ram village represent!

                    READ FIRST            affiliated - faye (FE: SOV)

[servantofmila-blog]

wellspcken:

“It must be strange for me to start the conversation, isn’t it?”

     Opening with a joke, she felt the air between them was a bit cold. Being the one who has rejected her attempts of friendship a time before probably gave her no right to make such a statement. It wasn’t right to leave things like that though, no room for such things in the Deliverance. The lesser evil, she would call it, to have no enemies rather than friends she didn’t want.

     She looks back to the image once again before speaking. “What must it be like to serve as a part of the cloth?”

“It is, but I am happy for it.” 

Silque was surprised, she would not deny that. Yet, she found hope in Faye approaching her first too. She wondered if this meant that her attempts at befriending her weren’t for nothing. She hoped this was a step in them becoming friends. Silque’s own eyes turned back to the image as well, smiling gently at the sight. 

“It is… fulfilling. Some people have doubted us. The way of Mila has become corrupt, but there is purpose in service. I find myself happy to devote my life to worship and to aid others.” Silque turned back to glance at Faye. “Are you devout?”

[wellspcken-blog]

“Not as devout as you, but i’ve been taught about the Mother blessings.”

     This conversation reminded Faye of a strange sensation that she had when in front of a statue of Mila. She was given the choice of becoming someone like the aqua-haired pilgrim. It was like being called to serve for greater purpose, yet she chose not to accept that call. Faye didn’t know how to react at first. She thought the Mother would only grant such a blessing to those who routinely see her word. A shocking experience, it was.

     But sharing such an occupation and not grasping what it truly means to follow Mila could be called blasphemous. Who knew what the wrath of the Mother could entail...

“You’ve joined the Deliverance to help change that way, right?”

[vaalkyrja-blog]

wellspcken:

     Hearing such praise from a way experienced member of the Deliverance made the girl a bit better. She knew they were just words but a little goes a long way, especially when they were at such a dangerous point of this damn war. Faye giggled for a bit, thinking about how life could be if she were to be knighted. The luxuries that came with it, and how it would change her place in the world forever, just made her giggle with relief. So not the thing that would sit well with her, even if she could be able to be close to someone.

     But it wasn’t fair that only Mathilda asked the questions. After all, this could very well be the last time they ever talk. Mila forbid a brigand or arcanist mark her body with a fatal scar. “How about you Mathilda? What do you think is gonna happen for you?” She asked, but she already had an idea of what her answer will be. Especially since she knows that Mathilda already has everything she could ever want. What a bitter feeling.

before she can say anything more, the girl returns the question, assuaging any mounting fears she’d had of having offended her. ❝ me? ❞ she takes a moment to think about it — truly think about it. ever since the order of knights had dissolved, the future has seemed so uncertain that hardly anyone has dared to even think of what they would do after this was all over. just getting through the next day — the next week — was challenge enough. 

❝ in truth, i haven’t given it much consideration. so much has changed since desaix murdered the king. ❞ who even knew where they would be, after all this. if zofia would even stay the same. perhaps a small village like ram wouldn’t be affected much, either way, but her life? if they lost this war, there would be no such thing as the order of zofian knights anymore — all that the deliverance is fighting to restore would be gone. to that end, it seems audacious to say ‘ once all this is over ’, as though she is certain of the outcome. 

but there is one thing that she is certain of, even if the future is otherwise in flux, so long as breath and life await her. ❝ however, no matter what else happens, so long as we are both still alive at the end of all this, i do plan to marry. i’m not getting any younger, ❞ she says with a short, soft laugh.

[wellspcken-blog]

      Looks like she was right about her prediction, it was like she could read her face like a book. Actually it was more like a single page flailing about waiting to be turned, since the next one was the final chapter. Faye always knew how to tell these sorts of things, and it was painful every time when alternatives did not exist for those people. Getting married to the ones you love, ensuring that you will stay by their side till the end of your days, was just a dream. It was something that she has to live through, but she will let others enjoy the chance.

     Don’t get her wrong, though. She wasn’t jealous at all! In fact, she was actually happy that she knows that Mathilda’s path has been written by her own hand. Faye couldn’t help but smile at her, as if giving a blessing. “I see.” No reason to ask who she was getting married with. “The man you will be wed to will be in very capable hands,  it looks like.”

