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| Domesticated; [P] Shan-Baby | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Tue Apr 29, 2014 2:27 am (606 Views) | |
| Vivianne | Tue Apr 29, 2014 2:27 am Post #1 |
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"Here y-you are, Gretchen." "Ah, thank you Victoria!" The elderly woman took the brace of skinned rabbits with a gap-toothed smile. She grasped at her purse, gnarled fingers fumbling at the latch. "How much do I owe you?" The young woman smiled brightly. "Nothing, you know t-that. I'm just trying to help out." She patted the crone's wrinkled hand kindly. "How are the g-girls?" Vivianne chatted with the woman about her pet foxes for several minutes before continuing on her way down the main street of Ashgrove. It was one of the numerous villages scattered through Norwood Forest, unremarkable in every way. It was just large enough to have a small inn that serviced the rare traveler in this section of the forest. Despite the fact that it was a secluded town, she kept her hood up so that her features were mostly hidden. By now even the smallest towns in the province had heard rumors about the Witch of Norwood, and she didn't want any bounty hunters to recognize her features from the wanted signs posted throughout the woodlands. Although she normally wasn't fond of urban environments, she quite enjoyed Ashgrove. The villagers were much more in-touch with nature than most, and she had never discovered any evidence of them mistreating their livestock or pet animals. She still used an alias when she visited to avoid suspicion, but she had still managed to earn a reputation as a skilled hedge witch with a gift for treating animals. Vivianne smiled as she passed a thick-bearded woodsman on his horse, clucking at the equine in greeting. It neighed back in response, earning a laugh from the rider, "G'day, Victoria," he greeted her, smiling broadly. "Might I say you're looking as lovely as ever? She blushed and looked down, brown bangs hanging in front of her face in a vain attempt to hide her red cheeks. "Every month, Bryce." He laughed boisterously and replied, but she barely heard the response. Her entire attention was focused on the soft sound of music emanating from the open door of the inn. A hopeful, slightly sad smile curled up her lips. "Bryce," she interrupted the man, "Is there a bard in town?" "Ah... yes, I think so. Mattor was talking about it last night. Quite a talented young lad, from the way he told it, but I haven't been by the Traveler yet to have a listen. You in the mood for some music, Vicky?" She clasped her hands together in excitement. "I daresay that I am! Excuse me!" With a hasty bow towards the man she dashed back into town towards the two-story inn, easily the largest structure in all of Ashgrove. She slowed down as she approached the doorway, collecting her breath and nervously dusting off the front of her cloak with both hands. No need to be nervous... It's probably not even him... Vivianne breathed in deeply before stepping into the common room, blinking as her eyes adjusted to the change in lighting. |
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| Shan Orison | Tue Apr 29, 2014 2:19 pm Post #2 |
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The music in the common room settled around the elderly men gathered for gossip like an old, soft blanket. It was there, filling the silence, but never dominating the chuckles and chats and gossip exchanged. If anything, it almost sounded like a counterpart to the sounds of its audience, harmonizing with it. People looked up as Vivianne entered, some greeted the hedge witch with a wave or a nod, but soon settled back into their routine, accepting her presence by not fussing over it. The musician himself sat on a stool in the back corner, one foot on the floor and another on the first rung. Another stool stood beside him, an old mug filled with water resting on it. The man played an old violin, his eyes shut as his arm and fingers shifted through the notes, almost as though he and the inn were in two different realms that, somehow, managed to synchronize. His eyes opened when the new figure entered the room, though her footfalls were too soft for him to hear. He blinked, his violin lurching for a half note that made most of the barroom flinch without consciously knowing why, and he smiled as he dropping the violin on his stool, the music continuing even though no hand touched it, and he ran through the common room toward her. "Vivi?" He asked with wide green eyes, his auburn hair tied back in a short bundle at the back of his head. "Vivi, is that you? It's me, Shan!" He opened his arms as though to hug her, then stopped short, his grin becoming one of concern and worry as he drew them back again, attempting to hide the motion by rubbing his head and placing a hand on his hip. "So, um, it's been a long time. Are you doing alright?" |
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| Vivianne | Tue Apr 29, 2014 3:15 pm Post #3 |
