Change Of Scenery (Open)

[Dusty Dawson]

What a difference a few miles can make. OK, so maybe it was more the a few...but still, the change was drastic. From the barren deserts of the Golden Canyon to the rich and lush forests of Terre de Conte. Not to mention how peaceful things were. Not that the Golden Canyon couldn't be peaceful...but the odds were just not as good as they were up north.

"Well...best not ta dwell on all that!" chirped the dust covered ex-magistrate, aptly nicknamed "Dusty". Riley Dawson had finally had enough. That led to her currently being on the bad side of both warring parties back home. So being scarce seemed like a very good idea.

Her horse clopped along the path, carrying Dusty through the forests of the Southern Lands. Tilting her hat back on her head, she took the time to take in the sights. Impressive, to someone who had lived most her life in dessert. Already, she was certain she had made the right decision.

As she rode along, Dusty began to whistle a happy little tune, enjoying the peace and quiet. An odd thing for her to be enjoying...but every now and then, it sure didn't hurt. All she needed to do now was find her way to the main roads and she would be in the City of Venus in no time! It was going to be easy.


....If only Dusty was paying attention to her current path and was noticing how the forest was getting thicker...much thicker.

[Verbena Nightshade]

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Coincidentally, Verbena was traveling from the southern part of the continent as well. A black cloak covered her otherwise bare shoulders and hung low enough that it's neat hem barely revealed feet clad in dusty black cloth. The young woman glanced up. It was strange that though it was winter and snowing in other parts of Terre de Conte, such as closer to the city, there was no snow in this part of the country.

The young priestess held no complaints. She smiled faintly at the trees, leaf-less and prepared to sleep for the winter.

The breeze blew the dark hood from her head to reveal the black mask pulled over her sharp gray eyes. Her head jerked painfully to the side as distant whistling and horse's hooves drew nearer. She massaged her neck for a few moments, wincing in pain, before her tear-filled eyes cleared.

Finally having recovered from her momentary injury, Verbena decided to seek out the source of the noise, which seemed to be heading in her general direction. She walked toward it, slowly and clearly in no sort of hurry, dried foliage crunching beneath her cold feet.

[Dusty Dawson]

The jaunty tune Dusty whistled passed the time along amicably. At least, that's what it was doing for her. And her horse, come to think of it. He didn't seem to mind the noise at all. Yes, sir, this was a fine day to be traveling. Even if the temperature was not nearly as warm as it usually was back home...it was still very pleasant.

Up ahead, however, a figure snapped her attention quickly from the mindless reveries she was experiencing. Tilting her head to the side, she spied her fellow traveler and gave a slight tug on her reins. The horse obeyed and slowed down even further.

"Well, how d'ya do?" she called out, tipping her hat in greeting, "Ain't seen a fellow traveler in quite some time!"

She wore a friendly grin as she got closer to the darkly clad stranger. Right away, the woman was very...oddly dressed. Particularly in regards to the mask.

'Oooh by...hope I didn't just stumble across a robber!' she thought to herself. On instinct, she let a hand fall to her side, where her sword was sheathed by the saddle...old habits were always so hard to get rid of.

[Verbena Nightshade]

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Now, wasn't this a strange sight? Whatever country this stranger was from, Verbena had clearly never set foot in it. Strange clothes, and red hair covered by a large, rather odd-looking hat.

The teenager stopped walking and bowed slightly. "I'm fairing well, thank you..." What an odd way of speaking, this stranger had.

A faint smile fell across her pale pink lips. "I have not seen another traveler in some time as well." A quick glance at the other woman's dress and the priestess's hands went to the knot at her neck, keeping the warm black velvet cloak around her shoulders. "Are you not cold? Would you like to use my cloak?"

She glanced up at the woman. Well, it wasn't her place to judge anyone based on appearance, not with her long pointed ears revealed to the world.

Ah, what was this? Verbena was by no means oblivious. In fact, she was rather observant, or so she had been told. And so, the red-head's subtle movement hadn't gone unnoticed. It was, after all, important for a priestess to notice a person's subtleties so as to best help those who sought it. "No need to take arms, stranger," she said gently. "I'm a priestess, traveling from Celestia. Might I inquire as to where I can find Venus?" The city, at least.

