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* Lisl leaves the road and heads leisurely into the woods, having passed the outer gates of Marsember nearly a half-hour past. She takes a deep breath. "Ah... it's *good* to be home." * Sanriel carefully watches a deer from behind a split tree with a small smile on his face. It walks off, and Sanriel trials along behind, moving quietly and carefully enough not to alert it yet, swinging around automatically as the wind shifts. * Lisl grins as she ducks under a tree branch and heads deeper into the woods, shifting into wolf form, padding along silently. * Sanriel accidentally crunches through a half-hidden twig, and sighs as the stag looks back and then bounds away. * Lisl dips her nose to the ground occasionally as she moves, sampling recent scents. She pauses with a mental frown, dipping her nose down again as she scents fresh human-track. <Sanriel> ::stretching:: Ah well... need to watch my feet a little more and the deer a little less. ::grins ruefully:: * Lisl looks up, twitching an ear to shake off a fly, and turns off to her left, following the scent trail deeper into the woods. * Sanriel hums softly and pulls a few nuts from a pouch, chewing on them happily as he kneels to look at the deer's trail, gently tracing the prints with a finger. * Lisl bounds over a stream, casting about on the far bank for a moment before picking up the human again, and deer scent with it. "Damn poachers getting cocky in my absence again..." she thinks. <Sanriel> ::sits with his back to a tree, pulling out his bow staff and running his fingers down her gently:: Glad we've at least had some chance to practice after talking to the militia people. They were pretty nice about it, too... * Sanriel closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, smiling. * Lisl presses onward, picking up the pace, ghosting silently along. Overhead, a squirrel chitters a territorial warning and falls silent as she passes on. <Sanriel> Could hardly tell there's a city near here... with so many, many people... ::sighs, looking up at the leaves:: But pulling me away more and more... it sure seems worth it, but... <Sanriel> Ah, but you're not going anywhere, are you? ::grins up and the tree he's leaning against, then stands up slowly:: * Lisl frowns mentally as she comes across some empty nut shells, and snorts. "Cocky, indeed," she thinks. She perks up an ear as she hears a voice. * Sanriel looks around for a minute, then starts heading back towards Marsember, walking slowly and mostly quiet, carrying his unstrung bow staff easily. * Lisl ducks off the trail and slips into the underbrush as she scents the human approaching again, dropping to her belly to ease under a bush with a minimum of noise. <Sanriel> ::stiffens up and stares straight ahead, humming loudly, and oddly ominously:: Silver wolf, hunting a shadow... <Sanriel> elusive and dark, evil and cold... * Lisl whips her head back around, freezing in place, watching the boy stare sightlessly forward. <Sanriel> hunting another... but noticing her... and the others <Sanriel> hunting them instead, to make the wounds more fierce <Sanriel> ::softer, frightened:: but can a shadow die...? * Sanriel slowly crumples to the ground. * Lisl listens and watches for a moment, motionless, barely breathing, creeping out from the underbrush as the fallen boy remains still. * Sanriel lays unmoving, but breathing evenly. * Lisl shifts back into humanoid form and approaches the still figure, hands going the green medicine pouch at her side as she studies his face. <Lisl> Odd... I've seen this one around before. ::puts her hand under his nose, checking his breathing:: Some kind of fit? * Sanriel begins to shiver, face relaxing from a twisted expression of fear, but still breathing evenly. * Lisl hesitates, her hands going to the brooch at her shoulder as she watches him shiver. After a moment's indecision, she unpins her wolf pelt, burying her fingers in it and gripping it tightly before swinging it off her shoulder and over San's still form. * Lisl pulls a vial from her pouch and uncorks it, leaning away as she waves it under his nose. She wrinkles her own nose, puffing out a disgusted snort at the sharp smell. * Sanriel opens his eyes slowly and shivers again, automatically clutching at the wolf pelt as he sits up, then falls back away from her. <Sanriel> ::notices the pelt and blushes, offering Lisl a shy smile:: I... ::blushes:: I'm sorry, Lady, thank you for the kindness. * Lisl corks the smelling salts again and puts them away, reaching out quickly to grab him as San starts to fall back to the ground. * Sanriel starts to try to stand, almost falling again but for Lisl's grip. <Lisl> Take it easy for a moment... it's alright. You passed out. <Lisl> Are you lightheaded? Hungry? I've got water and jerky, if you can stomach something. <Sanriel> ::shivers