|
1,249 posts
|
3 likes
|
Oct 27, 2020 20:42:28 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by haybalebarn on Apr 25, 2019 22:51:47 GMT
You weren’t quite sure how long you had been sitting in the dark. At first, it had just been to sleep, curled up in a box of turnips that no one looked at in the underbelly of the ship. But now, as you tried to stir, open your eyes, the world was mysteriously dark. You tried to feel at your eyes, but your feet and hands were bound by rough rope, and when you tried to speak, there was a gag over your mouth. Your head was ringing, and… was it maybe bleeding? You couldn’t quite tell. As you sat there, trying to get your bearings, you slowly became aware of the fact that you were being carried, one set of hands at your ankles, the other holding your wrists, roughly slinging you around. Slowly, as the ringing faded, you began to hear the voices. “Well, the captain just said to take care of her, right?” “Damn stowaways, she might have ruined half-of our cargo, she should be made to pay a bit more than just being thrown off the ship, if you ask me!”There was a moment, then a dark chuckle. “Well, he just said we had to throw her off the ship, he never said she had to reach land…” There was a moment, and then you began to slowly swing, the pair preparing to heave you. There was a tinge of doubt in the first voice. “We really doing this? It’s a bit harsh.”“Well, maybe she should have thought of that before she stowed away on our ship, eh? Now come on, one… two…” You tensed, expecting to fly through open air, but one of the pairs stopped swinging you, leading to you being roughly jolted. “Wait-wait, there’s a guy down there watching! No way the city guard would be cool with us throwing her off the edge, and if we cause trouble for the captain, he might just throw us off into the void!”
There was a noise of disgust from the other voice. “Ah, fine… We’ll just aim for the docks then.” There was a slightly shuffling as the two men shifted over a few feet, and then you were being wildly swung through the air again, until suddenly you were falling, unable to struggle or cry out. It all quickly ended with a sudden impact as your back hit hard wood, the breath being knocked out of you, struggling to breathe with the gag over your mouth. From somewhere nearby, there was a noise of surprise, and the sound of feet running on wooden planks. A moment later, you felt someone’s hands on your shoulders, quickly checking your pulse. From the bindings at your wrists, you could feel something soft, and a light “Bun, bun!” as something began to gnaw at the ropes. The hands on your shoulder the moved to your gag, untying it, the hands still firmly pressing you down as a soft male voice spoke up. “Just breathe, breathe, but don’t move too suddenly, I don’t know if you broke something or not.” Riven takes a total of 30 points of damage from her harsh treatment and subsequent fall.
|
|
|
677 posts
|
0 likes
|
Spaaaace
|
Oct 25, 2023 14:56:46 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Bowyer on Apr 26, 2019 3:22:09 GMT
The dark of the ship had been so comforting. It hadn't been completely dark, enough light had filtered in through cracks above, but it had been enough to avoid notice. Or at least so she'd thought. But when the dark was a bit more constricting and accompanied by a pounding head, well, it didn't seem so friendly. It was difficult to not start squirming and try to escape. Don't panic! They're just going to throw you off the ship. Nothing to worry about. Oh. Oh no! Riven's stomach lurches. She'd been off a ship before as part of training. It hadn't been a fun experience and she wasn't keen on finding out if they'd taken her feather charm. Or whether she could even get to land as it activated. About to try and break free to avoid the attempt, she let's out a muffled sigh as they finally decide to dump her on the much preferable dock. Thank the Swords. Riven holds her breathe as they get ready to heave her again. And then. She's falling. This was going to hurt. Her back thuds against the back and she could swear that she heard a crack. The relief rises about the pain and the hopefully just bruised rib. Some choice curses were on her lips but held at bay by the gag. Now to look into escaping the bonds. Those deckhands were terrible at their knots, right? A shout nearby cuts short her struggles and boots thump on the dock. Please don't be someone else worried about a stowaway. She flinches a little as the hand seeks out her pulse and a bit of fluff nibbles at her bindings. Riven gasps for fresh air as the gag is finally removed. "Thanks...Thought I was...gonna be here for ages." She stiffly goes to rub some of the soreness from her wrists as the nibbler finally snaps the binding. Eyes scan the man and his companion before Riven says, "Glad you manage to spot me out here. Must be my lucky day. I don't suppose this is Essica is it?" Hopefully her question distracts from the ones that the man wanted to ask. Her head was still ringing a bit too much to think clearly. Perception to check out these guys: R5PjIcGw2d6 Pokemon Edu: 2d6
