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Into the Unknown (Fantasy/NSFW) Main Thread

ToWriteAndWander

Not all those who wander are lost.
Joined
Jun 8, 2020
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New Haven - backwater town on the North Eastern fringes of the Empire. A place not marked on most maps because it was worthless. On the edge of a forest, it had long ago started as a loggers-camp but had grown into a place of refuge for those seeking to get away from, well, things. It had a seedy underbelly and a very migratory population. Eventually, it got big enough for the Empire to care about. City planners came and helped get the shambolic hovels removed and a proper layout built. It had endless room to expand - situated on the edge of what soon came to be known as the Sea of Grass.

The Sea of Grass stretched to all horizons but the West, where the Forest and the rest of the Empire was. Some scouting parties had ventured off into the Sea of Grass but only two of the three had returned. They still don't know what happened to the third. What was discovered was that the Sea of Grass stretched endlessly on, through rolling terrain. No water, no trees, nothing but small game. Any further exploration would require an expedition and no one was really willing to do that. New Haven was the edge of nowhere, and most people liked it like that.

One enterprising soul, however, put together a supply wagon and caravans and headed out into the Sea of Grass. He found its far edge to the East, where it gave way to broken terrain, rough and rocky ground, and trees. His base of operations become known as the Outpost and it finally became relevant - to the Empire and the Guild. What riches lay beyond the Wastes? Was there anything worth building a road through the Sea of Grass?
 
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Holger stretched, cracking his back. He was tired, but in a good way. He had spent the previous night in one of the whore houses, fucking perhaps one of the better whores he had ever encountered. He needed to blow off that one last load (it had certainly been more than one!) as his anxiety and fear built up. Despite his hard exterior, Holger was still an Outsider in the Empire and still had many real fears. Being pulled out of his comfort zone and charged with what seemed like an aimless mission grated at him. He'd have preferred leading some raid full of greenhorns on some heavily defended castle to this. Give him a clear cut objective, clear enemies, and he was your guy. But leading a bunch of unknowns into an unknown place? Well, something felt off about it that he didn't like.


He had left the whore, still asleep, early in the morning and returned to his accommodations, bathing alone despite the bleary eyed promises of the tavern girl who drew his bath for him. The girl had fallen asleep slumped on the stairs by the time he had finished bathing and dressed. He tossed another coin into her lap for her troubles, having woken her from her sleep to draw him the bath. In the two hours since, he had checked his gear at least 6 times and met with the Guild representative. He despised the scumbags of the guild, their important members always dressed in maroon with gold trimmings. So pompous. He often felt they held more sway than the King did!

He eyed the dozen soldiers that would be traveling with them over the Sea of Grass. He could only wonder what shit they had caused to be assigned such a shitty task. They'd be used mostly as laborers once on the other side, building up the Outpost into a more defensible position, a little more permanence to it. No whores over there, Holger though, shaking his head. He checked on his horse - nothing special, just a steed to get them across the Sea - and the other four. The sixth horse was a packhorse with their personal supplies for the journey. There were six of them in the party, but the sixth man - simply named as Red by the Guild member - was far too large for a horse to carry and Holger was assured the man wouldn't slow them down.

He still had to figure that one out. Red stood by the gate, almost like a stone sentinel with his size and motionless. The man had to be a giant, dwarfing even Holger which was no small feet. Part of Holger wanted to test himself in battle against the Giant, but even Holger knew that was probably a very, very terrible idea. The man held a battle axe that probably weighed as much as the whore Holger had fucked last night - and held it easily in one hand. He could only imagine the devastation the thing would cause. The man didn't speak, apparently, and wouldn't slow them down. Holger was pretty sure they guy could fend for himself if he did get separated.

Once satisfied that everything was in place, Holger waited, resting his spear against the edge of the gate. It was still early and only those assigned to this expedition and leg of the journey would be making their way to the East gate at this hour.
 
It was a backwater town, but it was the largest town William Riot had lived in. ‘Lived’ was a relative term. Perhaps orbited would have been better, for he stopped in long enough to find a suitable job, then left to track it down before returning.

Sometimes the job was easy; a burglar, or a cockolding swine who was still in the city and simple to track. Sometimes it was difficult - a runaway daughter with her lover, or a lost child in the grasslands. He was always well-paid when the ‘lost’ one was found alive. Sometimes they were found, but not in the condition the hirer had wanted. When that happened Will was rarely paid. It wasn’t his fault the wanderers grew parched or fell victim to the wolves. His job was to find them and bring them back. Yet the ones paying the coin rarely cared why their quarry had died. They blamed him in all things.

That was why this prospect was so appealing. Will’s sponsor needed a scout for this expedition, one who would do as he was told and report back to him when it was done. The ranger would not need to find anyone or ensure their safely; merely help lead a small group of scribes who wanted to draw pretty pictures that showed one how to get to there from here. The pay was generous, and the contract solid. He patted its pouch as he walked, reassuring himself that it was legitimate.

He had spent the night alone, playing with the strange lodestone and needle he had been gifted after returning a wife to her sea captain husband (that had been a spunky one). It was a clever device, the balance impeccable, and when he turned his body the pointed end always pointed to the north. He was interested to see if it was as good as his own direction sense, and carefully wrapped the small box away before tucking it in his satchel. His bath that evening had been a rare treat, and though the women in the inn were comely, the chance of catching some crawling beastie so soon before a journey made him avoid their company. There was nothing worse than taking an uninvited ‘friend’ with you when you did not know how long you would be gone.

Will double checked his arrows; there would be no replacements where they went, and carefully coiled his extra string into the base of the quivery. He strapped his sword around his waist, then swung his grey-green woolen cloak upon his shoulders. The few bits of armor he wore; the metal bracers upon his wrists and the pauldron on his left shoulder, were light and did not impede his ability to fire his bow or climb upon the rooftops if he needed. High hopping across the closely spaced roofs gave him freedom from the crowded foot traffic below. Aside from the occasional hissing cat or raven, he had this road to himself. Soon he spied the one described to him by his sponsor and climbed down the side of a building to land lightly on the cobbled street below.

