Blodeuwedd meets Austin and Xiana

[avian_archer]

[04:28] Austin Chadbourne stands a distance away from the dummies as he aims with his crossbow, looking down the shaft of the arrow as he sights his target for a moment before squeezing the trigger and letting the bolt fly. The bolt embeds itself in the arm of his target, and as he looks up to see where he had hit he gives a quiet grumble before placing the weapon on the ground and latching a hook onto the drawstring to span the weapon.

[04:42] The Avian Archer approaches the fox, noting the crossbow he's using, and his aim with it. Her own specialty was in the regular draw-bow, bot the crossbow, but both were difficult to master. "Training at this time? It must be important if it could not wait until morning." She smirks.

[04:45] Austin Chadbourne turns about as he hears the voice pipe up, noting a hooded individual who had approached him in silence without his notice. The fox looks tense for a moment, and then says. "Before I continue I will have to ask. Are you friend, or foe? We've had more than enough hooded strangers wandering about the town as of late." His paw was already resting pointedly on the pommel of the bastard sword at his hip, fingers lightly sliding over the handle as he tries to make out the features of the female hidden beneath the hood.

[04:47] * She is pleased by that response, fingers reaching for her bow if needed, "That's a good stance to take on strangers, one that is often forgotten. I can assure you that I mean no harm to the people of this city... I only hunt those that prey on the weak."
[04:48] * "It's for you to decide if that makes me friend or foe."

[04:51] Austin Chadbourne quirks a brow at that answer and pauses for a long moment in silence as he looked the female over. His fingers tap on the pommel for a long moment as though the fox was weighing things in his mind, and after a while he gives a soft snort. "Aye, I suppose if you're a foe you probably would have done me in without making a word, then." He nods his head pointedly at the bow on her back. Reaching down to his hip he pulls out another quarrel and lays it in the groove of his weapon. "Are you a bounty hunter then? Or a vigilante? "

[04:55] Blodeuwedd folds her arms, thinking a moment before smiling, "I hunt no bounties, nor do I figure myself a vigilante... I suppose I could be called such. My goal is to protect the weak, the vulnerable. Those that enjoy tormenting the defenseless will know my wrath."

[05:00] Austin Chadbourne gives a smiles and a nod as he looks to her. "Aye I hear that, and in times like these with the troubles going on between the city and the group of barbarians plaguing it, there will be a call for individuals like yourself. A noble profession, although I imagine it's not one of luxury. " He strides over to her, the fox having a healthy gait that shows both his age and his strength. He holds out a gauntlet-protected paw to her. "My name is Austin Chadbourne, a soldier of fortune. And you are?"

[05:03] * It was not her custom to simply give out her name, but she'd already come and spoken to him. She reached forward, taking his hand and giving it a firm shake, "I am Blodeuwedd, the Avian Archer." She chuckles, "My life has no luxuries, unless you can count the sunrises, the sunsets, the life amongst nature's beauties... Then it is paradise."

[05:11] Austin Chadbourne was careful in his grip the moment he had seen that it was feathers reaching out to meet his, although the shake that he gave in return was firm. He chuckles at the description of the pleases her and he shakes his head. "Ah, to be content with living with little to nothing save for an appreciation for what nature has to offer is truly a blessing." He steps back as he holds his crossbow downwards, the weapon being of an interesting design as the bowstave seemed to have several hinges along it's length, and yet with the way the arms are arched it looks as though the draw string has enough tension in it to let fly a bolt that could kill large game. Or a person. The quarrel loaded has a bodkin head, and the entire bolt seems to be made of steel. "I see few Avians in this region, Blodeuwedd. You must have travelled for a long time to be this far up in the northlands. "

[05:16] Blodeuwedd nods her head slowly, thinking about her homeland, "Yes, I have. I felt that I had done enough good... That I needed to branch out some more. I came to Drekiheim on a whim, really, it seemed like the best option and I wasn't picky." She paused, "I learned of the feud in this land all too quickly. We shall see whether I made the right choice or not. Drekiheim is strange to me, it is unlike what I am used to."

