Post by Randin Caster on Aug 14, 2011 14:35:08 GMT -7
He was up before the sun rose over the distant horizon. The forsaken rooster crowed yet again before it was the proper time to do so. This made the boy groan, glaring his arctic blue eyes at the window and want to throw his goose feathered pillow out it towards the blasted thing to shut it up. Instead though he covered his shaggy auburn head and tried to sleep for at least another fifteen minutes. Unfortunately he ended up not being able to get back to sleep, so he pulled the pillow from off his head and tossed it grudgingly onto the bed with a sigh. He then let the home made blanket fall off his shoulders and down onto the bed as he stretched and yawned. He had been stiff from the day before. However, he knew that he couldn't use that as an excuse for the day. After all if he did try he would get a good flanking swat from his boss for being late to work.
Finally he rose from his bed and turned to let his feet touched the ground, which was cold. A shiver rolled down his spine as the cold from the floor rushed up his legs. It almost forced him to jump back into bed and curl up into it, but he didn't do it. Instead he stood up and stumbled across the room gathering his cloths and putting them on and then making his way to where a door that led down a set of stairs to the main floor. Quietly he opened the door and stared down the stairs momentarily. Not hearing anything, he made his way down the semi noisy stairs, stopping only briefly to make sure the guardian of the house was still asleep. As soon as he reached the base he made his way to the cupboard to get some bread and honey to eat for the morning. Finding some he took it and prepared just enough to eat then, and then a bit later to take on the road with him into town. Although it wasn't a far cry in getting into town for him.
Lighting a candle he sat down and began to eat in silence. The darkness outside was still there, just barely fading into light. a part of him was still weary, but it was quickly disappearing with each bite he took. Eventually the food was gone and with it him from the table. He laid his empty plate into the wash basin and then made his way to the main door to head out into the open fresh air. Once outside after grabbing his overcoat he shivered and pulled his coat over his shoulders letting it hug his chest, while his satchel slung over his right shoulder crossing over to lie on his left flank. Quietly he began to walk along the dirt road, alone and very tired. It didn't take long for him to get slightly spooked by shadows and soft blowing wind winding its way through the tall evergreens. This made the boy's heart race as he'd hear a whoosh and then see a moving of a tree.
Quickening his pace, the dirt road began to make scratchy noises as he walked heavily along. It was almost like he wanted to bolt like some wild horse or deer, but instead he tried to keep his calm. He let his mind wander the best he could onto other subjects, one of which was A typical on girls. If someone were to be watching his life closely they would probably laugh and call him a silly boy. However silly boy as he was, his thoughts at least were justified. Finally after about a decent fifteen minute to half hour walk, he entered the still sleeping town. Only early birds like him were just starting to venture out into the open air. Spring was the hardest time for any person really. During the day it would warm or raining and at night it would be cold or dreary. At least the flowers were starting to bloom though and the smell of sweet grass filled the air.
That was what made all the difference in the world. Just the mere fact to know that warmer weather was well on its way. The year prior had been a harsher year, filled with snow and hard rain. This he did not want to see again for it made for a miserable walk in and out of town. A part of him missed his old life, his life before being shipped off for working in the real world. It was a safe and comfortable life, though it was a simple disciplined one. However that simple life was etched away by days of hard work. The boy had two jobs to upkeep. The first was his stable work, that one he did year round. The other was helping down at the docks taking care of the harbors ships. That job out of the two was his more favored. It left him to day dream about far off adventures across an open sea and of pirates and sea warfare.
In his mind he figured he would never get to see the real world farther out, but at least he could imagine it in his safe little world. Speaking of safe worlds he made his way to the shipyard , today was his day to be working with the boats. Men were getting ready to set sail for open fishing grounds further out into the large lake. He had to be there to help make sure there boats were ready for sail and that they left with a clean start. With light now starting to stream down, it made it easier for the boy to see as he reached the docks board planks. Carefully walking down them, looking to see if the ship master was anywhere to be found. Luckily the door to his wooden hut was closed, which either meant he was there and didn't want to be disturbed, or he wasn't there and hadn't come in yet.