The gaggle of soldiers milling about gave credence that this was, indeed, the group he was to meet. And there in their midst was their leader. He was quiet a big fellow, a massive spear resting against the gate near him, and a feline helm and fur about his shoulders. The layers of armor and the wicked blade at his waist told Will that he was not a man to be fucked with. No…this leader looked hard and stern, and seemed to be assessing those who were assigned to the expedition and finding them wanting.

Will withdrew the cold, long stem of a pipe from his lips and slid it in his belt, then pushed the hood of his cloak back as he approached the man in charge. His closely cropped dark hair and beard were well groomed, despite his somewhat disheveled and mismatched clothing, and his dark eyes were sharp as he regarded the taller man.

“Master Grimsson, I presume? I am William Riot, your forward scout.” He glanced about before returning his gaze to the larger man. “Where would you like me to be, Boss?”
 
Laelia woke with a slight start, she had that slightly disoriented feeling of waking up in a bed that was not her own. Being that she had traveled to the very northeast frontier of the vast empire whose capital she called home, that in itself was not surprising. This bed however, had the distinct scent of sex and Laelia Severan was as naked as the day she was born. She was at least still covered with a thin sheet, not to mention a thin sheen of sweat and semen. She was relieved to soon determined she was alone. He was gone, whoever he was, she hadn't actually bothered to learn his name. Of course she hadn't come to this brothel to make new friends. She had come to have one last night of raucous anonymous sex, and she had certainly accomplished that, she smiled at the thought. She lost track of how many times he had brought her to climax, she counted for a while while lying in bed until she heard the cock crow once again, the first having stirred her into consciousness. "Shit" she sat up at once as she realized the sun was already rising. In the faint light of dawn she jumped out of bed, found her black silk dress, more by touch than sight and pulled it over her naked frame. Her hair was mated and dirty, there was nothing to be done with it but find her cloak and pull the hood over it. Where was her cloak? Damn, she remembered dropping it in the parlor when she found the man who would fill her void for the evening, she could only hope it was still there. She found her shoes but carried them they weren't much good for being in a hurry anyway.

She was lucky to find her cloak in the parlor and threw it on over her scant dress and horrendous hair. No one was about, mornings in whorehouses apparently aren't very active. She slipped out the back door calculating in her head what time it must be based on the sun's position on the horizon. "Shit" she said again as she realized how little time she had. She started back towards the inn where she had booked her room for the night. Her bath was already being drawn, she had made arrangements the day before, but she was still on the other side of town. Unlike her trip here, there were no rickshaw's or carriage's about, the only horse drawn conveyance was a milk wagon. She walked over, finding the driver and using her aristocratic voice often used with servants and the working class. "Good Morning Sir, I need to get to the Imperial Inn, it's in the government district..." Which of course being a native of New Haven he already knew. "...could I trouble you to adjust your route today?" She let her cloak slip open slightly a hint of cleavage couldn't hurt. The driver turned, looked at her and beyond to the brothel she had just stepped out of, it was clear he wasn't in a charitable mood but understood the oldest profession well enough. It took another precious 10 minutes but soon she was on her way with just a bit more of the same to wash off of her hands and breasts. The hardest part was not laughing at his size compared to the beast she had bedded last night, the milk man's little prick practically got lost between her tits as she jiggled them for him.

Her bath was luxurious but all too brief but at least she was clean. She put her long black hair in a tight braid, dressed in her traveling clothes; breaches, knee high boots, a thin white blouse, and a form fitting vest. She found the wagon with her crates of supplies and rode it to the Guild office near the East Gate. The buckboard seat was her first reminder of how sore she was on her lower half, she could barely imagine what several days on horseback was going to feel like. Still, remembering the night she had, it was worth it. She smiled to her self even as she gripped the seat with both hands, lifting her bottom slightly to minimize the jarring on the rough streets of New Haven. She checked in at the Guild office then followed the clerk towards the east gate. Walking just a little stiffly she noted a handsome man, well groomed dark hair even if his clothes were a bit shoddy. She gave him a shy smile as she slipped back into her normal persona. She hadn't believed in tales of giants but when she saw the red haired man leaning near the gate she began to wonder if maybe there was something to it. But her biggest shock was when she met the leader of the expedition. Her eyes went wide and her pale face flushed red. "You!" She gasped and then was at a loss for words. "I...ah...may I, have a word...?" She stammered as she walked out of ear shot of the others, hoping the man she spent last night with would follow.
 
Soft hands deftly tied the leather strap around the ends of a long braid then tossed the Titian-colored locks behind her, feeling the dull thud of the braid hit her lower back. The young woman turned to the table top and drank heavily of the last of the tankard of water, licking full lips when she was finished, and then she approached the items she'd laid out on the table. With no wasted energy, she slid a small dagger into the hidden pocket in her leather boot, another in the small holster tied to her arm, and yet another in the holster carefully hidden in her thick hair. She placed the fourth dagger in the visible holster attached to her belt. Despite her weaponry, she wasn't a violent person. She was a cautious person. Next, she methodically wrapped a stack of blank parchments in leather and placed them and a bundle of lead sticks and a sharpening knife into her satchel. With one swift glance around the room, she left and made her way down the stairs.

"I trust you slept well, Miss Clarke," came the lilting voice of a maid who handed her a parcel wrapped in parchment. "Lord Goddard bid me give this to you before you left, and he wished you a safe and enlightening journey." The maid curtsied and scurried away as the young woman pulled the strings and opened the package. Inside were a miniature manuscript titled The Most Common Linguistic Sounds Known to Man that her father had written and a locket on a simple strap. Curious, she opened the gold trinket and inhaled sharply as the painted visages of both her parents smiled up at her. Then she noticed that inside the parchment was writing.

Dear Miss Clarke,

As you know, your father was my revered professor and gifted me with this manuscript when I left university. I have regretted this past year that I was unable to help him in his time of need when he had always been so generous to me. Although I arrived in Catahan too late to save your father, I did visit your home. As you no doubt know, it had been stripped of everything personal, except for this locket, which I found in one of the bedrooms. It is my wish that it will offer you comfort and encouragement on your journey.

