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Post by thes on Feb 14, 2009 21:26:53 GMT -5
Mamoru sat, legs crossed, staring into his own brown-eyed reflection with a contemplative look on his face. He forced his hands down into the creek, drawing up water in his palms and splashing it against his face. He shook his head quickly, trying to keep his messy white hair from sticking to his face before wiping the drops away from his eyes with his sleeve. The boy looked up into the sky, the sun was already so high up, how long had it been since he’d last eaten? A low growl from his stomach quickly reminded him, and his hand moved quickly to try and stop its complaining. Mamoru got to his feet, dusting off his pants before throwing his arms into the air and stretching. He tucked his foot beneath his staff and tossed it up into the air, catching it in his hand as he turned around slowly to examine what was left of last night’s fire. He probably should have gotten moving hours ago, but he couldn’t help but be lazy on such a day. Clouds dotted the sky and the sun warmed the valley, putting him at ease. He was slacking off, and he knew it.
Stepping up to the fire he stole a couple sticks from his pile and set them up around the pit’s edge, taking the three lizards he’d caught and killed earlier and forcing them down on the twigs. He always hated having to start up fires, but he really didn’t have a choice unless he wanted to eat the reptiles raw. After spending a few tiring minutes slaving over the pit, he had a decent fire going. With his staff across his lap and his elbow on his knee he scratched his head. Maybe he should try catching something else, three puny lizards just wasn’t going to cut it. Blowing a strand of hair away from his eyes he turned his attention back to the creek, he’d have to remember to collect some water before he started off again. [/size] |
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Post by shokyo on Feb 14, 2009 21:34:37 GMT -5
Dawn was soon to come since the sun in the sky was about to hit the edge of the lands. Even in the dead of winter had her kimono kept her warm. It was one of the few things she's had since her land had been destroyed by the horrific demons. Lynda walked along the side of a somewhat large creek. She'd been following a train of smoke, probably set up from a fire to cook somthing. Taking a breath of the clean air in, she streched out, her arms high up in the air and her legs spread apart. She yawned as she exhaled. How long had it been since she'd slep. She had just finshed a mission and earned quiet a bit, too, but that mission costed her a full two days worth of rest.
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Post by thes on Feb 14, 2009 21:52:22 GMT -5
Deciding it would be better to just get it over with rather than wait and possibly forget, Mamoru took his jug and kneeled down beside the creek, dipping its mouth into the water and waiting patiently for it to fill. He slumped forward, pressing his chest to his knee and shutting his eyes sleepily. He began to doze off, and the grip on the jug loosened, allowing the current to carry it away. Eyes snapped open quickly at the realization that one of his most important supplies was now headed down the river. He fell forward a bit, but was able to catch himself by planting his hands into the rocky banks.
“W-wait!”
Mamoru called out to the jug, the thought that this would prove to be completely ineffective having not yet crossed his mind. He couldn’t travel without one, and he wasn’t exactly how far it would be until the next town. Snatching his staff up off the ground he hoisted himself up and dashed after the jug barefoot, leaving his sandals behind. Would he even be able to catch up? His chest ached as he breathed heavily, stumbling a bit as he continued to run. He wasn’t sure how long he’d be able to keep this up. Luckily, it seemed he was no longer alone. A young woman came into view, and he immediately asked for her assistance.
“Could you help me?! The jug, it’s getting away!”
