Don't ~
Call For Silence

Story Written: November 2007
Last Revision: ---

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Morning camp went similar to the way that evening camp had. Before the sun had been standing more than a few feet above the horizon the mercenaries had begun their walk again.

This time Trent tried for the first hour to keep up with Jaerel and to engage her in conversation, but he quickly found that it was a task more trying than it was worth, and he gave up on it. Falling back he walked with Gabiel and they talked about the places they’d been between home and there and found that neither of them had ever heard of Thill. Hearing that, Halor joined the conversation.

“Thill’s just a little trader’s outlet. You know? Little jewels and exotic foods and anything they think they can sell to mercenaries. I can’t believe you haven’t been by one!” he laughed heartily.

“I suppose we can’t say we’ve been traveling as long or as far as you have,” Gabiel said politely.

“Ha! Maybe not! But you’re both as sharp as anyone I’ve ever seen, one way or the other,” he pounded Trent on the back and he smiled in return.

“Thank you,” was all Trent said. He wanted to compliment Halor back, but couldn’t think of a way to say it that didn’t sound patronizing. Aaron had been listening the entire time, but when Trent turned to look at him, he turned his face away and started looking into the horizon ahead of them. His beard made him look older than he was, and Trent wondered how long he’d traveled and exactly what he’d seen, but he was awoken from any potential musings quite suddenly.

“Wow! Look! You can see it from here!” Thom’s voice reached out to Trent, and they all looked up.

Thill had been built on the top of a large plateau overlooking the hilly country. No sturdy houses could be seen, but colorful tents and widespread canvases dotted the sky like hundreds of fish floating against the blue sky. Smoke rose sparsely into the sky and after a few moments something sparked up in the sky.

The group continued to move onward, now in awed silence. Jaerel never looked back at them, but kept moving as though she didn’t expect them to think anything of a tented village on top of a flat hill.

As they grew closer the sound of music rang down upon them and laughter and sweet and hearty smells wafted through the air. A loud voice, inaudible to them still yet, cried out cheerily and the mumbled crowds applauded.

Trent hurried his step and caught himself up to Jaerel. Before he was completely level with her, she began to speak to him, “I’d forgotten this was their carnival week. We could have avoided it if I’d remembered. I’m sorry, I haven’t been here in a long time.”

“Why is the carnival a problem?” Trent asked. They’d begun the climb up the side of the rise in the ground and Dylan quickly caught up to the front of the group, seeming to have less trouble with raised ground than the rest, though all were strong.

Vadil lagged behind, but she was bubbling with excitement. When she’d reached the top of the hill and stood beside the others of the group, staring into the colorful trading encampment, she let out a squeal and hugged Trent’s arm, “I can’t believe it’s a carnival! This is amazing!”

“Haven’t seen one of these in ages,” Halor commented.

Trent stared about him. Everything was light and laughter and children in skirts and their fathers chasing after them or mothers calling children back by their sides or buying them various sweets. Things were flying into the air, to be caught later or picked off the ground or even left to the sky or the tent tops.

“You always have to wonder where they all come from,” Jaerel commented, indifferently. People didn’t tend to travel in Theram unless they’d taken up a mercenary career. For whatever reason, many people lived their whole life never leaving the boundaries of the village their parents had grown up in. The gathering on the hill in a tented Trading outpost was a bizarre sight.

All of a sudden, someone sprang from the crowd and leapt at them. Before anyone could think to draw their swords, the attacker had his arms around Jaerel’s shoulders and was squeezing her tight, “Jaerel, my darling! It really is you! You should have told me you’d be coming!”

Jaerel stood stiffly with a scowl until the attacker pushed her out an arms length from himself and held her there by her shoulders, “You do remember me, don’t you?”

His hair was long and spread down his shoulders like grain spreads down a hillside. Deep blue eyes that challenged the sky stared into her eyes and after a moment, her eyes lit up and a genuine smile spread through her facial features, “Well, Merciel! It’s been too long.”