[freckled-archer-blog]

Fruits Of Our Labor

[freckled-archer-blog]

wellspcken:

      While it doesn’t necessarily impede them from getting to their goal, Faye wasn’t all to sure if she would want to spend her time like this. The hunt may lead them way beyond where she needs to be, and a village like Ram doesn’t need a person going missing or even ending up dead. If only she hadn’t been so observant of the contents of Dorothy’s bag, but she just had to make sure the stranger hadn’t brought any form of danger.

     She turned to the side, eyes focused on the forest that lies before their path. A place that she knew well like the back of her hand, mostly because she played in it with her childhood friends. “Sure, i’m down.” As she spoke, she readied her quiver and bow. “I wont be able to teach you anything while i’m busy, so you have to pay attention.” Of course, that’s advice only certain people could follow, but it was a hunting trip. Words have no place in an activity where a single breath could bring a bewildered beast to your side.

Dorothy nodded afterwards. “I know that, Faye. I didn’t even notice you had a bow and quiver.” Where did they come from? Certainly they weren’t there before… right? Perhaps she was just not paying attention to the villager. She turned back, nervously.

“Um… weren’t we going to my group?” She raised a shy finger, pointing at the back of the path, where they had come from. With the same hand, she scratched her head. “Certainly they’re worried about me… I hope so, at least. Plus, there’s the bunny I have to leave, if they want it…”

She refrained from any comments about Faye asking as if she knew more about archery than her. Perhaps it was true, though, but Dorothy wanted to think she was the better hunter among the two, even without the training she must’ve gone through. Was that too selfish to think?

[wellspcken-blog]

     Maybe she really was not paying attention to the girl and the equipment on her person. Her inquiry regarding wanting to hunt or not as hers, so her mind would focus on Faye’s answer. It was strange to her that she would be confused of this, but there’s nothing a little clarification won’t fix. Faye didn’t want to waste anymore time, so she had to be concise with her words.

     “They’re not on the hunting path?” An honest inquiry, it was. But if she were to just leave it at that, it would’ve brought an air of discomfort between the two. Well, as if there wasn’t such in the first place. “You mentioned that those were about to spoil soon. Better to have fresh meat to present to them than ones that could hurt them.”

[vaalkyrja-blog]

wellspcken:

      Hearing the words ‘after the war’ made Faye feel a bit worried. It was always good to think of what to do when everything has been said and done. The thought of living in the peace that she, as a part of an organization, is trying to deliver to the land; it really gets her gears grinding when she starts hearing talk of plans. Being alive at that point is still a mystery to Faye herself, but she has confidence in her ability. She may be devoted, but not enough to wave her life around like it was some toy.

     Within the silence of the room, time seemed to pass on so quickly. Faye probably took like two minutes thinking of her response. “I don’t see myself living like that, sorry. Living in Ram Village with the people I love is what i’ll probably be doing instead.” It was the best answer that she could give. The war has led her life in a direction that she always expected, a linear path to where her drive for service lies. Her response followed with an apologetic look.

seconds elongate as she waits patiently for the girl to consider her response. in the meantime, she thinks of forsyth, who would probably be weeping tears of joy were she to offer him the same opportunity. she wonders if clive has ever spoken to him about it — their tentative plans to make the knights of zofia a place open to those of all origins. it’s an uphill climb, and right now it’s little use thinking of these idealistic things when the war is still raging, but they’d bandied it about before, in theory. 

normally, she’s not one to get others’ hopes up without a guarantee. perhaps seeing another girl so apparently interested in combat had made her get a little ahead of herself. 

at last, she answers, her words careful. mathilda blinks, surprised by the decline, but then she remembers that not everyone finds knighthood so appealing. maybe she’d had her own reasons for joining the deliverance. ❝ of course, ❞ she replies, small smile returning. ❝ forgive me, i shouldn’t have assumed so much. either way, it’s good to have you fighting with us now. you and your friends. ❞

[wellspcken-blog]

     Hearing such praise from a way experienced member of the Deliverance made the girl a bit better. She knew they were just words but a little goes a long way, especially when they were at such a dangerous point of this damn war. Faye giggled for a bit, thinking about how life could be if she were to be knighted. The luxuries that came with it, and how it would change her place in the world forever, just made her giggle with relief. So not the thing that would sit well with her, even if she could be able to be close to someone.

