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Post by arlen on Jul 17, 2016 20:15:26 GMT
A feast is being held in the village for all, as a result of a successful shipment of food and other supplies to relieve the exhausted civillians. The sky is clear this evening and the cheer can be heard all throughout the village amongst a roaring, open fire and the clatter of cutlery. The air hangs light and smells sweet with honey and dew; fresh, clear and nothing too intoxicated, actually quite peaceful. Thatched and tiled roofs dot themselves amongst the greenery of the forest, surrounding this great clearing where the feast is being held in open air. The bonfire flares up in the middle, giving off an inviting glow and portraying the scene in full color.Some distance off, standing beside a large oak tree and gazing up at the stars, Arlen ponders the recent successes and failures of the New Dawn. But as for now, the group had earned an evening of respite... And yet Arlen could not relax. He stood there with a glass of water in hand and a loaf of bread in the other and awaited for Juniper to find him. He hoped that she would appreciate the relative quiet if they were going to have a talk. Here on the outskirts of the bonfire of dreams, standing on the line between light and darkness.Participants:
- Arlen (Gaston)
- Juniper (Mothbile)
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Post by Mothbile on Jul 17, 2016 21:29:35 GMT
Not too far from where Arlen stood, the gentle sounds of footsteps approached him. Juniper appeared before him, her hair tousled from their recent mission. She curled a red lock behind her ear and looked up at the paladin.
"You wanted to talk?" |
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Post by arlen on Jul 18, 2016 18:47:30 GMT
Arlen turns around and lays the empty glass on the ground and looks up at Juniper with a salute. Taking a good, strong look at her she looked exhausted, both mentally and physically; the dishevelled hair, the weary expression and the overall aura of doubt. Arlen was empathetic towards her and wanted to help her through the stress, having witnessed firsthand all the information and rumour spreading. What Jim said to Juniper has really shaken her up and he can tell she seems to be losing faith in herself and her husband. Taking a few steps forward, he approached Juniper with a smile on his face, one hand behind his back and the other to his side, which was nestled into the fabrics of his cloak to keep it out of the way. A faint wind breezed through the evening air and the blades of grass waved and danced, taking part in their own celebration alongside the feast... But it didn't change the peaceful (almost deadened) quietness between the two of them.
"Indeed I did Miss Shayleigh, as there's a few things I think we need to talk about. But first, uhm... How are you feeling?"
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Post by Mothbile on Jul 19, 2016 22:49:33 GMT
Juniper shrugged her shoulders. "Could be better, could be worse."
She looked over the night sceneary, taking in all the sights she could see. From the chirping crickets, the whistling breeze, and the pale moon's face shining down on the dancing grass. For a moment, Juniper is brought back to her days in Nirdan at her family's farm. She remembers those cool summer nights under the stars while her mom and dad busied themselves by making dinner for her rowdy siblings.
Juniper looked down at her feet and began to absently scratch at her arm. She missed those days. A part of her right now really wished she didn't leave home for this mess of a rebellion. |
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Post by arlen on Jul 19, 2016 23:22:03 GMT
"... Would you care to tell me? I truly want to help you. Men the likes of Jim have been saying some horrible things, especially about you and your personal life. I don't want their lies and slander to get you down in your spirits. You're too important and valuable; both as an asset to the New Dawn, and as a human being."
With one hand he gestures for the both of them to take a seat on the soft, green grass. Un-clipping his cloak from his armour, Arlen laid it as a blanket for Juniper to sit on before resting his weary legs, sighing with relief as he did so. Looking up at the stars, then back to Juniper, he took another sigh that was muffled through his nostrils and reflected on past memories. For what it was worth, the paladin had very little time to rest or relax, for the lives around him mattered too much and he put them before himself. Yet it was an uphill battle every step of the way and admittedly, there were points where he struggled.
"Is there anything I can do at least?"
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Post by Mothbile on Jul 20, 2016 1:15:44 GMT
She looked down at the cape for a second before making her way over and settling down. Juniper brought her knees closer, hugging her legs tight. Her eyes settled on the grass before her.
"Unless you can bring back my husband, I don't know what you could do really." She paused before straightening up a little. "I mean, this is a nice thing! Really! I do appreciate you taking me aside to talk." |
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Post by arlen on Jul 20, 2016 18:58:29 GMT
With a confidant smile and a hand playing with some blades of grass, Arlen responded:
"It's quite alright. If I knew where your husband was, I would go rescue him right now, haha! I'm actually getting better as this rescuing of civilians."
He piped down for a few moments to reflect and think further, the smile dropping ever so slightly and no longer holding the luster it did earlier. He turned to face Juniper directly, no malice can be read on his face, but definitely one of sympathy... Or empathy perhaps. Arlen hoped that the mood was not bitter at this point, as the two of them would explore some personal territories.
"What is your husband like, Miss Shayleigh? Tell me about him."
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Post by Mothbile on Jul 22, 2016 22:47:57 GMT
At that, Juniper perked up and looked at Arlen with slightl widened eyes. A moment passed before she looked back at the grass in wonder.
"Huh, wow. No one asked me that like-- ever. Hmm, well, if I had to describe Sjin, he'd be . . . reckless. And stubborn. Even if he's bloodied and bruised, that idiot will keep working at his forge to make sure he has the perfect project done."
A small pout formed on her lips, but in her eyes, a spark of nostalgia could be seen.
"But I know what he does, he does it for love. He wants to make his family proud, he wants to make me proud, and support us all. In the end, Sjin is just a lovable oaf."
Juniper suddenly trailed off into silence and hugged herself even tighter.
"Yeah, love . . ." She muttered bitterly. |
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