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Vivi barely noticed the citizens of Ashgrove as they greeted her. Her bright green eyes quickly scanned the common room, eventually settling on the young man responsible for filling the inn with music. Checking out inns that had a visiting musician playing had become a habit of hers during her infrequent trips to villages. Thus far the entire practice had proven a bitter disappointment, but not this time. Her breath caught in her throat as she met the man's eyes. They were green, like hers, and his auburn hair was pulled back into a queue at the nape of his neck. "Shan...," she whispered, sounding stunned. The violinist stumbled for an instant before setting his instrument down. Miraculously, it continued to play as he quickly moved across the room. He pulled back a few feet away, greeting her by name. Vivi didn't even care that anyone within earshot would hear her true name. She was too happy to care about bounty hunters right now. She flung herself forward, wrapping both arms around the bard in a tight hug. "Oh, Shan! I've missed you!" She gripped him almost uncomfortably tightly, as if she was afraid he would disappear when she let go. An earthy chuckle from a nearby table made her break off the embrace, cheeks flushing once more. "Ah, I take it you know this lad, Victoria?" Yorrick's lined face became even more creased as he winked at the pair of them, sparking some low chuckles from his drinking buddies. He had been a woodcutter in his prime, but now Gretchen's husband made his money by whittling knickknacks for travelers and the children of Ashgrove. "I thought you only had eyes for me, girlie!" Vivi blushed further, her entire face going bright red. "Y-you watch your tongue, Yorrick, or I'll tell Gretchen to m-mind it for you!" The retort earned another round of laughter from the group of men, although this time their amusement was focused on their companion. The girl gripped Shan's hand tightly with both of her own, pulling him away from the table before Yorrick could retaliate. "It's been so long... What are you doing here?" She didn't let go of his hand even after they were safe from the jibes of the old men, stopping in an empty corner by the bar. Vivi shrugged off her hood, smiling so wide her cheeks hurt. Edited by Vivianne, Tue Apr 29, 2014 3:16 pm.
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| Shan Orison | Mon May 19, 2014 10:59 pm Post #4 |
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"What you saw in there," Shan said, pointing to the inn corner where the sounds of violin song could still be heard. "Barding, playing, getting and spreading the news, the normal sort of thing." He looked down and blushed. "I might have spent a bit more time in Norwood than normal, however." He put his free hand over the two surrounding his. "So, Vicky, you're doing alright?" he asked her. "You've been acting more social, it seems, maybe taking my suggestion to help care for village animals?" The slight grin suddenly dropped, his eyebrows dropping in concern. "I've...I've heard rumors about....someone dangerous in the forest, the Witch of Norwood, she's called. She's even said to have shut down traffic across the Green Road for almost a week." An eyebrow raised. The words weren't shared, but the assumption sat unsaid between them about who this "Witch" was. "It makes me worry about you, since you live in the forest," were the words Shan did share. "Are you alright? Are you in any sort of trouble? Anything I can help with?" |
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| Vivianne | Tue May 20, 2014 11:13 pm Post #5 |
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Vivi was glad to see that Shan was blushing as well. It made her feel less self-conscious about her burning cheeks. "Well, I'm glad you did." Her fingers tingled when he rested his hand on hers, and she couldn't keep from smiling widely. "I have been trying to spend more time around people. There are a few villages that I check in on every month, make sure all of their animals are healthy and happy." She'd been surprised at first about how well most of the people in the small towns treated their pets and other animals. It was a nice change of pace compared to the hunters and poachers she usually encountered. It had restored a little of her faith in humanity... but just a little. The change of topic made her smile grow brittle. From the look on his face, Shan knew exactly who the Witch of Norwood was, so she didn't even bother trying to play innocent. She looked away for a second, chewing on her lower lip. "It's been... hard." She slid one hand out from underneath the musician's, absentmindedly raising it to her shoulder and rubbing at the fabric of her tunic. Underneath was a thick scar from where a bounty hunter had caught her unawares. Her animal companions had made short work of the man, but she had almost died from blood loss before they could get her to a village healer to care for the wound. It still ached, sometimes, and it was far from the only wound she had suffered in her role as the protector of the forest. "But I... I do fine. I'm tougher now." She shook her head from side to side. "It's hard, but it's necessary. There was a undercurrent of steel in the words, a conviction that seemed incongruous with her past submissiveness. "You shouldn't worry. I'm careful." Edited by Vivianne, Tue May 20, 2014 11:13 pm.
