after all." Giving a nod to his words, smiling at him and the words used. "Well, far be it for me to tarry in this." At the mention of the horse awaiting its rider, one of her knights brings it over to her after it being pointed out to him. Before she takes the knight's hand to be boosted up she looks back over at him, "An adventure awaits."
The baronial falconer approaches to provide Eleanor with the leather gauntlet for bearing the raptor. Tarrant mounts smoothly onto the back of his own horse, checking the lie of the spear, before regarding the Lady afresh. A tight smile tugs at his expression in answer to the Princess' words. He looks aside, nodding once to thier guide, who leads the procession of riders out of the estate, and into the crisp november woods.
El is given her boost. Once she is settled on the horse's back is when she offers her arm out to the falconer. With the help of the falconer she gets the glove on securely. El is to distracted in settling on the horse and getting the gauntlet on to pay much mind in how easy it is for Tarrant to mounth his horse and all the checking in he's doing. She for her part still holds onto grace even if there are things that she may not be in the know of. Though she does take a moment to catch that tight smile, no matter how brief it is. Quick smile seen for it. She waits for them to be guided out after the go ahead from the Baron. As they ride along, El takes the time to look about and take in what is found here. Looking relaxed as she takes in the smell of the crips air and the woods they soon enter.
The trail climbs steeply, giving the riders a magnifiscent view of the harbor and city of Gwencalon, even as it is still swathed in fog. The ride is an otherworldly one as the hunters pass between trees, until at last the path evens out, and the half dozen enter a small glade. Tarrant's horse is guided alongside Eleanor's as the ride slows.
For once the princess is quiet. No words emit. She's taken back by the view she can see. Her dark eyes trailing to where the harbor lays and where the city is beyond that, regardless of the fog. Still quiet as they pass the trees, giving a nod of her head when the path evens out and Tarrant joins her. Finally, she speaks up, "Its beautiful here, Tarrant. Such magnifiance to be found here." Her own words quiet as she continues to look this way and that.
"Eleanor, you've only seen the barest glimpse of the coast, Tarrant points out, dryly amused. Yet he does not disagree, simply adding, "Trebachas will steal your breath, my Lady. guardian is a hard land, but not an ugly one." His own blue eyes go from city, to Princess, to woods about them, idly loosing his spear, and setting it upright in one hand, at rest.
There's a hawk on the princess's arm. Getting a little restless. Looks like it would like to be set free and go in flight. El takes a moment to admire the beautiful creature. Lifting her arm to go up to let it soar and look for its prey. She's figureing even in this small break it would not be all that difficult to catch up with the hawk. She's watching the bird in flight, in search but still she's also listening. "I will take your word on it, milord. I do believe when people speak of Guardian's being a harsh land I will have to give them a gentle reminder that there is beauty to be found in it." And than her own eyes move from the hawk to where Tarrant is, catching his look when he looks her way. "I'm rather enjoying myself Tarrant, thank you."
Tarrant nods once, looking out through the trees, thus Eleanor sees him in profile at first. As she speaks those words of thanks the baron looks back, to reply evenly, "On this subject as well, my Lady: you've seen only the barest glimpse." His horse paws at the ground, sharing the restlessness of the soaring hawk.
"Let's go!" El says as she watches the hawk a few minutes more. "Let's see what he's found." Putting her arm down as she takes both hands now to hold onto her reins. Shifting and clucking her tongue as if to get her horse to go, saying towards the Baron, "Race you!" And with that she's off. Like a little kid who's been set free, the princess takes chase after the hawk, trying to figure out where it is he's going. With her luck she's probably startling all the prey.
Tarrant chuckles lowly under his breath at the challenge. Setting spurs to the flanks of his steed, the baron barks out a curt, "Hyah!" leaning forward in the saddle as the animal bolts forward. Dividing his eye between the direction of the raptor overhead and the trees through which the race winds.
