Wandering towards Frontier [closed, Nascha]

[Eden]

"It's been a while since I've been to Ylisstol, alone." Eden said to herself as she looked up at the sky. She rode on her noble steed, Cauchemar, to get here, but now she had dismounted and instead tried to lead the powerful stallion to a place where he could get some well-deserved rest, for Eden had spent quite a long time to get here from her last lodgings. Usually the cavalier had found herself coming here with a very small entourage of fellows from her House; or just alone with her father, now peacefully deceased. Eden soon stood in place and reminisced for a moment about those times, as she idly stroked Cauchemar's mane tenderly. Meanwhile, she soon shook her head and regained her focus. She was here for a reason. To look for leads.

Eden had strolled along after finding a convenient stable for Cauchemar to stay the while, and now she had found herself alone, and almost lost. Lost not literally, but lost because she had no idea where to start. She abhorred the idea of going to the local taverns alone with her last experiences of doing so. She did not fancy the idea of being hit on again, lest she strike down the entire tavernship of patrons with the butt of her lance. Looking back, she decided to retreat into the outer areas of the city, looking for more inconspicuous individuals. Unfortunately, most of what she heard along the way regarding the status of the Knights she was pursuing was not great.

At a certain point, Eden found herself at an impasse and leaned against a tree. "...This is ill-advised on my part. What kind of foresight did I think I had coming here with no lead? Come now, mayhaps serendipity fall upon me this desperate occasion. May fortune smile upon me." Eden sighed under her breath and closed her eyes, hanging her head low, and pretending to fall asleep whilst leaning against the tree.


prayers to be answered by Nascha

[Nascha]

Well, this had gotten interesting fast. Maybe...a bit too fast, actually. It seemed like it had only been a few days since Nascha had joined up with the Knights of Cydonia, and they were already marching. For Plegia, no less. That was good, she guessed, that they were taking action instead of waiting around. But it still seemed way too soon. She'd complimented Dorian's recruiting abilities at his speech, but she'd meant 'for a start.' Not 'for already ready to march.' Yes, he'd mentioned wanting to leave soon. But Nascha still thought there would be more coming.

Well, that was part of why Nascha was lagging behind at least. She didn't know all that many people around Ylisstol, but she did know that plenty of them knew of the Knights. Maybe she could do a bit of recruiting before she set out. Marching would be slow. Catching up would be easy enough. Although, she wasn't entirely sure who or what she would find? More young and untested hopefuls? Old veterans like their tactician? A fellow manakete (Yaesa, perhaps)? Whoever she found, it would probably end up being more of who they already had. The Knights were still a bit lacking for...well, actual knights.

"I hope they're not relying too much on me," Nascha said out loud while wandering near the outskirts. "I do plan on delivering on every promise I've made, but even as a manakete I'm still one person. I'm not foolish enough to take on an army without proper backup." She sighed softly, then immediately stopped as she caught sight of someone nearby. "Oh...asleep," she said after a moment, shrugging.

[Eden]

Eden raised her head upon hearing footsteps, and saw the sight of a blonde lady walking along the outskirts. Dusting herself off she began her approach, her armored greaves making heavy footsteps on the ground, making her approach more imposing than she would have preferred. "Something the matter, maiden? I heard your footsteps while I was thinking about some things over there," Eden asked, idly tapping the butt of her lance against the ground. Idly, she thought about Cauchemar, but then decided that he was alright and then resolved to talk to this lady who struck Eden as quite... mystifying. In the sense that said lady could help her out. "Are you looking for something, or someone? Perhaps I can help you?[/i]" Eden inquired, tilting her head curiously.

Eden wondered really, about this lady. Something about her seemed quite intriguing. The armored warrior wished to learn more, but she also wished not to impede her in whatever it was she was doing or what she needed to do. Hopefully talking to her might give Eden an increased insight on the knights, too, since Eden was struggling with that.