A slight discomfort in her stomach told her that she was hungry. The raven-haired teenager hoped that the trip wouldn't be too far and that there were people kind enough to offer her food until she could find the castle where she'd been told she would be allowed to stay.

[Dusty Dawson]

"Aw, now I couldn't do that..." she shook her head at the offer, "Thanks, but I got a coat, just in case. Kinda enjoyin' this here weather a bit, though..."

It was a little chilly, but nothing worse than a night out in the desert. She took an almost bashful look, as the woman reassured her that she was not, in fact, a thief. Which was good, because so far things were going quite pleasantly.

"Sorry 'bout that...I'm always used ta masks comin' about with blades an' crossbows an' other nasty stuff."

Her horse came to a stop and Dusty took a quick dismount, to talk to the young woman in a more face-to-face manner. Or face-to-mask, as the case was.

"So, ya lookin' fer Venus, huh?" she said, "Ain't that a coincidence! I'm headin' up that way m'self! I do believe the main roads are on the other side of this here forest, so once we get there, it'll be easy ridin' the rest o' the way!"

It would seem her fellow traveler was correct in the timing of getting a meal. Dusty's own stomach made it's desire for food known in a far more boisterous manner...much like it's owner.

"Man, I don't know about you, but I could use some grub! Got extra eats, if ya ain't in too big a rush." she offered as she went rummaging through one of her saddle-bags.

[Verbena Nightshade]

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A coat and still dressed that way despite the mid-winter chill? That was impressive. Verbena also found herself impressed by the outspoken and open way in which this stranger spoke. She found it somewhat calming in a strange way.

That certainly was a convenient coincidence that they were both looking for the same place. And it didn't sound as though the journey would be too far. At least, not for the woman on horseback: 'easy riding', she had said. Who knew what sort of walking it would be.

A small laugh escaped from between Verbena's lips. Masks associated with blades and crossbows? "I assume that you've traveled to Celestia as frequently as I've traveled to wherever you're from," she said cheerfully. Was that a joke? Quite possibly, it was the closest Verbena was going to get.

In Celestia, especially in its capital of Sol Doratina, masks were associated with holiness. They were a symbol of the goddess Estolia, a symbol that the priestesses had left the need to care for their worldly appearances. Masks were venerated. What lay underneath was feared.

Grub? Eats? Wasn't a grub some form of insect? Verbena shuddered. What sort of person had she come across? "I'm certainly in no sort of rush," she said happily. Food was food, it wouldn't be right to turn down such a charitable offer. Especially when travelers' were so limited on resources themselves. The raven-haired priestess had been hard-pressed in finding those willing to give up their rations, even for the Priestess Prima of Estolia.

"How do you eat grubs?" she asked curiously and with the utmost seriousness.

[Dusty Dawson]

"Haha! Ain't it the truth!" Dusty chuckled, as her rummaging continued, "The Kingdom of the Golden Canyon ain't exactly healthy for tourists right now...so I wouldn't recommend a trip, anytime. Things seem more suited for Venus!"

She turned around, when she found what she was looking for. A small satchel that was tied up tightly. She reached in grabbed a piece of jerky. Meat that had been cooked and preserved for just such a journey. A little dry, in her opinion, but good nonetheless.

"Grub! Ya know...snacks...food...same as anythin' else!" she answered and offered a piece, "Got some fine jerky, right here! Farmer gave it ta me, right near the boarder! Helped him chase out some lazy soldiers."

[Verbena Nightshade]

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The Kingdom of the Golden Canyon. Verbena had certainly heard of it, although she had never ventured there. Although both Celestia and the Kingdom of the Golden Canyon were south, Celestia leaned slightly toward the east. Their home countries would have been a good month's travel on foot. If not more.

The teenager smiled sadly. "Yes, Venus is well-suited for a lot of things that aren't welcome in other places," she said thoughtfully. The words had been intended for herself and she had hardly been aware that they were spoken aloud. When she was, she quickly gave a small but embarrassed laugh before the feeling faded.

It was replaced by the utmost curiosity as she watched the stranger shuffle through a small satchel. Verbena wondered what sort of thing would be revealed: the mystery of how to eat grubs. Whatever was exposed, that strange strip of what seemed to be some sort of meat, was not entirely what she had expected. It looked nothing like any sort of insect she had seen before.