     But it wasn’t fair that only Mathilda asked the questions. After all, this could very well be the last time they ever talk. Mila forbid a brigand or arcanist mark her body with a fatal scar. “How about you Mathilda? What do you think is gonna happen for you?” She asked, but she already had an idea of what her answer will be. Especially since she knows that Mathilda already has everything she could ever want. What a bitter feeling.

[freckled-archer-blog]

Fruits Of Our Labor

[freckled-archer-blog]

wellspcken:

     Well that was a statement she didn’t want to hear. She knows that her service to her home is not by all means a responsibility. To her, it was more of an obligation, a last resort of some kind. It was something she knew that was going to eventually have to come to. A burden it may be, but it’s better than doing nothing in the face of brigands. And don’t think for a minute that she didn’t hear what you just said under your breath.

    Of course, she wasn’t going to point it out. A curiosity like that isn’t worth the time or the feelings that might rise from knowing why. She could understand why she would ask about Mycen. Not a lot of knights come by to Ram Village seeing as it’s at the literal end of the kingdom. “He’s the grandfather of a friend. I don’t know much about him, but i’ve heard that he is best of Zofia’s knights. Learning from him has given me a bit of more confidence in myself.”

“Confidence is a strong word…”, but certainly the girl had lower hopes for confidence than Dorothy had. She scratched her head, confused as to what to give to this conversation. “I’m still learning to use my bow correctly, so you might have an edge above me… would you like to go hunt?”

Dorothy smiled at Faye, even if she wasn’t looking at her. That was something they could do, maybe to see if the girl really had learnt how to do all these things. “Not that I doubt you, of course…” she added. “But after finding my group, I don’t think there’s much to do…”

If anything, she had to admire the girl, speaking about this as if it were some silly class about learning how to sew. The fact the village was preparing for such a thing wasn’t the best… thing, for the whole kingdom. Was that why they came here? To give war blessings?

[wellspcken-blog]

      While it doesn’t necessarily impede them from getting to their goal, Faye wasn’t all to sure if she would want to spend her time like this. The hunt may lead them way beyond where she needs to be, and a village like Ram doesn’t need a person going missing or even ending up dead. If only she hadn’t been so observant of the contents of Dorothy’s bag, but she just had to make sure the stranger hadn’t brought any form of danger.

     She turned to the side, eyes focused on the forest that lies before their path. A place that she knew well like the back of her hand, mostly because she played in it with her childhood friends. “Sure, i’m down.” As she spoke, she readied her quiver and bow. “I wont be able to teach you anything while i’m busy, so you have to pay attention.” Of course, that’s advice only certain people could follow, but it was a hunting trip. Words have no place in an activity where a single breath could bring a bewildered beast to your side.

[freckled-archer-blog]

Fruits Of Our Labor

[freckled-archer-blog]

wellspcken:

      Strange appearance brings with her an even stranger repertoire of words to enter the ears of this apparently unique villager. To beg for her pardon would probably be a bit much for her to ask, since she is already lending a hand in her search. It would be a lie if she said that she wasn’t curious why the visitor decided to throw such fragile words in her direction. She was also confused whether or not to take such a statement into consideration.

     So let’s just push the conversation into a different direction, thought Faye. Her curiosity wouldn’t get them anywhere closer to the goal. “Yes, a knight had taught me, along with four other boys, the basics of survival. Things like terrain, hunting, weaponry, etc.” Although she attended those lessons just to sit in with the most pleasant feeling she’s known all her life. “Being one of the few young ones here, I have to be able to protect the village.” 

The situation became awkward after that, according to Dorothy at least. To top it all, she didn’t even feel the question would dwell into anything more akward than that. “I thought this conversation would go somewhere else” she muttered, letting out a sigh. “I don’t think it’s your responsibility, Faye… it’s a good thing, but it’s a heavy burden.”

