• Closed • It's... Something?

[Shl'Drei]

25th Ashan, Arc 721

Shl'drei had, for the most part, been recovering and getting his groove back. Luckily he was starting to make steady income, slowly of course. But it was income he needed. Everything was starting to pick up pace and click, the puzzle becoming a bigger clearer picture. He was moving up and on, albeit very slowly. He was still learning to forgive himself, he was still on his journey. All was better. He waved at passerby on his walk to his destination- said hellos and laters. He seemed more content and happier. That would be put to the test to-trial though. He was meeting with a client, one that had been there through that horrid event in Faldrass.

He was pretty sure once they were safely off the island he had cried, relived his pain in the most basic of ways. He had been so angry, so hurt, that he threw a tantrum basically. He ranted and raved, blamed himself and his carelessness over and over. But it wasn't enough, and end the end he had yelled at her too- and stormed off, he was very lucky she didn't seem to know his name so when he sent word of his skills and his interest in her job, he assumed she didn't know who he was. Word came back and he'd set to go out to Darbyton.

He was, of course, guilty of hiding the truth in the letter- it wasn't an outright lie, but he'd used his name and hadn't mentioned Faldrass. Though truthfully, he barely remembered her to be fair, so it worked out great if she didn't either. That aside, he was tad bit nervous- maybe a lot nervous actually. He didn't know how memorable that outburst had been, but Shl'drei felt a creep of shame at the recollection. He stormed off without a word, headed home without a peep of apology. She would be rightfully angry, he knew. She should be, I was an ass too her. He supposed if she refused to accept his help it was be his own fault. His backpack was somewhat empty consisting of his kit and a notebook with sealed vial of ink. He didn't wear anyone of his holsters, so he had no weapons on him.

He wondered about what kind of animal it was- he believed the word hound was used, so canine he assumed. But what kind, what breed if so? He could feel his excitement taking over a the prospect of seeing something new, but also knew that his skills were less than desirable. But hopefully he could incorporate the owner, if she even let him near the dog. There was much he questioned, but he put it out of mind in favor of concentration on the present. Right now, he was almost there- it wasn't a house or anything fancy, just public lodging. He wasn't sure if she lived here or if she just wanted to meet in a public space. He was sure he didn't mind either way, he was just curious.

"Can I help you sir?"

"No, but thank you. I'm waiting for someone."

OOC

• Wealth Thread for Shl'drei
• Animal Training wealth skill

[Eliza Soule]

Eliza had been on and around Scalvoris for several seasons now, and in spite of her having thought she should look into more permanent lodging; perhaps purchase a small home of some sort that she could also transform into a gallery; thus far she'd neglected to do it. On the other hand, she hadn't felt much urgency in that regard until only recently. The little lodging house where she was staying was comfortable, the staff was friendly and knew her by name, as she now knew each of them, and it was a great place to watch people coming and going. Lots of interesting characters to paint, their stories written all over their faces.

Still, the past season or so had been a complicated one. She'd come away from the events on the island a little bit emotionally traumatized, and hadn't been out and about as much recently as she once might have done. It was time to put that to rights. She was a mortalborn and one who aged even more slowly than others did. Centuries left to live was quite a long time to spend in relative solitude. Not that she was completely alone. Her tiny primate friend Eberhardt was with as always. The exceptionally self aware and talkative monkey's otherworldly origins were still a mystery to Eliza, but it hardly mattered anymore where Eberhardt had come from.

Smudge the cat was as ordinary as cats came. And Darwin? Darwin was as faithful and loving and watchful a companion as he had been on the trial he'd followed her home from Immortal's Tongue. But more and more, Eliza believed that some proper training might do him some good. And perhaps, if he was properly trained and if somehow he was able to tap into his natural born potential, it could be of great benefit to her as well. So she'd put out a notice, in search of someone who knew a little something about animal training.

She wasn't sure that she'd receive a reply at all. And when she did, the signature on the bottom of the page was completely unfamiliar to her. She was only happy to have received a response so quickly, and just as swiftly, she'd responded in kind and requested a meeting. So that trial, since they might be working outdoors, Eliza had put on trousers, a sweater, a woolen cape over that and a pair of good leather lace up boots. As usual, Eberhardt tucked herself into Eliza's hood as they went down the stairs, Darwin trotting along at her side.