again, nodding slowly:: I... I must have, thank you again. ::takes a deep breath:: I'm Sanriel Tailorson. <Sanriel> ::nods again, looking slightly surprised:: Yes... very hungry, actually. I have a few provisions of my own though, Lady... you don't need to go to any trouble for me. <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: No trouble. ::unslings her waterskin and hands it to him, and brings a few strips of jerky from a pouch at her side:: <Lisl> ::nodding gravely:: Lisl Ferinsdottir. You're new to Marsember. What are you doing here? You carry a bow, ::nodding to his bow:: but you don't hunt. <Sanriel> ::holds the bow staff tighter and blushes again:: Yes, ma'am. I just arrived here a couple of weeks ago. I didn't want to accidentally break any laws. ::gratefully accepts the water and jerky, leaning the bow against himself:: <Lisl> Here... take a seat, you're still shaky. ::leads him carefully to the tree and helps him sit at its base:: <Sanriel> ::smiles gratefully:: Thank you, I appreciate it.. ::shakes his head and says a little more quietly:: It's not normally this bad... <Lisl> Normally this bad? ::frowning:: You've had fainting spells before? You looked awfully strange, just before you dropped. * Sanriel chews on some of the jerky and washes it down. <Sanriel> ::shakes his head:: No ma'am. Well.. sort of. I mean, I sometimes do faint like that... ::trails off and looks up at Lisl, then blushes lightly again:: <Sanriel> It's visions. I have them sometimes, but I don't usually get this drained afterwards. * Lisl raises an inquiring eyebrow as she reclaims the wolfpelt and slings it back over her shoulder, pinning it in place. <Lisl> Visions? What sort of visions? * Lisl looks suddenly wary. * Sanriel sighs softly and finishes the piece of jerky, offering Lisl back her waterskin. <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: Finish it. You look like you need it. <Sanriel> ::shakes his head, looking a little mournful:: I don't know... usually the future, I think. I don't remember them when they come to me like that. I came here to find out about the school... Lady Nightstorm's school. <Sanriel> ::smiles gratefully again:: Thank you, Lady. ::slowly drinks the rest of the water in the skin:: <Lisl> Besides, from what I can see, you've been out here at least a few hours already... you probably need it. ::she grins:: <Lisl> Lady-- you mean Tyl? You're a psionic? <Sanriel> ::smiles a little:: Have you been trailing me? I was okay... just about to head back... ::nods:: Yes, Lady Tyl'gainia Nightstorm. <Lisl> ::frowning:: You said something about shadows. <Sanriel> I suppose I am. At least I'm trying to learn how to be one, anyway... to control the visions. <Sanriel> ::blinks:: Shadows? <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: I just picked up your track a few minutes back. Thought you might be a poacher, so I came to check. <Sanriel> ::shakes his head vigorously:: Oh no.. I'm being careful *not* to... ::slightly mournfully:: I didn't get a chance to practice with my bow at all until I visited the local militia's practice ground. <Lisl> ::shrugging:: You sounded like you knew more about it than I do. And if it's the future you see, you *certainly* know more than I do. But you said you don't remember any of it? ::fixing a keen look on his face:: <Sanriel> ::frowns and nods, blushing under the scrutiny again:: I'm sorry, no... I... with help I made myself have one that I remembered, and then did. ::smiles:: But that's the only one I've ever remembered. <Sanriel> Did you hear what I said? ::looking a little worried:: Maybe it's important... <Lisl> ::looking a little relieved:: Yes, I heard. <Sanriel> ::a bit more quietly:: Could... would you mind telling me? <Lisl> I can try... you didn't make much sense, though. As I said, you talked about hunting shadows. ::frowning as she tries to recall:: hunting another, noticing others... something about making the wounds more fierce. And than you asked if shadows can die, and boom, you were out. <Sanriel> ::frowns and then sighs:: Sometimes they don't make much sense until later. Some never have. <Lisl> Well, for the record, shadow monsters *can* die. If that's what you were even talking about. Not easily, but they die. <Sanriel> ::a bit pathetically:: I wish I knew... <Lisl> ::clapping a hand on his shoulder:: It's alright. If you're at Tyl's school, you're in good hands. You'll get a handle on it eventually. <Sanriel> ::looks up at Lisl and smiles:: I sure hope so... Lady Anobium... ::grins:: Glossaria. She helped me have one on purpose. Do you know Lady Nightstorm? <Lisl> ::grinning:: Tyl? And Gloss? Certainly. We're old drinking buddies. <Sanriel> ::blinks and stares for a moment, then smiles wider:: You are? At the Meadehall? <Lisl> Let me guess... Gloss was experimenting again. <Lisl> ::nodding:: So you're familiar with