The boy always had a habit of getting to work before his bosses would. At first both the stable master and the ship master had thought the same thing about the both when he would do that. They both believed him to be arrogant and cheeky for coming in early. That he was trying to suck up greatly to get out of too much work. However, that was on the contrary. He just showed up because he just got up early. Eventually both gave the boy slack seeing that he made a habit of this. It was all because he was used to having to be rose for morning mass at the old monastery. That he never seemed to miss much, mostly cause he'd get antsy sitting and listening to some old priest go on and on about stories he could care less about. Though, he supposed some days the pains of kneeling and praying were much better than sharp pains from lifting and scrubbing.
He went and laid his satchel down in its usual spot next to the hut and then made his way down the docks to where most of the ships were tied off. He noted that a new ship had arrived since last night, probably from the far off reaches of the other side of the lake itself. This didn't matter to him much outside of the fact that it wasn't a usual boat and it looked more intricate that it should of. He then deduced that it had to of been a nobles ship, with nobles on it to be visiting the local over lord of Elaerin. This made him snort a bit in a minor distaste for he was never fond of noble blood. But then he jumped when he felt a large strong hand touch his shoulder and slightly grip it with a force that could crush a crabs shell in two. The boy tensed slightly but then relaxed when he realized who it was by the persons style of grip.
"Hello Master Wrigley." he stated with a sigh.
"Randin." the ship master stated flatly. "Keepin' out of trouble?"
"Yes." Randin said with an almost question to it and slightly grin.
"Better be. Wouldn' want to catch ya causin' mischief if you know what I mean. His Lordship, Vendrik and his lady are here to visit the high lord." Wrigley stated.
"I thought that ship had to be too good to be true." Randin scoffed and made his way to one of the smaller boats to work on.
"Aye, but you best be mindin' yourself. You know we can't afford bad business." he reminded Randin.
"I know I know. Don't worry, I'll be good. I promise." Randin commented walking down to a boat and started working on it while they talked.
"Good lad." the man smiled ryely giving Randin a toothy grin and a pat on the back. Wrigley was a short, but stout man, who stood not much taller than Randin himself. He was a bit overweight and wasn't the grandest in looks. He also dressed a bit like a pirate in some cases. Randin always knew Wrigley to be a bit of a dreaming sea fairer. Always called Rand a guppy for not having the greatest sea legs. Randin didn't mind though, he still enjoyed the job, when he wasn't sick of course from it. Often Rand would take one of the many boats out that was small and belonged to Wrigley into the middle of the water and eat lunch out there on the calmer days. If there were storms on the other hand he'd stay on shore. During those points it was hard enough to get him to even work on the boats.
"How long do you think his lordship will be in town?" Randin inquired as he checked a line to make sure it was secured to the dock still.
"Eh, who knows. It could be a week, could be a month. For all I care is that its money in my pocket for there ship staying in my harbor." he stated with a belly shaking chuckle to Rand.
"Heh, yeah I guess your right." Randin stated with a shorter laugh and then looked to the sky as if it would change the subject for him. "Looks like its going to be a nice day out today."
"Aye, but don't let a nice day fool you until the last rays of light touch the earth." Wrigley stated. "Never know when a storm could brew. Heaven forbid."
Randin nodded, "Your right, never judge a cloud by its color."
"That's right." he mused in return rubbing his light beard in thoughtfulness and then gave the boy a pat on the shoulder again before turning to leave. "I best be getting to work myself as should you continue. All work and no play makes Randin a good guppy."
"Good guppy...heh yeah right." Randin muttered a pathetic brood at being teased. He then began working on scrubbing down the ship and doing all the other tasks he was used to doing for the day. He hoped that the rest of the day would be clear, after all he hoped to be able to go out on the calm waters for his lunch break. Otherwise he'd be forced to go into town for the day. Outside of that he didn't mind. With that, time did pass by fairly quickly, but not quickly enough for Randin's stomach to start aching from hunger before mid day break came. To keep his mind off the matter though he kept glancing over at the over compensating ship that sat at the end of one of the many docks, swaying lightly in the ebbs and flow of the water and it rose and fell. All the boats made creaking noises, but larger boats seemed to make them even more often than normal. The boat in his mind seemed to be alright, for the fine exception of the intricate designing along the edges of the bow and stern. Even the masts seemed to have way too much to them. It was lucky that they didn't get raided by some sort of pirates or something. Though what did Randin care, it wasn't his ship after all. However, if it was robbed on his watch on Wrigley's dock, then it would certainly matter for it would be his hide in the sling.