[05:22] Austin Chadbourne chuckles as he tucks a thumb into his belt as he leans his weight on one foot, the plates sliding against each other resoundingly as he shifts his weight to stand before the owl casually. "Indeed? I have been travelling this about these lands for a long while now. It would seem this city is like any other, although i admit that it does have it's share of queer personalities. " He gives a soft snort at that statement, his eyes looking up for a moment as though briefly recollecting the experiences of his short stay here thus far. "Aye, it's not perfect, and even it has criminals, cultists, and even demons. Although with the latter it seems that the High Lord of this city has given a pardon to their presence within the walls so long as they do not break the law. Ah, but here I am talking to myself ... " He shakes his head. "At any rate, what do you mean by that? "

[05:33] The Avian Archer draws her bow, taking aim at one of the training dummies. She furrows her brow, focusing, "In Eirian, each Kingdom has its own country... and within each country there are separate species. In this land, I have seen multiple species interacting, living together, speaking with one another. While it is possible in Eirian, it is not done so frequently." Setting an arrow, she draws back before firing the shot, the arrow embedding itself in the training dummy's neck (what little of one there was).

[05:39] Austin Chadbourne looks to the shot and raises his eyebrows as he sees where the shot had connected. Indeed, even if the range was not far it was still a considerably good shot, considering the wind conditions on this night. He chuckles as he takes aim with his crossbow and sights down it once more, opening only one eye as he looks down the shaft and adjusts his aim accordingly. "Ah ... I have heard of such things. Us mammals have our own racial fueds, but from what I have heard It is easier for us mammals to get along easier with each other as compared to the avians." He squeezes the trigger and lets fly another quarrel, the bolt embedding itself in the dummy's abdomen. He grumbles a little about his poor shot as he sets his crossbow down on the ground again to draw it, even though the bolt landed in a spot that would have mortally wounded a living target anyway.

[05:46] Blodeuwedd lets out a bit of a chuckle, putting down her bow and looking at the soldier, "Avians tend to be proud, at least, we Owls are. The Mammals tend to despise us, as we are arrogant, proud, cocky..." Blodeuwedd grins, "All of these are true, and yet, we were once deserving of such pride. Now, I am the only one who remembers our past, our greatness."

[05:53] Austin Chadbourne keeps quiet for a while as she said that. Whatever the owl had said was enough to cause the smile that was on the vulpine's face a moment a go to leave, while an expression of thoughtful reflection takes its stead. A while later he clears his throat and walks over to the dummy to retrieve both the arrow and several quarrels from the dummy, and as he turns about the smile is back on his face again. "Ah, every nation has it's own pride so us mammals but not be as different as you think we are. But like any other place the glory of a kingdom comes and goes like the tide. To the rest of us folk on the ground it's all we can do to make do with what we have today, as opposed to clinging too tight to glories of the past, or hopes for the future." He hands the arrow back to Blodeuwedd. "Or at least, that is how i view things anyway."

[06:02] Blodeuwedd takes the arrow, nodding slowly, her smile having faded and her eyes carried a distant expression, "Yes... I would agree with that. It is not that I wish it back to its former glory, but simply out of the path it has chosen, the current King has chosen. The once glorious Owl Kingdom... Now a warmongering state that preys on the weak, captures families, works in slave labor... Even tortures its own people. Such a land... The former King would weep every night, I'm certain." She sighs, replacing the arrow in her quiver and putting away her bow, "But I try not to dwell on it... I know that I cannot return there. My path lies in the rest of the world."

[06:09] Austin Chadbourne 's smile seems to have left his face as well, and once again the somber expression takes it's place as he remains quiet once more. This time for a longer period of time while he telescopes the crossbow and folds in the bowstave, winds up the rope on his panning belt and attaches the handle of his weapon to the spanning hook. He seems a little unease at the topic of the subject, as though he has a lot more invested with the tale than he should. Or at least the story of a fallen kingdom. He gives a sigh and smiles back. "Ah, yes, well ... I am sorry to hear about that. It is always terrible when a new sovereign sits the throne and decides to expand it's borders through conquest, with claims of prosperity to mask the sounds of a warmarch." He speaks in a quiet tone, staring aimlessly in one direction for a while before clearing his throat again. "Right then! Well, perhaps breakfast is in order now that the sun rises. Perhaps you care to join me for breakfast, Miss Blodeuwedd?"

[06:15] The mention of breakfast is enough to raise the Archer's spirits, even if she doesn't realize it herself. "Breakfast? With me? Are you certain?" She hadn't been invited for breakfast before. That may have been due to her disappearing before the offer could even be suggested.