Darwin was an enormous dog. Tall enough for Eliza to have rested her elbow on without leaning over. If he'd hopped up to put his paws on her shoulders, he'd have towered over her. A lanky-ish hound, with a wiry coat of mixed tan and brown with a bit of black around the ears. He had a bearded muzzle and chin with dark, soulful, gentle brown eyes and his tongue was lolling happily out the side of his mouth as they reached the landing. Eliza spotted Shl'drei straight away, and stopped dead in her tracks. So quickly that Darwin bumped up against her in surprise, and almost bowled her over. It would have been difficult to miss the expression of surprise on her face.

"Oh!" she uttered quietly, so that it was more likely that no one would hear, unless they happened to be passing by her. She might not have recognized Shl'drei's name. They'd never been properly introduced. But she definitely remembered his face. And all of the rest as well, including the aftermath of their narrow escape from the island, having been carried on the wind on what amounted to a wing and a prayer. Memorable, yes. She might have cried, though only after she'd left his company and departed for home. But the truth was, once she'd distanced herself, she'd never really blamed him. He'd been traumatized by what happened. So had she.

And she was, after all, the daughter of Ymiden. Forgiveness was his name, her Immortal Father's. And while she did in fact struggle with the concept at time, it ought to be hers as well. She'd managed to forgive Tio, after all. Besides, considering the centuries she'd lived already and the centuries that she'd yet to live still, an eternity was an awfully long time to be holding onto grudges. Eberhardt however, wasn't as quick to forget as her. What sounded like monkey chatter to anyone else, was clear and common speak to Eliza's ears. "Hey!" the monkey said, eyes narrowed in Shl'drei's direction. "That's the no good, rotten, ungrateful...." Eliza put a quick stop to that, under breath "Stop it, Eberhardt. Be nice. It costs you nothing," she said as she crossed the room, Darwin trailing behind her.

"Says you," Eberhardt grumbled, and Eliza ignored her. "Hello, Shl'drei," she said, smiling and extending her hand. "I do believe we've met before." Boy, that was putting it mildly. "But we've never been properly introduced. I'm Eliza. This is Eberhardt," she added, gesturing to the tiny primate on her shoulder, who only poked her bottom lip out in response. "And this is Darwin," said said again, a fond hand laid on top of the hound's head. Darwin watched the man curiously, but seemed affable enough in regards to his presence.

"He's the one I've reached out about, in regards to training. He's been with me for over an arc now. He'd been left alone on Immortal's Tongue when I first met him, and when I left on the ferry, he followed me on and has been with me ever since. He's gentle, and very well behaved, to be honest, although I don't think he's had any training before. He's also protective of me, but doesn't seem to make a distinction between those things which I might need protecting from, and those that I don't. Two trials ago," she added with a bit of a grin. "It took me five bits just to get him to let me cross a puddle on the path."

"That is," she said then, pausing and looking at him curiously. "If you're still interested? I won't be offended if you'd rather not." After all, he probably remembered the the moment of their last parting as clearly as he did. He might not be as eager to forget and move on. She certainly wouldn't blame him if that was the case.

► Show Spoiler

[Shl'Drei]

When the someone he was waiting for arrived he hesitated. Her appearance hadn't changed in the last arc, whereas, though hardly noticeable, Shl’drei had lost some weight and muscle. Nothing drastic and he was improving, but he had seen better arcs for sure. He smiled - guilt, but took her hand after a trill. “A pleasure to officially meet you,” he said as he released her hands and looked over her companions with a noticeably less strained smile. “And a pleasure to meet your friends there.”

He nodded, listing astutely to her description for anything that might seem relevant. He chuckled at her recollection of the previous trial- perhaps that could could be used if he approached it right. He shook his head vigorously as he responded. “No no, I’m still interested! That is, if you don’t mind.” He smiled, small but genuine. Then his mind flickered to his tantrum and the guilt was back. “Well, before that I’d... I’d like to apologize,” He started, albeit in a much softer, more reflective tone.

“The eruption wasn’t just hard on me, my behavior and reaction was more than undeserved and selfish. I just.. Liam, the caracal who, who died was very close to my heart and very dear to me. This isn’t an excuse I just, I wasn’t in the proper state to be of use- even after you saved me.”

He was a stranger to loss, he’d never lost anything. His mother maybe, but that was arcs ago and he always told himself it was for the best. Eliza didn’t seem angry, not even slightly annoyed. But he didn’t want the situation hanging between them and making things potentially difficult or awkward. “Also thank you. For saving me, that is. I surely would be dead without you. I hope we can move forward, though you have every right to be angry.”