2d6·2d6
|
|
|
1,249 posts
|
3 likes
|
Oct 27, 2020 20:42:28 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by haybalebarn on Apr 27, 2019 1:58:45 GMT
There isn't much light around the docks for Riven to see by, but just enough to make out the features of the man and his pokemon. The little pokemon is small and rodent-like, and hops down your legs to begin gnawing at the bindings on your ankles as well. It's very fluffy and fuzzy, giving it a very cute appeal, and it makes little squeaking noises of frustration as it gnaws away. The man looks at Riven with concern as she begins to immediately move about, furrowing his brow. "You really shouldn't be moving, I don't know if you've broken anything yet. Just give me one moment, and whatever you do, don't stand up."He begins to rummage about in a messenger bag on his side, pulling out various bit of medical supplies. The flickering light of a torch some ways away illuminates his features, giving Riven a chance to see what he's like. Overall, he has a feminine look to him, his facial features soft and youthful, intense pink eyes behind a pair of glasses. His hair falls to his shoulders, bright pink, and as he rummages about he absentmindedly tucks a strand of hair behind his ear. He's wearing fairly simple, soft clothes, definitely not anything made for combat, which is fairly unsurprising given his appearance. As he's finishes grabbing everything out of his pouch, he turns to look at Riven again, the concern still lingering in his eyes. "I know on the middle of the docks isn't the best place, but I don't really want you moving around until I can be sure nothing is broken. I also might have to lift up your shirt to look at your back and ribs, is that alright?" He absentmindedly tucks the same strand of hair behind his ear again, then looks at Riven expectantly. "Now, where does it hurt? I should check there first."
|
|
|
677 posts
|
0 likes
|
Spaaaace
|
Oct 25, 2023 14:56:46 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Bowyer on Apr 28, 2019 6:16:26 GMT
Well the guy didn't look too dangerous. He looked a little bit of a gentle soul. Nor did his uhhh rodent? It wasn't a familiar Pokemon. Maybe it was some sort of local variant? Whatever the mon, she doesn't really stop trying to get the feeling back into her wrists. "Thanks but I'm fine," Riven tries to insist with only slightly labored breathes. "It wasn't that far of a fall. Rib's probably only cracked. I'll be fine." It wasn't exactly fine but the sooner she could get out of sight of those sailors the better. She starts to sit up but doesn't make it very far. Firstly because her side still hurt like a Poochyena. And secondly her head was still pounding. It's wound hadn't been ignored but forgotten. It wasn't dripping into her eyes anymore but left her hair staining towards red.
Charm roll that hopefully fails: DBuee_ml4d6 4d6
|
|
|
1,249 posts
|
3 likes
|
Oct 27, 2020 20:42:28 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by haybalebarn on May 3, 2019 1:19:57 GMT
The man narrows his eyes for a moment as she tries sitting up, and a moment later his face softens as he glances up at the ship, seeming to catch Riven's apprehension about the sailors. Seeing that she is able to move at least a little bit, he quickly shoves his stuff back in his bag and kneels beside Riven. "Alright, seeing as you're so stubborn... I work at a tavern just a little ways into town, I'll take a look at you there. That way, you'll be safely away from the ship, which is what you want, and I get to make sure you're alright, which is what I want."
Without saying much more, he gently slips an arm around Riven's back, supporting her as he helps her stand and supports her, and, assuming she doesn't resist much, leading her away from the docks and into the streets of the town. The little bunny bounces next to Riven the entire time, making small noises of concern the entire time.
|
|
|
677 posts
|
0 likes
|
Spaaaace
|
Oct 25, 2023 14:56:46 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Bowyer on May 3, 2019 2:04:35 GMT
"Yea. That would be fine," she spits out hurriedly. Away from the docks was where she wanted to be. Assuming of course this was Essica. She struggles up with his offered help, wincing as her injuries are jostled. She isn't entirely steady on her feet so she begrudgingly accepts the man's help. She wants to check her bag to make sure everything was still in place but for now it was more important to ignore the pain and just keep walking.
