At the Mouth of the Great River
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You stand at on the northern shore of the mouth of the Great River. Below the bank, it spills over a slight incline into the Great Eastern Ocean, which stretches out to the eastern horizon beyond the beach. A well-worn path begins here, heading upstream along the riverbank, and disappearing into the trees that dot the shore to the west.
In the center of the river, you can see a large, upright post with an eagle sitting atop it. He is Wavesighter, and he generally spends his days watching the surface for signs of fish to eat. Occasionally, he’ll pick up a river- rider too, if he thinks they’re about to be swept out to sea.
From here you have a clear view of Cair Paravel, its magnificent spires rising strikingly against the sunlit sky to the north of you. At its base, Sted Cair sits nestled in the grassy, rolling hills. There is a winding yellow road leading into it.
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You can go: Enter the River <S>, Road to Sted Cair <N>, Path to the Beach <NE>, Upstream <W>
Contents: A son of adam with blue eyes (Peridan).
Trim walks toward you from the north, following the road.
It is a cold but bright day here in the south. The Great River is rushing forwarded into the sea, cold as water generally is in the winter. However, a man is perched on a rock along the bank, his line floating on top of a particular smooth patch of surface. His horse is off in the distance, trying to graze some dead grass.
Darius walks towards the man from the north, looking quite drenched in sweat. His hair a ruffled mess and hands freshly bruised.
A birds alarm call rings out and a flutter of activity swells up in the sky. From out of one of the bushes, Trim leaps grabbing a hold of one of the birds that were too slow to escape.
The man’s horse lifts his head at the flutter of the bird, nickering. Peridan opens his eyes, turning to see what the commotion is all about. “Peace Adair -” He cuts off as he sees Darius first than the cat.
Darius spies the horse and slows, catching sight of the Lord moments after. “Lord Peridan. ” he calls out, offering him a deep bow before shooting a sideways glance in the cat’s direction.
Trim is so focused on his bird that he does not notice the two humans immediately, seeming content to torment the poor thing by allowing it some freedom before immediately catching it again. The sound of voices bring his attention away and he finally gives the bird a merciful death before bobbing his head. “Lord Peridan. Darius.”
Peridan gives a wave to the both of them, “Hello, Friends. How do you two fare?” His gaze falls on the man and his hands.
Darius gives the cat a slight nod before finishing his approach. “Well enough. ” he shakes his hands. “Just giving myself a small break. ” he chuckles. “And yourself?”
Trim prods the bird with a paw, “Catching myself a little snack”
Peridan chuckles at the cat, “I see that. You seem like a good hunter.” His gaze then turns to the man, “It seems we had the same idea, Darius.”
Darius grins, putting both hands on his sides and looking to the man’s line. “Fishing eh?”
Trim bobs his head, “Got to be, wouldn’t be much use on the ships if I wasn’t but birds are different to rats and mice”
Peridan chuckles, “Well, I am more attempting it. I feel that the winter makes it much more worse to fish but I need to get out of the castle for a few moments.” He turns to Trim, “Good point, friend.”
Darius nods, expression turning curious. “Caught Anything?”
Trim stares down into the water, “Fish would be nice yes”
Peridan shakes his head, “Not yet. Though I have not been here long. Please, feel free to join me, my friends. I will enjoy the company.”
Darius nods, plopping down next to him and crossing his legs. After a short pause, his curiousity seems to increase. “So. What does a Lord of Narnia do?”
Trim picks up his bird and pads over, settling down next to the two humans.
A dog with curly ears and a curly irish setter tail trots toward you from the north, following the road.
Peridan focuses on the water. “Well, it depends on which Lord you talk to. We all have different jobs. For me though, I have various jobs including a military commander and advisor to the majesties.”
Darius’s eyes widen a bit. “You command the Narnian army?” There is a certain sense of awe in his voice.
Trim starts plucking the feathers from the bird, spitting away the featers. His ears twitch and he listens to the conversation.
Peridan turns to look at the man, his gaze assessing him. “Yes, I do. Though, of course, High King Peter and King Edmund are the ultimate leaders of the army.”
Darius nods quickly. “Of course. ” he looks back to the water. “Thanks for letting me box you the other night. Didn’t know you were the commander of the army. ” he rubs the back of his neck, looking somewhat embarrassed. “Not sure I’d have been so bold to ask had I known. ”
Trim asks, “Is that why you’re all bruised then?”
