LoliSauce
05-08-2012, 02:18 AM
I don't see myself as a writer.
Whenever I attempt it, I focus too much on either the micro or macro scale, never seeing the balance. Regardless, last night in a lull of half sleep, the start of a story began flowing in. We'll see if it actually goes anywhere.
I don't generally see the world the same way as most of the others do. They weep and rage at the coming of the end; the prophesied end of even the gods themselves is on the horizon. It looks to me like just another war. And as time has always held true, no matter the scale, war always presents opportunities. Especially for those of us that live with steel in our blood. They all wish for the happy end, but as I said, I just don't see things quite the same as they do.
Take the bulging coin bags at the waist of the large Varl ahead of me in the food merchant's line. To me they only look like any other cut, empty satchel. The giant's arm reaches back to habitually touch his purses as he finally reached the front of the line.
"Yes, I would like...WHAT!? HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?!"
The crowd and merchant briefly freeze as the thunderous cry erupts. After a moment's hesitation, I step forward and place a hand upon the giant's tense frame.
"This Varl is with me. We need a week's bread and dried meat for..." I appraise the Varl briefly. "...three."
---
We sit beside each other, silently eating a simple meal. He hasn't spoken yet, most likely from shock and possibly mistrust. It seems opportunity is already on my side. I think on my identity briefly before he finally gives in to ask about it. Quick preparation always was my strong point.
"I have nothing to give you in repayment but my name. I am Alveror. What may I call you, brother?"
"I am Oddr, a blade-for-hire." He takes a moment to breathe in the name through his wide nostrils. "I noticed that your coin bags had been cut, and going by your looks it seems we are, indeed, brothers. Brothers in arms, that is. Am I correct?" He simply nods with a thoughtful expression on his face. "It seems to be unpredictable and volatile times, and I would be lying if I said I helped you without any of my own needs in mind."
He turns to take a long look at me, eye to eye. It's clear that he's no simpleton, but I've already won this battle.
"I do not give my services lightly. I live fully up to my name, and can make a hefty sum from any given merchant band looking for an impenetrable shield to protect them. I am appreciative for your deed, brother, but do not make the mistake of thinking this has indebted me to you."
A corner of my mouth turns up as my eyebrows relax slightly.
"Of course. I'm not looking for a servant or bodyguard. I seek companions. Have you thought of what will happen after the gods exhaust themselves with the war above? Gold and glory only follow those with ambition and the courage to stand when all others fall."
I haven't spoken much, but the flame alight in his eyes signal that it's clearly more than enough.
---
This makes three.
The other two should already be on their way, hidden safely among the northbound caravan that left earlier. They're all the same; motivated so easily at a brief taste and an implied promise. They want glory, and they'll have it in the end. But I...well, I see things a little differently after all.
With a full stomach, a full purse, and a mind full of the next steps, I take a rest.
Whenever I attempt it, I focus too much on either the micro or macro scale, never seeing the balance. Regardless, last night in a lull of half sleep, the start of a story began flowing in. We'll see if it actually goes anywhere.
I don't generally see the world the same way as most of the others do. They weep and rage at the coming of the end; the prophesied end of even the gods themselves is on the horizon. It looks to me like just another war. And as time has always held true, no matter the scale, war always presents opportunities. Especially for those of us that live with steel in our blood. They all wish for the happy end, but as I said, I just don't see things quite the same as they do.
Take the bulging coin bags at the waist of the large Varl ahead of me in the food merchant's line. To me they only look like any other cut, empty satchel. The giant's arm reaches back to habitually touch his purses as he finally reached the front of the line.
"Yes, I would like...WHAT!? HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?!"
The crowd and merchant briefly freeze as the thunderous cry erupts. After a moment's hesitation, I step forward and place a hand upon the giant's tense frame.
"This Varl is with me. We need a week's bread and dried meat for..." I appraise the Varl briefly. "...three."
---
We sit beside each other, silently eating a simple meal. He hasn't spoken yet, most likely from shock and possibly mistrust. It seems opportunity is already on my side. I think on my identity briefly before he finally gives in to ask about it. Quick preparation always was my strong point.
"I have nothing to give you in repayment but my name. I am Alveror. What may I call you, brother?"
"I am Oddr, a blade-for-hire." He takes a moment to breathe in the name through his wide nostrils. "I noticed that your coin bags had been cut, and going by your looks it seems we are, indeed, brothers. Brothers in arms, that is. Am I correct?" He simply nods with a thoughtful expression on his face. "It seems to be unpredictable and volatile times, and I would be lying if I said I helped you without any of my own needs in mind."
He turns to take a long look at me, eye to eye. It's clear that he's no simpleton, but I've already won this battle.
"I do not give my services lightly. I live fully up to my name, and can make a hefty sum from any given merchant band looking for an impenetrable shield to protect them. I am appreciative for your deed, brother, but do not make the mistake of thinking this has indebted me to you."
A corner of my mouth turns up as my eyebrows relax slightly.
"Of course. I'm not looking for a servant or bodyguard. I seek companions. Have you thought of what will happen after the gods exhaust themselves with the war above? Gold and glory only follow those with ambition and the courage to stand when all others fall."
I haven't spoken much, but the flame alight in his eyes signal that it's clearly more than enough.
---
This makes three.
The other two should already be on their way, hidden safely among the northbound caravan that left earlier. They're all the same; motivated so easily at a brief taste and an implied promise. They want glory, and they'll have it in the end. But I...well, I see things a little differently after all.
With a full stomach, a full purse, and a mind full of the next steps, I take a rest.