A Dull Blade (open)

[cassiopeia]

(OOC: Not the best I'm afraid but in my defence I'm writing under pressure - my laptop battery is about to run out! If I get a chance, I may edit and add to this post tomorrow.)

Casswyn paused in her work, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear before continuing to sharpen her short sword. It would be faster and better done with a whetstone but, disappointingly, she had been unable to find much in the way of work in Edoras this time around. As a result, Casswyn's funds were lower than she was usually comfortable with and so she had resisted taking the sword to the smith's. Sharpening the blade was a rather monotonous task, the repeated grinding motion made the joints of her fingers ache, but it was necessary. Her sword was her only true defence.

Casswyn was crouched on the slopes of Edoras, Uvaer grazing contently beside her, and she paused again in her work to survey the plains and mountain ranges before her. Casswyn savoured the cool breeze as it kissed her face and wondered vaguely where she ought to travel next. She knew the roads of Rohan well and it was hardly worth her while to linger here much longer – she was tired, almost sickened, of Edoras now. Tracing her fingers thoughtfully over the bruise on her cheekbone Casswyn recalled how, two days past, she had finally found work as a general dogsbody for a local miller. They had agreed a price (which to Casswyn's mind had been most reasonable on her part, for a quiet desperation had settled over her and she needed the employment) and so she had slaved twelve long hours. At the end of the day, however, the miller had refused her payment and scorned her for her willingness to resort to physical labour. When Casswyn had tried to press him on the issue, he had raised a hand to her – which had both shocked and disgusted her. It was an unfortunate incident and, although it was not exactly a common occurrence, such ill treatment was something she had become rather accustomed to over the past two years.

Recalling it now Casswyn, without realising it, clenched her jaw and frowned a little. It was infuriating, but what was to be done? She was hardly the most threatening figure. If she weren't so noble she might consider stealing from the mill in order to reap her dues but, whether fortunately or unfortunately, she could not quite bring herself to do it. In some ways, she was too much like her soft-hearted father. With a frustrated sigh Casswyn returned to her task, dragging the strop across her blade in long, forced, angry motions, her teeth still tightly clenched. Pondering her present situation Casswyn considered the possibility of going trapping, if she could bear to linger here a little longer she could surely sell some partridges and rabbits at the market.

[Aragost]

Aragost had been riding for a good long while now. He was exhausted of course. There was only so much riding a man could do in one day. The only encouraging thing about the entire situation was that he knew exactly where he was. He was a ranger of the North and that came with a few comforts. First, he was going to be trained extremely well in combat. This had certainly gotten him out of more than his fair share of skirmishes. Secondly, he was extremely aware of his surroundings and the landscape in which he traveled at all times. Being a ranger meant that you had basically been going on missions since you were able to fight as a man, so, being of the Dunedain line, that was a while. He was not old by any standards, but he was definitely old whenever it came to the amount of things that he had seen and done.

Aragost strode upon his steed towards the gates of Edoras as the sun had just begun to lower in the West. It was not more than two or three in the afternoon by his guess, however, he had been awake since the earliest moments of the day. The gate guards gave him no quarrel as he spoke the language of the land very well. It was one of the many languages that he had learned whenever he was a child. This was another benefit of being a Dunedain. They were trained like the men of old, to learn, and to live, and to survive. Once entering the city he dismounted and brought his horse to a troth and let the beast drink. He looked around for a good pub to at least quench his thirst. Sure, it was early but he was thirsty and hungry and he knew that he was not going to go much further tonight. Now, all he needed to do was keep his head down and not have any problems and he should be able to get out of here with any problems...He took a breath and headed to the pub before him.

[cassiopeia]

Casswyn took her time with her blade, not halting again in her efforts until she was certain that it was fiercely sharp. After a long time, when she was finally satisfied with her handiwork, Casswyn rose and sheathed the sword at her hip. Shielding her eyes she surveyed the mountain ranges once more, noting the changes in the light and shadows. The day had escaped her once again, Casswyn preferred to travel by daylight wherever possible. If she were going to leave Edoras today, even just to hunt, she really ought to have left some hours ago. Travel at night presented many dangers and Casswyn was no master of the sword - it was something she really ought to improve on. Out there, alone, she recognised that her sword was her only lifeline.