[Nascha]

Hmm. Not asleep. The armored woman looked up the moment Nascha approached, going from looking to be asleep to alert in a second's time. Huh. Could've fooled her. Then again, Nascha was one of those people who could sleep standing up, assuming she didn't lose her balance. For her, it was only natural to assume other people could too.

The armored woman approached with slow, heavy footsteps, but then spoke politely to her as she asked if anything was the matter. Or if she was looking for someone. Difficult question. Nascha wasn't entirely sure if she was looking for anyone or not. When she had thought to try and look for a few possible recruits before catching up with the rest of the Knights, she hadn't been expecting to actually find anyone worthwhile. And so far, she'd been proven right. She didn't expect too much from this woman either, but she did at least look the part of someone prepared for battle. Or, failing that, she at least knew what armor was.

"Not...in particular, no," Nascha said, shaking her head. She looked the woman over again as she spoke, noting the armor design. It was light, but still covered enough to do its job. Reminded Nascha of cavalry armor, but didn't look like any standard designs for any modern countries. Not that she knew of, at least. Unaffiliated, then? Or did Nascha just have the wrong idea entirely?

Well, might as well ask. "Are you a knight?"

[Eden]

The lady had asked Eden if she were a knight. Judging from the way Eden thought she was being sized up, she figured the lady might have been looking for manpower for... something in particular. Eden wasn't entirely sure, but it didn't hurt to answer honestly. "I am indeed a knght. I used to fight under the banner of my family, but de to dire circumstances I have taken it upon myself to search for the contingent who call themselves the 'Knights of Cydonia' but ny search has so far yielded nothing fruitful." Eden explained, hopefully shedding some light tp why she had been here.

Come to think of it, the lady Eden found herself talking to seemed... Interesting. It may have had something to do with the fact she was indeed quite a fair maiden, though. Eden nodded and stretched in place. "May I help you, nadam?" Eden asked, but she intentionally did notintroduce herself yet because she was not entirely sure of the reasoning behind the question. Admittedly, Eden had ideas, but they were based on preconceived notions and biases. Eden knew better than to make such hasty value judgments.

[Nascha]

Huh. Well, that was a surprisingly direct and thorough answer. And quite a coincidence too, to have found someone looking for the Knights while herself looking for prospective recruits. It might have seemed a little too convenient if not for the fact that Nascha had been wandering Ylisstol all morning. "Well, you're in luck, Miss Knight," Nascha said, giving the knight a small smile. "I was recruited by the Knights not too long ago and was hoping to return the favor. That should answer your question, as well."

Of course, she knew how this probably looked. Nascha looked like a simple woman in plain traveling garments, unremarkable other than, so she'd been told, very attractive features. And, of course, vibrant green eyes. One of those probably offset the other. More importantly, with her ears and dragonstone currently hidden, she probably didn't look like much of a combatant. Those more experienced would jump to the assumption that she's a mage, or hiding something, but many would doubt her experience. But, maybe her reaction would tell Nascha a few things about this knight as well.

[Eden]

Eden tilted her head as the lady said she was recruited by the knights herself, and decided to try and return the favor by looking for others to join the cause. Eden nodded solemnly and wondered just what exactly this woman could do. She wasn't wearing heavy, protective gear, so it was possible that she was well-versed in magic. If she was a front-line fighter, she'd probably at least have a weapon on her, but she did not. Then again, she could have just left it in a lodgings at first. Eden smiled though and decided to keep her reservations to herself. "Well, that sounds absolutely auspicious," she said, extending a hand towards the lady. "My name is Eden. I would like to join the Knights." she continued, smiling and trying hard not to find herself getting lost in those vibrant green eyes. The armored warrior wanted to think that the woman she was talking to could either fight or do something else useful, but all she could really come up with at first glance was perhaps the use of some magic. Either that, or she was hiding something, but Eden really didn't want to come to that conclusion at all.

Then again, Eden was kind of an honest sort of lady. She didn't really want to think someone fighting on the side of good would be keeping some deep dark secret. She was probably just being a worrywart about it, at the end of the day, though. "I'd be glad to accompany you on your search for more potential recruits as well. I do believe we are fighting for a just cause after all." Eden said at last.