Sealgair's, then. Figures. I'll wager Val introduced you, hm? Do you know Vallel du'Nache? <Sanriel> ::jumps up suddenly:: Are you Lady Lisl Ferinsdottir? <Sanriel> Val! He's my roommate! <Lisl> ::grins:: No, I just use her name to introduce myself, to tick her off. <Sanriel> ::beams:: I met him outside of the city before I even got there! He showed me to the school and introduced me. <Sanriel> ::blushes and laughs:: You're the one she told me to talk to, then! <Lisl> She... Tyl told you to talk to me? ::looks puzzled:: I don't know anything about psionics. <Sanriel> ::laughs lightly:: No no, Glossaria did. I was asking about what the laws and customs were around here about hunting and such... like I said, I didn't want to do anything wrong, but she told me you could let me know about those things. * Sanriel buzzes with excitement. <Lisl> Oh. ::grinning as she sits back on her heels:: Alright, that's a little more in *my* ::ahem:: realm of expertise. * Sanriel settles back down, grinning happily. <Sanriel> Yeah, you must be at least as good at tracking as Finch! <Lisl> ::grinning:: Finch? <Sanriel> ::blushes again:: Oh, sorry! I'm still so used to everyone knowing everyone else... Finch was our best tracker. <Lisl> ::grinning wider:: Oh, a small-town boy, hm? This must be quite a change for you. Well, I've been a ranger and a hunter for most of my life. <Sanriel> ::chuckles:: Really? Yeah, I'm from a little village. Same kind of thing. I couldn't follow dad's craft worth a darn, so I joined the militia. Mostly scouting and tracking stuff. <Sanriel> And archery! ::displays his bow staff proudly:: <Lisl> ::nodding, running a professional eye over his bow:: Nice work. And now you're here, because of your... gift? <Sanriel> ::blushes proudly:: Thanks! Yes, I'm here to learn about my visions. They... and I, really... were worried that I was going mad. And that I might hurt someone. <Lisl> ::nodding:: That sounds like a familiar theme. Vallel, Cwal... <Sanriel> I didn't, thankfully... not like with the barn and Lady Mandeil's hair. Who's Cwal? <Sanriel> I think they were a little scared of some of the things I saw, though... I have the feeling it was sometimes secret things. <Lisl> Cwalinda is Tyl's little sister. She's married to Bluestar. If you go to the school, you probably know him, to your regret. ::grinning:: <Sanriel> Lady Bluestar? Oh, she's really nice! Lady Mandeil works for her now, helping out with her baby! <Lisl> ::nodding, a wry twist to her lips:: Secret things. Yes, I can see that, alright. <Sanriel> ::grins:: And I know Master Bluestar... he seems to hear *everything*. Kinda scary, but not as much so since I saw him at the Hall. <Lisl> ::frowning:: Wait... Lady Mandeil's hair... Val's old flame is in town? ::grinning:: Oh, dear. <Sanriel> ::nods:: I wasn't *trying* to see anything secret. I just... did. <Lisl> Heh. Bluestar's a psionic. Of *course* he hears everything. Perpetual headache from all the chatter is probably why he's so cranky all the time. <Sanriel> ::blushes again, nodding:: Oh yes, we met in the market. She's really quite nice. And it turns out that was a good thing, because I showed her the Hall and Val was there. They both seem a lot less nervous now that they met again and got to talk. * Sanriel stifles a snicker. <Lisl> ::frowning:: So Val knows she's here? And Gloss? <Sanriel> ::nods:: They were both there. Everyone was pretty upset for a little while, but it all turned out really well. <Lisl> Well... that sounds like it's alright, then. <Sanriel> ::beams:: It is! <Lisl> These visions... ::frowning:: Do you always just... blurt out what you see, like that? <Sanriel> I did miss a little bit of it... but I'm glad everyone ended up alright. <Lisl> Missed... you had a vision at the Hall, too? <Sanriel> I think so... I think I've had some when no one was around. And sometimes I guess I don't say much. <Sanriel> ::nods:: Yeah. Something about the quiet lady... Sabrina. <Lisl> Hm. ::scratching her head:: It sounds like people with something to hide have to be careful around you, lad. <Sanriel> ::looks a bit downcast, then perks up a little:: Hopefully not for long. <Lisl> ::grins and hikes an eyebrow:: You don't want to be uncovering secrets? <Sanriel> I don't *want* to threaten anyone's secrets or anything. ::shakes his head:: And even if I did, I wouldn't go telling anyone else. Not unless it was really important or something. <Sanriel> ::a bit helplessly:: I really didn't even think about it. <Lisl> ::grins and pats his knee:: It's alright. <Sanriel> ::blushes again, but smiles:: Thanks. <Sanriel> So, umm... could you tell me about the hunting laws and customs here? ::grinning:: <Sanriel> I think I remember Glossaria saying you were one of the protectors of that kind of thing in this area, too. <Lisl> They're pretty straightforward. Most of it's common sense. I don't know what you have at