Of course, Casswyn understood the mechanics and theory of swordplay. It was something her father had taught her in her youth, as unconventional as it might be. However, it seemed to Casswyn that those who were truly expert at wielding a blade were those able to let go, to give in to sheer adrenaline and follow their instinct. This was something she had been unable to do so far. Any scrapes Casswyn had previously been in, where she had been forced to resort to her sword, had been uncomfortable affairs with her heart beating much too loudly in her ears and her mind painfully preoccupied with the theory of swordsmanship and the possibility she might be gravely injured or even killed. Perhaps confidence and ability was something that could only come with practice. Casswyn rather hoped it could be learned.

No, there was no possibility of her leaving today, and so she would remain in Edoras for yet another day. That being the case, Casswyn figured she ought to sink a couple of pints of cider to see in, and pass, the evening. Dusting her hands off against her thighs Casswyn strode over to Uvaer and captured her reins in her hands.

“Come on lass, let's get back to the inn,” Casswyn murmured to her beloved mare, stroking her soft, velvety muzzle.

[Aragost]

Aragost made it about half way to the pub before he cussed under his breath. He had forgotten his small leather purse. It did not hold a lot of coins, however, it was more than enough for him to have a good evening with himself, perhaps with some barmaid as well, although that was unlikely. A night with a woman often made you slow the next morning and dulled your wits and made you to be less of a man. This was rather strange considering the fact that the night you are with a woman you never seem like more of a man. I suppose it was more of a double edged sword that way then. Never the less, he found himself spinning around and heading back to his horse, who was, of course contently drinking from the troth that he had just been left at.

Aragost walked up to the horse and dug under the saddle bag and found his purse and placed it on his belt. As he was doing so a woman with her horse came walking up. More than likely for the same purpose as himself. He watched her for a moment and smiled at her as she walked past. He held his ground for a moment. Hell why not..

" Hell there madam. " He said in the soft of gruff tone that the men of the North had. It wasn't his fault. " Are you from around here? Could you perhaps point me in the direction of the best local pub? I know there is one over yonder.." He said with a gesture of his hand. " However, i feel like a locals perspective might be better than my own.." He said as he crossed his arms and watched and waited for her to respond. She had the very familiar look of a woman of the Rohirrim so he figured she would more than likely know the answer to his questions.

[cassiopeia]

Casswyn was lost in a world of her own thoughts as she made her way back to the inn, mostly pondering what she would be best doing in the coming day, when suddenly a male voice brought her back to the present moment. She paused and followed the sound until her wide, green eyes landed on the man who had spoken. He was tall and strong, his stance confident and, by the looks of things, he had just arrived in town. Casswyn blinked in surprise, taking a moment to try and place his accent, which had confirmed her initial impression that he was not local. His voice was gruff but he was polite and Casswyn thought she detected a friendly warmth there. No doubt he had been on the road since the small hours of the morning and was all too ready for a hot meal and some drink. Casswyn was well acquainted with how it was to arrive into an unfamiliar town, with little idea of where to begin, so it would be her pleasure to assist him.

“I can go one better, sir,” Casswyn said brightly as her face relaxed into a smile and she made her way over to him, “I happen to be staying in the inn above what many consider to be Edoras' finest public house. It is only a little walk away and I am heading there now. If it would please you, you are most welcome to join me.”

The man was taller than she and Casswyn tilted her head slightly as she gazed up into his dark eyes, trying to read what lay behind them. Those eyes gave her the impression that this was a man of great strength, a man who had seen many things, and Casswyn found herself intrigued. Then her manners came to her.

“Casswyn Láidir, at your service,” Casswyn said sincerely, bowing her head to the man as she introduced herself. Then she smiled a little more widely and dropped her voice conspiratorially, “Between you and I, the landlord of that pub yonder,” Casswyn paused, glancing over to the building he had previously gestured to, before bringing her eyes back to his and arching an eyebrow in disapproval, “Has been known to water down the liquor.”

[Aragost]

Aragost smiled kindly at her as she offered her services. She seemed to be like most of the women of this country. They were mostly friendly and more than happy to help out travelers that were not complete scoundrels. She told him his name and he responded of course. " Aragost of the North, at yours.." He said with a little bowing type gesture that was of course with the custom of the culture. He did not come out and saw exactly who he was, race wise that is. She mentioned that she would take him to a good inn and he couldn't really argue with that.