God speed, my friend.
Lord Alexander Goddard


Sabina Clarke pushed down emotions that threatened to well to the surface and instead gazed at both her parents, their smiles the same as those etched in her memories. With one last glance, she snapped the locket closed and tied its strap around her neck, and then she shoved the parchment and book into her satchel and left the house, pulling the hood of her cloak over her head. It was early, even early for the people of this backwater town, so the roads were quiet as the young woman made her way to the meeting place. The last year had been chaotic and full of turmoil, and she was ready to take on a new challenge using some of the skills she had when her father was alive. When Lord Goddard had approached her about joining the Cartography Guild's newest Expedition, she eagerly accepted the position, pleased to be of service to a friend and, ultimately, the Empire. Her knowledge and ease with languages should prove a great help on the journey, and although it was highly dangerous, she'd been in dangerous positions before and was no stranger to death.

The woman paused when she saw the outline of the gate and moved into the shadows of nearby trees. She studied the group nearby, from the group of soldiers in matching uniforms to the three men beside the horses. From the descriptions Lord Goddard had given her, she knew each of their names and jobs, but it was their behaviors that were most telling. Grimsson, the leader, held an air of authority and no nonsense, and the giant Red stood silent and lethal. The third man was Will Riot, the scout, and there was something almost boyish about him. The most interesting part of the tableau, however, was the arrival of a woman, dark haired and self-assured. She carried herself with authority and propriety, but the moment she saw Grimsson, her perfect demeanor faltered, and her body jerked as though shocked. She pulled the leader away in a private conversation, and from their body language, it was evident they knew each other. Sabina studied them a moment longer, and then she stepped from the shadows and walked steadily toward the quartet.

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(Sabina's clothing
since a dress is too cumbersome for an Expedition.)
 
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Red, the ginger-haired giant, stood motionless by the gate even as the other slowly filed in one after the other. He had been standing there since before the sun had reason, a solitary guardian at the gate. The rank and file had all given him a wide berth when they had arrived from their barracks a short distance away. The man scared them. He was twice as big and even his axe was bigger than them.

A Guild master had approached him shortly after dawn. The man had been animated, waving his arms back and forth, nearly yelling at Red, growing more frustrated by the lack of response from the Giant. Not even his eyes had moved, not even to blink or blot out the rising sun as he continued to look east. The man finally left, leaving Red to his thoughts once more.

He noticed as the party formed up. Not one party, but two distinct. The first were the Soldiers. Each of their horses had its own saddle horse tethered to it, an assortment of supplies attached, to better fit their task. The second group, Reds group, were so far a misfit group of people drawn together for unknown reasons. They had one pack horse between them. Where they were going, it could not, but for this journey across the Sea, well, it would suffice. It mainly had three small canvas tents on it - the wind in the Sea could be ceaseless - along with their share of food to get them to the Outpost.

Red's attention was drawn by the reaction of one of the pretty girls who seemed to have something to say to their leader. He strained his ears, trying to hear what they had to say to each other.
 
“Miss, your call for today… are you awake?” groaning from her sleep she looked around at the room she had rented for the night. “Yes, I am, thank you” that was the good thing about renting a room, they often woke you up at a time that you could specify. Stretching she gets off the bed and opens up the blinds letting light into the room, or at least the small amount of light at this hour. “Karin… let’s hope you can find some clue for whatever took your mom… hopefully nobody else will go through what she did, hopefully” she talked to herself as she walks over to her bag and looked inside for her clothing and began getting dressed and ready to set out to the meeting point.

After a good long shower she got dressed and proceeded to walk to the meeting point, her backpack filled with empty notebooks and the like as well as a small bag full of different types of plants to take on her adventure, just in case, bandages and special medicine she had made out of plants in a small box inside her backpack and finally some clothing to change. Things were not going to be good for awhile especially when meeting and getting along with the group she was going with, she just hoped they could get along.

She hummed out loud as she finally began walking, her backpack on her back and a special musical instrument on her hand, she loved to play music and that relaxed people it was a special way she could relax others while in pain. Arriving at the gate she noticed a couple of people there present, grabbing the note she was given she looked over it once more and noticed no game were given of her companions, “great just great how am I supposed to know where they are”.

She sighed not really knowing what to do as she noticed a horse that was held for her, walking to the horse she looked at it and smiled. “Hello there, I hope we can get along. Let’s make a deal, you take care of me and I promise I will give you food and lots of love and care” she smiled slowly moving her hand on the horses side humming as she gently kissed the horse between her eyes.

She had no idea if the horse understood her or not but she could just hope that she did. Sighing and looking around she noticed a mountain of a man leaning by the gate and approached him, “Ummm hi sir, sorry to have bothered you this fine morning but I am wondering if you were part of the group going to the expedition?”.
 
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Holger was impressed. The whore he had fucked last night certainly cleaned up well. AND he had been write - she was no ordinary whore! Unless the Guild had seen fit to send him one for company, but they could not have known which whore house he would have visited last night, or which whore he would have picked. The coincidence was rather...intriguing. His face creased into a sly smile as she approached him, recognition a look of shock and horror on her face. He nodded his head, not wanting to make a scene in front of the others.

He grabbed her by the wrist when she stopped and tugged her around the corner of the building - safely out of earshot and out of sight. In the same motion, he slung her around him until her back pressed up against the cold stone wall. His other hand covered her mouth, making it clear he didn't want to hear a word from her. His other hand slid up and groped her breasts through her top, squeezing firmly. He brought his mouth to her ear, beard tickling her neck.

"You don't get to have words with me, slut." He ran his hand from one breast to the other, then slid it down between her legs. He started to rub her there. "You still belong to me. Your pussy, your ass, your mouth...everything. You don't get to refuse me - ever. Whether its an order, request, or command. You always agree with me, no matter what I say or anyone else does. Understood? Good...now, turn around and put your hands on the wall."

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Red blinked once. His head tilted down to look at the girl he confronted him with a question. She barely seemed to come up to his waist but did not appear put off by his bulking size. His lips remained sealed however. Red did not speak. He did not react to much of anything. Silently, he looked from the girl and then lifted his gaze of her shoulder in the direction of the assembled soldiers, horses, and party she was looking for. Then his gaze returned to her. His eyes shifted away and his head straightened once more, gazing off towards the East and their destination.
 
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Huh… The pretty girl in the dark braid who had smiled as she walked by earlier seemed to know the boss. She walked right up to him and asked to have words. The large man completely ignored William, instead, grabbing the girl’s hand and disappearing around a building corner.