After all, Etruria wasn’t the most calm of countries, there was a reason why she enrolled to become a bodyguard, of course. Zofia couldn’t be any different, even more so with the drop in vegetation and crops she had heard about. “However, they are survival skills, they work eventually… I wish I had learnt them in my time, instead of being self-taught.”

She shook her head, that was a topic for another conversation. “I don’t want to judge you, by all means. Pardon my intrusion… but who taught you? I mean, surely no knight would just come here to train future soldiers or anything…”

[wellspcken-blog]

     Well that was a statement she didn’t want to hear. She knows that her service to her home is not by all means a responsibility. To her, it was more of an obligation, a last resort of some kind. It was something she knew that was going to eventually have to come to. A burden it may be, but it’s better than doing nothing in the face of brigands. And don’t think for a minute that she didn’t hear what you just said under your breath.

    Of course, she wasn’t going to point it out. A curiosity like that isn’t worth the time or the feelings that might rise from knowing why. She could understand why she would ask about Mycen. Not a lot of knights come by to Ram Village seeing as it’s at the literal end of the kingdom. “He’s the grandfather of a friend. I don’t know much about him, but i’ve heard that he is best of Zofia’s knights. Learning from him has given me a bit of more confidence in myself.”

[wellspcken-blog]

@servantofmila​

      The image of the Holy Mother stands before a small band of warriors, those who have fought those who dirty Her land with misdeeds and ill acts. She brings an ambiance of comfort, somewhat like a loved one. Faye didn’t understand this whole belief as much as those who have studied under the priory, but it was what she was taught to believe in. Even in the absence of her blessing, the girl didn’t blame the Goddess for anything.

      Despite having such curt and abrupt conversations before, she turns to one that probably knows her like the back of her hand. “Hello, Silque.”

[servantofmila-blog]

Silque always found a quiet comfort in the presence of the statues of Mila. There was something about them that spoke to the young cleric. They could not actually speak and while the paled in comparison to the real thing (something Silque wished she could see in person) she took the comfort anyways.

She approached Faye, quietly, eyes moving from the statue back to the other woman. She hadn’t given up on speaking with Faye yet. Perhaps this time would go better. 

“Good day Faye.” 

[wellspcken-blog]

“It must be strange for me to start the conversation, isn’t it?”

     Opening with a joke, she felt the air between them was a bit cold. Being the one who has rejected her attempts of friendship a time before probably gave her no right to make such a statement. It wasn’t right to leave things like that though, no room for such things in the Deliverance. The lesser evil, she would call it, to have no enemies rather than friends she didn’t want.

     She looks back to the image once again before speaking. “What must it be like to serve as a part of the cloth?”

[freckled-archer-blog]

Fruits Of Our Labor

[freckled-archer-blog]

wellspcken:

     Faye expressed a shocked look and waved her hands in an apologetic manner. “Thanks, but no thanks. I wouldn’t want to ask a stranger of something meant for someone else.” It was a pretty strong ethic for the girl to let others have or keep the things that they needed more than she did. Ram VIllage was still able to sustain itself anyways.

     “If it helps you.” She didn’t have anything better to do, and her usual activities were not something she could do at the moment. This could be the good deed of the day for her, and being useful to someone is always nice. She was still a bit suspicious about her appearance in the village. “I’ve been taught a bit about it, since it’s also important when out on the battlefield.”

Dorothy couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief when Faye expressed she didn’t want the meat she had hunt herself for the people she was to protect. She stood up now, showing her height now, feeling as if she was towering over the little girl in comparison.

“Well then, I believe they will be around one of the bigger houses, perhaps the inn or tavern, they must be hungry.” She placed a hand on her chin, rubbing it slightly. For a moment, she felt spiky hairs on it, meaning it was an appropiate time to shave, hopefully tomorrow. “I can’t help but realize you said battlefiled, I thought you were… a normal villager.”

Saying those two words were a little strange for her, who was a normal villager anyways? Certainly not Dorothy, but perhaps Faye was one of the bunch, or at least, she belonged to the group. She seemed unique enough. “Not that you look common, if anything… uh… everything about you is very unique.”