He nodded and went and grabbed the reigns of his horse gently who seemed a little stubborn to be taken away from the water in which he had been enjoying after the days ride. He led the horse behind the woman as they walked in the direction she was leading them. She seemed friendly enough to keep him company for a little while. Perhaps he could get some news about the land around. He was curious about a few things. He had seen a handful of warg tracks, as well as orc bands that seemed to him roaming across the plains of Rohan. This was strange considering the fact that the soldiers of Rohan protected their land extremely well. They had just of course fought a war with the orcs only but a few years ago now. Aragost knew, he had been a part of it. A troop from the North had come down to assist the men of Rohan. The fighting had been fierce and long but it was a victory none the less.

" So tell me, Cass, if i may call you that? What is that you do here in Edoras?" He asked as he followed. A little small talk never hurt anyone.

[cassiopeia]

Ah, the accent suddenly clicked into place for Casswyn - of course he was from the North!

“Aragost,” Casswyn murmured after the man introduced himself, trying the name out on her tongue, “It's a pleasure.”

Casswyn moved off in the direction of the inn, Uvaer alongside her and Aragost falling in behind her. She was just considering the possibility that he would have no desire for conversation when he spoke. Something flickered across Casswyn's face, a shadow of an old pain, when Aragost called her Cass. How fortunate that she had her back to him at the time! Cass... her parents had always referred to her that way, calling her only by her full name when she was in trouble. But there was a strange comfort in hearing her old pet name again.

“Of course,” Casswyn replied warmly, glancing over her shoulder at him, pausing a moment so that he might walk alongside her, their horses flanking them on the outside, “I must confess that, although I am locally born and bred, I no longer reside in Rohan.”

Casswyn paused and inclined her head, wondering how much more to say. Her hesitancy was not because she felt a need to be secretive but because her story was a long one. Besides, he might only be asking to be polite. Should they end up in the pub together he might learn more of her over a couple of pints of mead.

“It's fortunate you found me here, by tomorrow I intend to be on the road again. As to what I do, well, I do all I can to get by.” Casswyn answered, a rather guilty look in her face. It was not that she was ashamed but the events of two days past had left a bitter taste in her mouth and had forced her to accept that some people would always think poorly of her lifestyle. Then, realising just how open her last statement was to misinterpretation, Casswyn felt a strong urge to clarify further, “I work with horses best but I also hunt, heal and, for the right price, I will even labour.”

They continued on, the inn was not far now, and Aragost had captured Casswyn's curiosity, “May I ask what brings you all the way to Edoras? I hope you aren't looking for work, there is little here.”

Then again, perhaps his gender would put him in better stead for employment than she.

[Aragost]

Aragost listened contently. He was not entirely of course paying attention to everything that she was saying. It was not that he was ignoring her either it was just, well, he was trained to be alert and ready for anything to happen and that sometimes took up more attention that other things. Sure, he knew they were safe inside the walls of Edoras. Well, safe as you could be anywhere else in the world but he was not the sort to simply ever completely relax. She mentioned that she did not entirely reside in Rohan anymore and that seemed a bit odd. After all, why would she be here in she did not reside here. She was a woman and you very rarely saw them wandering the plains alone. It was dangerous for anyone to do so but even more so a woman. The few that he had ever seen were always elves and they always never wandered too far away from an elven stronghold somewhere. There were few left but still, this sounded extremely rare.

Of course he caught the bit about her doing what she needed to too get by. Well instantly the description of a harlot came to his mind. She did not really fit the type but I mean sure, anything was possible. She was quick to follow up her statement however and mention that she worked with horses and healed and a list of other things as well. This erased his previous notion that she in fact was some sort of wandering whore that he had randomly just run into and was going to have to get rid of before she solicited him. He shook his head whenever she looked away again and smiled just a little at the thought of it all as they kept walked.

Why was he here? That was the last question that he heard her ask as she then mentioned something about not really being able to find work. Well, that was probably more or less true. He shook his head and smiled again as they finally made it to the Inn they were headed towards.