Will placed his hands on his hips and looked after the two. “Rude…” he muttered, shaking his head. But he supposed a pretty girl with a body like that would take precedence over a guy like him any day. As he turned his head back towards the horses and soldiers he watched as a small gathering of women began to congregate.

One walked from the shadows, her long, booted legs ending in pair of practical trousers. She wore a loose-fitting beige blouse under a tunic, which was cinched around her shapely waist with an interesting double-belted band. Over this she wore a long, versatile cloak, and carried a satchel across her shoulders. She had that educated look about her; a woman of means and mind, it seemed.

Behind her, a young woman with platinum hair and a backpack brimming with books and parchment approached, then paused at the horses and began talking to the beast. Then she approached the giant at the gate; a brave move for anyone, lest of all a diminutive thing like her. Will noticed her pointed chin and delicate features, and did not think at first that she was part of their group until the giant looked their way, and her gaze followed. Will raised a hand in greeting, wondering what in the world women were doing on their trip.

“Hey,” he called out as the women came into range. “Are you ladies sure you’re in the right place?” His eyes went from the platinum bookworm to the woman with the braid. He saw that they had noticed the interesting little exchange, and explained. “Oh, if you’re looking for our leade, he went back there to ‘talk’,” he gestured towards the building corner. “He’ll probably be busy for like…three minutes, tops.” He smirked at his own joke. “I’m Will Riot, your friendly expedition scout. You guys do know that this might be a one-way trip, right?”
 
Laelia was nearly jerked off her feet as the bearded man she had spent last night with took her wrist and literally dragged her around the corner. This wasn't quite the discreet conversation she had in mind but at least it was out of sight. In another setting, such as a private room in a whorehouse, being thrown so roughly against the cold stone wall would have piqued her arousal. But here, at the beginning of a journey that might be the end of her, she was not amused. She was ready to tell him exactly what she thought of this treatment but just as her mouth opened he covered it with his large hand, muffling her words into unintelligible mumbles. She took deep breaths through her nose as her heart raced, adrenaline pumping into her veins. Was he going to rape her right here in this alley? She asked herself, her eyes wide with terror but deep within an anger burned. The fabric of her vest and blouse deadened the sensation of his groping a little but couldn't hide the fact that her nipples hardened at his touch.

As his hand went to her pussy she tried to scream but she couldn't make a sound, so instead she bit his finger as hard as she could until the taste of blood was felt on her tongue. She slapped his face, though his thick whiskers took most of the impact. She then kneed his groin as hard as she could. She had no intention of being anyone's property for the next year. She fucked on her own terms and unless he could conjure up another map maker, or was going to bind her here publicly and drag her across the Sea of Grass, they were going to have to come to some other understanding. If she were going to put her hands on the wall, he would have to put them there.
 
He liked fiesty, a girl that had a bit of fight in her. Not that it ever did them any good - a man as big and strong as him didn't go down easily. Anyone who had ever been in a real fight knew that a blow to the nuts was only a way to set the blood boiling, to make the anger flare, to make the incoming pain even worse. And with as tall as he was, it was more like her thigh hitting him than the bony part of her knee. If she thought biting his fingers would cause him pain, he'd gladly invite her to the Island Games or the Slave Pits. Her attempts were futile in hurting him, but he got the message loud and clear.

He withdrew his hand from covering her face and instead gripped her around the throat. Not like last night, pinning her down to the bed or even when she rode him, but in a controlling, threatening way. His hand squeezed harder this time, pressing her against the wall, lifting her upwards so that she was on her tippy-toes. Only a small sliver of air was allowed into her lungs and his normally pale-blue eyes had taken a darker, more sinister tinge to them.

"Never. Lift. A. Hand. To. Me. Again." He snarled, spittle flying from his lips and onto her face. His fingers clenched just a little more, his whole body tense as his anger flared. His other hand balled into a fist and he slammed it into the wall beside her head, even grazing her ear as it went by. So close to her head. The impact had to hurt from the sound alone even if his fists were protected by hardened leather.

He had ended peoples lives for less of an infraction against him. It had been all his control to punch the wall instead of pulling the wickedly curved hunting knife at his hip, running it across her throat. She was there on the Guilds dime, to make maps and chart their progress for them. Holger had never even seen a map until he had been at War Meeting while serving with the Empire. They meant little to him. That was what his memory was for.


It took a moment more before his hand relaxed around her throat, letting her back down onto the soles of her feet though it still held her there. His other hand withdrew from the wall and rested on the hilt of that blade. He still wasn't opposed to using it. Sometimes cold steel was the best way to answer a discontenting voice. "WHAT..." He paused, trying to wipe the anger from his voice. "What did you want to...discuss?"
 
Sabina darted a glance as the dark-haired woman and the leader rounded the structure. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end, and she readied herself for a fight should the need arise. Although the duo obviously knew each other, the way the man had manhandled the woman had the linguist's senses on high alert. She forced herself to focus on the young man--Will Riot--who called out to her and the blonde healer who was talking to the giant.

“Hey,” he called out as the women came into range. “Are you ladies sure you’re in the right place?” His eyes went from the platinum bookworm to the woman with the braid. He saw that they had noticed the interesting little exchange, and explained. “Oh, if you’re looking for our leade, he went back there to ‘talk’,” he gestured towards the building corner. “He’ll probably be busy for like…three minutes, tops.” He smirked at his own joke. “I’m Will Riot, your friendly expedition scout. You guys do know that this might be a one-way trip, right?”

Hiding the grimace at his crude suggestion, the young woman met Riot's gaze. "I am Sabina Clarke, linguist and negotiator," she replied, her voice clear and husky, like warm brandy on a cold night. Donning her best manners as she would a new cloak, Sabina reached out a gloved hand to shake the man's hand. The gesture was purposeful. If he held her hand from beneath, he was attempting dominance. If he shook it straight across, he treated her as an equal. How she interacted with him on this journey would partially be determined by this greeting. "I sincerely hope you are wrong, Mr. Riot, because I fully intend to be successful and share what I learn with the world."
 
