LadyAnnaLee

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

Ridahne was upset about something, and Darin wasn’t sure what it was, or even if it was her place to pry. She didn’t think she was upset about Taja. (The name was settled. That’s all there was to it.) Darin also didn’t think the Elf was upset about staying just one more day. If anything, the warrior seemed upset about going towards Azurei. Darin clicked her teeth together as she thought. Hopefully they would spend enough time wandering other places that Ridahne would come to grips with the fact that they had to visit Azurei. Of course, Darin was going to have to do the same thing. She wasn’t sure she wanted to go to a place where they knew who she was without her telling them. The Farm was different. The Farm was safe. The human wasn’t sure Azurei was safe at all. Then again, no place was truly safe.

Darin gave her head a shake as she moved on to a sort of more pleasant topic, “Yes. We do need to use our time wisely while we’re here. I was hoping you would be willing to show me just a little bit of what it means to wield a knife, or maybe even my, sickle, in battle.” Darin pause a moment before continuing, “And maybe you could start teaching me Azurein. We have a long way to go, so I feel it would be best to know as many languages as possible.”

Darin actually knew two languages. She knew Astran, which was the common tongue that everyone in Astra seemed to know. Then she also knew a particular dialect that was only used in Lively and her little village. The Traders that came to Lively each year didn’t know it, but that was the way it was for most citizens of Astra. They all knew at least Astran and then their own regional dialect. Darin also knew enough to understand what was being said in the language the traders used, but she didn’t know enough to really speak it. She hadn’t used her home language since she started this trip. She knew that there were people that could identify where you came from just by your second tongue. Darin didn’t want that at all.

Darin considered Taja. It seemed the bird would be sleeping for a while. He looked a little better and didn’t seem to be in as much pain as he had been. It was most likely safe to leave him for the night. Darin could check up on him in the morning. Besides, Talbot had returned from wherever her had gone to get food. The human figured the horse would be a good watcher for the hawk. Darin picked up the cloth the rabbit had been in before slowly standing. She left the hut slowly; it wouldn’t do for a wrong sound or move to wake Taja back up. Soon she was out in the evening sun,

Darin turned to Talbot, “Come and get me if Taja needs something okay.” Talbot nodded as Darin smiled and ran her hand a long his nose, “Thanks Talbot.” She then turned to see that people were getting ready to head in for the night, “It looks like the workday is over. I wonder what’s for dinner. I’m hungry.”

That wasn’t exactly true. Darin had snuck out the window and as such missed breakfast. Then she had been looking for and taking care of Taja, so she had missed lunch. It felt like her stomach was trying to eat itself. She had managed to stay hydrated, but a person could not live on water alone. She hoped dinner was a simple affair. She wasn’t sure she could do another party like the one last night. She wasn’t sure what Ravi planned for the evening, but she wasn’t sure that she would like it one little bit unless it was just dinner. After dinner they needed to start the knife lessons, and Darin would have to start looking into restocking her supplies. She was almost out of food, so really it was a good thing Ridahne had some along when she had.

Darin started heading back to the farm Main Farmhouse, “Come on. We should see if there’s anything we can do to help with dinner. Though in a place with this many people they’ll probably just kick us out of the kitchen, but I bet we can find other things to do.”

That was probably true. It a place with this many people, meals were probably something that you could cook a lot of in a small amount of time. Soup and porridge were probably frequent meal choices. Darin was okay with that. Both were staples back home. She liked both though she also liked having other things. Then again, she didn’t tend to be picky about what she ate; when she did remember to eat. She tended to forget more than not. She figured as long as Ridahne didn’t pick up on that bad habit she would be fine.

Darin spoke as she continued walking, “Hopefully we can find some way to repay them for all the supplies we’ll be taking. I don’t think they’ll let us leave without restocking, but I hate the thought of just taking their supplies without giving anything back.”

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

Darin led the way towards the small hut, “I know what it means. You told me once.” She tapped her injured arm, “I figured it was fitting.”

What Darin didn’t tell Ridahne was that she thought the bird should have an Elf name of some sort. Talbot was a land creature and as such had a human, or Child of the Stones, name. This creature of the air, or yet another Child of the Skies, needed a name that matched. The problem was that the only Elf words Darin knew were Azurei words, and she didn’t know many of those either. She knew maybe three. She supposed if she was going to do this trip around Astra she might want to learn as many languages as possible. It might now make the job easy, but it would at least showed anybody who cared that she was trying.

Aa they approached the hut the human asked her steed, “What do you think Talbot. Is our new friend behaving.” Talbot bobbed his head in an approximation of a yes as Darin smiled, “That’s good. Why don’t you go get something to eat? The Tree knows you’ve earned it.”