“ Well my business is not here in Edoras. I am actually on my way elsewhere and thus I am merely stopping through. I was by the river Isen earlier today so it has been a hard days ride to say the least.” He said as he tied his worse to a post and gestured for her to lead the way into the Inn. She knew it better than he so he figured he would allow her to take point. He never did enjoy going in anywhere first, you never knew what might hit you and jump out at you…

[cassiopeia]

Aragost was a man of few words, Casswyn realised, and she had been letting her mouth run off her. Hmm, and he was just passing through? Intriguing indeed. Casswyn vaguely considered the possibility of them sharing the road a while. Of course that could only happen if he was agreeable and if her initial impressions turned out to be accurate. This young woman had been around the track enough times to know that you had to pick travel companions very carefully. Quite sensibly, if given the choice, she would rather not have her throat cut as she slept.

When Aragost mentioned the river Isen Casswyn said nothing but nodded knowingly, it was indeed a hard day's ride from here. Enough with the small talk and meandering thoughts, it was time to get this man sorted with some refreshments! Casswyn tied up Uvaer alongside Aragost's mount, pausing to pat her neck affectionately, whispering a promise to return with generous nosebag of oats in a few short hours. Oats fired Uvaer up no end but the mare would need the energy when they took the road out of Edoras.

The pair entered the inn, the ground floor of which was given up to the public house. It was decorated in typical Rohan fashion – plenty of nooks, snugs and crannies to sit in, practical locally crafted wooden furniture, spears adorning the walls, a roaring fire, threadbare throws and rugs and, of course, a collection of aged and worn tankards suspended above the bar.

Casswyn wasted no time, striding confidently to the bar, behind which the landlord stood. Over the years he had come to recognise this strange girl who swept in and out of town. He would keep her in the loop of recent events and, from time to time, he would even feed her suggestions of where to find employment.

“A pint of mead, sir, if you please,” Casswyn directed to the landlord before turning to face Aragost, “What will you drink?” she queried then added, with a shrug and a small smile, “This round is on me, by the way. I'm afraid I was raised to believe that it brings bad luck to meet a newcomer and fail to buy them a drink. As for something more filling, they do a rather wholesome beef and ale stew.”

[Aragost]

Aragost was rather exhausted. The sound of some stew and a good pint was just the sort of thing that would shake the weariness from his bones. He needed it. He had not had a hot meal in over a week and it was starting to ware on him. You can not just simply make fires in the wild. Well, you could, except it isn't really a very good idea. After all there are creatures beyond count that would try and harm you and that just causes unneeded problems from everyone. He had made that sort of mistake only once in his life and it nearly cost him it.

He had been alone, south of Angmar. He was still a young man, only 24 and that was young for Dunedain. He was much older and wiser now. The night had been cold, bitter cold. It is how it often was in Angmar actually. Either way he could not resist the desire to light a fire and warm his hands and feet. All seemed to be well at first, however, the flicker and light of the flames brought forth eyes that were soon all around him. Then, three wargs attacked. It was a moment in his life were he realized that he was meant for something more. Not many men that he knew could have fought off three wargs, but he had had the wits to grab a burning log from the fire and draw his sword.

Aragost shook the thought from his mind as she asked him what he wished to eat and drink.

" Your kindness is gladly accepted. I shall have mead as well and the stew shall serve quiet nicely. It shall be good to have a warm meal. If only all folk were as charitable as those of Rohan. " He said with a light smile although he tried to hide it as he went and found them a table and sat upon the chair with a clatter as he took a deep breath and rested for a moment. It is one thing to sit upon a horse while riding and yet quiet another to relax in a chair that isn't moving..

[cassiopeia]

Casswyn returned Aragost's slight smile with a warm, unrestrained one of her own. His comment about the charitability of the Rohirrim pleased her rather more than she would have expected. Turning back to the landlord she reiterated the order, deciding to also partake in a portion of stew, before squaring off the payment. Casswyn did briefly consider starting a tab but there was no telling how long Aragost would stay. If he was just passing through he might even leave this very evening, by the looks of him he was most certainly capable of coping with the dangers that came with travelling by night. Still, if he, and she, decided to stay beyond the first couple of rounds they could always start a tab later in the evening. Tabs were dangerous things though, they made it difficult to keep track of how many drinks had passed one's lips. Casswyn could handle her mead pretty well but there was a line and it was all too easy to cross it. Heavens forbid she should end up like her father. Stuffing that negative thought back into the furthest recesses of her mind, Casswyn picked up the tankards of mead that the landlord had now served and walked over to where Aragost had taken a seat, determined that she should have an enjoyable evening. Hell, she deserved it after the drag of the past few days.

