Post by Asher on Sept 22, 2009 21:43:51 GMT -5
Asher’s step was slow and relaxed as he moved along the early morning of the market row, his tail sweeping in a wide and slow arch, as his hooves made a gentle click with each step. The unicorn watched with warm blue eyes as several of the people scrambled here and there, getting their booths ready for the Festival rush, setting up their wares, marking prices and items especially sold for the Equinox. He couldn’t help but smile as a few of the folks waved briskly in his direction now and then, or when he was invited over for a few words by a familiar face, it was rare that he was out as no more then a civilian – normally he would be fully armored, mounted up and attending to Queen Rhiannon (or much too distracted by a certain little priestess of Sina to halt for a few simple friendly words).
However today was indeed the Equinox.
He had been forced out by Her Majesty; into the brisk holiday and out of his armor, off his horse and into his soft cotton civvies. Of course it was all quite refreshing, but all the same, the Paladin found himself constantly glancing over his shoulder in the direction of the castle in nervous habit. It was of little doubt that Rhiannon would make an unescorted debut, and that alone gave him more then enough reason to be a bit wary of taking a holiday – especially with the constant war that seemed to always make itself known at the worst moments. Diurn loved to send enemies in when – Noctos – the much more peaceful country might be off it’s guard. Asher instinctively gripped the sword at his belt’s hilt tightly, groping up the leather wrapped metal, finding the small silver beads that hang from the back and rolling them over his fingers.
“Sir~?”
The little voice started him out of his daze, ugh, that was exactly what the war did to him – stole him away from a beautiful morning, during a beautiful holiday. He cocked his head to peer at the little child who was holding a basket of fruit up to him with a smile – that lacked a few of her teeth, obviously recently lost – that could only bring one in return. “Ahh, why thank you little one~” His voice was kept calm and low as he plucked a green and red apple from the basket and then fished out a coin for payment, making the girl’s toothless smile ever brighter – and even more so as he eyed her. A hand came out and ruffled her hair, making her squeak and giggle sheepishly before a quick pat and ‘shoo’ sent her back to work, offering more fruit to the folk bustling to get themselves set up before the main crowds moved out onto the street. Asher watched the girl trot along for a short while, before he turned and continued to amble along, nodding and greeting here and there where it was called for.
It wasn’t until he reached the center square of the market that he slowed to more of a crawl, and finally to a halt when he reached the large fountain that burbled rather happily. A rather remarkably carved liking of the Moon Goddess, her hands outstretched and palm up, bare chest and face directed upwards for the moonlight – or rather the sunlight at the moment – to dance and play against her partially naked stone features. The paladin smiled tiredly and seated himself along the cool rim of the fountain, leaning forewords, hands resting between his knees as his tail twisted lazily to sweep the water’s surface – he took a deep breath of the cool morning air, crisp with the incoming whispers of Autumn, and yet warm with the sun’s bright gaze.
It was indeed a perfect day for the Equinox.
However today was indeed the Equinox.
He had been forced out by Her Majesty; into the brisk holiday and out of his armor, off his horse and into his soft cotton civvies. Of course it was all quite refreshing, but all the same, the Paladin found himself constantly glancing over his shoulder in the direction of the castle in nervous habit. It was of little doubt that Rhiannon would make an unescorted debut, and that alone gave him more then enough reason to be a bit wary of taking a holiday – especially with the constant war that seemed to always make itself known at the worst moments. Diurn loved to send enemies in when – Noctos – the much more peaceful country might be off it’s guard. Asher instinctively gripped the sword at his belt’s hilt tightly, groping up the leather wrapped metal, finding the small silver beads that hang from the back and rolling them over his fingers.
“Sir~?”
The little voice started him out of his daze, ugh, that was exactly what the war did to him – stole him away from a beautiful morning, during a beautiful holiday. He cocked his head to peer at the little child who was holding a basket of fruit up to him with a smile – that lacked a few of her teeth, obviously recently lost – that could only bring one in return. “Ahh, why thank you little one~” His voice was kept calm and low as he plucked a green and red apple from the basket and then fished out a coin for payment, making the girl’s toothless smile ever brighter – and even more so as he eyed her. A hand came out and ruffled her hair, making her squeak and giggle sheepishly before a quick pat and ‘shoo’ sent her back to work, offering more fruit to the folk bustling to get themselves set up before the main crowds moved out onto the street. Asher watched the girl trot along for a short while, before he turned and continued to amble along, nodding and greeting here and there where it was called for.
It wasn’t until he reached the center square of the market that he slowed to more of a crawl, and finally to a halt when he reached the large fountain that burbled rather happily. A rather remarkably carved liking of the Moon Goddess, her hands outstretched and palm up, bare chest and face directed upwards for the moonlight – or rather the sunlight at the moment – to dance and play against her partially naked stone features. The paladin smiled tiredly and seated himself along the cool rim of the fountain, leaning forewords, hands resting between his knees as his tail twisted lazily to sweep the water’s surface – he took a deep breath of the cool morning air, crisp with the incoming whispers of Autumn, and yet warm with the sun’s bright gaze.
It was indeed a perfect day for the Equinox.