[wellspcken-blog]

      Strange appearance brings with her an even stranger repertoire of words to enter the ears of this apparently unique villager. To beg for her pardon would probably be a bit much for her to ask, since she is already lending a hand in her search. It would be a lie if she said that she wasn’t curious why the visitor decided to throw such fragile words in her direction. She was also confused whether or not to take such a statement into consideration.

     So let’s just push the conversation into a different direction, thought Faye. Her curiosity wouldn’t get them anywhere closer to the goal. “Yes, a knight had taught me, along with four other boys, the basics of survival. Things like terrain, hunting, weaponry, etc.” Although she attended those lessons just to sit in with the most pleasant feeling she’s known all her life. “Being one of the few young ones here, I have to be able to protect the village.” 

[vaalkyrja-blog]

wellspcken:

     Faye was pleasantly surprised by the change in Mathilda’s expression. It was somewhat worrying if she was going to carry the same somewhat weary look in her eyes for the whole conversation. She was a bit concerned when she got shocked at her mention of skill. Probably just a misconception among the nobles that villagers were not capable of such feats. The girl shrugged off a smile as a form of forgiveness, since Mathilda was not as bad as Fernand.

      “I’d just like to be mounted with a weapon. I’d prefer to be just a cavalier, though. Don’t like making arrows my end.” As she spoke, she holds her grip on an imaginary lance. “A good reach on the enemy is always a good asset to the army. I know that we have you and Clive, but it’s not bad to have too much of a good thing.”

well, only in the service of the deliverance is faye going to have to a chance to live that dream, mathilda thinks to herself. in that regard, she’s happy that this war has given a chance for these villagers to realize potentials that they never would have come into had they remained farmers or clothiers all their lives. she watches as faye mimes a grip on a lance, and a little smile flickers on her lips at the mention of herself and clive. ❝ right. we do lack a substantial cavalry since many of the houses pledged themselves to desaix. more help is always welcome. ❞

not to say that foot soldiers aren’t vital. any commander worth their salt knows that infantry is perhaps even more important than mounted knights. which makes her wonder something.

❝ … faye. perhaps it’s too early to speak of this, but after the war is over, would you have any interest in becoming a knight? you would be able to keep your own horse, and with enough time, perhaps even afford a good destrier of your own. ❞

rather than the rounceys that they kept on hand for their poorer cavalry soldiers, which, though decent mounts in and of themselves, would never match the quality of a well-bred warhorse.

[wellspcken-blog]

      Hearing the words ‘after the war’ made Faye feel a bit worried. It was always good to think of what to do when everything has been said and done. The thought of living in the peace that she, as a part of an organization, is trying to deliver to the land; it really gets her gears grinding when she starts hearing talk of plans. Being alive at that point is still a mystery to Faye herself, but she has confidence in her ability. She may be devoted, but not enough to wave her life around like it was some toy.

     Within the silence of the room, time seemed to pass on so quickly. Faye probably took like two minutes thinking of her response. “I don’t see myself living like that, sorry. Living in Ram Village with the people I love is what i’ll probably be doing instead.” It was the best answer that she could give. The war has led her life in a direction that she always expected, a linear path to where her drive for service lies. Her response followed with an apologetic look.

[wellspcken-blog]

happy fathers day to alm

no he’s not a dad yet. ill make sure it happens ;)

[wellspcken-blog]

byyyyy being his wedding planner! :D

[wellspcken-blog]

happy fathers day to alm

no he’s not a dad yet. ill make sure it happens ;)

[freckled-archer-blog]

Fruits Of Our Labor

[freckled-archer-blog]

wellspcken:

     It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Faye got more suspicious the more the stranger talked. They said that she was supposed to be with this group supposedly called the Sisters, but how did she get separated from them? And how was she unsure that she was separated from the group in the first place? Too many questions, however, would simply burden them especially having seen a sight like uncooked game.

      “Well if you were let in, then it’s probably okay for you to walk around.” She took a moment to think. “We can go look for these Sisters together, but I can ask a knight to help you if you need it. But not before cooking those bunnies that you keep in your bag.” Faye was only reminded by the quick air that was able to escape the short time it was open. This is the least she could do, really.