Taking a seat opposite Aragost, Casswyn carefully set the tankards on the table, sliding one over to the young man (or so she thought) before gripping her own and raising it up in a brief toast. “Here's to long, happy roads and chance encounters,” Casswyn said with a smile before taking a long draw of her mead. It was sweet and refreshing, exactly what she needed. And Casswyn realised that, if she felt she needed it, Aragost must need it a hundred times more – his whole demeanour spoke of weariness and travel. It was a wonder what a rest, a hot meal and a few pints of mead could heal. Casswyn was sure that in a hour or so Aragost would find his second wind.

[Aragost]

Aragost watched as she brought over the mead and the stew. The smell came to his nose the same as a man coming from the desert rushes to water. As soon as it was placed before him he grabbed up the spoon that was set by him and began to dig in right away. He was about nine or ten mouth fulls into the meal before he actually looked back up at the woman who was, as he was certain was probably staring at him with some sort of curiosity. He was not trying to be rude but food and drink had that sort of effect on a man. He hardly seemed to chew but he swallowed what he had already eaten and took a breath and looked at the woman who he could now see easily. He raised an eyebrow whenever he noticed a slight bruise, only reddish on her jaw..

He took another breath before speaking. He was not the sort of man that really beat around the bush as it was. Whenever he wanted to say something he basically just came out and said it.

" What happened to your jaw..? " He asked in a gruff voice as he continued to eat the stew awaiting her answer. It was amazing some of the stories that he would hear from people that he met along the road. Some stories were believable but most of them were not. Most people bragging about deeds they had never committed or trying to start rumors about things that they knew nothing about. It was rather frustrating and Aragost had little time for those sort of things. However, every once and a while there would be some truth to the tales that men told, or, at least a seed of truth that he could then build into a full story on his own. To be honest, that is how most information comes to past, but of course no one would ever admit that. He grabbed his flask and took a good long swig as he waited for her answer.

[cassiopeia]

Casswyn ate her meal quite slowly, not exactly savouring it but taking her time at least - it was an immensely satisfying dish. It did not phase the young woman to see how ravenous Aragost was, her father used to tear into his meals the very same way after a day of hard labour, and she did occasionally pause from her own meal to glance up and run her eyes over him. It was out of curiosity, more than anything. The final time she glanced up she was surprised to find him looking at her, as if there were something on her face. Which there was, of course. Casswyn frowned, not at Aragost but at the answer to his question.

“Not a what but a who, I'm afraid,” Casswyn responded with a rueful smile, “A coward who would rather beat a dog-tired woman than pay her what he owed.”

A mere pittance it was too, Casswyn thought crossly to herself. She had been too keen for the work and had undersold herself – and look what it had got her! An ache in her back and bruises on her face! Casswyn glanced away, her jaw clenched tight and the frown continuing to linger on her face. The situation with the miller infuriated her and it annoyed her all the more that the whole incident had managed to get under her skin. Casswyn tried to smother the fire that had started in her heart and, with what she hoped would appear to be a nonchalant shrug and toss of her head, she continued;

“No use crying over spilt milk though, or wasted time,” Casswyn murmured, taking another long draw of mead, her eyes still averted from Aragost's steady gaze. She feared if she brought her eyes back to his he would see reflections of her hurt and embarrassment there, “I count myself lucky that I hadn't spent a week working at the mill only for this to happen, and that he failed to break any bones or knock any teeth.”

And there was always the fact that, even when she did get into scrapes, she had the knowledge and ability to put herself back together - for the most part. Thank the heavens for that, seeing a professional healer could be a very expensive venture, depending on the nature of the injury. Casswyn took another sip of mead and allowed her eyes to finally drift back to meet Aragost's. She ought to change the direction of this conversation, if she could.

“So, if you are just passing through, where shall the road take you next?” Casswyn asked earnestly before quickly adding a get-out clause for him - she knew well enough that not everyone was comfortable with discussing their travel plans, “If you can tell me, that is.”