On the way to the inn, Riven spends much of her time glancing around. Is this Essica? Looks about as quaint as anywhere else I've been. She still doesn't get the whole way to the inn before breaking the not so silent silence. "So why do you...care so much...that I'm ok? Could have...got thrown....off that ship...for any number...of reasons." She stumbles a bit over the words, those blasted ribs! It couldn't hurt to let him check them out....and her head.
|
|
|
1,249 posts
|
3 likes
|
Oct 27, 2020 20:42:28 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by haybalebarn on May 3, 2019 2:46:21 GMT
The man smiles lightly as she asks why he wants to help her, pausing a moment to let her speak and reposition his support of her. It takes a moment, but she feels some of the pressure starting to lift off of her ribs, making it a bit easier to breathe. "Well, I was raised my entire life to be a healer, so that probably has something to do with it. And besides..."
He turns his head to look directly into her eyes, evaluating her with a piercing stare, a knowing glimmer in his eyes. "I'm a pretty good judge of people. If you end up being malicious, you're injured enough that I can probably deal with you myself. And if you aren't malicious, well then I don't think you deserve being thrown off the edge just for stowing away on a ship for a few days."
|
|
|
677 posts
|
0 likes
|
Spaaaace
|
Oct 25, 2023 14:56:46 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Bowyer on May 4, 2019 7:00:13 GMT
If Riven could have ducked his searching eyes, she would have but it was a little difficult to do while he was helping her hobble along. She wasn't exactly proud to be stowing away but sometimes the perfect opportunity comes up. At least the guy seemed to be friendly enough. Hopefully no one else would hear about it from him.
"Well I don't intend to be trouble," she assures him. "I'll try and be out of your hair soon enough." There was a bit of a pause as she debates saying anything further. "Although...I suppose I'll see you a little more if you work at the tavern. I'll be staying there at least through the end of the Festival. Wait. This is Essica right?"
|
|
|
1,249 posts
|
3 likes
|
Oct 27, 2020 20:42:28 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by haybalebarn on May 6, 2019 22:34:44 GMT
"I'm sure you don't. You're the type of person where trouble finds you whether you like it or not, if I had to guess." He smiles softly at Riven, the glow from a streetlight washing his face in a warm glow. "And yes, this is Essica. You made it just in time, considering the festival starts in the morning. You're here to get a chance to meet the Augur, I take it?"
Deciding that he's given her enough time to rest, he begins to walk Riven through the streets of Essica. The lighting is sparse, but the streetlights let off the warm, characteristic glow of fire crystals, patches of safety that illuminate quaint buildings. It's something that Riven still isn't quite used to, given the cold-blue lights of Aggrian electric crystals, and even though it's the dead of night, it creates a somewhat quaint, homey feel. If it wasn't for the harsh introduction to the town Riven had at the docks, and the fact that the lights were positioned a bit too far apart to illuminate everything, casting long shadows, Riven would almost be able to feel safe here.
|
|
|
677 posts
|
0 likes
|
Spaaaace
|
Oct 25, 2023 14:56:46 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Bowyer on May 7, 2019 1:24:35 GMT
Her face flushes in the dark. "It's.. it's just something that happens. You wouldn't beleive some of the things I've gotten wrapped up in." Riven goes quiet for a moment after that. She really had gotten mixed up in things in Aggria. But she was out now and actually in Essica! And as her supporter pointed out, just in time for the festival. A smile creeps to her lips. It disappears a moment later.
Riven begrudgingly agrees,"I guess people don't really come here too often for any other reason huh? Meeting the Augur was why I came." Nothing suspicious about being another seeker of truths. Nothing for him to wonder too much about.