[Nascha]

Nascha accepted and shook Eden's hand, meeting the knight's eyes for a moment. Eden was still staring a bit, but seemed to at least be trying not to. That was the impression Nascha got, at least. "I'm Nascha," Nascha answered. "We'd be happy to have you. As for helping with recruiting, though, I was actually just about to give up. The Knights have already started marching towards Plegia, so I was on something of a time limit. So how do you feel about jumping right into the fray?"

It would probably seem ridiculous, to still be recruiting while the Knights were already marching. But it was precisely because they were already marching, with Nascha uncertain of their numbers and skill level, that she tried to do this in the first place. Even one person more was better than none, though, especially when (ideally) she was more capable and experienced than an enthusiastic farm hand. Besides, if Dorian was satisfied with who they had already, then he wouldn't object to only one more.

"For that matter, how quickly can you be ready to leave? They're not so far ahead that it'll be impossible to catch them if we delay, but we'll still have a lot of ground to cover."

[Eden]

Eden nodded and smiled softly upon learning the lady's name - Nascha. Okay, good. Upon mentioning that the Knights would be happy to have her, Eden learned soon enough that the knights have already begun their move towards Plegia, which... Would serve as a bit of a problem if Nascha were still stuck here trying to find potential recruits. Fortunately Eden was one such. Was this serendipity? Perhaps. Or maybe it was destiny. Eden wanted to try not to think about that one too hard. She wasn't sure if she entirely believed in it or not. Eden nodded upon being posed the question if she was ready to jump right into the fray. Whistling and calling out something unintelligible to Nascha, after a few moments Eden's steed Cauchemar could be seen trotting towards the pair of them.

"I can leave immediately. My steed Cauchemar has my supplies. If your fellow Knights have already sortie'd, then we should perhaps make haste towards them," Eden simply said. She eyed the distance and sighed. "I'll try not to disappoint you, Lady Nascha." she continued as she soon began to mount her stallion. From the way Nascha was talking about the whole situation, it seemed fairly clear to Eden that the other woman knew what she was talking about. She was probably fairly capable in battle somehow. Just... Eden wasn't entirely sure how. Oh well, she'd find out soon enough.

[Nascha]

Oh. That was quite convenient. All Eden had to do call out and her horse came coming. This had to be the most prepared Nascha had seen someone since leaving Plegia. Between Dorian's questionable organization, his untested Knights, and the scattering of other people she'd met in the country, Nascha still had to wonder if this was even a good idea. She had been starting to think that going to Ferox or finding a way across the sea would have been better ideas. But seeing Eden just call her horse and already being ready to go was refreshing.

Of course, Nascha wasn't oblivious to the possibility that Eden was just as impatient as the others, but she did at least have her supplies with her and the appropriate sense of urgency. That was a start.

It left a problem, though. Nascha could keep pace with an army's march easily, especially in dragon form, but she couldn't outrun a horse at full speed. Which...they would probably be doing if they wanted to catch up quickly. Nascha blushed faintly, fully aware of the embarrassment of what she was about to ask, then said "If that's how we're doing this, I may need a ride. I don't suppose Cauchemar can carry one more?"

[Eden]

Eden found herself tilting her head at Nascha when a faint blush escaped her cheeks. While it seemed she was alright with everything thus far, Eden didn't realize the problem she was going to be faced with until Lady Nascha brought it up - actually catching up to the rest of the fighting force. Cauchemar trotted in place a little bit as if he actually understood the question being posed. Apparently he didn't seem to mind though it might have had something to do with the fact that Nascha was quite the beautiful maiden and of course having two women on him would be quite a trip. Eden stroked the stallion's mane and nodded. "Cauchemar; I do believe would be fine with it. Come forth, sit yourself behind me and hold on to me tightly, because the way he gallivants forward can be quite fierce!" Eden said, effortlessly hoisting herself onto Cauchemar's back and extending a hand out for Nascha.