Dorothy looked at the backpack for a moment. How did she know they were bunnies? Had she hunted before? Maybe she recognized the size… “They will be okay, I can cook them… sometime in the evening. You wouldn’t… want them, right?”

She held her bag between her arms, as she began walking. “Anyways, sure, looking for the Sisters is a good idea, thank you. Mind coming with me? I might raise some suspicion.” Of course, she wasn’t suspicious at all, she was just… walking around by herself, holding a bow…

“Do you shoot?” A silly question, the girl wasn’t exactly old, and her bow was very big. “I mean… hunt and all.”

[wellspcken-blog]

     Faye expressed a shocked look and waved her hands in an apologetic manner. “Thanks, but no thanks. I wouldn’t want to ask a stranger of something meant for someone else.” It was a pretty strong ethic for the girl to let others have or keep the things that they needed more than she did. Ram VIllage was still able to sustain itself anyways.

     “If it helps you.” She didn’t have anything better to do, and her usual activities were not something she could do at the moment. This could be the good deed of the day for her, and being useful to someone is always nice. She was still a bit suspicious about her appearance in the village. “I’ve been taught a bit about it, since it’s also important when out on the battlefield.”

[freckled-archer-blog]

Fruits Of Our Labor

[freckled-archer-blog]

wellspcken:

     That was… certainly a sight for sore eyes and oh how Faye wished her eyes wouldn’t work. It was understandable that it was just some sort of provision for their travels, no big deal. The strange thing about all of this was that she was talking to these pieces of meat like they were some secret ingredient for a ritual of some kind. Probably an offering to Mila, but the way she spoke was hinting somewhere darker than just a gift to the Holy Mother.

     She took the time to pick her words carefully for this strange girl. It was even suspicious that she was someone who was not from the village, so she had to be careful. “It would be a lie to say that I didn’t see them.” Faye blinked again to clear her view of the girl. “May I ask what those are for?”

“Of course she saw the meat” she muttered to herself, a faint blush appearing on her face as she closed the paper envelope slowly. It wasn’t that she feared that would start a misunderstanding, but rather… that she knew villages were going through some hard times, and food like that was not common. “I suppose it won’t hurt…”

Yet again, she opened it, and the red pieces of meat seemed to stand out from the wrapping. Dorothy took a deep breath. “They’re for eating, I was… planning to prepare some for the Sisters that came here, followers of Mila. Um…” She looked at what used to be bunnies between her legs, then closed it again. “Sadly it will go to waste. Your people are very kind, though, they offered us a temporary stay…”

When she said this, she blinked a couple of times, looking at the girl. “Well, they offered the Sisters a place to stay, I wasn’t… with them, so I’m unsure, myself.”

[wellspcken-blog]

     It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Faye got more suspicious the more the stranger talked. They said that she was supposed to be with this group supposedly called the Sisters, but how did she get separated from them? And how was she unsure that she was separated from the group in the first place? Too many questions, however, would simply burden them especially having seen a sight like uncooked game.

      “Well if you were let in, then it’s probably okay for you to walk around.” She took a moment to think. “We can go look for these Sisters together, but I can ask a knight to help you if you need it. But not before cooking those bunnies that you keep in your bag.” Faye was only reminded by the quick air that was able to escape the short time it was open. This is the least she could do, really.

[freckled-archer-blog]

Fruits Of Our Labor

A starter for pre-War @wellspcken who isn’t an archer until Veronica decides.

It was about time pilgrimages took somewhere other than a shrine deep beneath the earth, or high beneath the mountains, or… well, somewhere where both Terrors and brigands appeared. Sure, she was anything but alone in her missions, having the company of the Mila followers, but… yet she felt alone in those dark, dangerous places.

So when she knew they would head to a village to rest, her eyes shone with excitement, even when she stepped inside and looked at the almost barren land in front of them. A guard appeared, and upon noticing the robes, invited them. Dorothy introduced herself as their bodyguard, and was given the whole village to explore.