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“Oh yes” she looked at the other man that arrived. “Pleasure to meet you Sir Will, I am Karin I will be your plants and medic expert… so I am your doctor. I am well trained in both but I will not fight that is why I have you strong men to protect me. I know this is quite a dangerous quest and I am sure I will not get in your way as long as you permit me learn more about plants here and what they are used for”. Smiling she nodded and walked back to her stuff and the horse that was assigned to her as she waited for the group to be gathered.

“Hey girl… have any of these man named you? We are going to be partners for awhile then I guess I should… how about Nessie?” she smiled kissing the nose of the horse before she sighed sitting in a corner near the gate with a her guitar and softly playing a inspiring song aiming to help them relax as well as be ready for the coming adventure. She knew that on this time there would be confusion, distrust and even resentment between party members hopefully this time that would not be t he case.
 
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The young woman met Riot's gaze. "I am Sabina Clarke, linguist and negotiator," she replied, her voice clear and husky, like warm brandy on a cold night.

If he could bottle that voice, he could sell the vials for a high price. Her voice made him feel like he wanted to slide under a soft blanket with a warm woman and melt. Gods – if she sang as well as she spoke, and the platinum haired woman beside her was any good with the instrument she carried, it was going to be a pleasant journey.

He glanced down at the extended hand, then removed the glove from his own before meeting her halfway. “I hope I’m wrong too,” he said, giving her a single steady shake, as if they had just agreed on a contract.

“Oh yes” The platinum blond looked at him. “Pleasure to meet you Sir Will, I am Karin I will be your plants and medic expert…”

“Oh, I’m no ‘Sir’,” he protested.

The lovely plants and medic expert continued. “I am your doctor. I am well trained in both but I will not fight that is why I have you strong men to protect me. I know this is quite a dangerous quest and I am sure I will not get in your way as long as you permit me learn more about plants here and what they are used for”. Smiling she nodded and walked back to her stuff and the horse that was assigned to her as she waited for the group to be gathered.

He watched her return to the horses, talking to them and giving one a kiss on the nose. It appeared she had an affinity for all things huge and strong, which probably meant good things for the Red Giant standing by the gate. Will turned back to the linguist and crossed an arm around his waist, leaning his other elbow on it and bringing his curved fingertips to his lips. He regarded her for a moment before speaking. “I didn’t know there were any other languages out there,” he said. “What other ways of communication have you studied?”

He hoped their leader would be done with his talk soon, but he knew better than to interrupt someone in charge. After all, the Guild had picked the man for a reason. Hopefully it was a good one, and not because they wanted to get rid of him. Whatever the cause, Will had a job to do, and eventually the survival of everyone in this little team was going to depend on them working together.
 
Laelia had fought him as hard as she could and barely seemed to annoy him. His hand at least left her pussy, still sore from last night's activities but now it wrapped nearly all around her throat, snuffing her air supply and threatening to end her trip before she had even started. She flinched at the thought of the blow that was to follow as the look in his eyes was truly frightening. She had made a grave mistake but it was too late now. She felt her feet begin to leave the ground her full weight supported by her neck. She pointed her toes downward, trying to keep some small contact with the ground to keep him from strangling her outright or breaking her neck. Her lips and mouth formed a scream for help but no air could come out to bring it life. Soon her own life would be snuffed out as well if he didn't release her.

She nodded her ascent to never lifting a hand to him again, at least as much as her head could nod given her situation. The force of his snarl blowing back some stray hairs that had escaped her braid in the struggle. She flinched as his fist hit the wall, brushing her ear as it went by. Had it been her face she was sure she would be a bleeding pulp by now. Just as she thought her life was about to end he lowered her back to the ground. As he eased his grip enough for her to talk she sucked in air desperately. It took several long breaths before she could even try to talk. Her voice raspy and soft.

Still she stood as straight as she could, even within an inch of her life she still had her pride. "I...cough...ahhh...I" She rasped a few more times then cleared her throat as best she could. "I was going to ask for your discretion, about last night." Her face flushed red in shame thinking about how eagerly she had pleased this man just last night. How her indiscreet quest to slake her sexual desires before her long journey had turned back on her so wickedly. She had done nothing worse than he, desiring a night of carnal pleasure before a long journey. But now he thought he owned her, and they would be very far from the imperial capital and he would be the closest thing to the law that existed once they entered the Sea of Grass. "But I see that was a mistake, as clearly was last night."

She shrugged away from him, not waiting for his answer. She knew she should go to the Cartographer's Guild and reject this assignment. But there would be questions and her reputation ruined. Her pride was her weakness at times.

Tears could be seen running down her cheeks as she cleared the corner of the building. She walked purposefully wiping her tears as she did. She went towards the horses and the gathering team. She made a bee line for the blonde, sitting alone and strumming a guitar. She was still fighting tears when she introduced herself. "I'm Laelia, but my friends call me Lia. Are you joining us on the journey across the Sea?" She asked, her hands still visibly shaking from her near death experience.
 
He glanced down at the extended hand, then removed the glove from his own before meeting her halfway. “I hope I’m wrong too,” he said, giving her a single steady shake, as if they had just agreed on a contract.

Sabina shook his hand steadily, studying the man's face. It was a pleasant face, with a quick smile and laughter in his eyes. The way he looked at her and the healer was with curiosity and friendliness. I think I'll like this member of the team, she thought to herself. Relaxing her hold on his hand and smiling at him for the first time.

“I didn’t know there were any other languages out there,” he said. “What other ways of communication have you studied?”

The young woman started in surprise, a full bloom of a grin lighting her eyes, their mossy green sparkling in the early morning sun. "Are you quite sure you want me to answer that question? I can go on for hours?" she replied, chuckling slightly. "Language is complex and varied, even within the Empire's own Common Tongue. There are rich dialects among people of different regions that can sound like other languages, which suggests that their ancestors perhaps spoke a completely different language from that which we speak today. Yes, there are many other languages out there, but they are not well known within the Empire. However, body language is another strong communication method that tells the observer much about each person." She paused, grinning at his expression. "I won't bore you with the details. Suffice it to say, I think we shall get along well."

Hearing the crunch of grass and gravel beneath someone's foot, Sabina turned slightly and saw the cartographer returning. Sabina watched the woman wipe tears from her face, and her own became stony and watchful. She noted that the trembling woman headed toward the healer, and she internally nodded, thinking it wise that she seek solace from someone in tune with nature and music. The healer had already shown that she was caring, and that would go a long way in helping Laelia. Despite her innate desire to check on the woman, Sabina paused, allowing her to have time to compose herself, and she turned her gaze instead toward building and waited for the leader who should be joining them soon.
 