After Randin finished at least three small boats and a mid trader vessel he finally got the chance to get off work for an hour or two. The weather had stayed fair for the most part, even if some clouds rolled in. This was a good sign he could probably take one of Wrigley's ships out and just relax and eat for a bit nearby on the water. He leaped off the trading vessel and wandered down over to Wrigley's office cubical and poked his head inside.
"I'm off for lunch." he stated to the older man.
Wrigley finished writing something and looked up over at him from his small desk and said with a wave of his left hand, "Eh, alrigh' get outta my hair. But you best be back in a good fashion you hear."
"Yes sir." he stated and poked back out of the cubical and grabbed his satchel of food and ran down to one of the mini boats and climbed in. Quickly he untied the string and let the boat loose. He then let down the small mast that would carry him out into the open water. Once out there he opened his satchel, grabbed his food, and laid back to just watch the perfect clouds in the sky. And perfect the sky was. There were only small dots of clouds looming overhead, many of which were making very odd shapes and designs as they floated. He tried to decipher each on he saw as something before it collided with another cloud that may have been moving slower. As he watched he chowed down on the food he had taken out. Unfortunately it was gone about as quick as he had gotten it. The boy ha been very hungry indeed. With a sigh, he had hoped he wouldn't of finished it so quickly, however, as he sat back up and looked to the shore he saw something that drew his interest.
The towns pub, it was full of noise. It even reached his ears all the way out on the still waters. Something interesting had to be going on inside. Most likely the visiting lords guard getting a pint to drink and causing a ruckus. This didn't surprise Randin in the slightest. Outsider folk always stirred up things, whether if they meant to or not. There was always trouble or rabble. and even though he could tell there was sound from the bar he could not tell what exactly was being said. So after a fruitless listening he gave up and started to watch the ripples on the water. At least those could entertain him. For some time they did as he sat there alone in silence.
The sun had moved again, this time signaling that he should be making his way back to the docks. With little to no wind around him, he set off back to shore using the boats heavy oars to guide him. Sure he was a scrawny lad, but that did not mean he could not row. He had learned early in his apprenticeship to the shipyard master that in order to work with boats, you have to prove yourself boat worthy. So Randin did the first chance that he got. Wrigley's kept him ever since. As he lined back up with the dock he secured the line and made sure it wouldn't come loose if a storm decided to hit unexpectedly. Naturally Wrigley saw the boy come in and went out to greet his return from the water.
"So how does she fair?" the shipyard master commented about the water.
"She be fine." Randin stated warmly looking over his shoulder at the water and then back at Wrigley.
"Aye." he stated plainly back to Randin. "I just come to see how your fairin' and to make sure you'd be gettin' back to work."
"Yes em"." Randin stated back.
"Good, once your down you can go home for the day. Your pay will be just inside the office ya hear." Wrigley mentioned strongly.
"Yes, understood sir." Randin nodded.
"Alright then. I'll leave you to it." Wrigley finished and turned around to head back to his little office. Randin watched him go as he seemed to waddle a bit as he always did. The man wasn't fat he was just, different. No one could mention it to him though, or he would go off like a firecracker on festival. Randin just snickered and got back to work so he could get out of there.
Some hours later Randin was retying down the last rope to the docks. As he wiped a brow he looked out to the sun setting. He followed it as if he were tugging at his very soul until it was about to go down over the far horizon. He then turned and made his way to Wrigley's office where when he got there he found the shipyard master was fast asleep at his desk and was snoring like a razorback. With a sigh Randin shook his head and grabbed the money he was to have for pay for the week. He then stepped out and left back the way he came that morning. Torches were already lit as he made his way back home. It wouldn't be too long before the sun was fully gone, and the light with it. This meant he'd want to be home quickly before creatures of the night stirred, like the wolves, night cats, and any other preditors.
It was as erie walking down the road back to home as it was walking from it to work in the morning. He got that same uneasy being watched feeling he had, had that morning. It made his stomach churn at the meer thought. The dirt road crumbed under his weight and it make scratchy noises as it shifted, the only sound that kept Randin company. He finally got back to the house before anything else could spook him and shut the wood door quickly behind him. To greet him a large wet thing touched his hand and began to vigorously lick a. Randin sighed out of startled reflex and looked down at the welcomer. It was the old codger mutt Jinx who resided with them. The boy lived with someone he called family. Randin knew that the man wasn't really blood, but he still considered him so. It was not like the days in the sanctuary, but it was good enough. Although the dog was there, he still had the urge to call out and find out if anyone was home.