Up ahead the hawk continues to do its soaring. Than immediatly plummets and the way it moves you'd think it would hit head first in the ground. Its hard to see what it is he's after and well El is trying to gain speed against Tarrant. Even in her wild abandoment of racing she's sure to steer her horse from running into trees. There's laughter to be heard, caught in the wind. But she's more likely losing in this race, though she tries very hard to keep up with him. As they near the hawk, in its clutches is a rabbit who is struggling.
[ROLL] Tarrant rolls 1d2: 2
Total: 2
Tarrant leans low over the horse's neck as steed and rider dash through the late autumn woods. Though he does not laugh aloud, a faint though fierce smile is upon his face as the baron races against the laughter to his left. Eleanor is only visible in rare flashes through the trees, as the hawk dives to its mark, putting the finishing blow to its prey.. the last dive angled the raptor to the left, and thus it is in fact Eleanor who reaches the mark first.
As El continues the race she is soon seen slowing when she takes notice of the hawk and what it is its doing. Or maybe she just needed to catch her breath. Regardless she's so busy watching where she's going and what the raptor is doing it takes her a few minutes to realize she is first. She makes no triumpant noise or anything. In fact she's to busy watching nature at work. The whole circle of life thing. Now this, this she doesn't get grossed out on since its more of a natural occurance. Patting at her horse and crooning at him, waiting for Tarrant to come up.
Tarrant is not far behind Eleanor, reining his own horse up to a short stop as he gains on, and finally passes the Princess. Drawing the animal about in a tight circle, he commends evenly, "You ride well," with a tight smile still lingering upon his countenance. Blue eyes slip down to the day's first catch.
Princess Eleanor looks up from what it she's looking at and over to where the Baron finally makes his stop. Teeth are seen in the smile, its of a relaxed fashion, "Thank you. I guess I knew a little more than I thought." Than her eyes drift to the ground, "Looks like at least rabbit will be represented in the meal."
Tarrant nods curtly once, "So it seems. What would you prefer for supper, I wonder? A second rabbit- or a bit of spiced fowl?" he asks, blue eyes glittering. "Furthermore- I begin to suspect you are misleading me, Eleanor." A slowly drawn breath as he goes on, steadily bemused. "You claim not to know your strength.. yet you are strong. You claim not to be a rider, yet you ride well. What next, are you to better me at battlecraft?"
"How about fowl." El says, looking his way and catching the mirth in his eyes. Eyes get wide as he continues to speak and actually takes him at face value, "What? Oh Tarrant I would not do such a thing!" It takes her a moment longer to realize that his words are light. A delayed reaction. Dipping her head she takes the compliment, "Thank you Tarrant. But I will have you know I am ignorant when it comes to battlecraft. I can identify weapons but expected to throw them and such, no I do not think I could. I've praticed a little with bow and arrow, but otherwise in that I am limited."
"Have you practiced at your wit, my Lady?" Tarrant asks in return. "Or perhaps it is mine which has grown dull, that my jest is taken as truth." A dry chuckle warms his throat, as the next flight of the raptor is readied.
"No your not dull." El's quick to say. "Maybe I'm the one that needs training in wit." But than she quiets as she waits for the hawk to be returned to her arm. Another retainer picking up the rabbit and bagging it. No doubt that animal will be cleaned off back at the baronial site. Taking in a breath and letting it out as she studies the hawk, asking for Tarrant's opinion, "So what do you think Mr. Hawk will find now?" Waiting a moment or two before riding and letting the creature go once again.
"In this season? A quail, perhaps," Tarrant muses. "So long as no boars are roused, the day should be a sweet one. What game do you guess for this raptor of yours, my Lady?" "Do you have wild turkeys here?" El asks, still studying the creature on her arm. "If so perhaps it will be a turkey he finds if its not a quail. Depending on the size than we will be in luck of having a fine meal than." And of course she'd know all about food after all. Giving a quick nod at the mention of boars. Tugging at her reins, but this time she doesn't race, instead falling into a easy conversation kind of ride, as she scans the area to see where it would be a good spot to let the hawk go.
"If we have turkeys, I've never seen one," Tarrant replies. "Those are Green Fields birds, if my memory is true." As the horses stir forward once again, trailed by the knights and retainers, the Baron voices further, "Yet even deprived of a turkey, I suspect luck will be with us."
