Thread: The Heart of the World -[Haru::Ironic]-

Amarok had stayed quiet during their small briefing and as they were dismissed and Zara offered to go and speak to Beatrice, Amarok's eyes narrowed just a little. Normally he might have protested and yet he knew that Zara would not do anything to jeopardize their Trial. She wasnted to complete it as much as he did, and in this he had trust for her. It still rubbed him a bit the wrong way and yet what choice did he have unless he wanted to risk a full-blown argument right there in the corridors and show the other cadets the emotional strain this was putting on him. Amarok was known to be cool under pressure and it was true that he kept his head. That didn't mean that he was not nervous at times, but he kept his focus. Dealing with zara was no different. Amarok nodded. That sounds like a plan. I'll go and gather my things and then stop to gather some rations and the treasury for some coin. I am sure that we'll need some at some point. he told her, and that was when they had parted ways. Each team had a stipend that had been alloted to them and Amarok gathered his things and the gold crowns and soon met Zara outside. There, several of the other teams were also preparing to leave for their Trial. Others had opted to stay behind and plan a bit more, scheduled to leave on the morrow. With the distance that Amarok and Zara needed to cover it was best they left as quickly as possible. Jaerth and his match, Feniira, were nowhere to be seen, and Amarok could only hope to see his friend again soon, and both of them be made Knights of the First Order. The horse that Zara had been given was one of the most sturdy in the stable, able to carry both anthros with little trouble. A massive warhorse dubbed Granite. The animal was steadfast and had not even tossed his mane as he'd been led out to the yard. Amarok and the beast were well acquainted, as he'd learned his horseback riding on Granite. Patting the horse's withers Amarok shook his head. I don't mind at all. Would you rather sit in front or behind? he asked. The saddle was really only made for one, and her most comfortable position might actually be in front of him. Once they'd decided on how best to ride, Amarok drew the blade that Zara had picked for him. Any idea of what it might do? he asked, peering carefully at the blade. It was etched with some sort of inscription, minute in size, and he couldn't read it. I'm sure we'll find out at some point. he said cheerfully, and sheathed the blade, then hopped up onto Granite. Extending a hand to Zara he would help her up and soon they were off. ---------- They'd decided to take the route that wound around the east end of the lake that Marsippis nestled at the edge of. Mainly because no matter which way they had gone once they reached the northern shore and horse would have been needed anyway, and any outpost where they might have purchased one would have gouged them for as much coin as possible. This was known across Prynh as the Trial Season, and everyone all across the land was on the lookout for the cadets. It was a time to make a bit of money, legally, off of the business ventures of the school. Magisters, for example, were never charged for anything and so the opportunity to make some profit was fully taken. The day wore on and as the sun began its descent toward the horizon, Amarok slowed Granite's progress and said, We should stay close to the lake. That way we can fish and have a source of water. The reasoning was sound and he could only hope that Zara would agree. They had a couple of hours left, but unless they wanted to go night fishing then they'd have to stop soon. Amarok spoke again. Granite has everything in those saddlebags. One of them doubles as a backpack, and it should be able to hold all of our things. It was a pretty standard magical item for excursions such as this. A small extradimensional space affixed to the bag that allowed it to hold much much more than what it appeared able to. To add to that, all one had to do was think of an item inside the bag and it appeared at the top, ready to be grabbed. As they continued around the edge of the lake, Amarok pointed out a spot where they could stop and set up their cabin that would also serve as an excellent place to fish from the bank.