[Aragost]

Aragost listened as he continued to eat. He was actually quite good at that. She mentioned that her bruise was from a miller who had refused to pay her for the services rendered. That was not something that he wanted to hear or enjoyed hearing. He took a moment to swallow the remaining portion of his food before he pushed the empty bowl away just a little and sat back in the chair as she continued speaking. As she finally finished her tale she tried to deviate by bringing up another topic about his own travels. He was not going to answer that at the moment. If there was two things he could not stand it was a man that would dare hit a woman, and another man that would not be true to his word. They were two buttons that she had pushed instantly by telling him and he meant to have this matter settled. He took another deep breath and grabbed his flask and took a large swig and then set the flask back down on the table.

Aragost stood to his feet and looked down at the woman. “ Alright, lets go.” She of course cast him look referring to where in the world they were going to have to go. “ We are going to see your miller friend. He will give you what he owes you and I will teach him a lesson when it comes to striking women.” He raised his hand before she could offer up any measure of debate. He was not going to have any of it. “ There shall be no argument. If you are not willing to come with me, merely tell me where the mill is and I shall do so myself and you can wait for me here. Otherwise, let us pay the tab and return here after our business is done..” He said quickly as he checked the holster of his sword and all was in order as he waited for her answer as he was certain that she was in some sort of shock and bewilderment that he was firstly interested in her troubles, or even more so, desiring to do something about them.

[cassiopeia]

Casswyn pushed her bowl of stew away, she hadn't quite finished her meal but she had certainly had her fill. Gazing over at Aragost, she squirmed slightly in her seat, for a pause had followed her tale and deflecting question. The young woman sensed that Aragost had taken her injustice to heart and, in hindsight, she wondered if her blatant honesty had been advisable. It was then that he suggested that they leave which, of course, made Casswyn blink in surprise and give him a look which clearly asked where he would have them go. Then Aragost explained his intentions. Needless to say, Casswyn was astonished and it showed in her face. This was a man who owed her nothing and yet it seemed he wished to make her burden his own.

“Really, it's quite unnecessary-” she started, but Aragost raised his hand and continued on. The man was clearly determined and Casswyn wasn't going to stand in his way. In fact, there didn't seem any way she possibly could. His conviction to assist her was rather touching, Casswyn just hoped that it didn't stem from a feeling that he owed her in some way for her small acts of kindness. It seemed much more likely that he was being guided by his own moral compass. An honourable one it seemed too.

“The bill is already settled,” Casswyn murmured quietly, her eyes round and owlish with surprise, but there was a gratefulness behind them, “I will come with you.” There was no way on this earth she would let this man walk out of this inn only to sort her mess alone. Casswyn downed the last of her mead and rose from the table, mirroring Aragost by checking the hilt of her sword. As they left, she nodded her head in a friendly farewell to the landlord, though there was a pinch of anxiety in her expression. She looked forward to when they might return to the inn - she would certainly be in need of several pints of something after the confrontation with the miller.

Outside, in the fresh air once again, Casswyn's heart began to flutter wildly. She would really much rather leave town and never have to deal with, or even look at, the miller again. The past two years had taught her to cut her losses and to quit while she was ahead. As they walked, Casswyn allowed herself a quick glance up at Aragost. This whole scenario was making her feel vulnerable, for her weakness had brought them here, and somewhat guilty. This man had just endured a hard day's ride to Edoras and yet here he was, on his feet again, and it was because of her. Because of her weakness. Because of her inability to make a man pay her what he had promised. Casswyn bit her lip and frowned a little. She tried so terribly, desperately hard to be brave, to be strong and to stand on her own two feet. For the most part she did well and failure did not come easily to her. For all her conflicting feelings, Casswyn was deeply grateful to Aragost for taking control of the situation and for standing up for her when there was no-one else who would.

“The mill is a little while away, but not too far,” Casswyn said quietly, it was her way of suggesting that they take the road on foot. It would be good for Aragost, there was only so much time one could spend in the saddle and a walk would stretch muscles that might otherwise cramp and ache later in the evening. Casswyn almost made to tell Aragost that they could turn back, that they really didn't need to visit the miller, but she had seen his eyes and knew that he meant to see this through and so she bit her tongue. But not quite for two words, little more than a whisper, fell from her lips.

“Thank you.”