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| Shan Orison | Sun May 25, 2014 5:30 pm Post #6 |
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Shan worked to smile back, but worry still haunted his eyes. He also heard the entire mess had been cleaned up, and somehow Vyse now paid for regular patrols for poachers and illegal logging around Norwood, but again and again there were tales from men who spoke of a ferocious witch who commanded the forest to attack. They all claimed innocence and victimhood, which he hoped were all false, but the chances of someone seeking out the Witch of Norwood for money or fame grew with each tale. He knew that, and the scar she showed didn't lessen his fear. "I know..." he said. "But I just can't help but...." He trailed off. "If you need anything, I'll do my best to help." He patted her hand. "This is probably something we should talk about in private, Vicky." Their conversation was dangerous enough with its skirting the edges of the true topic. "Did you need something to eat or drink? I bet I can get something for you, or at least pay for it." He tried to grin again, tried to show how glad he was to see her healthy and well and learning to live with other humans, even if it was for short visits, but the Witch of Norwood was most dangerous to the Witch herself. |
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| Vivianne | Tue May 27, 2014 3:06 pm Post #7 |
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Vivianne was only too happy to shelve this topic for a later time. Even though she liked Ashgrove, it was a large enough town that she couldn't possibly know all of the residents from her brief visits. She only recognized around half of the seated patrons, and a handful had the look of travelers that were simply stopping at the inn for the night. Any one of them could be a bounty hunter that was here for the price on her head. She suddenly remembered that Shan had accidentally called her by name upon first seeing her and fought the impulse to dart out of the room and flee to the forest. The posters didn't actually state her name, but word had gotten out that the famed Witch of Norwood sometimes went by Vivianne. It was for that reason that she went by Victoria whenever she visited the villages. "Oh, let me cook for you," she exclaimed, flushing as several nearby guests shot curious looks in her direction. She lowered her voice before continuing. "I've been practicing!" Before Shan could say anything she leaned across the bar, waving over the tender. He trundled over, wiping a stein clean with a rag. "Boris, can I b-borrow your bard?" The portly man's eyebrows went up, and he didn't respond for several long seconds. His dark gaze went from the girl's hopeful voice to their clasped hands and back. He pursed his lips thoughtfully before replying. "Quite a crowd, Vicky. They come for the music as much as the food. Good musician's rare." He nodded to Shan as he complimented the young man. "I can h-have him back for the d-dinner rush. Plus I can b-b-bring you a deer. F-fresh venison steak is one of your specialties, right?" The bartender kept wiping at the mug, his mien blank. Vivi leaned forward, dropping her voice to a conspiratorial murmur. "Two deers. Plus I'll h-help skin and clean them for you." "Deal," he said roughly, setting down the stein and extending one heavily calloused hand. She shook it with a smile. Boris turned a grave eye to Shan before his lips turned upwards, the amused expression seemingly changing his entire demeanor. "You take care of this one, lad. She's quite the catch." "Boris!" Vivi's squeal of protest earned them more looks from the other patrons, and the girl tucked her head down so she wouldn't have to meet anyone's eyes. The bartender chuckled, a sound like gravel crunching underfoot, and went back to draw a fresh beer for one of his customers. She let Shan handle explaining his temporary absence to the rest of the common room, waiting by the main entrance with barely concealed anxiety. Once the bard joined her she gripped his hand again, leading the way out of town on the main thoroughfare. Once they were amongst the trees she moved into the underbrush, waiting until they were almost out of sight of the road. "One second," she said, taking her hand away. She lifted up the hem of her tunic on her right side, baring a sliver of midriff. Inked onto her tanned skin was an intricate tattoo, dark swirls wrapped into the shape of a bear. "Kratos, wake up." The lines of ink shimmered and moved, the bear stretching out and yawning. There was a blur of motion as the shape sprung away from Vivianne, expanding and taking on natural colors. She tugged her shirt back down as the ursine landed on the loam, digging his claws into the thick layer of leaves and twigs that coated the forest floor. The grizzly tilted its head to one side, looking between Vivianne and Shan with a low, friendly rumble. The girl climbed onto the bear's broad back with the ease of long practice, scratching her fingers through the thick fur behind his ears and answering with her own growl before extending a hand to Shan to help him up behind her. "Kratos can get us back to my place in no time at all." |