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She looks up at another woman who caught her attention, “Me? Yes that is the plan. I am Karin I will be the medic and herbalist for our grand adventure”. Noticing her shaking hands she just smiled and nodded at her, “Also a good listener” offering her help just in case she needed. Every person needed help in one form or another, no one person was a mountain and no one person was eternal. Emotions was an entire new thing by itself and did not required any medicine but a good listening heart and a good shoulder to cry on was often the best solution to a troubled mind.

Looking down at her guitar she smiled softly started playing a calming tune aiming for everybody especially for the shaking hands woman. She knew it would be a good idea to bring her guitar but she never knew it would work for other people than herself. Smiling Karin remembered a lesson of her mother of how music had the power to heal a heart like nothing else could or at least relax the pain. She knew now why music maybe could calm her down and bring her closer to just forget whatever happened for her and focus on the music. Looking down at her guitar strings she slowly started to sing…



Be still
And go on to bed
Nobody knows what lies ahead
And life is short
To say the least
We're in the belly of the beast

Be still
Wild and young
Long may your innocence reign
Like shells on the shore
And may your limits be unknown
And may your efforts be your own
If you ever feel you can't take it anymore

Don't break character
You've got a lot of heart
Is this real or just a dream?
Rise up like the sun
Labor 'til the work is done…

She continued singing her voice soft and caring some people from the soldiers stopped and just heard her singing from where they were working at. Her eyes finally opened and blushed as she smiled “Often time sang for myself… never for anybody else” she giggled and sighs placing the guitar on its cover.
 
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Holger took a moment to collect himself, to let his rage boil down, his eyes cooling back to their pale blue. He brought the finger she had bitten up to his mouth, sucking at the blood, tasting even a hint of her familiar saliva around the wound as well. He would have to deal with her later.

He stormed back around the corner of the building and grabbed his spear, sliding it into a sling fashioned for it across his back. It was angled, so that it wouldn't get int he way when riding on horse back and he could adjust the sling as needed. A clever leather worker had made it for him - a simple sling would have worked for Holger but this more advanced one was certainly very practical and useful. He checked himself once more, his hood drawn back as it was most of the time.

He moved over to his horse and checked its bridle and saddle once more. A command was yelled and the assembled soldiers all broke rank to check their mounts and secure their pack horses as well. Holger slung himself up onto the back of his, turning it to face the small group that had assembled. He would have liked to have talked to them, individually, to learn their strengths and weaknesses, but the road would have to suffice for that.

"Mount up!" He bellows. "I am Holger Grimmson and your leader for this expedition. My people do not hold ranks, but within the Empire I am Captain. You may call me by that name or my given name, whatever you would like. Most of you are not of a military background so ranks do not mean much to you. All I ask is that you follow my lead and do as I command. Where we are going, there is no room for dissent or personal squabbles. Where we are going, things are going to be rough, things are going to be hard. If you have any weakness about you, it will be tested time and time again. If you feel like you are not up for this adventure, now is the last opportunity you have to pack your things or go home."

He paused, allowing for the moment to pass. "Do not grow attached to these creatures. We will be adventuring on foot. Take these next few days to lighten your...packs. No one is going to carry anything for you - each person needs to be self sufficient. We will need to move with agility. The terrain will be rough and we have much ground to cover." He had almost said 'load' but didn't feel that it was quite appropriate.

"We'll be following the Soldiers. Stay on the path and stay close. There are...things...that make traveling along in the Grass a dangerous thing. If you have any questions, find me in the column and I will gladly talk to you." He finishes, digging his knees into the horse before heeling its flanks. He turned it to follow the Soldiers who had started down what could best be called a dirt path. It was certainly only wide enough for a single horse, a path worn down to the dirt. The Grass, tall as a man on either side, had been cut down on either side to a more respectable level, but it still hemmed them in.
 
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‘Well shit,’ thought Riot. The brunette girl was upset; that much was apparent from the way she rushed around the building and made a straight line to their healer, to join her at the horses. The women seemed to be talking which was probably good. Women understood each other. He nodded to Sabina and gave her a smile. “We’ll have plenty of time to talk,” he told her. “and I would like to hear more.”

Knowledge was money. It was the kind that could not be pick-pocketed or spent only once. Sabina's mention of body language quirked his curiosity, and though he didn’t know exactly what she meant, he understood. Sometimes he could tell if someone was about to strike him by the shift in the way they stood, or a slowly lowered eye could indicate that a woman was attracted to him. That kind of communication could be the difference between life and death.

He drew in a breath and assessed the others. Then he turned back to his linguist companion. “Excuse me,” he said to the redhead, before walking over to the horses. He had noticed one with nimble feet who seemed more excited than the others. If they were going to have a need to travel on horseback, he wanted to ensure he had one he didn’t have to drag along.

“Easy Lady,” he told the horse as he approached. “I’m not here to eat you.” Yet. He drew a hand along her neck, then checked the cinch before mounting. A simple nod to the lad holding the reins released her, and he rode towards the front as their leader made his appearance.

Their leader did not look happy either. 'Probably a pay dispute,' reasoned Riot, as their leader announced himself; Holgar Grimmson. Captain Holgar Grimmson. Riot listened to the briefing, thankful that it was, indeed brief, and then watched as the soldiers march-walked past the Red Giant.

Next came their Captain, then the women. Riot noticed that there were no soldiers behind them to cover their rear flank. He fell in behind the women, giving himself a few horse lengths to allow them privacy but still be able to maneuver if needed. His horse wanted to stretch her legs but there would be time for that. Besides, with an early start like they had, it would be likely they would be crossing a great distance this first day, and she should save her energy. As they rode, he took the opportunity to poke around the items attached to his horse. A small tent, some blankets and food, and two more waterskins that appeared full. With no known water sources in the grasslands their water was going to be their most precious resource.

He turned back around and scanned the tops of the grass, looking for signs of movement that would not be a result of the softly shifting breeze. This was going to be an interesting foray indeed, and soon he would have to find the right time to ask their Captain how he wanted Riot to scout.
 