"Well goes to show I really know the wildlife around here." El quips, making fun of herself, as they move on. Giving a nod in his direction, "I do believe you are right. If anything I will consider it lucky to have such fine company even if your a storm cloud." Than she focuses on getting further into the woods and to find an opening to let the bird go. This goes on for a few minutes more until she finds a spot she is satisfied with. Again she does what she did previous, lifting up her arm and giving the raptor a boost and watching him soar. Yes there's a smile to be found in her features as she looks up and away.
[ROLL] Tarrant rolls 1d20: 1
Total: 1
*This is the ribbon that El pinned on Tarrant at the favor dance*
This ribbon is in Imperial Colors that of blue and gold. Eleanor has taken some time in putting this together. Silk seems to be the fabric of choice in the favor. It's a two piece ribbon and in the colors of blue and gold. As the ribbon is drawn down, silver knights, horses and swords are sewn on in a trinket fashion. On the right side of the ribbon are more trinkets, that of crowns that belong to the Imperial family. Costume jewelry being used in the gold and sapphire bits. When the ribbon is flipped over, the names of the Emperor, Empress and Princess are sewn in gold, on the blue part of the ribbon. The date October 20th, 504 is also seen. Showing that this could also be used as a memory piece, a representative of the festival that had concluded. On the back of where the crowns were sewn are wiggly lines of blue that represent the currents. Near the bottom El's taken the liberty to sew a blessing, simple in words, "Blessed Providence, Keep Us." Her initials are seen to. That represents who did the work on this favor.
"Well goes to show I really know the wildlife around here." El quips, making fun of herself, as they move on. Giving a nod in his direction, "I do believe you are right. If anything I will consider it lucky to have such fine company even if your a storm cloud." Than she focuses on getting further into the woods and to find an opening to let the bird go. This goes on for a few minutes more until she finds a spot she is satisfied with. Again she does what she did previous, lifting up her arm and giving the raptor a boost and watching him soar. Yes there's a smile to be found in her features as she looks up and away.
The 'storm cloud' simply sniffs once, and rumbles a wordless, "Hrm!" at the accusation of being good company, regarding the princess a long moment as she sets the bird to wing. Then the horses are off again, winding through the trees. In short order, two quail and a dove are brought to ground- the lean winter months not yet upon the Isle, game is rich.
El is staring up at the skies, still very enthralled in the hawk and what it can do. Though there's a bit of amusement to be found in her features when she hears that sniff and the rumble that comes from the grumpy old Baron. Riding along when the horses go off, trying to keep track of where that bird is going. Sure it might be redundant but this is still new to her and she's throughly enjoying it. Finally when it seems that their feast is added by the quails and dove you'd think that it was El that went and hunted them down herself in how delighted she is with the outcome. "Tarrant!" Yes delight, "We will be eating in such finery tonight, it seems. How thrilling!" In a moment if she's not careful she'd be applauding but she restrains herself and simply sits in her seat, waiting for the hawk to come back to her, arm outstretched for the raptor.
"I was unaware that a Royal Princess was so spoiled for good food on Gateway," Tarrant teases back, evenly. Still, the Lady's enthusiasm is catching, and the baron's expression remains lightly warmed by a good humor. A moment after one of the Princess' knights tenses (and the two others follow suit in short order), Tarrant's own posture stiffens, as intent blue eyes go from Eleanor to the woods about them. The Lady's clapping and delight have flushed out a few more of the forest's denizens, the sight of one in particular causes Tarrant to swiftly swing a leg over his horse's back and dismount, pleasant banter forgotten. Grunting and growling in the underbrush, a Guardian boar has been roused. El is leaned some as if to beckon the hawk to come closer to her, looking sideways to Tarrant and catching on his words. But than she takes notice that something has changed. Frown to her features as her knights react in a defensive manner. Of course she's thinking person so she looks around to see who else would be joining their party. But its Tarrant who really catches her attention. From her vantage point she notices the stiffness in his posture, trying to follow with her own eyes what it is he sees. And than the Guardian Baron is out of his seat and onto the ground, brows raise and her complexion pales when she notices the noise and who it is it belongs to. One of El's knights is trying to pull her and her horse back, "Highness." Trying to be smooth in his actions to not rouse the creature more.