home, but here, there are open seasons and daily limits for particular types of game in the King's Preserves-- I can show you on a map where those are. You need to make sure you're registered with the King's rangers-- basically a matter of them knowing who you are. And after that, most of it is standard woodslore. Cleaning up after yourself, selective kills, reporting signs of disease or other problems, that sort of thing. <Sanriel> ::nods eagerly:: Can you help me with that? I don't really want to hunt much of anything... maybe something once in a while so I can make dinner for my friends, and to keep in practice. <Lisl> ::cocking her head to one side:: As for protectors... that's another matter. Some forests around here are under the protection of druids, or the elves. Safer if you just treat those as off-limits. There are specific instances in which a hunt may be called in those, but for the most part, it's left up to the natural order. <Sanriel> ::smiles:: Gregory told me that there were special places like that everywhere. <Lisl> ::nodding:: Not a problem. There's not much paperwork involved. ::grinning:: The King's rangers don't like paperwork any more than the rest of us bushwhackers do. * Sanriel laughs. <Sanriel> oh.. umm... I'm only just learning how to read and write... will I have to wait until I know better? <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: To hunt? No. You don't need book learning to learn how to hunt. <Sanriel> ::grins:: Well I know that much, but you mentioned paperwork? I'm just learning about *that* kind of thing. <Lisl> Ah. ::chuckling:: Well, they've got scribes that take dictation, too. As long as you know your own name and can make your mark, you'll be fine. ::she snorts:: Believe me, there are plenty of hunters that have problems doing *that* much. <Sanriel> Okay, great! ::smiling:: I feel a bit better... it seemed like everyone here just knew a lot more than I do. <Lisl> That's just 'cause you're young and straight from the country. ::grins evilly:: Fresh meat. You'll smarten up with time. <Sanriel> I'm sure trying, Lady Ferinsdottir! There's a lot to smarten up about, though. <Lisl> Like that old gentleman back there. ::jerking her head back over her shoulder to indicate the stag San was watching before, who has quietly returned to browse:: <Sanriel> ::smiles:: He's beautiful.... <Lisl> He's been around long enough to know the hunters when he sees them. And to know who won't go after him. ::glancing over her shoulder to look at the stag:: He knows I'm one of the hunters, but he also knows I won't lay a finger on him 'til it's his time. * Sanriel nods slowly, watching the stag. <Sanriel> Do you hunt often? <Lisl> ::smiles:: Almost every day, if there's nothing keeping me from making it out. I've been away for a few weeks, though, so the deer have gotten lazy. Poachers, too, probably. ::baring her teeth:: After all, I don't just hunt the deer. * Sanriel blinks and unconsciously shies back slightly. <Lisl> ::grins as San tenses:: Relax. Abide by the forest's rules, and I won't be hunting you. <Sanriel> Would.. would you be willing to let me come with you some time? Maybe show me some of the area? I don't really know anything about maps... I've always learned the land by going with someone that knew it. <Sanriel> I hope not! ::smiles:: I know I still have lots to learn out here, too. <Lisl> Honest mistakes are fine. You'll learn soon enough. It's the deliberate ones I don't have much patience for. <Lisl> You're welcome to come along sometime. Just... make certain you ask, first. I don't take well to being snuck up on. <Sanriel> ::shakes his head:: I understand... I heard a lot of stories from the other guys. Enough to leave you shivering at night.. probably on purpose. ::laughs:: <Sanriel> ::nods:: I wouldn't think of sneaking up on a hunter... that's a good way to get yourself skewered! Learned *that* lesson pretty quick! <Lisl> ::grins:: Or something. Stories? What kind of stories? <Sanriel> From years ago, when there were orcs and such around our village. Some of them talked about having to hunt them down carefully, and the things they did to people, and to the area. And the warning legends about some areas and what can happen if you get caught by the druids. ::grins:: I'm sure some are just ghost stories, but there were areas we tried to avoid, and I'm pretty sure there's a reason. <Lisl> Ah, I see. ::nods:: Orcs are pretty nasty, and they don't play by humans' rules, for all that they're intelligent enough. And there's a long-standing war between them and elves. <Lisl> As for the druids... ::she grins:: I doubt they had to make anything up. The truth is generally scary enough, for anyone thinking about messing with their forests. <Sanriel> ::nods quickly:: Those stories are scary enough that I don't really care if they're true or not, or even if there are