Talbot nodded again before heading off. Darin lead the way into the darken hut to see the hawk perched on the same perch she left him on. Darin was not surprised to see the bird open his eyes to glare at her with suspicious eyes. She would be suspicious too if something bigger than her took her to a place she didn’t understand. She carefully unwrapped the bundle of rabbit and place it in front of the hawk.

She spoke quietly, “There you go. You must be hungry.”

Now that the bird wasn’t freaking out Darin had a chance to look at him properly. He was most certainly a he, but that was alright. He was a mostly a light brown colored that reminded Darin of lightly toasted bread with darker brown spots that reminded her of brunt bread scattered throughout. He also had some white spots and a white chest. His eyes were a deep amber color. He was eyeing the small bites of food warily, and Darin was starting to worry that she was going to have to hold him down to feed him. Suddenly, his head darted out to snag some of it, and Darin let out the breath she hadn’t realized that she had been holding.

She turned back to her conversation with Ridahne, “I suppose I could name him Toast. He looks like he could be named Toast, but that just doesn’t feel right.” She gave her head a shake, “I’m not sure. I really like Taja. For lots of reasons.” She tapped at her own chest, “Anyways that’s a good story. I suppose the only way we know if that if becomes a when is if we head towards Azurei. Is that where we are headed? Are there spots in between here and there that we can stop at. I don’t really want to take a direct route to anywhere given the nature of this trip.”

Darin knew that they had to leave The Farm soon. They couldn’t stay here forever or nothing important would get done. She was thinking one more day in order to resupply and stock up. Hopefully, Ridahne would be good with starting her knife lessons tonight. Darin was tired of being the hopeless one of the two of them. Taja let our a shriek and the human turned to see that all of the rabbit was gone. She smiled as she slowly held out a few fingers. Taja pressed his head against the fingers for just a few seconds before tucking his had under his good wing.

Darin whispered, “Good night Pretty Bird.” She turned to Ridahne, “We should start getting ready to leave The Farm. I would like to leave bright and early not tomorrow morning, unless you want to leave then, but the next morning.” She was leading the way out of the hut, “What do you think?”

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

So, I am beyond exhausted, and my parents are showing up a day early. I'm not one hundred percent sure when I will get you a post. Late Sunday early Monday at the latest. I know what want to. I'm just not sure when I will have time to write it. Please forgive me.

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

Darin wrinkled her nose as Ridahne smeared the ointment on her check, “Itchy.”

She spoke lightly; not in complaint but as if she was stating a fact. She also did not take the whiskey. She never cared much for alcohol. She knew it didn’t take much to get her drunk. Unless she planned to fall straight asleep, she tried to avoid it. She did lean backwards in her chair and squeeze her eyes shut. She also slipped the ball of her thumb or her other hand between her teeth. When the pain started, she exhaled sharply though her nose and bit down her hand. She didn’t think she would break skin since she was wearing the leather work gloves. She did have a matching set of scars on both hands from where she had done this before. Her mother hated it. Her mother could never stop it. It was Darin’s preferred way of dealing with pain. She only removed her hand when the stitching was over.

Darin smiled as she heard Ridahne’s dry joke, “Haha. Very funny.” She leaned forward to look at the neat stitches, “Though I might just lose this arm by the end of this trip. It wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest.”

This was now the second injury to the limb in question; her shoulder and now her arm. Darin knew that losing a limb would not be the worst fate in question. Even losing two would not be a problem. Losing three or four might be difficult. Still, as long as long as she was alive, she had a fighting chance to fight till the end. She already knew that she was going to have to fight for a long time to come. Some of those fights might be physical. She could only imagine what going to Azurei would be like; a whole country of people like Ridahne. It was mind boggling.

Darin ran a finger along the edges of the salve, “I was thinking,” Her entire attention was on her arm, “Taja.” She quickly looked at Ridahne though her eyelashes before hastily looking back down, “I’m not sure I said that right.” She said it a couple more times each with a slightly different inflection, “Taja. Taja. I’m not sure. I like the way you sound when you speak Azurein. I would ask you to teach me, but I know I would butcher it. I can’t even speak my only tongue right; at least according to the elders. And I like the thought of Talbot and my new friend matching; Talbot and Taja. I won’t. I can think of something else. If you rather I pick something else.”

Darin’s attention was fully on her arm. It seemed stupid now that she said it out loud. It had seemed like such a good idea when it was just her, the hawk, and Talbot. Darin absently put her finger in her mouth. That wasn’t the same as the stuff Ridahne had used on her shoulder the first time. She absently wondered what the difference was. Darin gave her had a light shake that wasn’t important now. She really should have come up with a better name for the bird. She felt like such an idiot.

