(INV) shepherds to sheep

Brissal was a beautiful kind of quiet. A peace hung in the air like the warm balm of spring turning to summer. The village she'd traveled to was even more of a placid landscape, though she'd not caught its name as she passed into it. Small buildings were scattered about, worn streets showing a dedication to hard and long work if the grooves from carts and divots from animals meant anything. One of those little hamlets where everyone know everyone three generations back and kept to their farms and ranches with steady labor. She wouldn't be surprised if they rose before the sun, like she did when out in the wilds. Dawn was as good for hunting as it was for a hike or for hard work. No blaring sun to sear down and drain away one's stamina like water steaming away in the heat.

She paused a moment to take a look at the interconnecting paths through the town around them. Them, of course, being the ranger and her partner for this little series of errands, @Wild Rose. The human paused to lift a boot up, propping it on her knee, and dig a smell rock from between the treads. She's been able to feel it through the sole for too long. Maybe the game didn't need this much realism? Could have been worse though. Nothing sucked like aching feet after a hard hike in bad shoes. Perhaps she should count her blessing.

"We've got a bit to do today. Think we should go grab those shears from the village's craftsman and then head to the farm? Sounds like we'll be working all day for a room for the night." Gwyn straightened up suddenly, boot thumping heavily into the packed dirt below. "I wonder if that means free food. Free food sounds good. Well, not free what with all the working, but-" She cut off and waved her hand dismissively. Her companion more than probably understood. Gwyn still had a bit of work to do when it came to dealing with people one-on-one, as used to either solitary time or enough people idling around that she vanished in the crowd as she was. Not that it was super effective when one was six foot or more to 'vanish' anywhere.

 

staring at death I take a breath

​

Yes, today was glorious.

Her search for something to do had been met with an interesting little thing. Some sort of invitation? However she got into this, Wild Rose refused to deny it. She did love helping people - a trait from her real self she refused to dissipate - and what was more fun then working in a scenic town? Sure, farm work sounded hard, but she was confident she could learn easily. A quick learner was what others praised her as, and she wanted to keep that reputation alive. Plus, the point of the game was to try new things, wasn't it? At least, that's how she viewed it! So to try new things, she had to venture out and do so.

Hence, she was there, green eyes shining bright with anticipation.

''Yes, we more likely shall work quite a bit, which is perfectly fine with me. Of course, getting the tools first is definitely a must, no point in working and then getting the tool when only we need them! Some might think that more efficient, but not I - it is best to be prepared, in order to not have to wait.'' she said. Clearly, she was eager for this, and perhaps her companion would be able to tell that. Most would think that impatience and recklessness meant no head for strategy or planning, but that was wrong. She just hated to wait, and her recklessness was mixed with a stubbornness, so it often made her disregard changes to her initial plan.

Some might find that difficult, but Wild Rose cared not for what others thought.

''But I am quite sure they will have sustenance for us - it would be quite irresponsible not to provide such things! After all, if we are to spend energy working, and if they want to keep a good reputation and have our help later, then they will treat us correctly.'' she added. Stomping her own feet in the dirt, she turned to face the other - taller - woman beside her, green orbs settling to focus on only her. ''But worry not! We shall easily conquer this challenge, after all you seem rather competent. I couldn't ask for a better partner! Now come, let's begin our task properly.'' she said. And with that, she suddenly started down the road, trusting in her ability to remember things to get to the town and find the right craftsmen. After all, that's what they had to do right?

She felt confident about it, so no need to hesitate at all, unless her current partner had something to say. For Wild Rose may be a strong, confident person, she would listen to those helping her. Perhaps that came across, but she wasn't sure, for she thought that the other wasn't quite comfortable with her yet. Which was fine - but she did hope it would not cause any problems, because that could spell trouble. Then again, trouble was always fun, particularly to conquer - so perhaps it would all work out fine in the end. She could have that sort of optimism, couldn't she?

Hopefully so.

there's nothing left

 

Gwyn rolled her arm, the joint popping quietly in an unnecessarily realistic manner. Her teammate for the day was interesting, she found, as the woman spoke at length. She was passionate and Gwyn found herself nodding along. It wasn't unwelcome and she didn't mind livelier company in the least. "First rule of anything is to be ready for everything," she tacked on to the end of the other's firm opinion on their first task. They were in agreement. Gwyn could get behind that and certainly had no issue falling in step with someone content to go her speed. Rest was for the dead as delay was for the weary.