The trip through town was nice if odd. The lights were so....alive. Not so bright and glaring. And not spaced too regularly so you felt like you were always being watched. The warmth from them was welcome too, just enough to take off the chill of the night. But it did leave so many places unlit. Who knew what could be lurking down some back alley? Riven would be staying to the main street if she could help it.
|
|
|
1,249 posts
|
3 likes
|
Oct 27, 2020 20:42:28 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by haybalebarn on May 9, 2019 8:43:51 GMT
Eventually, the pair make it to a main street, and the man leads Riven towards a building with a large sign which reads "The Gogoat Inn." He slips into an alley beside the building, stopping in front of a small side door which presumably leads into a back room. He leans Riven against the wall as he fiddles about, eventually pulling out a large key ring. "The Temple of Celebi is definitely the main draw in town, but there are a few other reasons. Most people who are here for the festival aren't actual here for her, but..." He pauses a moment as he finds the right key, the sound of a heavy lock turning filling the air. "It's generally pretty easy to pick out those who are here for something beyond just a pleasant few days at the festival."
Riven is helped into the bulding, greeted by the sight of a fairly large kitchen area, dimly lit by a few spare fire crystals lying about. The kitchen looks... somewhat of a disaster at the moment, with ingredients strewn about, and flour covering the counters. Riven's guide sighs a little as he closes the slightly propped open door of the icebox, cutting off the steady stream of mist that was pooled around the floor. He pinches the bridge of his nose, shaking his head. "I told Hassik not to try cooking again, and of course he leaves the mess for me to fix... I swear one of these days I'm just going to leave it for him to clean up... Well, I guess I'll just have to patch you up in the main room then."
A few more supported steps later, and the pair steps out of the room, ending up behind the bar in a massive tavern area, darkened and quiet due to the late hour. Plant life grows everywhere, from the small bonsai set in the trees and tables, to the branches growing out of the furniture to the vines that drape the ceilings. A large chandelier hangs from the ceiling, but it gives off no light, dimmed for the evening. Around the wall are crystal lanterns, alternatively filled with small fire and grass crystals, just enough to promote growth but stimulate evening. The air smells like a forest during a warm spring night, light, warm, earthy and full of life.
Several small skiddo lie sleeping in beds behind the bar, and one looks up at Riven with tired eyes, seems startled by the stranger, but then catches sight of the pink-haired man and curls back up in a ball. The man leads Riven out from behind a counter and to a seat at one of the tables. "Now, I'm going to properly check you over, I'm going to do it fully, and you're not going to object, alright?"
He begins to slowly take all of the medical supplies out of his bag once again, setting a few books off to the side on the table as he searches. "Now, a few questions, if you don't mind. First of all, what's your name? Second, where are you from? And third, what sort of medical care have you had in the past, and have you had any major injuries or persistent ailments that would be good for me to know about?"
|
|
|
677 posts
|
0 likes
|
Spaaaace
|
Oct 25, 2023 14:56:46 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Bowyer on May 10, 2019 2:37:45 GMT
It felt like forever walking to the inn. Possibly because of the inherent lengthening of time that happens on a long march through the dark. Possibly because Riven's wounds were a literal pain in her side. So she let's out a literal sigh as the building draws in sight. At least he saw her as just another seeker of answers, instead of someone nefarious. The inn was....peculiar. Her eyes are restless as they go through a room full of clutter to one full of growth. It was an oddly stark contrast. Whoever this Hassik was he definitely could keep things ship shape if he wanted but maybe he'd only cleaned the front room to stay presentable? It left her confused even if the verdant common room was calming. It reminded her of some of the quieter times on New Horizon. Of course she hadn't been thrown off any ships back then. Riven carefully took her seat in the oddly adorned chair. And then comes the more awkward part, the barrage of questions. She'd nodded through the first one, Riven wanted to get better and this doctor probably knew what he was doing. She'd quickly snapped out her name, "Name's Riven Goby", before going hesitating for a moment. What could she say? She couldn't just say Aggria. She didn't want to be associated with the Empire. It could lead to some questions. Ones she didn't want asked or looked into. She buys a little bit of time answering the last question. "I've been healthy enough, nothing too detrimental. Unless you count the broken arm. Ships aren't exactly the only things I've fallen off of. A tree. As for where I'm from," she tries to get her hair a bit straighter but it's a tad difficult since it's bloodied and matted. She'd run out of time. "It's a little complicated. A little island just outside the Aggrian Empire and well," she shrugs, "Kind of been from no where since then." Hopefully the half truth would be enough and he wouldn't ask any more about it. Guile to deceive a bit about where she's from.