[06:20] Austin Chadbourne smiles as he reaches up and takes off his sallet helm to reveal his head covered in a mail coif; the fox was indeed well armoured and exposed very little that would make him vulnerable in battle.. Tucking his helm beneath his arm, he chuckles and gestures towards the inn, smoke already rising from the chimney stack. "I do not see why not. It sounds like we share some things in common, and we can speak more over our meal. I trust that you have no opposition to meat?" He smiles as he gestures towards the stairs and motions for her to go first.

[06:21] Blodeuwedd shakes her head, heading towards the stairs, "No, I do not. It has simply been a very long time since I had a hearty meal. Thank you."
[06:24] Austin Chadbourne follows after the barn owl, noting the true colours of her plumage as she steps past him and goes up the steps. As he follows along after her he spots Xiana standing with a dragon wearing a pointed hat characteristic of most mages. With his eyebrows lowers just a little, he gives her an expression that silently reads as 'hope you're staying out of trouble' as he walks towards the inn.

[06:27] * The Inn was warm, cosy, and smelled of mead, ale, and warm, hearty food. Blodeuwedd felt comfortable inside, and it had been a very long time since she's set foot inside an Inn. Slowly, she removed her hood.

[06:32] Austin Chadbourne sets his helmet down on the table and takes a seat himself, a barmaid coming over to greet the two and inquire what they would both have. The fox reaches for his coinpurse and drops the small sack on the table, and it seems that the vulpine is as impoverished as any other common traveler what with how soft a jingle the coins within the pouch made as it was dropped onto the table. Pulling back his coif, he says. "I will have my usual; a plate of sweetbreads, and honeyed mead to go with it. And my companion here will have ... ? "

[06:35] Blodeuwedd looked surprised when he asked her, and felt (for the first time in years) self-conscious. She hadn't the faintest idea of what she would have, having survived on her kills in the wild, trail mix and dried meat for the longest time. She peered about, the silence uncomfortably long before clearing her throat, "I'll have what he's having."

[06:40] Austin Chadbourne looks to her for a moment as he sets his paw down on the table and smiles. The barmaid nods as she goes off behind the bar and towards the back where the kitchen was. The smell of hot food wafts throughout the inn, and several patrons are beginning to fill the building, take seats and order their meals before the day began. The fox chuckles as he crosses his legs. "You look confused, lass. Seems like you haven't visited the civilized settlements as often as I have.. I hope you know sweetbreads are a kind of meat, not a pastry."

[06:44] Blodeuwedd has half a mind to cover her head with her hood, but that familiar arrogance that Owls were renowned for returned, "It is of no matter, it shall satisfy me. It is true, I have not entered settlements as often as most... When I do, it is to save the townsfolk from barbarians." She stares at Austin's helmet, "The last time I had a meal like this was probably over four years ago."

[06:49] Austin Chadbourne nods as he reaches to his hip to withdraw his Misericorde, an oddly shaped dagger that looks like it's more suited for stabbing than cutting. A while later the food arrives and is put before the both of them along with the drinks. The first thing the fox reaches for was the flagon and brings it to his lips to take a sip. "Ahhh ... Anyway, I hope this is a welcome change then to roasting a morsel out in the wildnerness. There've been times when i've had to resort to that on my travels too. " He reaches over for one of the sweetbreads and chews on the morsel. "Can't say a roasted rodent beats this though. But yes, at least you haven't gotten as comfortable as I have with eating like this. Eating at a tavern costs money. Eating wild game does not." He flashes a smile and a wink at the barn owl.

[06:57] * "Ah, do not misunderstand, I think this kind of meal will always be vastly superior in terms of luxury, of pleasures." She reaches for a sweetbread, bringing it to her mouth, "I often dream at night of the roasts held in my former Kingdom. Eating a meal like this... Sometimes I regret my current path, if only for the fact that I cannot enjoy such meals as often as I would like." She smiles, taking a bite and relishing the moment. So much flavor, she feels energized from a single bite. It had been too long.

[07:03] Austin Chadbourne smiles as he takes another swig from his flagon and sets the vassal down on the table. "Ah it's not a regrettable decision lass. "He gestures out to her with a wave of his paw, still holding the meat in his hand as he does so. "Luxuries and pleasures have a way of making one slothful and overly comfortable over time. In exchange for a life of pleasure, you kept your own dignity. If things are as bad as you say then it helps your conscience to know, at least, that you are not making things any worse by being any part of it."