"Hello?" he called. "Anybody home?"
Finally he rose from his bed and turned to let his feet touched the ground, which was cold. A shiver rolled down his spine as the cold from the floor rushed up his legs. It almost forced him to jump back into bed and curl up into it, but he didn't do it. Instead he stood up and stumbled across the room gathering his cloths and putting them on and then making his way to where a door that led down a set of stairs to the main floor. Quietly he opened the door and stared down the stairs momentarily. Not hearing anything, he made his way down the semi noisy stairs, stopping only briefly to make sure the guardian of the house was still asleep. As soon as he reached the base he made his way to the cupboard to get some bread and honey to eat for the morning. Finding some he took it and prepared just enough to eat then, and then a bit later to take on the road with him into town. Although it wasn't a far cry in getting into town for him.
Lighting a candle he sat down and began to eat in silence. The darkness outside was still there, just barely fading into light. a part of him was still weary, but it was quickly disappearing with each bite he took. Eventually the food was gone and with it him from the table. He laid his empty plate into the wash basin and then made his way to the main door to head out into the open fresh air. Once outside after grabbing his overcoat he shivered and pulled his coat over his shoulders letting it hug his chest, while his satchel slung over his right shoulder crossing over to lie on his left flank. Quietly he began to walk along the dirt road, alone and very tired. It didn't take long for him to get slightly spooked by shadows and soft blowing wind winding its way through the tall evergreens. This made the boy's heart race as he'd hear a whoosh and then see a moving of a tree.
Quickening his pace, the dirt road began to make scratchy noises as he walked heavily along. It was almost like he wanted to bolt like some wild horse or deer, but instead he tried to keep his calm. He let his mind wander the best he could onto other subjects, one of which was A typical on girls. If someone were to be watching his life closely they would probably laugh and call him a silly boy. However silly boy as he was, his thoughts at least were justified. Finally after about a decent fifteen minute to half hour walk, he entered the still sleeping town. Only early birds like him were just starting to venture out into the open air. Spring was the hardest time for any person really. During the day it would warm or raining and at night it would be cold or dreary. At least the flowers were starting to bloom though and the smell of sweet grass filled the air.
That was what made all the difference in the world. Just the mere fact to know that warmer weather was well on its way. The year prior had been a harsher year, filled with snow and hard rain. This he did not want to see again for it made for a miserable walk in and out of town. A part of him missed his old life, his life before being shipped off for working in the real world. It was a safe and comfortable life, though it was a simple disciplined one. However that simple life was etched away by days of hard work. The boy had two jobs to upkeep. The first was his stable work, that one he did year round. The other was helping down at the docks taking care of the harbors ships. That job out of the two was his more favored. It left him to day dream about far off adventures across an open sea and of pirates and sea warfare.
In his mind he figured he would never get to see the real world farther out, but at least he could imagine it in his safe little world. Speaking of safe worlds he made his way to the shipyard , today was his day to be working with the boats. Men were getting ready to set sail for open fishing grounds further out into the large lake. He had to be there to help make sure there boats were ready for sail and that they left with a clean start. With light now starting to stream down, it made it easier for the boy to see as he reached the docks board planks. Carefully walking down them, looking to see if the ship master was anywhere to be found. Luckily the door to his wooden hut was closed, which either meant he was there and didn't want to be disturbed, or he wasn't there and hadn't come in yet.
The boy always had a habit of getting to work before his bosses would. At first both the stable master and the ship master had thought the same thing about the both when he would do that. They both believed him to be arrogant and cheeky for coming in early. That he was trying to suck up greatly to get out of too much work. However, that was on the contrary. He just showed up because he just got up early. Eventually both gave the boy slack seeing that he made a habit of this. It was all because he was used to having to be rose for morning mass at the old monastery. That he never seemed to miss much, mostly cause he'd get antsy sitting and listening to some old priest go on and on about stories he could care less about. Though, he supposed some days the pains of kneeling and praying were much better than sharp pains from lifting and scrubbing.