There was a sadness in the statement, maybe a sliver of disappointment. Internally he felt it and berated himself for it. He’d been other this; Leora needed him and he owed it to Liam to live. He would act better, be better, though he was regretful that it’d cost a life to understand his shortcomings and lack of skill. Still, onward he marched in his life, albeit at a much slower and awakened sense. He seemed to make a decision, and then he spoke.

“Now that that's off my chest, I’d love to ask a few questions. Mostly to get a feel for how to go about the training. You want him to act as a proper guard, yeah? Not to say he isn’t, it just sounds like his guarding is flawed in a way. I admit I’m more used to obedience training, but I’m sure this shouldn’t be too difficult and would double as a good learning experience.” He smiled, but directed his eyes to Darwin afterwards, drawing his eyes back to Eliza when after a bit or two. He couldn’t tell if the dog was a mutt or purebred, though he was leaning towards mutt. Grey coat, large (exceptionally so) and seemingly of docile temperament for now.

“Do you know if he’s a purebred? I know you said he followed you from Immortals clearing so I assume you don't know too much about him. Anything could be helpful though, how he is with strangers, his reactions to you being in perceived danger, the like. Mmm, his general age range would help but if you don’t know it it's fine.” He shrugged. Most he could hope for really, most abandoned animals have separation anxiety right? He should probably ask about that too. He listened when she spoke, keen on figuring out a game plan. If she needed any more training for him, he offered his assistance freely.

[Eliza Soule]

Sometimes people needed to speak their apologies out loud. Sometimes, as much for themselves as for others. At least Eliza had come to believe that was true. It wasn't for her to say that after all they'd experienced, a large part of it together, from her perspective it wasn't necessary. "Thank you," she said with a genuine smile when Shl'Drei reached for her hand.

"I did sort of snatch you up off the ground, literally on the fly," she added with a small grin. "Without much of an explanation or a by your leave. My first time doing that. I was scared witless at the time." Not just because of what was going on and what they'd been fleeing from. But the flight itself was itself an unknown. "As far as I'm concerned, it's all by the by." It had taken literally centuries and had been a lesson hard learned at times. But grudges were baggage, more for the keeper than the recipient themselves.

So, yes, she was still interested. But when he explained part of the reasoning behind his outburst that trial, Eliza's expression turned somewhat solemn. "Do you mind if we sit for a moment?" he asked, gesturing to a small, nearby table. Eberhardt had settled back down into the hood of Eliza's cloak, and was grumbling away moodily. Darwin happily sat down on the floor beside her and rested his bearded chin on the table. "Mind your table manners, Darwin," Eliza said with a smile, and the hound engaged in a dialogue groans and whines, backtalk of a sort. "I should warn you. He's a bit of a talker, always has been."

At any rate, recalling what Shl'Drei had just told her, she turned more serious. "I'm very sorry for your loss. I didn't know. If you don't mind," she added, "as someone who's experienced quite a lot of loss during my lifetime, I can tell you that each loss is as profound as the last one. However, perspective born of experience does change. At least in my experience it does. A loved one may be gone, but not lost. Because you knew them, you were changed. You are who you are now, and who you'll become, because of that. In that sense, they are always with us. They'd be the first to tell us. Life is for the living and ought be embraced."

Her words were simply based on her own experiences, and she shrugged. "I'm mortalborn. Ymiden is my father. I've aged much more slowly than other mortalborns do. I've got centuries now under my belt. But...we're here because of this big brute," Eliza added, and glanced Darwin's way. "He seems to have protective instincts already," she agreed. "Always watching, sizing up, putting himself between me and whatever he's perceived as problematic."

Which was good, except, "But he doesn't always seem to make a clear distinction between what's a threat, and not. I mean," she considered, "Same goes for people. He's as likely to put himself between me and a mugger, as me and the old woman selling fresh baked bread on the corner." Darwin though had never shown any real aggression to anyone however, at least not yet. "I suppose two hundred pounds of teeth and fur is probably enough to discourage anyone. He doesn't really have to try very hard."

As for herself, she added, "I'm an artist. I paint, draw, sing a little. I'm more of a danger to myself as anyone else with a blade, and I'm not much better with a crossbow. It would be nice to have a little backup, if only Darwin could learn to be more discerning."

"I only really know what I was told by the dock workers on Immortal's Tongue," she said, "and what my neighbor back in Rharne said when he got to know Darwin. He said he was some sort of wolfhound, and could probably take one down on his own. If he was so inclined. Based on his teeth, my neighbor thought he might be around one and a half, maybe two arcs." As for Darwin's life before her, there wasn't much to go on.