druids. I just know I wanna be careful. <Sanriel> ::grins:: And I only just started meeting elves and dwarfs.. and a gnome, I think. Guess we're all just people.. it's pretty neat. <Lisl> ::grins:: Then be especially careful with fires in the woods. Burning a living tree is a really good way to get a druid's dander up. "If there are druids"? You've never met a druid, either? They're just like clerics, only... for the forest gods. <Sanriel> ::shakes his head:: That'd be a bad idea regardless... green wood is pretty hard to light. <Sanriel> ::grins:: Haven't really met many clerics.. I think there were a few that passed though, but I didn't always meet the travellers. <Lisl> ::grins wider, flicking a finger off the tip of her softly pointed ear:: And yes, we're all just people. More or less. <Lisl> Clerics? You've met Gloss, haven't you? She's a priestess-in-training. And... not sure, mind you, but I think Xarroch's a sort of cleric, too. <Sanriel> ::blushes again, looking over at Lisl's pointed ear:: Yeah. They're kinda neat, too... do you hear better? <Lisl> But... not even a village priest? Who did the healing when someone got shot? <Sanriel> She is? Oh wow, I didn't realize that.. I just know her as a friend, and a librarian, and the person teaching me how to read and write. ::laughs:: <Sanriel> I haven't met a.. X.. Xar.. what you said. <Lisl> ::chuckles:: Why, because I've got "sharp" ears? Yes, but I hear better than most elves, too. It's a special talent of mine. <Sanriel> Nope, no village priest. Lots of us know some basic things about blinding up wounds and there're a couple of people that know a bit about herbs and fevers and such. <Lisl> Xarroch? Ah, well. He's a Hall regular, too. I'm sure you'll see him eventually. ::grins at some hidden joke:: <Sanriel> ::grins at the pun:: That's great.. must help out here, huh? Gregory always said my senses were pretty sharp for being so young, too. <Sanriel> ::grins back, looking a little more puzzled:: I hope I'll meet him, then. Oh wait... I think Val told me his name once. Said he was kinda scary? <Lisl> ::chuckles:: Oh, yes. You could say I was a natural-born hunter. <Lisl> ::nodding:: Yup, that would be Xarroch. Don't worry, though, he's a teddy bear. <Sanriel> Ahh.. you must really love being out here then, huh? ::looks up at the trees again:: <Sanriel> I'll try to remember that. Big teddy bear. ::laughs:: <Lisl> With fangs. And horns. And big bat-wings. But a teddy bear. <Sanriel> ::looks over Lisl, a bit curiously:: Do you use a bow? <Sanriel> ::blinks in surprise:: What's that? <Lisl> Me? No, not usually. Not for a long time. <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: Nothing, nevermind. ::grins:: Xarroch's just... not your usual run-of-the-mill townsman. But then, no one at the Hall is, really. * Sanriel looks curious, but refrains from asking and just smiles. <Sanriel> What do you use to hunt, then? A sling maybe? Or a knife? Gotta be really good at sneaking up to do that... ::smiles wistfully:: I managed to do it once, but I was pretty lucky. <Lisl> I prefer to do my hunting up close and personal. Give my prey a fair crack at me. ::grins:: Well, mostly fair. <Sanriel> ::smiles:: Wow, I'd like to see that some time... I mean, if it wouldn't mess you up. * Lisl makes a fist, the air around it shimmering silver briefly and forming into the worked bracer and long curved knives of her Claws. <Lisl> When I need to tip the balance a little, I use these. * Sanriel presses back into the tree, eyes wide in surprise <Lisl> Maybe someday. When I know and trust you better. <Sanriel> Whoa... what is it? Magic? <Sanriel> I hope you do get to know and trust me better, Lady Ferinsdottir. ::smiles shyly and blushes again:: <Lisl> ::nodding:: Magic. ::tilting her wrist so the blades catch the light, and looking at him with a grin:: Get used to it, around this bunch. And for Aerdrie's sake, call me Lisl! Lady Ferinsdottir makes me look around for my mother. <Sanriel> ::blushes again:: Yes, La-Lisl. Thanks. ::smiles:: <Sanriel> I'm sorry, I was drilled about being careful what to call people before I left, and I just kind of see everyone about here as "Lady" or "Master". <Sanriel> And heck... I'm learning this psionics thing... or trying to. May as well get used to magic, too. <Lisl> ::grinning:: Say it again without the stutter. "LEE-sl." You can do it. And why are you blushing so much? <Sanriel> ::shakes his head and laughs:: I never would have thought it... books, magic, elves, all these people. Sometimes the only way to clear my head at all is to come out here for a while. * Sanriel blushes again, trying to say Lisl's name properly. <Lisl> ::sits back:: I know *exactly* what you mean. <Sanriel> Blushing? Am I? ::blushing again:: <Lisl> ::laughing:: Yes. You're doing it again. You make me feel like I'm trying to cradle-rob, or something. <Sanriel> Really? Maybe