He pointed to the jug being dragged by the creek, bobbing up and down as it tumbled along. She was closer than he was, hopefully she’d be quick enough to snatch it up out of the water. [/size] |
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Post by shokyo on Feb 14, 2009 22:01:03 GMT -5
Lynda nodded and quickly ran off after the stranger's jug. Quickly she ran into the water and swoped up the jug as she ran through the cold, bitter water. It quickly froze her feet because even though it was spring, the water still wasn't quiet warm yet. Once on the other side she walked over to the young man, pushing herself past the coldness in her bare feet. Handing it to him she asked "Is that all?" Her voice was formal and strong, like how she used to talk when she was a Lady, in charge of many samurai like herself. Now look at her. Doing minnor deeds for strangers nd going on missions as assassins to kill who the wealthy wanted dead. |
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Post by thes on Feb 14, 2009 22:16:23 GMT -5
He hadn’t expected the girl to respond so quickly. It seemed before he could even finish registering that he had spoken she’d darted into the water and recaptured his jug. He stiffened a bit as she started toward him, somewhat intimidated by her for a reason he couldn’t seem to figure out. Thought were interrupted as she spoke. “Is that all?” Had he annoyed her? If so, he hadn’t meant to, he just really needed that jug. He nodded his head quickly, giving a weak smile as he accepted his jug and held it to his chest.
“Yes, yes! Thank you.”
He calmed himself quickly, suddenly finding himself wondering why she was out by herself.
“I’m sorry, that water is freezing. Um… why is a girl all the way out here by herself?”
He didn‘t like dodging around to get answers, so his questions tended to be a bit blunt. Straightening back up, Mamoru hooked his finger around the jug’s handle and allowed his arm to fall to his side, his expression showing more seriousness than curiosity.
“You lost?”
He couldn‘t imagine why a woman, let alone a girl, would be traveling on her own. It was a bit dangerous, wasn‘t it? Even in an area like this. [/size] |
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Post by shokyo on Feb 14, 2009 22:27:26 GMT -5
“I’m sorry, that water is freezing. Um… why is a girl all the way out here by herself?” The boy said "Are you lost?" he quickly added. She looked at him with an angered look. She was a samurai that was small for her size. Those kind of questions always poped up when she's about to get a mission or somthing. "One"she began sternly, her left fist clenched up "Im not a girl. Im seventeen. Im an adult. Two. Im not lost. Im a wandering samurai, plus I've been here before" she lied about the last part but the rest was true. Slowly, she let her fist losen. She wasn't supposed to just kill anyone. She learned that from the sacrifeces made for her fallen contry, but somtimes she just can control her anger, no matter how emotionless she truely is. She crosses her arm and looked at him, her eyes full of rage with a hint of sorrow. |
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Post by thes on Feb 14, 2009 22:42:08 GMT -5
“One.” His shoulders drooped as his lids slid halfway over his eyes. It sounded like she was preparing to give a lecture. “I’m not a girl. I’m seventeen. I’m an adult.” She was being kind of rude, he hadn’t said anything trying to be mean. Sure, he could have worded it differently, but he didn’t see any reason for her to get so angry. “Two. I’m not lost. I’m a wandering samurai, plus I’ve been here before.” A woman? As a samurai? He’d never heard of such a thing. Was that even allowed? Whether it was or not, it sounded interesting.
“A wandering samurai?”
He repeated her words in surprise, not in disbelief. She seemed pretty upset, but he didn’t let it bother him. With a good-natured smile, he nodded his head again.
“I am Panichi. Panichi Itsunkyo, a wandering monk of sorts. I’m not wasting any important time am I? Are you headed somewhere?”
He was a bit too nosey for his own good, but she might have something more to eat than lizards on twigs. Maybe he could convince her to share a bit. They were both wanderers after all, they needed to help each other out in such situations. He was also curious as to why and how she’d become a samurai. He doubted he’d get any secrets out of her though, she got angry much too easily. |
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Post by shokyo on Feb 15, 2009 8:14:26 GMT -5
“I am Panichi. Panichi Itsunkyo, a wandering monk of sorts. I’m not wasting any important time am I? Are you headed somewhere?”This kid just asked to many questions. A wndering monk, well they went all that uncommon. Monks usually traveled to find something,...or someone? Lynda turned her head to the left before she said "No.... and not really..."She sounded emotionless, like you really couldn't tell wht she was thinking or really anything. That's how she'd trained herself to act, and thats the way it was going to stay. "...Im.... Lynda" She said, almost having troubles not puting the word 'Lady' infront of her name. |
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Post by thes on Feb 15, 2009 16:20:05 GMT -5
It seemed like if she wasn’t angry she was cold. He couldn’t make out the expression on her face. She was being completely emotionless and he was clueless as to why. “No… and not really…” Mamoru cocked his head to the side, quirking a brow. “… I’m… Lynda.” It was difficult to tell whether she was annoyed with him, shy, or just a bit too secretive. Her lack of emotion had already begun to drain the warmth from his expression, leaving it serious and harsh as he folded his arms across his chest.