She was relieved when the other woman said revealed that the food was, in fact, not made with insects. That still left her wondering about the nature of this somewhat questionable meat. But Verbena was not one to complain, and she accepted the food humbly. "You must be a very kind person," the kindness of people never ceased to amaze her. Here she was, helping a poor farmer and giving some of her food to a complete stranger who, moments ago, could have been a thief or murderer. Verbena instantly decided that there was something impressive and somewhat awe-inspiring about this girl she had chanced upon. She would not forget to thank Estolia for her kindness. "Although, it is upsetting that there would be lazy soldiers bothering such a kind farmer."

Yes, there were good people in the world. But there were bad people as well. And that always saddened her. Was she, perhaps, becoming a bad person as well? Was that what was underneath her mask? Her true face would be the same as those lazy soldiers that had been driven out. "What brings you to Terre de Conte?" she asked, hoping to ease her mind of the disturbing thoughts that were once again attempting to take hold.

[Dusty Dawson]

It may have been a mere month to get to the border...but traveleing to get somewhere close to civilization, would take one far longer. She looked up from the tough chewing meat, as her new companion continued the conversation. "Hm?" she said, "Oh! You've heard stories, too! Ain't had much news of our good neighbors, but, we've all heard stories about what a great place it is."

She took another bite and chomped eagerly. A slight blush tinged her cheeks at the compliment. "Aw, it ain't a big deal...I just like helpin' folks out when I can." she waved it off, "But thank ya all the same!"

Dusty was equally dissapointed in the lack of quality in the soldiers she had to boot out. Especially since they were supposed to represent her homeland. Just another reason why she was happy to leave it all behind.

"Up here?" She looked up and tilted her hat back, "All the stories I heard say it's such a fine place ta live. All cultured and what-not. Couldn't think of a finer place ta set up shop! Gonna start m'own business...Dusty Dawson, Consultin' Detective! That's m'name, by the way" she grinned, "Dusty! What d'ya call yerself?"

[Verbena Nightshade]

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She nibbled curiously on the jerky. It wasn't a flavor of which she was particularly fond, she decided. But she continued eating, taking tiny bites. This didn't seem to be the proper way of eating it - at least it wasn't how her companion was eating - but Verbena couldn't bring herself to do otherwise. She was too used to making minuscule portions last for as long as possible.

Stories of what a great place it was. Well, it hadn't been a great place for a time. And often, the priestess had heard the land condemned for the slave trade that had taken hold over one hundred years ago, and had embedded itself so completely in the society as to have yet to leave. Yes, it had often been condemned within the confines of the temple walls.

So why was she here? Others spoke so highly of this land. And that invitation had drawn her from her near-seclusion.

The teenager smiled as her companion attempted to wave off the complement. That was truly a sign that she was a kind person: only the truly selfish would accept such a comment without the slightest discomfort.

Dusty Dawson...Verbena turned the name over again and again in her mind, feeling it out and memorizing it. She hoped that there would be reason to remember: she was becoming fond of the ambitious traveler. Ambitious enough to travel to a foreign land and open her own business. "What does a consulting detective do?" she asked curiously. She had never heard of something like that before.

At the question of her name, the raven-haired priestess lowered her head slowly in gratitude. She was always grateful when someone asked for her name: the name was what made her different from all the other priestesses. It was an identity beyond Priestess Prima. "I'm Verbena Nightshade, Estolian Priestess," she answered in response. 'Nightshade' was the name given only to the Head Priestess and the young woman was honored to have been given such a name.

[Dusty Dawson]

As far as fine jerkys went, Dusty would not list this at the top...but, it certainly wasn't bad, in her own opinion. As the priestess nibbled on her offering, the would-be detective was getting a good start on her second.

"Just more o' helpin' folks out." she described, "Usually with problems that they might be a little wary with goin' to any authorities about. Not ta say that I'd not be helpin' them folks out, neither! I got a pretty handy set o' skills, if I do say so m'self...so, I'm gonna put 'em ta the best use, possible!"

She grinned, once more. It was a job she felt well suited for. And, despite her loud voice, Dusty was quite confident in her ability to keep things quiet....when they needed to be.

"Anyhow...a preacher, eh?" she said, when the conversation returned to the younger girl, "Now ain't that somethin'! We got us a few o' those, back home...though I don't think they're...what was it? E-stol-ee-on?"

