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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Mar 10, 2023 0:03:44 GMT -5
The duplicate Astrids giggle about Theobo's enthusiasm for their existence. They shake his hands with equal fervor, nearly pulling his arm out of its socket if they could actually physically harm someone. With all hands shaken, the duplicates high five then disappear in a little electrical poof. Astrid looks between the posse with amusement.
"Ah, I s'pose I could drop the niceties," she jokes. "But fine. If ya buy dinner this time, I'll get ya next time we meet. Sounds like a fair trade ta me. Lead the way!" Astrid motions ahead and follows the group back to town, reconvening with her own posse of Spicy Pawsage the hell hound and Charles the Pawn model BlixtbotTM who were both waiting in a less conspicuous place somewhere out of the way in case danger arose.
"This is Charles an' Spicy Pawsage," she says, motioning to each of them. "But don't worry, ya don't hafta feed 'em."
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Mar 11, 2023 11:47:33 GMT -5
"Is that a man made of metal?" Apogee curiously looks over the blixtbot as it approaches, none of them having seen anything like that before.
Leandros led the way back to the village where some clean up was still happening, but most of the buildings seem in tact. What little damage there is has already been well on its way to being repaired. The knight finds them a spot near a large campfire in the middle of town, massive fish on spikes circle the fire to roast.
"Looks like ya saved us again there Ser!" The server beams as she comes to greet the group and get orders of food in.
He just offers a soft chuckle, "I wouldn't say that, just helping. Whatever she orders is on me, she did most of the work this time."
"Well thank ya both then!" She grins again.
While everyone else orders a normal sized order, Leandros does order an entire fish for himself. You don't get that tall and big by turning down meals, gotta build mass somehow apparently.
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Mar 11, 2023 22:08:28 GMT -5
Astrid looks over her shoulder at Charles. "Oh, aye!" she says before looking back at Apogee. "He's a sorta metal construct. Officially, he's a reward fer completin' a mission fer someone, but I say he's more like a gift 'cause the person who had him made fer me can't admit she cares about folks." There seems to be some sort of inside joke for Astrid and herself.
Charles' bright red eyes focus on Apogee. "Civilian Apogee, salutation: Greetings. Report: This unit is designated programming type C.H.A.R.L.E.S."
"He's a nannybot," Astrid says simply, following them to the village and finding a place around the campfire. Whatever she orders is on Leandros. Don't order too much. Don't order too much. Be respectful. "Ah, I'll have the same as him, actually," she says, motioning towards Leandros. That seems reasonable. It's gotta be. If a knight is eating a full fish, it's fine. Really, she feels like she could eat two of them, but she's trying to be polite. And no she's not sharing with Spicy. "A-And maybe a regular portion too, if that's alright," she adds. That order is for Spicy Pawsage.
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Mar 15, 2023 19:45:18 GMT -5
The knight and his wife gives a small laugh as Astrid explains the history of Charles. "Well whether they admit it or not, all that matters is you know. Took this one here a long time to say he loved me~" She smiles and gently pats Leandros' chest as he turns away with a sheepish smile.
"It's more than all right." Leandros smiles and nods to the server to add it on. "So is your fighting self-taught? You have a lot of skill and raw strength. I'm curious to know more. I wouldn't want to assume, but I guessed your a bit younger than I. To have such skill so young is an impressive sight."
While the others are content to start eating and let them talk, Theobo does try to (un)subtly lean in and listen as well. The halfling guessed they were near the same age, so if he could glean anything to become a real knight, he had to take the opportunity."
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Mar 18, 2023 20:32:56 GMT -5
“Aye, I s’pose that is what matters, ain’t it?” Astrid says, watching Apogee and Leandros with a bit of a smile. She has a feeling Melodia would act that affectionate toward Cantio if she could… you know, be physical. And alive.
Approval for a large order just makes her smile bigger. She won’t let an ounce of it go to waste. “Thanks, mister!” Astrid leans back on her hands and nods. “Aye, ‘bout as self-taught as I can be, I s’pose. I’ve always been a bit physically strong. Thought it was normal ‘til some kids were makin’ fun of me for bein’, well…” Astrid motions to herself a bit, especially at her horns. “I’m a bit weird, but it don’t bother me no more. I got people that like me fer who I am.”
“Skills are a bit easier ta learn when yer only defense is a hammer an’ yer wits,” she continues. “I learned ta go fer the knees pretty quick.” Astrid giggles at bit at the thought. “Ya can assume. I’m a kid, which kinda works out fer me. I think I’m… twelve? Wait, I’ll be thirteen soon.” She looks a bit surprised at that. “A lotta stuff’s changed in the last… six months or so. Glad I impressed ya though. Yer a proper knight, ain’t ya?”
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Mar 19, 2023 20:16:38 GMT -5
"That's impressive to be self-taught and so young. I've been training since I was old enough to hold a weapon and I'd say our skill is on par." He grins as he gives a quick thanks for the food being dropped off, taking a bite as Astrid talks.