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Red was the last to move, after all the horses had passed him. He couldn't stand the creatures but they sure did taste good. He wondered if he might have time to cut up one, once they got to the Outpost, and bring some salted horse meat along for the journey. It would probably be the freshest meat they'd have unless there was a hunter among them. His long great strides matched those of the horses, but he hung back, avoiding the worst of the dust cloud the beasts kicked up walking along the solitary, dry, dirt path.


The nearest rider looked like he had a stick shoved up his ass with how tense he was. There were no immediate threats in the Grass, no unseen enemy army ready to pounce. For his lack of speech, Red listened. A lot. He heard more than people thought. There were wolves, yes, but never more than a few hours from the nearest tree line. Wolves hunted by sight and smell - the Grass was impenetrable to even them and the hares and rabbits were barely worth the time.

No, they had to worry about the other...things that lurked in the grass. Snakes, for one of the more obvious creatures. He hated snakes. Something about them made his skin crawl, and that was saying something. Not much made his skin crawl. But he heard those arrogant pricks in the maroon and gold talking about the other 'Things'. The things they didn't have names for, the things that made sentries disappear in the night when traveling across the Grass. The Things that disemboweled horses, or left their carcasses picked clean to the bone behind.

He didn't know if Holger Grimsson of the Spear Islands knew these things. He certainly hadn't mentioned them to anyone.
 
Laelia was grateful for the routine exchange of pleasantries with the beautiful herbalist though truth be told she didn't feel much like talking about her troubles. At least not yet and with someone she had just met. Thankfully the girl proceeded to sing a gentle tune that soothed her nerves. "We're in the belly of the beast alright." She said under her breath as she saw Holger storm out from around the corner where he had just assaulted her. She doubted very much this was the last she would hear about it or that she was in any way safe at least not until they returned to the law of the empire and not this beast of a man who thought he owned her. The song had at least steadied her enough that she could begin to meet the other members of her company. Or so she thought until their leader mounted his horse and gave his short speech. It wasn't exactly inspirational but he certainly didn't sugar coat anything. As he said his name she felt a slight shame that despite how intimately they had known each other last night, this was the first she had even learned his name, it hadn't exactly been important to their business together. He may have known hers from a manifest or something, but he certainly hadn't asked, but clearly he wasn't a stickler for pleasantries anyway. She was already learning to despise the man but there was little she could do about that now. She could only hope that having more of an audience would stay his hand a bit, she would need to make friends fast.

She had a feeling of dread as she realized Holger was ready to go NOW! "Oh shit." she said out loud and looked at the meager storage space available for personal items, not to mention the instruments she would need to successfully navigate and map the new lands beyond the Grass Sea. She went to her crates, at least they were organized enough for her to grab the bare minimums. She had a bag she always had ready in case the ship went down, survival type stuff mostly. The she gathered the essentials for her job, the smallest, lightest time piece she had, her best sextant, a change of clothes, and as much parchment, ink, and pencils as would fit in the saddle bags. She looked pleadingly to the teamster that drove her here. "Please just take the rest to the guild, they will store it all for me."

She could ride but she was no expert. She accepted a boost from the cute young stable hand who was more than happy to give her a hand, several actually. As soon as she sat she groaned from the reminder of last night's marathon. She doubted Holger had any such reminders of last night, which made her hate him all the more. She kept her legs straight in the stirrups, taking as much weight off her tender behind as possible. It was going to be a long journey. She took out the time piece and marked the precise time they started and jotted it down on a scrap of parchment from her vest pocket then tucked both away. Good records made good maps, she thought to herself as she tried to compartmentalize her worries and focus on the task at hand.

She had to spur her mount to catch up with the red headed girl she hadn't met yet. It was tough with the narrow trail but the horses seemed friendly enough to tuck in close. "Sorry we didn't get to meet proper but I'm Laelia, my friends call me Lia." She called loud enough for the redhead to hear her but her soft voice would likely be swallowed up by the vast mass of grass on either side of them before anyone else would hear her. "I'm the map maker." She said, deciding to start off with the basics especially when they weren't really able to be personal, talking from horse to horse like this.
 
Sabina nodded when the scout left to select his horse, and she studied Grimsson as he mounted his steed and bellowed his gruff greeting and instructions. He was perturbed, even angry, and if the brunette's reaction to their conversation behind the building were any indication, she would guess that their relationship was more intimate than leader and follower. She would have to keep an eye out because a leader ruled by emotions was dangerous. She hoped he would be able to get them in check soon.

Silently, she made her way to the last two horses and inspected their teeth and shanks, choosing the one that had the best gum lines. Methodically, she attached to the saddle the bedroll and leathers she'd slung over her back, as well as a canteen, and a small satchel that carried one other outfit. The satchel containing her pencils, parchment, manuscript, and a few coins she on her, and then she took a moment to the horse between his ears and whispered in a soft, melodic voice, "Táplálkozom és gondozom téged, és arra kérem, hogy tartson biztonságban, és biztosan járjon. Ragyogjon az istenek irgalom utazásunkon." The horse neighed and canted, and a delighted chuckle escaped the girl's lips. She pat the horse on his rump and sprung into the saddle with an easy grace, clicking her tongue, and lightly tapping it with her heels. He trotted easily into line behind the Grimsson and the healer, Karin.

The young woman stretched and settled, excited to be back in the saddle again. She'd loved traveling with her father, and she anticipated the challenge before them. The Sea of Grass stretched out ahead of them, and she eyed it with cautious enthusiasm. It was dangers, more so than any other land she'd ever traveled, but only those who were willing to take risks would ever conquer the unknown, she she was ready to do so. As she waited for the group to begin moving forward, she considered the quiet giant who was taking up the rear. He reminded her of a group of people she and her father had come across when she was a little girl, only a year or two after her mother had succumbed to the Blue Fever. Thoughtfully, she touched the locket at her throat, but before she had time to reminisce, the caravan began to move, and they entered the tall grasses.

Fast hooves sounded on the ground behind her, and Sabina chuckled, realizing that the brunette was picking up her horse's pace since Will had obviously decided to take up the rear with the horses and the giant had no mount.

"Sorry we didn't get to meet proper but I'm Laelia, my friends call me Lia," the brunette called loudly. "I'm the map maker."