She suddenly stood, “I should go check on him and make sure he eats. “She grabbed the small packet of rabbit, “Thank you for this.” She seemed unsure again, “Would you like to come meet him? He should be calmer now that he’s had some rest. I’m not sure though. I’ve only done crows and sparrows before. Oh! And that blue jay once. I’m not sure if birds of prey are any different.”

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

Darin answered Ridahne’s question easily enough, “It depends on how fast he imprints on me. Birds are hard creatures to earn the trust of. Once they trust one person, they tend to trust that person and no one else. If I earn this one’s trust, handing him off to someone else will negatively affect his healing. So, I guess we’ll see.”

Another voice filled the air, “Darin! What happened?”

Darin looked up to see Ravi coming towards her, “He’s scared and in pain. So, he lashed out. It was an accident. Accidents happen.”

Ravi sighed, “I suppose that is true.” He nodded at a human woman following him, “Kristi can take him. You are correct about the imprinting. If Kristi takes him now you won’t have to worry about that.”

Darin nodded in understanding and moved to hand Kristi the bird. The hawk did not like that one little bit. He lashed out again. Kristi fell backwards to get away from the rapidly flapping wings and talons desperate to make contact. Darin was left to struggle to hold the bird as he tried desperately to escape. The Seed-Bearer kept her grip gentle but firm. The creature was obviously terrified.

Darin snapped, “Enough you silly thing. You’ll just hurt that wing more.” The creature calmed down and turn his head to look at Darin’s scowling face, “No more of that. I still need to set that wing.” She turned to Ravi, “Where would I find things for that?”

Ravi pointed at Kristi, “Kristi can take you. I guess he’s imprinted on you already.”

Darin nodded, “I guess so.” She turned to Ridahne, “It looks like he’ll be coming with us.” At Talbot’s snort and nod she turned to scowl at the horse, “I know he needs a name. That is not as important as setting this wing.” She turned back to Ridahne, “If you could figure out what he eats I would appreciate it. He’ll need a meal after I set his wing.” Talbot pushed her in the shoulder, “I’m going! I’m going! Wait here! Or wherever. I don’t need you hovering Talbot.”

Darin muttered under breath as she followed Kristi towards a small building. The windows were open and covered by dark curtains. The only light came though the doorless entry. Darin approved. Birds healed better in the dark. Kristi quickly got away from the bird. Darin stuck her tongue out at her retreating back. Animals lashed out when in pain. That was just the way it was. Being afraid of them was silly. Darin place the hawk on the table to look at the break properly. Luckily it was a clean break even though the wing was broken in two places. It would be easy enough to set, though it would take some time to heal.

As she worked, she asked, “Talbot was right. You do need a name.” The bird just gazed at her with baleful eyes, “You don’t have any ideas? Neither do I.”

Darin had to force the wing into place and the hawk let out another shriek of pain. This time his talon’s dug deep into Darin’s arm. It was her turn to let out a shout of pain. She then gritted her teeth to finishing setting the bone with the straight sticks provided and the wool thread that seemed sturdy enough for the job. There was also a small gash on his leg that needed stitching. Darin pressed him down with one hand as she carefully patched up the injury. She might need stitches on her arm, and who knew what the stitches on her shoulder looked like. She would have to go find Ridahne so Ridahne could play doctor for her the same way she had played doctor for the bird that still needed a name.

Darin looked at the gashes on her arm as she thought, “These are some pretty deep injuries pretty bird. It’s almost like you were trying to pull my arm off.” She paused as she thought about that, “Arm. Arm.” She smiled, “Taja. You and Talbot can match with the T names.” Her brow furrowed as she thought further, “I suppose I should ask Ridahne about that first.” She carefully placed the hawk on one of the many perches in the building, “Hopefully she found a snack for you. It has been a little while and it is close to dinner time. I’m going to find her.” Darin looked to see Talbot looking in thought the door, “Alright then. Talbot, if something happens to out new friend Come and find me.”

Talbot nodded as she laughed as rubbed his nose. Then she headed towards the main Farmhouse. She had her own injuries to look at. Hopefully Ridahne would be willing to patch her up. She wasn’t sure she wanted one of the Workers looking at the injuries. Ridahne would be the one playing doctor in the future. It made sense to keep with one person patching her up for now. She was also hoping that the Farm had herbs they could use. It didn’t make sense to use the Elf’s salve unless they had to.