Indeed, they would need to set out quite quick if they were to catch up with the march. She had no idea how Nascha was going to get there without her either. So perhaps this was a blessing in disguise for the other lady. Then again, Eden was unaware of any special power or capabilities this lady had, if she had any that was. Eden wouldn't be able to tell if she did anyways.

[Nascha]

Well...the horse seemed excited, at least. Nascha wasn't quite sure what to make of that. But, it sounded like there wouldn't be a problem, at least. Nascha's greatest worry had been that the weight of two people, one being in full armor, plus Eden's supplies, would make the trip more difficult than necessary. But if that wasn't an issue, then this would probably be fine. So, when Eden hoisted herself up and held out a hand, Nascha readily took it and allowed herself to be pulled up as well. She settled in with surprising ease, suggestion that she'd ridden before. Although, once she was on, she put her arms around Eden's waist and held tightly, as instructed. "Try not to be too rough. It's not my first time, but it has been awhile since I've done something like this," Nascha said.

She wasn't oblivious to how that could sound out of context, although she hoped that Eden either was oblivious to it, or would immediately recognize that it wasn't intentional.

"And, thanks for this. I'll see if I can't return the favor sometime."

[Eden]

Fortunately for Nascha, Eden had no clue of such euphemisms, and simply nodded politely whilst Cauchemar had started on a reasonable striding pace. Eden let Nascha hold on tightly as the horse, despite the heavier load on his back than usual (two people and a load of supplies was still heavier than one person and a load of supplies). The other lady would be pleasantly surprised to see how well Cauchemar could cope with the stress, but to be fair, Cauchemar was specially bred by Eden's father to be among the top percentage of horses. Well, that was probably the most apt way to describe it. Cauchemar rapidly began to pick up speed but to be controlled properly he'd need to be instructed by Eden. "Milady Nascha," Eden called out hoping the lady behind her could hear her through the wind that rushed past their bodies. "Do inform me if we are going the right direction, and do inform me if you'd like Cauchemar to slow down!" Eden finally said, as the only sounds that could be heard from afar were the sounds of Cauchemar's hooves clamoring against the ground.

Actually, Eden wasn't sure of their direction, but hopefully Nascha could instruct her and/or correct her if she went astray.

[Nascha]

'Fierce' was certainly one way to describe it. Nascha didn't feel like she was in too much danger of falling off, yet, but she did find herself having to hold on tightly. The horse sure picked up pace quickly, and so by the time they were out of the city proper, they had to shout over the rushing wind to talk to each other. Nascha figured that out when Eden called back for directions, and Nascha could easily tell that she wouldn't have heard her at any less volume. She looked up towards the sun, just barely encroaching towards the west in the early afternoon. "That way," she said, lifting one hand from Eden's waist just long enough to point along that direction, just south of due west. "Follow the sun's path." She immediately had to return her hand to Eden's waist to avoid losing her grip. "And...maybe just a little slower." It wasn't that she minded the speed. The fact that Eden was likely to set this pace was why Nascha had requested a ride in the first place. But it wasn't going to do them any good if a sudden jump or drop at this speed threw her off.

[Eden]

Nascha still held on tightly, which was good for her or else she might fall off all of a sudden. Fortunately still they could talk through the wind though they needed to be quite loud. Eventually Eden learned that the pace that Cauchemar set was too much for now, so Eden urged Cauchemar to slow down slightly by tugging on him a little bit and issuing a command in again something that would be unintelligible to Nascha, almost like some sort of horse-code. Though upon the command Cauchemar slowed down enough that the wind would no longer impede their talking and that Nascha would now be in no danger of suddenly falling off, though the horse's speed was still fast enough. Eden was soon instructed to go a little south of due west, and to follow the sun's path. Eden nodded silently and gently gave Cauchemar's side a bit of a prod with her foot as she began to rein him in a little, changing course ever-so-slightly to make sure she could follow the sun as it was barely going towards the west. "Hear you loud and clear, ma'am. It should take a few hours, I do believe." Eden said as the hooves still thundered on despite the slowed pace.