Mountain Trek

Andromeda was nervous. She shuffled her weight from paw to paw as she stood trying to bring warmth back into her toes. A gentle touch at her shoulder calmed her just slightly, and her pupilless eyes turned to look at her brother, who barely stood taller than her. He smiled softly, then returned to his job. Andromeda had travelled a lot for her position as messenger, but when she was given a task away from home, she had asked her brother to come with. A bit more muscle, and the male took his job seriously. Not only was his pelt marked with a constellation that represented a shield, but the blue puller carried a shield along with armor, making himself a formidable fortress of defense. Some people often forgot he carried weapons. She was glad the city let him come, but she supposed that as she was becoming influential in her own right that they decided it would be best for her to have a companion.

Still, Andromeda was antsy. Roenden was bitterly cold and she had brought an extra cloak to stay warm – she was regretting that it wasn’t fur lined like she saw some of the fashion trends around here.

“Relax. He’ll be back soon.”

Andi wasn’t worried terribly so about the guide they had hired, she was pretty sure they could find their way now if he decided that staying in a warm tavern was the best option.

Sure enough the tiny chaser came out, breath smelling like ale. “She hadn’t been spotted in town in a few days, she’s most likely at his home.” A hiccup caused the creature to sway as he pointed upwards, exactly to where Andi and Eamon suspected they were going.

“Thank you for your time.” Andi gave the chaser a few coins and let him go back to his ale, wondering how she ever thought he might be willing to go the full distance. With a sigh, the siblings headed towards the path at the base of the mountain, knowing full well it would take them quite some time to climb.

Without the guide, Andi was more than thankful for her brother’s presence. Alone in a strange land with the cold biting at her muzzle was already a lot, but when the first mountain lion leaped out to try to make prey of the unsuspecting travelers, Eamon’s quick reaction with a drawn sword and a bash upside the head with his shield ended that threat a lot faster than she could have handled.

Ensuring she was okay, Eamon led the way, not bothering to sheath his sword this time. While Andi wasn’t a pushover, her brother was far more suited for combat, skilled with weapons and moving around in armor. She on the other hand preferred to travel light, as her job often took her all over the place Roenden was one of her least favorite places to go though, the snow and chill cutting right though her bulky frame. She wondered if Eamon was as cold as her with all that metal touching him. If he was, he didn’t show it, as she had yet to see him tremble from a shiver wracking his body yet.

The pair had to camp on the mountainside, and took turns keeping watch. Eamon insisted she rest, and he stood guard for longer shifts than she. It made her feel guilty, but he assured her he was used to it.

A cave bear attack later, and the pair finally made it close to the summit. Here the path became paved, arches decorating the path and torches that didn’t go out despite the wind and the snow – likely enchanted. The opulent courtyard they entered was being tended by a single reosean, an angora who’s pelt perfectly matched the landscape, blending her in if she didn’t move.

The pair looked at her, and she at them, carefully sizing them up. Seeming to decide they were not a threat, the Rorschach female nodded to the pair and stood, gesturing for them to follow.

The house was warm, far warmer than a building of marble had any right to be. Andromeda stopped shivering and even Eamon seemed to relax, taking off his helm so he could address their host properly.

“Welcome to my small corner of the world. The trip up the mountainside always make those that traverse it weary. Would you care for some refreshments?”

The voice of the angora didn’t betray her age, and it was hard to tell if the streaks of grey in her fur were natural. She held herself regally, and the adornments of the household clearly showed wealth and Andromeda couldn’t help but gaze at some of the pieces on display in the hall.

“Of course. We come with a letter for the lady Aeris.” Andi spoke, and Eamon stood as her silent protector.

The angora quirked a small hint of a smile and turned away. The pair of opals sat waiting for a few minutes before she returned with warm tea and biscuits, inviting them to a small sitting table.

“So, you have a letter for me?” The angora spoke, and Andi nodded, knowing she matched the description she was given. Eamon sipped some tea, but his eyes constantly kept an eye on their surroundings.

Andi politely put down the biscuit she was about to munch on to dig in her bag to grab the letter, handing it over. Aeris opened it and swiftly read through it.

“I see. So you’re Andromeda. I should expect to be seeing more of you then?”

Andromeda nodded. “Yes ma’am. “

“And will your companion be joining you?”

Andromeda looked over at her brother who shrugged. “Eamon may, depending on if he gets the time. I always appreciate the assistance from any of my siblings.”

The angora nodded. “Very well. I appreciate your visit then and a chance to meet you face to face. I know it’s not easy to make it out to me and I’m glad there are determined reosean out there willing to make the climb. To be honest, that’s a test to see if you’re worth working with. If you had turned away, your promotion wouldn’t have passed.” She hauled out a letter from her own satchel, sealed with a unique insignia.

The opal siblings shared a look. They had suspected as much but it was still unnerving to hear. Still, Andi took the offered letter with a polite nod.

“You may rest here for the night and leave in the morning. I am eager to begin working with you Andromeda.”

And then their host left them, stoking the fireplace on her way out.

“I’ll stand guard tonight. I don’t trust her.” Eamon’s words caused Andi to produce a laugh, as she rolled her pupilless eyes.

“Just get some sleep. You have plenty of guarding to do on the way down. With our luck, we’ll run across a dragon!”

Eamon groaned but settled down in a defensive position by the entryway. “Don’t remind me. That’s just our luck indeed. Just because they’re usually at home doesn’t mean there isn’t any here. I’ll be glad when we’re back in a town and I just have to look out for thieves.”

Andromeda snorted but settled down herself. They had a long trek home but thankfully she had something good to report and maybe even Eamon himself will get a promotion for taking this trek. One could only hope.

-End-

ICQ Guard for Eamon 14957

♦ Guard: Also the City Guard, peacekeepers and under other names they function all the same; keeping the peace and prosperity of the town/city they work in.

Prompt:- Draw or write your Reosean guarding a home, gate, or another person.

HCQ Diplomat for Andromeda 13536

Having proven their worth within their own country from successfully delivering letters and settling small disputes that come from delivering said good and bad news; the Diplomat can work hard to become its speciality: Ambassador.

Prompt:- Draw or write the Reosean introducing themselves to a starter reosean (Aeris 7929) of another continent.

WC 1245 +12

Personal +3

ICQ/HCQ +2

Total = 17 CP