we'll run into each other again... I sometimes sit on the little knoll by the river, too. Nice view... and decent fishing. <Sanriel> Oh! I'm not trying to make you... I mean... ::blushes again:: <Lisl> ::nods:: It's a big forest. Anything's possible. ::grinning impishly:: Are you going to start getting the wrong idea, if I keep tracking you down? <Sanriel> ::shakes his head:: That you're afraid of me poaching? I hope you don't think that, but I can understand if you don't really trust me yet. We did only just meet... <Lisl> Nah, I meant the blushing. Believe me, if you start poaching... I'll know. <Sanriel> ::nods quickly:: I believe you. And I really wouldn't! <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: I don't think you would. And I'm a pretty good judge of character. ::making a face at a sudden thought:: Well, usually, anyway. <Sanriel> And umm... I'll *try* to stop blushing so much. Or get any wrong ideas... ::sounding unsure what exactly a wrong idea would be:: <Lisl> ::laughing:: It's alright, don't worry about it. I'm just suspicious by nature. <Sanriel> ::looks up with concern:: Made a mistake...? It's okay, we all do. ::smiles:: Hopefully you learn and move on and don't let it eat at you too much. <Sanriel> ::nods and looks around:: I guess you'd have to be... It's alright! ::smiles brightly:: <Lisl> ::chuckles ruefully:: And so the student teaches. ::running her hand through her short hair, making it stand on end:: It's okay, I'm working on it. I just... I can be very protective of my friends. <Sanriel> ::laughs:: Hard to think of me teaching much with all I'm trying to *learn*. But I understand about the friends... Gregory once got his leg broken and we searched hard for days when he didn't come home on time... <Sanriel> IF I can ever help you with something, feel free to ask. I can even make a vision happen on purpose now. I think. I'm sure willing to try, anyway. ::grins ruefully:: <Lisl> :nodding:: Been there. Both sides of it, actually. <Lisl> Hmm... you said you remember the visions you have on purpose, right? <Sanriel> I hope it doesn't happen to me... I think I'd be mostly okay, but I'd hate it if my leg started to heal wrong. <Lisl> ::rueful look:: I've been *there* too. But it's okay. A good cleric can rebreak it and heal it good as new. <Sanriel> ::nods:: I've only done it once, but it was *perfect*... I remember everything so clearly. Even now... just reaching out and catching the arrow... ::dreamy look:: <Sanriel> Ugh! That sounds pretty bad, too. <Lisl> ::startled look:: You caught an arrow? You saw someone shooting at you? <Lisl> It is. But you get used to it. Well, no, that's a lie, too... but it is... survivable. <Sanriel> ::laughs:: Oh no! It was crazy, but so exciting... I saw myself shooting one up into the air... perfectly, catching the winds and coming down *right* to me. I saw myself catch it perfectly. ::beaming:: So I went and did it! <Sanriel> ::shivers a little:: I guess survivable is better than not.. I'd prefer something like "thrive". <Lisl> That's great! But... I think I'll pass on the visions 'til I know you better. ::grinning:: And as for thriving... that comes after the surviving. <Sanriel> ::nods, grinning:: I think I'm working on thriving now.. I'd prefer not to take a step back. <Sanriel> Who knows... maybe once we do know each other a little better I'll really know I have control... and maybe be able to stop or at least remember the random ones. <Lisl> Well, generally, you don't have much *choice* about getting injured that way. ::shakes her head:: But I wouldn't worry about it 'til you come to that bridge. <Sanriel> I'll try not to! <Sanriel> Been pretty good so far.. haven't broken a bone, or ever gotten badly hurt, so far. ::crosses his fingers:: <Lisl> Ha! ::tossing back her head and laughing:: I wish I could remember back that far... I've been getting into scrapes since I was a young thing. <Sanriel> ::looking up and smiling:: Troublemaker? <Lisl> I'd probably have an easier time counting the bones I *haven't* broken, if there're any left at this point. <Sanriel> Ouch! Really? ::leans a little closer:: <Lisl> I used to be. I'm calmer now. More mature. ::her impish grin belying her words:: <Sanriel> ::laughs:: I hope not *too* much more! <Lisl> ::nodding:: Really. Quick healer, though. ::raising an eyebrow:: Not too much more what? Mature? <Lisl> I'm older than I look, y'know. <Sanriel> Yeah, mature. Seems like it would take a little away from some of the beauty out here. ::smiles and takes a long look around:: <Sanriel> You are? Oh, sorry! Mom taught me it's rude to ask a Lady's age... ::blushes:: <Lisl> ::looks up, taking a deep breath of the clean air:: Oh, I don't know. ::putting a hand against the oak San's leaning against:: He's pretty mature. <Sanriel> ::smiles, then sighs, turning to lean his cheek against the bark:: He sure is... I