[07:06] Blodeuwedd smirks, taking another quick bite out of the meat and eying the Avian that entered the establishment, "It's kind of you to say. If you think it is noble, then I'll accept your compliment." Finishing the meat, she reached for her own flagon, her eyes still on the Toucan. She hadn't expected to see one so far north... They were not usual in this climate, but then again, neither was she...

[07:06] Xiana would rush into the tavern; stretching a bit before looking around, "Okay! My first student! Don't let this one get away." looking around, "Now where did I..." blinking as she looked towards the customers, "...Oh hey guys..." taking a few steps closer, "Welcome too... err..." looking towards the owl, "...that bow... that robe..." quickly point to her, "Yo-YOU!" a look of disbelief on her face.

[07:09] Austin Chadbourne flinches just a bit at the sudden outburst from the Toucan as she nears their table. He frowns at her then , his fingers drumming testily as if to make a point about the disruption. "You realise, Xiana, that it is rude to interrupt people when they are trying to eat."

[07:11] Blodeuwedd flinches as well, having not expected such a shout. Luckily, she doesn't spill any of her mead. Her attention fully turns to the Toucan, a brow raising, "Yes? How might I be of service?" It didn't surprise her that an Avian might recognize her... She was pretty famous in Eirian's Avian regions.

[07:15] Xiana would look to Austin and grumble a bit, "But, but, but... I know her!" looking back to the female, "I know you! The Avian Archer! Blodeuwedd!" folding her arms, "Well, well, well... its been forever! You... don't remember me? I was younger back then but..." grinning, "Come on! Xiana? ...the toucan? Remember?" seeming very excited.

[07:18] Austin Chadbourne quirks a brow at her statement as he looks at Xiana for a long while, and then to Blodeuwedd. "Do you know her, then? I take it that this means introductions are no longer in order." He says as he slices off a piece from his meal and lifts it to his mouth, watching the exchange between the two.

[07:20] The Avian Archer's brow only raises further, and she shakes her head, lifting the flagon to her beak and taking a sip. "I apologize, but I simply do not remember you. It has been far too long since I visited the Tropical Regions of Eirian." Not to mention she has saved countless lives... men, women and children alike.

[07:25] Xiana would tap at her own forehead a bit, "Gahh! You rescued me! You rescued my village!" frowning, "Because of you the 'Avian Avengers' were reformed... Because of you, I made it my goal to be a hero. Hiro, Ruby, Shadow, Owen, and... me... You... inspired all of us." quickly throwing a fist in her other hand, "You just gotta remember!"

[07:29] Austin Chadbourne snorts a little in mid-drink, looking away in a different direction as he feigned ignorance at the owl's response to the toucan's boisterous outburst. It seemed that he took a bit of pleasure from that. Putting his flagon down on the table he raises his paw to call for a refill. "It seems you have an adoring fan from your travels, Blodeuwedd. It looks like your reputation preceeds you, even though I know little about your fame as of yet. " He says with a chuckle to her before looking over to Xiana. "I hope you have been taking good care of your weapons after our last talk. " He says as he nods pointedly to her golden gauntlets.

[07:33] Blodeuwedd looks briefly annoyed at Austin's remark, but the expression fades quickly and she rests her head on her hand, placing her elbow on the table and setting down the flagon, "It doesn't surprise me that my reputation precedes me. I've done more for the people of the Avian Nations in the last ten years than their Kings or armies could do in a century." She was quite cocky, indeed, "But you must forgive me, Toucan. As I said before, I cannot recall our meeting. I am pleased my efforts have made stronger nations, given cause for the weak to become stronger." It honestly did please her, and perhaps once upon a time she would have felt guilt at dashing this young bird's dreams, but her heart had only hardened with time.

[07:40] Xiana would glance back to Austin, "I told you! My gloves are fine!" obviously lieing yet again, before looking to Blode, "N-no! After all this time... I'm not just going to let you throw me to the side like that!" slamming her hand down upn the table, "O-Owen! He's an owl! Do you know him? I was told he knows a bit about you. Something about a kingdom... its been forever since I've seen them..." blinking as she only now relized that she revealed her past out loud; quickly looking to Austin, "Gahh! Forget You Heard Any Of That!".