|
|
|
1,249 posts
|
3 likes
|
Oct 27, 2020 20:42:28 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by haybalebarn on May 13, 2019 0:42:30 GMT
The man nods, finishing pulling out all of his supplies. He takes a moment and runs to the back, returning with a wet cloth. He gentle wipes the blood off the wound on her head and frowns a little, debating to himself for a moment. He glances at a needle some thread before deciding against it, reaching for some bandages instead. "Now, in order to not bore you to death as I do this, do you have any questions you want to ask me? About Essica, myself, anything else? Anything you'd like to know, and I'll try to answer."
|
|
|
677 posts
|
0 likes
|
Spaaaace
|
Oct 25, 2023 14:56:46 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Bowyer on May 13, 2019 4:37:26 GMT
While she's glad he doesn't seem to inquisitive about her past, it doesn't make looking right at him while he treats her any easier. Riven was never one to fidget before but she can't help but mess with her bag. She couldn't really check inside until he got finished with his ministrations. At least he was a friendly face that might be able to help her around town. "Well, I guess I have to return the favor. Who are you? I know you said you're a healer but why work out of the inn? It is a rather nice one but why not your own place?" She thinks for a moment before asking the question that had been on her mind since she'd set out for Essica, "How often does the Augur see to questioners?"
|
|
|
1,249 posts
|
3 likes
|
Oct 27, 2020 20:42:28 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by haybalebarn on May 17, 2019 0:05:55 GMT
As he finishes up with her head, he moves onto her ribs, occasionally giving her instructions or asking her what specific areas hurt, weaving in distracting conversation between it all. "I'm Hyacinthe, and it's mainly cause this isn't permanent. I two days too late for the festival last year, and Hassik needed help and I needed something to do, so..." He shrugs. "And it depends, really? She's fairly involved with the people of the town, but she has a lot of duties at the temple. However, her readings generally only deal with the major things, given her connection to Celebi, they're not typically for normal people. For most questions the Readers, which are the temple attendants, answer. You'll probably see plenty during the festival, most of them are setting up their own tents and such, and the ones that aren't will be the ones who screen petitioners to see if they're worthy to advance to the next step towards a chance to meet with the Augur."
|
|
|
677 posts
|
0 likes
|
Spaaaace
|
Oct 25, 2023 14:56:46 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Bowyer on May 17, 2019 2:38:25 GMT
Hyacinthe huh? Bit of an odd name that. The thought stays locked away; who was she to judge a name. Besides the name did seem to fit. It at least helped to keep her mind off her wounds. That and his explanation of the Augur's whole deal worked. Riven winces as he tightens one of the bandages. "Guess that means I'm lucky you ended up late then. Don't know if I would have stuck around too long if I'd missed the date." She looks around the room, "This doesn't seem like a bad place to spend your time waiting though. Common enough need for a healer after bar fights, huh." She tries to stifle a yawn as he continues, "Think Hassik would mind if I slept in the lobby here? Until morning?"
|
|
|
1,249 posts
|
3 likes
|
Oct 27, 2020 20:42:28 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by haybalebarn on May 21, 2019 23:53:54 GMT
Hyacinthe finally finishes bandaging her up, sitting back and giving a nod of satisfaction as he looks at his work. He then smiles at her, the most genuine he's looked since Riven had met him. "Well, I think I did a pretty good job there, It should hopefully only trouble you for a day or two at most, but we'll have to see. And I mostly work here because I like it, really. Lots of interesting people pass through here, it's fun to talk with them, and people seem to enjoy my company as well, unless they're all just being polite..." He smirks a little.
"We actually have a spare room, we normally just store odds and ends in it, but I can make some space in it for you, should only take a few minutes. And if Hassik complains about you staying in it... well it's payback for leaving me to clean up the kitchen. Just give me a few minutes to make it livable, hmm?" With that, he turns and begins to head up the stairs, leaving Riven to her thoughts, at least for a few minutes.
|
|
|
677 posts
|
0 likes
|
Spaaaace
|
Oct 25, 2023 14:56:46 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Bowyer on May 24, 2019 3:42:18 GMT
Riven tries to hide her troubled smile as Hyacinthe completes his work. She didn't have any doubt that he knew what he was doing. "They're probably being polite since it's not the best idea to make the person who's patching you up angry," she says, not quite managing to keep a straight face. "I'm just glad that I got a pleasant conversation instead of being thrown off the island."