To her, this was truly the essence of being a Mila worker, visiting villages that weren’t receiving any crops and offering them their prayers. Of course, she wasn’t a follower, that wasn’t her job… yet she couldn’t help but remember her life in the farm, back in Elibe… “Sometimes I still miss them,” she muttered, perhaps a white lie to herself, partially true in a way.

“However…” she began, once she made sure no one was with her. “Coming in here so soon means the animals are going to waste… The bunnies I caught for the sisters.” Dorothy took out her backpack, and enveloped in paper were two pieces of meat, small. She had already skinned them, to save the trouble of… well, showing someone a dead rabbit.

When she raised her sight, she noticed the presence of a girl, almost a whole foot smaller than her. Dorothy blinked at the pigtailed girl for a moment, then put her backpack away. “Certainly you didn’t see my… meat, right?” She frowned. “Okay, like… actual meat.”

[wellspcken-blog]

     That was... certainly a sight for sore eyes and oh how Faye wished her eyes wouldn’t work. It was understandable that it was just some sort of provision for their travels, no big deal. The strange thing about all of this was that she was talking to these pieces of meat like they were some secret ingredient for a ritual of some kind. Probably an offering to Mila, but the way she spoke was hinting somewhere darker than just a gift to the Holy Mother.

     She took the time to pick her words carefully for this strange girl. It was even suspicious that she was someone who was not from the village, so she had to be careful. “It would be a lie to say that I didn’t see them.” Faye blinked again to clear her view of the girl. “May I ask what those are for?”

[vaalkyrja-blog]

wellspcken:

    For a quick moment, she takes the time to remember the reality that her home suffers through. It wounded her to think of the fruitless bounty caused by the sudden droughts that took place instead of rain. The common-folk were still able to live off what little they had (such as oranges, produce, even wine) despite of such circumstances. Right now, she’s just fighting to make sure those of Ram Village could see better days for survival and also… you know.

     Speaking of which, her strength comes from and for that thing always. “Back in the village, I was trained by Mycen along with the other villagers. You could say that I was taught by the best.”  It’s the more factual choice of words, Faye thinks. Admitting that she fights to protect her loved ones so her strength comes from doing that is just plain cheesy. “I’m proficient in most weapons, but I prefer the lance. The bow is a close second option though.”

surprise comes over mathilda’s face, to hear that the girl had also been trained by one of zofia’s most famed knights. she had known that alm had been tutored by him — being his grandson and all — but someone who, for all intents and purposes, seemed to be just a simple village girl? she has rarely met sir mycen in person before, and so barely knows him, but to hear that he had taken on pupils who should otherwise have little chance of learning to fight … and a girl, no less … ❝ that’s a surprise, ❞ she remarks — not maliciously. ❝ i wouldn’t have expected a knight to train common villagers. ❞

had alm’s other friends all been trained by sir mycen as well? it would explain why they seemed so confident with the sword, even coming from such humble backgrounds. this is a world that is truly changing … 

❝ the lance? ❞ mathilda brightens, obviously pleased to meet something of a kindred spirit. ❝ what a coincidence. are you hoping to ride a horse, or even perhaps a pegasus? ❞

[wellspcken-blog]

     Faye was pleasantly surprised by the change in Mathilda’s expression. It was somewhat worrying if she was going to carry the same somewhat weary look in her eyes for the whole conversation. She was a bit concerned when she got shocked at her mention of skill. Probably just a misconception among the nobles that villagers were not capable of such feats. The girl shrugged off a smile as a form of forgiveness, since Mathilda was not as bad as Fernand.

      “I’d just like to be mounted with a weapon. I’d prefer to be just a cavalier, though. Don’t like making arrows my end.” As she spoke, she holds her grip on an imaginary lance. “A good reach on the enemy is always a good asset to the army. I know that we have you and Clive, but it’s not bad to have too much of a good thing.”

[vaalkyrja-blog]

wellspcken:

     Well this was certainly out of the blue. She never took the woman to bear a curiosity to Ram Village, since a noble like her had way more things to take note of. Not that Faye wouldn’t want to talk about her home, it was something that she always enjoyed to do with others. An alternative to the leader of the Deliverance, she thinks. For this situation, it’s probably better to not mention his name at all in this conversation.