"I know it'll sound like it hardly compares, but I know something of the teasing. I've always been on the taller and larger side of my peers, so I've heard my fair share of jests, but how many of them can say they've killed a dragon?" Leandros gives another grin.
"Sounds like you've a fine head on your shoulders though, hopefully you have some people looking out for you. I would hate to think you're alone out there. Not to impose, but if you're ever in need your welcome in our home." Apogee smiles across the table, her manners of eating leagues more refined than the three boys around her.
"Knees are good." Gilder contributes what is likely to be the only words he will share this conversation.
"I am, my family name carries some weight in Capitol Landing, though don't worry, I've checked and I don't see any traces back to the sun elves. I know folks have their fair complaints about everything that's happened as of late...Seems to be a lot of knights and nobles who forgot what the title is supposed to mean."
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Mar 29, 2023 20:40:53 GMT -5
As Astrid receives the massive serving of fish, the roasted creature seems to dwarf the half-dwarf. She doesn’t seem to mind its size.
“Can you say ya’ve killed a dragon?” Astrid says with a smug look. Something about it insinuates she’s had the experience. As she takes a big bite of fish, it’s evident that her manners are about on par with the boys’, if not worse.
“I appreciate the offer, miss,” she says to Apogee after swallowing another oversized bite. “I used ta be alone, but not no more. I’ve got a proper family now. A real nice mister adopted me, so he's me da now. He's probably at home bakin' cookies or somethin'.” She smiles about it, though her eyes drift down. She should probably see if Cantio’s checked on her recently. He’s probably worried, but she’s feeling alright at the moment. Maybe she will later. She returns to eating.
Astrid’s eyes wander over to look at Leandros while he laments the state of things. “Aye, I’ve met a lotta snobby nobles. Back home in Dragon’s Cradle, there were all sortsa folks in Court. I got ta go cause they called me a diggiterry? I dunno what that means, somethin’ about doin’ a buncha work fer the region, I s’pose.” She shrugs a little as if the work was nothing more than things she might have done anyway. “I met a knight of Tegrid at Court,” she continues. “I liked their armor. Weird thin’ ta do, ta paint it like rocks an’ plants, but I see the appeal. Nice lady. Seemed like a proper knight.”
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Apr 3, 2023 22:11:13 GMT -5
"I can actually, it's head now serves as a mantlepiece and the namesake of Bluescale Manor. Plus there's this." He smiles and takes his halberd off, letting her look at the shaft of it. Astrid's skill with forging and familiarity with lightning show that the shaft has bore the brunt of lightning burning through it.
Apogee smiles and settles back in her seat, happy to hear that Astrid is well taken care of. "That is a good weight off my mind. It's good to know there are smart young adventurers out there, keeping the world safe."
"Most knights take great pride in their armor, it can be a symbol of their status and their place. You should know a knight when you see one....It's why I have my family crest emblazoned on my cape....With luck and time, people will learn the symbol...the name...and feel safer when they see it knowing I am there to help...or in time our children when we have them." He lets out a content little sigh as he finishes his first fish.
"A dignitary, hm? Perhaps you should begin thinking of your own crest then." Leandros gives the half-dwarf an encouraging smile. "Something people can see and know, that's Lady, Lord, Baron, Duchess, whatever title you are given, Astrid....Of course it is not required, but I think you could do a lot of good in the world."
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Apr 4, 2023 20:43:37 GMT -5
Looking over the lightning burns in Leandros’ halberd, Astrid’s eyes go wide with delight. She’s seen plenty of lightning burns, and this one is no different. “Whoa!!” she exclaims. “That’s the real thin’! Nice idea namin’ yer manor after it.” Giggling, she hands it back over then holds out her right hand and manifests her war hammer, difficult to see were the firelight not glinting off its surface and a cool mist rising from its surface. She sets it beside the fire for Leandros to check out if he so wishes, knowing full well not to hand over her impossibly heavy weapon over. The girl may wield it effortlessly, but that’s only because of her special bond with it.
“When I fought an’ killed a dragon with me gran, me hammers got caught in its ice breath! The magic just kinda lingered on ‘em, and I did a bit of playin’ around ta make it stronger. Now me hammer looks a bit more like ice than I expected. But it’s pretty cool, I think.” She giggles again.
Tossing a smile toward Apogee, Astrid says, “Aye, well if folks don’t try ta keep others safe, the world’s not gonna be such a nice place. Life’s tough enough as it were. Don’t need ta throw monsters most folks can’t fight into the mix, ya know?”
And, in her opinion, Leandros is right. Knights should take pride in their status and position, not flaunt it over other people. Knights should be for the people, not lord over them. In her experience, most are like this, but she knows there are knights who are not. It bums her out a bit. Seeing a knight in their incredible armor inspired her to want to create armor, after all.