Peridan raises his eyebrow, “Just because I am a Lord does not mean that I’m not above helping those under me excel. Though I will ask you, why do you wish to train?”
Darius shrugs. “I was always taught to work hard in everything I do. Plus, it gives me some release. ” he tilts his head, waving a hand. “Besides, I have always found the art of swordplay and sparring beautiful in its own sense. ”
Trim spits out the last of the feathers, “You humans and your swords and such, a decent pair of claws would do you good”
Peridan looks curious, “You know how to use a sword?”
Darius ehs, looking uncertain. “I am only… decent with a blade sire. ”
Darius glances at the cat, chuckling. “Can’t even begin to imagine. ”
A dog with curly ears and a curly irish setter tail wands down to the mouth of the river, a squirrel in her mouth. She spies the others and gives a nod to Peridan, her mouth full.
Trim lifts and flexes a paw, his claws extending before he retracts them again, “No bird is safe, nor mouse nor rat nor pirate’s eye”
Peridan stares at Darius. “Do you own a blade? For we should test each other’s skill.” As the dog approaches, he calls out to her. “Greetings, Petria. Am I needed at the castle?” He then chuckles at the cat.
Darius glances to the dog at her approach. “Only a dagger. ” he pauses. “Been meaning to pick up a sword from the smithy in town though. ” he glances back to the Lord, smiling a bit now. “I should like to test your skill with a sword milord. I imagine it would do me some good, however badly I am beaten. ” he chuckles.
A dog with curly ears and a curly irish setter tail sits, not far from the group, and drops the dead squirrel to speak. “Their Majesties have not sent for you, Milord. Not that I can recall at least. I am just doing some off duty hunting.
Peridan chuckles a bit. “Like I mentioned last night, you do not have to worry about me, friend.” He turns to the dog, “Wonderful, it seems that all of us had the same idea.”
A dog with curly ears and a curly irish setter tail wags her tail. “It would appear so, Milord.”
Darius nods. “Not worried Milord, just expecting my own loss. ” he chuckles, observing the beasts.
Peridan answers Darius, “As soon as you acquire a blade, contact me. I shall like to test your skill.”
Darius grins, standing quickly. “Give me but a few moments. ”
Trim tears his stare away from the dog and blinks towards darius, “You’re getting one /now/?”
Peridan also blinks. “I did not mean for you to rush off if you do not wish.”
Darius is already backing up, giving Peridan a brief bow. “It is no trouble, Milord! ” At that, he turns quickly and runs off towards Sted Cair.
Trim flicks his tail and watches him run off, “What an odd human!”
(A short time later…)
At the Mouth of the Great River
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You stand at on the northern shore of the mouth of the Great River. Below the bank, it spills over a slight incline into the Great Eastern Ocean, which stretches out to the eastern horizon beyond the beach. A well-worn path begins here, heading upstream along the riverbank, and disappearing into the trees that dot the shore to the west.
In the center of the river, you can see a large, upright post with an eagle sitting atop it. He is Wavesighter, and he generally spends his days watching the surface for signs of fish to eat. Occasionally, he’ll pick up a river- rider too, if he thinks they’re about to be swept out to sea.
From here you have a clear view of Cair Paravel, its magnificent spires rising strikingly against the sunlit sky to the north of you. At its base, Sted Cair sits nestled in the grassy, rolling hills. There is a winding yellow road leading into it.
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You can go: Enter the River <S>, Road to Sted Cair <N>, Path to the Beach <NE>, Upstream <W>
Contents: A cat with long, grey tabby fur; A dog with curly ears and a curly
irish setter tail; and A son of adam with blue eyes (Peridan).
Peridan stands next to his horse, placing his belongings on Adair. He removes his sword, getting ready.
Darius jogs at an easy pace back towards the Lord and beats, careful to keep the brand new, gleaming sword in his hand pointed down.
Trim’s ears prick up and his tail swishes, “By the lion he actually went and done it!”
Peridan turns as Darius approaches. “You are fast.” He holds out his hand, “Mind if I take a look?”
Darius is breathing hard as he comes up to Peridan, placing a hand under the other side of the blade and extending it towards him.
