Thread: A Lord's Quest (JmBz and Sheepy)

Daniel and Chia rode along the dirt pathway, the chestnut horse's hooves clopping softly against the road. The young Lord took this opportunity to enjoy the serene surroundings of the forest, the shade of the leaves casting small shadows against them and the soft breeze feeling like cool kisses against his skin. In the relative silence that they were currently in, he could heard the sound of birdsong in the treetops. Daniel had a soft spot for animal life, something that he had inherited from his late mother. Horses had a special fondness to him, but birds were a close second. When he wasn't studying or honing his combat skills, he would sit in the House gardens, taking in the sounds of the numerous birds that had made their homes there he had listened to their calls so many times that he was able to tell the name of them by sound alone. The chirping of the birds he currently heard were unfamiliar to him, but not unpleasant, a sound not unlike wind-chimes. Daniel's ears perked up as a new sound graced them, slowing Chia down as his listened to it. A soft, melodic hum in the distance. It was a very pleasing sound, he had to admit, the tune vaguely reminding him of the nursery songs that his mother used to sing when he was younger. But what could be the source of it, he wondered? He would not have to wait long for an answer, as he moved up the pathway some more, and as Chia turned the corner he came across Verdant. He took a moment, as the horse slowly approached her, to look over the Elven woman, for he was quite certain that was what she was, seeing the pointed ears that adorned her. She was very beautiful, he had to say, with golden hair that went down almost to her feet and dazzling emerald-like eyes. She was dressed a bit oddly clothed by a white fabric that accentuated her pleasingly lithe curved frame, her sizable bust held in place by golden rings similar to the ones on her arms, with a wreath crowning her head. She was bare-footed as well, save for a small patch of fabric below her toes that were held together by criss-crossing strings that went up her long, slender legs, stopping just short of her knees. The young Lord was so breathtaken by the sight before him that he almost didn't hear her stammered greeting. Blinking, he came to his senses as she waved to him, steadying his horse until she came to a complete stop in front of the shy princess. Noticing that the elf wasn't making eye contact him, he raised his brow for a brief moment before offering a warm smile to her. I am Lord Daniel Chaucer II, he replied to her, removing himself from the saddle of his horse and setting foot on the dirt road, his sword and arrows jostling a bit from his landing as his boots connected with the ground, turning to face the fellow member of royalty. And the pleasure is all mine, Lady Verdant, he added, giving her a small formal bow, as was the custom taught to him by his father when greeting others. Daniel looked at her as he lifted himself from his bow, still smiling at her. I am traveling through your kingdom because I am on a quest, he explained to her, straightening himself just a bit. I am to head north to Tolien Mountain, to slay the dragon that has been terrorizing the lands and bring fame to House Chaucer. He once again clenched his hand determinedly into a fist as he spoke these words, before loosening his grasp. He then looked at her, a realization dawning on him as his voice took on an inquisitive tone. Tell me, Lady Verdant, I am a bit curious as to why someone of your status is out here all alone in these woods. Do you not have guards to watch over you? he asked with a raised eyebrow. He did find that a bit odd if that was the case until this point, whenever he and his father had ventured from their House, they did have Chaucer guards watching over them, to protect them from any impromptu assassination attempts or the like. Were the elves different in that regard? He did still know that much about their people.