"I was told by the ferry workers that he'd been on the island for several ten trials. He'd been left there deliberately, tied up while his owner boarded the ferry and left. Several of them had tried to take him home but he dug in and refused," she said. "They fed him and he ate, but wouldn't let them touch him. They said I was the first person he'd taken up with at all. Maybe," Eliza considered, "It was because I didn't try."

As for separation anxiety? She grinned a little and glanced aside at the hound. Darwin groaned, "I try not to trigger that particular shortcoming when I can avoid it. I hardly ever leave him behind. He's chewed through two doors in my absence, demolished several windowsills and I've lost count of how many sofa pillows he's gone through. I'm afraid I'm making it sound like a very big job," Eliza admitted, frowning a little. "Please know though that I don't at all expect miracles, to change those things that are simply part of his nature. Some of those little flaws, I've considered part of his charm." Which, it had occurred more than once to Eliza, might make her part of the problem. "So, still interested?" she asked.

[Shl'Drei]

He felt lighter and much better with everything said. It helped that Eliza wasn't angry, at least she didn't seem so. He released her hand and nodded. It had been sudden, and tensions were high. A forgiving person, he noted. He'd make sure to do better in the future- keep away from events like the one on Faldrass that stressed him out so much. He hadn't talked to anyone about the events- he mentioned it to Stan yes, but it wasn't like Stan was there. He was very understanding and encouraging regardless. It wasn't the same, no matter how much he was grateful for it. Shl'drei smiled then. "Well, I'm sure I can handle that." He sat with her, although he took note that her face held a seriousness with the request.

Shl'drei just listened. He didn't mention that she seemed personally acquainted, but it made sense after she mentioned she was mortalborn. He was shocked yes, rare and possibly very much stronger than him, though shed didn't appear it. He furrowed his brows though, recognized that it must be hard for her- she outlived her loved ones, hadn't she? And she would continue to do so... He wished there was something he could say, some comfort he could give, but there was none. He hadn't the experience nor the knowledge that could give him insight. He could only think how much pain and suffering Eliza would go through in her lifetime. It made him... sad. The last thing she needed was pity, but he was genuinely worried about how she had made it so long.

Losing Liam had been a blow he'd almost not recovered from. He couldn't imagine losing people, companions, family, over and over. He decided that, if Eliza wanted to talk she would with someone who she trusted and felt comfortable with. Shl'drei wished he could offer his support, but he was lost as to how. 'I'm here if you want to talk' seemed foreign, but he supposed in this instance his listening would better serve than his words. The world was bigger, broader, and more lonely than ever. He smiled softly, deciding to let the topic slide away along with his thoughts.

He hummed thoughtfully as Eliza explained Darwin's behavior. He was indeed a large dog. If he made no distinction between friend or foe, that was definitely problematic. Considering this, separating them during training was probably not a good idea. He needed to carefully consider how he went about the training, as Darwin could potentially see Shl'drei as a threat if things went badly. He didn't have much in the ways of protective gear. Perhaps some basic obedience training could help, and then they could move on to something more. If he learned no, then that would keep him from being a threat to those who weren't a threat anyway.

He nodded at her self introduction, perhaps he had a go to if he needed anything painted then. "I'll definitely keep your skillset in mind n case I need a portrait or two." He was.. not so great artistically, and his hands were not made for creating. He admired the people with those types of skills though- being able to create something entirely new... it must be fun. He listened closely as she detailed what she knew of the dog. A wolfhound? He glanced over at Darwin, nodded to himself and turned back to Eliza. "I see." The poor dog, abandoned in such a way. Though he was better for it in Shl'drei's eyes, he had a loving owner now. Apparently the large wolfhound was used to being around her, which was more reason not to separate them.

He chuckled as he imagined the mess of stuffing and fabrics the little trouble maker must have left in his wake. Eliza seemed flexible, but sure about the guarding aspect, so Shl'drei wanted to bring up his thoughts before they got to far ahead. "Of course, I jump at any chance for practice," He shrugged playfully. "I don't think its so much of an issue honestly, though... Perhaps some obedience training first? If Darwin learns the yes and the no command, it would be easier to train him for guarding or protection. It might take a little longer, but it benefits us all." He supposed that quirks were important, but if she compromised too much Darwin would believe any action he made to be okay. Which could end badly in the future, given his size and instinct. "I'll have to ask you to be a bit firmer in punishment, nothing serious of course. Your reaction to his not so good behavior will shape how he views the action, so I have some ideas in mind that won't harm him but will get the idea across. If that sounds good we can head out? Or if you're more comfortable here that works too, but we might be a little noisy."