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| Shan Orison | Tue Aug 26, 2014 7:03 pm Post #8 |
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After Vivi bartered his way to freedom, Shan let her tug him along, first retrieving his violin and pack, and followed her through the village to the edge of the forest. "Got to admit, venison sounds good. I don't usually get it on my budget." "One second," she said pulling away and lifting up her shirt. Shan blushed and looked away and up, certainly not toward her. "Ahh, 'Vicky'? I'm not sure you-" "Kratos, wake up," she said. He wasn't Kratos, he knew, and glanced over to see tendrils of black stretching out from her side and, like the strokes of a brush, outlined a shape in the air. He watched it fill in with shading, color, depth and shine and shadow, and become a great brown bear. "Oh, wow," Shan said, staring up at the bear. "Hi, uh, Kratos. Is that one of those, what is it, Myrmidon Tattoos?" he asked. "I've heard of them, but never seen one in action." "Kratos can get us back to my place in no time at all," Vivianne said as she perched on Kratos's back. She reached down a hand to him, and Shan strived to climb up without digging his feet unduly in the bear's side. "Weirdly enough, this isn't my first time riding a bear through the woods," Shan said, sitting on the much more wild bear and wondering what he could grip. "Wait, are there tattoo shops in Norwood? Where did you get that?" |
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| Vivianne | Thu Sep 4, 2014 4:22 pm Post #9 |
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Vivianne nodded. "It is. There's a h-hedge witch that I know that t-tattoos wards onto people. She helped m-me out in return for some f-fresh game and herbs." The tattoos had been painful to receive, but she felt much more comfortable now that she always had an animal companion handy. Most people would react badly to her walking through their village with a bear or lion in tow. This way she could bring them into a town without causing any undue panic, while still having the protection of her largest and fiercest pack-mates. "You can grab o-onto his fur, if you want, or h-hold onto me." Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she quickly turned away to hide the blush. After they were settled Kratos took off, moving slowly at first but quickly moving to a faster gait. The bear's thick frame made him look almost chubby, but underneath his thick pelt he was all muscle. Soon they were moving through the woods so quickly their surroundings passed in a blur. The wind whipped past them, making it impossible to talk. Vivi focused instead on the comforting presence of Shan behind her. It felt like years since she had seen the bard. Now that he was here, she wasn't entirely sure what to do, what he expected. Her life had become so complicated since the last time they were together. She had to worry about bounty hunters and protecting her pack-mates and tracking down poachers... she hadn't had time to think about Shan, except to miss him. It took twenty minutes of the bear galloping to reach her home. Kratos slid to a stop, breathing heavier from exertion. Vivi slid off of his shoulders and ruffled the nape of his neck. <"Thank you, Kratos,"> she said in the bear's native language, a series of low growls and yips. The ursine yawned in her face, maw opening wide enough to fit her entire skull inside, before stomping off to his favorite napping spot in a copse of trees. "Well, h-here we are." The cottage was small and comfortable, although it almost looked abandoned due to the vegetation growing along its walls and ceiling. Thick vines and moss covered almost every inch of the structure. A massive oak tree grew directly behind the hut, its wide canopy overshadowing the building. She carefully pruned the plants to allow access to the doors and windows. A thin stream of smoke rose from the stone chimney. Several members of her pack were nearby, lounging around the house, although none of them approached just yet. Vivi turned to Shan, her cheecks bright red and burning. "I missed you." She darted forward, as quick as a humming bird. Her lips lightly brushed the bard's cheek, a fleeting kiss. She stepped away quickly, looking down and wringing her hands behind her back. "U-um... I h-have venison and r-rabbit and q-quail, and v-vegetables, p-potatoes and onions, some f-fruit too and b-b-bread." |
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7:29 PM Jul 11