The thick accent that had become a trademark of commoners hailing from the Golden Canyon did a fine job on the pronunciation of the unfamiliar term.

"And quite the name, on ya, too! Very nice! Pleased ta meet ya!" Dusty stuck out a gloved hand, all smiles and pleasantries. She truely was glad to have some company. Not that her horse was a bad traveling companion...but the fellow tended to not speak back. Unless, of course, she had been imbibing.

[Verbena Nightshade]

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A job of helping people. A soft smile spread across her lips: she had been right in thinking that Dusty was a kind person. "I suppose we're similar then," she said, finishing off the piece of jerky and tilting her face toward the canopy of leaf-less trees. "Our positions both call on us to help others." although it was a very different sort of helping.

And what Verbena did could not exactly be considered a profession. It was a life choice that had been made by someone other than herself.

Again, she smiled softly as the dark-haired girl lowered her gaze and turned her gray eyes toward her companion. "I am no preacher," she said gently. "I'm merely a lowly priestess." A Priestess Prima and training to become the next Head Priestess, but that made her no different from any other priestess. She was no more special than any other person. "I could not dream of preaching to someone." Priestesses talked, they led ceremonies, they listened, they healed, but they did not preach.

The teenager gave a slight laugh, hand to her lips and eyes closed cheerfully. That was probably more than the other girl cared to hear. There she was again, saying more than necessary. "Thank you. Someone very special gave me this name...." again, she was saying unnecessary things. This was a horrible habit that someone who spoke as openly as Dusty tended to bring out.

It was another part of herself that Verbena needed to learn to control. "The pleasure is mine," she insisted, lowering her head with respect before once again lifting her eyes. "And thank you for the food."

[Dusty Dawson]

"Well, now, I guess ya could say that!" Dusty heartily agreed, "...kinda. I mean, I doubt you folks gotta chase off as many people as I've had ta...BUT!...if the end results the same, it don't make no difference!"

Speaking openly. It was certainly the kinder way of describing Dusty. There had been others who spoke about her "openness" in fair less flattering terms. Not that Dusty ever cared for those opinions.

"Ain't no problem, ma'am!" she gave another tip of her hat, "From the sounds of it, you'd do the same. Now then...I'd say we got a few more miles o' daylight. What say we head right along, if ya don't mind my talkin' yer ear off, the rest o' the way! We can set up camp a little down the way, an' I'll snag us some dinner. Cook a mean rabbit, if I do say so m'self!"

[Verbena Nightshade]

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That was true. Verbena had never had to chase anyone away. All were welcome within the temple, she would never dare deny anyone the right to be there. It was also true that the end result was the same. They both helped someone, albeit in clearly different ways.

From the sounds of it, she would do the same? That was unlikely, as the traveling priestess had no food to give. Surely, however, what she had she was willing to give up if someone appeared to be in need. If someone was suffering, she would gladly exchange her own comfort to ease their pain.

Once again, the raven-haired woman glanced at the traces of sky visible between the thick forest of trees. There seemed to be a good amount of daylight left, however she agreed that it was unlikely that they would arrive at Venus before the sun set. And Verbena was never one to turn down an offer to help, which she viewed the offer for company to be.

Although Verbena enjoyed having time to herself on occasion, the journey from Sol Doratina had been a long and lonely one. Company was always welcome, especially from someone whose outspoken nature the priestess admired, such as Dusty. "I would appreciate the company..." she said cheerfully, truly grateful.

However..."But I wouldn't want to bother you. You would reach Venus much more quickly on horseback than you would traveling with a companion who is on foot." She glanced down at her offending feet before once again glancing up, gray eyes fastened on those of the other woman.

[Dusty Dawson]

"Now, I don't want hear it!" Dusty insisted, with a beaming grin, "Ya ain't gonna be no hindrance, I can tell ya that. 'Sides, ain't like I'm in any sorta hurry."

She clapped a hand on the priestess' shoulder in a jovial pat. The ex-magistrate was not about to let her would-be travel companion get away that easily. So, she needed to be sure there were no excuses.

"Now, why don't you take a load off them feet o' yours and hop on ol' Watson, here." she gestured to her horse, "My own feet could use the exercise! Been ridin' for days now! And Watson here's the perfect gentleman! Ain't ya, boy?"

The horse turned to the two and merely stared with what appeared to be disinterest, before going back to looking straight ahead.