[Eliza Soule]

The shifting expressions on Shl'Drei's face when she revealed her own unique origins, didn't pass Eliza by. The daughter of Ymiden was far from a mind reader and she couldn't reliably guess at his thoughts. But as an artist of some skill, and one who dabbled quite a bit in portraits, she had more than a little experience when it came to observing others. Their stories were often written all over their faces.

Her longevity helped in that regard as well. And, in regards to loss, she'd experienced plenty of that over the course of more than two centuries. In fact more than once she'd sworn off too much in the way of deep, personal connections with others who would eventually, inevitably, pass on and leave her behind. But she hadn't been very successful at upholding that oath. Perhaps it was her Immortal father's influence, or maybe the mother she'd never met. She was a hopeless romantic at heart.

Nonetheless, they were here about Darwin. "Good," she said, and smiled when Shl'Drei seemed affable to going forward with the arrangement. "Basic obedience?" she said, and then nodded after a glance Darwin's way. "Probably a very good idea to start there. I have no idea if he's had any training at all in the past. Though I've suspected not. Don't get me wrong. I've never known him to be aggressive towards anyone. Not really. If there's anyone he's not keen on letting near me," which was, truth told, almost anyone he hadn't met before, "his size and stance is plenty discouragement."

So, the yes or no thing might be very useful indeed. The suggestions for her, however, brought a bit of an embarrassed grin to her face. A bit firmer, indeed. "I'll freely admit that with him, I'm a bit of a pushover." Then again, to date, Darwin hadn't done anything overtly outrageous, besides eating her brand new and rather expensive fainting couch, that was. "I could stand to be a bit more...demonstrative?" she suggested. "Sounds like Darwin and I will both be learning then. That's good. Wherever you think is best," she said, prepared to follow Shl'Drei wherever it was that he wanted to work. Better than inside where they were, most likely.

[Shl'Drei]

"Right, out we go then." He said with a smile as he stood. He glanced at Darwin- it's true that his size would be enough to give people pause. Though it might fit better if he had some kind of command to stand down or bark. He could work on that, he guessed. Once they were outside he spoke again. "Don't think to hard on the punishments thing by the way. I already have something with me that should do just fine. Assuming he doesn't like water in his face, that is."

He took a glance at Darwin, who stuck close to Eliza and considered his next move. "We just need to make a few stops," He supplied. "I didn't grabs snacks because I wasn't sure what Darwin liked to eat." He shrugged at that, but continued. "Treats are the easiest way to train, if I have a say. Rewards good behavior, so make sure the treat is something you wouldn't give him everyday. Save that, it punishment can be as easy as a perfume bottle. Filled with water, of course."

Assuming the hound liked meat, jerky was a possible option. He didn't have any on him, so he would need to make a quick stop- otherwise he was set for the day. Oh, and if they had an extra waterskin around that might be useful to save a trip. He lead them down the road carefully, keeping an eye out for Landmarks so he didn't get lost again. He didn't have a map of Darbyton, despite how often he stopped by. Might need one of those, he mused. As they approached the butcher, Shl'drei kept and eye on Darwin's reactions. If he bolted, it wouldn't be too hard to guess where he was going, but it was also a good judge of discipline.

"You're okay with me feeding him treats, right?" He was sure most people would be, if it meant getting their pets to act correctly. Though assuming hadn't made success easier in the past. He figured his best approach was being forthright. Eliza seemed like a reasonable woman, and a long lived one too. "I probably should have asked before I dragged us all the way out here, sorry about that."

[Jackalope]

Experience: +10 xp

Knowledge:
Psychology: Learning to forgive yourself

Non-skill:
Eliza: An Artist
Eliza: Mortal Born of Ymiden
Darwin: Followed Eliza from Immortals Tongue

Skillplay: Appropriate to level

Loot: None.

Injuries/Overstepping: None.

Magic Experience?: None.

Renown: None.

Comments:
It’s too bad you never finished this thread. I hadn’t followed Shl’drei’s and Eliza’s thread during the Fire Forged event (not-so-aptly named “On the Ground”) so I didn’t immediately understand or appreciate their history. Having them only realize when he showed up to train the dog that they had met before must have been quite awkward!

It would have been fun to read about Shl’drei training Darwin. Handling a dog that size with some behavior issues would be quite a challenge!

Let me know if you have any questions/feedback. Enjoy your rewards!