She looked at the woman and recognized her hope that the incident from earlier would be forgotten, so she offered a gentle smile and replied, "A pleasure to meet you, Lia. I'm Sabina Clarke, linguist and negotiator." She maneuvered her horse to the left, allowing Lia to catch up to her and ride side by side. She hoped the woman wouldn't mind companionable silence because despite her love of language, she had yet to master the art of social conversation.

"How long have you been a cartographer?" she asked, curious and happy to meet another woman in a male-dominated job.




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*Translation of what she spoke to the horse: I will feed and care for you, and I ask that you keep me safe and walk surely. May the gods shine mercy on our journey.
 
"That's a pretty name, it's Catahanian isn't it?" She asked, being quite familiar with the geography of the empire and many of its family names. She had no idea of the particulars of the translator's pedigree, even less that she might feel she had something to hide in her family history. Lia was however fairly good at reading people and could tell the red head, though friendly, wasn't entirely comfortable with conversation. At least she made some effort to keep the conversation going. "Well I'm not really a cartographer, apparently you need a penis for that, but I've been making maps for about 10 years now." She said, wanting to keep the conversation going but not pry to personally, she asked about Sabina's profession, not realizing how it might be intertwined with her stress. "So how many languages do you know? I've journeyed to many cultures but never stayed long enough to really learn more than a few phrases." Her language skills were typical of many imperials, feeling if she spoke slow and loud enough everyone should be able to understand her. "It isn't just art though, map making that is, you have to know where you are to make a decent map, so I have to take positions from time to time. Even this trail, I'm sure men like our fearless leader up there think there is no need for a map, just follow the trail. But empires aren't built that way, exploring is one thing, controlling takes planning and planning takes maps." Her pride in both the empire and her place in it was apparent as she spoke, though perhaps a hint of dissatisfaction on the way women could be treated.
 
She nodded in response to the woman's question about her name, but she didn't elaborate, instead focusing on Lia's talk about her career. She empathized with the woman's frustration about not having the title of cartographer. Perhaps this Expedition would help her receive the notice she deserved.

"Oh, a few dozen or so," Sabina responded, wondering if she should start make a list and count since people always asked her how many languages she spoke. She acknowledged the woman's admission to knowing only a few phrases in other tongues; this was common among most people. "My father was a linguistics professor, and he taught me by taking me on his travels to study and by requiring me to read and translate, as well. What languages have you experienced beyond the Empire's Common Tongue?"

As they talked, Sabina felt herself relax just a little. Lia was friendly but not pushy, and she appreciated the woman's easy camaraderie. It had been a long time since she'd attempted small talk--since she'd fled Catahan after her father's execution--and even longer since she'd talked to another woman. Most of the women she'd encountered since her mother died years ago had pronounced her too bookish to be part of their gossiping chatter.

The young woman glanced around at the grasslands surrounding them. As they'd ridden, she'd noticed an eerie silence enveloping them, almost as though it were drawing them deeper into an unknown danger. The Sea of Grass had a terrifying beauty about it, its golden blades jutting skyward as though in warning to all who dared enter. A rustle to her left drew her attention, and she tensed, sitting up in her saddle, turning her mossy green eyes to the limitless expanse. Nothing was visible above the grasses, so whatever lurked must hide within its protection. Instinctively, she darted a glance toward the leader and then toward the giant behind the group. Both were alert, watchful.

Relieved, she picked up on Lia's words about people not bothering to use maps, and she chuckled, a grin touching her lips. "I've known many people who are too proud or arrogant to use a map," she replied, remembering one particular journey four years back when the guide her father had commissioned had taken them several days' journey out of their way before they arrived at their destination. She'd remedied that on their return by insisting they use the charts she'd purchased before their journey. "I've always had a healthy respect for your profession. My father and I practically lived by maps."
 
Lia was considering dropping back and leaving the linguist to herself but then the red head seemed to open up a bit and Lia felt more relaxed and less an imposition. She had no delusions that she would receive any grand recognition for her efforts here but she would know what she did. Any maps she brought back would still need to be reviewed by some male, probably signed with his dick, before the Cartographers Guild would accept it.

"Wow I'm impressed." she said as Sabina gave a rough guess of her language ability. She could see how she would have been something of a natural with her father's guidance. "That sounds wonderful, I wish my father had been more interested in my career. He was much more interested in my potential husband's career, or more precisely in picking one out for me." She thought about the places she had been and just how much language she had learned. "Well I knew enough in Byzantia and Eritrea to get a meal and my luggage but that's about it. In Nubia I learned 'jinsia'" She laughed, using their word for cunnilingus, something of a challenge to see if their interpreter knew some of the phrases that might not be taught in a university class. For a small time she was able to put her worries aside and enjoy the adventure. She was a bit too engaged in conversation to hear the rustles in the weeds, she took relatively little interest in the flora and fauna, unless it was significant enough to go on a map, but once she classified it as 'tall grass' her interest faded. She knew not of the beasts that might lurk within, the soldiers and men would take care of that, it was at least one thing they were good for, well a second if she were honest. She was more concerned about the texture of the ground, the slope of the land and the occasional peak at her timepiece.

"I'm glad to hear it." She responded regarding Sabina's view of maps. "For all this bunch of brutes know our destination is a days ride from here but they blindly follow this path wherever it might lead them." Though she herself had been more than impressed with some hunter's dead reckoning abilities, they were few and far between. The average imperial soldier would walk off a cliff if the soldier in front of him did as far as she could tell. "Speaking of which, I need to take my first reading, I hope we can talk more when we make camp or break for lunch." That was assuming their leader believed in such things.

She pulled her horse somewhat to the side and stopped, so others could pass then pulled out her sextant and time piece. When the horse wouldn't hold still enough she dismounted, it felt good to stretch her legs a bit anyway. Of course then she couldn't even come close to seeing the horizon. As the dark handsome man she had only waved to earlier came up from behind she gave him her damsel in distress look. "Can you help me?" She asked, holding out the reins of her horse for him to hold. "I need to get up a bit higher but my horse keeps moving." She said though she didn't seem particularly frustrated just yet. "If maybe you could keep your horse still and let me get up behind you?" She suggested, though there were probably other ways of accomplishing her goal.
 
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