The Adventures of Dagus and Tarlynn: Vol. 1; The Captain

Chapter One: Chance Encounter

The man could be seen practising his sword forms out in a meadow near Saviour's Hollow, a small village found at the end of a mountain pass, east of the Grand City of Tael'darra. His lithe body gleaming with sweat in the sun. It was a dance, a dance with death. His long hair, braided with a leather cord, flowed with him. All the good-wives, maids, and young girls were there, sitting on the edge of the field watching his dance. Their husbands were working the valley meadows, with sheep or Cantiva Leaf, the economic staples of the region. The town was quiet, just a turn-about-stop to pick up Cantiva and wool in exchange for essentials.

In a sudden flurry of motion, a bird burst from a nearby copse of trees. The man fluidly dropped into a roll, his sword clattering where it hits the ground. The thwap of his bowstring is heard before he comes back up to his feet. His expert skill evident in the burst of feathers where the bird was only a moment before.

The women all cheer, and the man takes a flourished bow. "Looks like I caught myself dinner," he shouts, "which one of you lovely ladies would like to join me tonight?"

Amidst a flurry of blushes and excuses that homes don't tend themselves, the women take their leave, dragging some of the younger girls behind them. One stays behind, a woman who is well known in the village, in a way a prodigal daughter.

"I'll join you!" she shouts, receiving disapproving glares from the other women. Ignoring them, she runs out into the field to join him.

"I wasn't expecting company. The women like to watch, to the disdain of their men. I know the townspeople don't approve of my transient ways."

With a shrug, she laughs throatily. "I am not generally approved of in town either, I've never fit in with their prudish ways. I am too much of a wild woman for them."

"A wanderer in the making, I see." He replies with a bark of a laugh. "Come, the sun is fading, and it's past time to get this bird on a spit."

Collecting his belongings, he pulls on his shirt. "I am Dagus, seeker of all things true and beautiful, and you are truly beautiful."

"I am Tarlynn," she returns with a furious blush, "and you are a shameless charmer." she adds with mock anger.

"I do not mean to offend, my lady. I am very pleased to make your acquaintance Tarlynn." Offering a small bow, he continues, "I made a small camp, for most nights I prefer to sleep under the stars, does this satisfy?"

"Growing up, my guardians had 7 mean children of their own, I ran away as a child, and lived on the streets of Tripping to the west, through the mountain pass. Sleeping under the stars is nothing new to me."

With a small gesture, Dagus indicates she follow him, and together they set off for his camp in the dense forest edging the field. Coming upon a small cave, Tarlynn sees where he kept his fire. Recent ashes were sitting in a ring of river rocks.

Setting his burdens down, Dagus says, "The stream is just a little further. Can you fill this bucket while I clean dinner?"

With a flick of her wrist Tarlynn sends her raven black hair cascading down her back. She settles down and starts plucking feathers. With a smug look, she says, "Do you think I need to be spared from the gore of cleaning a bird? I spent most of my youth on the street. A downed pigeon or rat is not much different to cook."

With bucket in hand, Dagus makes a face and shrugs. "Doesn't matter to me, I'm happy not to have to deal with that." With a sly smile, he adds, "Less work for me."

Dagus returns and hears the bird spitting quietly over a fire. Turning it slowly, Tarlynn looks over her shoulder and seeing him returning she smiles and calls out, "By the gods, you sure like to dawdle."