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

Darin nodded, “Good night Ridahne. I will see you tomorrow.” As the warrior left Darin turned to Ravi, “Where do I sleep?”

Ravi sighed, “This way Seed-Bearer.” As they walked, he asked, “Was that necessary Darin?”

She didn’t hesitate, “Yes Ravi, it was. We couldn’t keep running from each other.”

Ravi sighed, “In front of everybody?”

Darin shrugged, “Probably not. But we do not get to pick the location of our battles. We simply fight them when they come.”

Ravi opened a door, “I suppose that is true.” He nodded in the open room, “Here you are.”

Darin smiled, “Thank you. Good night Ravi.”

The Overseer left, “Good night Darin.”

The human placed her fiddle on the small table before falling on the bed. She fell asleep almost instantly. As she slept The Tree reached out to her. It was a continuation of the lessons Darin had learned earlier in the day. The Tree needed to make sure she had all the information before she left The Farm. The Seed-Bearer had been assigned an impossible task. She would not be sent out unprepared. She was loved and she needed to know that. The Tree woke the girl just in time for her to hear the first rooster call the rising of the sun. Darin smiled as she looked out the window. Ridahne claimed she wasn’t going to rise early. Darin always knew she would be up with the sun. This was The Farm and she was a farmer. It was inevitable.

Darin looked at the Worker uniform she was wearing. She grabbed the hat on the hook by the door and then snuck out the window. She was going to attempt to simply join the Workers in the day’s labors. She wasn’t sure how well it would work, but she was going to try. There was a group of them gathered together. Darin kept to the edge of the group. She then followed them to weed carrots. He was good work, and Darin found herself smiling as she worked in the dirt. She had no idea if she was hiding properly or if they were just pretending that they didn’t recognized her. Darin wasn’t sure she cared. She just lost herself in the farm work. It felt like home.

Darin worked with the others until lunch. Then she saw Talbot watching her from the edge of the field. He looked towards a spot in the distance and then back towards her. She furrowed her brow in question. It seemed like the horse had something he wanted to tell her. Without speaking to anyone Darin headed towards Talbot. NO one tried to stop her. Well, that answered that question. People were pretended they didn’t know who she was. Talbot bent his knees so Darin could get on. She then let him carry her away from the carrots. They walked for a moment before he stopped. Darin slipped down to see what Talbot was concerned with. Her attention was drawn by a shriek.

Darin smiled, “Why hello there beautiful. What happen?”

It was some type of bird of prey. Darin almost wanted to say it was a hawk. The poor creatures wing was broken. Darin had rehabilitated crows and sparrows before. She wondered how much different healing a hawk would be. She obviously was going to do her best. She didn’t think Talbot brought her to just look at the poor bird. Darin was glad she was wearing thick work gloves. She carefully picked the hawk up. She was not surprised when he lashed out. She managed to avoid terrible injuries, but he did get a talon across her cheekbone.

Darin scowled, “Now that’s not nice! I’m just trying to help you silly!” The bird quieted down, “That’s better. Come on. Let’s go see what Ravi has to set that wing. Maybe he can tell me what you eat too.” She looked at the sun, “And hopefully Ridahne is up now.” She smiled at the hawk, “Maybe we can get her to weed carrots.”

That didn’t actually sound like a half bad idea. Darin had tasted a bit of Ridahne’s warrior lifestyle back in Grey Rock when Mark attacked them. Maybe the Elf could see just a little bit of being what a farmer was all about. Still, Darin couldn’t force her to do anything she didn’t want to. Darin wrinkled her nose. She could feel blood dripping down her face from the injury the hawk had lashed out. She scowled at the thought of both Ravi and Ridahne freaking out about the minor wound. The most it would do would scar. That was not Darin’s biggest concern. She still had all her fingers. Talbot walked next to her as the headed back towards the Main Farmhouse. She didn’t feel comfortable trying to ride while holding the injured animal. She was glad Talbot understood that.

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

Okay. Cool. Thank you. I'm away from my computer until the evening, but I should get you a post sometime today.

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

Okay. Good. No stressing about how often you post. I will survive less frequent posting. And now for a question about the role-play. What does Ridahne mean when she says "all three." I'm probably just tired (You aren't getting a post tonight. I really should be sleeping right now) but I cannot figure it out.

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

You do know that posting isn't worth injuring your hands with which you make a living right? I mean I like it when you post, but if it means you can't do your job I understand. I just get paranoid when I don't hear from people I'm in regular contact with. I tend to think the worst.

The Tree of Astra (LadyAnnaLee and Blackfridayrule)

This is just me checking to make sure you're okay. Are you okay?