He pulled her into a tight hug again, grinning madly, and this time she didn’t hesitate to hug him as well, “Nine years too long, my dear, nine long years and twice so many miles!”

She laughed, “Has it really been so long? And still you never did manage to cut back that mess on your head.”

None of the mercenaries moved more than to shift uncomfortably at this new side of Jaerel that had been so cruelly exposed to them in so swift a moment. He laughed and excused his hair, then hugged her again as though he wanted to crush her into him and keep her there forever. It seemed so inappropriate to speak up, but for someone who had spoken of passing by the festival only moments before, she seemed to be quite pleased to be there now.

“Merciel, excuse my manners. I’d like to introduce you to the finest mercenary force this side of the Thera river,” she indicated the group and her patronizing words hardly seemed to be more than a title she’d developed for this man’s entertainment. Still, it seemed to work and he flourished a bow and went on to wrap a hug around the necks of each of the mercenaries, going to far as to spring up into Dylan’s arms and hug his thick neck like a child would hug the neck of his father after not seeing him for many a year. After kissing Vadil’s cheek, he lingered with his arms around Trent’s waist for longer than was probably appropriate for a greeting, but Jaerel smiled through it all. When finally he bounded back, Gabiel was smiling with amusement as well and Thom was looking something more than uncomfortable. Thus they were introduced, and he bowed deeply again. Jaerel cut in to give them all his name as well, “Friends,” she addressed them in a manner unknown to any who stood there in armor, “This is Merciel, a friend of mine-“

“And her own betrothed fiancé!” he chimed in suddenly.

If the entire city could have gone silent with shock, it would have been no different from what crashed upon the group. Gabiel found his voice first.

“You’re… married?” he asked her.

“Well not yet,” Merciel answered matter-of-factly as though everyone knew that you weren’t married yet if you were a fiancé, which was probably true in most cases where shock didn’t play a major role in the announcement.

“Congratulations!” Vadil chimed in, clapping her hands together. Jaerel frowned and glared at Merciel.

“I thought childhood mistakes were allowed to have a time limit,” her response left twice as many questions spread out before her.

He laughed, and his laughter was such that they all felt it warm and familiar, no matter how awkward the situation had become, “Oh! You break my heart, my studious little love!”

Jaerel’s cheek twitched as though she wanted to laugh but was no longer of the opinion that it was appropriate, “I’m sure it will further break you to know I’ve lost the ring?” she suggested.

Jaerel's Backstory

All We Sought For: Part 1

-Cast Sketches-

Jaerel Halern:

Age: 17
Gender: female
Hair: Long brown, pulled back into pony tail
Eyes: Sharp and green
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 130lbs
Occupation: Tactician for the group of mercenaries
Habits: She's meticulous and likes to be organized, she also tends to talk to herself
Weapon: She carries a short sword and two knifes on her belt as a precaution
Ethnicity: Her mother was a native of Theram and she grew up there, but her father was born in Rel

Trent:

Age: 22
Gender: male
Hair: Short gold-blond
Eyes: Grey
Height: 6'
Weight: 165lbs
Occupation: Captain of the group of mercenaries
Habits: He's a bit of a flirt, he tends to speak without thinking, and doesn't appriciate losing, tries too hard
Weapon: His choice weapon is a long sword that was made by his grandfather, he also carries a few throwing knives and a back-up sword
Ethnicity: He's a native of Theram from the town of Sundrea, lived with his mother and three brothers.