[07:45] Austin Chadbourne rolls his eyes at the statement and reaches out to receive his freshly refilled flagon from the barmaid as she returns to the table. He decides it wise to keep his flagon off of it, fully expecting that his drink will spill at some point from the Toucan's insistence of being recognised by a fellow Avian. "Please, I hardly have any interest in knowing what kind of antics you were up to before with Lord knows who." He says as he lifts the flagon to his lips.

[07:50] * It would appear that Xiana's insistence had finally paid off. The Avian Archer's eyes widened considerably at the mention of the name "Owen". Could it really be the same...? "Owen? Of the Eagle Owls?" She was a lot more willing to speak now, and she'd even stood up from her chair, staring seriously at the girl. The Owen she knew was part of the Royal Guard all those years ago... He was barely a fighter, but he planned many defense stratagems alongside her. He was an irreplaceable friend, and invaluable to the Royal Guard.

[07:55] Xiana would smile brightly, "Y-yes! Owen was a eagle owl! Wore glasses and was very smart..." looking to the ground and chuckling nervously, "...he always told me I was nothing but a headache to him..." straching her beak a bit before shaking her head, "I don't know what brought him to join the 'Avian Avengers' but... He was second in command of the group."

[07:58] Austin Chadbourne would sit there to continue the exchage, the fox's eyebrows raised just a little to see that the toucan actually made a claim that didn't sound like it was full of hot air. At one of her statements he gives a snort in mid drink. and mutters quietly. to himself "Yes well .. looks like you're still a headache..."

[08:01] * The look of surprise on Blodeuwedd's face soon fades... It is unsurprising to her that Owen would have left the Kingdom after the new King transformed their Kingdom into a warmongering state. She just hadn't expected him to go so far down South. "I see... So that's what happened. I'm glad he fares well, then."

[08:06] Xiana would lightly smile, "I haven't been back home in a while... But I'm sure they'er still protecting home and anywhere else evil might try to hide..." nodding, "It's great to see you again... I've become a lot stronger then I was." looking to Austin and grumbling, "I'll give you a headache, bub!" shaking her head.

[08:11] Austin Chadbourne smirks as he takes a last swig of his drink, the meal now coming to an end. He reaches for his helmet as he slowly gets up and off his seat, saying "Right, well, I have things that I must attend to while you ladies are getting reacquainted with each other. I will see you around. " He gives a nod to Blodeuwedd, and a small frown at Xiana as he walks to the door, leaving the coins on the bar table in payment for breakfast for both of them which had amounted to costing a silver and a couple of copper coins.

[08:17] Blodeuwedd looked to Xiana and stood up once more, "If what you tell me is true, then.. I'm pleased that you found my cause worthy enough to inspire you thus far... But I am not what is important. The betterment of the people will always be what's important in life." She reaches forward, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder, "Become stronger, so that you may also protect those less fortunate than yourself. Hone your skills, never stop training." She smirks a bit, some of that Owl arrogance surfacing once more, "Unless you're happy enough in this realm and would rather stay here."

[08:22] Xiana would blink as the females hand was place upon, nodding, "You sound like Hiro..." catching some of that arrogance before lightly removing her hand from her, smirking, "I'm not the kid you once saved ya know..." looking towards the door before looking back to her, "Come. Lets catch up. Maybe time is just getting to your head a bit?" returning the arrogant comment with her own.

[08:29] * A cocky Toucan? The situation was quite amusing! Being with another Avian, though young, was a bit comforting. To be with another Eirian was familiar, even if they were nations apart. "With time comes experience, something you are still lacking in, I'm certain. When you've been at this as long as I have, you'll begin to see that most of your victories and losses tend to blend together, for better or for worse." She takes another long drink before replacing the now empty flagon upon the table. The meal was delicious, the drink filling, and her body now re-energized.

[08:35] Xiana would grin; finding the small insults quiet amusing as well, "Heehe, perhaps..." blinking as she facepalmed, "Gahh! I almost forgot what I came in here for!" look to the owl before nodding, "A real pleasure. We must catch up again... I have much to tell you..." holding up a fist as she smirked, "...and show you.... But for now..." quickly darting behind the counter to search for... 'something'... "Where is it, where is it, Where Is It?!".

[08:38] Blodeuwedd blinks, watching her dig around for something. She smiles briefly and replaces the hood upon her head, bowing in a theatrical manner, "Until that time, Xiana." She began to make her way toward the door.

[08:39] Xiana would nod as she went upon searching...