dunno, it just seems like "mature" seems to mean "more concerned with other things". I don't ever want to lose this kind of joy. <Lisl> ::looking up at the tree:: Ha. Never confuse "mature" with "stuck-up." You should meet my mother. ::smiling:: You'd probably get along famously. <Sanriel> ::laughs:: I don't really know what "stuck up" means. But that sounds nice. She must be very patient to deal with a little troublemaker. ::grins:: <Sanriel> It really seems amazing... all of the nice new people I'm meeting. <Sanriel> I went most of my life never meeting anyone new. Except the babies. ::chuckles:: And then six months completely alone, wondering if I was really going mad and hoping... and now all this. <Lisl> ::grins:: Oh, she had a very firm hand, believe me. Still does. <Sanriel> ::grins back:: That's how a mom should be. <Lisl> It's a *city*, Sanriel. You didn't expect to meet new people? <Sanriel> ::shakes his head:: I never went anywhere before. There was never a reason to... I didn't even really know what a city was, except that there were a lot more people there. I didn't have any *idea* how many! ::laughs:: <Sanriel> I'm just starting to realize how.. how *big* everything is. I mean, I always kind of felt it out here. But.. in a different way, you know? <Lisl> It's alright. You get a little too overwhelmed, you'll always be welcome out here. Of course... ::looking up, hearing the birdsong, the rustle of animals in the underbrush:: It's pretty crowded out here, too. But they're discreet about it. <Sanriel> This is company I'm used to, at least. ::smiles:: * Lisl nods. <Lisl> So... feeling better now? You're not going to pass out on me again, are you? ::frowning into his face with concern:: <Sanriel> ::flushes only a little and shakes his head:: I think I'll be okay, Lisl. ::carefully saying the name:: <Sanriel> And I think I ought to be heading back to the school... I don't want to be late for my next lesson with Glossaria. Or dinner! <Lisl> Alright, then. ::slapping his knee lightly as she rises smoothly to her feet and offers him a hand:: Let's get you home, then. <Sanriel> ::grins and takes Lisl's hand, blushing slightly at the contact and standing mostly on his own:: Oh, are you going to walk me back? ::smiling:: <Sanriel> I don't want to interrupt your hunt if you just got out here. ::grins:: <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: I'll have plenty of time to hunt later. Like I said, I come out here almost every day. I'm not taking any chances with you passing out again before you get home... Tyl would kill me. <Sanriel> ::smiles:: But Lady Nightstorm's so nice... <Lisl> Yeah, yeah. That's just her polite face. I let one of her students get hurt, and the gloves come off. <Sanriel> ::laughs and smiles at Lisl:: Well I appreciate the company, so I won't argue. ::walks leisurely and mostly quietly back towards Marsember:: <Lisl> Good. 'Cause I'm stubborn, too. ::grins:: There's no end to my nasty traits. <Sanriel> ::giggles:: Sure you're not just a big teddy bear, too? <Lisl> ::laughs:: Some of the others may say that, but don't let them fool you. I'm a mean, surly, vicious teddy bear. With big pointy teeth. ::grins, showing even, flat teeth:: <Sanriel> ::grins back:: I'll try to keep that in mind. But I'll probably just remember the nice lady I met in the forest today. <Lisl> Bah. I keep ruining my own reputation. <Sanriel> ::laughs lightly, clasping his hands behind his back and leaning towards Lisl:: I promise I won't tell if you don't want. * Sanriel leans back, still smiling and raising his eyebrows. <Lisl> ::laughs, raising her own eyebrows:: Fair enough. <Lisl> So... what price for your silence, hmmm? <Sanriel> ::grins:: Okay then! I'll be sure to remember the "mean, surly vicious" part. ::Skips a couple of steps and slows down so you can catch up.:: <Sanriel> ::shakes his head:: No price! ::smiles:: <Lisl> ::laughs, keeping pace with him easily:: mmmHMM... which just means you'll hit me up for the *next* favor. <Lisl> I'll just have to make sure you stay in my debt. ::grinning mock-evilly:: <Sanriel> ::laughs:: You really *are* suspicious, aren't you? <Lisl> Yup! Decades of sorry experience, I'm afraid to say. <Lisl> ::grinning a little wider:: Centuries, even. <Sanriel> Besides, you as much as told me you're very protective of your friends... I already knew I wanted to be yours, so hopefully it'll be mutual and the whole debt thing won't matter, right? <Sanriel> ::grinning:: Centuries? <Lisl> ::nodding:: Centuries. ::poking him in the shoulder:: And now you've got *one* of my secrets, Sanriel. <Sanriel> ::blinks:: Really? Centuries? You don't look... ::shakes his head and smiles:: Thank you, Lisl. <Lisl> ::Smiling:: Heh. I age well, don't I? <Sanriel> No wonder you're such a good tracker! ::grinning:: And you must have *lots* of great stories! <Sanriel> ::blushes, nodding