“Well then, Miss Lynda. I’m headed back to camp, I’ve got food waiting for me. Sorry for bothering you.”
As his arms went back to his sides he gave a slight bow, then turned to leave. It was only then he realized he hadn’t invited her to join him. Maybe she was still cold from the water, that would put anyone in a bad mood.
“Ah! Don’t think you’re not invited to my camp or anything. I mean… You’re welcome to come with me and have something to eat. I’ve got a fire going.”
A gentle smile parted his lips as he looked back to her, hopefully he’d get a response other than that eerie emotionless stare. She said she didn’t have anywhere she had to be at the moment, so it should be fine. Besides, he could really use the company, and he was pretty sure she needed it too. |
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Post by shokyo on Feb 15, 2009 22:36:23 GMT -5
“Ah! Don’t think you’re not invited to my camp or anything. I mean… You’re welcome to come with me and have something to eat. I’ve got a fire going.”The boy said, cuasing her emotionless stare to end with the smallest smile she could possibly make. The first time in a long while someone had invited her to anything, after, well... yeah. Her feet were pretty cold too, didn't want them to freeze. "Ok"She said plainly, as her smile slowly faded back into the emotionless stare she had givin him before. Once at his camp, she could see a fire burning not so well. It was a small fire, but I guess it had to do unless she wanted to go off and get some more dry wood for him, but that probably wasn't going to happen. She sat down, the oppisite side from here the cooked reptiles layed. She looked over at him, saying nothing but another small smile to show her gratudude. |
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Post by thes on Feb 16, 2009 0:10:25 GMT -5
He was glad to see her smile, he was beginning to believe it was impossible for her. She claimed to be seventeen, but she looked younger to him. Even if she were the age she said, she seemed a bit young to be so callous. While he couldn’t help but sympathize with her a bit, he had no interest in learning what had brought about this coldness. If she wanted to keep her emotions hidden away it was her business. He looked back to his path as her smile faded, seeing no reason to respond to her simple answer.
As they approached the camp Mamoru grunted, his eyes instantly locking onto the dying flame. It hadn’t done very well while he was gone. Dropping his jug carelessly he slapped his palm against his face, letting it slide down slowly. He’d have to build it back up again. It seemed what was left of the fire was enough to keep animals away, however his lizards were far from done. How annoying. Shrugging it off, he forced his staff down into the ground, causing its rings to chime.
“Guess I better get some wood or bark or something…”
He rubbed the back of his neck as he dragged his gaze away from what was left of the fire, blinking in surprise as he caught sight of her slight smile. He hadn’t expected to see it again so soon. His eyes widened a bit as he froze, his face becoming stained with pink as he stood there awkward and embarrassed.
“Yeah. Just… make yourself comfortable, I guess,”
he said, hoping to break the silence and relax himself a bit. As the blush faded he looked away, pointing back the way they came.
“I think I saw a decent spot to gather some bark and wood back there. You’ll be safe here, since you’re a samurai.”
He spoke mostly to reassure himself, he was sure she was already confident she wouldn’t be needing his protection.