Prince Celestine

Age: 27
Gender: male
Hair: medium length blond
Eyes: Hazel
Height: 6'
Weight: 150lbs
Occupation: Prince of the land and the evil villian trying to achieve supreme rule
Habits: Overestimating himself and his abilities, having too much patience
Weapon: He was trained to use a rapier, and that's what he carries, but it's only for ceremonial purposes, he carries a dagger in case of attack.
Ethnicity: Royal native of Theram

Gabiel:

Age: 23
Gender: male
Hair: short blond
Eyes: Goldish green
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 180lbs
Occupation: Second in command of mercenary group
Habits: Correcting Trent and suddenly taking charge
Weapon: Long sword, though he carries hatchets for throwing rather than knives
Ethnicity: Born and raised in Sundrea, native to Theram, his father came from Peln and he and his sister were raised by Trent's mother.

Mei Syancuer:

Age: 16
Gender: male
Hair: long pinkish red (which isn't actually weird where he comes from) loosly braided most of the time
Eyes: lavender-looking blue
Height: 5'
Weight: 90lbs
Occupation: Thief, joined the mercenary group because of promise of reward
Habits: Taking things that don't belong to him, pretending he's a girl to get his way
Weapon: He carries a dagger and a set of lockpicks, but anything else would slow him down
Ethnicity: Born in Ceizl, lived in Erium until mother died, then wound up in Theram

Vadil:

Age: 22
Gender: Female
Hair: Long and gold, slightly wavy
Eyes: Dark blue
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 145lbs
Occupation: Barmaid at the local Inn at Sylite which is run by her father
Habits: A bit more outgoing than is reasonable in society, she flirts with everyone, has a strange habit of chewing her hair when she's nervous
Weapon: She learns to use a sword, but is deadly with anything she can swing
Ethnicity: Born and raised in Sylite, Theram. Her mother was born in Fari, her father is an innkeeper named Galla.

Karina:

Age: 19
Gender: Female
Hair: long blond and wavy
Eyes: Dark blue
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 120lbs
Occupation: She was practicing to be a cook, but now she's an archer for the mercenary group
Habits: crying easily, easily frightened, pretending she's weaker than or not as good as she is
Weapon: she carries a bow and quiver full of arrows as well as a hand knife for fixing or making arrows
Ethnicity: Born on the Theram side of the Thera River near Ner Lake

Dylan :(made by my little brother)

Age: 30
Gender: Male
Hair: short sandy blond
Eyes: light brown
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 250lbs
Occupation: Professional mercenary, muscleman willing to take on large groups
Habits: Is usually quiet but has a short fuse, drinks heavily
Weapon: Large double sided axe and a large knife
Ethnicity: Parents were both from Erium, but he lived all his life in Theram

Halor :

Age: 27
Gender: Male
Hair: Bald, but his hair used to be a pale blond
Eyes: Grey
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 260lbs
Occupation: Professional mercenary, a rather confident axe-man who used to be a blacksmith's apprietice
Habits: Very short fuse, he tends to use his weight and strength to his advantage, yells when he talks regardless of situation
Weapon: Carries a wood-axe and a double bladed battle axe on his back and a hatchet in his belt.
Ethnicity: Native to Theram

Liru :(made by Syk)(comes from Rel?)

Age: 26
Gender: Male
Hair: Short and dark brown
Eyes: Blue
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 175lbs (damn he's skinny! XD I even added 25 pounds to him XD)
Occupation: He was a bartender but used to fight before that and got sick of war, but does agree to join them for one last thrill. He has warrior blood so fighting is second nature to him
Habits: Won't speak up until the last moment about anything, when in battle rage washes over him and he's unstoppable.
Weapon: a sword specially crafted for his great great great grandfather and has been passed down.
Ethnicity: Born and raised in Rel

Thom:

Age: 19
Gender: Male
Hair: Very light brown (think dirty blond)
Eyes: Green
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 120lbs
Occupation: He used to be practicing to be a farm hand under his uncle, but he left home and became a mercenary at age 16, he is only loyal to Trent
Habits: He keeps to himself when he's upset, but if you get him talking it's rather hard to get him to stop, he also likes to randomly flick things across surfaces
Weapon: A hand-made bow and a quiver full of arrows, though he's not picky about what sort of arrows and perfers to collect them from the battlefields than to make them himself, he also carries a large knife.
Ethnicity: Born and raised in the plains of Peln by his grandmother and grandfather.