Her fingers reach up to fidget with the earring dangling from her ear – a brilliant golden sun with a silver lightning bolt striking through it. Her Hearth Day gift to her father. If anything would be her crest, maybe it’d be something like that. Then her hand comes down and dismisses the thought of having a title. “Ah, nah,” she says, playing off the suggestion that she ever would have one. “I’m just a street kid with a penchant fer smackin’ stuff with me hammer. I don’t need no crest or title or nothin’. Doubt they’d give me one even if I asked fer it!” Astrid laughs off the thought, an awkward laugh. She has no idea what’s coming for her.
“But I hope yer right,” Astrid says, picking the last of the meat off the fish bones with her fingers. “That people will see yer crest and know they can feel safe, I mean. It’s important fer folks ta feel safe. I think ya do a good job of that, even just in the little bit of time I’ve known ya.”
Her eyes grow downcast again, remembering their first encounter. “Um, Mister Leandros?” she starts. “Or… uh… Sir? Leandros?” If he’s a knight, then she should probably call him Sir, right? The ponderous expression is soon replaced when she locks her eyes with his, an unresolved sorrow behind hers but some determination not to part ways without expressing her gratitude flickering with the firelight. “I never got ta thank ya when we met. I just… I appreciate the stuff ya said an’ did ta help us, I was just…” She shrugs, losing the words. “Um, thanks.”
Astrid’s hand reaches over to stroke Spicy’s head as he crunches on fish bones with her eyes drawn away again. “I think ya can do a lotta good too. I’ve seen it meself.”
war hammer - pale ice, heavy, spellblade weapon
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Apr 8, 2023 11:06:55 GMT -5
"I am reluctant to give dragons any credit lest we feed their ever hungry egos, but it is amazing that their breath is powerful enough that weapons can be enhanced by it...If it survives that is, I've heard a few stories of swords and armor being melted by fire breaths."
He gives a smile and laugh, the small talk of battle and monsters and weapons always came easier to him. Even with his formal nobility training and education, being a stuffed shirt was not something that came to him naturally. It was good to be able to have this simple conversations with others, no subtle wordplay or clever politicking, just two warriors.
"That is fair as well, they aren't as common, but there are plenty of free knights who I've heard of. Travel the lands doing much the same as knights, only they are not beholden to any one nation."
Leandros holds a soft smile as she falters over titles, but it fades when they lock gazes. Apogee slips a hand to the small of her husband's back to reassure him, they had had plenty of talks about what happened.
"Sir would be right, but after that I think Leandros is fine. I don't think either of us care too much about the proper titles anyways." The knight gives a small and muted laugh. "You're welcome...I am still sorry it was something you were forced to go through so young, but speaking with you again today I'm confident you have a good head on your shoulders. I appreciate that you have confidence in me as well."
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Apr 10, 2023 18:15:00 GMT -5
In her peripherals, Astrid notices Apogee’s hand reach out to comfort her husband. That situation at the temple in Sol City must have been challenging for Leandros too, and he’s the one that offered to stay behind and handle the guards and explain everything. Astrid knows she wouldn’t have been able to, and Shaa has enough trouble with the guards to have managed successfully without taking any of the blame. That day might have turned out even more different if Leandros hadn’t been there to help Vikram live his last moments as himself.
Tears burn at the back of Astrid’s eyes, though she fights them back to keep them from falling when he expresses sympathies. It hasn’t been that long since then, and she’s kept herself busy and distracted trying to help other people in little ways, by trying to bury the memories deep within herself. Not thinking about it hurts less, but she couldn’t let that stop her from thanking Leandros for helping. At least he can stop worrying about her now that they’ve seen each other again, and doing something good together helps wash away the stinging pain of their first encounter. Now she can say half of their encounters have been positive.
“I– Um… Thanks,” Astrid manages to say. “That… means a lot.”
It’s about this time that Spicy Pawsage finishes his meal of fish and forces his big hot body into Astrid’s lap, sniffing around for any scraps she may have dropped. His horns clang against her cuirass as his head moves. Astrid giggles softly and ruffles the hound’s ears. “Yer bein’ a pest, boy,” she says. “Ya had yer fill, an’ I didn’t leave nothin’ fer ya, sorry.”
She looks up over at Leandros and his band. “Guess I should get goin’. Hopefully, ya get ta have a real vacation out here. I’ll be around helpin’ out, so maybe ya can actually relax a bit. Thanks fer yer help an' fer dinner. It was real nice seein' ya again an' meetin' all yer friends.”
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Apr 10, 2023 20:35:24 GMT -5
"Hopefully it's not the last time, things should be quieter here thanks to our efforts....You make sure you find yourself time to relax as well all right? The beach might have a few souvenirs your father might like."
Lee and Apogee smile, sharing in the last few lingering goodbyes before Astrid and Pawsage finally do depart. They watch the half-dwarf walk off before looking back to their own meals to finish things off.
"Do you think she's all right?"
"She will be...in time. She sounds like she has a lot of good people around her, it helps me feel a bit better about not making the effort to find her in the aftermath...." He lets out a little sigh. "I should've, but hindsight...I wouldn't have known what to saw anyways."
The chatter eventually shifts away from that incident and more to plans for the weekend and to much happier thoughts. The day ends with the hope any further meetings with Astrid are much more like this.
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