He went and laid his satchel down in its usual spot next to the hut and then made his way down the docks to where most of the ships were tied off. He noted that a new ship had arrived since last night, probably from the far off reaches of the other side of the lake itself. This didn't matter to him much outside of the fact that it wasn't a usual boat and it looked more intricate that it should of. He then deduced that it had to of been a nobles ship, with nobles on it to be visiting the local over lord of Elaerin. This made him snort a bit in a minor distaste for he was never fond of noble blood. But then he jumped when he felt a large strong hand touch his shoulder and slightly grip it with a force that could crush a crabs shell in two. The boy tensed slightly but then relaxed when he realized who it was by the persons style of grip.
"Hello Master Wrigley." he stated with a sigh.
"Randin." the ship master stated flatly. "Keepin' out of trouble?"
"Yes." Randin said with an almost question to it and slightly grin.
"Better be. Wouldn' want to catch ya causin' mischief if you know what I mean. His Lordship, Vendrik and his lady are here to visit the high lord." Wrigley stated.
"I thought that ship had to be too good to be true." Randin scoffed and made his way to one of the smaller boats to work on.
"Aye, but you best be mindin' yourself. You know we can't afford bad business." he reminded Randin.
"I know I know. Don't worry, I'll be good. I promise." Randin commented walking down to a boat and started working on it while they talked.
"Good lad." the man smiled ryely giving Randin a toothy grin and a pat on the back. Wrigley was a short, but stout man, who stood not much taller than Randin himself. He was a bit overweight and wasn't the grandest in looks. He also dressed a bit like a pirate in some cases. Randin always knew Wrigley to be a bit of a dreaming sea fairer. Always called Rand a guppy for not having the greatest sea legs. Randin didn't mind though, he still enjoyed the job, when he wasn't sick of course from it. Often Rand would take one of the many boats out that was small and belonged to Wrigley into the middle of the water and eat lunch out there on the calmer days. If there were storms on the other hand he'd stay on shore. During those points it was hard enough to get him to even work on the boats.
"How long do you think his lordship will be in town?" Randin inquired as he checked a line to make sure it was secured to the dock still.
"Eh, who knows. It could be a week, could be a month. For all I care is that its money in my pocket for there ship staying in my harbor." he stated with a belly shaking chuckle to Rand.
"Heh, yeah I guess your right." Randin stated with a shorter laugh and then looked to the sky as if it would change the subject for him. "Looks like its going to be a nice day out today."
"Aye, but don't let a nice day fool you until the last rays of light touch the earth." Wrigley stated. "Never know when a storm could brew. Heaven forbid."
Randin nodded, "Your right, never judge a cloud by its color."
"That's right." he mused in return rubbing his light beard in thoughtfulness and then gave the boy a pat on the shoulder again before turning to leave. "I best be getting to work myself as should you continue. All work and no play makes Randin a good guppy."
"Good guppy...heh yeah right." Randin muttered a pathetic brood at being teased. He then began working on scrubbing down the ship and doing all the other tasks he was used to doing for the day. He hoped that the rest of the day would be clear, after all he hoped to be able to go out on the calm waters for his lunch break. Otherwise he'd be forced to go into town for the day. Outside of that he didn't mind. With that, time did pass by fairly quickly, but not quickly enough for Randin's stomach to start aching from hunger before mid day break came. To keep his mind off the matter though he kept glancing over at the over compensating ship that sat at the end of one of the many docks, swaying lightly in the ebbs and flow of the water and it rose and fell. All the boats made creaking noises, but larger boats seemed to make them even more often than normal. The boat in his mind seemed to be alright, for the fine exception of the intricate designing along the edges of the bow and stern. Even the masts seemed to have way too much to them. It was lucky that they didn't get raided by some sort of pirates or something. Though what did Randin care, it wasn't his ship after all. However, if it was robbed on his watch on Wrigley's dock, then it would certainly matter for it would be his hide in the sling.
After Randin finished at least three small boats and a mid trader vessel he finally got the chance to get off work for an hour or two. The weather had stayed fair for the most part, even if some clouds rolled in. This was a good sign he could probably take one of Wrigley's ships out and just relax and eat for a bit nearby on the water. He leaped off the trading vessel and wandered down over to Wrigley's office cubical and poked his head inside.