Joseph: (made by John)

Age: 20
Gender: Male
Hair: Dirty blond
Eyes: Ocean blue
Height: 6'
Weight: 170
Occupation: Mercenary, used to teach archery in his old town befor it got pillaged (twin to Aaron)
Habits: Loves to flirt, practice with a long sword and with a bow, and train people in combat
Weapon: Long sword but prefers a bow
Ethnicity: Born on the borderline between Peln and Theram in a city called Mizz, lived in Erium since he was 10

Aaron: (made by John)

Age: 20
Gender: Male
Hair: Dirty Blond
Eyes: Ocean Blue
Height: 6'
Weight: 152 lbs
Occupation: A professional TWS (Throwing Weapons Speacilist), and a blacksmith for all types of weapons (twin to Aaron)
Habits: loves to practice and hunt using a bow that was passed down from his great grandfather
Weapon: Knives, Stars, Daggers
Ethnicity: Born and raised on the borderline between Peln and Theram called Mizz

Gainus Lohanes:

Age: 29
Gender: Male
Hair: Blond
Eyes: Blue
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 195 lbs
Occupation: Captain in the Theram Royal Army
Habits: Kind of strict, strong believer in government, strong values
Weapon: spanish-style sword, long shield, light armor
Ethnicity: Born and raised in Theram

Kelth:

Age: 31
Gender: Female
Hair: Very dark brown and slightly wavy 
Eyes: Brown
Height: 6'
Weight: 170 lbs
Occupation: Leader of the Rel borderline troops
Habits: Downtalks people, ignores men entirely 
Weapon: Twin short swords 
Ethnicity: Born and raised in Rel

Merciel

Age: 18
Gender: Male
Hair: Long and golden
Eyes: Bright blue
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 110lbs
Occupation: Once betrothed to Jaerel during their childhood, he now travels as a gypsy with a festival group.
Habits: Flirtatious and lovable, he's very open and enthusiastic about everyone
Weapon: None. Carries a pocket knife for convenience.
Ethnicity: He's from Theram but has traveled throughout the country since he was a child.

Roe

Age: 20
Gender: Female
Hair: Very short brown hair
Eyes: Dark green eyes
Height: 6'
Weight: 200lbs
Occupation: She's from family of mercenaries who work for the royal family, but because of her lineage she was laid off and is freelance now.
Habits: Tomboyish. She doesn't like men and is absolutely determined to never lose a fight to one.
Weapon: Two handed broad sword, heavy plate armor.
Ethnicity: Her father was Relian but she was born to a Theram mother and lived her whole life in Theram.

Regina

Age: 25
Gender: Female
Hair: Blond, medium length
Eyes: Blue eyes
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 100lbs
Occupation: Works as a streetvender at her father's shop in Thill.
Habits: She comes off a bit strongly and can seem cold hearted to some people.
Weapon: She uses a variety of spears but carrys one that is a foot taller than herself and one that is only 3 feet long which she keeps straped to her back.
Ethnicity: Born and raised in Theram.

Fey

Age: 24
Gender: Male
Hair: Platinum blond
Eyes: Indigo
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 160lbs
Occupation: An assassin by trade, he's recently given up and is participating in tournaments to gain money.
Habits: He's a bit psychopathic but rather optimistic for his profession. He's very keen and insightful.
Weapon: Twin daggers kept concealed and other various cutlery that he keeps hidden beneath his cloak.
Ethnicity: Born in Erium, he's lived in Theram his whole life.

(Anyone else get the feeling that the main hair and eye colors of this land are blond hair and blue eyes? XDD Black hair would be insanely exotic for this place...)

"Sylite once told me that people weren't meant to run forever. I surrender myself now. You've won." ~Jaerel

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