“You’ll be here when I get back, right?” [/blockquote] |
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Post by shokyo on Feb 16, 2009 1:45:05 GMT -5
Lynda looked at him bewildered. He was asking her to stay put? No. If anything she was going to help, if he let her. His tone of voice made it sound like he wanted her to stay by the fire as he went off to get some fire wood for the now almost extungued fire. She got up from her position slowly and looked over at him, the look of bewilderness (if thats even a word XDDD) already long gone. "No"She said looking over at him "I'll help... If you'll let me" she said in a hushed tone The feeling of cold had dissappered from her feet as she stood by the small ,warming, fire. She waited for his awnser paitently as took slow, precautious, steps toward him. |
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Post by thes on Feb 16, 2009 11:06:46 GMT -5
He wasn’t expecting to see such a shocked expression. She wanted to come? He just didn’t understand this girl at all. He figured that she didn’t want to do any more work, the way she asked if he needed any more help before to him meant she hadn’t wanted to help in the first place. “No,” she replied after having stood back up again.
“No?”
The boy echoed her words, confused again. “I’ll help… If you’ll let me.” It was up to him? Back when he was getting that small lecture he figured she was a decided person, that she would do whatever she felt was best. So what was she doing asking to come along? It took him a moment to register the fact that he’d have to provide her with an answer. He blinked as he came to this realization, then batted the question away with his hand.
“What’re you asking me for? You’re welcome to do as you please. If you want to come and help, then sure, let’s go.”
He really wasn’t going to be needing his staff, but he couldn’t leave it like that. Yanking it back out of the earth, Mamoru tapped it on the ground to break off the bits of dirt that had clung to it. He gave Lynda an uneasy smile as he prepared a question. It was beginning to become more obvious to him that three lizards just wasn’t going to be enough for two people. He was starving, and it would be rude for him to be greedy and eat all of them.
“I’m guessing you don’t have any food? I’ve only got those lizards there.”
Maybe it would be a good idea to try and catch something while out gathering wood. It would be easy for a samurai, wouldn’t it? |
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Post by shokyo on Feb 16, 2009 14:15:46 GMT -5
“I’m guessing you don’t have any food? I’ve only got those lizards there.” Mamoru said, giving her an uneasy smile. Lynda had already began to walk towards a area of woods when he had asked her if she had any food. She had a small pouch filled with dryed meats and a few carrots from a near by village. "I have some dryed meats and some carrots, but thats all I have" she said resting her hand on a small pouch that rested on her waist. Even though it was tiny, it looked fully stuffed, mostly by the carrots, but the meat took up some of the space too. "I can share with you" Truth be told, she had a very, very small stomche that would just fill up an one of the dryed meats and the carrots didn't intrest her. He could have all the carrots her wanted, if he liked those kinds of things. |
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Post by thes on Feb 16, 2009 16:29:38 GMT -5
As she explained to him that she did in fact have food with her, his expression brightened a bit. It was such a small pouch though, he’d have to be careful not to eat too much. He didn’t want to put her in a bad situation just because he couldn’t control his monster appetite.
“Oh? So you do have some then,”
Mamoru said in a rather cheerful tone. He jogged to catch up with Lynda, slowing to a more leisurely pace as he reached her side. With any luck the pathetic fire would still be there when they got back.
“I appreciate your help. Sorry if I’m slowing you down or anything.”
He knew he was being lazy by staying in the same spot, so he couldn’t help but wonder if he was just encouraging her to be lazy as well. He was so tired from traveling though, it was normal to spend a day or two just relaxing at the same camp, wasn’t it?
As they came up to the wooded area he rubbed his chin, shutting one eye and tilting his head as he surveyed the area, as if he were trying to find some sort of artistic value to it. Twigs and bark would be all he needed right? He didn’t want to have to break apart any branches or carry anything heavy. Twigs and bark it was then. Leaning his staff against one of the trees, he slid his arms out of his cloak and set it on the ground, opening it up. Tugging at his loose shirt he sighed, looking around once again as he tried to decide where to start.
“We probably won’t be needing too much. Let’s try and keep it light, ‘kay?”
With that said, he started wandering around, tossing sticks and bark onto the clothes he had sprawled out on the ground. He‘d have to wash it when they got back, he didn‘t want to be walking around with splinters jabbing at him. |
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