Peridan takes the man’s sword, examining it. “This is very nice. It will serve you well I believe.” He hands it back to him.
Trim watches the exchange in the manner of one who doesn’t really understand the significance but is going to pretend to, “I say, you’re going to have a fight are you?”
A dog with curly ears and a curly irish setter tail watches curiously, Peridan and the other man.
Peridan nods to the cat, “Indeed, but it is just a spar. We have no intention of hurting each other, just testing our skills.” He turns to the man, “When you are ready, Darius.”
Darius takes it with a bowed head. Taking a step back, he swings the sword in an oft practiced motion, testing its weight. “I should hope so. ” he lowers his arm, letting it hang by his side. As Peridan turns to him, he takes a few more steps back and places his left hand behind his back. Giving the Lord a final nod, he tenses his right arm and lowers the blade to point at him. “Ready.”
Peridan stands ready, his sword held lightly. He watches the man calmly. “After you then.”
Trim sits back, watching the two humans
Peridan takes out his sword, standing ready for combat.
Darius examines Peridan, eyes narrowing a hair. A split second later he takes a few quick steps towards the man, keeping the point low and jabbing for his midsection.
Peridan counters the attack though the blade does nick him. The man does not even wince as he sweeps his blade towards the man’s right arm.
Darius blinks as his blade is knocked away from the Lord and a second later the other finds his arm. Letting out grunt, he sidesteps, sweeping his blade low in an attempt to catch one of Peridan’s legs.
Trim watches the fight, vaguely entertained. He takes a bite of his bird as he watches.
Peridan side steps the blade but he does look impressed in the quickness of the man. He counters the onslaught, attempting to knock his blade away.
Darius flinches as the other man’s blade finds him. His blade moving quickly, he pulls up and slashes at his side.
Peridan winces as Darius’s blade finds its mark. He pivots on his foot, sweeping low.
Darius attempts to sidestep the blade, but is too late. Taking one swing to knock the man’s blade away, in the same motion he swings for his misdsection again.
Peridan dances to the side as the blade find its mark again. He leaps forward, sweeping down from the top.
Darius attempts to raise his blade to block the oncoming attack, but his arm crumbles under the strength of Peridan’s blow. Grunting as his opponent’s attack scratches him, he spins away and slashes at the mans thigh.
Peridan lets out a sharp breath as Darius is able to nick his thigh. His eyes have a slow fire in them but his movements are still very well controlled. He leaps left before swiping from the right.
Darius flinches again as he finds his mark. Twisting, he swings low, aiming for the man’s ankles.
Peridan steps back, avoiding the blade completely. Taking advantage of the miss, Peridan attempts to knock the blade from Darius’s hand.
Darius’s swing catches him off-guard enough for him to completely lose grip of the blade. Eye widening, he rolls to the side and ends up on one knee at Peridan’s side before ushering him a swift punch to the back of the knee, looking to knock the man off his feet.
Peridan seems like he is almost expecting this as he sidesteps the punch, kicking at him to knock him away. His eyebrow raises, “Interesting tactic.”
Darius grins, rolling to dodge the next blow. He attempts another kick jab at the man’s leg before diving for the sword knocked from his hand.
Peridan lets out a breath as Darius is able to punch him. He swipes his blade at the man, attempting to keep him from reaching the sword.
Darius slips, falling just short of his blade and paying the price. Groaning, he scrambles forward and latches onto his sword once again. Then, he twists, plants one foot forward and swings for Peridan’s midsection using what strength he has left.
Peridan is able to counter the thrust. He places the blade against the man’s neck, “Do you concede or would you like to keep going?”
Darius holds his head up, swallowing breathlessly as the man puts the blade to his neck. Dropping his sword almost instantly, he gives a slight nod. “I concede. ”
Peridan gives a nod, backing off immediately. “You alright, sir?”
Trim grins a cat like grin, “Good show chaps, good show!”
Peridan puts his sword away.
Darius chuckles, glancing at the cat as he nods. “I am well. ” he smiles. “It was a good spar milord. It is no wonder that you command the Narnian army, your skill is quite potent. ”
Peridan rubs the back of his neck, “Ah, well thank you. Like I have said, I have had the experience.” He assesses the man in front of him. “Though your skill is certainly not lacking. Keep training and you will be a fine swordsman.”