The smile doesn't linger for long after he goes to tidy up the spare room. It was a generous offer and more than she deserve but it made her worried. Could it be some sort of trap? A way to keep her cooped up until some authority got there. But then why the whole charade? She was too beat up to go anywhere though. She shrugs the thought away. Trusting the healer was really her only option.
At least with him out of the room she could finally check to make sure those sailors hadn't taken or ruined anything. Urgently rummaging through the bag after all the delay. Bandages? Check. Restoratives? Slightly battered but check. She carefully arranges them on the table. Before finding the real target of her search and letting out a sigh of relief.
"Glad you're in one piece, Vass," Riven whispers as she releases her companion. The Deerling prances out of his ball with a happy bleat. "No shhhh! You gotta stay quiet! It's dark out you goof." Vass for his part looks chagrined but still doesn't stop to nibble on a chair and take in the fresh smelling air. She tries to shoe him off it but it only makes him shift slightly out of reach. The sight of Vass being his usual mischievous self, brings a grin to her face. He never could take things seriously which hopefully wouldn't get them in trouble anymore.
Still in hushed tones, "We made it Vass. Essica!" Vass's ears perk up. "Yea. Just in time for the festival too. A bit of a rough arrival but nothing that won't heel. Ahhh don't worry! Don't worry! I'm fine!" Riven's breathe catches as the overeager Deerling comes to investigate the injuries and jostles her injured side. "Don't worry. We'll stay her tonight but beyond that I'm not sure."
Her voice falls further as the faun huddles carefully close, "Some guy offered his help to patch me up. I think we can trust him. Maybe. Just have to hope the sailors that gave me this didn't recognize me in the dark." Riven tries to stifle a yawn which Vass mimics. "Just keep your eyes open as usual. And stay low profile."
She wants to say more but the night was already late. Hyacinthe would be back soon. It could wait until the morning.
|
|
|
1,249 posts
|
3 likes
|
Oct 27, 2020 20:42:28 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by haybalebarn on May 27, 2019 7:11:17 GMT
It doesn't take long for Hyacinthe to return down the stairs, his buneary hopping down next to him two at a time, giving a little "bun!" with each hop. He sees Riven's deerling and smiles at it a moment. "Cute little friend you have there, kinda matching in color to me, don't you think?" He takes a few more moments to wave hello to Vass, then gestures up the stairs. "But anyways, the room is cleaned up, just follow me."
Hyacinthe leads Riven to a room that's a bit cramped, but surprisingly clean. Half the room seems to be taken up with a pile of things covered with a large white sheet. The rest of the room is surprisingly spotless and free of dust, well cleaned for a storage room, for certain. Hyacinthe hands her a key and yawns quietly. "Mhmm... anyways, here's the room, and I'll see you in the morning for breakfast, my treat." Then, he turns and heads back down the stairs, leaving Riven in peace.
|
|
|
677 posts
|
0 likes
|
Spaaaace
|
Oct 25, 2023 14:56:46 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Bowyer on May 29, 2019 3:12:18 GMT
Riven is glad that Hyacinthe showed up so quickly. She was practically dead on her feet and sitting down had her struggling not to nod off. She starts as his footsteps thump down the stairs with the light thud of the buneary hops. "It's a bit of a phase. He got all dressed up in time for the festival." With of a bit of effort she gets up from the surprisingly comfy seats. Vass leans up close to try and help support her but stands a little short. "He's pretty dependable along with being cute. Just lead the way."
The room isn't much but it was still a bed and Riven would take the opportunity that was given. Better than sleeping on the rocks they called beds in Aggria and less stressful than hiding out in the holds of ships. "Thanks again. I appreciate the room." She wants to turn down the offer of food but once again the practicality of it all too precedence, "I guess I'll see you for breakfast then? Hopefully you have a pleasant rest too." She's too tired to really investigate the room, opting instead to take up the offered rest. The feeling that she would ought to owe something to Hyacinthe weren't enough to keep her awake for much longer.
|
|