quickly:: Very well! <Lisl> Ooohhhh, you don't know the half of it. Maybe, in time. But I think I'll wait for another day to turn your hair grey, lad. ::tousling his hair:: <Sanriel> ::grins and laughs:: Okay, then! <Sanriel> And if you're ever interested in using a bow again... I like to think I'm getting better at making 'em. ::hold up his own with a big grin:: <Lisl> ::nodding, looking at him speculatively:: Maybe I'll take you up on that sometime. Tho' honestly... my own ways... work for me. ::thinks:: We'll see. <Sanriel> ::nods happily:: Whenever, or not. ::hums a happy tune:: <Sanriel> I'm glad we met, Lisl. ::beams:: <Lisl> ::looks at him oddly, shaking her head:: You know... you'd never know you were passed out and shivering an hour ago. Ah, the resiliency of youth! <Sanriel> I really do feel a lot better now. It passes pretty quickly. ::laughs:: And the one time I did it on purpose I was more energized than anything! <Lisl> Feel good enough to race back to the gate? ::generously:: I'll even give you a head start. <Sanriel> Why do I have the feeling I can't win this race? ::grinning:: <Sanriel> Won't stop me from trying, though! Just don't look too smug waiting for me, okay? <Lisl> Ah, go on. I'll take it easy on you. * Sanriel takes off, sprinting back to the gate. <Lisl> ::grins, muttering under her breath:: I'll even keep it to two feet instead of four.... * Lisl counts out loud to thirty before taking off after him. * Lisl catches up after a several minutes, hurdling over a fallen log and pulling slightly forward. "C'mon! You want me to jog backwards or something?" <Sanriel> ::laughs, smiling widely:: you *did* say you'd take it easy!! ::puts in more effort and closes some of the distance:: <Lisl> ::grins:: That doesn't mean *you* can! ::jumping to grab a branch and swing herself over a marshy spot:: * Sanriel laughs again and follow the maneuver, almost slipping and falling, but catching himself and rushing on. <Lisl> You're catching on. ::laughing as she ducks another branch and breaks out onto the road:: * Sanriel pushes himself harder, following on Lisl's heels and grinning. <Lisl> ::looks over her shoulder and stretches her stride:: * Sanriel shakes his head, knowing he can't win, but then lowers it and squeezes out a bit more speed, laughing again with exhilaration. * Lisl pulls a little ahead and drops into a steady, even pace, letting San pass her if he pushes it. * Sanriel closes slowly, eventually pulling even and then ahead, his breath rasping loudly as he runs still faster. throwing back his head and whooping with joy. * Lisl chuckles and slows as they approach the city gate, dropping back to a jog as she gives the gate guard an easy salute. * Sanriel soon reaches the gate, passing through with a huge smile, and having a bit of difficulty slowly down, running a goodly ways down the street before turning around and walking back with a foolish grin <Lisl> ::smiling:: You beat me! <Sanriel> ::laughs, panting:: You let me! ::hugs Lisl impulsively:: Ahh, that was fun! * Lisl looks surprised, and hugs him back awkwardly after a moment. "*I* was conserving my strength. That's why you're blowing like an ox and I'm barely winded." <Sanriel> At least I haven't thrown up! * Sanriel gets his breath back surprisingly quickly. <Lisl> ::raising an eyebrow:: You do that? You're *definitely* going to have to spend more time exercising. <Lisl> ::clapping him on the back:: C'mon, let's get you home. I'll buy you a beer on the Hall later... that was a good run. <Sanriel> ::shakes his head:: Not for a long time! I learned better than to push myself *that* hard. ::grins:: I knew about how far the gate was... but *you* are really impressive! <Sanriel> It was! And thanks! <Lisl> Ahh... ::waves her hand at his praise:: You're just not used to the other races yet. ::pointing her thumb back at the road:: And I don't mean THAT kind of race. <Sanriel> What... oh! No, I guess not. Just more stuff to learn. But at least I get to learn from good people. ::sighs happily:: <Lisl> ::nodding seriously:: Yes, you're lucky. <Sanriel> I *really* am. <Lisl> And speaking of learning... I think you said you've got a class to get to, young man. <Sanriel> ::looks up:: Sure do! And thank to our run, I definitely won't be late. ::grins:: <Lisl> All part of my nefarious plan. * Sanriel laughs. <Sanriel> Well thank you for your nefariousness. <Lisl> Don't mention it. Come on. <Sanriel> ::smiling brightly:: Hope we meet again soon, Lisl. It's been *great*. And I'm there at the school a lot if you ever want to drop by to visit! <Lisl> I'll see you at the Hall, Sanriel. Have a good class! * Lisl raises a hand in farewell and heads off towards the Street of Swords. <Sanriel> ::waves happily:: Definitely! To both! ::grinning, he turns and dashes the rest of the way to the school:: |
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