Darius examines his wounds, nodding slowly. “My thanks once again. ” he hesitates, slowly picking up his sword. “I don’t suppose the army is looking for any new recruits?”
Peridan hmms, “Not here at the moment, I am afraid. Though if you truly wanted to fight, High King Peter needs all the help he can get up north.”
Darius looks curious. “Up north you say? Where up north?”
Trim swishes his tail, “Fighting the giants”
Peridan nods, “Aye. What Trim said. Your best bet is to go to the Waste and speak with Commander Petraverd.”
Darius’s eyes glimmer with excitement. “Lantern waste. ” he repeats, but his expression falls a bit. “I fear I wouldn’t even know where to start. Or… do I simply just walk north?”
Trim nods up river, “Follow the river to the north”
Peridan nods, “Yes. The river leads up there but it is about a two day trip.”
Darius looks between the cat and Peridan, smiling wide. “No kidding? Well… I shall have to see about making the journey then! ”
Peridan watches the man carefully, “Why the rush?”
Trim watches Darius for the answer.
Darius shrugs, wincing at an open wound. “Seems like an opportunity to make something of myself. I came to Narnia with the intention of starting over and doing something worthwhile. ” he smiles softly, brow furrowed. “Plus, it also gives me the opportunity to see more of the country. ” he hehs. “And if the beasts – “he glances at the cat and then back to Peridan. “And people of this country are anything like those I have already met, I am MOST excited. ”
As Darius speaks, Peridan watches him, something flicking over his eyes. It quickly disappears however. “Narnia is a good place to start over. If I may, what made you leave Archenland?”
Darius glances down, expression falling a bit. “I lost someone very near and dear to my heart a while back. ” he sighs. “And since then, I have made a fair few mistakes. I had hoped that the pain of the memories would disappear with time. ” he shakes his head, nearly all the light gone from his expression. “But, it was not so. ”
Trim tilts his head, giving Darius a slow, friendly blink, “Who’d you lose?”
Peridan’s eyes soften a bit. “I am sorry to hear that, Darius. You have my condolences.”
Darius doesn’t respond right away, swallowing as he seems to recount times past. “My cousin. ” he breathes, jaw clenching as he swallows his emotions. “Close as could be, we were. ” he purses his lips, grunting and shaking his head. “But, that is why I am here. ” he returns, voice strengthening a touch. “To live on. Not to forget my cousin, but to make /certain/ he is remembered. ” His eyes flicker at the last, but any emotion vanishes like a puff of smoke.
Peridan pats the man on the back. “It is good to keep the memory of our loved ones. I am sure you will do well.”
Darius snorts softly, giving Peridan a hopeful look. “Think so?”
Peridan stands, looking over the man, “I do. Although, we have not known each other long, I have a feeling you will accomplish whatever you put your mind to.”
Trim says, “Course we think so.”
Darius’s smile brightens. “You both are far too kind. ” he releases a somewhat contented sigh. “It does look like my venture into Narnia was a wise one and it has been my honor getting to all of you. For however brief a time it was. ”
Peridan nods, “It was a pleasure to meet you too, Darius. Will you set out immediately?”
Darius takes a deep breath, nodding. “I do believe I shall. Though, I must first speak with Einzelkamp regarding my job… however short-lived it was. I’d rather not burn any bridges. ” he hehs.
Trim says, “Been there once or twice, I don’t think there’s many places that humans can live.”
Peridan nods, “That is a wise plan. Burning bridges is never wise to do.” He chuckles, “Unless in battle.” He turns to the cat, “I do believe that there is a nice inn.”
Darius chuckles. “It has been a pleasure sparring with you Lord Peridan. ” he adds quickly. “I hope to do it again some day. ”
Trim says, “Is there? Well, I guess I never noticed”
Peridan nods, “Yes, I would enjoy that.”
Darius bows low to Peridan. “Until we meet again then, Milord. Farewell. ”
Peridan nods to the man, “Good luck, Darius.” He calls his horse over to him. “I should depart myself. Thank you for sparring.”
Darius offers the other Narians a brief nod before quickly departing in the direction of Sted Cair.
Peridan nods to the others before riding off towards the castle.
Darius 