Tarrant keeps his eyes on the wild swine, even as he voices quiet and even, "The beast is of little threat directly, Eleanor, but should it wound the horses, it would run ill." He brings the seven foot haft of his curious spear about, bracing the backend in the leaves and loam under one boot. Baron and beast regard each other, while Eleanor's guards do thier sworn duty and keep her safe. The beast grunts and snorts in its porcine squeal, tossing its broad head with pawing steps.
El gives a slow nod. Something that Tarrant probably doesn't see since he's focused on the swine. But she defintly hears him. Looking about at the horses even as she's pulled back. She makes no protest in what one of her knight's is trying to do. She's just grown quiet. Eyes getting a bit wider as she watches now what is going on between baron and boar. Grasping both reins in her free hand. The hawk on her arm starts to swawk in which time the falconer comes to rescue and plays pass the hawk so even that raptor would not add more to the confusion.
The snorting beast lowers its long-tusked head (The Guardian variety of boat grows more prominent tusks than its cousins of other isles.. to th length of a curling dagger at each side of it's snout) and bellows a porcine challenge as it charges. Underbrush and obstacles pose no delay for the swift moving creature as it fearlessly bolts toward where tarrant waits.
The warrior's motions are swift, smooth and practiced as he lowers the spearhead, both hands braced on the thick ashenwood shaft. The charge lasts mere moments, but in the time Tarrant places, and adjusts the aim of his spear, as the boar hurls itself upon him. Bloody impact, the spear shaft flexes with the force, but strong hands hold it steady. The spearpoint had torn into the bast's charging chest, just beneath the snout. Although impaled, the swine still straines and strives forward, heedless of the mortal wound.. yet the curious flares at the base of the spearhead now reveal thier purpose: holding the boar braced at a safe distance.
There's a gasp heard from Eleanor. In fact very softly it can be heard, "You have to be careful, Tarrant, please." Than she quiets, realizing how much she does not want to be a distraction at this time. Staring down at the creature once she is a safe distance away. Taking in a breath and letting it out as she watches the warrior, wincing when the boar hurls at him. Frowning some as she tries to figure out what is going on. Than another deep breath when she sees that boar is not going anywhere. When it is safe to speak up she does, looking over at him having seen blood, fussing. Its what she does well, "Are you hurt?"
Although the boar never stops struggling to come closer to it's killer, a strong grip, and patience are enough to ensure that the spearman is kept from those tusks. When the struggles at last slow as the life bleeds out of the beast, Tarrant forces the creature over onto it's side, and pulls the bloodied spear loose. He was rude enough to ignore Eleanor's first plea, looking toward the Princess only after giving the slain beast a second thrust to the throat, to be on the safe side. "Once a boar charges, only death with turn it back. They are the most fearless beasts in all the world. Small wonder the tribes venerate them so." Belatedly, as he walks toward the waiting horses, "I am well. The spear held, and struck true. The boar never came close enough." Chest and shoulders rise with a deeply drawn breath of the crisp November air, sharp blue eyes holding the Lady's.
There's relief to be found in the words spoken. Her hand to her chest as she draws in a breath. Quick nod given at the quick lesson taught. Looking over at the creature as it is impaled, especially when Tarrant makes sure of its death by the second thrust. "Oh good. Providence blessed you, indeed." Her own green eyes look him over for her own assurance, than her eyes drift up to where his own is looking back at her. Taking in a swallow at the harrowing experience.
"Providence is not the only god of Guardian," Tarrant answers evenly, before voicing further, "Yet I'll not shrink from Her blessing if you offer such." Looking aside to thier guide and bag-man, the baron notes, "I imagine we'll need a litter to drag the beast. Or will you send men back to retrieve it?" Answered in the latter, Tarranot nods once, sticking his spear into the ground to clean it before remounting his horse.