     She began to rest her head on her palm. “You don’t need to apologize for that Mathilda. I think it’s better to be thankful that we even have this chance.” There was a pause before looking to Mathilda again. “It hasn’t been through the best since Mila’s gone from her temple, but i’ll do my best to answer the questions you have for me!”

mathilda. she almost chuckles at that. no ‘ lady ’ or any other title, just a name as plain and simple as her own. it comes out so easily that she knows it hadn’t been intended as a slight. force of habit, she’s sure, given that there are no titles where she hails from, but a startling change of pace for one accustomed to it. she doesn’t draw attention to it, though it lingers in the back of her mind. the only other who addresses her so familiarly is clive — not even fernand or clair have ever …

clearing her thoughts, she exhales, expression briefly darkening. the effects of the mother’s abandonment have been felt all across the country. ❝ forgive me. i can only imagine how the situation must be in your village. ❞ the drought && subsequent famine had reverberated even among the gentry. she had heard atrocious stories of what some of the local nobility had done to the people under their jurisdiction. but this isn’t a time for such dark subjects. 

❝ i suppose i’m most interested in hearing how you came to be so strong, ❞ she continues, looking on at the younger woman with open approval, a smile on her lips. ❝ i don’t often meet other young maidens who can fight. ❞

[wellspcken-blog]

    For a quick moment, she takes the time to remember the reality that her home suffers through. It wounded her to think of the fruitless bounty caused by the sudden droughts that took place instead of rain. The common-folk were still able to live off what little they had (such as oranges, produce, even wine) despite of such circumstances. Right now, she’s just fighting to make sure those of Ram Village could see better days for survival and also... you know.

     Speaking of which, her strength comes from and for that thing always. “Back in the village, I was trained by Mycen along with the other villagers. You could say that I was taught by the best.”  It’s the more factual choice of words, Faye thinks. Admitting that she fights to protect her loved ones so her strength comes from doing that is just plain cheesy. “I’m proficient in most weapons, but I prefer the lance. The bow is a close second option though.”

[vaalkyrja-blog]

wellspcken:

     Oh, right! They were going to pass through the border into Rigel and bring the fight to the emperor himself. Brr… the thought gave Faye the chills, if it weren’t for the fact that she’s too preoccupied with thoughts of home. It was bothering that it didn’t really click at first, but now being reminded of their goal made Faye crack a smile. They’re finally at the border, right at the middle of Valentia with nothing but their strengths and wits. Faye looked back at her cup of ale with a curious expression, making out an image of Ram Village. An image of home, where it was warm and welcoming. She could only sigh.

     “Right.” She looks to Mathilda. “The village only knows sunny days and the occasional blessing from Mila, so the Rigelian weather is a new experience.” Faye considers the dangers of such a location, especially the terrains that they’ll be forced to study and understand. “Living in the snow sounds tough…”

❝ indeed. and i cannot say i have much experience, though i was raised much farther north than your ram village. ❞ some of her childhood winters had been white, && she recalls the servants bringing in piles of freshly chopped wood for the fire. but it had been warmer, still, than where they stand assembled now at the floodgate, and it will only get more brutal as they forge deeper into rigelian territory. few are looking forward to such a climate.

emerging from the kitchen while the cider slowly warms over the low heat of the stove, she comes to sit a ways from the young girl, setting the lantern on the table with a soft clink, where its ebbing glow can illuminate the small space between them. ❝ will you tell me a bit about your home? i haven’t had much chance to speak with you or any of the others. it’s shameful, but i don’t claim to know much about zofia’s more rural lands. ❞

[wellspcken-blog]

     Well this was certainly out of the blue. She never took the woman to bear a curiosity to Ram Village, since a noble like her had way more things to take note of. Not that Faye wouldn’t want to talk about her home, it was something that she always enjoyed to do with others. An alternative to the leader of the Deliverance, she thinks. For this situation, it’s probably better to not mention his name at all in this conversation.

     She began to rest her head on her palm. “You don’t need to apologize for that Mathilda. I think it’s better to be thankful that we even have this chance.” There was a pause before looking to Mathilda again. “It hasn’t been through the best since Mila’s gone from her temple, but i’ll do my best to answer the questions you have for me!”