"I'm off for lunch." he stated to the older man.
Wrigley finished writing something and looked up over at him from his small desk and said with a wave of his left hand, "Eh, alrigh' get outta my hair. But you best be back in a good fashion you hear."
"Yes sir." he stated and poked back out of the cubical and grabbed his satchel of food and ran down to one of the mini boats and climbed in. Quickly he untied the string and let the boat loose. He then let down the small mast that would carry him out into the open water. Once out there he opened his satchel, grabbed his food, and laid back to just watch the perfect clouds in the sky. And perfect the sky was. There were only small dots of clouds looming overhead, many of which were making very odd shapes and designs as they floated. He tried to decipher each on he saw as something before it collided with another cloud that may have been moving slower. As he watched he chowed down on the food he had taken out. Unfortunately it was gone about as quick as he had gotten it. The boy ha been very hungry indeed. With a sigh, he had hoped he wouldn't of finished it so quickly, however, as he sat back up and looked to the shore he saw something that drew his interest.
The towns pub, it was full of noise. It even reached his ears all the way out on the still waters. Something interesting had to be going on inside. Most likely the visiting lords guard getting a pint to drink and causing a ruckus. This didn't surprise Randin in the slightest. Outsider folk always stirred up things, whether if they meant to or not. There was always trouble or rabble. and even though he could tell there was sound from the bar he could not tell what exactly was being said. So after a fruitless listening he gave up and started to watch the ripples on the water. At least those could entertain him. For some time they did as he sat there alone in silence.
The sun had moved again, this time signaling that he should be making his way back to the docks. With little to no wind around him, he set off back to shore using the boats heavy oars to guide him. Sure he was a scrawny lad, but that did not mean he could not row. He had learned early in his apprenticeship to the shipyard master that in order to work with boats, you have to prove yourself boat worthy. So Randin did the first chance that he got. Wrigley's kept him ever since. As he lined back up with the dock he secured the line and made sure it wouldn't come loose if a storm decided to hit unexpectedly. Naturally Wrigley saw the boy come in and went out to greet his return from the water.
"So how does she fair?" the shipyard master commented about the water.
"She be fine." Randin stated warmly looking over his shoulder at the water and then back at Wrigley.
"Aye." he stated plainly back to Randin. "I just come to see how your fairin' and to make sure you'd be gettin' back to work."
"Yes em"." Randin stated back.
"Good, once your down you can go home for the day. Your pay will be just inside the office ya hear." Wrigley mentioned strongly.
"Yes, understood sir." Randin nodded.
"Alright then. I'll leave you to it." Wrigley finished and turned around to head back to his little office. Randin watched him go as he seemed to waddle a bit as he always did. The man wasn't fat he was just, different. No one could mention it to him though, or he would go off like a firecracker on festival. Randin just snickered and got back to work so he could get out of there.
Some hours later Randin was retying down the last rope to the docks. As he wiped a brow he looked out to the sun setting. He followed it as if he were tugging at his very soul until it was about to go down over the far horizon. He then turned and made his way to Wrigley's office where when he got there he found the shipyard master was fast asleep at his desk and was snoring like a razorback. With a sigh Randin shook his head and grabbed the money he was to have for pay for the week. He then stepped out and left back the way he came that morning. Torches were already lit as he made his way back home. It wouldn't be too long before the sun was fully gone, and the light with it. This meant he'd want to be home quickly before creatures of the night stirred, like the wolves, night cats, and any other preditors.
It was as erie walking down the road back to home as it was walking from it to work in the morning. He got that same uneasy being watched feeling he had, had that morning. It made his stomach churn at the meer thought. The dirt road crumbed under his weight and it make scratchy noises as it shifted, the only sound that kept Randin company. He finally got back to the house before anything else could spook him and shut the wood door quickly behind him. To greet him a large wet thing touched his hand and began to vigorously lick a. Randin sighed out of startled reflex and looked down at the welcomer. It was the old codger mutt Jinx who resided with them. The boy lived with someone he called family. Randin knew that the man wasn't really blood, but he still considered him so. It was not like the days in the sanctuary, but it was good enough. Although the dog was there, he still had the urge to call out and find out if anyone was home.
"Hello?" he called. "Anybody home?"