"Of course." El murmurs at the correction. Watching as Tarrant converses with the men that are with the party. Still quiet as she falls into listening and watching mode momentairly. Her enthusasim may even seem to have been dampered some but than there's a smile seen when she thinks upon today's activties. Once the baron is settled, she moves her horse so that she is to his right in a compaional fashion, "Perhaps this is a sign that we should conclude the hunt?"
"It is a sign- if anything, that we should turn back to Gwencalon," Tarrant agrees, as he settles into the saddle once again, returning the boar spear to it's upright rest. "But who is to say that there is not another rabbit or bird in your Highness' future?"
Giving a nod in his direction. With the hawk not resting on her arm she takes both hands to hold onto her reins. Knees staying settled on the horse's side. Looking over his way, "Yes, perhaps there is. I have no doubt this will not be the last of hunting adventures."
"Are you well?" Tarrant asks evenly, steady blue stare fixed on Eleanor's. "You seem .. stirred." "Yes. Of course. I am fine." El quickly says in reassurance. Making her admittance, "I was a bit concerned for you. I knew logically you'd be just fine. For I am sure there are worse things you've had to fare but emotionally it did make my heart twist some to watch what was happening and I couldn't do anything."
"Do you face much danger, Eleanor?" Tarrant wonders evenly, as he guides the horse about to begin the ride back the direction they'd come. "In your life, from day to day, and year to year. It is not your life to deal in blades and blood, I know.. but I cannot imagine such things are wholly unknown to you?"
El almost cringes at the scritny. "Well, I am defintly not of Guardians. I've not really had to deal with danger in a everyday manner. Of course there's been different kind of attacks I've gone thru but even the simple things such as catching a boar, still catches me by surprise. Well maybe not simple..." Quieting some taking a chance to turn her horse some to follow your lead, "No, these kind of things are not wholly unknown to me. But I find I have a reaction for someone..." Stumbling some as she tries to figure out what words to use. "I'm finding, I care about what happens to you." Staring straight at the road instead of him as she speaks.
"I am not a safe man to care for, Eleanor," Tarrant voices, turning his own blue eyes to the woods ahead, to spare the Princess the discomfort of his stare. Straight backed, despite all the time in the saddle, head carried high and proud, he states with a familiar stoic expression, "There have been a dozen times in my life where my all rights I should have died. There will likely be a dozen more in my future. Death and danger are the constant companions to one who walks a Guardian's path. You know this already, my Lady."
"Of course. I am not that naive." El's voice is smooth as they carry on back to whence they began. "Sometimes it gets tiring to be wrapped in such a cocoon and only allowed to get glimpses of life from a protective shield. I know that I don't know everything and that there is still a lot for me to learn. But the one thing that I have come to rely on are my instincts and my emotions. They have seen me thru thus far. I am quite aware that you are a warrior and that tomorrow I may be watching them bury you to the ground if there is a body to do such a thing to. But while I am here with you the one thing you've asked of me is to be honest. I am honering that. Because I respect you and the things you do. There's even a bit of admiration even if the people here saw you as the enemy for believing in a cause with awful consquences. Life happens. Things happen. You just can't push people away because its unsafe. Or your unsafe. That is no way to live. What is life if its only full of danger and blood? I'd like to believe there needs to be a balance of sorts. So I'll care for you even if its a dangerous thing to do. Its my choice Tarrant. I know your life is not easy. You've got a lot on your plate. A barony to be responsible for, duities and such. And me, I'm just some Princess. What do I know?"
"That last line would be much more effective if you hadn't just spent the last two breaths proving exactly how much you know," Tarrant replies dryly, glancing back sidelong to regard the Princess with an almost grudging humor as he regards the noblewoman. "Very well, Eleanor. Perhaps- while you are here, I may add your company to that of death and danger. I do not presume too much, I hope, to say that the company is improved for your presence." A very faint smile touches his stoicism. "And I thank you for your honesty."
There's a flicker of teeth seen and perhaps a smile that accompines it from El's view. Giving a bow of her head towards the warrior, "Thank you Tarrant. And thank you for not mocking me." That smile just got wider, and maybe just a little color to her cheeks. "Your welcome, Tarrant."