They set off and she couldn't help but laugh as Wild Rose seemed a bit peeved at the idea of not being properly paid for their work. 'Irresponsible' behavior was certainly a way to describe a crap reward for a quest. She had a feeling the other could be an absolute riot without saying a single joke considering how seriously she took things. Then again, people had said the same for Sabine so Gwyn couldn't say much about it. Apparently she didn't get jokes half the time so maybe getting entertainment out of someone's earnestness was more her speed. "Rather competent," the hunter cooed to herself. Other people might have taken that as an insult, but it was more than acceptable to her. It just showed the type of person Wild Rose was, and the values she kept. She was perfectly to the point in things. Gwyn grinned over at the other woman before she spoke her own piece to that. "I believe you to be fairly proficient, myself. We'll get the job done, quick and right. Lead on!" She gave a playful bow, an arm behind her back and the other sweeping toward the town. It seemed to be perfectly timed since Wild Rose took off at a brisk walk at the same moment.

The blonde kept a step behind and let her lead since she seemed suited for the role. A knight had taken up the call of a shepherd. What luck for Everest Wynce! And their own luck led them quickly to the door of the shop they sought. It didn't sound like they'd have to spend their own gold on the tool since the farmer had ordered it apparently and so Gwyn didn't bother pausing as they entered. The air was immediately cooler than the warming day outside. An NPC looked up at them with a greeting and she was quick to answer what she assumed was the craftsman they sought. "We're here for a delivery. Sheep shears for one Miss Everest Wynce?"

 

staring at death I take a breath

​

Yes!

Her companion seemed to be at least tolerant of her ways. That was good, for not many could actually stand Wild Rose for long. It was odd, but she was a bit too aggressive and gung-ho for most people. You'd figure, with how often people whine, they'd love her but nope. It almost made Lily want to laugh, but right now she couldn't dare. It would be really awkward to explain why she randomly laughed, particularly on explaining that Wild Rose was pretty much fake because Lily would never be that way. She wasn't that bold or brave in real life, except in her thoughts. Sometimes she wished she could change it, but no, it wasn't something easily done.

She refocused her attention on what was going on, before she got lost in her ruminations again.

''Wondeful!'' she claimed, brightening as she heard the woman's words. Yes, the two might be able to get along. Which was a fond idea for herself, considering that Wild Rose hadn't the best track record so far. But no matter, she couldn't get all that distracted! But her feet had not guided her wrong, and the little shop they were entering was the right place. Of course, she held the door for her companion, letting her enter first. Not far behind was her own steps, even as her eyes seemed to be oh so bright in the dimmer light of the shop. Of course, the other spoke first, which was fine, even as she looked around the shop in curiosity.

The girl was paying half-attention to what was being said, and thus missed a lot of it.

But she did see the person they greeted move along to the back of the shop, turning to face her companion with a raised eyebrow. But she turned her attention back to the display wall as they emerged with someone else. She would let the other deal with it, even as she picked through the displays, humming a tune under her breath. Yes, perhaps she should get into crafting, from what she was seeing. However, it would take up a precious slot, and Wild Rose had no intentions of being a girl with a party trick. No, she wanted to be strong and for that she needed to be able to fight.

So no crafting for her, she summarized.

Lifting her head, she approached her companion, even as the bigger figure seemed to be retreating. ''Got everything we need?'' she asked cheerfully, pushing strands of blonde back behind her ear. Her bangs were free, but the rest of her hair was tied in a unique bun. She rather liked it, so when she saw the style in the creation screen, she didn't hesitate. Smiling at her companion figure, she shifted her weight, throwing one last glance to the display pile. ''So shall we go now? We do have a lot of work to do.'' she said, her tone cheerful. A hard day's work harmed no one, unless they were idiots and weren't careful.

And honestly, Wild Rose was eager to do something, for it would mean she was progressing past 'just meandering around'.

@Gwyn ap Herne

there's nothing left